“Bali’s little sister”, so it’s called. Located just next to the crowded Bali, Lombok offers a quieter and more secluded haven for beach admirers. Aside from its untouched beaches and corals, you could even find yourself under Lombok’s charming waterfalls.

Lombok is 30-Minutes away from Bali via air, while taking the Ferry would require 3-4 hours. However, more speedboat transfers between Bali and Lombok are becoming available, and it takes a mere 1 hour. There are abundant daily flights from Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, to Lombok as well.

If you’re traveling alone, I would recommend joining an open tour or hiring a guide. Having a local with you will save you from tourist scams or unfriendly treatment. Although, those who don’t like joining a tour shouldn’t worry- the people in Lombok are definitely very friendly, and getting around the city is totally uncomplicated. If you are not familiar with navigating in a foreign place or doesn’t want to waste energy driving yourself, rent a car with a driver. It usually costs around 400-450K Rupiah ($35-40) daily, including both driver and gas. Drivers usually can set an itinerary based on the places you want to see as well.

Of all the beautiful places I visited in Lombok, here’s my personal highlight during my stay:

GILI TRAWANGAN

Gili Trawangan is the biggest island among the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air). Here you can leisure around on white sand and snorkel in clear blue water. It’s 8 minutes away with a speedboat, or about thirty minutes with a bigger motor boat. Beware of high prices and just leave if someone’s really insistent about “you can’t find any other boat available there so you need to use mine”.

Motor transportation is not allowed on this island. You can get around the island with a horse cart (cidomo), but I prefer cycling around. It takes about 40 minutes to cycle the entire island. A lot of accommodations are also available, along with some excellent restaurants and bars. Prices in Gili Trawangan is however higher than in mainland Lombok, but you can enjoy a great mall for about $10-$15 per person. Don’t worry about currency as well, there are money changers in the island, albeit a slightly lower exchange rate from other currencies to Rupiah.

SNORKELING IN GILI ISLANDS

Snorkeling in Gili Island is one of the best thing through out my trip in Lombok. Fishes, sea-turtles, corals, and even some “mysterious” underwater statues would be a feat to your sight. There are a lot of snorkel equipments rental around the island, also diving courses and boat rental. You can save cost by joining a group snorkeling tour, or enjoy a private leisurely time under water with an exclusive private tour. Don’t worry if you’re a first timer, they’ll teach you the basics and a guide will ensure your safety in water.

AIR TERJUN BENANG KELAMBU (BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALL)

Instead of boasting its height, Benang Kelambu wins your heart over with its curtains-like waterfall. In fact, this is what gave it its name, Kelambu, which is a type of curtain. You can do an hour walk through quite a steep trail, or ride a motorcycle for a fixed price (about $10-$15 for return trip- Jun’18). After the motorcycle ride, it’s a 15 minutes stair descend to the waterfall. Come here early in the morning to avoid crowds, and use comfortable shoes. The trail might be slippy since part of it is mud.

TIP: After you came up from Air Terjun Benang Kelambu, visit Air Terjun Benang Stokel just 500m away.

BUKIT MERESE

Located along the Kuta Lombok shore and right next to the famous Tanjung Aan, Bukit Merese is a change of view to the sea and shores. It’s resembles an area of savanna hills. Hike for around 10-15 minutes to the top and enjoy the sunset there, it’s said to be one of the best sunset viewpoint in Lombok. The viewpoint offers a vantage point to clear blue sea and white sands, with the wide sky and the horizon as its background.

TIP: Before you enjoy the sunset on Bukit Merese, spend some time lounging on Tanjung Aan. Don’t forget to bring sunblock or a cap since there are no trees on Bukit Merese, and the sun could be scorching. Pack a bottle of water or buy one before you hike just in case.

LOMBOK CULINARY

And here is without doubt my favourite part.

Lombok’s culinary dwell on the spicy side, and even as someone who’s used to spicy food, they could sometimes be too much for me. They are, however, definitely delicious. One of the signature culinary in Lombok is ayam taliwang and plecing kangkung. Ayam taliwang is basically grilled chicken, topped with some very spicy chili. Eating this is usually accompanied with Plecing Kangkung, water spinach blanched and then topped with herbs and spicy chili.

That aside, I would have to say that my personal favourite is Sate Rembiga, it’s satay from beef meat with herbs and spices- and yes, it’s spicy. The locals eat it with Lontong, rice cooked in banana leaf. It’s the best. It really is.

If you’re not one who can eat spicy food, you can try fresh seafood that came right from the sea instead. Fishes, crabs and squids are three of my favourite dishes.

Here are all the 5 reasons to visit Lombok, do you have any other reason? I’d love to hear yours!

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