Lombok: beaches, volcanoes and traditions

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The island of Lombok is located in Indonesia, between the islands of Bali and Sumbabwa and is part of the archipelago of the Lesser Sunda islands. The largest city on the island is Mataram, which is located in its western part.

Lombok is crossed by two parallel mountain chains, the southern chain is formed by limestone rocks, while the northern chain is formed by volcanic apparatuses including the majestic Mount Rinjani. The southern part of the island due to its limestone nature is poorer in water. While the northern region rich in volcanic soil is very fertile.

The island is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Rinjani (Gunung Rinjani), which rises up to 3,726 meters high. This imposing volcano is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. Its most recent eruption was in May 2010. Inside the volcano there is a volcanic lake, both the volcano and the lake are part of the National Park established in 1997.

Lombok has a lot in common with the neighboring island of Bali, but is less known and less visited by foreign tourists. The island has a total area of approximately 4,725 km² and a population of 3,166,000 in 2015 (mainly Sasak (85%), and Balinese (14%)). The island produces corn, coffee, tobacco, rice and cotton.

Tourism is becoming an important source of income, thanks to the beauty of the island’s beaches. The most beautiful beach is that of Kuta Tanjung Aan along the southern coast of the island. But the island is also known for the natural beauty of Mount Rinjani and the nearby Gili Islands.

HOW TO GET TO LOMBOK

The island of Lombok is served by the new Lombok International Airport (LOP), which is located in the central-southern plain of the island. The airport is connected with frequent flights to the island of Bali and to other cities and islands of Indonesia. There are also some flights with Malaysia and Singapore.

By sea the island is connected by fast ferries with Bali and by ferries with Sumbawa.