Ultieme tips voor Lombok, Indonesië

Two weeks ago, these buttocks were still in Asia (was great, I must say). In Bali to be precise. Now I already find that a pretty little paradise on earth, and when it comes to food, I could really live there because everything is so delicious. And even healthy. Well, I was having a great time there, but I heard from all sides that I really had to go to Lombok. Because Lombok, literally everyone said, was even more beautiful, more fun, less touristy, greener, with better beaches and so on... Beforehand, I stubbornly told everyone that I was just going to stay in Bali, but I gave in. I had a bit of FOMO if I didn't at least touch Lombok.

So off I went. And all those people who said I absolutely had to go there: yes, they can now say: ‘I told you so.’ Because this was indeed really amazing. Even more beautiful, more fun, less touristy, greener, with better beaches and so on. Yes, they were all right. And now I'm going to persuade you too, because you want to go to Lombok.

First things first: how to get there. I went by boat from the Gili Islands, which was perfectly doable. A bit overpriced though, because I paid 200,000 IDR (about 13 euros, so the damage isn't too bad) for the boat trip and a driver to my accommodation in Lombok (Kuta). You can definitely find cheaper options, and it's advisable to take a fast boat. I didn't do that, and then you have to wait with the locals until the boat is full (which in my case was an hour and a half), but in terms of money, it really doesn't save much.

Flying is of course also an option. I flew back to Denpasar (Bali) for 28 euros. That's a one-way ticket and you're in the air for about 20 minutes. Very doable. At least you don't have to skip Lombok for the money. But then you're there... And then? Check here for the ultimate tips for Lombok on where to eat, sleep, and what to do.

Hotel tips Lombok

I stayed in Kuta, not to be confused with Kuta in Bali because it's the exact opposite. The whole village consists of about three to four streets and is still the destination where most people stay in Lombok. I slept in Bay Nyale Villas, which was great and super cheap. With three of us, two private villas and a private pool, yes indeed. And so all very affordable (even cheaper than Bali actually). And an outdoor kitchen. I was there in the rainy season and we had one day of heavy rain and stayed inside on the couch having a great time (because: still 30 degrees). I loved having plenty of space at your apartment, even without rain. Relaxing for a couple of hours at your apartment is just so great. Oh yes: breakfast is served in your room or in your pool. Floating breakfast, yes please.

Hotspots Lombok

Bamba

During the day this spot is already open and you can take a dip in the pool, but in the evening I found it a real recommendation for dinner. Shared dining and all so delicious, and there are many vegetarian options. Misobloemkool, samosas, and incredibly tasty tuna tartare for the enthusiasts. Oh, and also order the bao buns.

El Bazar

Reminds a bit of the Bazaar in Amsterdam, in terms of food. Lots of Eastern dishes and you can see that reflected in the interior. So if you're tired of nasi goreng, they have super delicious couscous here. Oh, and smoothie bowls for breakfast/lunch. A really cool place.

KRNK

Is located opposite El Bazar, which is very close, but actually everything is quite close in Kuta. Not authentically Indonesian (those tips are still coming, don't worry), just good burgers and pizzas. Industrial vibe. Just a relaxed spot in Lombok to grab a bite.

Warung Flora

In the small town of Kuta, you have two of these and both are always full. Can only mean one thing and that is that the food here is good. And that's true. And for a warung, it's quite modern, because they even have a website. If you love fresh fish, you can get it here for a very reasonable price.

Milk Espresso

I want breakfast and lunch here every day. The smoothie bowls are super delicious (very large, I couldn't finish mine), but the sandwiches are also a recommendation. Avo toast, poached eggs, waffles... You name it. So yes, having breakfast here every day and trying something different is no problem.

The Bus Bar & Surfers Bar

Just two tips in one. If you want to dance or have drinks in the evening, there isn't much choice, except for these two. And because there isn't much choice, this is also where everyone gathers, so guaranteed fun. Just check what day it is, because one day The Bus Bar is the place to be and the next day it's the Surfers Bar. A bit of a shame if you're at the wrong place, of course.

Kiena Warung

Last tip is still an authentic Indo spot. Nasi goreng, yes please. Really, I don't know how those warungs can make it so delicious (and for that price really), but here it's heavenly. And I'm not even a big rice eater. Oh, and the curries are also super.

The beaches in Kuta Lombok

Much more beautiful than in Bali, those beaches. The beaches you want to go to are: Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak Beach, Mawun Beach, and of course Kuta Beach.

General tips Kuta Lombok

Definitely rent a scooter, because otherwise it will be difficult to get around. Where you can still manage with a GoJek or Grab in Bali, they hardly have that here. You can't really bike in this heat. And if you don't find Mount Batur in Bali very challenging or do enjoy a tough activity: climb Rinjani. So cool.