Ever since I plunged into the world of tours and travel, my opportunities for adventure skyrocketed. That’s how I landed in Lombok for the first time, thanks to a group request for a trip there. Honestly, I should have visited sooner! My initial impression of Lombok was pure serenity. Imagine Bali’s beauty but with fewer tourists around. Here are some cool things I discovered that might just convince you to pack your bags for Lombok, and hopefully, this article can be your Lombok travel guide:
Lombok Travel Guide: The Up-and-Coming Tourist Hotspot
Lombok has it all – mountains, beaches, and rich cultural experiences. Imagine the soft sand of Gili Nanggu, the majestic Mount Rinjani with its beautiful lake, the exotic vibe of Gili Trawangan, and even unique cultural traditions like the Sasak’s “bride-kidnapping” wedding ritual. However, Lombok’s tourism infrastructure, like hotels and public restrooms, still lags behind Bali’s.
Western Lombok’s infrastructure seems more developed than the East. And unlike Bali, locals aren’t as used to foreign tourists, especially when speaking English. But that’s understandable since Bali has been a tourism darling way before my time, with a different mindset.
Lombok Travel Guide: Local Life
The locals in Lombok remind me of Madura’s people—mildly harsh in nature, yet incredibly devout and hospitable. They’re genuinely friendly and welcoming, without any harshness in their speech or demeanour. Most residents here are Muslim, and you’ll find a mosque almost every few hundred meters, earning it the nickname “the island of a thousand mosques.” Here, religious harmony is truly alive and kicking.
I was captivated by the local wisdom woven into their daily lives, whether nurturing their relationship with nature or fostering respect among people. At a village wedding I attended, the entire community walked with the groom to the bride’s house!
Traffic-Free Bliss
Forget about peaceful drives in Bali, especially around Kuta or Seminyak—you’re bound to hit traffic. It once took me an hour to cover what should’ve been a 15-minute drive there. In Lombok, traffic is almost non-existent except during special events like a national Qur’an recital. You can enjoy your travels peacefully without wasting time stuck in jams. However, the public transport system still relies heavily on older vehicles.
Lombok Travel Guide: Affordable and Delicious Eats
Lombok’s food scene is a dream—delicious and budget-friendly. Many dishes are named after their place of origin, like Ayam Taliwang from Taliwang, the most delicious Rembiga Satay from Rembiga, and Nasi Puyung from Puyung. These flavours could easily throw a month’s diet out the window in no time! Meals generally cost between ten and twenty thousand rupiahs per serving.
Gili Trawangan Vibe
Stepping onto Gili Trawangan, I felt like a foreigner at home—tourists everywhere! The island’s allure lies in its pristine coral clusters and stunning beaches. Plus, it’s free from motorized vehicles. On this 7.5 km island, you can hop on a cidomo (horse cart), cycle, or simply walk. By night, the island buzzes with bars offering vibrant nightlife.
Lombok Travel Guide: Getting There
The easiest way to reach Lombok is by flying. On a budget? Take a bus or ferry from Surabaya’s Tanjung Perak harbour for around IDR80,000. Accommodation costs won’t break the bank, so you could easily stay a week! If you’re tired from exploring, boost your energy with Lombok’s special honey or wild horse milk. Happy travels!
