Three coral-fringed islands with white-sand beaches make up the Gilis - a calm escape off Lombok's coast. Clear waters draw snorkelers and divers to spot sea turtles and reef fish.
East of Bali lies Lombok, where you can climb Mount Rinjani volcano (3,726m), swim at Tanjung Aan's twin white-sand bays, or watch Sasak weavers create intricate textiles in Sade village. The island's north contains 42-meter-high Tiu Kelep waterfall, while surfers catch waves at Desert Point. From the mainland, take a 30-minute boat ride to the Gili Islands to snorkel with sea turtles among coral reefs.
Getting to Lombok
You can reach Lombok through Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Central Lombok, which connects to major Indonesian cities and Singapore. Fast boats depart regularly from Bali's Padang Bai and Serangan ports, taking around 2-3 hours to reach Lombok. Public ferries also operate between Padang Bai and Lembar Harbor, with a journey time of 4-5 hours.
Mount Rinjani National Park
Mount Rinjani rises 3,726 meters above sea level, making it Indonesia's second-highest volcano. At 2,000 meters elevation sits Segara Anak crater lake. The trek takes 2-4 days, with overnight camping at designated spots. You'll walk through mountain forests and savannas before reaching the rim. On clear days, you can see Bali's Mount Agung across the sea.
South Lombok Beaches
Kuta Beach extends along South Lombok with white sand and clear waters. At Tanjung Aan, you can climb the hill between its two bays for views of both beaches. Mawun Beach sits in a protected cove with calm waters for swimming. At Selong Belanak, beginners learn to surf on consistent waves in shallow waters.
The Gili Islands
Three small islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air - lie off Lombok's northwest coast. On Gili Trawangan, you'll find beachfront restaurants and bars open until late. Gili Meno has fewer visitors and clear waters where you can spot sea turtles. Gili Air has enough restaurants and guesthouses for comfort while maintaining a calm pace.
Sasak Culture
The Sasak people make up 85% of Lombok's population. In villages like Sade and Rambitan, families live in houses built from bamboo and clay. You can watch women weave textiles using techniques passed down through generations. During the Bau Nyale festival (February-March), locals gather at beaches to collect sea worms considered a local delicacy.
Lombok's Waterfalls
In the northern region, several waterfalls cascade through tropical forests. Sendang Gile waterfall drops 31 meters over rock terraces. A 45-minute hike leads to Tiu Kelep waterfall, with its 42-meter drop. In Central Lombok, Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls create swimming pools at their bases, surrounded by jungle.
