Hey adventurers!
So continuing on our Indonesian adventure (part 1 if you missed it was Canggu, Mount Batur and Ubud in Bali, find out all the info here!). Next stop? Lombok! A place where all of our paradise island dreams came true! We hadn’t even factored the island in until we bumped into a friend (Sophie – legend!) that recommended we go. Oh wow, we were in for a treat.
Lombok is now probably my favourite place on Earth (bar maybe Sri Lanka ha, more on that later!). For me Lombok can be best described as Bali before the commercialisation. Still having the quaintness of a local island, and all of the magic of areas untouched by man. Then all at the same time having everything you could ever really need. A simpler, much sweeter way of living we thought. We lived out all of our outdoor adventure wishes; we surfed, we climbed, we swam in the ocean. We saw “the best sunset of our life” – happily not captured as we took time out of our phones! Check out part 2 of my Indo Adventure Vlog to see the magic unfold below.
Need the quick tips?
You can fly easily (and cheaply) into Lombok from Bali’s domestic airport. From Lombok we got a ferry to Padang Bai to go onwards to Nusa Penida (a boat ride from Sanur) (part 3 of our Indo Adventures), but on reflection the flight would have probably been easier. We ended up sourcing transport at the airport when we landed, but it might have been nice to have something pre booked.
Coco Surf – An awesome surf school we were recommended. We had the most magic experience as we got on a fishing boat out to the surf. Dana, Coco and Emily took us in as though we were friends. We rode the best (longest) waves of our lives and had the best time hanging out with our new found island friends. So much so we went back for more!
Surfers Bar – The main bar to go to after surf. At first it seemed a little quiet but later a live band came on, and we ended up partying into the night. Super fun! Find it here: Jl. Raya Kuta, Kuta, Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar., Indonesia
Rock Climbing with Mapala Fe – (booked through LombokTourTravel) – We had the most surreal but wonderful experience outdoor rock climbing with the locals. Their English was pretty broken, their kit a little tatty but we had the most incredible time climbing with them all the same. The climbers ended up being the most kind hearted people. It went to show that you can overcome language barriers – even in situations where your life is in danger! Although we ended up somehow climbing in the midday sun, which was fairly brutal, much better to go earlier or later.
Shopped the markets – there are a few market stalls on the way to the beach. We picked up some great finds!
Watched the Best Sunset of our Lives at Mandalika Beach – We climbed the boulders and watched in awe at the most incredible pink sunset whilst families played all around us.
We doodled, coloured and drank refreshing green juices at the juice bar – Which sadly I can’t remember the name of! It was in the main town of Kuta though with an upstairs area for reading and doodling!
MILK Espresso – delicious coffee, epic white chocolate and raspberry pancakes with peanut butter for breakfast, and delicious burgers for dinner. Find it here: Jalan Raya Kuta, Kuta, Pujut, Kuta, Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573, Indonesia
Sweetcorn crisps – which we found at the local supermarket, a new and happy taste for a sweetcorn addict like myself haha!
Bamba – We munched fantastic veggie bar buns, a beautiful find for Asian Fusion cooking in the main strip. Find it here: Jl. Raya Kuta, Kuta, Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573, Indonesia
If you’re thinking of going to Lombok, just go! I promise you won’t regret it, it’s the most magical place, filled with the most magical people!
Happy adventuring!
Kim x