Travel to Lombok with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Lombok with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Lombok

Lomboks less developed tourism industry than Bali has helped to preserve its traditional charm and culture. Peaceful countryside, white-sand beaches and lush green mountains combine to make Lombok a great holiday destination.

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Key Attractions

Mataram, the capital of Lombok, consists of four towns: Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara (Cakra) and Sweta. In Ampenan, the Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum provides a good overview of the history and culture of Lombok, while Cakra is the best place for restaurants, accommodation and shopping.

Also in Cakra is the Mayura Water Palace, built in 1744 as part of the royal court of the Balinese kingdom. Across from the Water Palace is Pura Meru, the largest Balinese temple on the island. The weaving factories in Mataram are great places to buy Indonesian handicrafts and Ikat cloth.

Out and about

Senggigi, the most developed tourist area on Lombok, still has beautiful beaches and good snorkelling, making it well worth a visit.

Tanjung Luar, on the east coast, is one of Lomboks main fishing ports. It has an interesting coastline with good surf breaks nearby, but lacks in much else to offer visitors.

The small, coral-fringed Gili Islands have become enormously popular with visitors who come for the sun, snorkelling and socialising, minus the presence of cars, motorbikes and hawkers.

Leisure options

Rinjani, the highest mountain in Lombok at 3,726m, is an active volcano that last erupted in 1995. The volcano is a popular destination for hikers and four-day treks to the caldera are common, but should not be taken lightly. In case of overexertion, the hot springs located on the north-eastern side of the caldera are thought to have amazing healing powers.

Bangko-Bangko, dubbed Desert Point, is 80kms from the city of Mataram and has some new developments. It is one of the best-known surf breaks in Indonesia.

Safety

From time to time there is civil unrest in Indonesia, although Lombok has remained relatively unscathed. However, it is wise to check with official sources for an update on the security situation before finalising your travel plans. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance for you and your family before leaving home, especially if you are planning to go mountain climbing or surfing.

Weather

The best time to visit Lombok is surprisingly during the rainy season (October – May) where humidity decreases and the islands jungle landscape is lush and green. The dry season (June – October) can be particularly hot and dusty.

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