There is a moment, somewhere between the last view of Bali’s crowded coastline and the first outline of Lombok rising from the sea, when something inside you quiets down. Not dramatically. Not in the way travel brochures promise transformation. More like a subtle exhale. As if the island ahead is not asking for your attention—but simply offering space.

Lombok has always lived in the shadow of its louder neighbor. Less mythologized, less performed. And yet, for those who arrive—whether for a few days or a longer drift—it reveals itself in layers that feel at once familiar and distinctly its own.

The New Frontier of Short-Term Paradise

Breathtaking aerial capture of Lombok’s pristine Mandalika beach and coastline

In recent years, Lombok—especially the southern coast of Lombok Tengah—has begun to attract a different kind of visitor. Not backpackers chasing the cheapest bungalow, but short-term residents of comfort: families from the Middle East, urban travelers from Jakarta and Singapore, and an increasing number of international tourists looking for a curated escape.

Private villas now sit on hills overlooking the Indian Ocean, minimalist in design, infinity pools spilling toward the horizon. High-end compounds with staff, chefs, and drivers. At the same time, just a few bends down the dusty road, surfer hostels buzz with a completely different rhythm—shared rooms, early mornings, boards stacked against the walls, salt still in the air from yesterday’s session. It’s a coexistence that feels almost accidental, yet somehow works.

Mandalika — Vision Meets Asphalt

A stunning aerial shot of the Mandalika Circuit in Lombok

At the heart of this transformation lies Mandalika. What was once a quiet stretch of coastline has been reimagined as a flagship tourism project—wide roads, planned zones, security gates, and, most visibly, the Mandalika International Street Circuit. MotoGP has arrived, and with it, a vision of Lombok stepping onto a global stage.

The circuit itself feels like a statement carved into the landscape: ambition, speed, spectacle. And yet, just beyond its curves, the older Lombok remains. Fishermen pulling in nets. Cows grazing where engines roar just weeks before. It is this contrast that defines Mandalika—not just what has been built, but what continues to exist beside it.

The Gilis — Between Party and Stillness

Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, North Lombok

Off Lombok’s northwest coast, the three Gili Islands—Trawangan, Air, and Meno—float like fragments of different moods.

Gili Trawangan is the extrovert. Nights that stretch into mornings, beach bars pulsing with music, travelers dancing barefoot in the sand. It is a place where time loosens its grip.

Gili Air softens the edges. A balance between movement and pause. Yoga in the morning, snorkeling in clear water where turtles glide past without urgency, dinners by candlelight.

Gili Meno, the quietest of the three, feels almost like a retreat into absence. Fewer voices, more space. The kind of silence that reminds you how loud you have been elsewhere.

Senggigi — Echoes of an Earlier Era

Senggigi Beach, West Lombok

Before Mandalika, before Kuta Lombok found its rhythm, there was Senggigi. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, this stretch of coast was Lombok’s introduction to tourism. Hotels lined the shore—some ambitious, some modest—welcoming travelers who wanted proximity to Bali, but without its intensity. Today, Senggigi carries a different energy. Slightly faded, yes—but not without charm. A place where time has not rushed forward quite as aggressively. Where older hotels still stand, telling quiet stories of an earlier wave of discovery.

Into the Interior — Where Lombok Breathes Deep

Majestic view of Mount Rinjani’s volcanic crater with turquoise lake on Lombok Island

If the coast is where Lombok meets the world, the interior is where it returns to itself. Mount Rinjani rises not just as a peak, but as an experience that demands commitment. Trekking up its slopes is not a casual undertaking. It is a slow negotiation with altitude, fatigue, and awe. Nights spent at the crater rim, tents pitched against the wind, stars stretching across a sky unpolluted by city light. Below, the crater lake rests in stillness, almost unreal.

Elsewhere, in Tetebatu, the pace shifts again. Jungle paths, waterfalls hidden behind layers of green, hot springs, small villages where daily life unfolds without performance. It is here that Lombok feels least interrupted—where the island’s rhythm predates tourism and will likely outlast it.

The Sasak — Culture in Continuity

A father and son dressed in traditional Sasak attire share a quiet moment during a village wedding in Lombok, Indonesia

At the heart of Lombok are the Sasak people. Their villages—simple, grounded, shaped by tradition—offer a glimpse into a way of life that has adapted, but not disappeared. Houses built with natural materials, communal spaces, rituals that continue not for display, but because they belong.

And yet, Lombok is also deeply Islamic. Mosques are present in every village, the call to prayer marking the day with a steady rhythm. But this is not an Islam that feels imposed on the visitor. It is, as one might call it, a Lombok Islam—practiced, present, yet accommodating.

Tourists ride motorbikes in shorts and bikinis, beach bars serve cold beer, and nightlife exists without friction. It is a balance that is neither fully explained nor formally structured—but lived.

Waves, Roads, and the Western Comfort Zone

Water buffalo on Selong Belanak beach, Lombok

For surfers, Lombok is not an alternative—it is a destination. From the breaks around Kuta to Selong Belanak, from the more remote spots in the Ekas region to well-known waves that carry names whispered with a certain respect—Desert Point, Inside Ekas, Outside Ekas—the island offers consistency, power, and space.

Back in Kuta Lombok, the infrastructure has quietly grown. Restaurants serving everything from local dishes to international cuisine, cafés with strong coffee and stronger Wi-Fi, bars with live music in the evening, small shops lining the streets. It is not Bali. Not yet. And perhaps that is precisely the point.

Between What Is and What Comes Next

Lombok travel guide beyond Bali

Lombok exists in a delicate in-between. Between development and restraint. Between global attention and local continuity. Between the desire to become—and the risk of becoming too much.

When living in Bali gets overwhelming and the future of overload has already settled in – I escape to Lombok – there I can find my type of Bali as I have loved it in the year 2000. A timeless vibrant nature, local life, that is enough in itself,  that doesn’t need performances and glamour, combined with western amenities, all the way up to high end accommodation.

For the traveler, it offers something increasingly rare: choice without total saturation. You can arrive for a week in a villa and never leave your pool. Or you can find yourself on a mountain ridge, questioning why you ever needed so much structure to begin with.

And somewhere in between, on a motorbike, moving through heat, dust, prayer calls, ocean air—you begin to understand that Lombok is not trying to be the next Bali.

It is simply becoming more of itself.

The post Lombok — The Other Island, just Next Door appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Indonesia is an archipelago of roughly 17,500 islands. Any one of them is worth visiting. Not that I have seen them all—but what I mean by “worth visiting” is quite simple: they are tropical, green, and fertile. Some are wrapped in dense jungle, others open into scrub and prairie. All of them stretch in a long, loose chain from west to east, mostly south of the equator—though islands like Kalimantan and Sulawesi reach a little north, leaning toward Vietnam and the Philippines.

Lombok travel guide – Photo: Orion f.b.

Any of the less densely populated islands east of Java are worth the journey. Their beauty is often untouched, and their nature powerful. People come here to hike, dive, snorkel, or move their bodies—on land, water, or somewhere in between.
After the vast human landscape of Java, with its 70 million inhabitants, there’s Bali—the first island to the east—home to four or five million people, depending on the day, the season, and the presence of foreign workers or tourists.
And then, just beyond Bali, lies Lombok—the second island to the east.
Between the two sits a small chain of islands—the Gilis. Little dots in the sea that have grown into their own reputations: party nights on Gili Trawangan, quiet beach days on Gili Meno and Gili Air. “Gili,” in the local language, simply means “island”—and around Lombok, there are many more of them, each offering its own version of stillness.

Lombok amazing nature

These are places for retreats, barefoot walks, or afternoons drifting through fields of rice, corn, or grass, where water buffalo move slowly—as if time itself is less hurried here.

Lombok, like most Indonesian islands, has its native people and its own language. With that come stories—about beginnings, about why we are here, and where we go after death. These older layers are now gently covered by a more recent one: modern, mostly moderate Islam.

Fun in the rolling hills of Lombok – Photo: Orion f.b.

The main inhabitants are the Sasak people. On the west coast, facing Bali—clearly within sight—there are also Balinese communities, carrying their distinct Hindu culture across the water.
Arriving in Lombok—whether by ferry or plane—you first land on what seems like an endless flat plain. Fertile land stretches toward the horizon: rice paddies, vegetables, watermelons, cornfields—all nourished by irrigation from the mountains.
But don’t be fooled.

The island is, in essence, one massive mountain.At its heart rises Mount Rinjani, reaching 3,726 meters into the sky. From there, everything slopes downward—toward the sea, every beach, bay, and cliff, and every perfect surfer’s wave.

Fishing boats on a Lombok beach

Imagine seeing Lombok from above—either from a bird’s eye view or an ultralight aircraft—circling outward from Rinjani’s crater lakes, waterfalls, and dense jungle slopes. The island would appear as a single, enormous mountain, continuing deep beneath the surface of the ocean.
That perspective offers a certain clarity. You are walking on a volcano—a pearl in a long volcanic necklace known as the Ring of Fire.
Development began on the west coast. Here, you find harbors connecting Lombok to Java, Sumatra, and beyond; the capital, Mataram, with its universities and agricultural trade; and Senggigi, the island’s first modest step into tourism. There was also the original domestic airport, now replaced by a modern international airport.

a scene on a Lombok street

In the early 2000s, travelers—followed, inevitably, by tourists—discovered the south. The fishing village of Kuta slowly transformed into a destination, while nearby Praya became home to an international airport. A two-lane highway now leads straight to the beaches of Central Lombok.
And yes—the roads. I take quiet pleasure in mentioning Lombok’s roads: wide, well-maintained, often straight, and lined with tall trees offering shade, as if by design. Roads you rarely find on Bali. And, perhaps even more remarkably, roads with traffic that actually flows—no long frustrating pauses behind a line of motorbikes unless you wait until late at night in Bali to “get somewhere.”
When I want to drive—really drive—I take my car or motorbike on the ferry to Lombok. Windows open, wind moving through the cabin, or helmet on, leaning into the curves. A biker’s adventure or a car driver’s luxury.

Lombok villagers

The people—farmers, traders, fishermen—are friendly, grounded, and quietly hospitable. They don’t ask too many questions. They let travelers be travelers—whether in search of adventure or simply a place to rest.
I greet them with a warm Assalamualaikum. I sit for tea with families. I eat freshly grilled fish on the beach, cooked over wood fires with fishermen. Over the years, friendships have grown.
And there is a certain freedom here: a freedom to take off my clothes and swim at a remote beach or waterfall without raised eyebrows. A freedom to sit in a beach bar at night, listening to live music, drinking a beer. A freedom to talk—laugh, even flirt—with women in shops or on the roadside in front of their family homes, without tension or disapproval.
Sometimes I hear travelers praise Lombok’s beauty, only to follow it with a slight tightening of the lips: “Yes, but it’s Muslim.”

Stunning Landscape of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

It is true—there are mosques, Ramadan, and the rhythm of daily prayer. But never have I, or anyone I know, been pressured into participation or judged for living differently.
Living in Bali for so long, I have often heard a different phrase: “You don’t do that here.”Instructions, corrections, well-meaning reminders about what is appropriate, what is not, what should be said, and what should be left unsaid.
The climate differs too. It is a little drier than Bali, with some Australian flora and fauna. There are open plains, dense jungles, and a beautiful chain of mountains running parallel to the southern coast—shaping its dramatic bays and beaches, adding beauty to the turquoise blue waters.
Lombok is gentle where it is cultivated, especially in the central south. It turns wilder along the coastal mountains and toward the east.And around Mount Rinjani, it becomes something else entirely—raw, unpredictable, and challenging for the adventurous.

The post Lombok: Indonesia’s Untouched Paradise appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Off the southwest coast of Lombok, away from the crowds and noise of the famous northern Gili Islands, lies a corner of Indonesia that seems to have escaped the rush of mass tourism. Here, time moves at an ancient pace, dictated only by the rhythm of the tides, the whisper of the sea breeze, and the changing colors of the daylight. This is an area little known to most, yet rich in authenticity: the coast of Sekotong, a starting point for a quiet journey to three tiny islands of sand, coral, and wild vegetation — Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong, and Gili Kedis.

Getting to these islands isn’t your typical tourist operation. There are no fast ferries or crowded docks. Instead, departures are from small, often improvised wooden piers, aboard traditional boats called perahu, used by local fishermen. These simple, narrow wooden boats with side oars are built for stability even in choppy waters. Boarding a perahu means leaving behind, at least for a few hours, the comfort of modern infrastructure and trusting a vessel that lives in harmony with the sea. The engine, often a basic outboard motor, produces a steady hum, while the boat glides over crystal-clear water, leaving a gentle wake. It’s a sensory experience: feeling the gentle sway of the hull, smelling the salty air, watching the seabed appear and vanish beneath the keel. Navigating between these islands isn’t just a physical transfer; it’s a way to connect directly with the environment, its fragility, and its silent strength.

The first to appear on the horizon is Gili Nanggu, the largest and most developed of the three. From afar, it’s recognizable by its rounded shape and almost entirely forested surface. As the perahu approaches the shore, the transparency of the water strikes you: in some spots, it looks as if there’s no water at all, just liquid air. You don’t need to dive to enjoy the underwater spectacle; walking along the shoreline reveals colorful fish swimming among vibrant, well-preserved coral formations. The beach is broad, with fine white sand shaded by casuarina trees and some palms. The atmosphere is almost unreal in its calm. There are no shops, no paved roads, no loudspeakers or background music. Only the rustling of leaves in the wind, the occasional call of a seabird, and the gentle lapping of waves on the shore.

Gili Nanggu also offers rustic-style bungalows managed by local families, but even those who don’t stay overnight can enjoy this island as if it were an open-air natural park. It’s an ideal place for those seeking an immersive experience in nature, without sacrificing some comfort or compromising authenticity. Swimming here is a rare pleasure: the water is warm, clear, and shallow, and the coral reef is reachable on foot in just a few minutes. Turtles often swim peacefully among the corals, testifying to the health of the ecosystem.

Not far away, almost appearing in a tiptoe, is Gili Tangkong. If Nanggu is welcoming and generous, Tangkong is reserved and almost shy. It’s smaller, wilder, and often uninhabited for most of the day. Its dense vegetation almost reaches the beach, creating deep shaded spots perfect for solitude. There are no tourist facilities or marked trails. Walking around its perimeter often means being the only person present for hours. The footprints left in the sand are the first of the day—and perhaps the last.

Lombok secret islands Nanggu Tangkong Kedis

This island invites contemplation more than underwater exploration. It’s the perfect place for those who want to disconnect completely and seek an intimate connection with nature, without intermediaries. The seabed here is just as transparent but feels more intimate and secluded. The sea seems to embrace the island in a protective hug, making it an ideal refuge for those looking to find their inner rhythm. Unlike busier islands, there’s no pressure to “see” or “do.” You simply need to be present, and the place reveals itself naturally.

Finally, just a few hundred meters away, stands Gili Kedis — a true mirage of sand. Calling it an island is almost an understatement; it’s better described as a tiny white sandbank, just a bit larger than a tennis court, surrounded by surreal turquoise waters. There are no real trees—only a few low shrubs and smooth rocks shaped by the waves. The landscape is minimalist, essential, almost abstract. Yet, perhaps because of this, Gili Kedis exerts a magnetic charm. It’s the archetype of a deserted island, a place many dream of but few actually encounter.

Its small size allows you to walk around it in just a few steps, but that very smallness makes it so powerful. Standing in the center of Gili Kedis, your gaze takes in the entire horizon in a single turn. There are no distractions, no extraneous elements—only sea, sky, and sand. It’s easy to understand why many visitors describe it as an almost meditative experience. Depending on the tides, Gili Kedis appears more or less expansive: sometimes seeming to emerge from nothing, other times blending seamlessly with the level of the sea. This fragility is part of its character, a silent reminder of the delicate balance of nature.

Together, these three islands tell a different story of Indonesia — one far from the well-trodden routes and commercialized experiences. They are not places to “consume” quickly, to photograph and leave behind. They are spaces to listen to, to respect, to live slowly. Each has a distinct character: Nanggu, generous and welcoming; Tangkong, intimate and wild; Kedis, essential and almost metaphysical. Yet, they share a common atmosphere: that of a world still in balance, where nature isn’t just a backdrop but the protagonist.

Traveling between them on a perahu becomes a rite of passage. Each move is a moment of reflection, an opportunity to observe the sea from a different perspective, to notice how the shades of water change with depth, to see local fishermen at work with traditional methods. There’s no rush, no strict schedule. Time here is measured in breaths, not hours.

Visiting the Gili Islands of southwest Lombok isn’t just an excursion but an invitation to rediscover the value of silence, natural light, and simplicity. In an age where everything seems to accelerate, these small islands offer a rare space: the pause, contemplation, and authentic contact with the environment. Perhaps because of this, they leave a much deeper impression than many other places.

Photos by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

The post Southern Gili Islands: Hidden Paradises Beyond the Tourist Trail appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

When Invest Islands, Lombok’s leading real estate investment company, started planning to develop Gran Meliá Lombok, the new five-star resort on the island’s south coast, it set out to create a resort so extraordinary that it would elevate Lombok’s travel and hospitality industry to new heights.

The luxurious LA RESIDENZA Bauhaus-style residences are ideal for families who want to unwind in style

In pursuit of this goal, the company’s co-founders, Kevin Deisser and Jack Brown, discovered a breath-taking plot of beachfront and hillside land at Torok Bay, a sheltered crescent-shaped stretch of sand overlooking the Indian Ocean and framed by emerald headlands and rippling rice fields. This stunning setting provided a beautiful blank canvas on which to produce an architectural work of art.

For the project’s lead architect, Charlie Hearn, director of Bali-based Inspiral Architecture & Design Studios, the impact of Gran Meliá Lombok’s location was instant. Gazing out across this coastal scene for the first time, he was instantly struck by the area’s blissful serenity and endless vistas.

Charlie Hearn is the architect, designer and company director at Bali-based Inspiral Architecture & Design Studios

“The first thing I felt was that it was a “millionaire’s view”’. It was absolutely spectacular with layers of different colors disappearing into the distance. It felt very special,” Hearn revealed.

This exquisite natural scenery provided the inspiration for the design of Gran Meliá Lombok. Hearn and his team at Inspiral felt a responsibility to create a resort that blended seamlessly into the environment. The lines of the landscape are reflected in the flowing form of the villas and resort buildings, which roll and curve with the contours of the hills. Natural materials such as bamboo, reclaimed timber and different types of stone have been embraced throughout, with 75 percent of the building materials sourced from within Lombok and nothing imported from outside Indonesia.

Lombok’s local influences also played an important role in the design ethos. Inspiral strived to deliver a project that looked and felt completely authentic, while also being highly distinctive. 

“The masterplan was to create a series of individual villages, rather than buildings being carbon copies of each other. Different parts of Indonesia have their own unique architectural styles so we tried to incorporate elements of those. Not so much in terms of the look of the buildings themselves – we didn’t want to create a pastiche – but more in terms of the craftsmanship techniques, details and finishes,” Hearn explained.

Nestled in the lush hillside, the KAYMA Moroccan tented suites embrace indoor-outdoor living

As a result, guests and investors can choose from a collection of beautiful hillside duplexes and one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, all fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, luxurious interiors and private pools. Distinctive concepts include KAYMA Moroccan tented suites, AURORA minimalist villas, LA RESIDENZA Bauhaus-style residences and the company’s signature INSPIRAL eco-luxury villas, all of which are nestled among swaying palm trees and frame “millionaire’s views” from panoramic windows and alfresco living areas.

As with every project co-created by Invest Islands and Inspiral, Gran Meliá Lombok will have a low carbon footprint. As well as using sustainable building materials, the design will harness sunlight and sea breezes to help heat and cool the property, and rainwater will be harvested throughout the resort. Using this approach, Hearn said he wants to “set a benchmark” for development on Lombok.

“We want to set the standard and help to raise the quality of development on the island. Lombok will have more tourism and development in the coming years, so it’s important to do it in a way that is sustainable and respectful of the local culture and environment. This is one of the reasons I love working with Invest Islands; they set up foundations, build schools, do a lot of environmental projects and reinvest a lot back into their communities. I think that is fantastic,” Hearn concluded.

The signature INSPIRAL eco-luxury villas at Gran Meliá Lombok will feature an inspiring, eco-sensitive design

“It is always wonderful to work with Inspiral as they share our vision for creating exceptional properties that are sensitive to their destinations. This is exactly what we aspire to achieve and it is great to see this architectural ethos coming to life at Gran Meliá Lombok. By blending the best elements of Indonesian heritage with 21^st Century modernity, our owners and guests will be able to enjoy luxury and serenity in a truly unique setting on Lombok’s south coast,” said Jack Brown, Co-Founder of Invest Islands.

Gran Meliá Lombok has already been named as the “Best Upcoming Hotel Development” in Indonesia and “Best Hospitality Development” in Asia at the PropertyGuru Property Awards. Currently under construction, the resort is scheduled to open its doors in late 2024. To learn more about Invest Islands, please visit invest-islands.com and for more information about Inspiral Architecture & Design Studios, please visit inspiralarchitects.com.

The post SPECTACULAR GRAN MELIÁ LOMBOK appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

With many countries across the world making plans to reopen travel, people have already begun thinking about the places they wish to visit after nearly two years of being cooped up. And while there is nothing wrong with the usual spots, the most underrated beach destinations in Southeast Asia offer truly unique experiences.

This is no disrespect to places like Phuket and Bali which are wonderful in their own right. But those wanting something new or different would be wise to explore the opportunities on this list. One thing to note about what we mean by underrated. The focus here is on locations that are reasonably accessible but don’t always receive the attention or traffic they deserve. We chose beach destinations where there are developed amenities and infrastructure.

Here are five underrated beach destinations in Southeast Asia and a look at buying property in each location. Because once you visit, you may never want to leave.

Lombok

The Indonesian government has worked to promote the island over the past decade while carrying out work on key infrastructure projects, including the international airport. These days there are now direct connections to Singapore, Perth and Kuala Lumpur from Lombok. There are also numerous flights between Bali and Lombok.

However you get there, a seemingly endless supply of white sand beaches featuring sparkling, bluish green waters awaits. What more could possibly want?

Bang Saray

Bang Saray beach

Bang Saray has become one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. Situated along the country’s Eastern Seaboard, it is a seaside destination boasting pristine beaches and a relaxing ambiance with that quaint, community feel people love. The town’s humble beginnings as a small fishing village are still evident to this day.

Situated just 90 minutes from Bangkok and 20 minutes from the resort city of Pattaya, Bang Saray is easily accessible. Additionally, all of the conveniences and entertainment options of the Eastern Seaboard are nearby but the town itself retains a peaceful charm.

Nha Trang

Amazing Nha Trang

Vietnam has plenty of outstanding beaches that are all worth visiting. And Nha Trang is certainty up there with the country’s best. The city boasts a beautiful stretch of coastline that spans six kilometers. There is nothing quite like an evening stroll along the promenade.

But what makes Nha Trang one of the most underrated beach destinations in Southeast Asia is the wealth of sights and activities to explore. You can visit Buddhist temples and gothic churches. There are hot springs and waterfalls to checkout. And, of course, Vinpearl Amusement Park is among the region’s best fun centers.

Desaru

Coastline at Desaru

Desaru in Malaysia has become a go-to weekend getaway location for residents of Singapore and Johor Bahru. It offers beautiful beaches, low-density living and plenty of recreational opportunities. And even though it feels like you’re a million miles away, it’s actually only a 30-minute ferry ride from Singapore. Its underrated status may not last much longer, however. Time Magazine included the Desaru Coast in its 2021 list of World’s Greatest Places.

Apart from splendid beaches, Desaru is home to a wide range of biodiversity and outdoor excursions as well. There are your traditional options, like golf courses and waterparks. But there are also several interesting nature retreats, such as eco-tours at Belungkor Mangroves, learning more about endangered wildlife in the Sedili Wetlands and trips through Kota Tinggi Firefly Park, a protected firefly habitat.

Mactan Island

Mactan island tourist boats

The Philippines has no shortage of underrated beach destinations. However, not all of these are as easy to get to as Mactan Island. It is home to Mactan-Cebu International Airport which means you go from terminal to sands in no more than 30 minutes.

A lot of activity has taken place across Mactan in the past five years and the island has no shortage of entertainment options now available. Meanwhile, the close proximity to both Cebu and smaller islands opens up many other recreational opportunities for visitors.

The post 5 underrated beach destinations in Southeast Asia appeared first on Asian Itinerary.