Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, with over 17,000 islands, but only around 6,000 are inhabited. The incredible thing is that even visiting one island a day for your entire life, you still would not be able to see them all.
We spent two weeks between the islands of Bali and Lombok and, if we had to choose one, Lombok would be our favourite.
Not because Bali does not deserve a visit, quite the opposite. Bali is a fascinating island, rich in culture and traditions. However, in recent years tourism has grown enormously and finding uncrowded places has become increasingly difficult.
Lombok, on the other hand, still preserves a more authentic atmosphere. The pace is slower, tourism is less invasive and many parts of the island still allow you to connect with local life without the feeling that everything has been built for visitors.
One of the most obvious differences between the two islands is religion.
Bali is the only province in Indonesia with a Hindu majority. Temples are everywhere, floral offerings decorate streets and homes, and religious ceremonies are part of daily life.
Lombok, on the other hand, is predominantly Muslim. Here the soundscape changes completely: at first light and several times during the day, the call to prayer echoes from mosques scattered throughout every village.
Food also tells the story of the difference between the two islands well.
In Bali you find an enormous variety of cuisines. In addition to Indonesian dishes, especially in warungs and local places, it is very easy to find international cuisine. Among the typical Balinese dishes are nasi goreng (fried rice with egg and vegetables), mie goreng (the noodle version), babi guling (roast suckling pig typical of Hindu ceremonies) and ayam betutu, slowly cooked spiced chicken.
In Lombok, on the other hand, the cuisine is simpler and deeply rooted in the Sasak tradition. Here you mainly find local dishes such as ayam taliwang, spicy grilled chicken with strong spices, plecing kangkung, a side dish of water spinach with tomato and chilli sauce, and sate rembiga, marinated meat skewers with spices cooked on the grill.
The difference is felt immediately: in Bali the choice is much wider and more international, while in Lombok you eat almost exclusively local cuisine, spicier, more essential and tied to the daily habits of local families.
Bali is probably one of the best-known destinations in South-East Asia. Terraced rice fields, spectacular temples, waterfalls immersed in the jungle and a constantly growing gastronomic scene attract millions of visitors every year.
Finding places completely free of tourists is not easy, especially in the most famous areas such as Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. However, you only need to move slightly away from the most beaten paths to discover quiet villages, scenic roads and corners of the island that still preserve their authentic character.
During our trip we also visited Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, two small islands located off the south-eastern coast of Bali. In particular, Nusa Penida gave us some of the most beautiful views of the trip. Its spectacular cliffs and beaches with turquoise waters seem to come straight out of a postcard, and there we were lucky enough to swim alongside sea turtles and giant manta rays.
If there is one experience that alone is worth the trip to Lombok, it is the climb to Mount Rinjani.
At 3,726 metres, Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and dominates the entire island.
We chose a two-day, one-night trek, without really knowing what to expect. It was probably the hardest climb we have ever faced.
The slopes are steep, the volcanic terrain makes every step exhausting and the final stretches seem endless. There are moments when you take three steps forward and slide two back.
Yet, when you reach the summit at dawn, all the fatigue disappears. Before us opened an incredible panorama: the volcanic lake inside the caldera, clouds beneath our feet and the first rays of sunlight illuminating Bali, Lombok and the surrounding islands.
After the trek we spent several days exploring the north and centre of the island. This is probably the part of Lombok we liked most.
We passed through small villages, met local craftsmen and observed a way of life that seems very different from that of the more developed tourist areas.
In Tetebatu we were lucky enough to witness a traditional stick fight, a ritual fight fought with rattan sticks and shields. This is a cultural practice handed down through generations that is organised during particular celebrations and moments of community life. The atmosphere was incredible: the villagers gathered around the fighters, amid traditional music, cheering and a strong sense of belonging to their own culture.
The south of the island is the area that has seen the greatest tourist growth in recent years. Areas such as Kuta Lombok are attracting more and more visitors thanks to their spectacular beaches and perfect conditions for surfing. Despite the development, the area still manages to maintain a much quieter atmosphere compared to the more popular areas of Bali.
During our time in Indonesia we tried to always stay in homestays, so as to have contact with local people and listen to their advice on what to do and where to eat. For this reason, if you would also like to visit the island in the most authentic way, book a free call and we will give you all our tips and secret spots.