We didn't find any results
Lombok island review
To the east of its famous Indonesian sibling of Bali lies Lombok – a large island that is becoming more and more popular with tourists. That’s mostly thanks to the 3 Gili Islands, which lie off the north-west coast. However, the rest of Lombok island remains largely uncharted by the crazy throngs. It provides many glittering examples of secret islands, bays, and beaches only available to those in the know.
There is nothing a holiday traveler is looking for that they will not find in Lombok island. The area offers the kind of multiple personalities that ensures it suits different forms of travelers. The people over here are as amiable as can be, and they bring a mix of vibrant cultures to the table. Blessed with its proximity to the trio of the Gili islands, Lombok shines in the way by offering developed settlements sandwiched between natural landscapes.
With its colorful Sasak culture, incredible dive spots, pink beaches, giant tree forests, some of the best surfing in the world at Desert Point, astonishing waterfalls, and the mysterious, active volcano, Mount Rinjani, a trip to Lombok promises an authentic, island paradise experience. You might not have a bucket list to return home with by the time Lombok is done with you.
Due to its unique location on the Indonesian landscape, Lombok is blessed with proximity to a lot of other islands. Small or big, these other islands retain an identity of their own and bring more diversity to your trip. Fortunately, Lombok finds a home near the famed trio of Gili islands that add much to its popularity. Beyond that, you also get to explore the likes of the fourteen of South Gilis and the trio of Nusa islands – all promising that pure, virgin, uncharted vibe! Finally, the Land of the Gods is within easy reach too – Bali vacation can never be overrated.
- AIRPORT Lombok
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Apr - Nov
Beaches
See all (8)
Snorkeling
See all (7)
Boat Tour
See all (4)
Holiday
Why visit Lombok
How to reach Lombok
Lombok finds its home in the West Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia, bordering the much famous Bali with the Lombok Strait being the only thing between them. An international airport serves Lombok island with direct flights from Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, and many domestic flights, including from Bali. Looking at Lombok on the map shows just how big this location is – almost the size of Bali and a lot of unique landscapes running through diverse regions worth seeing.
Lombok is 20 minutes by boat from Gili Trawangan (Gili T), and even less from Gili Meno and Gili Air. You can travel to Lombok from Bali by boat, too, cruising across the Nusa islands on the way. Nusa Penida is the nearest of Nusa islands to Lombok, only 30 minutes by private boat with Islander. Many travelers choose Lombok as a starting point for a yacht holiday in Komodo Islands.
Perhaps the best thing about the unique location of Lombok is how it allows the island to stay secluded to a lot of prying eyes. Yet still, ensuring the natural and exotic feel of the island is kept alongside human-made installments. Lombok promises pink beaches, secret bays, and a myriad of secluded places for those who know their way around this uncharted island.
Best time in Lombok
The best time to visit Lombok is from April to November. The good news is that Lombok enjoys what is considered a tropical climate, ensuring the weather stays about the same all year round. Still, a shorter time frame from July to August brings all advantages of not having to deal with rainfall and the peak season for tourists. A sitting on the Indian Ocean in the Coral Triangle, puts Lombok near some of the clearest waters in Indonesia, promising an abundance of marine life. Therefore, if you plan snorkeling and diving in Lombok and nearby islands, expect the best visibility and sea conditions during April-November.
Rainy season in Lombok
Rainy season in Lombok extends from November to March, the same as with Bali. Do not expect nonstop torrential rains, however. There are always sunny days year-round. So if you don’t mind a little rain, and have surfing as your main reason for traveling to Lombok, then November to March promises the perfect waves.
Lombok or Bali
Lombok does not have anywhere near the nightlife at Bali; neither does it enjoy the vast array of modern attractions you would enjoy in Bali too. However, it is much quieter and more of an off-beaten-path beach location for those looking to unwind. The big draw of Lombok is a 3-day hike to the top of Mount Rinjani, a volcano in the middle of a geopark, topped by a crater lake. Both Lombok and Bali offer exciting island-hopping day trips, so it is really up to your preference for choosing the best base. Both islands feature an international airport, so getting into is not a problem at all. Finally, compared to Bali, Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island.
Lombok or Nusa Penida
Both Lombok and Nusa Penida offer untapped wilderness. From scenic cliffs and deserted beaches to incredible snorkeling and diving. You will need to arrive in Lombok (or Bali) before venturing to Nusa Penida, the largest of the Nusa islands trio. Therefore nothing stops you from visiting Lombok prior. In terms of stay and things to do, Lombok offers a wider spectrum. Nusa Penida is a renowned destination for snorkeling and diving, but Lombok has many Gili islands to fill in the gap. In the end, it is either going off the radar entirely on Nusa Penida or being closer to civilization in Lombok.
