Travellers coming to West Lombok typically make a beeline for Sengiggi, the most popular beach strip in this part of the island. While the area is prone to mass tourism and has endured the big resort boom, there is so much more to it outside of luxurious, cookie cutter experiences. Rather than skipping this part of Lombok, we encourage you to dig deeper and explore the untouched, authentic aspects. From the wild jungles of Gunung Sari to the Secret Gilis, there is much to see and do!

• Kayaking around Gili Gede with Hula Hoop

The secret Gili islands consist of tiny specks of land, surrounded by piercing blue water. One of them is Gili Gede, where you will find Hula Hoop Bungalows! From here you can paddle to your beach of choice, explore the waters around the island and enjoy the beautiful scenery from your kayak. During the sunset hours the skies are ablaze with colour!

If you tell the Hula Hoop family you’re a Gemtracker, you can even use these kayaks for free for half a day when staying at Hula Hoop Bungalows!

• A camping trip to Gili Kedis in West Lombok

The Gili islands are also great for day- and camping trips! Yang Nomads  is a locally owned company that specializes in trips to Gili Kedis. Once a week, Julian, the friendly and curious soul behind Yang Nomads, gets a group of adventurous travellers together to hop on a boat and set sail to a picturesque little white sand island, encircled by the pristine blue ocean. It might just be the classic combination of wonderful people, the awe of nature and a bonus addition of a cold beer (or bottle of rice wine) that does the trick.

Julian wants to make sure that everyone who joins one of his trips goes home with beautiful and shareable memories. Armed with a camera and drone, Julian, a true jack of all trades, creates breathtaking images of the trip to the magical islands.

• Snorkelling at Gili Nanggu  in West Lombok

Soft sand, crystal clear water, colourful reefs and blue skies – a trip to the secret Gilis will have you marvel at nature. The biggest of the 3 islands is Gili Nanggu. The snorkeling around Gili Nanggu is incredible – diverse marine life swims around the colourful coral reef. You’ll see hundreds and hundreds of schools of fish! Feel Lombok organizes day trips to Gili Nanggu and offers a complete package with pick-up, a boat trip, a lunch at a local warung and more.

If you tell Hannah & Dayat that you’re a Gemtracker, they will offer you 5% discount on their trips

• Roadtrippin’ Senggigi with Feel Lombok in West Lombok

Hannah and Dayat from Feel Lombok are ready to challenge some of the most spectacular views you’ve seen in South East Asia on their road trip along the northern coastal roads in Sengiggi. There are vast coconut plantations, long and winding roads with cliff drops, and soft volcanic sand beaches. Immerse yourself in nature and meet amazing people along the way.

If you tell Hannah & Dayat that you’re a Gemtracker, they will offer you 5% discount on their trips

• A romantic dinner at Gili Asahan Eco Lodge in West Lombok

Gili Asahan is a serene eco lodge on Gili Asahan: one of the secret Gili islands. Their philosophy is to be one with their environment; to leave as little traces as possible. This is a place where you wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore and the gentle sea breeze makes you come alive. And what could make for a more romantic evening with your partner than a candlelit dinner under the stars with your feet in the sand? Upon request, Gili Asahan can organise this for you! We think this setting looks like a dream.

• The Ecobricks project

Trash collection and recycling is a big challenge in Lombok; education in villages is lacking and support from the government is minimal. By using the Ecobricks technology and implementing a trade system in local villages, the Trash Rebel project, which is led by Ruby Kramer, have mobilized the people of Gunung Sari to collect plastic and create Ecobricks. The Ecobricks can be used as building blocks for a new school. Besides recycling plastic, Trash Rebel educates and motivates people to reduce their plastic use.

If you would like to hear more about Ecobricks, we’ve made a little documentary about the project that you can watch on our website: www.gemtracktravel.com

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