Holidays to Lombok & Gili Islands

There are no direct flights to Lombok – change in Java; to travel on to the Gili Islands, you’ll need to take a short ferry ride

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah 
• Time difference: GMT +7 
• Flight from the UK: 15 hours 
• Visa: No (for visits up to 30 days) 
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia 
• Regional drink: teh manis (sweet tea) 
• Regional dish: ayam taliwang (spicy barbeque chicken)

Lombok & Gili Islands Activities

Rising up to 3,762 metres and dominated the landscape, Mount Rinjani (or Gunung Rinjani) on Lombok is a hiker and trekkers dream – scale this active volcano and be rewarded with hot springs, an impressive crater lake and stunning views. Back on lower ground rent a scooter and explore the coastline between Senggigi and Pemenang stopping at the viewpoint at Malimbu Hill 1 and 2 for enviable pictures. Hit the waves in Kuta for excellent surfing or hop over to the Gili Islands for snorkelling, scuba and free diving opportunities among coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Lombok & Gili Islands Food & Drink

Surrounded by water, water and more water, a staple of any Lombok dish is seafood with an abundance of snapper, barracuda and lobster. On the Gili Islands seafood-based beach barbeques are a regular occurrence – we recommend trying the spiced fished cooked and served in banana leafs. Typical (non-seafood) Lombok dishes include sate pusut, a spicy minced satay and ayam taliwang, barbequed chicken marinated in chili, garlic and a sweet and sour sambal sauce.

Lombok & Gili Islands Attractions

Beautiful beaches and towering volcanoes asides, Lombok’s main attraction is its lush tropical scenery – head inland and you’ll come across rushing waterfalls perfect for a refreshing swim or cooling drink. As a predominately Muslim island, there are a number of mosques dotting the landscape, as well as a handful of Hindu temples. Experience a little of the Sasak culture with a tour to one of the villages where you’ll be welcomed by traditional music and dance performances and have the chance to pick up handicrafts and woven tenun or tapestries.