The island of Lombok is located just 30 miles east of Bali and separated by the Lombok Strait but in many ways it lives up to more different from Bali. Many people call it “an unspoiled Bali”. With beautiful beaches and waterfalls, the pure active looming volcano of Mount Rinjani, Lombok is really the paradise tropical island for those who prefer tranquility. Lombok has the rustic craft villages, a vibrant underwater world in Gili, fascinating life of indigenous Sasak people and much more attractive scenic spots. The island is becoming popular with tourists who want to relax in a quiet atmosphere with natural landscape and fantastic scenery. If you plan to visit Lombok, don’t miss out the following points of interest.

Places to Stay
Prices for hotel rooms in Lombok are often much cheaper than in Bali. However, if you would like to experience the real, traditional village life in Lombok, you can try to live in the country homes in beachside or in the farmhouses and mountainside villages. There are many options available around the island. Some hosts offer an introduction to farming, fishing or hunting as practiced by the native people. Or you can also look how they prepare the foods; observe how they make some craftworks or the celebration of an event.

The Beaches
Senggigi is Lombok’s most popular beach resort and it’s a perfect place to take in the glorious sunset view. But if you really want to escape from the crowds and enjoy surfing, then try the big waves at Bangko-Bangko or Desert Point. And if you like snorkeling, you can visit the Gili islands, three islands off the west coast, 30 minutes by boat from Senggigi, home to pristine beaches, beautiful reefs and delicious sea food.

Tetebatu
Located at the foot of Mount Rinjani, Tetebatu is a small town about 2 km from the southern boundary of Mount Rinjani National Park. It is the perfect place to see the spectacular view and experience the real life in a traditional Sasak village. Tetebatu is famous for its cultural attractions like handicrafts artisans, black terracotta, basketry and forged blacksmith tools.

Getting around
As public transportation in Lombok is unreliable, many tourists choose to hire a car and driver at very reasonable prices. Or you also can try renting a bicycle or motorcycle which you can ask from the hotel. It would be an adventurous and exciting experience, though, riding along the beautiful beaches and passing quiet roads, waterfalls and green rice paddies. The roads are easy to pass and in good condition.

If you want to take some souvenirs back home, Lombok has many traditional handicrafts like songket and ikat , the beautiful hand woven textile used as cloth, sarong, table cloth or wall decorative and more. There are also many other handicrafts made of wood, bamboo or rattan like wooden masks, baskets, wooden boxes, or pottery at very reasonable prices.