What to do in Lombok?

Lombok means Chili pepper, but I never saw them cultivating it. Lombok is not quite the same as Bali. Most people are Muslim, there are almost no offerings to the gods and there isn’t a temple in every house. I also found Lombok dirtier than Bali, which I didn’t expect. This may be due to the fact we’ve visited Bali in the early stage of high season.

1) Senaru

The boat ride from Gili Meno to Lombok lasted 10 minutes. Once again we got ourselves a private driver from Travel bird. We immediately departed to Mount Rinjani to visit the Sindang Gila Waterfall (right) and the Tiu Kelep waterfall (left). The first one you’ll encounter on your climb down is the Sindang Gila waterfall where water is poured from 50m high. If you walk down the jungle and cross several rivers, you’ll end up at the Tiu Kelep waterfall. This waterfall contains a bathing pool where you can swim.

Warning: Don’t swim to close to the waterfall. The stream is so powerful that you will be pushed underwater and chances are that you can drown. So be careful.

Tip: You can join a 2-day excursion, climbing mount Rinjani

Sindang Gila waterfall in Senaru, Lombok

2) Sukarara

Sukarara is a weaving village in Lombok and is also the hometown of our driver. The weaving village is known to weave the Songket (special fabric). You’ll get to see the weavers in action and you’ll be able to buy a sarong or a scarf at the local shop.

3) Penujak

Penujak is one of the three oldest traditional pottery villages in Lombok. When visiting the local pottery shop, you’ll first get a glimpse of all the crafts that can be bought. If you take a look in the backyard, there is the possibility to craft your own pottery. I chose to craft a turtle.

Life of a passion doing pottery in Lombok, Indonesia

4) Kuta

So the two beaches we’ve visited are Kuta Beach and Tanjung Aan. Kuta beach (same name as the one in Bali) is quite beautiful by itself.

Tanjung Aan is even more breathtaking. The panoramic view, white sand and crystal clear water is just amazing to behold. Tourists will go to Kuta Beach and forget this hidden gem. I wish I could’ve spent more days here.

5) Senggigi

We stayed at the Sheraton hotel in Senggigi for 3 nights. Senggigi also has a panoramic spot where you can see the three gili islands, Bali and mount Agung if the weather allows it.