Uncover | Lombok and Sumbawa, Indonesia
Bali is known as the island of a thousand temples while Lombok is known as the island of a thousand mosques—but in actuality, there are more than 8,000 mosques dotted all over this island.
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Lombok is the island to the right of Bali and it is a completely different vibe. Most tourists bop over to the Gili Islands just off the Northwest coast of Lombok; and with Kuta, Lombok really finding its footing in the surfer’s lexicon recently, more people are flocking to the area just south of the airport to “escape the chaos” of Bali’s surf scene.
The Wallace Line runs in between Bali and Lombok and that is one of the reasons why Lombok and Bali are so different when it comes to landscapes and weather. This invisible line is the reason why there is a brown season and a green season in Lombok and all the islands to the east of it.
As per usual, we like to stay away from what is trending on socials and we do things differently. Explore more of the essence of Lombok below, away from mass international tourism.
The Foothills of Rinjani
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Tetebatu is an ideal base for a slow weekend of nature and culture. Trek through rice fields, chase hidden waterfalls, and connect with the traditions of the Sasak people. This peaceful village offers an alternative route to Rinjani Crater Rim—however, no access to the lake, just a beautiful sunrise.
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If climbing Mount Rinjani feels like a bit too much, Pergasingan Hill is your beautiful alternative. It’s a steep but rewarding one-hour hike with sweeping views of the valley and rice field patchworks in all stages of growth. You can even camp overnight to catch both sunset and sunrise—an easy way to dip your toes into camping while still feeling supported.
Rinjani
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Sembalun is the route people take to the summit. However based on years of experience and stories from our trekking guides, we’ve found that the summit is over-populated with trekkers and even when people do reach the summit, the chance of catching a clear sunrise is about 50/50.
For safety reasons, and to combat overtourism, we do not advise or organise this route as we do not want to contribute to the trash and poo problem.
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For those who prefer to hike for the beauty of it rather than the bragging rights, we recommend our favourite route: starting in Senaru, hiking down to the crater lake, and finishing via the Torean Trail. It’s the most scenic and most peaceful route—and it allowed you to truly slow down and absorb the magic of the mountain.
This can be done in 3D2N or to spend more time lakeside, 4D3N.
The Other Gilis
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If you are exploring Lombok Island in its entirety, the best way is to turn travel days into tour days with a stopover to the lesser known Gilis. Spend the day exploring mangroves, snorkelling and walking on sandbank island only accessible at lowtide.
Ever dream of having an island to yourself, we can also make that happen. Camp overnight and share stories around a bonfire, eating freshly caught BBQ fish for dinner. -
If you are looking somewhere to take in the beauty, slow down, and just relax, Gili Asahan has to be on the top of your list.
Recuperate at this eco lodge with options to snorkel, run around with wild horses, and standup paddle board.
Ocean Activities
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If you’re looking for an uncrowded place to learn how to dive, improve your buoyancy, or explore pristine, newly discovered underwater sites—Alas Strait is your spot.
This stretch of sea between Lombok and Sumbawa is thriving with life: healthy coral, caverns, macro critters, crystal clear water and even the occasional pelagic like mantas. Alas Strait is diverse and healthy.Best of all? You’ll likely have the entire reef to yourself.
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Escape the crowds and head West towards Selong Belanak, where white sand meets beginner-friendly waves.
This stretch of coast offers perfect beach breaks for learning how to surf—with mellow swell and local surf guides who know exactly when and where to go. The more advanced breaks are just a short scooter ride away and monsoon season is often the best time to surf these breaks.
Sumbawa Island
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Moyo is a magical stop over point as you journey across Sumbawa island. A true castaway experience. Explore forgotten waterfalls, the pristine jungles of Moyo Island, and relax on secluded beaches you’ll often have to yourself.
It’s not easy to get to—and that’s part of the charm.
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The presence of whalesharks in Saleh Bay was only recently confirmed by Conservation International as they tracked a few tagged individuals through the area.
Start your journey at 3am in an open top boat. It is one of the best stargazing opportunities of all time. As the sunrise, guides work with the fisherman to find the sharks.
This is a symbiotic relationship. As tourism grows here, so must our commitment to doing it right.
Sustainability is not a straight line—but it always starts with respect.
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Shhhh…this one’s a secret worth keeping. If you’re hoping to escape the Komodo crowds, head to the Western edge of the National Park.
Here lies one of Indonesia’s best-kept dive resorts—with a house reef right on your doorstep for muckdiving enthusiast and unlimited self-guided shore dives.
It is a bit of a journey, so it is best to stay for at least a week to dive all the further dive sites like Sangeang and Banta Islands. Slow down, become one with water, and stay offline to return back to normal life refreshed.
Travel and logistics Need to Know:
Lombok has a little bit of everything to offer anyone from adventure newbies to those seeking a challenge. Different times of the year offer different activities. If you are based in Singapore, with direct flights to Lombok, you can easily spend 5 (long) weekends exploring each of the different parts of Lombok OR just do it all in 2 weeks or more.
Our favourite months for travelling in Lombok are:
mid-March to mid-June (green season)
February and March (for Surf)
September and October (for Rinjani)
And it is advised to check when Ramadan and Lebaran fall each year, and best to avoid it as there is a mass influx of local tourism making everything feel a little bit busier.
July and August are the windiest and coldest month, not ideal for surfing or diving.
We are currently working on infographics for each of our Uncover posts, please come back soon for more information.
