Mar 22, 2024

Don’t go here, go here: Indonesia

By

Shiona Walker

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Our don't go here, go here series shines a light on some of the world’s lesser known destinations and help you off the beaten track. 

While Bali’s beautiful beaches and verdant rice fields are worth seeing, there are over 17,500 other islands in the archipelago that is Indonesia. But have you ever considered Lombok? Despite world-class surf breaks, beaches, and biological diversity that rivals Bali’s, the similarly sized island of Lombok remains an under-the-radar destination.

How do I get there?

Getting Lombok is fairly straightforward from the main island of Bali. Take a ferry (about 2 hours) from the port of Padang Bai, or grab a quicker ferry (about one hour) from the laid-back scuba diving town of Amed. You can also fly from Denpasar Airport on several airlines, all of which will get you there in about 40 minutes.


When to visit?

The dry season runs from May to October, this is often the best time to visit. However, even in the wet season Lombok is far less rainy than Bali.

Where to stay?

There’s something for everyone on Lombok. Kuta is one of the most popular neighborhoods, surrounded by incredible views and white sandy beaches. It’s also a super popular spot for surfers . If surfing is not your cup of tea, or you’d rather spend time in a more authentic neighborhood, we recommend Mataram.

How to get around?

When it comes to getting around Lombok, we recommend traveling by ojek, these motorbike taxis are cheap and are perfect for individual travelers. Taking a bemo is another great way to travel. These are vans with an open back and bench seats along either side. This is how most locals travel and is a lot cheaper than many other forms of transport.


Community highlights

Our Get Lost community members recommended heading to the beautiful Belanak Beach, located in South Lombok as it never gets overcrowded! Join our community to share your own insights and get tips and trips for your next adventure. 

 

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