Lombok unscripted

Be swept up in the rhythm and flow of this under-explored Indonesian island

East of Bali and west of Sumbawa, Lombok is an Indonesian island whose rhythms are dictated by a lush sense of place, a culture shaped by centuries of tradition, and the majesty of nature.

A 25-minute flight from Bali, tropical Lombok is a landscape of hills, valleys, and dramatic coastlines. It’s a slower, more authentic alternative to the high-profile Indonesian hotspots.

Inhabited mostly by the indigenous Sasak people, Lombok is loved for its beaches, snorkelling and hiking, for its vibrant coral reefs and gardens, schools of colourful fish, giant starfish, and for tradition crafts.

Once the secret of diehard surfers, Lombok is increasingly targeted by travellers seeking a more genuine Indonesian experience. The volcanic island comprises four key regions: North Lombok, West Lombok, Central Lombok and East Lombok. Lombok sets holidaymakers free to explore and discover.

The Lombok Guide

A warm introduction to Lombok is via the new boutique resort of Kuara Lombok on Bumbang Beach, near Gerupuk Bay and the coastal village of Mertak in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, Central Lombok, about 30 minutes from Lombok International Airport.

Taking the slow road

With just 16 villas, Kuara Lombok is more about participation than observation. It’s about “slow travel”, a mindful approach to tourism that prioritises meaningful experience.

Visit kitchen gardens, take a cooking class, cycle to the village market or to secret beaches, hike the forest to a soundtrack of birdsong, or enjoy the solitude of a protected park next door. Experience the ancient healing ritual that is sand therapy, visit a mosque, go foraging at low tide, chill with yoga, a spot of fishing or surfing – the resort arranges boat rides to get you to the best breaks. Snorkelling? You bet!  A sunset cruise locks in that holiday vibe.

World’s best scuba and snorkel destinations

All experiences are organised in-house and led by local experts. A stay becomes a physical, sensory interaction with the surrounding landscape. Guests are encouraged to be guided by curiosity rather than a checklist of activities.

The property features two seductive pools, one a salt-water pool fronting the beach, the other set by a winding river surrounded by coconut trees.

The resort’s design gives traditional Sasak and Bugis architecture a modern overlay. Textures showcase stone, wood, clay, and thatching. The backdrop is one of light filtered through woven screens and dancing shadows. Timbers release a scent of warm sun. There’s a sense of being connected to nature via a gossamer filter.

Sleeping in tropical style

Kuara Lombok is small in scale and intimate by design, suited to group get-togethers, couples retreats, and private takeovers. Choose from Beach House, River House and Garden House, or reserve a charming Garden Cottage.

A one-bedroom River House offers an open kitchen and living area, a private outdoor deck, and a spacious bathroom with bathtub and private garden.  A two-bedroom Beach House, by the shoreline, has en-suite bedrooms, stone baths and an outlook to sea and star-bedecked sky. A Garden House includes a kitchen, indoor living area, and outdoor seating among vibrant greenery; make the most of sundecks and a sunken fire pit. The ambient Garden Cottages, set amongst the trees, include a terrace that opens to the garden and spaces for reflection and relaxation.

Inspiring new designs in luxury travel

The Kuara Lombok kitchen picks up on the rhythm of the island. Menus shift with the seasons and what’s growing. Ingredients are harvested from the garden or sourced nearby. Spices are ground by hand. Cooking is over fire. 

Regional cuisine is known for its spices. Chilli and shrimp paste are its building blocks as is a five-spice ensemble of star anise, Szechuan pepper, fennel seeds, cloves and cinnamon. Signature dishes include ayam taliwang (spicy chicken) and plecing kangkung (water spinach with chilli).

The island is rich in culture and heritage, with Dutch, Chinese, Arabic and Balinese influences. Predominantly Muslim, Lombok is the island of 1000 mosques. Each village, town and city has one, individual in style and architecture. There is a scattering of Hindu temples, some in the jungle, some close by the sea; in each town and city there are Hindu areas, recognisable by the offerings displayed out front.

The best time to visit Lombok is from April to June and September/October. This avoids the July and August high season, but promises warm, dry weather.

Kuara Lombok

Address: Jalan Pantai Jl. Bumbang, Mertak, Kec. Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573

Phone: +62 811-3831-0885       

Website: https://kuaralombok.com/

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