Lombok – The Island Next to Bali
Lombok is an island in Indonesia, located in the province of West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat). It lies directly east of Bali, separated by the Lombok Strait, and west of Sumbawa, separated by the Alas Strait. With a surface area of about 4,700 square kilometers, Lombok is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands chain.
Geography and Landscape
Lombok is dominated by Mount Rinjani, an active volcano rising 3,726 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. The island’s northern part is mountainous and fertile, while the southern and central regions are drier and known for rolling hills, savannahs, and traditional farmland. Lombok has beautiful coastlines with long sandy beaches, coral reefs, and small offshore islands known as the Gili Islands.
Population
The island is home to about 3.5 million people. The majority are Sasak, an ethnic group with their own language and traditions, while there are also Balinese, Javanese, and smaller communities of Chinese and Arabs. Islam is the dominant religion, giving Lombok the nickname “The Island of a Thousand Mosques”, but Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities also live here.
Tourist Highlights
Lombok is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, offering a mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Some of the main highlights include:
• Mount Rinjani National Park – trekking to the volcano and crater lake, Segara Anak.
• The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air) – famous for diving, snorkeling, and relaxed island life.
• Kuta and South Lombok beaches – pristine beaches like Tanjung Aan, Mawun, and Selong Belanak, popular for surfing and swimming.
• Senggigi Beach – one of the island’s main tourist hubs with resorts and nightlife.
• Traditional Sasak villages – such as Sade and Ende, where visitors can learn about local weaving, architecture, and customs.
• Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach) – unique for its pink-hued sand.
• Waterfalls – like Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep in the north, surrounded by lush rainforest.
⸻
✨ In short, Lombok offers a quieter and less crowded alternative to Bali, combining dramatic volcanic scenery, authentic culture, and world-class beaches.