Lombok

Lombok lies east of Bali across the Lombok Strait: a roughly round island about 70 km across, quieter, greener and less built up than its neighbour. The north is dominated by Mount Rinjani, at 3,726 m Indonesia’s second-highest volcano; multi-day treks lead to the crater rim above a blue lake set in the caldera about 2,000 m up, and the caldera belongs to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The Sasak, the people of Lombok, keep their own traditions of weaving, pottery and village life.

The north-west coast looks out to the Gili islands — three small, car-free islands ringed by coral reefs. Here there are quiet beaches, coconut groves and views across the strait to Bali’s Mount Agung, and days of diving, snorkelling, walks to waterfalls and boat trips. The dry season runs roughly from May to October, also the best time for Rinjani; the rest of the year brings tropical showers. Lombok suits honeymooners, divers, families and keen walkers.