Whilst many Australians have been captivated by the beauty, people and culture of Bali for decades, it is her equally beautiful sister island of Lombok that is increasingly enticing visitors to consider joining the growing number of expats who call this delightful Indonesian island their home.
Lombok sits snugly between Bali to its East and Sumbawa to its West. At 4,725 sq kms it is not that much smaller than Bali and has a resident population of over 3.1 million. Life is laid back, the people are friendly and without the crowds and over development of its more famous neighbour, Lombok provides visitors and retirees with a genuine opportunity to enjoy its treasures at your own pace.
Exploring the island
The main tourist area surrounds the township of Senggigi, and along the western coastal strip can be found Tanjung to the north, which sits at the base of Mount Rinjana (Indonesia’s second highest volcano). Beyond are the Sire and Medana peninsula’s where the highly popular Gili islands (famous for diving, snorkelling and surfing) can be found. Aside from the islands natural wonders, there are a growing range of accommodation options for all budgets, excellent cafes and restaurants, golf courses and increasing shopping options, especially in Mataram, Cakranegara and Sweta.
Getting there
Since the development of a new international airport on the island at Praya in 2011, accessibility has improved significantly. For Australians the easiest option will be via Bali, either through Denpasar airport, where there are daily direct flights from Garuda and Lion Air (about 40 mins), or by ferry from Padang Bai. Fast boat options can be hired from from various points on the island.
Lombok International Airport has regular flights to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Singapore.
Visas
For short term visitors a ‘Visa on Arrival’ is the best alternative. It’s valid for 30 days and costs US$35.00. For those contemplating a longer stay, Indonesia has a retirement visa, which is available to suitable candidates who are 55 years of age and over. For more information please refer to the Indonesian Visa section of our website
Healthcare on the Island
There are a number of hospitals in Mataram, but expats generally prefer Harapan Keluarga Private Hospital in Sweta. Medical care is improving on the island, but for any serious issues it would be advisable to fly to Jakarta, or better still, Singapore. Health insurance is therefore very important for anyone planning a longer term stay.
Loving life
No matter what your plans are, a visit to the beautiful, relaxing island of Lombok will live long in your memory, and very likely find a special place in your heart.
