Honest thoughts on Lombok Indonesia.

Summary

The video follows a journey through Lombok, Indonesia, comparing it to Bali. While Lombok boasts stunning beaches and a more laid-back vibe, the travelers face challenges such as littered beaches, limited accommodation, and higher-than-expected prices. They find the island beautiful but still developing, with limited options for budget travelers and digital nomads. Despite the natural beauty and tranquility, the lack of proper infrastructure and pollution on the beaches makes it less appealing than Bali for some. The trip concludes with a return to Bali, where the travelers are excited for more convenience and options.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lombok is often compared to Bali 25 years ago, with a more laid-back vibe and fewer tourists.
• 🚖 Getting around Lombok is more difficult than Bali due to the lack of rideshare options like Grab or Gojek. Bluebird taxis and private drivers are common alternatives.
• 🏍️ Renting a motorbike in Lombok can be challenging, with limited availability in certain areas, especially near resorts.
• 🌧️ The rainy season has arrived early, affecting the travel experience, including difficulty in exploring certain areas due to bad weather.
• 🏨 Accommodation options in Lombok can be scarce and expensive for budget travelers, with some places lacking basic amenities like air conditioning or hot water.
• 🍽️ Dining options in Lombok seem expensive compared to Bali, with prices sometimes higher than expected, even at local eateries.
• 🏝️ Some beaches in Lombok, like Tanjungan Beach, are filled with litter and are not ideal for visiting due to poor maintenance and pollution.
• 🌊 The beaches in Lombok offer stunning natural beauty but can have rough waters and strong currents, making swimming difficult for non-experienced swimmers.
• 💡 A good place for digital nomads in Lombok is the Kenza cafe, which offers decent pricing, comfortable workspaces, and reliable Wi-Fi, unlike many places in Bali.
• 🌴 Lombok is still developing as a tourist destination, with limited hotel choices and a lack of infrastructure in certain areas, making it challenging for travelers who want convenience.

Q & A

What is Lombok often compared to, and why?

Lombok is often compared to Bali 25 years ago because it is described as having the same natural beauty but with fewer tourists and less development, giving it a more laid-back, 'untouched' feel.

How do tourists usually get around Lombok, and what are the challenges they face?

Tourists typically rely on Bluebird taxis or private drivers for transportation, as services like Grab or Gojek are not available. This can make getting around a bit challenging, especially for those accustomed to more convenient ride-hailing options like in Bali.

What were the issues faced when trying to rent a motorbike in Lombok?

Renting a motorbike in Lombok proved difficult, as there were few available options in tourist areas like Senggigi. The traveler had to visit multiple tour guide shops to find a rental, and even then, the rental price for a motorbike was higher than expected.

What was the first beach visited, and what was the condition of it?

The first beach visited was Tanjungan Beach, which was described as being covered in trash and litter, including plastic waste and burnt coconut husks, making it an unpleasant experience for the travelers.

What did the travelers think about the beaches in Lombok in general?

While the beaches in Lombok were visually stunning, many were found to be dirty and littered, which detracted from the overall experience. Some beaches also had rough waves and difficult access, making them less suitable for swimming.

How does the cost of accommodation in Lombok compare to Bali?

Accommodation in Lombok was more expensive than expected for budget travelers. The travelers found it hard to find affordable places to stay, with basic homestays costing around 330K rupiah per night, which was higher than expected for the level of amenities offered.

What was the travelers' experience with food and cafes in Lombok?

Food and cafe experiences in Lombok were mixed. The travelers found that many cafes had higher prices than Bali, but there were still a few gems like Kenza cafe, which offered great food, comfortable workspaces, and reliable Wi-Fi. However, options for cafes and co-working spaces were limited.

How did the travelers describe the general vibe of Lombok?

The vibe in Lombok was described as quiet and less energetic compared to Bali. While Bali is known for its vibrant tourism scene, Lombok felt more peaceful, with fewer tourists and more surfers and yogis seeking solitude.

What challenges did the travelers face at the beaches besides cleanliness?

In addition to the cleanliness issues, the travelers also mentioned that some of the beaches were difficult to access, requiring long walks through muddy paths, and that parking fees were consistently 10K rupiah per beach, which added up during their trip.

What did the travelers think of the infrastructure and development in Lombok?

The travelers noted that while Lombok's beaches were beautiful, the island's infrastructure was still underdeveloped. They observed a lot of construction around areas like the Mandalika MotoGP circuit, but felt that there were missing road links and gaps in services for tourists.