Lombok Indonesia – 8 Ideas on What to Do on the Island

Indonesia is, of course, suited to the adventurous traveller. Far from the cobbled streets of Rome, the Indonesian landscape is characterised by a thick, rugged and verdant countryside. The hills are dotted with waterfalls and volcanoes. The hills are actually dotted with the best waterfalls and volcanoes that you’ve ever seen. Step aside Yosemite Falls!

1. Check the island’s waterfalls

Air Terjun Tiu Kelep (air terjun means waterfall) was the most special of all the waterfalls that we were lucky enough to see in Lombok. The experience is practically a spiritual one. It is a stark reminder of the immensity of the planet, of how miniscule you are, and how brilliant this thing we call life is. The waterfall’s majesty exceeds the grasp of even the best story teller and must be experienced in order to understand. We cannot suggest going here enough. The waterfall is in the northerly parts of the island is a town called Bayan. It is not too far away from Mt. Rinjani and there are many trekking clubs offering to take you to the top. There are several accommodations in the small town to rest at between your inevitable multiple trips to the waterfall.

Another waterfall just minutes away from Tiu Kelep is Sendang Gile. The waterfall is absolutely massive and makes the human at the bottom gawk up at the tops of its tumbling water. Both of these waterfalls can be visited in the same journey as they are on the same path! Sometimes life is exactly what you want it to be.

2. Climb Mt. Rinjani

Once you’re done frolicking in the waterfalls, you’d be wise to undertake the journey to the summit of Mt. Rinjani. It isn’t the easiest hike in the world and will definitely have you questioning your motivation at some point toward the 3726 meter high summit. All of the questioning and all of the steps are entirely worth what awaits you. The view from the top and the feeling in your heart is one that money can’t buy. Come prepared for this hike. You’ll need a bunch of gear to keep you warm as well as some specialised trekking equipment.

3. Massages, anyone?

Local Sasak women offer massages pretty much all over the island. You’ll find them on beaches and in the main touristic areas of the island. The massages are often really simple, and have nothing but the massage on offer. No flowers in your hair, no coconut water to sip on. In some ways, this is so great. The masseuse’s skill is a by-product of their cultural heritage more than it is about any training that they have done. This makes the experience one of great relaxation, and if you stop to think about it, cultural appreciation! Massages are regularly pretty cheap, and won’t you back much more than 100, 000 IDR.

4. Add some beach bumming

If you don’t want the good times to end, then grab your towel, sunscreen and book and make your way to Selong Belanak Beach. The beach is located in the south of the island and is truly world-class. Far off peaks frame your view while azure blue waters sparkle at your feet. Picture perfect stuff. Grab a coconut from one of the venders that are right on the beach front and proceed to be the envy of the rest of us. The beach is moderately busy, but is significantly less populated than the likes of Bali beaches. In between chapters of your book or application of your sunscreen, head down to the surf shops just off the beachfront and hire a surfboard. The waves are small and the conditions are perfect for any beginner. No sharks, no worries. If this beach doesn’t do it for you, check out Tangsi Beach, known as Pink Beach by the locals, for a good bit of snorkelling.

5. And some idyllic tropical island experience

If you’re searching for the most deserted beach, the most idyllic of all tropical scenes, then thank the heavens that you have just found out about Gili Kedis. It is a tiny, tiny island a couple of minutes away from Gili Sudak. The island takes no longer than two minutes to walk across. It makes for some spectacular photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera along. If you haven’t got a drone, this may be reason enough to get one for your trip. Speaking of photo opportunities, a trek around Tanjung Ringgit in the south of the island will be rewarded by sweeping views of the coastline that are, of course, surreal. The ever present Mt. Rinjani will grace your photo permanently.

6. Learn to cook local food

Lombok and the Gili islands are well known for their cooking classes. There are many companies that offer a course at some or other price, offering different levels of service. Before you commit to any of them, it’s in your best interest do some scouting around first. The services vary from including welcome drinks and photos of you in action to eating off plastic plates and the chef constantly forgetting your name. Of course, the price of these services will differ. We found that Aggrek Putih, a cooking class in Senggigi, was a good compromise between the quality and affordability. The price per person here is 350, 000 IDR and includes all the good stuff you’re expecting to get from this experience. The best spot that we found on the Gili islands was called Gili Cooking Classes. They offer brilliant courses at a really great rate. Their chefs are knowledgeable and are great with people – even kids! The price per head here was 290, 000 IDR.

7. Explore the underwater world

As you are in smack bang in the middle of paradise, there are ample opportunities to do some snorkelling. The ever popular Gili islands provide many opportunities for both snorkelling and diving trips. Most companies offer day tours along scheduled routes. Unfortunately, you’ll have to contend with other people floating around in bright orange life-jackets. However, the Sekotong Island Chain has some incredible snorkelling opportunities in bright coral reefs with far less people along for the ride. You can visit the islands on a day tour from Lombok.

There are a good few opportunities to get involved with the marine life around Lombok Island, too. Whether you want to snorkel with small fish and wash them swim past your goggles, scuba dive with turtles, or sit above the waves with a rod in your hand, you can get involved with it all!

8. Go biking!

Those looking to see some of the islands more discrete parts while having a bit of fun will really enjoy the many bike trips they could do. The choice of which one to do isn’t easy. There are usually at least six different rides on offer from biking companies. Go uphill, go downhill, go through the countryside or go through a winding mountain path, stop by temples or stop by plantations. You can even go on a trail to visit a lesser known waterfall that is hidden away (Gangga waterfall). This was maybe our favourite of all, but each person is bound to enjoy a different one. The biking trips are not especially cheap and can cost up to 1,000,000 IDR. The fee will cover any entrance fee and will have you sorted for drinks on your trip. The rest will be up to you.