Lombok

Four hours east of Bali, separated by a four kilometre deep trench, lies the island of Lombok. Reminiscent of Bali 20 years ago, Lombok is still a sleepy backwater - a part of unspoiled Indonesia.

Dominated by Mount Rinjani, a huge volcano rising 3,700 metres, the island has picturesque rice terraces and flat fertile plains down to the sea. Populated by a mix of Islamic Sasaks who also maintain animist traditions and Hindu Balinese, Lombok is traditional, old style.

The first in a series of islands that stretch across south-east Indonesia where traditional ways still predominate - women walk with terra cotta vases filled with water carefully balanced on their heads, horse drawn carts form part of the local transport system and local fishing boats line the shoreline. The island's decorative pottery, baskets, and woven textiles are famous throughout the region and you can visit the artisans at their village.

Where to stay in Lombok
Senggigi, with first class hotels, restaurants and cafes is the main resort area. A few five star hotels stand alone in superb locations occupying stunning beaches like the gorgeous Oberoi Lombok fronting a 550 metre pristine beach (with Bali's Mount Agung in the distance) and the Novotel Lombok Coralia. See all Lombok Hotels

Lombok Sightseeing

Visit the island's historic centres like Ampenan, Mataram and Cakrangara. Suranadi, one of Lombok's oldest temples, has rebuilt the Balinese style baths carved the rocks with icy water bubbling up from natural springs.

To get even further off the beaten track, take a day trip to the tiny Gili Islands (Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan) These coconut covered islands with fine sand beaches, underwater gardens and hardly any motorcycles offer total enchantment. Frequent boat connections from Sengggigi and Bangsal Harbour at Pemenang on Lombok's west coast.

Lombok Activities

North-west Lombok is a popular destination with divers, snorkellers and swimmers, the interior adventure industry is just beginning. Rafting on fast flowing rivers, trekking and fishing are just a few of the activities currently on offer.

Mount Rinjani - which dominates the entire island, hides a large and spectacular emerald green lake inside a 4 kilometre wide caldera. Inside - a world of bubbling hot springs, tumbling waterfalls, steep slopes and rare unusual birds. Mount Rinjani presents an extreme challenge, requiring a strenuous 2 day ascent that tests both physical and mental ability - but wow what a reward!

Golf - Amazingly, Lombok has two international standard golf courses - one, Rinjani Country Club at 500 metres above sea level, has water traps, bunkers and ravines to test your skills. Kosaido Country Club overlooks the sea with a signature hole along a white sand beach.

Arts & Crafts

Sasak pottery is considered a high art form in Indonesia, especially pieces from the area around Kediri in West Lombok where you can view the whole pottery making process.

Check Sengkol, Sukarare and Puyung for exquisitely woven and embroidered "kebaya" head scarves and sarongs.

How to get there

There are frequent boat connections from Padanabi in eastern Bali (government run ferries). A domestic airline (Merpati) has departures 5 times daily plus you can also get direct flights from Singapore.