Bali is likely one of the hottest locations in Asia, if not for the gorgeous nature it presents, then for the engaging oriental aptitude that inevitably woos the odd Westerner eager on experiencing a religious awakening–you may thank Julia Roberts for that.
The one slight caveat?
It is teeming with vacationers day and night time, and until you are locking your self up in a wellness enclave surrounded by rice terraces, away from the crowds, you are unlikely to search out the peace and quiet you so desperately crave (and actually not in Canggu).
It is time we search for an alternative choice to the jam-packed––and consider it or not, increasingly-expensive Bali––and it is not like there is a scarcity of tropical islands within the neighborhood to choose from.
Why Have not You Heard Of Lombok Earlier than?
Considered one of them is Lombok, an unheard-of oasis mendacity simply east of Bali that, regardless of its proximity to the main trip island in Indonesia, is but to be spoiled by mass tourism, welcoming far fewer vacationers yearly:
As reported by the provincial authorities of West Nusa Tenggara, which administers Lombok, their tourism goal for 2024 is to host 2.5 million company; for comparability functions, neighboring Bali hosted 5.2 million in 2023, with additional progress anticipated this 12 months.
Seeing they’re each comparable concerning inhabitants dimension and landmass, it is evidently ignored Lombok is your greatest guess at a actually enjoyable southeast-bound escapade: we’re speaking much less littering on seashores, much less (if any) crowding in vacationer hotspots, and reasonably priced beachfront stays.
Indonesian islands are identified for his or her idyllic hinterland, sometimes traversed by verdant rice fields and jungles sprinkled with waterfalls, and unspoiled shoreline, fringed by azure-to-teal-colored seas, and Lombok ticks all of these packing containers (after which some).
It is no surprise TripAdvisor listed it because the fifth greatest nature vacation spot on the planet:
Stunning Untouched Pure Parks
Should you’re flying all the best way to the opposite aspect of the globe for the otherworldly vistas, you may be thrilled to be taught that Lombok is residence to Mount Rijani, an energetic volcano resting on the banks of a crater lake.
Although fairly difficult, summiting it’s a must-do.
This in a single day mountaineering tour, with pickup from Senaru, ensures you are on the peak of the mountain for dawn.
At solely $12.87 to e-book, it is an reasonably priced exercise relevant to skilled trekkers or, as organizers specify, ‘those that are in good situation’.
Tegalalang in Bali might be one of the vital iconic landscapes not solely in Indonesia however the entire of Asia.
However belief us, standing in line for hours to get the proper image with the cascading rice terraces isn’t any enjoyable (particularly if the hordes of journey influencers have arrived early that day).
However, Lombok’s lesser-known Tetebau is far much less crowded and simply as stunning, with lush-green landscapes dotted with rice terraces and conventional villages, largely undeveloped, that vacationers are but to find of their overwhelming majority.
Thousands and thousands of tourists additionally flock to Bali yearly particularly for the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
We’re not precisely eager on getting our telephones snatched by prying macaques, however should you’re fluent in ape and capable of negotiate it again, Lombok’s Baun Pusuk is a extra offbeat different.
A newly designated regional park, this forest is inhabited by the notorious monkeys and different unique wildlife; do not inform us we did not warn you, although: be it Bali or Lombok, these cheeky, elusive creatures might give European pickpockets a run for his or her cash.
Be sure you clutch your belongings tightly, and no matter you do, do not drop your luggage to the bottom even for a break up second––within the meantime, you will discover us on the nearest seashore as an alternative, and that may be the paradisiacal Senggigi.
Infinite Miles Of Sandy Seashores
The very best-known postcard view on the island, Senggigi Seaside is the place a lot of the upscale accommodations are situated and the place Lombok’s thriving browsing scene is situated: the skinny, white sands are normally spotless, seashore distributors aren’t in any respect pushy, and the hospitality in native eating places is one other massive plus.
Elsewhere in Kuta, the second-trendiest resort vacation spot in Lombok, there’s an equally good selection of lodging choices and informal eateries.
There are additionally secluded seashores TikTokers have to date did not smash, with Mawun and Selong Belanak, to call a pair.
Should you’ve been to Bali or some other island in Indonesia earlier than, you understand site visitors can pose a major drawback, significantly throughout peak hours, when 1000’s of motorbikes cram into slender nation roads to get from the seashore to town.
The excellent news is, the broader West Nusa Tenggara province additionally contains three car-free islands––the Gili Islands––a brief boat 20-minute boat trip away from Lombok, the place you may escape the same old hustle and bustle, lounge on a wild, untouched stretch of seashore and simply loosen up.
Lombok Is Extra Reasonably priced Than Bali
Apart from the breathtaking nature, Lombok’s rising trendiness might be attributed to its affordability, significantly when paired with Bali, the place room charges and meals costs have elevated considerably in recent times, as famous by the Bali Solar.
That is noticed throughout Indonesia, however much less so in less-touristy locations: for starters, you may nonetheless discover rooms in a seafront spa resort in Senggigi for as little as $59 an evening or a modest, two-star resort in up-and-coming Kuta from solely $19.
Naturally, all-inclusive listings are significantly pricier, with one such instance being the ultra-luxurious Seven Secrets and techniques by Hanging Gardens, the place an in a single day might set you again by as a lot as $1,081, however the truth of the matter is, you are not required to interrupt the financial institution on a visit to Lombok.
Primarily based on estimates supplied by Price range Your Journey, vacationers vacationing in Lombok spend $52 a day, or the equal in rupiah, together with meals, transportation, and paid actions, versus $72 in Bali: that is twenty {dollars} cheaper.
The identical goes for accommodations: in Lombok, you are anticipated to pay $57 an evening, whereas the Bali common is $82; general, you may keep a complete week within the former for beneath $719 should you’re touring in consolation, excluding fights, whereas the latter prices greater than double to go to, or $1,565.
Except for Lombok, you may uncover 3 Bali-dupes in Asia right here.
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