The Indonesian island of Lombok is often referred to as “the next Bali”. Lombok and Bali are separated by the Lombok Strait to the west, while to the east Sumbawa are separated by the Alas Strait. stunning beaches, the beautiful Mount Rinjani, and spectacular underwater views, Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara is the most recommended destination for you. For tourists who like adventure, you can climb the volcano with a steep track or rent a motorbike and then go around across the green expanse of rice fields.
The Sasak dominates this Lombok island. They live in five regions, including North Lombok, Central Lombok, East Lombok, West Lombok, and Mataram City which is the capital of West Nusa Tenggara.
Explore spectacular beaches
Lombok is known to have many Gili or small islands. There are more than 20 small islands there, and the three most famous islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan or Gili T is a favorite place for tourists to spend time during the day. You can relax while sunbathing. When night falls, you can enjoy the beautiful beach lit by the moonlight. You can 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 ambiance. Gili Air presents a different feel from the two previous Gilis. Gili Air is a place for both partying, relaxing, and alone on the beach. Next, Lombok Tenang is the center of stunning beaches; including Kuta Beach, Tanjung A’ang Beach, Mawun Beach, and many more. You can play with the waves at Selong Belanak Beach, or if you like the mountains, please come to Merese Hill.
Crossing to Sumbawa Island via the harbor in East Lombok, you will be presented with a variety of amazing sights, such as the amazing “Obel-Obel” black sand beach. In West Lombok, you can relax on Senggigi Beach and meet wild animals in the Pusuk Monkey Forest which is located on the border between West and North Lombok.
Shifting to the city, there is Mataram as the center of government and industry. This city includes the old city of Ampenan, Cakranegara as a commercial area, and Mataram as an office center. Also take time to visit West Nusa Tenggara Museum, Kabun Mayura, and Narmada Park to find interesting stories related to Lombok.
Meanwhile for the adventurous, please explore the south coast. For example, Tangsi Beach ‘Pink’ is very famous because it has beautiful corals and a slightly reddish. Follow the challenging track to Senaru Waterfall and Yarn Kelambu Waterfall.
Around Lombok
To get around Lombok by land, you can rent a motorbike or car from a trusted rental place. There is memo public transportation that can take you to several tourist destinations.
How to go to Lombok?
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.
MANDALIKA
Pieces of Cultural and Natural Heaven
Not only is the world-class Mandalika Circuit the icon of Mandalika (Central Lombok), but this area with beautiful woven fabrics offers dozens of other destinations that will amaze you. Mandalika has many interesting and gorgeous spots that will make your holiday so memorable. Start from the most popular beaches: Seger Beach, Serenting Beach, Mawi Beach, Kuta Mandalika Beach, and Tanjung Aang Beach. Meanwhile, to explore the traditional village, try to visit Sade Village and Ende Village to see the process of Songket woven cloth, the local traditions, and super interesting traditional dances.
There is a famous Mandalika cultural festival You will be able to see the Princess Mandalika monument at Seger Beach.
How to go to Mandalika
There are several ways to get to Mandalika, including by sea and air, and generally from Lombok. If you are from outside Lombok, you must land at Lombok Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport. This airport is about 27 km away and takes a 1-hour drive to get to Mandalika.
If you’re from Bali, you can cross using the available ferry from Padangbai Harbor -which is about 60 km- to Lembar Harbor, Lombok. From Lembar Harbor, you will spend about 45 minutes or 22 km to get to Mandalika.