Alkhder Travel: A travel guide to Lombok
If there’s a place in Indonesia that will take your breath away, it’s the island of Lombok. Also known as Bali’s sister, this island is marine heaven that will charm you with its impossible azure waters, lush surroundings, and beautiful valleys and cliffs in the area.
The exotic island is rife with amazing beaches and historical landmarks that are worth exploring. Because it was developed later than Bali, most of Lombok is still in its natural state, giving it a more raw beauty that attracts tourists across the globe.
Nestled between Bali and the island of Sumbawa, this island is slowly rising to become one of Indonesia’s most-visited tourist hubs. The area of Lombok has a majority of Muslim residents, which is the counterpart of Bali, which is a predominantly Hindu area. Coupled with a rich religious background and a diverse set of culture and beliefs is what makes Lombok a unique and fascinating destination to visit. So, if you’re interested in experiencing Lombok’s magic, here’s a quick travel guide to help you.
How to get there
Depending on your location, there are several ways to enter the island of Lombok. If you’re coming from a different country, you will most likely need to take a connecting flight to Bali. From there, you can get a plane that will take you to the Lombok International Airport, which will cost you around US$25 or more. The ride will take 30 minutes before you reach Kuta beach. From Kuta, it will take you at least an hour to reach the Senggigi beach.
Getting around Lombok
Because Lombok is mainly an island with different types of land formations, there are several ways to travel. Usually, the main mode of transportation used by tourists is buses and rickshaws. You can also find taxis around the area that can ferry you from one place to another. If you want to go island hopping, some boats will take you to different islands. The fee depends on the type of boat and the distance of travel.
Places to visit around Lombok
Lombok is a majestic island teeming with beautiful sceneries and places. If you’re travelling to Indonesia, Lombok is one of the places you shouldn’t miss. Here are some of the best places in Lombok you can visit:
The Gili Islands
The Gilis are one of the most popular places in Lombok. Each island has its charm and beauty. Located 20 minutes away from each other, the Gili Islands are the perfect spot to scuba dive and snorkel. Moreover, the place is teeming with restaurants where you can enjoy a night party with your friends or fellow tourists.
Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lombok. When you visit this area, you can book a multi-day tour where you can visit the famous Segara Anak. If you visit the peak of the mountain, you will see a beautiful view of the crater lake.
Senggigi
Senggigi is one of the most popular tourist places in the area because it’s surrounded by various hotels where you can book accommodation. If you want to go surfing, Senggigi is the perfect place because the waves are nice and expert surfers can help you ride the waves safely. Moreover, you can taste local dishes and snacks in the area because the shorelines are flanked by vendors selling snacks and other delicacies.
Pemenang
From Senggigi, you can use a scooter and visit Pemenang. If you want to explore more beaches, you can explore the impossibly azure waters of Pemenang. Moreover, if you climb Malimbu Hill 1 and 2 and witness a spectacular view of Malimbu and Nipah Beach. Climbing further would also give you a view of the Gili Islands.
Monkey Forest
If you want to take a break from swimming, you can trek the famous Monkey Forest where you can get a view of the mountainscapes. Once you enter the forest, you will see different species of monkeys that you can interact with. However, be careful when you visit the Monkey Forest because the monkeys can be a little cunning and steal your stuff if you’re not careful. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep your things close.
Kuta
One of the second-best tourist spots in Lombok is Kuta. If you’re looking for a place with more beaches, restaurants, and accommodations, Kuta is the place to go. You can explore dream beaches such asMawun, Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Kuta Beach.
Mosques and Hindu Temples
Because Lombok is a predominantly Muslim area, you can find some of the most beautiful and ornate mosques there. You can find lavish mosques gilded in gold and adorned with spectacular architecture.
Waterfalls
One of Lombok’s charms is the numerous waterfalls it features. When you visit the place, you can find several falls’ such as the Tiu Teja, Sendang Gile, Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel, and the Jeruk Manis. The exciting part about waterfalls in Lombok is that they’re so fresh and clean that you can drink straight from the falls.
Traditional markets
If you want to purchase fresh items such as spices, vegetables and fruits, you can find a wide variety of these when you visit the traditional markets around Lombok. One of the most popular and visited is the Ampenand, where you can find a wide range of products sold by locals. For clothing, souvenirs, and jewellery, you can visit the Cakranegara Market in Mataram.
Mataram
Serving as the capital of West Nusa Tenggara, Mataram is probably the only place in Lombok that has urban energy and lifestyle. In this area, you’ll find shopping malls, restaurants, and beautiful houses of worship that will take your breath away with their grandeur. One of the most popular places to visit here is the Pura Meru, which is one of the oldest establishments in Mataram.
Things to do before you visit Lombok
Travelling to Lombok can be a little challenging especially if you’re a first-timer. If you want your travel to be fruitful, you need to prepare for anything that can happen during your travel. So, to help you navigate this beautiful place, we’ve collated a few tips that will help you.
Slippers and durable trekking shoes
When you visit Lombok, you will find that most of the roads and pathways are gravelled and rough. If you think you’re going to do a lot of walking, make sure you wear slippers or trekking shoes that are durable enough to last a long time. Refrain from wearing heeled or uncomfortable footwear because you can have a hard time navigating the place.
Drink plenty of water
Indonesia is a humid country. When you’re travelling, make sure you pack a lot of water that you can drink while walking under the heat of the sun. Keep yourself hydrated to avoid dehydration during your trip. Bring a water bottle that you can refill during your trip to make sure your water levels are in check.
Bring a backpack for your things
When you are travelling, bring a backpack that can carry all your items. Make sure you don’t carry separate bags for your things so you won’t have a hard time finding and organizing them.
Don’t forget to bring your travel papers
When you’re travelling, don’t forget to bring important papers such as your identification. However, don’t bring them when you’re doing activities such as swimming and hiking. Just make sure you have a valid ID with you at all times in case of emergencies.
Bring cash
Not all places in Lombok accept credit cards or wireless transfers, so make sure you have enough cash to pay for your needs when you’re in villages or in areas where you can’t use your card. Additionally, if your cash is in dollars, have them converted into Indonesian rupees so you won’t be hassled when you need to pay for something.
Find a good travel agency to guide you
Travelling to Indonesia can be a little overwhelming that’s why you need to look for a good travel agency that will help you with your itinerary. Having a good travel agency can help you fix your accommodation, itinerary, and your tickets. Here at Alkhder, we will help you travel without issues and give you all the assistance and information you need.
Look for a travel guide
If you’re unfamiliar with the place, make sure you get a travel guide who will assist you in the areas you would like to visit. Having a travel guide can make it easier for you to get familiarized with the area. Moreover, they can tell you the places where you can get cheap food and accommodation if you’re on a tight budget.
More travel information is available on our website. Visit us on our website and book your adventure with us!