About Lombok, Indonesia

Thirty-five kilometres east of Bali, Lombok is a place of quiet beaches and tranquil countryside, dominated by the spectacular volcano of Mt Rinjani.

The Sasak people are mostly Muslim and are known for their weaving, dances, and contests (stickfighting is a very popular weekly event). Balinese culture still survives in Lombok - a remnant of the time when Balinese princes once controlled the island - and Lombok’s tourist businesses are largely run by Balinese.

Gunung Rinjani takes up the northern part of the island and was considered dormant until 1994 when it proved otherwise. Trekking at least part of the way up Rinjani is the reason many tourists come to Lombok and most base themselves in the nearby villages of Senaru and Batu Koq or in the foothills at tiny Tetebatu.

The other big draw are the beaches: Senggigi, on the northwest coast, is the most developed, its fine white beach dominated by several expensive hotels; but there is also the three backpacker-friendly Gili Islands just offshore and also the small village of Kuta on the south coast - a popular surfing spot.

Lombok’s capital Mataram has little of interest, except for decent transport connections. It has also been marred by recent political unrest so keep your head down.

Overall Lombok is an excellent, more quiet version of Bali - worth investigating.