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Literally Lombok

Each of the three coral-fringed islands known as the Gilis (Sasak for ‘island’) has its own charms: Gili Meno is the least developed island and tiniest; Gili Air has a rustic, laid-back feel; and Gili Trawangan is beloved as a party island among backpacker types. There is also serious diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing to be done, among magnificent reefs, giant clams, turtles and sharks. To get there, we recommend the services of Gili Cat (www.gilicat.com) and Blue Water Safaris (www.bwsbali.com).

Don't go home without

… hopping over to the Gili islands for a spot of snorkelling, cocktail-sipping and virgin-sand strolling.

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Lombok

Indonesia
Coastline
Fertile, volcanic, rustic
Coast life
Easy Indonesian living

Gorgeous, tropical Lombok is a life-enhancing antidote to bright lights and bling for honeymooning couples who prefer their barefoot luxury to be less bland.

Horse-drawn carts amble along the streets, and cows, goats and chickens graze and squawk everywhere: this island is back-to-nature in a big way, with scenic beauty to spare. Craggy cliffs are dotted with coconut trees; too-blue waters conceal abundant marine life; gorgeously baskable beaches are edged with palm groves and traditional thatched huts. Senggigi, the main tourist resort, is a 10-kilometre strip of low-rise beach life to the north of capital Mataram; surfers should head for Kuta and its magnificent white-sand strand. In a nutshell, Lombok is a bit like Bali, but far less commercialised and without the tourist infrastructure – and that's the way we like it.

Pictured: Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa

Boutique hotels in Lombok

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Lombok

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Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

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Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Lombok has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

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Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Lombok.

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Lombok hotel map - Smith Maps

Smith Maps

Here is the map of Lombok; each Mr & Mrs Smith hotel is marked by a flag; click it for more details.

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Local knowledge

Taxis
Taxis in Lombok are cheap and painlessly flag-downable in busy or touristy areas; do check that your ride is metered. We like Blue Bird Taxi (+62 (0)370 627000). Cidomos, the traditional horse carts, can also be a good way to get around, particularly on the Gili islands, where motorised transport is prohibited. Remember to bargain hard before your ride, not after. You’ll also see bemos, the minivan taxis commonly used for longer journeys.
Tipping culture
Many hotels and restaurants include a service charge on the bill, but an additional tip of five to 10 per cent for staff will be greatly appreciated. Round cab fares up to the nearest Rp 500 or so. If you rent a chauffeured car, when you stop for meals it is customary to give your driver a token sum so he can also get something to eat.
Siesta and Fiesta
Banking hours are usually 8am–3pm Mondays to Thursdays, noon on Fridays. Most shops in major tourist areas are open between 10am and 8pm.
Packing tips
Sports enthusiasts will be glad they hauled along their sporting gear, be that a trusty pair of trainers or a beloved mountain bike. Lombok’s waters are dazzlingly alive, so scuba enthusiasts should definitely bring along their certification.
Regional specialities
Even the word Lombok means ‘chilli’, but don’t be daunted – not all Lombok food is fiery. Locals eat lots of fresh, home-grown produce, along with the staple white rice, curries and other chicken, fish and beef dishes. Ayam taliwang is a speciality: young chicken marinated in chilli and spices before being grilled or fried. Sate ikan tanjung is another favourite: grilled snapper or tuna on skewers, marinated in coconut milk, lemongrass and other spices. Kangkung pelecing, a spicy vegetable dish topped with a piquant sauce made of chilli, tomato, fish paste and lime, is a daily meal for many.
Currency
The Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is the official currency, but US dollars are readily accepted.
Time zone
GMT +8.
Dialing codes
Country code for Indonesia: +62. Lombok area code: 0370.
Do go/don't go
Lombok is an attractive year-round destination, with a drier climate than Bali’s; October to January is the ‘rainy season’, but showers are infrequent and don’t last for very long. High season is June to October, with the tourist influx peaking from July to September.

Hotels

Find and book hotels in Lombok