Indonesia boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, and the south coast of Lombok Island rates as among the best – in this photographer’s eye. –The Rainbow Rambler.
Some of the best holidays can be had by simply venturing off the road most travelled. In Lombok last month, travel buddies Arnd and Dee avoided the built-up tourist traps and headed south.
Starting with Kuta Beach in South Lombok – 25 min from the new international airport via 20 km of paved road – the views leave visitor speechless at the sublime panaoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beach, all along the coast.
We spent 44 hours exploring this alternative destination, driving through traditional villages and farming communities, and scootering to mainly deserted beaches and chatting with the vivacious locals, in the hopes of seeing it before major developments evolve like on the Gilli Islands and West Lombok. The airport has been opened for one year, the roads upgraded, and land snatched up for future building of luxury beachfront resorts.
White sand. Check. Crystal clear ocean. Check. Challenging surf breaks. Check. Warm water for swimming. Check. Bungalow with pool, international menu restaurant and Bintang. Check. Organic gourmet café for tea, coffee and juice on a cliftop with sea vistas? Yes!
We needed a week or more, but made the most of the time we had for our maiden trip to Lombok. We encountered many Bali escapees and European snowbirds, and surfers, of course.
Lovely Lombok: Highly recommended for many things, not the least of which is tranquility, sublime vistas and simple living. From the Heavenly Homestay on Heaven Beach to the Sublime Villas on a private beach, there are suitable options for bedding down. From shacks to slick restaurants, there are plenty of options for tasting fresh, healthy food, albeit not many choices for drinking in mainly Muslim country. (For two main meals with a large beer each, the cost was about $15 AUD. Bingtang was the only choice in town and finding an ice cold bottle proved challenging.)
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