Fringed with tiny sand islands, lapped by metronomic swells, and dominated by one of Indonesia’s mightiest volcanoes, Lombok draws travelers and superlatives alike. Although developing fast, Bali’s slightly smaller neighbor pulls fewer visitors than its western sibling, despite the rugged beauty of its southwest coast. Travelers come here to hike Mt. Rinjani, party on the Gilis Islands (Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan), and try surf breaks that run from beginner-friendly to world-class. But the island’s culture and its unique brand of Islam are worth a second look, too.
Lombok is blessed with year-round surf and a milder rainy season than Bali next door, but the dry season (roughly Apr. to early Nov.) is the most popular time to visit for surfers, hikers, and sunseekers alike. The Bau Nyale Sea Worms Festival, generally held in early Feb., is a good time to visit. However, Mt. Rinjani National Park generally closes Jan. through Mar. because of rain.
As much as photographers love Lombok’s colorful cidomo horse carts, they don’t make up for the island’s lack of effective public transit. Getting here is easy enough, though. There are fast boats from Bali to the mainland and the Gilis. The airport has many domestic and some international flights. Most travelers find that taxis, local rideshare apps like GoJek, or self-driving are the easiest way to get around Lombok.
While there are vehicles on Lombok, there are not any on the Gili Islands. Bike rentals are cheap and easy: Gili Trawangan spans 6 square miles (15 square kilometers). Ride one up to Sunset Point for epic photos.
Lombok’s Hindu and Muslim traditions come together at Pura Lingsar, a unique multidenominational establishment with a temple for Hindus and another for followers of Lombok’s Wetu Telu brand of Islam. At Perang Topat the two sides “fight” an annual rice cake war.
