CategoriesArticle By Discovering Lombok

Discover Lombok, especially when visiting Bali

While on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, why not discover Lombok and the Gili Islands both are very easily accessible from Bali.

It is possible to get there by plane 30 min flight or by speed boat.

Lombok offers many untouched and often secluded dream beaches, friendly and charming people, delicious food and fantastic nature.
The trip begins in Kuta Lombok, which you can easily reach by flight from Denpasar, Bali.

The south coast of Lombok is lined with beaches, all of white sand and unique in their kind. You can stay in the town of Kuta (not to be confused with Kuta, Bali), and the beach is located east and west of the south coast of Lombok.

The best beaches to visit in South Lombok are Mawun Beach, Tampah Beach and Selong Belanak Beach on East Kuta and Seger Beach and Tanjung Aan Beach on West Kuta.

If you want to learn how to surf in Lombok, Selong Belanak beach is an ideal place. Selong Belanak beach is located about 30 minutes drive west of Kuta. The beach itself is composed of sandy white powder sand and although the water is not the clearest, it does not matter to the people who visit it. Indeed, the majority of visitors to Selong Belanak Beach go west to take surfing lessons for beginners.

There are many deckchairs and bamboo chairs spread out along the beach so that visitors can relax and have lunch in a small warung before returning to the waves.

North of Lombok, you will discover many waterfalls and hills, as well as the famous ascent of Mount Rinjani.

One of the most famous viewpoints is the rice fields of Bukit Selong. The view of Bukit Selong rice fields is a mosaic of rice fields seen from different mountain peaks. If you arrive before sunrise, you can find a specially designated viewpoint without a big climb. There are other spectacular places, but this is the most accessible and simplest way to get a breathtaking view of the rice fields.

A variety of cultures of different colors creates a multicolored mosaic, covering the entire valley. There is a flat viewpoint, which gives you a magnificent view of the whole valley, but there is also a higher viewpoint.

After having admired this superb view, you can visit the most famous waterfalls of Lombok; the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls (in the north) and Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu (in the center).

Tiu Kelep is a waterfall that has always been put online in social networks. The water flows down, as if it were flowing through a wall, but is then overshadowed by a powerful current of water flowing diagonally across the falls. The vines took over the rocky walls and we felt like explorers of the deep jungle, although it was only a 30 minute walk to get to the Tiu Kelep waterfall. You can swim in the pool under the waterfall and it’s a great place to use the GoPro. L’eau du bassin est claire comme du cristal et a une teinte bleue. Be extremely careful when swimming as many tourists have had problems being sucked in and held under the powerful force of the waterfall current. The mists are even crazier in Tiu Kelep.

Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu are about an hour and a half drive north of Kuta. Benang Stokel et Benang Kelambu sont situés dans le même parc, donc si vous suivez la carte de Benang Stokel, vous arriverez au bon Geo Park.

The furthest from the entrance, but certainly the most magical, the waterfall of Benang Kelambu looks like something that belongs to the South American rainforest. With the water coming out of the bushes and waterfall levels in four different places, it was beautiful.

Some paths are paved on the way down, but others are not, so when there are steep slopes, it can be very slippery and dangerous, especially during the rainy season, (October to April).

There are two medium-sized pools at the bottom of the waterfalls, which have been set up for swimming and relaxing in the well of the natural spring.

If you like trekking, you can’t miss the ascent of Mount Rinjani. The great mountain of Rinjaniis a huge volcano that culminates on the island of Lombok. Climbing the summit is one of the most extraordinary experiences one can experience in Indonesia. At 3,726 meters high, Mount Rinjani is the second highest mountain in Indonesia. The climb to the summit may not be easy, but it is well worth it and is widely regarded as one of the best views in the country.

You can leave from the entrance of Sembalun or the entrance of Senaru. It takes 3 days 2 nights or 4 days 3 nights for beginners. From the top, you will see the whole island of Lombok, Bali, Sumbawa and Segara Anak Lake.

After coming back down to Senaru to finish the trekking, you can relax for one or two days in the Senggigi area, then head to the island ofGilis (either Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno) in order to finish your vacation in Indonesia at the seaside.

There are still a lot of hidden places in Lombok. We hope this article will give you inspiration for some of the interesting things to do in Lombok.

You can also read our program for Lombok by clicking on this link.

Kuta Lombok
CategoriesArticle By Discovering Lombok

5 Amazing viewpoints in South Lombok

One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to find the best and most spectacular viewpoints. I love to get a whole new perspective of a place from above, so I can often just sit and marvel at the views for hours. Nothing beats a view of turquoise water, white sand, palm trees and rolling hills in my eyes. And those things pretty much sum up the landscape down here in South Lombok, which is probably why I love this island so much.

1. Seger Beach

Of all the incredible viewpoints in South Lombok, this is my absolute favorite. The view of shallow turquoise water and white sandbanks with palm trees in the background is just gorgeous. To reach this spot head east out of Kuta to Seger Surfing Beach, there are several signs along the way. You can also easily find it on Google maps.

Pay the 10k entrance fee and park your scooter either down by the bridge or next to the pavilion up on the hill. To reach the viewpoint walk/climb up to the rocks on the hillside facing the bridge. You’ll see what I mean when you get there.

The view is at it’s prettiest on high-tide during the wet season. I visited a few weeks ago on mid-tide and there was no water in the Lagoon. So time our visit properly and prepare to be amazed.

The statue you see above depicts the beautiful princess Mandalika who according to a local legend drowned herself in the sea because she refused to be a part of the bloodshed amongst her many suitors. Just moments after she disappeared in the water a bunch of colorful worms came to the surface. Many locals have since believed that the sea worms are a reincarnation of the Princess and therefore seen as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

In memory of Princess Mandalika the Bau Nyale Festival, which means “catching sea worms” in Sasak, is celebrated every year in February/March. After catching a bunch of sea worms, the locals will then cook them by smoking them over a BBQ or steaming them.

2. Bukit Antara

Bukit Antara might not be the highest viewpoint there is but the view of the eastern cove at Tanjung Aan Beach is as picture-perfect as it gets.

This viewpoint is pretty easy to reach. Just park anywhere along the beach and walk to the rock in the middle of the two coves. When I first came to Tanjung Aan over six years ago you had to climb the rock to get to the top. These days it’s much easier to reach as they have created stone steps all the way to the top.

The photo you see above is one of my all-time favorite travel photos. The color of the water is just gorgeous so are the sea of palm trees in the background.

If you want a quiet day at the beach don’t stop at the western side of Tanjung Aan where all the warungs are located, continue until you see a sign for “Smile Warung”. It is the only operational warung on the east side so most days you can have it all to yourself. Swimming is great here and the boys at Smile are lovely. We had some delicious Mie Goreng there one afternoon for dinner and there was only one hawker trying to sell us stuff compared to the 40+ on the other side.

3. Bukit Merese

Bukit Merese, located on the western side of Tanjung Aan Beach, is one of the best sunset viewpoints on the south coast. I have already written a post dedicated to Bukit Merese which you can read here. Keep in mind that of all the 5 viewpoints this is the hardest to reach because you have to walk up a steep hill made up of gravel and dirt.

Although primarily known as a sunset spot the views are equally as good during the day. And there are way fewer people. Just try to get there around 9 am before it gets too hot and humid.

If you want to see the sunset from Bukit Merese remember that you have to get there at least 30 minutes before you’d normally go because the sun sets behind the mountains, not on the horizon. Leave Kuta around 5 pm to secure the best spot, especially on the weekend.

Pro tip: As I mentioned in my last Bukit Merese article, look for the wooden sunset sign which leads down a path to a local home. I think they charge a 10k parking fee per scooter. From there you can walk up the hill behind their house which will take you straight to the best viewing area so you don’t have to walk all the way from the huge parking lot.

4. Jl. Mawun – Shu Restaurant & Bar

Head west out of Kuta on Jl. Mawun and you’ll soon reach the best view closest to Kuta town. There’s no sidewalk or other good places to stop along this steep road so the best option is to sit down at one of the restaurants.

Shu Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to stop for a drink on your way back from the beach or for sunset. The restaurant is built on the cliffside which means you get panoramic views of the entire Kuta area all the way down to the ocean. To add to the tropical feel there are often monkeys playing in the trees below.

Shu is located right after a big turn so be careful when driving a scooter. Especially if it’s raining as there is a lot of gravel in the road. I’ve seen more than one person fall and get hurt pretty bad here.

There’s also another restaurant a bit further up the road called Horizon at Ashtari. In addition to being one of the most picturesque dining venues I’ve ever seen, you can also spend the night in their stunning loft, do some yoga or join a cooking class.

5. Artati Bungalows & Restaurant

Artati Bungalows & Restaurant is located on Jl. Mawun close to Mawi and Selong Blanak Beach. The restaurant and hotel sit on a hillside overlooking rolling hills, lush palm tree jungle and the ocean.

You can choose to sit down in their restaurant or on a sunlounger by their infinity pool. You are free to use the pool as long as you buy something to eat and drink. If not you have to pay 60k per person. Not a bad deal either way if you ask me.

I usually stop here for a cold drink on my way home from a day of exploring or on days where I just don’t want to deal with sand everywhere. The staff is super lovely and always smiling so I’m sure you’ll have a great day here.

CategoriesArticle By Discovering Lombok

10 must do while in Lombok. Not including the Gili’s

Must do while in lombok and popular destinations in Lombok – Beautifully stunning, rich in its culture and history, Lombok Island always has something to offer to anyone. This island has anything from mesmerizing beaches and pretty hills to historical temples and great waterfalls.

tiket.com is here to recommend you some must-visit destinations in Lombok other than the well-known Gili Islands. Here are some places to explore for your next trip, t-mates!

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Explore the Must-Visit Destinations in Lombok

Near Bali, lies a popular tourist destination situated in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara Province. With colorful marine life, soft sandy beaches, and even volcanoes to climb, Lombok has lots to offer.

Make sure you put these must-visit destinations in Lombok into your itinerary, t-mates!

1. Set up your own tent on Pergasingan Hill

Have you ever heard about Pergasingan Hill? For those of you who haven’t, you should explore this destination located in the village of Sembalun in East Lombok.

Situated near Mount Rinjani, this hill is a perfect option for you who wants to capture the beautiful sunrise and sunset without having to climb up to the summit of Mount Rinjani.

You won’t forget the mountain breeze once you’re there, setting up your own tent. Witness the spectacular view of the patchwork paddy-fields surrounding it. In the morning, you’ll wake up to the picturesque sunrise!  🌄

Ticket price: 50,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 24 hours

Address: Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83656

2. Spend a day at Sade Village

Your vacay won’t be memorable if you don’t immerse yourself in the unique culture of Lombok.

Sade is one of the Sasak villages in Lombok, perhaps the most touristy of those available to visit.  This village is nestled 30-kilometers away from Mataram. When you come there, you’ll get an opportunity to learn the local culture and traditions.

While men beautifully dance to the beat of the drum – “Gendang beleq,” women are doing the weaving work, and called it “Songket.” The pieces are remarkably detailed, even one woven piece can take up to two or three months to finished. Here you will see the lovely traditional life of an ancient village that survived the passing of times. 

Ticket price: 10,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 8AM-7PM (Everyday)

Address: Jalan Kuta Lombok, Sade, Rembitan, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

3. Visit Planet Krypton at the Semeti Beach

There are no sands that you can step on at Semeti Beach. It’s unusual, right? 😉  Located in Central Lombok, the beach is well-known for its volcanic rocks. The rocks here look a little bit like the crystals in Krypton planet – the home of Superman – if you are a fan of it.

It is undoubtedly adventurous for you to spend an afternoon here climbing the rocks other than the usual Lombok beaches. One of many things to be grateful for about Semeti beach is that not many tourists come over here. Shh, even the locals sometimes won’t tell you about it! 

Ticket price:  10,000 IDR/person*

Address: Mekar Sari, West Praya, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83572

4.   Walk around the Pink Beach Lombok

Bored with the ordinary white sandy beaches? Say no more, Lombok offers you a dusky pink wondrous beach located in Sekaroh Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. This pink beach or Tangsi Beach is one of the two famous pink beaches in Indonesia.

This beach really does live up to its name. The pink sand looks really soft and lovely, especially if you have a drone to photograph yourself lying on pink sand from above. It is such a pretty place for feeding your social media account with wonderful pictures. 

Ticket price: 25,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 24 hours

Address: Sekaroh, Jerowaru, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83672

5.   Stunning Batu Bolong Temple

Next, we’re here to take you to the South of Senggigi, where you can find a small Hindu temple, called Batu Bolong. It stands on a rock that has carved a natural hole, hence where the name came from.

Though not the grandest, Batu Bolong Temple is the most appealing Hindu Temple in Lombok. Consisting of fourteen temples standing tall over the rocks makes it a more stunning place to enjoy the panoramic views, as well as a stunning place of worship. And it’s free! 

Ticket price: Free

Address: Tabanan, Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121

6.   Breeze Air at Benang Kelambu Waterfall

Located at the foot of Mount Agung, Benang Kelambu Waterfall looks almost like a portal to another world. This waterfall has its own uniqueness that will make your half an hour trip away from Senggigi worth it.

When most waterfalls fall over black rocks, Benang Kelambu is quite different. Rather than plunging flows of water, Benang Kelambu flows gently down the pretty layers of leaves that have grown over the rocks. 

Ticket price: 30,000 IDR/ person

Operational Hours: 7:30AM-6AM (Everyday)

Address: Aik Berik, North Batukliang, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83552

7.   Batu Payung in Tanjung Aan Beach

Batu Payung is one of the must-visit places in the south of Lombok located 10 minutes away from Tanjung Aan Beach. This unique natural vertical stone was formed by erosion over a thousand years ago.

The great standing stone looks oddly beautiful during the sunset, making it one of the most wondrous landscape photography spots. A much-relaxing place to enjoy your vacation. 

Ticket price: 5,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 24 Hours

Address: Jalan Kuta Lombok, Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573

8.   The Mystical Bangkang Cave

Unlike no other, Bangkang is an underground bat cave with prepared bamboo stairs leading down. So, it’s friendly for you to visit. The light rays that shine in through during daylight will amaze you.

There will be thousands of bats in the cave that will welcome you, pretty much a unique tourist attraction to visit. The best time for you to catch the incredible sun rays is around 12 at noon.

Ticket price: 25,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 9AM-6PM (Everyday)

Address: Prabu, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83573

9.   The Well-Known Mount Rinjani

We are finally at the end of our list, the well-known Mount Rinjani. A visit to Lombok isn’t complete without a visit to Mount Rinjani. This active volcano is considered by the world to be one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the planet.

While climbing to the top might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Rinjani offers you a national park that you can visit at the base of the mountain. It has pretty hills, as well as majestic waterfalls that make for an excellent day trip. 

Ticket price: 5,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 9AM-6PM (Everyday)

Address: Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara

Plan Your Next Visit to Lombok’s Exotic Wonders

Now that you have it all on your list what we have recommended for you, it’s time for you to plan your unforgettable next trip to Lombok! Do remember that we are still living in the midst of a pandemic. So, make sure that you always adhere to health protocols whenever and wherever you are, t-mates!

CategoriesArticle By Discovering Lombok

Best sunrise spots in Lombok

Sunrise is the most beautiful sight you can see at dawn. It feels incomplete when it comes to Lombok without doing sunrise hunting. The reason, Lombok is a small island with a very beautiful scenery. Besides visiting its wonderful beaches, you can also hunt sunrise at some places in Lombok with your friends. Do not forget to set up the best camera you have. You might get the best sceneries that you haven’t seen before. Here is the best place to hunt sunrise in Lombok.

  1. Segara Anak Lake in Rinjani Mountain

Mount Rinjani is only for those who are experienced climbing the mountain. It is not easy to get the golden sunrise from the top of Rinjani and the Segara Anak Lake Caldera. You also have to be tough, because once up, meaning no word complaining.

Being one of the highest peaks in Indonesia, Rinjani is not just an easy challenge to conquer. Thus, Sunrise from the top of Rinjani is very expensive because it is obtained through a struggle that is not easy. From the top of this Rinjani you can capture the most beautiful sunrise from Eastern Indonesia.

  1. Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is not only beautiful. If you can not climb Rinjani, you just cross the ocean to be in Gili Trawangan. You can enjoy sunrise at once beautiful sunset. To be more satisfied you can climb a hill in Gili Trawangan. Moreover, the calm wave there makes the view more beautiful

Your social media page will be more beautiful if decorated with sunrise from Gili Trawangan. Anyone would be jealous to see it.

  1. Tanjung Ringgit

Tanjung Ringgit has the privilege of seeing the sunrise from here. You will see at once two beautiful scenery of syahdu, Rinjani and Sumbawa Island. The existence of the hills on the coast of Cape Ringgit into its own charm, because you can enjoy the sunrise accompanied by the beach breeze that gently hit in the morning.

Beautiful scenery there can be enjoyed with a beautiful backdrop. In addition visitors can see Mount Rinjani as well as Sumbawa Island from Tanjung Ringgit. So the scenery there will be more interesting and beautiful. In addition, the hills on the coast of Lombok will add beauty to the atmosphere of the morning. As the sun begins to emerge, its light will warm the atmosphere at Tanjung Ringgit. You can build a tent and camp there to wait for the sun to rise the next morning.

  1. Sire Medana Beach

The beach which is located on the north of Lombok is very interesting. One of them is the charm of Sire Medana beach. The waves on this beach is not too big, is perfect for you who already have family and children who often love to play on the beach.

The privilege of seeing the sunrise here is because the sun will arise from behind Mount Rinjani. Prepare enough equipment so you can catch the sunrise perfectly. Do not let you wake up early.

  1. Labuan Haji

Sunrise on the Beach is different. Even sometimes people who see it can not tell whether it is sunrise or sunset. Labuhan Haji Beach is included favorite spot of the traveler who likes hunting sunrise. You should bring your best camera to take some good views from there.

In order not to lose a good moment, come while the sky is still dark. It is also the seconds of sunrise light it appears you can record with a favorite camera.

  1. Bukit Malimbu

Malimbu Hill is very popular in the coastal area of Senggigi Lombok. Because it is in a high enough position, you can see the sun rising and the sun is sunken from the same place. Just spin the view you can enjoy both at different times. Remember not to miss the golden time in capturing sunrise in Lombok.

What is interesting from there is that visitors can enjoy sunrise and sunset view from the same place. From there will be seen also Gili Trawangan from a distance. In addition it will also look beautiful view of Mount Agung in Bali Island. The tourists can enjoy the atmosphere in Malimbu Hill by enjoying food and hot drinks from the place. You can visit anytime, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

  1. Tanjung Ann

Maybe Tanjung Aan popularly known as pepper beach. However, the charm of Tanjung Aan hill can not be underestimated. You would enjoy the best sunrise ever. Moreover, the sunrise will give you the good picture ever. You can make the real picture of it.

Tanjung Aan is located not too far from Kuta Beach Lombok. You will be presented with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean, an unrestrained sea off the hill of Cape Aan.

  1. Anak Dara Hill

In Indonesia it is called Bukit Anak Dara. This place has just opened as a tourist attraction in 2015. But until now the name is still foreign to the ears of the tourists, so you can visit there with more flexibility.

Its position is at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters above sea level, and is another highest hill after Bukit Nanggi. Climbing to the top of the hill takes approximately 2 to 3 hours of travel. Visitors are recommended to hire a guide because the hill is still relatively quiet.

  1. Batu Idung Hill

It is unlike the previous hill, where the sunrise in Lombok this one is not in Sembalun, but in Gerung, Lombok Barat. This hill became popular through social media.

The interesting thing about this hill is its position which is not so far from the center of Mataram so it is more affordable than the hills in Sembalun. You only need to drive approximately 30 minutes just to reach this tourist area.

  1. Pergasingan Hill

Pergasingan Hill is one of the names of the hills in Sembalun that began ogled as a tourist attraction. This one hill even is often used by prospective climbers to warm up before climbing Mount Rinjani.

This hill is located at an altitude of approximately 1700 meters above sea level and is one tourist attraction to enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful morning. His position is in Sembalun Village, East Lombok. From the top of the hill, you can see the stretch of nature and also the rice fields of citizens who look like small plots.

  1. Dandaun Hill

Still about hills, hills and mountains is indeed one of the best locations for hunting sunrise or sunrise views. If you want to visit Lombok, try to come to Bukit Dandaun which is also still in Sembalun area.

Although this place is not as popular as Mount Pergasingan, but the beauty of nature in Bukit Dandaun no less beautiful. Even this hill will look more natural because not many tourists who visit there. The interesting thing about this place is not only the natural scenery and the sunrise there, but also the presence of cattle, old trees, and also hundreds of species of forest orchids.

  1. Nanggi Hill

The sunrise in Lombok looks so perfect in Bukit Nanggi. This hill is located in Sembalun Bumbung and is one of the higher hills of Mount Pergasingan. Its height reaches 2,300 meters above sea level.

To reach the peak, it takes a fairly long climb, which is 3 to 4 hours in accordance with the physical strength of each. This hill is also often used as camping or camping location for the tourists, because it is suitable to enjoy the atmosphere of the morning.

  1. Gili Nanggu

One more dyke with beautiful sunset view of Gili Nanggu. This small island known as the honeymoon destination has an unspoiled natural beauty and is away from the crowds.

In addition to enjoying romanticism with your partner on the beach and the clear sea, you can also enjoy the beauty of sunrise sunset in Gili Nanggu. Sunset view on this island is very special because the sun as if hiding behind Mount Rinjani

Those are some of best sunrise in Lombok. It really gives you reference, right. Don’t forget to get up earlier if you want to see sunrise. You might see the life in above of clouds that so closed with the sun (if you are lucky it is not raining).