Introducing Lombok
Lombok is the most popular destination in Nusa Tenggara, with the fabled Gili Islands drawing visitors for action both in and out of the water, mighty Gunung Rinjani luring trekkers, and the big breaks on the south coast a magnet for surfers. Matram, Lombok's capital, is a good spot for day trips to the surrounding areas, and nearby Senggigi is superbly positioned along a stretch or sweeping bays. In east Lombok, the very scenic Sumbawa offers low key tourism and some good surf breaks.
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The island of Lombok shapes up at about 80km from east to west and about the same from north to south, with lush evergreen landscapes and parts which are chronically dry. Droughts, particularly in the south and east, can last for months, causing crop failure and famine – though recent improvements in water management have made life in Lombok less precarious.
Rice is an important crop, though yields are lower here than on neighbouring islands. Tobacco, coconuts, coffee, kapok and cotton are also important crops, while cloves, vanilla, pineapple and pepper have also been introduced.
The indigenous Sasak (around 90% of the population) are Muslims but have a culture and language unique to Lombok. There’s also a significant Hindu Balinese minority – a legacy of the time when Bali controlled Lombok.
Ready to go?
This tour makes it easy:
- Enjoy the highlights of Lombok and climb Mount Rinjani
Last updated: Feb 20, 2012
Tips & articles
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Top 25 experiences in Bali & Lombok
3 July 2011
The mere mention of ‘Bali‘ evokes thoughts of a paradise. It’s more than a place: it’s a mood, an aspiration,...
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What’s new in Bali and Lombok, 2011
15 March 2011
In this excerpt from our latest Bali & Lombok guidebook, (one of our new-look guides – check them out!) we...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Fast Boats Bali to Lombok
by fendiyeah 27 May 2012
Suranadi Express fast boat could be an option.
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Re: Is Trawangan a too full on party Island to take kids to?
by fendiyeah 27 May 2012
I've been to Gili Trawangan about five times. But I never know how the night life there, because I never spent the night there. The parties…
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RE: Fast Boats Bali to Lombok
by CndnNewbie 26 May 2012
Hi, I heard that Amed Sea Express does transfers from Lombok to Bali, but it goes to Amed I think. Not sure if they go anywhere else in…
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Lombok
Things to do
- All things to do (87)
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- Entertainment (10)
- Restaurants (37)
- Shopping (12)
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- Tours (1)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Lombok
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1 Kuta
A tranquil surfers' paradise with legendary waves and attractive accommodation
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2 Gili Islands
Sheer tropical bliss, these idyllic islands offer spectacular scuba diving
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3 Gunung Rinjani
A volcano blessed with scenic excesses including an aquamarine crater lake
Our favourite Lombok Blogs (beta)
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Mysterious Sand
Blog: ContemporaryNomad - 30 November 2011
Although Kuta’s main beach, Pantai Segar, is often overlooked due to the more beautiful white-sand beaches outside town, a closer look reveals a rather extraordinary natural phenomenon. Each tiny grain of sand looks like a hand-chiseled work of art. Sure, the perfect little spheres are pretty, but walking across them is like walking across a [...]
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The Sasak Tribe
Blog: ContemporaryNomad - 28 November 2011
Our journey across Nusa Tenggara, the island chain that stretches across central Indonesia from Lombok to Alor, should carry us through a series of different tribal groups that call the region their home. The Sasak people are the first of those tribes, and we had the opportunity to witness a bit of their life in [...]
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Beaches of Southern Lombok
Blog: ContemporaryNomad - 25 November 2011
Sane Visitors to Indonesia don’t necessarily associate the name “Kuta” with pristine nature and tranquility… or do they? Kuta in Lombok has the same name as Bali’s (in)famous tourist hub, but Kuta, Bali and Kuta, Lombok have very little in common. Although both are known for epic waves and endless beaches, Kuta Lombok lacks the [...]
