Lombok Island

Lombok Island is one of the two main islands of West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), strategically located about halfway along the Indonesian archipelago. Sumbawa is the other major island in the province. Lombok is dominated by Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano at 3,726 meters, which remains active with its last significant eruption occurring in 2016 (notable for its ash emissions rather than lava flows). The mountain features a stunning caldera with Segara Anak crater lake 600 meters below the rim, where a new volcanic cone continues to form.

Districts
Lombok is administratively divided into five regions (previously four):

• Lombok Barat (West Lombok)
• Lombok Tengah (Central Lombok)
• Lombok Timur (East Lombok)
• Lombok Utara (North Lombok)
• Mataram City (the provincial capital since 2000)

Climate
Lombok’s tropical climate remains consistent:

• Dry season (June-September): Daytime temperatures reach 32-35°C, while nights in highland areas like Senaru can drop to 18°C
• Wet season (October-May): Peak rainfall occurs December-January, with short heavy showers typically lasting 1-2 hours
• New weather pattern: Recent years have seen occasional dry spells extending into November

Flora and Fauna
The island’s biodiversity faces new conservation challenges:

• Forest coverage has reduced to about 30% of the island, mostly in Mount Rinjani National Park
• Endangered species now include the Rinjani scops owl and Lombok leopard cat
• Marine life: The south coast has become a manta ray migration route (May-October)
• Reforestation projects focus on mahogany, teak, and native banyan trees

Population and People
Latest 2023 estimates show:

• Total population: 5.2 million
• Ethnic composition:

• • 85% Sasak (native Lombok)

  • 12% Balinese

  • 3% Chinese, Javanese, Arab, and other minorities

• Urbanization: Mataram metropolitan area now houses over 1 million residents

Culture and Customs
Traditional practices continue evolving:

• Peresean (Sasak stick-fighting) now a weekly tourist attraction
• Bau Nyale (sea worm festival) draws thousands every February
• New cultural center: Pura Meru in Cakranegara hosts weekly performances
• Note: Many villages maintain strict adat (customary law), especially regarding dress codes and behavior

Places to Visit:

• Bangsal – Upgraded harbor with better facilities for Gili Islands including Gili Air, Meno, and Gili Trawangan transfers
• Kuta (Lombok) – Now features surf schools and beach clubs alongside traditional warungs
• Lembar – Main commercial port with new passenger terminal
• Mataram – Modern capital with new shopping malls and museums
• Mount Rinjani – Trekking permits now limited to 150 climbers daily for conservation
• Sekotong – Emerging as a luxury resort area with overwater villas
• Senaru – Gateway to Rinjani with new eco-lodges and improved waterfall access
• Senggigi – Remains the main tourist strip with upgraded beachfront
• Tanjung Aan – Now home to several 5-star resorts (Mandalika development)
• Tetebatu – New agrotourism initiatives including organic tea plantations

How To Get To Lombok Island

By Flight

• International: Direct flights from Singapore (Scoot), Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia), and Perth (Jetstar)
• Domestic: Daily flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and new routes from Yogyakarta
• Lombok International Airport (LOP): Expanded in 2022 with capacity for 5 million passengers annually

By Fast Boat

• Main routes: Bali (Padang Bai/Sanur) to Lombok (Senggigi/Bangsal) in 2-2.5 hours
• New operators: Eka Jaya Fast Boat, Blue Water Express
• Gili Fast Boats: Speedboats now depart from Teluk Nare and Bangsal hourly

By Public Ferry

• Bali-Lombok: Operates 24/7 from Padang Bai to Lembar (4-5 hours)
• New vessels: Larger, air-conditioned ferries introduced in 2023
• Vehicle transport: Still the most economical option for bringing motorbikes/cars