With stunning beaches, beautiful Mount Rinjani, and spectacular underwater views, Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara will spoil your eyes both on land and in the water. Not surprisingly, this small island has become the most popular destination in West Nusa Tenggara.
The Gilis
Lombok is known to have many dyke or small islands. Among the more than 20 dyke there, there are three of the most famous dyke, namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
Gili Trawangan is a favorite place for tourists to spend time during the day. You can relax there while sunbathing. When night falls, you can enjoy a beautiful beach atmosphere with moonlight and you also try scuba diving or go around the island by bicycle.
Gili Meno has a long stretch of white sand beach. This spot is perfect for you who want a quiet and somewhat secluded atmosphere. This destination is usually a favorite destination for couples who are on their honeymoon. There are many accommodations that you can find here, from unique bungalows to luxury resorts with beautiful natural views.
Gili Air presents a different feel from the previous two dyke. Gili Air is a place that can be used both for partying, relaxing, or alone on the beach. You can explore the beauty of this place by riding a horse carriage or swimming at the beach.
Lombok Tenang is the center of stunning beaches. There is Tanjung A’an Beach, Mawun Beach, and many more. You can play with the waves at Selong Belanak Beach, or if you like mountains, you can come to Merese Hill.
How to get to Lombok
By plane –There are daily flights from Denpasar, Bali to Mataram, Lombok, and vice versa. Lombok International Airport (LOP) is located in Tanah Awu, Central Lombok, about 30 kilometers southeast of Mataram. Airlines serving flights to Lombok include Garuda, Lion Air, Silk Air, and Transnusa.
By Ferry – Ferries with the Padang Bai (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok) routes operate several times a day. It takes about 4-5 hours. It cost you IDR 46.000 for adults and IDR 29.000 for kids
By Fast Boat – There are two departure points in Bali, namely Serangan (close to Benoa Harbor) and Padang Bai Harbor. This trip can be reached from Padang Bai Bali by fast boat to Lombok in about 2 hours, while the return trip from Lombok to Bali only takes 1.5 hours. Of course, if you decided to take the Fast boat, it cost you much more than Ferry. Ticket prices start from IDR 190.000 until IDR 700.000 for a one-way ticket.
The Bali-Lombok fast boat and ferry fare information above was obtained from various sources. You need to remember that the ticket prices for the Bali-Lombok crossing by ferry or fast boat may change at any time without prior notice.
To get around in Lombok
You can rent a motorbike or car from a trusted rental place. There is a bemo public transportation that can take you to several tourist destinations. But unfortunately, the bemo only operates during the day. But don’t worry, at night, there will be many motorcycle taxis. If you choose to use a motorcycle taxi service, make sure you are smart to bargain, okay? Another unique form of transportation is the cidomo (cikar-dokar-motor) which can carry approximately 4 people and can be found on Senggigi Beach or on the Gilis.
Lombok souvenirs
There are many typical Lombok souvenirs that you can make as souvenirs. What about the most famous souvenirs from Lombok besides the worldwide Sasak weaving? Well, if you visit Lombok, make sure you stop by the tourist villages that produce Sasak weaving, such as Sade Village, Sukarara Village, and Ende Village. Besides being able to see, learn, and buy woven fabrics that are known to be beautiful, at several locations in these three villages you can also take pictures using traditional Lombok fabrics, you know!
Besides weaving, there are several handicrafts that you can make as souvenirs for your loved ones. Call it a few of them, woven ketak made of wild plants by Beleka Village and clay crafts, such as braziers, cauldrons, jars, and jars of thieves that you can easily find in the Banyumulek area, West Lombok.