Lombok is an island in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara province.  The Lombok Strait separates it from Bali to the west while the Alas Strait divides it from Sumbawa to the east.   The island offers visitors a quieter alternative to Bali, while still containing interesting destinations and offering great activities similar to its eastern neighbor.

Lombok is approximately 80 kilometers across and about the same distance from north to south.  The island is dominated by Mount Rinjani, an active volcano that rises 3,726 meters above ground.  Segara Anak, the volcano’s crater lake is protected by the Gunung Rinjani National Park.

The island’s close proximity to Bali (separated by approximately 40 kilometers) allows visitors to easily visit a more natural and less developed environment in Lombok.  The island offers visitors a chance to enjoy a slower and more relaxed pace than Bali while also offering acres of unspoiled natural beauty.

Almost all of the island’s small and medium businesses are family-run while high rise hotels and five star resorts are more of an exception rather than the norm.  Mataram, Nusa Tenggara’s provincial capital is practically the only place where visitors can expect to see ubiquitous fast food franchises and other international brand names.

Lombok experiences the same tropical weather like Bali but is drier than its nearby neighbor.  This makes it an attractive option during the October to December rainy season.  The high tourist season, is from May to August.

So, what is there to do in Lombok?  Kuta Beach in South Lombok (not to be confused with Kuta Beach in Bali) contains brilliant waves which bode well for surfers.  Not too far from Kuta Beach is Tanjung A’an, a beautiful and unique area where the sands look like peppercorn.  Having a coconut drink and relaxing on the beach is a highly recommended activity here.  Lombok is also home to fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving spots.  The Gili Islands, located just off the northwest tip of Lombok is home to colorful marine life which includes manta rays, turtles , reef sharks and parrotfish, just to name a few.

Lombok is also home to several beautiful waterfalls.  Located near Senaru in North Lombok, Air Turgun Sindang Gila is a beautiful place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy swimming in its waters.  There are also several other falls nearby, with Air Turgun Tiu Kelep being less than an hour walk away while Air Turgun Betara Lenjang should satisfy rock climbers.  Visitors may also opt to trek up Mount RInjani and its surrounding area.

Lombok is an attractive holiday option in Indonesia.  It is quiet, peaceful, laid back and contains a lot of interesting destinations for the visitor.  Embark on a voyage of discovery through the enviable terrain of Indonesia with Exotissimo’s Three Islands: Java – Bali – Lombok tour. Each of these islands offer something unique that will surely enthrall and entertain you.  See our Indonesia tours page for other interesting ideas into this wonderful and varied country or contact us if you have any questions.