The next big island from Bali is its slightly mysterious neighbour of Lombok. The island is roughly the same size as Bali but has better infrastructure and much less traffic congestion. Despite its geographical proximity, the scenery and culture here is totally different as Lombok, like the rest of Indonesia, has a predominantly Muslim culture.

Lombok boasts dreamy beaches, great surfing, lush rice fields, thrilling waterfalls and towering volcanoes (climbing Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest and still active volcano is a highlight). Another part of Lombok’s appeal is that the tourist industry is less developed and the island is much less crowded and has a more chilled vibe than Bali.

In 10 years time, Lombok may be the next Bali but for now not so many tourists make it here. Sengigi is the most popular spot for tourists on the island and is home to a good selection of hotels, villas and restaurants.

How to reach and where to stay
You can reach Lombok on a 20 min flight or two-and-a-half hour boat ride from Bali. Sengigi and Kuta are the most developed areas for tourists. Lombok doesn’t have the same range of luxury accommodations and fine dining options as Bali has; for Kuta, Puri Rinjani is a good value mid range resort with a nice pool, grounds and rooms near the beach or Sekar Kuning Bungalows is a surfer and backpacker favourite. In Sengigi, the classy Quincy Villas and Jeeva Klui offer some of the best beach side accommodation in the area.