10 Things to do in Lombok

By Elizabeth May
Posted at 15/06/2014

Lombok is one of the fewer places in Indonesia that is not part of the “mass tourist transit”.  With famous Bali right next door, it’s easy to understand why Lombok is more “off the beaten path”.  The religion is predominately Muslim; said to have been brought to Lombok from Sumbawa, the larger island to the right.  There is also a small trace of Hindu and Buddhist culture that can be found here, from the legacy and influence of when Bali controlled Lombok.

 

Just because it is not as popular as other destinations in Indonesia, doesn’t meant there’s nothing to do there, in fact, it only means that there are more hidden gems waiting to be found.  Wild Lombok awaits, what will you discover?  Here are some ideas.

 

  1. Gili Islands
    Beautiful white sand beaches, gorgeous coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, amazing local people, and fantastic food.  Why wouldn’t you go?  The locals have a song that you really must hear.  Buy the musicians a Bintang, and relax with a smile on your face.  “I come from Gili Air, magic mushrooms for breakfast.  I come from Gili Meno, there are many mosquitos.   I come from Gili Trawangan, many Swedish and British.  I come from Lombok Island, running away from police man.”  No trip to Lombok is complete without visiting the three Gili Isles.
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyYAnPtHs-k
     
  2. Tanjung A’an Beach
    This is a beach lover’s paradise.  Close to Kuta, Lombok, (which is way better than Kuta, Bali) this beach has beautiful clear turquoise water.  Tanjung A’an Beach is located about 7-8 km from Kuta beach in the south of Lombok.  It’s easy to rent motorcycles, as they are everywhere, so you can get around and do some exploring on your own.  An authentic village near Tanjung A’an beach is called Awang.  It’s a community which has preserved the traditional customs and lifestyle of times long past.  Another interesting sight, for knowledge’s sake, is the village called Grupuk, where they cultivate seaweed for agar-agar (a powder substance, which is used as a thickening agent for food). 
     
  3. Food
    Eat Everything.  Indonesian food is generally very tasty.  Some of the highly recommended dishes include
     
    1) cap cai, which is stir fried vegetables, you can have it with or without rice,
    2) gado gado, stir fried or steamed vegetables with a savory peanut sauce on top,
    3) mie ayam, noodle soup with your choice of meat
    4) mie goreng, stir fried noodles and veggies with your choice of meat
    5) tempe, fermented soy beans, formed into the shape of a rectangle. 

    Some of these may not sound super appetizing, but you won’t know until you try!  They are incredibly satisfying.
     
  4. Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfall Tour
    This tour includes a private guide, who can communicate in several different languages: Japanese, Italian, Dutch, German, French and English.  It’s a full day’s hike and includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees.  Mind you, this is an outdoors, hot, humid and sometimes enterprising trek.  It is quite rewarding though, because at the end of the trek you can relax and swim in the waterfall pool.  Wear your swimsuit under some light clothing, bring mosquito repellent, and hiking shoes.
    www.lomboktrekking.com/lombok_waterfalltour.htm
     
  5. Rinjani Volcano
    The hike is strenuous but totally worth it.  The views of the lake inside the volcano are breathtaking, and from this point you can actually see the Gili Isles.  You need to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water and a camera.  You can choose your tour package, and it’s recommended that you camp here, at least for one night, to see the sun rise or set from the peak of the volcano.
    rinjanimountain.com/
     
  6. Pink Beach @ Sekaroh Village
    This beach is in Tanjung Ringgit, in the southeast tip of Lombok, about 3 hours driving from Mataram.  It gets the pink hue from bits of red coral that are found in the ocean that break off and wash ashore.  When the light shines on the beach, you’ve got great pink sand pictures.  The road to get to this beach is quite bad, which is why it’s recommended that you park your vehicle at the entrance and rent an ‘ojek’, (motor bike taxi) to access the beach.  Or, you could always hire/rent a car with 4WD.   Either way, if you are looking for off the beaten track, gorgeous snorkeling and some rugged adventure, this is it.  Bring your swimsuit, food, water, sunscreen and shades.
    machroove.blogspot.com/2010/03/lombok-island-map.html  
     
  7. Sukarana Weaving Village
    This is located near Mataram, and is worth a stop if you’ve got some time to spare.  It’s a traditional village where women spend their days weaving beautiful pieces of material by hand, incorporating silver thread and other decorative ornaments.  It’s a poor community that is trying to make extra money by selling their pieces of art.  The shop is a bit overpriced, but the village is humbling and authentic.  You can rent a car or motorbike and find this place on your own, otherwise hiring a tour guide can be somewhat pricey.
     
  8. Banyumalek
    One of the bigger pottery villages in Lombok, its located in the district of Kediri Banyumulek, West Lombok.  It only takes about 30 minutes from Mataram, and is very easily accessible from a rented motorbike or car.  The products being made here are unique and diverse.  They are molded with clay, then baked and painted.  The decorations include eggshells and hand painted designs.  What’s most interesting is that they still use the old-fashioned method for firing the pottery, with straw and firewood.
    www.travbuddy.com/Banyumulek-v815871
     
  9. Drunken Monkeyz Yacht Party
    Oh-so-sexy with dizzying fun, come join the other drunken monkeys in their bikinis and shorts.  Top DJ’s, free food, limitless cocktails, and shuttle to and from the boat, for a mere $30.  If you were every looking to sunbathe and mingle in style, check out this party yacht.
    dmzevents.com/
     
  10. Manta Dive on Gili Air
    This place is highly recommended for their knowledge of great dive and snorkel spots as well as their professionalism.  Even if diving isn’t your thing, you can still stay at one of the accommodations available here.  They’ve got the traditional bungalows, which are the most popular, and then they’ve got the garden rooms, which is more popular among families.  Each room is clean, new, has a terrace, air conditioning and hot water.  The facility also has a pool, where you can relax and enjoy the views of the beach, and Mt. Rinjani!
    www.manta-dive-giliair.com/index.php