It's never too early to start thinking about summer vacation. If you've been dreaming about traveling to a tropical paradise, there's no shortage of them around the world. With all the great options out there, how do you begin to choose? One place you may not have considered is a relatively unknown one — Lombok, one of Indonesia's countless islands. With over 16,600 named islands alone, there's no question why Indonesia is the largest island country in the world. So, what makes Lombok so unique? It has a very similar amazing landscape as its neighbor to the west, Bali, but Lombok is much less touristy. Since Lombok keeps a limitation on the tourist industry, the island still holds onto most of its historical roots and natural beauty. Here are some of the numerous activities you can enjoy during your visit to Lombok.
Hiking Mount Rinjani
If you love hiking, Lombok is the place for you; it's one of the island's most popular activities. Mount Rinjani is Lombok's most important natural treasure. However, the climb to its peak isn't for the faint of heart. You must be pretty fit before you begin, so preparation is essential. Try enhancing your healthy diet with immunity-boosting supplements like green superfoods powder. The steep ascent up this 3,726-meter high mountain will definitely give your legs a good workout. The most popular hike for tourists is the Rinjani Trekking Tour, a three-day, two-night journey up the mountain. Upon reaching the peak, you'll find the nearly-panoramic views over Lombok to be well worth the time, effort and sore muscles you invested. You'll even find an overlook of Lake Segara Anak, the crater lake. The lake is in the caldera that formed during the violent eruption of Mount Samalas in 1257.
Lake Segara Anak has a beautiful forest-enclosed camping spot, fantastic for stargazers due to its very minimal amount of light pollution. You'll have the opportunity to camp here if you go on the trekking tour up Mount Rinjani.
About 219 yards from Lake Segara Anak's main campsite flows the Air Kalak Hot Springs. These hot springs are just what your sore muscles need after the long, arduous trek up Rinjani. Besides, some people think they carry medicinal properties. Bukit Pegasingan, at the peak of the volcano, gives you stunning, almost-panoramic views of the Lombok countryside. Here you'll see a valley full of colorful fields.
Trekking to Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Waterfalls fill Lombok's numerous hills. Some would say that Tiu Kelep in the north of Lombok is one of the best waterfalls. The added beauty of the magnificent tropical jungle that surrounds Tiu Kelep makes them all the more special.
Spending Time on Selong Belanak Beach
While you're in Lombok, you must take advantage of their stunning beaches. One of the best options in southern Lombok is Selong Belanak Beach. There's a good chance you'll find stalls of surfboards you can rent and vendors selling fresh coconuts. Whether you prefer to surf or just relax out on the sandy shore, you won't be disappointed.
Island Hopping the Sekotong Islands
Numerous beautiful tropical islands surround Lombok, so if you have time, go exploring. Beautiful sandy beaches make up the Sekotong Island chain. Coral reefs and clear, blue water can make for a perfect day of snorkeling.
Explore Narmada Water Park
If you love learning about the history of the locations you visit, Narmada Water Park (aka Taman Narmada) is a must-see. Located about 7 miles from Mount Rinjani and to the east of Mataram, this magnificent area was constructed by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem in 1727. He designed it to be a replica of the summit of Rinjani and its crater lake because of the king's inability to scale this massive mountain for his regular pilgrimage. Once built, the king supposedly spent a lot of his time in this garden to rest and worship Lord Shiva, the Hindu god.
There's also a natural spring by the pool that pilgrims consider to be the Fountain of Youth.
Maybe the perfect vacation destination doesn't exist, but Lombok comes close. Start planning today and look forward to the vacation of your dreams.
