See what the experts are saying about Lombok. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Lombok is what Bali was more than 20 years ago and a visit here is a flight into the rugged landscape of unspoiled Indonesia. Lombok is significantly dryer than Bali: Eastern regions are more characteristic of Australian geography, and in the... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
Getting There--Any travel office on Bali can book your Lombok trip and arrange bus transfer packages, so inquire about this if your hotel does not offer shuttle service at the harbor (most do at the airport). We highly recommend the hydrofoil. Continue reading »
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Fast facts
Banks/Currency Exchange-- There are two new ATM locations in Senggigi: Bank BDI (next to Silkair and the Pacific Supermarket) and Bank BCA (near the turnoff to the Senggigi Beach Hotel). Money-changers also abound. Health/Safety-- Lombok's... Continue reading »
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Getting there
Any travel office on Bali can book your Lombok trip and arrange bus transfer packages, so inquire about this if your hotel does not offer shuttle service at the harbor (most do at the airport). We highly recommend the hydrofoil. Continue reading »
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By plane
Merpati (tel. 361/263918) and Garuda National (tel. 361/227825) fly several times daily to Lombok's Selaparang Airport (20 min.; approximately US$30) from Bali and Jakarta, respectively. Silkair (tel. 370/628254; fax 370/628292), the regional... Continue reading »
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By ferry
The ferry (tel. 361/721212) leaves Padang Bai (just south of Candi Dasa) twice a day and take 4 hours (Rp15,000/US$1.50). Continue reading »
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By hydrofoil
Bounty Cruises is your best bet, making the trip daily from Benoa Harbor (just north of Nusa Dua, tel. 361/7333333), Bali at 9am and stopping at Senggigi Beach and the Gili Islands (2 1/2 hr.; US$35). The Mabua Express (tel. 361/721212) depar... Continue reading »
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Getting around
Public transport is rattle-trap bemos or horse-drawn carts, so renting a car or motorbike is a good choice. Your hotel can set you up with a rental, or you can get one at the airport when you arrive. Hydrofoils connect with the Gili Islands. Continue reading »
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Regions in brief
Ampenan-Mataram-Cakranegara-Sweta--Together, these four towns, a few kilometers south of the airport, make up one sprawling mass that actually is far less oppressive and suffocating than you would expect from an Indonesian city. True tourist... Continue reading »
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Senggigi
Senggigi, 12km (7 1/2 miles) north of Mataram, is the main beach resort on Lombok. The beaches aren't as outstanding as those found farther south, but Senggigi has good tourist infrastructure, is close to sites, and is the best place for the... Continue reading »
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Gili islands
Just to the northwest of Lombok are three small islands that offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region. The reef is damaged and the currents can be rough, but the sea life is impressive. Snorkelers will be happy near the beac... Continue reading »
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Kuta
Not to be confused with the Bali Kuta, this Kuta is similarly popular as a surfing mecca but is little more than a wide spot in the road along this sweeping bay south of Mataram. There are some of the finest virgin white-sand beaches on the w... Continue reading »
Lombok Travel Experiences
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Kuta, Lombok style!
We woke up in Senaru, said good-bye to our new friend Curio and so-long to old friend Anto, and we were off to the south of Lombok, to vi... Continue reading »
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10 Days in Tropical Paradise
Such brilliant stories from Gili Meno -- what a vacation paradise. If only it wasn't 3 days transport away from Canada, I would be... Continue reading »
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Island Paradise
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In the mountains of Lombok
Leaving Gili Meno was tough, but we were excited to continue our journey in Lombok. We had a recommendation from several new friend... Continue reading »
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Gili Trawangan
Well the trip to and from this island was diasterous!! We get collected at 5.30am to get a bus to the ferry at 9am. We learned that the p... Continue reading »
