Insider’s Guide: Secret Sanctuary Away from Bali’s Bustle

① Indonesian Vacation Spots

Indonesia is a vacation destination loved by travelers worldwide. Bali is a famous Indonesian destination that many tourists frequently visit. Apart from Bali, Indonesia is home to numerous beautiful island destinations.

If you have visited Bali before or are looking for a quiet vacation spot, I recommend heading to Lombok.
Lombok offers a different atmosphere from Bali. To the west of Lombok is Bali Island, and to the east is Sumbawa Island. It began to gain attention when filming took place on Gili Islands, which belongs to Lombok.

To get to Lombok, you must go through Bali. You can either fly to Lombok International Airport from Bali or take a fast boat. The flight takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. The fast boat takes about 2 hours to 2 hours and 45 minutes.

② How to Relax in Lombok

Lombok is entirely made up of emerald-colored beaches. If you visit Lombok, you cannot miss spending time at the beach. In the northwest of Lombok, there are three small islands.

This place is Gili Islands and is loved by divers. It was selected as “Places to Visit Before You Die” by BBC.
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air boast pristine natural environments.

The Gili Islands are characterized by their crystal-clear waters. While touring the three islands, you can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the transparent sea. When traveling to the Gili Islands, it is recommended to use day tour products.

If you are traveling in Lombok, you cannot miss surfing. For those who love surfing, Kuta Beach is like heaven. Kuta Beach is a famous southern beach that surfers love. It’s an excellent place for swimming and is frequented by many beachgoers.

Kuta Beach in Lombok is much quieter than Bali. It’s a hidden surfing spot known only to those in the know. Here, you can enjoy leisure time surfing and swimming.

Gerupuk is also known as an excellent place for surfing. You can take affordable surfing lessons locally if you’re new to surfing. Selong Belanak Beach is a beautiful place for beginners to visit.

③ Must-Visit Places During Your Trip

Lombok has a pristine natural environment compared to Bali. Here, you can get a closer look at Lombok’s daily life and enjoy a true local travel experience.

Lombok is divided into five major areas. In North Lombok, you can climb Mount Rinjani and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise. Rinja means stairs and “Ni” means heaven, so “Rinjani” is “Stairs to Heaven.”
Mount Rinjani is the second-highest mountain in Indonesia at 3,726 meters above sea level and is the highest volcano. It’s a famous landmark among professional mountaineers in Indonesia.

Although climbing can be challenging, once you reach the top of the volcano, you will encounter unforgettable views. In the volcano’s center is Lake Segara Anak, which is 160 meters deep. In the middle of it is a small parasitic volcano called “Barujari.” It’s a famous landmark in Lombok and people often use professional tour products to climb it.

Lombok has a special beach. It’s called “Tangsi Beach,” also known as Lombok Pink Beach. This place, where you can see a pink beach, is also popular among locals.

It’s known for having one of the few pink beaches in the world. Tangsi Beach turns pink due to the mixture of coral and shell residues with white sand. At sunset, the sky and sea turn entirely pink.

You can also see Pasir Island, a sand island visible only at low tide. It feels like it’s floating in the middle of the sea. Next to Pink Beach is Gili Petel, where you can spend time snorkeling in the clear sea.