May 2016 Travel Idea: Lombok Island, Indonesia

SEE

Being a neighbouring island of Bali island, Lombok offers unique experience for travellers looking for something different from Bali. Lombok is blessed with a lot of exquisite white-sandy beaches and beautiful underwater world. Before the rise of local tourism in Lombok, you need a good scooter driver in order to reach those hidden beauty corner of Lombok such as the Pink Beach. Thankfully, nowadays, local tour which offers snorkelling gear and lunch at the quiet Pink Beach is available for booking. If you look at the sand from closer view, the sand is actually pink as it consists of reddish coral. 

Another beach which you have to visit in Lombok is Mandalika Beach. A stay at the nearby Novotel Mandalika Resort will give you easy access to the beautiful Mandalika Beach. The beach is located around 10 minutes walking from the hotel but it guarantees a quiet private time between you and the sea. 

DO

The most popular activity for visitors to do in Lombok is definitely snorkelling or diving. Lombok has one of the most beautiful underwater view with the colorful corals and fishes swimming around under the sea. Do book yourself a trip to the sea from Gili Trawangan as there are a lot of vendor providing snorkelling/diving/glass-bottom boat package which is combined with lunch at the restaurant on the main street. 

If you are looking toward more exciting lunch experience in your own private island, you can book a package which consists of private lunch on an island. The sailor/chef will catch the fishes for you and cook them himself on the nearby beach. This will be a fun activity for you to spend with your family. After all, not everyone has the chance to have picnic at their own "private" beach.

STAY

Novotel Mandalika Resort (double room starts from $105) offers a fantastic access to Mandalika Beach whereby you can see a lot of interesting stuff from the pepper-like sands to the famous Princess Mandalika Statue. Not forgetting to mention that the breakfast buffet provided at Novotel Mandalika Resort is superb with a good spread of international dishes and pastries. 

If you would rather stay at villas or bungalows facing the ocean, try The Chandi Boutique Resort & Spa (double room starts from $150). The best sunset spot at The Chandi Boutique Resort & Spa is definitely at the bar. Don't forget to sip one or two cocktails while you are at it. 

FLIGHT DEAL FROM US

There is no alternative but to take multiple flights from the US to Lombok. A return trip from New York to Lombok costs $1,500 on average in May. 

FLIGHT DEAL FROM UK

Similar to the above, a multiple stops is required for the flight from the UK to Lombok. A return ticket from London to Lombok costs $960 on average in May. You can also depart from Manchester instead of London but the price is more or less the same.