Lombok is an island located in the West Nusa Tenggara province. It is one of 17,000 islands of Indonesia and is close to the more famous island of Bali, separated by the Lombok Strait, which lies to the west.
Lombok is fast becoming a trendy island for all things beach related. With its blissful white sand beaches, the spectacular volcano located on Mt Rinjani, and stunning marine life, the island of Lombok has endless attractions both on land and in the water. Indonesia is one of many countries around the world that attract millions of travellers seeking to experience the beauty of nature. Travel Projects is a fantastic company whose mission is to organise the best activities for adventurers.
I’ve put together a list of 5 Fantastic things to do in Lombok Indonesia.
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
There is almost no place in Lombok that you can’t jump in the water and snorkel or dive. The Gili Islands are most famous for pristine waters, fantastic marine life, and endless water sports opportunities. With three main islands in the Northwest: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are the most popular for tourists seeking a wonderful relaxed and adventurous experience. I found both Nemo and Crush during my adventure and it was hard for me to go back to my hotel! I could have happily gotten lost forever among the beautiful Gili islands.
Waterfalls
North Lombok has two waterfalls, Air Terjun Sindang Gila and Air Terjun Sindang Gila. These mesmerizing falls are a must see. During the hike up to these great natural wonders you will be surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and the soothing sounds of water rushing over river rocks. If you’re lucky you can catch the elusive and shy silvered leaf monkey, better known as the black monkey, playing a game of chase in the tree branches. I highly recommend this activity; it’s a chance to see nature at her best.
Cultural Village Tours
During my stay in Lombok I had the opportunity to visit some of the traditional villages that still exist and see how life was in the past and is still being practiced today. These villages can be found in Sade and Rambitan a few kilometers north of Kuta. The people who live there follow old traditions, passing them on to their children so as not to be forgotten. The main source of income for the people of the villages are farming and selling textiles, which they make on site. The whole community bringing light to the fact that each family’s success is a community effort, sharing every penny they make.
Island Hopping
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are the main focus when island hopping from Lombok. Their close proximity to the mainland and the ease in getting there make it a perfect choice for travelers looking for adventure. Getting to the islands is extremely easy. There is a shuttle boat, which can be infrequent or for just a few dollars you can charter one to take you across and from one to another. The islands are close to each other so it’s easy to spend a day hopping from one to another. Gili Trawangan is the most touristy of the three with lots of bars, restaurants and places to stay. Gili Air and Gili Meno have maintained their unspoiled quality and are fantastic for a day picnic, catching some rays, or beach snorkeling/diving.
Photo Credit: trekkingrinjani.wordpress.com
Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano whose impressive mass offers visitors an exhilarating experience. It’s 3,726 meter height makes it the second tallest in Indonesia. The views from the summit are spectacular and worth the effort to get there. This trip is not for the faint of heart as trails are steep and rocky but the views of the volcanic landscapes, sulfur lakes and waterfalls are breathtaking.
There are several tour companies and guides across Lombok. But the one that I highly recommend is Eko Suprajitno. His expert knowledge of the island, exceptional English, and adaptability to my tour needs made my experience an excellent one. I’ve been on many tours and have had many wonderful guides but Eko is by far the best guide I have every spent time with. I highly recommend him when you spend time in Lombok. Having a great guide can make all the difference in a tour experience.
To book any tour of Lombok, Eko can be contacted at:
Email: ekomangsit@yahoo.com
Email: ekomangsit@gmail.com
Facebook: Eko Suprajitno
I’d like to thank Visit Indonesia Tourism Office – Singapore for helping to organize my trip.
Have you visited Lombok? What did you think? Share your experiences with us!
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