Lombok

Lombok is Bali’s unspoiled, unhurried neighbour to the east and remains far less visited, despite its white-sand beaches, epic surf and spectacular diving.

Many who visit Lombok are drawn by the peak of Gunung Rinjani, which at 3,726 metres is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Rivers and waterfalls gush down its fissured slopes and feed the island’s green rice fields, while its summit – complete with hot springs and dazzling crater lake – lures international trekkers as well as Balinese Hindu and local Sasak Muslim pilgrims hungry for divine blessings.

Lombok’s dramatic coast is a labyrinth of turquoise bays, white-sand beaches and world-class surf breaks. While off its north-west shoreline lie the fabled Gili Islands: three exquisite droplets of white sand, sprinkled with coconut palms and surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life. No cars are allowed on the islands, helping to maintain their laidback vibe, though there’s definitely no shortage of bars, dive schools and beachfront restaurants serving fresh-as-it-gets seafood.