| Lombok | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Region | Small Sunda Islands |
| Institutional website | |
Lombok is one of the Small Sunda Islands.
To know
Lombok is in between Bali to the west and Sumbawa at East. It has about 3 million inhabitants. The predominant group is that of the Sasaks. The most conspicuous minorities are the Balinese, the Javanese, the Chinese and the Arabs.
The most widely professed religion is the Muslim one.
When to go
May is the perfect month for a visit to Lombok. Frequent rains have just stopped but the landscape still retains its lush appearance and bright green colors.
The Ramadan holiday is considered an unfavorable period. During this event, you will not be served food during the day or alcohol. You will also need to refrain from smoking in public. So pay attention to the dates.
Culture and traditions
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and lasts 29-30 days. Muslims fast every day for its entire duration and most restaurants will be closed until dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) should pass through the lips from sunrise to sunset. Foreigners and travelers are exempt, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as it is considered rude. Working hours are also decreasing in the corporate world. The exact dates of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary from country to country. Ramadan ends with the feast of Eid al-Fitr, which can take several days, usually three in most countries.
- 13 April - 12 May 2021 (1442 AH)
- 2 April - 1 May 2022 (1443 AH)
- 23 March - 20 April 2023 (1444 AH)
- 11 March - 9 April 2024 (1445 AH)
- 1 March - 29 March 2025 (1446 AH)
If you are planning to travel to Lombok during Ramadan, consider reading the article Traveling During Ramadan.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
- Mataram - Capital of the island, Mataram is also the largest urban center. Selaparang International Airport is nearby.
- Praya - Capital of the Central Lombok, Lombok's second city and located near Lombok International Airport.
- Selong - Capital of the Eastern Lombok.
- Tanjung - Capital of the Northern Lombok and small town in the northwest that lies at the foot of the slopes of the Mount Rinjani. The two neighboring peninsulas of Medana and Sire are home to some of the best tourist destinations and luxury villas on the island.
Other destinations
- Bangsal - A small landing site on the beach that serves public ferries to the Gili islands.
- Gili Islands - Three islands off the west coast, popular with backpackers, perfect for snorkeling and swimming in crystal clear waters.
- Kuta - A surfing mecca like Bali, but it is the only thing in common between the two places.
- Lembar - The main commercial port of the islands, serving the major passenger ferries to Bali.
- Mount Rinjani - Large, active volcano that looms over the whole island and the third highest peak in Indonesia. Mount Rinjani National Park is one of the main features of the island.
- Sekotong - Off the beaten track in West Lombok. This area is fast becoming a tourist destination.
- Senaru - Village often used as an access point to mount Rinjani, with some great waterfalls and other spectacular natural scenery.
- Senggigi - Major tourist area, Senggigi is located just north of the capital with a wide range of hotels, resorts and villas. It includes the village of the same name and the northern coast between the beaches of Senggigi and Mangsit and Batu Layar located to the south.
- Tanjung Aan - Incredibly beautiful bay almost isolated in the southeast, intended for luxury resorts.
- Tetebatu - Village on the southern border of the National Park of mount Rinjani with a beautiful landscape.
How to get
How to get around
What see
Events and parties
What to do
- Diving (Gili and Lombok Islands).
