Weekend Guide to Lombok
You’re no stranger to glamorous Bali, but there are other diamonds in the rough to be found among Indonesia’s 17, 000 islands, so you’re literally spoilt for choice. For our dreamy island getaway this time, we headed off the beaten tourist track to Lombok, which retains much of its exotic mystique from the still-untouched wildlife and natural environment.
Get There
Start your weekend by hopping on an AirAsia flight out of Singapore to Bali and take a fast boat (about a 2-hour ride) to Lombok. We recommend Gili Express or Blue Water Express.
Do
Snorkeling is a no-brainer – the waters surrounding Lombok and the Gili Islands (off the northwest coast of Lombok) are so clean you can snorkel right off the beach. See hawksbill turtles and an array of colourful aquatic life in crystal clear waters.
If you can snorkel, you can (al)most certainly go scuba diving, which happens mostly in the strait between Lombok and Bali. Expect to see marine life like sharks, eagle rays, manta rays and turtles. We like Scuba Froggy Senggigi, DSM Lombok Dive Centre, and Blue Marlin Dive on Gili Trawangan.
If you want a change in surroundings – and if you’re prepared to challenge yourself physically and mentally – attempt a trek up Mouth Rinjani. It’s not an easy trek (and so, not for everyone) up the second highest mountain in Indonesia (and volcanic to boot), but totally worth it. Go with Green Rinjani or Rudy Trekker.
Eat
On the island of Gili Air? Head to Chill Out Bar to sip cocktails at sunset – their barbecued fish is also to die for.
If you’re yearning for Indonesian food, we love Green Café at Jl. Pasar Seni on Gili Trawangan. The seafood is beyond fresh, and they do the tempeh (soybean patty) really well too.
It’s immensely difficult to find a restaurant that has both quality and variety, and boy, were we glad to have found it in Square Restaurant in Senggigi. It’s also a great place for a romantic dinner amidst the rustic surroundings.
Shop
One of the major exporters of South Sea pearls, you can expect Lombok to be pearl heaven. We finished off our souvenir/Christmas shopping (as well as a few hundred dollars worth of presents for ourselves) at Lombok Pearls Collection at Jl.Jenderai Ahman Yani, No. 2 Selagalas, Cakranegara, Mataram. Each purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity so you know you’re getting a great deal.
While the beach hawkers have the obligatory sarongs on offer, we headed to the Sukarara Village to purchase exquisite handwoven fabrics. The sight of women weaving on their front porches is one that you’ll never forget.
Stay
Looking for luxury island paradise? Your first choice has to be The Oberoi in North Lombok – think chilled champagne on arrival, 24-hour room service, a sunken marble bath and your own private pool – pure bliss. Located on the idyllic Medana Beach, you can soak up the sun on the white sandy private beach or snorkel off the hotel’s pier in crystalline waters.
If you want to be in the middle of the mayhem (ie. being a real tourist) of the island, stay in The Puncak in Senggigi. It’s the ideal base to explore the island since all tourist attractions can be reached by day trips from here.
Otherwise, retreat to The Gili Islands, for an even more laidback vacay. We like the Mahamaya Boutique Resort on Gili Meno, the largest of the three islands.
Tips
Wonder at Mother Nature everyday (you don’t have the luxury of this in Singapore) by spending some quality time in the hammock to watch the sunset.
Remember to pack protection against UV rays; the Indonesian sun packs a punch and you don’t want to burn on the beach or when you’re enjoying the clear waters.
Thanks to our friends at AirAsia, we took the 1215 flight direct to Bali. Why limit yourself to just Lombok? Explore more destinations with AirAsia’s handy downloadable guide to Indonesia. It’s free!
This travel guide was brought to you by AirAsia.
