Lombok is Bali’s unspoiled, unhurried neighbour to the east and remains far less visited, despite its white-sand beaches, epic surf and spectacular diving.
The multi-day trek up Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, is one of the country’s most rewarding hikes.
No visit to Lombok is complete without a visit to the three tiny Gili Islands off the north-west coast, famed for their bathtub-warm water, long stretches of sand and traffic-free tranquillity.
The Gilis are also a superb destination for diving and snorkelling, with turtles and black- and white-tipped reef sharks common and manta rays spotted from December to May.
Lombok is famed for its beautiful waterfalls, many of which can be explored from our suggested hotels, including Tiu Kelep, a multi-tiered cascade reached via a short jungle trek.
The island is a great place to buy traditional handicrafts, from handwoven Sasak fabrics and decorative carvings to beautiful pearl jewellery and ceramics made by women at the Lombok Pottery Center.
Many who visit Lombok are drawn by the peak of Gunung Rinjani, which at 3,726 metres is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Rivers and waterfalls gush down its fissured slopes and feed the island’s green rice fields, while its summit – complete with hot springs and dazzling crater lake – lures international trekkers as well as Balinese Hindu and local Sasak Muslim pilgrims hungry for divine blessings.
Lombok’s dramatic coast is a labyrinth of turquoise bays, white-sand beaches and world-class surf breaks. While off its north-west shoreline lie the fabled Gili Islands: three exquisite droplets of white sand, sprinkled with coconut palms and surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life. No cars are allowed on the islands, helping to maintain their laidback vibe, though there’s definitely no shortage of bars, dive schools and beachfront restaurants serving fresh-as-it-gets seafood.
Set on the quiet northwest coast of Lombok, The Sira looks across white sands towards the Gili Islands and Bali’s Mount Agung beyond. Days here move at an easy pace, with time divided between the water, nearby trails and exploring the island’s villages and markets.
Spanning 24 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this charming beachfront property occupies a prime spot along the enchanting Medana Bay, with far-reaching views of the neighbouring Gili Islands and Bali’s volcanic Mount Agung.