Magical scenery, piping volcanos, gushing waterfalls, and nearby island gems are just a few of the magical things the small island of Lombok, Indonesia offers. Located in the West Nusa Tenggara province this island is just next door to Bali, but without all of tourists. This island is still a bit untouched by the wave of foreigners and therefore more off the grid, less developed, and overall a lot more like Bali used to be back in the day. While you’re making your way through Indonesia, you should certainly make this a stop, you won’t regret it. Make your way to these spots here and you might never leave
Going Up
If you’re up for climbing the second highest volcano in the Indonesian archipelago then you’re on the right island and I hope you’re ready to climb. Gunang Rinjani reaches 3,726m above sea level and many come to tackle this majestic mountain every year. When you get to the summit you will be rewarded with a gorgeous lake in a large crater, Danau Segara Anak. There are caves and hot springs scattered around the volcano as well as a few waterfalls. Around the northern slope you will find a lush valley with a small village that grows many vegetables and offers alternative trekking routes through this mountain region.
Specs of Heaven
Here is where you will notice a flock of tourists just off the coast of Lombok’s Northwestern point. The Gili islands have made themselves well known in Indonesia and therefore everyone is wanting a slice of paradise here. With that said, it’s still worth a visit. After all there is a reason there are so many people coming here. This specs of sand pack a lot of punch and many can get lost here for weeks.
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three and holds many guesthouses and hotels for you to choose from. You can get PADI certified, snorkel with the sea turtles, and even surf here. There is a lively night market, excellent restaurants on the water, and plenty of nightlife.
Gili Meno is the next one and the name kind of gives it away. This is the smallest of the three and can be walked in a matter of 2-3 hours.
Gili Air can be describe as “just right.” It’s the middle ground between Trawangan and Meno and is just perfect. Nothing else to say.
For more seclusion you must head down to the southwest to the “Secret Islands.” These are relatively unknown compared to the Gili’s on the northwest and can offer you more seclusion. Gili Nanggu offers a few places to stay, Gili Gede does as well since it’s the largest of the cluster and diving, snorkelling and surfing can be enjoyed in this area. Let’s not forget relaxing under the sun as well.
Surfin’ South Beach
Nothing like the Kuta on Bali, this southern beach of Kuta, Lombok is only another gem offered to you. Again, with not many tourists around stealing your calm, serene space and air, this beach is magical. A few restaurants line the coast and the accommodation is set back behind them. If you are up for some action though that’s no problem. Take the 15 minute bumpy drive on your hired motorbike to the nearby Grupuk. An eye-sore of a village, you will be wondering why you came here in the first place. Hurry and hop on the boats nearby to drive away and off to the epic surf that you can experience here. With waves good enough for pro’s and beginners, this surf spot is ideal for any wave rider.
Lombok offers more than just what is said here, however this can give you a taste of what to expect should you want to get off Bali and take a step back in time to what Bali might have looked like years ago. Tourism hasn’t completely exploited this place yet so get here before everyone else does.
