Holiday on Lombok Island Indonesia

"Lombok island has secretly preserved its timeless culture in the day to day life of its inhabitants" and you could say that description I had read wasn't too far wrong.

In January we decided to take a holiday to Lombok, Indonesia. Never having visited Lombok before we expected it to be not much different to other places in Indonesia and after arriving we found that this island was very laid back and surprising undeveloped not like other places in Indonesia.

We started our holiday with an over night stop over in Bali due to not having a suitable connecting flight all the way through. With not much time on our hands and not wanting to deal with some of the ugly Australia tourist we relaxed by the hotels pool.

In the morning we jumped on a small plane to Lombok. As things never really run on time in Indonesia we had to wait a couple of hours for our delayed flight but once we boarded the plane it was only a 45 minute flight from Bali to Lombok.

Our first day and second days on Lombok was spent lazing by the pool which I must admit the drinks always taste better when you don't have to make them yourself.

Picture: The view from our hotel room

Picture: Paige walking along one of the paths in the hotels grounds

Picture: Bernadette & Paige enjoying the beach front of the hotel

Picture: Ben enjoying a Bintang beer

The third day we hired some motor bikes and ventured around the island. We visited Mawun Beach and when we went to check out one of the other local beaches we found the road inaccessible, we decided to turn around and stop in and have some lunch at the Astari Restaurant which some people had suggested to us to visit. I cant say the restaurant was anything special except for the view.

Picture: Looking out along Mawun Beach

Picture: Paige & Ben looking at the sand

Picture: One of the local men we met along the way

Picture: View from Astari Restaurant

The fourth day we headed out to Gilli Nanggu with a couple we had me at the hotel, Brad and Beth. What a wonderful day we had. The fish where amazing looking as we went snorkeling, the only thing I wished for was clearer water. Before heading over to the island we purchased some plastic bottles which was filled with bread. Once wet the bread attracted the fish and we where able to hand feed them. It was nice to spend the day with our new found friends as it is always nice to share travelling experiences.

Picture: Beth, Ben, Bernadette, Paige & Brad on the small boat over to Gilli Nanggu

Picture: Bernadette snorkeling & feeding the fish

Picture: Some of the fish

The fifth day we did a bit more relaxing by the pool, explored more of the island on hired motor bikes and stop at a local restaurant for Chili Crab.

Picture: Ben & Paige on the motor bike

The sixth day we head out to a local traditional Sasak Village once again on the motor bikes. "The Sasak people are renowned for their natural kindness and their smiles", I read somewhere hmm not everything you read is always right. I don't know what I expected but I cant not say these local people stood out from any other Indonesian people. Don't get me wrong they where very nice people but I cant say they stood out as anything other then pleasant local and as usual they wanted to sell us their wares. Yes people have to make a living but sometimes I wish they take a hint and understand the word "No Thank You".

Picture: Looking down one of the rows of huts in the village

Picture: A little girl in the village

On the seventh day we headed back to Bali for an other overnight stop over before we headed back to Perth.

We enjoyed our experiences in Lombok, would I go back? yes I would but I would stay only for three days next time as there isn't much to do there. If you are wanting to keep busy. It's a great place to visit if you want to be totally laid back maybe next time we will visit and stay on the other side of the island.