West Lombok holidays are a blend of energy and authenticity. Anchored by the capital, Mataram, this is the island’s most developed region, with a mix of markets, temples, beaches and rural villages. Explore the busy streets of Cakranegara, pause at the ornate Hindu temples near the Monkey Forest, or unwind at palm-fringed beaches like Senggigi Bay and Sire. West Lombok is the gateway to deeper discoveries and a great base for exploring both tradition and the everyday.
Just outside the city, life slows in the Sasak villages. Learn about the island’s unique Wetu Telu mosques and visit Banyumulek, a centre for traditional pottery where age-old techniques are still practised. Whether you’re soaking up religious history, admiring Mount Rinjani across the bay or seeing crafts made by hand, West Lombok offers a rich mix of island life.
Indonesia
This sample itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and has been designed to introduce curious travellers to the wonders and contrasts of Indonesia.
You’ll hop across three of its islands: exploring the cultural heartland of Java, delving into the magical countryside of Bali, and ending with a dose of beachside bliss on Lombok.
Java
Soak up the sunrise over Borobudur Temple with breakfast, before being the first in the complex
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
Indonesia
This suggested trip is designed to give families a truly immersive experience of Bali and Lombok without too many stops or long transfers.
The accommodation enhances the immersive nature of the trip without breaking the bank, and it‘s family-friendly throughout (but not in the all-inclusive, ‘Kids Club’ sense of the term).
The Ayung River
Exhilarating white-water rafting
Ubud
Delve into the heart of Balinese culture in the countryside, away from the crowds
West Lombok
Live the dream and relax on the beautiful beaches
Indonesia
A luxury holiday with once-in-a-lifetime experiences in wonderful hotels: from Amanjiwo in Java’s cultural heartland to Capella Ubud and RASCAL Voyages in Komodo National Park.
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist
Bali
Delve into the island’s cascading countryside with its spiritual air
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
Indonesia
The neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok are easily combined. With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.
Lombok, however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.
A holiday combining the exotic sights and sounds of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.
Bali
Experience the countryside, temples and scenery of Sideman and Ubud
Take a speedboat across the Lombok Strait with a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes
Lombok
Relax on the idyllic Mangsit Beach on the remote northwest coast
Indonesia
Discover the heartland of Java, then head east to sail around the wildly beautiful Komodo National Park, before exploring magical Bali and lovely Lombok.
Borobudur
Watch the magnificent Borobudur Temple arise from morning mist in the cultural heartland of Java
Bali & Lombok
Be amazed by the distinct flora and fauna found along the ecological boundary of the Wallace Line
Komodo National Park
Spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with tropical fish and graceful rays
Indonesia
Think thick terrain, temples and tribes. Fascinating traditions, magnificent scenery, doses of downtime: a journey of a lifetime.
Sulawesi
Trekking through remote villages to learn about their fascinating and elaborate rituals
Lombok
Soaking up glorious sunsets from your beach retreat on Lombok
Bali
Experiencing authentic Balinese life in the island’s remarkable countryside
