Lombok, Indonesia

A long weekend trip in a remote island paradise

📌 By Jakub Mikula | October 29, 2019

Over a recent long (Deepavali) weekend, me and my friend visited the island of Lombok. Located east of Bali, one might think that this island hides in the shadow of its neighbour; but it actually shines bright as a hidden gem that unfolds endless possibilities that are bound to satisfy one and all: rural/ nature/ thrill/ surf/ adventure/ beach - seekers. It’s been a while since I set foot on rural lands away from buzzing cities and tourist centres, but Lombok has offered way more than what I’ve been bargaining for. Located just next to Bali, Lombok is much more rural; with its pristine beaches, beautiful coastlines and hills one can climb to be only blown away by its beauty.

• budget connection from Singapore: SG → JB → (bus) KL → (flight) Lombok
• transportation: scooter (~50,000 IDR per day), a bottle of fuel (~10,000 IDR), taxi (~ 150,000 IDR from the airport to Kuta)
• visited: Kuta (my home for the weekend), Gerupuk, Bukit Merese, Seger Beach, and Tanjung Ringgit
• month of visit: October (dry season)

Day 1

Gerupuk

As soon as me and my friend reached Kuta (popular area with plenty of accommodation options) and had a lunch in a nearby restaurant, we rented a scooter (~50,000 IDR) for the remaining day to explore the surrounding area. Renting a motorbike is probably the best way to see the sights scattered around. After an approx. one-hour ride from Kuta, we first reached Goa Kota, Gerupuk. I decided to climb the steep hill to its very top and I was absolutely stunned by this very first viewpoint overlooking the southern part of the island. From the top, one can appreciate the expansive landscape that gives the scene of otherworldly feel.

You can notice that during this dry season, the landscape puts on the colours of golden shades. This season lasts approximately from April to October. Everything then slowly turns green again for the rest of the year.

In the distance, I could see some majestic rock formations jutting from the water that reminded me of the coastline of Australia.

Immersed in the beauty of this place, I quickly lost the track of time. Only when I saw the sun nearing the horizon, I realized we still wanted to visit Bukit Merese.

Bukit Merese

Bukit Merese is one of the popular spots for those who enjoy watching sunsets. Although many people gather here in the evening, worry not, the area is so large that it makes space for everyone and more; not only people but dogs and monkeys (jumping across the rugged terrain) too.

As the sun sets down, the golden rays accentuate the mesmerizing beauty of this picturesque land/ sea scape eventually leaving you in the darkness broken only by the lights of the distant stars.

Day 2

Seger Beach

On the second day, we decided to visit Seger Beach (~ 1h from Kuta) and Tanjung Ringgit (~ 3h from Kuta). Waking up at six in the morning, we arrived to Seger Beach short before eight and had a simple breakfast (Mee Goreng - fried instant noodles).

Seger Beach is surrounded by two hills on its sides and both of them are easily walkable. Both sides offer a magnificent view over the beach and beyond.

Walking up the hill, I was followed by a couple of stray but friendly dogs. Seems like they were also amazed by the charms of the beach.

Many beautiful white-sand beaches stretch along the coastline, seemingly untouched, waiting to be yet explored. I loved the contrast between the emerald colours of the sea and the golden colours of the landscape typical for this dry season.

There are so many places like this to see :) It really feels like having a private beach all to yourself ;)

In the early afternoon, we continued to our last destination: Tanjung Ringgit.

Tanjung Ringgit

Tanjung Ringgit is located about a three-hour ride from Kuta. Shortly after leaving Kuta, the asphalt turns into dry winding roads leading through a desert-like scenery. When we reached the end of the peninsula, we found ourselves standing at the edge of a huge cliff with strong waves below.

Walking along the edges with the views like these sent shivers down my spine. I could also just sit here the whole day if only I had more time.

In conclusion, this rural heartland of Indonesia will definitely get you amazed from sunup to sundown. I was absolutely stunned by the picturesque scenes of the sprawling sea, but there’s much more up Lombok’s sleeves. I wish to visit this place soon again, but next time I hope to be heading to the north to conquer Mount Rinjani ;)

How long should your trip to Lombok be?

I stayed at this island only for one and a half day. Though I managed to see a lot of beautiful places along the southern cost, it was a rush. One week would be ideal if you also intend to relax ;)

If you also visited Lombok, tell us more in the comments!

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