Lombok Island

Come and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself… like thousands of others, you'll be enhanced!

Everyone knows Bali… the « island of the Gods », however, few people know Bali's sister, Lombok, which lies just 25 minutes across the sea to the east.

Lombok is rapidly emerging as the new destination and a haven for those seeking the unspoilt beauty of the "Bali of old". Indeed, many people refer to Lombok as "Bali, 20 years ago". Although, Lombok has long been a favourite with European travellers, it is only now emerging as a holiday destination internationally, and is still a relatively undeveloped and unspoiled island.

The island of Lombok, at around 5,300sq km, is almost as large Bali and, like her famous sister, has a wide range of attractions and activities for all types of travellers.

All around the coastline, the beaches are exceptionally clean, with unpolluted waters bordered by large stretches of sand, usually fringed with coconut palms. Drive almost anywhere and you can be assured of your own personal deserted beach.

Senggigi

Senggigi is a resort area on the Lombok mainland on the way from Lombok's international airport to the Gili islands – or vice versa.

Senggigi developed before 3 Gilis and today is the centre of international tourism along Lombok's incredibly beautiful North West coast

Most of the long and winding coast consists of bays often overlooked by green and forested hills. Coastal plains are extensively farmed and dotted with the villages of farmers and fishermen, whose bats you can see almost everywhere pulled up on the beaches or in the early morning under their colourful triangular sails fishing offshore.

Gili Island

Gili Island

Three perfect coral islands, fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. For many years the Gili have attracted visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkeling opportunities, and laid-back charm. The Gili now attract a diverse range of visitors-serious diving enthusiasts, sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach gateway, singles, families, and couples of all ages find something to attract them to the Gili. There are no cars or a motorbike on the islands, apart walking, is by horse and cart (locally called Cidomo) or bicycle.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan combines a classical 'desert island' experience with comfortable accommodation to suite all budgets, good food and plenty opportunities to socialize. Gili T. is the most developed and popular of the three islands. All is in a magical world of sun, sand, sea and the brilliantly coloured underwater world. It's a long coral island running from the north to south.

Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the middle and the smallest of the three islands, with the lowest population. It has its own special tranquil style. To swim with the turtles, these huge creatures with a breathtaking dignity and grace, is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all. Visitors to Gili Meno largely come for romantic escapes and a chance to rejuvenate in the natural beauty of the island's deserted beaches.

Gili Air

Gili Air has the largest local population of the three islands, combining the charm of a tropical island with access to the people and culture that make Lombok unique. However, with some believing that Gili T. is becoming over-developed, Gili Air is now taking off as an alternative destination.

Destination Info

Climate

Laying just eight degrees south of the equator, Lombok's climate is warm and tropical, with each day having around 12 hours of sunlight.

Dry season is from May until October, with little rain during these months. The Moonsoon season lasts from around November through to April, although rain does not fall every day, and does not usually last all day when it does rain.

Lombok is generally drier than Bali, with warm days and fresh ocean breezes in the afternoon to cool things off. Temperatures range between 22°C to 34°C, with an average temperature of around 28°C (83°F).

Peak Seasons

High seasons in Lombok are during the European summer holidays (July to mid-September) and Christmas and New Year (December and January). Other peak times include major holidays such as Easter, Nyepi Bali, Idul Fitri, and school holidays. During peak seasons, many of the hotels have high occupancy and you should expect to pay peak rates for accommodation, tour, car hire, etc.

Time

Lombok is on "Central Indonesian Time", which is 8 hours ahead of GMT. The country does not have daylight saving.

Visas and Taxes

Bandara International Airport, central of Lombok, issues Visa on Arrival (VOA) at its international terminal with a minimum of fuss. Cost is US$ 25 and the 30 day tourist visa can be extended for a further 30 days, giving a total of 60 days. Domestic departure tax (from Lombok to Bali) is Rp30 000 or, from Bali, Rp40 000; international departure tax is Rp100 000 per person.

Temperature of Bali, Lombok, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno & Gili Air (+3°C to Lombok & Gili)

Getting Here

To Lombok by Plane

Lombok have a new International Airport now (Bandara International Lombok), located in Tanah Awu central Lombok. Here the domestic and International airlines serve in Lombok :

• Garuda Indonesia
• Lion Air
• Merpati Airline
• Wings Air
• Trigana
• Singapore Airlines

To Lombok / Gili by Sea

Departure from Benoa, Padang Bai, Amed Arrival to Gili Trawangan

• Marina Srikandi
• Island Gateway
• Scoot
• Blue Water Express
• Gili Cat