Lombok Set to Become Indonesia’s Next Premier Tourist Destination, Rivaling Bali
LOMBOK, Indonesia — Positioned just east of the world-famous island of Bali and separated by the Lombok Strait, Lombok is rapidly emerging as a top contender in Indonesia’s vibrant tourism scene. Celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and serene atmosphere, Lombok offers an inviting alternative to Bali’s bustling tourist hubs. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting the island as the next global hotspot for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
A True Island Paradise
Lombok, often referred to as the “last paradise” by travelers, boasts pristine azure beaches, lush green hills, and a peaceful ambiance that contrasts sharply with Bali’s heavy crowds. The island’s untouched environment remains a magnet for surfers, nature lovers, and hikers alike. Mount Rinjani, an active stratovolcano in North Lombok, is a particular highlight for avid trekkers aiming to experience breathtaking vistas and challenging climbs.
Australian tourist Adam, who was surfing at Senggigi Beach, remarked to Arab News, “As Bali gets more and more busy, people are looking to its beautiful neighbor Lombok for a reason. This paradise really has it all — waterfalls, rice terraces, sea surf, sea-facing resorts with stunning sunsets, and restaurants offering excellent food.”
Halal Tourism and the Gili Islands
Lombok’s tourism appeal extends beyond natural beauty to encompass its strong cultural identity and focus on halal-friendly experiences. Known as the “Island of a Thousand Mosques,” Lombok reflects its majority Muslim population through numerous religious sites and community traditions.
The nearby Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno — situated off Lombok’s west coast, are renowned for their motor-vehicle-free environment, stunning marine life, and commitment to privacy. These islands cater especially to Middle Eastern and Muslim travelers who seek halal-certified services, including dining and recreational activities.
Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three, offers vibrant energy with private snorkeling and diving tours, while Gili Air and Gili Meno provide quieter, family-oriented and tranquil retreats, respectively. Visitors can enjoy secluded beaches, wellness options, and scenic excursions by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.
Development Plans and Tourism Growth
Yudhi Lingga, general manager of the Royal Avila boutique resort in Lombok, explained, “Following Bali’s success as a premier tourist destination, the Indonesian government recognizes the opportunity to develop another lucrative haven. Lombok, less than an hour away by flight, is poised to become a new ‘Bali’.”
Efforts to develop new seaside boutique resorts and family-friendly facilities emphasize privacy and quality experiences, particularly appealing to tourists from the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries.
The island’s natural attractions, from water sports to cultural encounters with the Sasak community, also attract tourists from Europe, Australia, and around the world, creating a diverse and growing international visitor base.
Mandalika: A New Cultural and Leisure Hub
A key focus of Lombok’s tourism development is Mandalika, located on the island’s southern coast. Once a hidden surfer’s secret, Mandalika has transformed into a vibrant center for leisure and entertainment, featuring luxury hotels, golf courses, water parks, and a modern racing circuit.
The Mandalika Special Economic Zone has rapidly grown into a magnet for global tourists, seamlessly blending tourism infrastructure with the preservation of local Sasak culture. Notably, the recent motorcycle racing event at Mandalika Circuit drew nearly 150,000 spectators, underscoring the area’s rising international profile.
Nearby beaches such as Tanjung Aan, Kuta, Gerupuk, Serenting, and Seger provide diverse opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and peaceful relaxation amid stunning natural backdrops.
Tourism officials articulate their optimism about Mandalika’s potential. Ivan Kamajaya of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism said, “Blessed with beautiful nature and enhanced by professional development, Mandalika is designed to turn dream vacations into a reality.”
A Destination for All
Lombok’s growth plan represents a strategic diversification of Indonesia’s tourism industry, traditionally dominated by Bali, by offering visitors an alternative that combines natural splendor, cultural richness, and comfortable, halal-friendly amenities.
Gede Apri, director of sales at Holiday Resort Lombok in Senggigi, invites travelers to “set your feet on the spectacular ground of Indonesian nature in Lombok and feel the tropical breeze touch your skin.”
As global travelers increasingly seek destinations away from crowded tourist centers, Lombok’s tranquil beaches, active volcanoes, and welcoming culture position it as Indonesia’s promising new star — the next Bali in the making.
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