Lombok: Surreal travel destination in Indonesia

Lombok: A surreal travel destination in Indonesia

MF editorial team

04 Feb 2015

updated the 5 August 2017 à 01:10

Ever wondered if there could be heaven on Earth? Well, it seems like the closest we could find may just be hiding in Lombok, Indonesia. Here’s why.

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1) Climb Mount Rinjani
At almost 4,000 metres high, the awe inspiring Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia. This soaring beauty is one of the most popular destinations for travelers, on par with Mount Bromo.
Although one can view the beautiful crater lake at 2,700 metres, you will need to persevere another 1,000 metres to reach the apex.
Be mindful that the climb requires prior training and physical strength. Give yourself 3-4 days to climb if you are up for the challenge.
Photo: Wonderful Indonesia
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2) Explore Lombok
The deeper you venture into the countryside, the more fascinating Lombok becomes. Rent a motorcycle and explore Lombok both inside and out. The island has many sightseeing attractions to satisfy the inquisitive traveler.
This is a doable way to explore since public transportation is unreliable. Lombok is relatively small and can be explored within a day.

Photo: Wonderful Indonesia
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3) Discover pristine beaches
Venturing into Lombok independently will allow you to discover secluded beaches. Head down the South coast as it unravels into an endless stretch of bays and beaches. Some of them are only accessible through tiny dirt tracks.
The coastal scenery at Mawi beach, Selong Blanak or the Pink Beach has a long stretch of pristine sand too.
Photo: Wonderful Indonesia
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4) Visit the Bau Nyale festival
In February or March each year, hundreds of people flock to Lombok to catch a glimpse of the first nyale (wormlike fish) during the Bau Nyale festival. Guests can look for their own nyale during this huge fishing carnival.
During the festival, the indigenous Sasak tribe honours a mythical princess who drowned in the sea when she attempted to escape from an arranged marriage.

Photo: Lombok Lovers Forum

Lombok itself means chilli, so what more than to pay homage to its name and give yourself a taste of the heaven? The island, situated in West Nusa Tenggara province, is one of the best kept secrets of Indonesia and many are hoping that this island doesn’t lose its unique character – and turn into another tourist-flooded Bali.

The island’s real beauty lies in its rich diversity where the palm fringed beaches are strewn with white sand and the sea is filled with blue corals and marine life.

If you are not a beach person, the land boasts of its own richness with Mount Rinjani standing as majestically as yet another volcano mountain.

Since, the weather in Lombok is ideal all year round for travelling, there’s essentially no reason to skip this destination in Indonesia. Head to the gallery above for our top four things to do while in Lombok.

Roshni Kapur

This post was written with the collaboration & support of the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Air Asia offers the best connectivity to Indonesia, check out their 15 destinations here!

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Lombok: A surreal travel destination in Indonesia

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