Lombok

OVERVIEW

Lombok

Lombok lies just east of Bali across the narrow Lombok Strait, yet it feels a world apart. This is Indonesia at a slower pace -- where traditional Sasak villages maintain centuries-old customs, where pristine beaches remain gloriously uncrowded, and where the towering volcano Mount Rinjani (3,726m) dominates the landscape. The island's southern coast boasts some of Indonesia's finest surf breaks and most beautiful bays, including the famous Kuta Lombok (not to be confused with Bali's Kuta), where turquoise waters meet crescent-shaped beaches backed by rolling green hills. In the northwest, the Senggigi coast offers resort-style accommodation with easy access to the Gili Islands. Lombok is rapidly emerging as a world-class destination while retaining the authentic charm that Bali has largely outgrown.

Lombok offers the natural beauty of Bali with a fraction of the crowds. Mount Rinjani is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding volcano treks, the beaches are pristine, and the authentic Sasak cultural experiences are deeply rewarding. It pairs perfectly with a Gili Islands extension.