In the centre of Lombok is Gunung Rinjani, a hot springs and an active volcano popular with mountain climbers

Much less developed than neighbouring Bali, Lombok, is also drier and without Bali’s tropical beauty or cultural charm. This island can be reached by hydrofoil from Benoa, ferry from Padangbai and plane from Denpasar, Surabaya or Singapore. Mataram, the island’s capital and home to its only airport, is noted for its beautiful weaving, rattan baskets and Hindu temples.

Buy local handicrafts at the market in Cakranegara or go directly to weaving villages such as Sukarara, 25 km south of Mataram. Handicrafts in general are a particularly good value on Lombok as the prices are almost always lower than what you will find on Bali.

Senggigi Beach is Lombok’s main tourist retreat and a good base for those who want to explore the island. In the centre of Lombok is Gunung Rinjani, a hot springs and an active volcano popular with mountain climbers. Bangko-Bangko off southwest Lombok is a legendary surf spot.

For travellers who want to get away from it all, the Gili Islands, three tiny islands off Lombok’s northwest coast, provide a great escape: no roads or cars, but just fabulous coral reefs, deserted beaches, and plenty of peace and quiet.

When to travel to Lombok

The climate of Lombok is tropical. Winters are cool and pleasant and summers are tempered by refreshing rainfalls. The days are almost 12 hours long and the average daytime temperature varies from 27 C to 32 C. the dry season lasts from May to September while the wet season extends from October through April.