Lombok island is located in the West Nusa Tenggara province to the east of Bali. For locals, Lombok exemplifies the “old Bali.” Featuring untamed landscapes, secret beaches, and empty surfing spots. Life on the island of Lombok is very laid back, making it an ideal destination for travelers who don’t like Bali’s hustle and bustle. No trip to Lombok is complete without trying out these thrilling activities:
Watersports. Did you know that the island of Lombok is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the region? In fact, Lombok attracts thousands of surfers and water sports enthusiasts every year! Apart from beautiful beaches with the best waves, Lombok’s wind conditions are perfect for kite surfing. For those who are not confident surfers or those who do not know how to surf at all, Lombok is a great place to learn. The waves in the southern part of the island are suitable for beginners and there are a number of schools there. By signing up, you will master the art of riding the waves in no time at all!
Hiking. If you are into challenging activities that involve getting close to nature, you can sign up for a hike in Lombok and see the island at its rawest. From white sand beaches to mountain villages and rainforests, the island of Lombok is renowned for beautiful natural landscapes. One of the most popular treks in Lombok is the towering Mount Rinjani volcano. The volcano is about 4,000 meters high with a stunning views that span as far away as Sumbawa to the east. However, trekking Rinjani volcano is an extremely challenging 3-4 day trek, so is not for everyone. Older children and teenagers used to trekking can join the trek.
Island Hopping. The Gili Islands are three small islands (Air, Meno and Trawangan) off the north coast of Lombok. All three islands feature white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and exotic marine life. Gili Trawangan is family friendly, but is also known as a major party island, so if you’re looking for something a little more low-key Meno and Air are better choices. If you really want to explore the rich waters of Lombok, we highly recommend signing up for a three-day snorkeling trip. The trip will take you to different points of Gili Islands. You might also get the chance to swim with rare sea turtles!
Handcrafted Earthenware. If you go loco over pottery then the island of Lombok has a special place in store for you. The villages of Banyumulek, Penujak or Masbagik are renowned for their high-quality earthenware. Just visit any of these villages and you’ll be presented with a dizzying selection of handmade earthenware. Independent workshops line the streets, with local artisans painstaking making all types of pottery. You can watch these artists in action or try making your own earthenware to bring home.
Walk Around Tetebatu Village. Tetebatu village is an idyllic town located on the foothills of Mount Rinjani. This peaceful village boasts of beautiful countryside views, and paired with the cool climate, you can go on a tour of the town on foot. The village is surrounded by thick wooden areas, stunning rice fields, and mountainous slopes. If you want to take your tour a step up, there are several hiking trails in the Tetebatu Monkey Forest area. These trails are very easy to cover, perfect for beginners.
Meet Lombok’s Marine Life. Lombok boasts amazingly diverse marine life, so if you love diving or snorkeling, this is a fantastic place to get up close and personal with exotic undersea creatures. Best of all, you don’t have to be an expert diver to swim with the fish. Several diving instructors offer scuba diving lessons near the ocean. You can sign up for a short course and learn how to scuba dive before heading to the water for the real thing!
Take a Refreshing Dip at the Sendang Gile Waterfall. On the foothills of Mount Rinjani is a beautiful waterfall called Sendang Gile. The Sendang Gile waterfall is a 50-meter cascading waterfall surrounded by thick forest. Getting to the waterfalls will take effort but nothing that novices cannot conquer. Just go on a short trek near the volcano and you are well on your way to swimming in Sendang Gile’s cool water! Of course, we recommend that you hire a local to take you to the waterfalls.
Sunning at the Beach. For beach bunnies who’d rather laze around under the sun and take it easy on the beach, Lombok has some pretty amazing beaches. In fact, many of these beaches are unspoiled and totally crowd-free! Some of the best beaches to check out in Lombok are Selong Blanak beach, Mawi beach, and the Pink beach.
Lombok Island is Great for Adventurous Families. Lombok might not have the tourist infrastructure of Bali, but for adventurous families it’s an absolute dream. Quiet beaches, stunning natural scenery and unique culture might make Lombok just the place for your next holiday!
