Lombok has again gained priceless global exposure in the Travel + Leisure’s annual world’s best survey. T+L readers voted Lombok the third best island in the world, beating out more heralded island destinations such as the Maldives and Hawaii.  In fact Lombok was only kept off the top spot by fellow Indonesian islands Bali and Java. It’s another example of Lombok’s growing status as a premier global hotspot for travellers and it’s a well-deserved accolade. Lombok’s big attractions in terms of tourist numbers remain the familiar resort areas of the Gili Islands, Senggigi, Kuta and the south coast beaches, and Mount Rinjani trekking, but these still only barely scratch the surface. There is so much more to Lombok with dozens of unique hidden attractions which are virtually unknown to international visitors. In honour of this worldwide recognition, here are some of our favourite hidden spots you really need to discover:  

Tebing Beach

Nestling on a secluded stretch of the North Lombok coastline near Gannga, Tebing Beach is Lombok’s very own mini Grand Canyon. The beach itself is little more than a thin sliver of volcanic sand but the real eye-opener is the weather-worn cliffs that seem to have been carved with unerring skill by a master craftsmen. The smooth rock face is full of delicate sandstone ridges and curves reputedly formed centuries ago by a huge volcanic eruption, and the incessant wind and waves have been whittling away at the rock face ever since. This ruggedly surreal landscape has virtually no shade from the midday sun so mark it down for a late afternoon visit and stay for an awesome ocean sunset from a cliff top vantage point. Aside from the occasional adventurous Instagrammer and stray dog, you’ll almost certainly have this picture-perfect beach hideaway all to yourself.

Mangku Sakti Waterfall

Much less heralded than Lombok’s other cascading waterfalls like Sedang Gile, Mangku Sakti is every bit as spectacular. The water flow comes direct from Mt Rinjani’s crater lake and consists of a high sulphur compound, producing a vibrant white and green hue.  It crashes down 30 metres into a large pool flanked by stunning rock formations. These rocks have been smoothed over time into surreal shapes, some of which almost resemble human faces. The mossy overhanging rocks also create a dazzling emerald hued contrast. Getting to the waterfall from the main road involves a precarious motorbike ride or hike but is well worth the time and effort.  

Ende Village

Covering a larger area than the better known Sade traditional village, Ende offers a more appealing introduction to timeless Sasak traditions without the constant flow of tour buses. It is a more immersive experience in Ende, with opportunity to peek inside the 30 traditional ‘Bale Tani’ thatched homes open to visitors  to learn about the unique cultural conventions of village life, the centuries old weaving heritage and witness an iconic Peresean stick fighting demonstration. The village is surrounded by lush undulating scenery where the menfolk tend the land, and offers scenic views.

Bukit Merese

Lombok has an abundance of riches when it comes to scenic spots to gaze at stunning ocean sunsets. A short ride out of Kuta, Bukit Merese has now become the go-to sunset spot on the south coast with its lush green expanse of grass and wide-ranging views of Kuta’s Seger beach and eastward toward Tanjung Aan. The bright red-orange hues are unbeatable and illuminate the sky as day turns to night. By day, the views of Bukit Merese are equally as inspiring, yet it is a much more tranquil spot and is ideal for a picnic with an awesome vista.

Sesaot Forest Reserve

Little known Sesaot Forest is one of Lombok’s top soft trekking destinations and only a short hop from the city of Mataram. A large tract of dense protected rainforest, Sesaot is home to towering trees, small waterfalls and bathing pools, and noted primarily as a place for local outbound and camping groups at weekends. Come here midweek and you’ll feel just like an intrepid explorer with the entire jungle to yourself. The vegetation around the Aik Nyet river is especially attractive, and filled with bathing pools and shady forest walks among the wildlife. It covers nearly 6,000 hectares of protected land, with much of surrounding area given over to cooperative plantations of durian, coffee and jackfruit

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