OMG, cheaper than Bali and without the crowds
For many years the Indonesian island – one of 17,000 – has been a paradisiacal getaway for famous folk and the rest of us civilians.
In 2023, 5.2 million people descended on Bali looking to experience its alluring blend of desert island vistas, hospitality for all budgets, world-class scuba diving and heady nightlife.
By August of that year, 213 of those visitors had been deported for inappropriate behaviour.
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Today, the streets of Seminyak are still bustling, with bars of every kind doing a roaring trade alongside boutique fashion outlets and somewhat bawdy souvenir shops.
Bali is certainly convenient, but the extra effort to visit Lombok – very little,really – is worth it.
Ferries between the islands are plentiful, fast and, while not exactly luxurious (many cram in hundreds of passengers and are strung all over with air fresheners failing to mask the heated human stench) they aren’t expensive;
some routes are as little as $11 (£8.60). More comfortable transfers are available, such as private speedboats, or travellers can skip the water altogether and simply fly the 40 minutes between Bali to Lombok.
Villas here are positively palatial
Luxury Ocean View Villa with private pool spreads over a sprawling 255 square metres.
While both Indonesian properties overlook sandy beaches, Bali’s are speckled with runners, horse riders and tourists taking a dip,
while Lombok’s are untouched, the only movement the swaying silhouettes of netted hammocks and fretting palm fronds.
By Diwan MD – UAE
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