Lombok Guide
Everything you need to know about Lombok
Four hours east of Bali, separated by a four kilometre deep trench,
lies the island of Lombok. Reminiscent of Bali 20 years ago, Lombok
is still a sleepy backwater - a part of unspoiled Indonesia.
Dominated by Mount Rinjani, a huge volcano rising 3,700 metres,
the island has picturesque rice terraces and flat fertile plains
down to the sea. Populated by a mix of Islamic Sasaks who also maintain
animist traditions and Hindu Balinese, Lombok is traditional, old
style.
The first in a series of islands that stretch across south-east
Indonesia where traditional ways still predominate - women walk
with terra cotta vases filled with water carefully balanced on their
heads, horse drawn carts form part of the local transport system
and local fishing boats line the shoreline. The island's decorative
pottery, baskets, and woven textiles are famous throughout the region
and you can visit the artisans at their village.
Many people visit Lombok to get away from it all. There's a unique
island ambiance that appeals to those seeking complete privacy.
Senggigi, with first class hotels, restaurants and cafes is the
main resort area. A few five star hotels stand alone in superb locations
occupying stunning beaches like the gorgeous Oberoi Lombok fronting
a 550 metre pristine beach (with Bali's Mount Agung in the distance)
and the Novotel Lombok Coralia.
See all Lombok
Hotels
Lombok Sightseeing
Visit the island's historic centres like Ampenan, Mataram and Cakrangara.
Suranadi, one of Lombok's oldest temples, has rebuilt the Balinese
style baths carved the rocks with icy water bubbling up from natural
springs.
To get even further off the beaten track, take a day trip to the
tiny Gili Islands (Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan) These
coconut covered islands with fine sand beaches, underwater gardens
and hardly any motorcycles offer total enchantment. Frequent boat
connections from Sengggigi and Bangsal Harbour at Pemenang on Lombok's
west coast.
Lombok Activities
North-west Lombok is a popular destination with divers, snorkellers
and swimmers, the interior adventure industry is just beginning.
Rafting on fast flowing rivers, trekking and fishing are just a
few of the activities currently on offer.
Mount Rinjani - which dominates the entire island,
hides a large and spectacular emerald green lake inside a 4 kilometre
wide caldera. Inside - a world of bubbling hot springs, tumbling
waterfalls, steep slopes and rare unusual birds. Mount Rinjani presents
an extreme challenge, requiring a strenuous 2 day ascent that tests
both physical and mental ability - but wow what a reward!
Golf - Amazingly, Lombok has two international
standard golf courses - one, Rinjani Country Club at 500 metres
above sea level, has water traps, bunkers and ravines to test your
skills. Kosaido Country Club overlooks the sea with a signature
hole along a white sand beach.
Arts & Crafts
Sasak pottery is considered a high art form in Indonesia, especially
pieces from the area around Kediri in West Lombok where you can
view the whole pottery making process.
Check Sengkol, Sukarare and Puyung for exquisitely
woven and embroidered "kebaya" head scarves and sarongs.
How to get there
There are frequent boat connections from Padanabi in eastern Bali
(government run ferries). A domestic airline (Merpati) has departures
5 times daily plus you can also get direct flights from Singapore.
|
