Lombok is part of the Southern Indonesian chain of islands that face into the Indian Ocean, and is located just East of Bali in the chain. Unlike Bali, which is predominantly Hindu, the people of Lombok are mostly Islamic in faith. This gives Lombok a much different look and feel than being on Bali, even though the islands are separated by less than 90 miles. The Hindu art, temples and shrines that are so prevalent on Bali are replaced by an abundance of Mosques, which broadcast the hauntingly beautiful Adhan, or Islamic call to prayer, five times a day … including once at 3am (which makes for quite an interesting way to be nudged out of sleep in the middle of the night)!
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two islands, at this point in time, is that the number of tourists that flood the island of Bali still largely ignore Lombok Island. That looks to be changing soon. The Indonesian government, along with private resort companies ( like Dubai Development Corporation, Club Med and Marriot), are spending massive amounts of money on roads, infrastructure and future resorts in anticipation that Lombok will be the next big Indonesian tourist destination. A Formula One circuit, a MotoGP racetrack, golf courses, a cruise ship seaport and a Disneyland style theme park are all in various developmental planning or construction stages in and around the rural villages and pristine beachfronts of Southeastern Lombok.
Unfortunately, as we mentioned previously, we were a bit too ill to enjoy Lombok to its fullest. The inland mountains are supposed to have some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia, and the overnight trek into the caldera of of the 12,224 foot active strato volcano, Mount Rinjani, is supposed to be absolutely breathtaking. We were eventually able to explore the southern coastline of the island a bit … and I was even well enough to paddle into a few waves during our final couple of days on Lombok!
