Lombok holidays

Holidays to Lombok take you to Bali's shy sister, where tradition and tranquillity reign supreme.

Laidback Lombok

It’s just 35 kilometres across the sea from Bali, and is similar in size, but Lombok’s poles apart from its energetic next-door neighbour. Bali champions buzzing beaches and bars, while Lombok takes things at an unhurried pace. Picture traditional villages, sleepy bays and tranquil countryside – and you’re almost there. Plus, the tiny Gili Islands sit like pebbles off its north coast.

Rainbow beaches

In Lombok, it’s a case of less tourists equals less traffic. This translates into quiet, footprint-free beaches. The sands come in all different colours, from volcanic-dark to bright-white, and even light-pink. In the south, sweeping arcs of sand are met by turquoise waters. And it’s easy to stumble upon bays with big swells for first-rate surfing.

Wild scenery

Inland, you’ve got the full tapestry of landscapes, which means it's prime hiking territory. You can trek to waterfalls in the middle of thick jungles, climb up mighty volcanoes or stroll through rice fields. If you don't fancy all that walking, hiring a scooter is a great way to see the island’s scenery and traditional, straw-roofed villages, even if the roads can get a little bumpy.

Popular hotels in Lombok

Top things to see and do in Lombok

Beaches

Castaway coastline

Lombok’s beaches play up to the tropical stereotypes of pale sands, warm waters and rugged backdrops. The majority of them still feel like an undiscovered secret, too, with sands clear of people, loungers and bars. Plus, the waves attract surfers from all over the globe.

The big beach

You’ve probably heard of Bali’s Kuta Beach. Well, this is Lombok’s very own version. Here, it’s a serene patch of cream-coloured sand, with calm, transparent waters – a rarity for a surfing hotspot. There’s a makeshift swing, as well as shacks selling the usual food, cool-down drinks and bracelets, but it’s easy to escape the crowds with a walk down the sands. If you want to surf, Selong Belanak is considered one of the island’s top places.

The secret beach

If you like your sandy stretches with forest backdrops, see-through waters and no tourists, try Pandanan Beach. Most tourists gravitate towards Lombok’s southern coast, so this north-coast gem’s still under the radar. The only people you’ll find on this belt are locals tucking into fried rice at one of the handful of warungs – small, family-run eateries. Other than that, you can enjoy the sands to yourself.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Markets are your best bet for a bargain in these parts. Check out Cakranegara Market in the capital, Mataram, where you can get your hands on everything from clothes and jewellery to spices and hardware.

Mid-range buys

Lombok’s got its fair share of surf shops. Most of them are in Kuta, where you can even get custom-made surf boards, tailored to your weight, height and design requirements. If you’re a vintage-vulture, head over to Gili T for the day. It’s worth it for the retro clobber at Casa Vintage boutique – think over-the-top costume jewellery, handbags and funky sunglasses.

Designer buys

You won’t find many buildings above one or two storeys in Lombok – that is, apart from the multi-storey malls in the island’s capital, Mataram. Epicentrum Mall’s the newest, bringing international names like Ralph Lauren, Billabong and The Body Shop to the table. Meanwhile, Mataram Mall packs in a more traditional range of shops and a big supermarket.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

It’s easy to wind things down for an evening in Lombok. Pre-sunset, you can head straight for one of the island’s main beaches. Here, there are bars set up on the sands, with oversized beanbags, sand-sunken tables and candles for décor. Alternatively, swap a beach bar for a beach club, where you can recline on a daybed and sip cocktail into the night.

Lively evenings

Lombok’s not one for wild nights out, but it does offer a good dose of lively bars. In Senggigi, they put on DJs, cabaret shows and live music, alongside cocktails. For something even more upbeat, Gili T steps up to the mark, with its party-‘til-dawn clubs and full moon parties.

Food & drink

Sate rembiga

Every Indonesian island has its own version of satay – or sate. And Lombok’s doesn’t disappoint. Marinated beef chunks are stuck on bamboo skewers, slowly grilled over charcoals and served with rice.

Nasi puyung

Nasi puyung's the Lombok equivalent of fried rice, so you’ll find it all over the island. Instead of being fried, the rice is steamed in a banana leaf, with lemongrass, chilli and shrimp paste. It’s dished up on the same leaf, with added chicken, string beans and sambal – a spicy, hot relish.

Bebalung

This hearty soup bubbles away in most Lombok kitchens. Goat or beef ribs are stewed in a pot filled with tamarind leaves, garlic, shallots and ginger. Once cooked, the meat should fall off the bone. It’s eaten with rice, lime juice and Indonesia’s staple sauce, sambal.

Ares

A Lombok wedding and festival favourite, ares is a sweet curry made with banana stems. It’s mixed with beef, chicken and fish, then simmered with coconut milk, ginger and turmeric.

Bubuh injin

Don’t let the appearance of this dessert put you off. It’s actually the Indonesian take on the traditional British rice pudding. And it’s the sticky black rice that gives the pudding its dark appearance. The rice is combined with pandan leaves, red palm sugar, and topped with coconut milk – giving it a sweet and creamy taste.

Average Weather in Lombok

Facts about Lombok

Currency
Indonesian Rupiah
(IDR)
Language
Indonesian
Time zone
GMT +7
Flight duration
17 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

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