Highlights
Beaches
Offering a true island paradise in the Indian Ocean, Lombok’s beaches are difficult to match in their breathtaking beauty. Picture powdery white sand that stretches out towards the transparent, aquamarine-coloured water – perfect for soaking up the island sunshine or cooling off in the waves. Surf fanatics will be in heaven as they take to Lombok’s famed, world-class surf breaks, whilst an unforgettable snorkel or scuba-diving excursion will provide a mesmerising encounter with the colourful marine life that swims among the stunning coral reef that surrounds the island.
Temples
In contrast to Bali, the majority of Lombok’s population is Muslim, resulting in active mosques standing among the existing intricate temples from the island’s long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence from Java and Bali. The holiest temple compound in Lombok, Pura Lingsar, built in 1714 and nestled among lush rice fields, actually caters for both denominations – housing a temple for Balinese Hindus and one for followers of the island’s take on Islam. The largest Hindu temple, Pura Meru, is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, whilst Pura Batu Bolong is particularly worth visiting at sunset.
The Gili Islands
Just a short – and scenic – boat ride from lovely Lombok stand the utterly stunning, tiny desert islands: the Gilis. A vision of tropical paradise, each of the three islands is fringed by dazzlingly white sand and surrounded by teeming, pristine tropical reefs in crystalline, turquoise-coloured water. Now extremely popular and boasting a selection of chic restaurants, exclusive bars and lavish mosques, the islets have still managed to maintain their tranquil appeal and sense of remoteness, due to the continued absence of motor vehicles.
Volcanoes
Boasting an utterly mesmerising landscape and dramatic topography, Lombok is home to Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano, Mount Rinjani, standing at a striking 3,726 metres. With a spectacular peak and a summit housing hot springs and a shimmering crater lake, the active volcano is sacred to Hindus and Sasaks, an important pilgrimage site at which visitors leave offerings for the gods and spirits. One of a trinity of sacred peaks in the eyes of the Balinese, the other two are Bali’s Agung and Java’s Bromo mountains.