Beaches
Offering a true island paradise in the Indian Ocean, Lombok’s beaches are difficult to match in their breathtaking beauty. Picture powdery white sand that stretches out towards the transparent, aquamarine-coloured water – perfect for soaking up the island sunshine or cooling off in the waves. Surf fanatics will be in heaven as they take to Lombok’s famed, world-class surf breaks, whilst an unforgettable snorkel or scuba-diving excursion will provide a mesmerising encounter with the colourful marine life that swims among the stunning coral reef that surrounds the island.
Temples
In contrast to Bali, the majority of Lombok’s population is Muslim, resulting in active mosques standing among the existing intricate temples from the island’s long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence from Java and Bali. The holiest temple compound in Lombok, Pura Lingsar, built in 1714 and nestled among lush rice fields, actually caters for both denominations – housing a temple for Balinese Hindus and one for followers of the island’s take on Islam. The largest Hindu temple, Pura Meru, is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, whilst Pura Batu Bolong is particularly worth visiting at sunset.
The Gili Islands
Just a short – and scenic – boat ride from lovely Lombok stand the utterly stunning, tiny desert islands: the Gilis. A vision of tropical paradise, each of the three islands is fringed by dazzlingly white sand and surrounded by teeming, pristine tropical reefs in crystalline, turquoise-coloured water. Now extremely popular and boasting a selection of chic restaurants, exclusive bars and lavish mosques, the islets have still managed to maintain their tranquil appeal and sense of remoteness, due to the continued absence of motor vehicles.
Volcanoes
Boasting an utterly mesmerising landscape and dramatic topography, Lombok is home to Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano, Mount Rinjani, standing at a striking 3,726 metres. With a spectacular peak and a summit housing hot springs and a shimmering crater lake, the active volcano is sacred to Hindus and Sasaks, an important pilgrimage site at which visitors leave offerings for the gods and spirits. One of a trinity of sacred peaks in the eyes of the Balinese, the other two are Bali’s Agung and Java’s Bromo mountains.
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Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.