Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

Set on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean, just 2km from Senggigi beach, Pura Batu Bolong is a quaint Hindu temple with panoramic views and great sunset credentials. If you want to enter the temple, you’ll need to rent a sash; alternatively, bring your own.

Arts and culture

If you want to find out a little about Lombok’s culture, you can visit a Sasak village, such as Sade, located north of Kuta, which showcases the way of life and traditions of Lombok’s indigenous people, as well as the architecture of their buildings, constructed without metal tools. The 500 villagers eke out a living by farming and selling woven cloth to visitors. At Taman Narmada (water palace), the pleasure gardens and temple (and a fountain of eternal youth) were built as a replica of Mount Rinjani 200 years ago by the king of Mataram when he could no longer visit the volcano's sacred lake.

Something for nothing

The Lingsar temple complex combines Hindu and Muslim places of worship: entrance is free, but take along a sash or sarong to wear. You'll see stalls selling hard-boiled eggs outside the Pura Lingsar temple – these are not for emergency snacking, but for tempting the holy eels that live in its temple pond to the surface. Now that's entertainment.

Shopping

Ikat weaving and pottery are Lombok’s handicraft mainstays, and the best place to buy both is at source. The best pottery is made in the villages of Banyumulek, Masbajik and Penujak; alternatively, check out the earthenware at Lombok Pottery Centre in Mataram (+62 (0)370 640350). Traditional hand-woven textiles are best bought in Sukarare, Puyung, Purbasari or Balimurti. Dharma Setya (+62 (0)370 654870) is a one-stop shop in Puyung for handicrafts and woven fabrics. Reganda Furniture in Senggigi (+62 (0)370 636626) produces well-finished teak, rattan and mahogany pieces, supplying the Oberoi and Sheraton with massage tables and poolside furniture. M&L Pearls Collection (+62 (0)370 692195) sells cultured pearls and trinkets.

Daytripper

Head up north to visit the spectacular Sendang Gile waterfalls, stopping by the Monkey Forest (aka Pusuk Pass) on the way – take some peanuts and/or bananas and you’ll soon be surrounded by new best primate friends.

Best beach

Not to be confused with Bali’s touristier strand, Kuta is a quiet surfers’ resort with an expansive white-sand beach. Nicer and more secluded, Mawan and Selong Blanak beaches are a drive round to the west.

Activities

If diving or snorkelling don't appeal, you can explore Lombok by foot, bicycle, or bamboo raft: contact Lombok Information for details (+62 (0)370 692225; www.lombokinformation.com). If beer, running and getting off the beaten track tickle your fancy, you could join the Lombok Hash House Harriers (+62 (0)370 632550) on one of their twice-weekly runs. A paper trail is set by the ‘hares’, which the ‘hounds’ are then supposed to trace. The route varies on each run, taking you through some of Lombok’s least-known beauty spots. Mount Rinjani’s crater lake is a sacred destination for the people of Lombok, and the peak itself is a strenuous 3,726m hike. Try www.rinjanitrek.com, which offers a variety of trekking options with guides, porters and food; be warned, though – a trip to the summit takes four days and requires serious preparation.