Lombok is one of Indonesia’s most exotic places that could offer you a transformative getaway. This is an island located just east of Bali, but I promise you, it gives you totally different experience.
So, what does it have to offer you, soul-seeking travelers who long for a perfect place to enjoy a little pause from life’s hassle? Here’s what you’d better do in Lombok to tick that bucket list.
1. Staying in Sembalun Village
I remember vividly the moment I felt Sembalun’s air on my skin. It was refreshing, gave me a little chill and atmospheric vibe.
Sembalun is located at the foot of Mount Rinjani. This is the famous mountain many hikers from around the world dream of visiting. Before going up to the top of the mountain, you should definitely enjoy a few days just chilling out at one of the available hotels or villas in Sembalun Village.
A lot of lodgings in Sembalun Village offer a balcony view to hills around the village. So, you can imagine yourselves waking up in the morning then sipping your black coffee at a balcony while appreciating the magnificent view of greenish hills in the distance. This is definitely one of those experiences of a lifetime.
2. Camping Out at Gunung Jae Lake
If you are a first-time tourist planning to spend a short escape to Lombok from Bali, Gunung Jae Lake might not be your priority destination. Even this is probably the first time you heard about this place.
Gunung Jae Lake’s location is quite accessible. It lies around the center part of Lombok island, close to Mataram and Central Lombok.
I personally suggest you spend a night here at least, so you can experience some morning breeze in by the lake. Arm yourselves with some cups of hot coffee to make your morning even more memorable. The vibe is just so magical and serene.
3. Having Some Beers at Merese Hill
A sunset, some bottles of local beers and a little of loving chat would complete your soul-seeking trip in Lombok. Just make sure you’re doing it in the right place, such as Bukit Merese or Merese Hill.
You would not find too much trouble finding the place as its location is near Tanjung Aan Beach, one of the popular beaches near Kuta Mandalika.
The best time to visit this spot is, in my opinion, just before the sun’s about to go down. The view is so breathtaking, with the sky reflecting so many beautiful colors like the one you often see on paintings. But this one is surely undeniably addictive. It is hard for anyone seeing them to forget such moments.
There are other places in Lombok to spend one or two days of spiritual reawakening. This island is magical to me. Its air and people could have given me so many rare experiences which I long for a while and I hope you get the opportunity to feel it yourselves.