Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Asia, if not for the beautiful nature it offers, then for the enticing oriental flair that inevitably woos the odd Westerner keen on experiencing a spiritual awakening–you can thank Julia Roberts for that.
The one slight caveat?
It’s teeming with tourists day and night, and unless you’re locking yourself up in a wellness enclave surrounded by rice terraces, away from the crowds, you’re unlikely to find the peace and quiet you so desperately crave (and certainly not in Canggu).
It’s time we look for an alternative to the jam-packed––and believe it or not, increasingly-expensive Bali––and it’s not like there’s a shortage of tropical islands in the vicinity to pick from.
Why Haven’t You Heard Of Lombok Before?
One of them is Lombok, an unheard-of oasis lying just east of Bali that, despite its proximity to the leading vacation island in Indonesia, is yet to be spoiled by mass tourism, welcoming far fewer tourists yearly:
As reported by the provincial government of West Nusa Tenggara, which administers Lombok, their tourism target for 2024 is to host 2.5 million guests; for comparison purposes, neighboring Bali hosted 5.2 million in 2023, with further growth expected this year.
Seeing they’re both similar regarding population size and landmass, it’s needless to say overlooked Lombok is your best bet at a truly relaxing southeast-bound escapade: we’re talking less littering on beaches, less (if any) crowding in tourist hotspots, and affordable beachfront stays.
Indonesian islands are known for their idyllic hinterland, typically traversed by verdant rice fields and jungles sprinkled with waterfalls, and unspoiled coastline, fringed by azure-to-teal-colored seas, and Lombok ticks all of those boxes (and then some).
It’s no wonder TripAdvisor listed it as the 5th best nature destination in the world:
Beautiful Untouched Natural Parks
If you’re flying all the way to the other side of the globe for the otherworldly vistas, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Lombok is home to Mount Rijani, an active volcano resting on the banks of a crater lake.
Though rather challenging, summiting it is a must-do.
This overnight hiking tour, with pickup from Senaru, ensures you’re at the peak of the mountain for sunrise.
At only $12.87 to book, it’s an affordable activity applicable to experienced trekkers or, as organizers specify, ‘those who are in good condition’.
Tegalalang in Bali may well be one of the most iconic landscapes not only in Indonesia but the whole of Asia.
But trust us, standing in line for hours to get the perfect picture with the cascading rice terraces is no fun (especially if the hordes of travel influencers have arrived early that day).
On the other hand, Lombok’s lesser-known Tetebau is far less crowded and just as beautiful, with lush-green landscapes dotted with rice terraces and traditional villages, mostly undeveloped, that tourists are yet to discover in their vast majority.
Millions of visitors also flock to Bali every year specifically for the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
We’re not exactly keen on getting our phones snatched by prying macaques, but if you’re fluent in ape and able to negotiate it back, Lombok’s Baun Pusuk is a more offbeat alternative.
A newly designated regional park, this forest is inhabited by the infamous monkeys and other exotic wildlife; don’t tell us we didn’t warn you, though: be it Bali or Lombok, those cheeky, elusive creatures could give European pickpockets a run for their money.
Make sure you clutch your belongings tightly, and whatever you do, don’t drop your bags to the ground even for a split second––in the meantime, you can find us at the nearest beach instead, and that would be the paradisiacal Senggigi.
Endless Miles Of Sandy Beaches
The best-known postcard view on the island, Senggigi Beach is where most of the upscale hotels are located and where Lombok’s thriving surfing scene is located: the thin, white sands are usually spotless, beach vendors aren’t at all pushy, and the hospitality in local restaurants is another big plus.
Elsewhere in Kuta, the second-trendiest resort destination in Lombok, there’s an equally big choice of accommodation options and casual eateries.
There are also secluded beaches TikTokers have so far failed to ruin, with Mawun and Selong Belanak, to name a couple.
If you’ve been to Bali or any other island in Indonesia before, you know traffic can pose a significant problem, particularly during peak hours, when thousands of motorbikes cram into narrow country roads to get from the beach to the city.
The good news is, the wider West Nusa Tenggara province also includes three car-free islands––the Gili Islands––a short boat 20-minute boat ride away from Lombok, where you can escape the usual hustle and bustle, lounge on a wild, untouched stretch of beach and just relax.
Lombok Is More Affordable Than Bali
Other than the breathtaking nature, Lombok’s rising trendiness can be attributed to its affordability, particularly when paired with Bali, where room rates and food prices have increased significantly in recent years, as noted by the Bali Sun.
That’s observed all over Indonesia, but less so in less-touristy places: for starters, you can still find rooms in a seafront spa resort in Senggigi for as little as $59 a night or a modest, two-star hotel in up-and-coming Kuta from only $19.
Naturally, all-inclusive listings are considerably pricier, with one such example being the ultra-luxurious Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens, where an overnight could set you back by as much as $1,081, but the fact of the matter is, you’re not required to break the bank on a trip to Lombok.
Based on estimates provided by Budget Your Trip, tourists vacationing in Lombok spend $52 a day, or the equivalent in rupiah, including food, transportation, and paid activities, versus $72 in Bali: that’s twenty dollars cheaper.
The same goes for hotels: in Lombok, you’re expected to pay $57 a night, while the Bali average is $82; overall, you can stay an entire week in the former for under $719 if you’re traveling in comfort, excluding fights, while the latter costs more than double to visit, or $1,565.
Aside from Lombok, you can discover 3 Bali-dupes in Asia here.
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