Lombok: Bali, But Off The Beaten Track
Located just twenty minutes away from Bali, Lombok couldn’t be more different to its resort filled twin island. Hailed as the “new Bali,” Lombok is off the beaten path and reminiscent of Bali before the massive tourist development. This undiscovered island next door is stunningly beautiful with epic surf, a volcanic center, that contains Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia’s second tallest volcano, which offers visitors, waterfalls and unrivalled panoramic views. There are even hot springs and a mesmerising crater lake for successful hikers to enjoy. Hikers will also enjoy the many treks through the tobacco and rice fields available. The there is the undiscovered picturesque beaches such as Mawun. Lombok offers a unique chance to explore an undeveloped luxury destination. The Southern coastline is speckled with stunning natural bays with world-class surf breaks.
Beyond Lombok is the mystical Gili Islands, three tears of white sand that float on the azure ocean. These natural wonders are dotted with swaying coconut palms and encased in coral reefs that are rich in marine life. Gili Trawangan is the epicentre of the nightlife scene on the island.
The breath-taking beaches of the Gili islands.
Start your journey through this exotic land by discovering the tastes and aromas of the fascinating local cuisine. If you stay in a luxury villa rental then you can shop at the local market and then cook up a feast. You won’t find any tourists in Pasar Mandalika in Bertais in West Lombok, but you will find plenty of fresh exotic fruits, vegetables and meat, as well as dried spices and more unusual items like shrimp paste and palm sugar. If you would rather eat out then head to the mountaintop Ashtari restaurant, which is perched high up in the clouds near Mawan. This incredible restaurant offers panoramic views of the rocky outcrops that fall into the turquoise sea, and beautiful coves. Find your typical luxe-yoga crowd eating the delectable Moroccan food served here.
The stunning tropical shoreline of Lombok.
To experience some spirituality in Lombok you don’t have to go far. One of the largest temples is Pura Lingsar in the village of Longsar, north east of Mataram. King Anak Agung Ngurah built this holy site in 1714 in the middle of the rice fields. It features two temples, one for the island’s hindus and the other for the muslims. The Wektu Telu temple has an incredible enclosed eel pond in the center, and you can buy hard boil eggs to feed the lucky eels. Make sure that you bring a sarong to cover up so that you can enter the temple. The largest temple in Lombok is Pura Meru, which has an inner courtyard consisting of thirty-three shrines made out of teak wood called meru. The largest meru in the center has an impressive eleven tiers. Make sure that you don’t miss the Mayura Water Palace, which was built in 1744, but marked by a fierce battle that was fought there between the Balinese and the Dutch. You get a real sense of the history by visiting. Po Hwa Kong, east of the Ampenan port, is a historic Chinese Buddhist temple that opens its doors to all of the diverse faiths of Lombok. Inside you will find incredible painted murals of dragons and gods. Make a donation to get your fortune told.
Lombok's azure waters are perfect for sailing.
Then there is the Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat, which will fully sate your culture cravings with its collection of prehistoric pottery and traditional gold threated cloth. After a long day exploring all of the fascinating culture of Lombok you might just want to relax in the spa. A fantastic choice is Qamboja Spa, where you can get a perfect Balinese massage.
Lombok's pristine coastline, where white sands meet sparkling turquoise waters.
One thing not to miss in Lombok is its ravishing coastline. You will find some wild waves at the surfing beaches in the south. Head to the crescent shaped bay of Tanjung Aan for some serious surf. Or spend some time under the waves by heading out on a scuba diving trip with Scuba Froggy, who have several scheduled dives in the local area around Blongas Bay, where you can see schools of hammerhead sharks and mobula rays. If you want sun-blessed beaches though you have to head to the Gilis, a seductive paradise of pristine sands and sparkling waters. Grab a speedboat and race through this oceanic oasis.
A traditional village on the Gili islands.
The Gilis are also the hippest place to be, with new eco-conscious super rich visitors flooding in. The place to party is Trawanga (also known as Gili T) where there are cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, as well as a lively party scene. The other two islands, Gili Air and Meno are both deserted tropical island getaways with some local flair. While visiting the Gili islands make sure you check out the Turtle Hatchery, where you can watch the cute little hatchlings on their way to the sea. Other pursuits not to miss are Big Bubble Dive School, which takes you out to some of the most untouched reefs in the world, and Gili Yoga, which runs daily Vinyasa classes, so that you can fully relax in paradise.
There is no place in the world like Lombok. Even for those who have already visited Bali, Lombok offers something new and undiscovered. Get off the beaten track and discover one of the last truly remote places in the world, while in the lap of luxury.
Beyond Lombok is the mystical Gili Islands, three tears of white sand that float on the azure ocean. These natural wonders are dotted with swaying coconut palms and encased in coral reefs that are rich in marine life. Gili Trawangan is the epicentre of the nightlife scene on the island.
The breath-taking beaches of the Gili islands.
Start your journey through this exotic land by discovering the tastes and aromas of the fascinating local cuisine. If you stay in a luxury villa rental then you can shop at the local market and then cook up a feast. You won’t find any tourists in Pasar Mandalika in Bertais in West Lombok, but you will find plenty of fresh exotic fruits, vegetables and meat, as well as dried spices and more unusual items like shrimp paste and palm sugar. If you would rather eat out then head to the mountaintop Ashtari restaurant, which is perched high up in the clouds near Mawan. This incredible restaurant offers panoramic views of the rocky outcrops that fall into the turquoise sea, and beautiful coves. Find your typical luxe-yoga crowd eating the delectable Moroccan food served here.
The stunning tropical shoreline of Lombok.
To experience some spirituality in Lombok you don’t have to go far. One of the largest temples is Pura Lingsar in the village of Longsar, north east of Mataram. King Anak Agung Ngurah built this holy site in 1714 in the middle of the rice fields. It features two temples, one for the island’s hindus and the other for the muslims. The Wektu Telu temple has an incredible enclosed eel pond in the center, and you can buy hard boil eggs to feed the lucky eels. Make sure that you bring a sarong to cover up so that you can enter the temple. The largest temple in Lombok is Pura Meru, which has an inner courtyard consisting of thirty-three shrines made out of teak wood called meru. The largest meru in the center has an impressive eleven tiers. Make sure that you don’t miss the Mayura Water Palace, which was built in 1744, but marked by a fierce battle that was fought there between the Balinese and the Dutch. You get a real sense of the history by visiting. Po Hwa Kong, east of the Ampenan port, is a historic Chinese Buddhist temple that opens its doors to all of the diverse faiths of Lombok. Inside you will find incredible painted murals of dragons and gods. Make a donation to get your fortune told.
Lombok's azure waters are perfect for sailing.
Then there is the Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat, which will fully sate your culture cravings with its collection of prehistoric pottery and traditional gold threated cloth. After a long day exploring all of the fascinating culture of Lombok you might just want to relax in the spa. A fantastic choice is Qamboja Spa, where you can get a perfect Balinese massage.
Lombok's pristine coastline, where white sands meet sparkling turquoise waters.
One thing not to miss in Lombok is its ravishing coastline. You will find some wild waves at the surfing beaches in the south. Head to the crescent shaped bay of Tanjung Aan for some serious surf. Or spend some time under the waves by heading out on a scuba diving trip with Scuba Froggy, who have several scheduled dives in the local area around Blongas Bay, where you can see schools of hammerhead sharks and mobula rays. If you want sun-blessed beaches though you have to head to the Gilis, a seductive paradise of pristine sands and sparkling waters. Grab a speedboat and race through this oceanic oasis.
A traditional village on the Gili islands.
The Gilis are also the hippest place to be, with new eco-conscious super rich visitors flooding in. The place to party is Trawanga (also known as Gili T) where there are cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, as well as a lively party scene. The other two islands, Gili Air and Meno are both deserted tropical island getaways with some local flair. While visiting the Gili islands make sure you check out the Turtle Hatchery, where you can watch the cute little hatchlings on their way to the sea. Other pursuits not to miss are Big Bubble Dive School, which takes you out to some of the most untouched reefs in the world, and Gili Yoga, which runs daily Vinyasa classes, so that you can fully relax in paradise.
There is no place in the world like Lombok. Even for those who have already visited Bali, Lombok offers something new and undiscovered. Get off the beaten track and discover one of the last truly remote places in the world, while in the lap of luxury.