Beyond Bali – revealing the untouched beauty of Lombok

It cannot be denied that some parts of Bali are suffering from overtourism.

Negative news about traffic congestion and crowded tourist sites frequently makes international headlines.

Yet Bali is far from entirely overdeveloped. Many areas, particularly in the north, east and west, remain remarkable destinations that immerse travellers in the island’s exceptional scenery and deeply spiritual culture.

Nevertheless, growing concerns about overcrowding still lead some travellers to reconsider including the island in their holiday plans.

It is time to take a broader view. Bali is just one of more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, offering unique travel opportunities.

One such place is Lombok, Bali’s neighbouring island to the east. Lombok and the nearby Gili Islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches and wide range of exploration opportunities, including nature walks, snorkelling above pristine reefs and immersive experiences in indigenous villages.

This adds a second dimension to travellers’ journeys beyond Bali’s natural attractions and diverse dining scene, complementing their stay with a different holiday experience.

Although Lombok can easily serve as a standalone destination, Bali’s powerful international image – even with some of its challenges – continues to encourage travellers to first visit the ‘Island of the Gods’ before extending their journey to a second Indonesian island.

Asian Trails is transforming the travel dynamic by developing itineraries that combine several days exploring Bali with immersive experiences and a relaxing seaside stay on Lombok.

Beyond its reputation for beautiful beaches, Lombok has a rich historical dimension. Many may not realise that it was governed by Balinese kings prior to Dutch colonial rule. During this period, Balinese cultural influences became deeply embedded in local society, particularly in architecture, religion and court traditions.

Traces of this heritage remain highly visible today, with ornate Balinese temples standing alongside magnificent mosques. There is even a multi-faith temple blending Hindu and Islamic traditions, with some Chinese spiritual influences reflected in certain practices.

This coexistence offers a compelling example of communities living harmoniously while practicing different religions.

Sasak culture, which is less well known than its Balinese counterpart, is equally fascinating to explore. The Sasak people are Lombok’s largest ethnic group and their heritage is characterised by traditional villages with bamboo-and-thatch houses, intricate weaving and handicraft traditions, distinctive music and dance performances and strong customs shaped by agriculture and family life.

Beyond indigenous traditions, Lombok’s lively local markets are an excellent way to experience the heart of local communities.

Found in towns across the island, these trading places warmly welcome visitors and provide a more authentic alternative to some of Bali’s increasingly tourist-oriented shopping areas.

Adventure seekers can embrace the thrill of climbing Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Multi-day treks up the 3,726-metre peak deliver an unforgettable combination of physical challenge and spectacular natural beauty.

Trekkers cross rugged volcanic terrain, steep ridges and forest trails. The journey includes camping high above the clouds, encountering hot springs and geothermal activity near the crater lake, Segara Anak. Reaching the summit at sunrise rewards explorers with panoramic views across Lombok, Bali and the many islands dotted across the ocean.

For the less adventurous, a wide range of soft-adventure activities is available, including hikes suitable for all fitness levels.

Historically, many of these activities were centred around Senaru in Northern Lombok. However, in recent years Tetebatu, located on the southern slopes of Mount Rinjani, has emerged as a destination that could become a future rival to Bali’s Ubud.

Tetebatu’s setting is truly idyllic, with lush rice fields, forests and quaint villages framed by dramatic volcanic scenery, creating a haven of serenity far removed from the tourist crowds.

Much like Ubud during the 1960s, artists are beginning to establish themselves in the area, yoga teachers have opened studios and rustic coffee shops serve excellent locally roasted brews. Accommodation options, including simple resorts and boutique guesthouses, reflect the destination’s laid-back atmosphere.

This is the perfect place to enjoy walks through rural landscapes while encountering friendly locals along the way. One of our guided treks reveals medicinal plants traditionally used by local people to treat their ailments.

Venturing into the jungle reveals another perspective, with black monkeys often seen swinging through the overhead canopy. Creative travellers can participate in arts and crafts workshops at a fraction of the cost in more developed destinations.

Our new itineraries combine Tetebatu with other areas of the island and – like all Asian Trails’ excursions – these can be tailored to bespoke preferences.

Some excursions take guests from various locations across the island to impressive waterfalls, where a cooling dip in a natural rock pool is the perfect reward.

While accommodation in Tetebatu remains relatively simple, other parts of Lombok, including the beach areas and the Gili Islands, feature sophisticated resorts alongside charming boutique properties.

Besides accommodation, we also have island- and beach-hopping tours – a fun and convenient way to explore multiple destinations within a single journey.

Lombok can be reached by a 30-minute flight from Bali or by a two-hour speedboat ride departing from Bali’s east coast. Each option offers a different perspective on the journey, so many travellers choose to arrive by boat and return by air. The island also has domestic flights to destinations across Indonesia, as well as international connections to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Exploring this fascinating destination has become a lot easier with the recent opening of Asian Trails’ newest Indonesia office in Lombok, ensuring high-quality services and innovative itineraries at highly competitive prices. For further information, please contact your Asian Trails Indonesia representative.

 

 

Laurent Kuenzle
CEO, Asian Trails