There is something special about a place before everybody has been there. Like a secret that only you know — especially when that secret is beautiful, untamed, and adventurous.
Lombok Island is a relatively small island east of Bali surrounded with many islets called “Gili”. Despite being small and less-developed than Bali (its next-door neighbor), Lombok offers more beaches — scenic and secluded, nature adventure and unique culture. Also, I have to admit, it has very smooth roads and much, much less traffic, compared to its neighbors Bali and Java. It seemed that the government is seriously trying to do a better job planning the infrastructure in Lombok. This recent dedication to roads may be partially because of the the upcoming Mandalika, a MotoGP circuit motorcycle race that is planned to start in 2021–two more years to go until the inaugural event, fingers crossed!
With its nature highlights, Lombok Island could have the future to be the next Bali – Tropical Travel Destination. I visited this island for couple a days and I did not want to leave.
Beaches
With about 35 small islets and the main island’s topography, it is possible for you to spot hidden or secluded beaches. Below are some of my favorites.
Tanjung Aan Beach
Is situated in southern Lombok island approx. 30 minutes from Kuta beach. The beach has relatively small waves and looks more like a gulf (horseshoe-shaped), good for swimming or snorkeling.
If sun-bathing is not your thing, you can try to take a boat and venture to Batu Payung and Merese Hill just couple minutes from the beach.
- Bukit Merese
It is a hill at far right corner of the beach, you need to do quite a hike to be on the top to catch the beautiful scenery of sunset. It is not impossible to walk to reach there from the beach which is I recommend. I took a boat and walked through on beautiful corals, which is not really fun.
- Batu Payung
Local people named this destination because of its shape, like an umbrella thus the name Batu Payung (Umbrella Stone). It’s surrounded by cliffs and coral beach with monkeys (actual monkeys) who leer at you as you walk by.
The beach has lots of green moss which is quite slippery and sea animals are lurking under the coral.
If a long (very) white sandy beach, gorgeous view, turquoise water and quiet are on your list of requirements for ideal beach to visit, then this should be on your list of beaches to visit.
Mawun Beach
A beautiful ‘hidden’ beach, located in a small cove on the southern-west coastline (our tour driver recommended this beach for intermediate or advanced surfers). Remote, between scenic hills at both ends of the bay. Some parts of the beach are great for swimming too but, just remember there will not be any lifeguard around and I think the waves are pretty rough (note: I am not a good swimmer). You can savor the fresh coconut water right from the fruit and spoon the coconut meat with its skin. Very primal.
For great views at sunset, you can try climbing up the surrounding hills for a sweeping view over the cove.
Tampah Beach
Talking about remote and hidden, Tampah Beach will fit into this category. Thanks to our local rental car driver, he showed us this gem. Located about 30 minutes west of Mawun Beach through rough small road. It has basic tourist facilities including a small warung with food and cold drinks, a public toilet and rattan sun loungers for rent.
Always turquoise water, so serene and beautiful you won’t want to leave.
Pink Beach
So, beautiful right?! The sand is really Pink (or at least pale pink)! They said it is because of red algae that live near the beach.
Lombok’s Pink Beach is in the south-eastern district of Jerowaru, and is about a two-hour drive from the island’s capital of Mataram. Too bad there are no sport rentals around here, but you can swim and if you bring your own equipment you can snorkel, kayak or paddle board. No matter what you do, remember to bring your sunblock, goggles and a towel!
Sade Sasak Village
Sasak village in central Lombok is the place you can get up close with well-preserved Sasak culture. Sade is also famous for its local weaving and textiles, especially a form of tie-dyed ‘ikat’ cloth, normally with bright color and beautiful motifs. And you can get it customized with your name. Other highlights here include regular traditional dance and music performances, particularly an ensemble that plays the local drum known as ‘gendang beleq’. Sade is around a 30 km drive northeast of Mataram.
How to get to Lombok island:
Domestic: by flight from major domestic International airport like Bali or Jakarta (or in our case from Surabaya International Airport) and by ferry from Bali island.
International: there is no direct International flight to Lombok at the moment, transit in Bali, Jakarta or Surabaya.
Getting around Lombok island:
Rent a scooter or car and explore by yourself or get a tour by renting a car and hiring a local driver to show you around.
Where to stay:
It varies depending on you budget and preference but if you want the opportunity to feel what it’s like to sleep in one of the Lombok’s traditional houses, you may consider to stay in Marta’s Window. Relatively affordable and comfortable. Quite worth the experience!
Where to eat:
One of Lombok Traditional cuisine is Ayam Taliwang, you can get the same taste anywhere in Indonesia. So, it’s a must try when you are visiting Lombok. It is basically Spicy Grilled Chicken. And, I recommend that you stop by Keker Restaurant for its traditional yet famously delicious Ayam Taliwang. Dine in with view and weaving experience!
Location: Penujak, West Praya, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83572, Indonesia
Lombok island is on the path of becoming the next Bali – Tropical Travel Destination. So, if you are still looking for a beautiful escape with virgin “hidden” beaches, Lombok island could be a solution for your next trip. Explore more and perhaps update me with your own found “hidden” beach.
Check out our trip to Seychelles here.
#exploring #staygrateful #tropicalbeaches
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