Discover Indonesia beyond the crowds
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already experienced some of what Bali has to offer. Maybe you’ve surfed in Canggu, wandered the rice terraces in Ubud, or enjoyed a few sunsets in Seminyak. But what if we told you that just a short trip away lies another island — quieter, greener, wilder — that will show you a different side of Indonesia? Welcome to Lombok.
Lombok is Bali’s neighbor to the east, and although they share the same chain of islands, the vibe is refreshingly different. Where Bali buzzes, Lombok breathes. It’s a place where nature still takes the lead, where local traditions remain strong, and where you can truly slow down.
Beaches Where You’ll Hear the Ocean — Not the Crowd
One of the first things people notice about Lombok is the space. There’s just more of it. The beaches stretch wider, the cliffs feel taller, and the sunsets more personal. You won’t be fighting for towel space or trying to edit strangers out of your photos.
Head south to Tanjung Aan, where turquoise waters meet soft, white sand in a crescent-shaped bay perfect for swimming or doing absolutely nothing. Drive a little further and you’ll find Mawi, a raw and rugged beach with powerful waves and dramatic cliffs — a surfer’s dream. And for a classic postcard vibe, don’t miss Selong Belanak, where buffalo still roam the beach and locals teach beginner surf lessons in the shallows.
Each of these spots offers something rare these days: silence, space, and the sound of nature doing its thing.
Surf That’s Still About the Surf
While Bali is famous for its surf culture, it also means crowded lineups and fast-growing development. Lombok, especially the southern coastline around Kuta, still offers surf the way it used to be: raw, reliable, and beautifully unpolished.
Spots like Gerupuk, Ekas, and Mawi offer waves for all levels, with plenty of local surf schools and boat guides happy to show you around. The vibe in the water is more relaxed, more local, and more welcoming — whether you’re paddling out for your first green wave or chasing barrels.
Plus, most surf breaks are a short scooter ride (or boat ride) from the main town, so you’re never far from a session.
Nature That Still Feels Wild
Lombok is home to some of Indonesia’s most breathtaking landscapes, and unlike more tourist-saturated destinations, much of it still feels untouched. Dominating the northern skyline is Mount Rinjani, a majestic volcano that challenges hikers with multi-day treks and rewards them with otherworldly crater lakes and views above the clouds.
If mountains aren’t your thing, head inland to explore the island’s lush interior. Waterfalls like Benang Kelambu and Sendang Gile offer refreshing jungle escapes and the kind of natural beauty you won’t believe isn’t swarming with selfie sticks.
Here, the pace slows. The roads narrow. And the only soundtrack is the rustle of palms and the occasional gecko chirp.
Culture That Still Feels Real
One of the most enriching parts of traveling to Lombok is its people. The island is home to the Sasak people — a distinct ethnic group with their own traditions, language, music, and architecture. You’ll see it in the wooden houses, hear it in the music played at ceremonies, and feel it in the daily rhythm of village life.
Visit a traditional Sasak village, and you won’t find a tourist performance — you’ll find everyday life. You might be invited to try Peresean, a local stick-fighting tradition that’s both sport and ritual. Or simply chat with a local farmer about the crops he grows just down the road from your hotel.
This kind of connection is harder to find in Bali these days. In Lombok, it happens naturally.
It’s Easier to Get Here Than You Think
Despite feeling like a world apart, Lombok is surprisingly easy to reach. If you’re already in Bali, there are multiple ways to get here:
- Fast boat: Daily departures from Padang Bai (Bali) to Bangsal or Senggigi (Lombok) in under 2 hours.
- Flight: Just 30 minutes from Denpasar to Lombok International Airport (LOP).
And once you’re here, everything is close. The airport, beaches, surf, villages — all within reach.
Stay Somewhere That Feels Like a Retreat
Lombok has seen a rise in small-scale, design-conscious, eco-friendly accommodations that fit perfectly with its natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay with ocean views or a barefoot bungalow tucked into the hills, Lombok offers that rare blend of comfort and authenticity.
Boutique hotels like Reset Hotel Lombok are perfect for travelers who appreciate simple beauty, organic food, calm energy, and a deeper connection to place.
Final Words: Bali May Hook You — But Lombok Will Hold You
Bali is an incredible place. But when you’re ready for something quieter, deeper, and more natural, Lombok is waiting.
Come for the beaches. Stay for the peace. And leave feeling a little more connected — to Indonesia, to the earth, and maybe even to yourself.
