Hunting stunts
Everyone we spoke to in Lombok asked us if we had ever seen a waterfall. The locals are incredibly proud of themselves and it’s easy to see why. Not only are Lombok’s waterfalls much less crowded than Bali’s, but they are also breathtakingly beautiful, set amid rugged, untouched landscapes.
There really is no other waterfall in Lombok – or neighboring Bali – like Mosquito net wire. Nestled in the rainforest of central Lombok, this enchanting spot features delicate streams of water gently pouring over layers of ferns, creating a soft curtain-like effect (“kelambu” means mosquito net in Indonesian). You can swim in the base pools, but note that swimsuits are not allowed, so bring something to cover up and don’t worry about getting wet.
The hike to Kelambu passes three other waterfalls – Stokel, Sesere and Kilwun – and hiring a local guide is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any along the way.
Many other waterfalls are hidden in the foothills of Mount Rinjani and deep in the jungle, but don’t worry: local drivers know exactly where to go and are always happy to show you ‘just one more’.
Dive with turtles at Nipah Beach
Nipah Beach is a peaceful crescent of golden sand on the northwest coast of Lombok. It’s lined with beachside stalls serving freshly grilled seafood, with tables and chairs scattered across the sand, and even a few swings (which my youngest daughter loved). The beach has a wonderfully authentic atmosphere and is certainly not overly commercialized.
You can throw your towel anywhere along the shore (there’s plenty of space) or grab a drink and something to eat at one of the local warungs. The sea is calm and shallow, making it a great place for swimming or for children to paddle. The best part, however, is that you don’t have to swim very far to spot turtles feeding around the reef to the left of the bay.
Surf
I had my very first surf lesson in Lombok on Senggigi Beach and I quickly established that I am not a natural surfer. My girls, however, loved it and loved seeing me fall even more. There are many options for surfers of all levels in Lombok, from beginners (like me) to seasoned professionals. Tanjung Ona beach near Kuta in the south, offers waves suitable for all abilities and is located in a beautiful bay with a beautiful stretch of golden sand.
For beginners, go to According to Belanakwhich has gentle beach breaks and a soft sandy bottom. Beautiful is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers, known for its constant swells in the dry season, while experts head for Desert Pointfamous for its world-class challenging waves and long rides.
Hike Mount Rinjani
Escalation Mount Rinjanithe second highest volcano in Indonesia, is not for the faint-hearted. Most hikers approach Rinjani over two or three days, from Sembalun Or Senaru. Expect steep climbs, slippery volcanic sand, and long, arduous 10-12 hour days on the trail. If you hire a local guide (highly recommended), they will carry supplies, prepare hearty meals, and share invaluable knowledge of the mountain.
However, watching the sunrise over the turquoise crater lake and steaming hot springs of Rinjani is pure magic. It’s definitely worth the trip: just make sure you’re well prepared with sturdy boots, warm layers and lots of determination.
Visit a Sasak village
A visit to a traditional village Sasak Village is a must-see if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Lombok. The indigenous Sasak people make up the majority of the island’s population and explore villages like Sadistic Or Hamlet of Sasak offers a fascinating insight into their way of life.
You can wander through thatched bamboo houses, watch women hand-weave colorful textiles, and learn about customs such as communal living and natural herbal remedies. Most tours are donation based (around £5) and can easily be combined with visits to nearby beaches for a half day trip. The guides are friendly and full of local stories, often sharing a cup of home-grown coffee or traditional snacks along the way.
Meet the monkeys
The hillsides of Lombok are the ideal place to observe monkeys. We’ve been on a journey since Senggigi along Pusuk Pass (affectionately nicknamed Monkey Hill). The scenery was beautiful as we climbed the hills and my daughters loved spotting monkeys along the way. We made a quick stop at a cafe where we bought some nuts to feed the monkeys while enjoying a refreshing drink.
We were pretty much the only ones there and the staff kindly helped us feed the monkeys, which my youngest daughter really loved. Just make sure you hold your phone and sunglasses; They’re not as brazen as the monkeys in Bali’s Monkey Forest, but it’s best not to take any chances.
Board a boat to the Gili Islands
From Senggigithe most famous Gili Islands are only 15 minutes away by speedboat, making them an ideal day trip. Our favorite was Gili Airwhich is full of restaurants and cafes to stop at, beautiful white sand beaches and the chance to snorkel with turtles just a few hundred meters from the shore.
There are no cars on the Gili Islands, but they are small enough to cover the coastal path in about an hour to an hour and a half. If you prefer, you can rent a bike for around 50,000 IDR (just over £2) for the whole day. We loved getting on and off our bikes to explore different parts of the island.
The three main Gilis—Gili Trawangan, Gili AirAnd Gili Meno…are not the only ones. In Indonesian, gili simply means “small island”, so you’ll find many others scattered along the coast, such as Gili Asahan Or Gili Gédé off the southwest shore. Infrastructure on these lesser-known islands is more limited, so be sure to take some cash and prepare to enjoy their raw natural beauty.
Why we love Lombok
We love Lombok because it feels like we’re discovering Bali before the crowds arrive. The island has a calm and tranquil charm: untouched beaches, volcanic peaks and very friendly people. It’s authentic, peaceful and naturally beautiful: everything we love about unhurried island life.
