Lombok Island is considered relatively safe due to its unique island atmosphere and low crime rate. However, there are some dangers to be aware of during your two-day stay in Lombok, such as petty crime, pickpocketing, and purse snatching. The Foreign Office advises against buying alcohol on the island, as it is often diluted with alcohol in Indonesia.
The Gili Islands have reopened for tourism, making it possible to travel from Bali or Lombok to the islands. Fastboats have not been running for a couple of weeks, but they may start up again soon. Indonesia, particularly the Lombok-Bali area, is one of the world’s most visited tourist hotspots.
Indonesia has issued a Level 2 warning for increased caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 29, 2024, Indonesian citizens and international tourists entering Indonesia are required to fill out the Satusehat Health form until further notice. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs throughout Indonesia, especially in tourist areas like Bali and Lombok.
Lombok and Bali are ideal destinations for parents, offering surf, sand, and beach activities. There are few reports of criminal activity targeting tourists or foreigners, but occasional small-scale scams occur. Sengiggi and Gilis are perfectly safe, with the only area badly affected being around the northeast of Lombok.
In conclusion, Lombok is a safe and friendly island with few reported criminal activities. It is becoming the new Bali, offering pristine beaches, rich cultural experiences, and eco-friendly tourism.
📹 Honest thoughts on Lombok Indonesia
The video follows a couple as they explore Lombok, an island east of Bali, known for its beautiful beaches. They encounter challenges finding affordable motorbike rentals and accommodation, and are surprised by the higher prices compared to Bali. The couple explores several beaches, some of which are stunning but littered with trash.
Is it safe to fly to Lombok from Bali?
The air link between Bali and Lombok has a strong safety record, with no aviation accident history for both the new airport and its predecessor, and no significant operational incidents across the Lombok Strait.
When not to visit Lombok?
Lombok, Indonesia’s island paradise, is known for its beautiful and chilled scene, featuring stunning beaches, Mount Rinjani’s dramatic volcanic peak, and a laid-back atmosphere. The wet season (November to March) is the off-season, while the rainy season (November to March) brings more rain in short bursts, allowing for exploration and fewer tourists. Lombok is located between Bali to the west and Sumbawa to the east, and its ideal time to visit depends on its climate seasons and the ebb and flow of tourist crowds.
Is it safe to travel to Bali, Indonesia right now?
Terrorist attacks in Indonesia are ongoing, and travelers arriving at international ports must complete an electronic health declaration form called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass to prevent new Mpox variants from entering the country. The form can be completed online before check-in for flights, and a barcode containing health and travel history will appear. Indonesian authorities will scan the barcode upon arrival.
If you have Mpox symptoms, you may be referred to a hospital for treatment. Australians who become seriously ill in Bali may not receive the same level of critical care as Australians, and medical evacuation may not be possible.
Is Lombok nicer than Bali?
Lombok and Bali are both beautiful destinations, but the choice depends on your desired holiday. Lombok offers a quiet, relaxing experience, while Bali offers a mix of culture and events, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a mix of nature and culture.
Is Lombok high risk for malaria?
The risk of bites is low in Bali, Lombok, Java, and Sumatra, but it is recommended to be aware of the potential dangers and practice bite avoidance.
How safe is Lombok for tourists?
Lombok Island is a safe destination for tourists, with the Indonesian government implementing measures to ensure their safety. The island offers various accommodation options, including luxury resorts and budget-friendly guesthouses. Popular areas include Senggigi, Kuta, and Gili Trawangan, each with a variety of options. When packing for Lombok Island, it is essential to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a camera, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. The island’s beautiful beaches and the presence of friendly locals make it an ideal destination for travelers.
Is it worth going to Lombok?
Lombok, a popular destination in Indonesia, offers unspoiled natural beauty, unique Sasak culture, and ample adventure opportunities. Located in the Lesser Sunda Island chain, Lombok is about 35km away and takes 30 to 3 hours to travel by plane or fast boat. However, the main difference between Lombok and Bali is their level of tourism development and infrastructure. Bali is Indonesia’s most popular island, while Lombok is underdeveloped and quiet, with fewer options for transport, dining, accommodation, and tourist attractions.
When not to go to Bali?
Bali is a year-round destination with a pleasant climate. However, the wet season from November to April is the worst time to visit due to higher precipitation and rainy days, which can hinder outdoor activities like hiking and cause extreme weather events. For those who prefer drier, sunnier weather, it’s best to plan your visit during the dry season.
Is Java safe for tourists?
Java Island is a safe Haven, but traffic is heavy, particularly during Hari Raya Island, and Jakarta is crowded.
Can you drink alcohol in Lombok?
Alcohol is allowed in Lombok, not just for the nightlife but also by the pool or beach. However, during Ramadan, it may be harder to find alcoholic drinks as bars and clubs may close. The legal age to drink is 21 years and above, and possession of drugs, including marijuana and magic mushrooms, can lead to death. Accommodations in Lombok are recommended to be in a serene area between tropical holiday life and the nightlife, such as the Amazing Lombok Resort, which is just 20 minutes from Kuta. Guests can enjoy their favorite drinks and experiences in a tranquil environment.
What vaccines do I need to travel to Lombok?
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, and Tetanus vaccines are typically recommended, along with Hepatitis A, B, Rabies, and Typhoid. Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis are selectively advised for those at highest risk. Risk is higher during floods, after natural disasters, in areas with poor sanitation and clean drinking water. Humanitarian aid workers, those in refugee camps or slums, and those caring for cholera are at higher risk.
📹 17 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Travelling To BALI In 2024
Here are 17 things I wish I knew before Visiting Bali, Indonesia. This will help prepare for a trip to Bali, from the negatives to the …
If you’ve been to Kuta, you haven’t really been to Lombok. You also cannot compare the Kuta prices with Bali and say Lombok is expensive. Get more off grid towards the east and you’ll experience the real Lombok. I personally liked Lombok way more than over crowded Bali, but, I deliberately did not stay in Kuta, but Selong Belanak. It seems like you did not inform yourselves very much before going to Lombok and that you did not realize what it means, when people say that Lombok is like Bali 30 years ago. This is exactly what you experienced. The infrastructure is still very rural and local, accomodation and transportation needs to be planned and the drive further to the east is definitely worth it. Also WiFi is not everywhere- which is what the world was like 30 years ago. Surprise!!! It’s actually something I enjoyed very much. Maybe you give Lombok another chance and then really explore the beauty of it. But if you do, please just enjoy the island and don’t bring the typical digital nomad mindset of “I need comfy chairs, wifi everywhere, hot water and western coffee and I prefer to eat burger and fries,” with you. That’s what already destroyed Bali, so you can have and enjoy this lifestyle there. Please keep Lombok to the friends of nature and LOCAL authentic experiences. Enjoy some Lombok coffee, some of the best tides in the world and INDONESIAN food!!! And do yourself a favor and leave the camera off. Just be in the moment for once and actually enjoy the beauty around you.
Hope this comment finds you both well. Let’s hope that the future of Lombok will be a brighter one. The beaches look wonderful minus the garbage. As always, we love what you’re doing . And We think bringing a sense of awareness to the issues of the environment in that area might change people’s minds. Thank You Rhett and Claire . Sending you much love 🙏❤🙏 Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.
Lombok is an incredibly beautiful island. Appreciate your thoughts but you need more than a few days to explore & see how it really is. Lush rain forests, magnificent waterfalls, pristine snorkeling, hiking Rinjani, rice terraces plus a unique culture. Next time come for longer & get yourself a good guide.
I spent a month in Lombok and got to know some locals on one of the beaches in Kuta. I helped them clean up trash one afternoon and they told me they cleaned the beach every morning and night. The trash problem is insane, i think a lot of it comes in from the ocean. Hope they can get it under control because otherwise, Lombok is a magical and ecologically diverse place.
I think whether you like Lombok more than Bali is very subjective. I’d say that if you’re a person who likes very tourist-dense areas that’s always very lively then you’d likely prefer Bali. However, if you’re more into more quiet and chilled area, whilst still having a fair amount of tourists but not to the point where it may be a bit over the top, then I think you’ll find yourself enjoying Lombok more.
Thank you for visiting us. Yes, we are struggling with the “clean up” issue. Our culture was not far enough from Balinese but their efforts to “protect” their island, because tourism is where their main source of income, was still far ahead of us. Lombok people live a relaxed life. Most of them don’t have a long term goal. They live as they are today. Well if you know what I mean. And our government’s neglect has a hand in it. That’s why Senggigi is like a dead zone during the day. So yeah.. But we keep moving and keep trying. Trying to keep our lil’ island.
Hello fellow South Africans! We were in Lombok at the same time. We spent the rainy days on Gili Meno (stayed Meno dream resort). And the time in interior in tetebatu at a home stay, amazing hosts (bungalow home stay) and at the coast Selong belanak (especially the beach that you have to clamber over rocks to get to, so it was super private (splurged here, staying at Sempiak villas). We just wanted to chill and didn’t want traffic with our limited time on vacay (1 week), and headed back to our hectic city lives. So we had a good vacation. Fortunately. I’ve lived and worked remotely from various parts of Thailand. Thailand is definitely cheaper, with much more delicious food, but here surfing was possible, fewer foreigners, locals had Dutch names like back home and were super friendly just like Cape Tonians!
Awal bulan november ini saya ke Mataram. Mataram yg saya lihat sekarang sudah seperti jkt, banyak mal dan toko2. Pantai sepanjang Senggigi hingga ke utara sudah penuh dengan hotel. Mungkin beberapa tahun lagi sulit menemukan pantai publik di sepanjang senggigi. Wisata yg masih bisa dijual gunung Rinjani dan pulau pulau di sekitar pulau Lombok. Bali kental dengan adat,budaya dan ritualnya yg khas kadang bisa kota lihat di jalan raya dan ini sangat menarik bagi turis juga bangunan2 khas Bali. Bagi yg belum pernah ke Lombok tentu senang karena banyak tempat yg dilihat seperti desa membuat gerabah, kain tenun dsb. Bagi saya yg pernah mengunjungi lombok hanya pantai yg jadi incaran saya bila saya kembali kesana, sementara di Bali banyak hal yg bisa dilihat yg tidak ada di jkt.
Lombok tourism industry is still developing and they are truly like Bali 20-30 years ago. The best way to enjoy Lombok now, in my opinion, is to relax on its resort and 5 stars hotel. Lombok has some stunning resorts and 5 stars hotels than on par with Bali. Its digital nomad environment however is still way behind Bali and most of the time incomparable with Bali, because they have so little right now.
Some time at the rainy season the combination of sea currents and the wind also taking a huge dumpload of garbage from nearby islands to fill the beach in Lombok. So its kinda frustrating sometimes since Lombok had beautiful beaches and also highly potential to become Bali’s next door competitor especially when Mandalika Street Circuit now regularly hosting MotoGP and WSBK.
Thank you for visiting Lombok! But you way too far to rent a bike in senggigi and go to kuta, you can just go to the kuta with the taxi and rent a bike in kuta and when you go to Tanjung aan, there is a Merese Hill right beside it, you should go there and watch sunset. So beautiful! And there’s not lot of tourists in Lombok since earthquake in 2018, and right after that Covid-19, before then Lombok quiet busy, and the people is still struggling till now. And last, you miss the waterfalls, 🥹
I prefer Lombok over Bali and I am hoping to go there again in July hopefully. I did stay in Senggigi when I was in Lombok. Personally better beaches when I went there, better waterfalls, less touristy, more enjoyable, quieter and serene. Bali had issues with trash on beaches and now it seems to be happening in Lombok which is sad to see
Jati Kuta Lombok is the nicest resort on the island great spot for digital nomads and the internet is Lightning fast. The plastic brakes my heart, unfortunately 90% of it comes from locals fillings up the rivers that eventually reach the sea, the beginning of rainy season is the worst as dried out rivers get flushed clean.
on the way to north we went to Sunset Springs, low cost rooms in a stunning 2.5 ache plot, Alfi’s restaurant is amazing. The resort is on the main road after the Gili islands on the way to Ranjani you must visit, lombok/ fusion food, AMAZING best food in Lombok, lovely place. Will defo be going back, very nice place to holiday.
Bali had more cliff and dark sand gravel type beach, the entrance to the beach is free cause most of them used as local worship temple or religious activity. Not so with Lombok who are more Islamic type island, they had to develop beach just for tourism and that take the cost up and might be the reason there’s many trash material seeing in tourism place. If you’re in Lombok I suggest to explore outside main beach like going far to the west or east, they had many undeveloped soft white sand beach without cliff or big wave, they event had pink sand type of beach in the east, but the access is not easy, it took me extra effort, but it’s really more beautiful compare to the Bali.
Dari article ini kita belajar bahwa Lombok masih harus banyak belajar dan berbenah diri untuk bisa bersaing dengan Bali. 1. Biaya hidup terlalu mahal 2. Masih banyak sampah berserakan padahal pantainya bagus 3. Banyak pungutan di tempat wisata yang mahal juga Semua budaya buruk itu harus dihilangkan supaya Lombok bisa bersaing dengan Bali🌴🌝
These days, when I go to Asia to swim and snorkel I only go to the Philippines as there is very little or no rubbish in the water. When I was a child living in Asia, some 40 years ago there were many prestine beaches and waterways but this is o longer the case. Moreover the beaches that are reasonably clean have lots of tourists. The Philippines seems now to be the only country left in Asia that is worth going to for marine activities.
Good article. I am Indonesian and you are right Lombok is amazingly beautiful but the mindset of the people is not really (western) tourist minded. Aside from the garbage, it quite often happens where western foreigners will be looked down on or ogled if they drive on the motorbike in their bikini. Yes, some people will say “well respect the culture” and I say, yes tourists will respect the culture by STAYING AWAY and going to Bali. Right now, sadly there is a common joke in Lombok where they say NTB means Nunggu Tamu Bali …. (NTB is the acronym for East Nusa Tenggara region but the same three letters in Indonesian can mean “Awaiting Guests from Bali”.). But then again Western Tourists aren’t the only target, they are also thinking about making Lombok the hotspot for tourists from the Middle East.
Great article guys Sick and tired of articles showing them selfs in skimpy clothing ( look at me look at me) Good idea of the surroundings from your maps were you went, names of places, prices, to food accommodation, even beach entry, I live in Bali now And that time of year is really bad in Bali as well I’ve even been to Labuan bajo to a little island of the beaten track, and yes plastic Great work 👌👍
Wow, so nice to see another amazing beach. Thanks for showing us. Sadly, the trash in the ocean is a global problem. but still a very nice beach. thumbs up. Maybe after enjoying Indonesia, Both of you can visit our country, Philippines, I highly recommend El Nido, Coron, Boracay and Siargao. God bless!!!
Having been to both Bali and Lombok in 1992, I can tell you that it’s LESS developed than Bali at the time. Bali was easy… Not crowded. But still developed enough to be able to easily find accommodation and transportation. No garbage either. Seems like the West came to the East and overdid their stays.
I was at the U.S. Consulate in Jakarta about my wife’s visa and I met a U.S. Surfer from Hawaii, who was hurting. He had a tanktop and shorts. He told me that he was in Lombok surfing when 3 locals jumped him when he left the water and stole his board and belongings. He was funny, because he tole me that the local paper in Lombok described him as the U.S. fighter, because he tried in vain to fight off his attackers. Every country is good to visit, but every country is a potential nightmare. Please be careful. Lombok has it’s beautiful places, but also it has very bad places. Most, 95% of Indonesians will be kind and helpful. Be aware that there is the 5%.
It’s sad that most of the trash issues don’t come from Lombok itself but surrounding islands. Time of year and currents cause this, when I visited it was pristine. Nothing like the trash in Bali oceans. My favourite thing to do in Lombok was hope on a scooter and explore the beaches, at the time there was no entrance fee but not sure if thats changed since Covid. It’s definitely a more chilled island, good for surf and exploring. If you’re looking for a ‘”vibe” stay in Bali with the other millions of tourists
As you said, it s bali back 30-40 years ago…need s lot of work to do to catch up. But the bright side, there re a big opportunity for investor with big room to plan and improvise and of course be a major player in lombok tourism industries. However it would never be the same as bali since there both have very diff base culture …hinduism & islam.
Pity you went to the wrong side of tanjung aan beach. Tanjung aan is really beautiful and many tourist love to come there to surf! I live in Lombok for already many years and I think you missed a lot of beautiful spots. Lombok isn’t comparable to Bali, it’s still a toddler in tourism. Actually it’s good that it’s not like Bali because we like the purity of the island. Not full with western culture like Bali. The litter is a problem all over the island. The litter in the ocean is due the rainseason taking all the dirt from the rivers to the ocean. In hot season you don’t see so much litter in the water
Super nice to get your input, we are currently in Kuta as well! ❤I think you were very unlucky with your timing, because when the rain comes, all the garbage washes ashore (also on parts of bali). Any other time if the year you’d find stunning beaches basically litter-free. We have though noticed that many locals leave their trash in nature which is frustrating, but we hope as tourism grows they’ll become more aware:)
I think you just had bad luck at some of those beaches. We spent 5 weeks in Lombok over the summer and Tanjung Aan beach and Mawun beach were absolutely beautiful and we were literally the ONLY people on the beaches. There was NO LITTER/Garbage in the water…. maybe the fall brings more garbage in. If you want the cleanest and nicest BEACH in OUR OPINION then head to SELONG BELANAK beach. IT gets cleaned DAILY and no coral/stones/rocks/garbage. You have to contend with people learning to surf but there are tons of warungs and a great beach/surf vibe. Good luck and hope you find more to enjoy in Lombok. We just loved KUTA area. We stayed at Kuta Baru hotel and enjoyed eating at KRNK and The Mexican in Town. Cheers from @2canucksthatlovetotravel
I am glad I had the opportunity to travel to Lombok several times before seeing this article, otherwise I would have probably not ! Lombok is a beautiful island, but there is way more to discover than what you’ve shown here. You can explore a bit more before drawing conclusions. It is probably, indeed, a little bit more manageable with a bigger budget, but there are plenty of excellent, remote, pristine hotels/bnbs (I am not going to share the names here, but there are !) … One more thing, it is not Bali. It is better if you want an off the beaten path, rugged trip, but also, with less tourists, less influencers and maybe a bit more surfers and adventurers. It is actually a bit sad that Bali became what it is… Most litter in Lombok probably comes from there. I hope you’ll get a chance to keep exploring the island, and find places you’ll like. On top of my mind – maybe check Mana Yoga Retreat for a night around Kuta (and great food !), Mawi Beach for a remote beach, and Selong Belanak for sunset. And nothing beats walking the streets with the muezzin chanting in background… have a good stay !
Yeah I don’t think anyone said Lombok was cheap . Did anyone tell you Lombok was cheaper than Bali? Cuz it is a little higher than Bali. But it’s still cheaper for you since you earn is US dollar mostly right. Anyway you both are so wonderful together. Would love to see a Junior from you both one-day 🤣🤣
I bet the litter problem is a common problem in Indonesia and not specific to Lombok. It looks like you hit the wet season causing more trash to enter the beaches. Ive seen multiple Kuta articles from dry season with no litter at all, locals cleaning the beaches etc. Going there myself in August and really looking forward going to a place that is not yet destroyed by tourism
The rubbish is not normally there. The rubbish is not from the Lombok people alone. There are 7000 islands in Indonesia and all throw their rubbish in streams the wind then determines which islands beaches it washes up on. Expats can not work or volunteer in Indonesia it is against the law. I wonder why you didn’t show the Main Street in Kuta Lombok. Food on Lombok is typically higher priced than Bali except local food.
trash is probably due to rainy season. the whole west side of Bali is exactly the same now. in terms of prices, seems just as expensive Bali or more so. 70k for a falafel?! can get a better one in Bali for 35K. waterfalls in North Lombok are amazing. too bad you missed that. by far the best thing on the island…
Lombok will never become the next Bali for the simple fact of its unique religion. The Kuta area of Lombok used to be an area of outstanding beauty. The new Mandalaka race circuit is a massive government project, with proposed hotel developments, malls, golf courses etc. The circuit itself is a predictable development as it will create huge sponsorship revenue deals. Yes, it will generate some local employment but an expected 150,000 spectators for each race later descending on its beaches will have an even further impact on its environment.
I visit lombok long time ago and recent year, and there is not much different with the situation in 20 years. Sadly lots of places in Indonesia with such a big potential for tourism and infrastructure just let them down and also dirty. Indonesia unfortunately still in the 10 dirtiest country in the world
Lombok or any other island might be better than Bali until a bunch of articles show up on YouTube touting the place. If you want to find a beautiful place for a vacation don’t go to anywhere that’s trending on social media for more than six months because I guarantee you it will be trashed and super crowded by the time you get there. I’ve lived in Bali the last 12 years and remember when no one was talking about places like Canggu and Nusa Penida, two formerly lovely and charming places I wouldn’t go to in a dare now. Literally ruined because of YouTubers.
as an indonesian just admit it hard to tell half human half brainless animal these days do not littering but seems like they dont know how to take care they environment even to they living born island & they know how to clean themself but dont know how to maintaining environment cleanliness wth what’s wrong with them
You’re good Claire just I would like to point out try to pronounce accurately and if you don’t know try to find out how it’s pronounced and even then if you still can’t get it right then do apologize as you pronounce a word and can’t get it right. I know some words may be difficult cuz of your slang and you’re foreigner but it’s not a problem just apologize as and when you feel you have pronounced it wrongly. Pls take this as positive constructive criticism that’s all. No meant to offend you.
Bali was utter garbage – tourist traps everywhere. Pay to go to the temples where there were no local worshippers. 120,000 for a nasi goreng when in Kuala Lumpur a more upscale developed city it’s probably 30,000 max… it’s just a place to rip off tourists… there is no assimilation with the locals at all…. Its a place for hippies and western gap year youths… beaches were awful compared to Thailand and Malaysia