Lombok is currently being much touted as the 'New Bali' and it does have a lot in common with its next door neighbour. Holidaymakers are attracted by the sweeping tropical jungles, the idyllic climate and the expansive sandy beaches. Lombok is also very much its own island, a destination that tends to be a lot quieter than boisterous Bali. Lombok's resorts are increasingly sophisticated with plenty to see and do for everyone from young travellers through to families and empty nesters.
Who goes there:
With year round warmth the majority of visitors to Lombok are Australians and Western Europeans. Traditionally Lombok has pulled in a younger 18-35 year-old backpacker crowd, but they have been joined in the last few years or so by families attracted to the well-equipped resorts and hotels that are appearing around the island in and around places like Senggigi and Kuta.
Where in the world:
Lombok is located just to the east of the Indonesian island of Bali. To the east is the neighbouring island of Sumbawa, while to the north lies the equator. The nearest airport is Mataram (AMI). To the south of Lombok lies the expanse of the Indian Ocean, while to the north is the Flores Sea. The island's main resorts include Senggigi and Kuta, while the highest point is the Mount Rinjani volcano.
When to go:
Lombok has a tropical climate year round with an average daily temperature of 31°C (87°F). High humidity can be expected during the wet season between October and April. The dry season is between May and September, and is the busiest time to visit the island as travellers take advantage of the long hot days and little rain.
Beach:
Lombok boasts a string of beaches dotted around the island. The resorts of Senggigi and Kuta both have good stretches of sand with all of the usual facilities. The best beaches are in the northwest in the Gili Islands. The Gilis are very unspoilt with few facilities bar white sand and swaying palms.
Beyond the beach:
Head away from the beaches and the timeless world of much of Lombok awaits. Far less developed than Bali, the island offers a real insight into this fascinating country, a destination alive with local colours and flavours. The Rinjani National Park is very popular with walkers and climbers, with the stunning ascent of the eponymous volcano the highlight. A number of companies offer guided trips to the park, which is the safest way to explore the wild terrain.
Family fun:
All of the resorts have plenty of facilities for families and their beaches are also justifiably popular. The white sand beaches of the Gili Islands are also perfect for children with some rudimentary watersports on offer. For young feet unable to climb to the summit of Rinjani themselves, the Taman Narmada park offers the chance to see a replica of the mighty 3,726m (12,224ft) volcano and has a spring that promises eternal youth, handy for tired parents.
Retail therapy:
Lombok's resorts these days have air-conditioned shops offering most items a holidaymaker could ever need. The beaches also attract hawkers selling everything from fake designer sunglasses to imitation watches. There are also markets in Senggigi, Kuta and Selong. Traditional wooden handicrafts and batiks make good souvenirs or presents.
Night on the town:
The nightlife action is mainly centred in the resorts. Senggigi and Kuta buzz on steamy holiday nights with a string of bars, cafes and nightclubs. The action in Kuta is fuelled by the surf crowd looking for a serious party. Senggigi has quieter restaurants where families can relax. For a splash of local colour Mataram is a busy town where holidaymakers are quite thin on the ground.
Eating out:
Lombok's holiday resorts offer international cooking to suit every palate, with most of the better hotels having decent restaurants. For local cuisine the choice is to eat at a restaurant or just savour some Indonesian dishes in an informal cafe or street stall. Here the fried rice dishes can be first class with local Lombok seafood often part of the mix. Indonesian Bintang beer is very popular and goes well with the local cuisine.
Getting there and around:
There are some local buses and hotels also arrange both transfers and bus tours. The other public transport option is to brave the local 'bemo' minibuses. These colourful little minibuses hurl themselves around the winding roads with fares negotiated on board, so it helps to speak a little of the local language. Alternatively there are also taxis and both mopeds and cars for hire.
Exploring further:
With fast boats speeding over in less than two hours Bali is a tempting day trip or a night away option. Bali is one of Indonesia's tourist stars, with bustling resorts, hulking volcanoes, Hindu temples and sandy beaches. Bali also has some unusual black sand beaches in the north and is a great surfing, swimming and snorkelling destination.
Splashing out:
The Oberoi Hotel (Medana Beach, Tanjung) (www.oberoilombok.com) offers the chance to really splash out. They have a spa on site for holidaymakers who can hang loose for a morning or afternoon with a soothing massage or a relaxing soak, before indulging in one of their fine restaurants. Diners can choose to enjoy their meal overlooking the swimming pool with swaying palms for company.
Flying in:
Mataram Aiport (AMI)
Who goes there:
With year round warmth the majority of visitors to Lombok are Australians and Western Europeans. Traditionally Lombok has pulled in a younger 18-35 year-old backpacker crowd, but they have been joined in the last few years or so by families attracted to the well-equipped resorts and hotels that are appearing around the island in and around places like Senggigi and Kuta.
Where in the world:
Lombok is located just to the east of the Indonesian island of Bali. To the east is the neighbouring island of Sumbawa, while to the north lies the equator. The nearest airport is Mataram (AMI). To the south of Lombok lies the expanse of the Indian Ocean, while to the north is the Flores Sea. The island's main resorts include Senggigi and Kuta, while the highest point is the Mount Rinjani volcano.
When to go:
Lombok has a tropical climate year round with an average daily temperature of 31°C (87°F). High humidity can be expected during the wet season between October and April. The dry season is between May and September, and is the busiest time to visit the island as travellers take advantage of the long hot days and little rain.
Beach:
Lombok boasts a string of beaches dotted around the island. The resorts of Senggigi and Kuta both have good stretches of sand with all of the usual facilities. The best beaches are in the northwest in the Gili Islands. The Gilis are very unspoilt with few facilities bar white sand and swaying palms.
Beyond the beach:
Head away from the beaches and the timeless world of much of Lombok awaits. Far less developed than Bali, the island offers a real insight into this fascinating country, a destination alive with local colours and flavours. The Rinjani National Park is very popular with walkers and climbers, with the stunning ascent of the eponymous volcano the highlight. A number of companies offer guided trips to the park, which is the safest way to explore the wild terrain.
Family fun:
All of the resorts have plenty of facilities for families and their beaches are also justifiably popular. The white sand beaches of the Gili Islands are also perfect for children with some rudimentary watersports on offer. For young feet unable to climb to the summit of Rinjani themselves, the Taman Narmada park offers the chance to see a replica of the mighty 3,726m (12,224ft) volcano and has a spring that promises eternal youth, handy for tired parents.
Retail therapy:
Lombok's resorts these days have air-conditioned shops offering most items a holidaymaker could ever need. The beaches also attract hawkers selling everything from fake designer sunglasses to imitation watches. There are also markets in Senggigi, Kuta and Selong. Traditional wooden handicrafts and batiks make good souvenirs or presents.
Night on the town:
The nightlife action is mainly centred in the resorts. Senggigi and Kuta buzz on steamy holiday nights with a string of bars, cafes and nightclubs. The action in Kuta is fuelled by the surf crowd looking for a serious party. Senggigi has quieter restaurants where families can relax. For a splash of local colour Mataram is a busy town where holidaymakers are quite thin on the ground.
Eating out:
Lombok's holiday resorts offer international cooking to suit every palate, with most of the better hotels having decent restaurants. For local cuisine the choice is to eat at a restaurant or just savour some Indonesian dishes in an informal cafe or street stall. Here the fried rice dishes can be first class with local Lombok seafood often part of the mix. Indonesian Bintang beer is very popular and goes well with the local cuisine.
Getting there and around:
There are some local buses and hotels also arrange both transfers and bus tours. The other public transport option is to brave the local 'bemo' minibuses. These colourful little minibuses hurl themselves around the winding roads with fares negotiated on board, so it helps to speak a little of the local language. Alternatively there are also taxis and both mopeds and cars for hire.
Exploring further:
With fast boats speeding over in less than two hours Bali is a tempting day trip or a night away option. Bali is one of Indonesia's tourist stars, with bustling resorts, hulking volcanoes, Hindu temples and sandy beaches. Bali also has some unusual black sand beaches in the north and is a great surfing, swimming and snorkelling destination.
Splashing out:
The Oberoi Hotel (Medana Beach, Tanjung) (www.oberoilombok.com) offers the chance to really splash out. They have a spa on site for holidaymakers who can hang loose for a morning or afternoon with a soothing massage or a relaxing soak, before indulging in one of their fine restaurants. Diners can choose to enjoy their meal overlooking the swimming pool with swaying palms for company.
Flying in:
Mataram Aiport (AMI)
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