Beach Guide: Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok Island is Bali’s little sister. It has the same flawless beaches and pounding surf, but with half as many tourists and a more laid-back feel. While western travelers have dramatically changed Balinese environment and lifestyle, Lombok’s slow-and-steady tourist trade has left most of the island completely untouched. Even the big tourist centers on the southern beaches are only a short stroll from totally deserted coves, where you’ll find nothing but sand, sea, and sun for miles around.

These days it’s fairly easy to access Lombok. Just fly into Mataram from any major Indonesian airport. Frequent taxis and buses will sweep you down to the gorgeous southern beaches. Most tourists end up in Senggigi, Lombok’s flagship resort town. Senggigi’s comfortable hotels and stylish bars attract an older crowd with a bigger budget, but even the best accommodations are dirt-cheap in the low season. Some hotels organize diving outings or snorkeling trips, but most visitors are happy to lie on the serene white sand, or watch the sun coming down over distant Bali.

Hidden Gems on Lombok’s Beaches

Kuta Beach, Lombok is not to be confused with Kuta Beach, Bali. There are certainly many similarities: both have stunning beaches and thrilling waves, and both use surfing as their main lure for tourists. But while Bali’s Kuta has become a raucous strip of bars and nightclubs, Lombok’s Kuta has remained a sleepy fishing village with a handful of simple, friendly guesthouses and a couple of surf shops. But if you’re looking for a party, Kuta’s resident surfer-dudes will be happy to oblige in any of the quirky little beach-front pubs. Although the waves here are truly world-class, the sheer beauty of this little beach makes it a great destination even for non-surfers.

Lombok’s real jaw-dropping beaches lie a little off the coast, to the north-west. The three Gili Islands are picture-perfect tropical paradises, each offering a different feel and different facilities. There are no cars, no planes, and no worries. Trawangan Island is a backpacker favorite, and boasts some cheap, friendly hostels and fun bars. Meno is even more laid-back, and is the ultimate getaway for families and couples. Air Island serves up a cocktail of stylish serenity and budget partying. The exquisite coral that skirt the Gilis makes for incredible diving and snorkeling, and there are high-quality scuba centers on each one of the islands. No trip to Indonesia is complete without a visit to these gorgeous hidden gems, the jewels in Lombok’s crown.