Lombok Island, Indonesia - The Little-Known Bali Beater

Lombok and Bali

Background Information
If you try to find information or guide books about Lombok,9 times out of 10 you'll find it grouped together as Bali/Lombok or Lombok/Gili Islands, almost as an after-thought. However, this does little justice to the pristine beaches and serenity that Lombok offers, unlike its Bali counterpart. Expect good local food, even friendlier locals and the touch of simplicity often missing from our daily urbanised lives. While it looks relatively close on the map, in reality,it takes about 4-5 hours to sail through the Straits. Lombok is about ¾ the size of Bali.
Best time to visit
The average temperature in Lombok is 29°C to 34°C, which in other words, means it is hot and humid year-round. Best time to visit is any month apart from the peak periods of June-July and December.
Budget
TheTravelManual Team spent less than US$339 for 9 days in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands. This includes our transport,accomodation and daily expenditure costs.

Travel and Leisure

What to do
* Ride on a motorbike around Lombok Island
Riding on a motorcycle through the streets of Lombok is one of the best things you can do there.Theroads will bring you along the coast of Lombok where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Lombok. Along the way there will also be warongs.It would also be a good time for you to get to know the locals as they are a friendly and warm bunch. Do stop at Coco Beach as it houses the best satay we have ever tasted, the flavour possibly enhanced by the stunning beachside location.
* Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and trekking up will take up to 5 days. Other thanenjoying the scenic views of the volcano, you can also experience the Rinjani waterfall. If you are into trekking, this is definitely a must-go. You can always approach one of the travel agencies available in Lombok to get package deals.
* Pasar Bertais (Bertais Market)
If you wish to submerge youself further into the beautiful Lombok culture, the Bertais Market is recommended. Bertais Market is an open air market where you can experience the truly Lombok culture. You will also be greeted by the wonderful locals and can use the opportunity to mingle with them.
* Komodo Island
As the name suggests, it the an island which houses over 2500 giant Komodo dragons in the Komodo National Park. There are travel agencies which offer 1/2 Day tour packages around Komodo Island from Lombok.
* Jeruk Manis Waterfall
Jeruk Manis Waterfall is located in East Lombok. The locals believe that this waterfall has many charms and that it can cure certain diseases and baldness if you bath in it. Even if you are not superstitious the trail to this 600m waterfall and the scenic view that you will be able to see will definitely make it worth going.
* Kuta Beach Lombok
Lombok's Kuta Beach is located at the South coast of Lombok. It is known for the towering waves. It is also a popular destination for surfers. There are surf boards for rent or you can also bring your own. It is also less congested compared the Kuta Beach in Bali. You can always the ever helpful locals to where the good surfing spots are. It is about 90 mins drive from Sengigi.

Maybe you are interested in reading my other article about Beautiful Lake Toba Sumatra and Borobudur Indonesia Triumph the 9th Century

Taken from an article written by :  Aleks Finch