Tick tock tick tock and suddenly it’s the holiday season again! Wow, time does fly by so fast, isn’t it? While I was going through my image gallery, I realized how much I miss Lombok! Aside from its stunning white-sand beaches, and the breathtaking Mt Rinjani, Lombok undoubtedly stands out as a family-friendly island.
Thanks to AirAsia, Lombok is now just a flight away from Kuala Lumpur. In under four hours, you will arrive at Lombok International Airport from Kuala Lumpur.
Well, that’s just a snippet of it. Now let’s dive straight into the family-friendly places that you wouldn’t want to miss in Lombok:
Gili Meno Bird Park
Located at one of the three Gili islands, which is at Gili Meno, the bird park was built by an Australian in a dome-like structure. Gili Meno Bird Park has over 200 species of Asian and Australian birds, that include the beautiful flamingos, cuckatoos, eagles, pelicans and many more! What makes the experience more unique is you have to pass through a labyrinth before you can witness the beautiful creatures.
While you are at the Bird Park, don’t forget to spend some time at the white beaches, shady palm trees and crystal clear seas of Gili Meno.
Island Hopping at the Gilis
One thing you shouldn’t miss when you are in Lombok is to go for island hopping and snorkelling at all the Gilis! Lombok is famous for the three Gili islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. All three islands have their own uniqueness and specialities. Trust me, you’ll be mesmerized by its picturesque beaches and turquoise water! Gosh, how I miss Lombok…
Briefly, Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, is one of the famous tourist spots among the three Gilis. Here you can relax and enjoy a laid back atmosphere during the day, and get into the groove by enjoying the moonlit parties during the night by the beach.
Gili Meno is more famous for honeymooners as this island offers a more serene nature and secluded feel. Despite that, it’s long stretch of white beaches attract various visitors over the years. Couples with kids can also enjoy the nature at its Bird Park, the beautiful seawater lake, and of course the mesmerizing sea creatures when you snorkelling together. The island also provides accommodation that is perfect for the entire family.
While you are at Gili Meno, make sure to explore its underwater world. You will be surprised by different ‘creatures’ beneath the beautiful turquoise water – a group of human sculpture! Just at the coast of Gili Meno, you will find human sculptures in the water that is home to a lot of fishes. It feels like you are in an entirely new world.
Fun fact about the sculpture: The sculpture is a project called ‘Nest’ of sculptor and underwater photographer, Jason DeCaires Taylor. It was placed to act as an artificial reef and now home to many fishes as the corals started growing on it. Thanks to this project, the sculpture is now one of the famous snorkelling, diving and photographer site which in a way, creates jobs for the locals.
Gili Air is more on the laid-back kind of vacation where you can still enjoy parties or just enjoy the ocean breeze. There are two ATM’s located in Gili Air – one on the south side, and another one on the north side. You can also go snorkelling or island hopping to Gili Meno and witness the beautiful sculptures from Gili Air.
Turtle Sanctuary & Snorkeling with the Turtles
Snorkelling at the Gilis is where you can have a great chance to spot Sea Turtles. It is another wonderful experience as you can see the sea turtles freely swimming right in front of your eyes! While you are at it, bring your kids to visit the Turtle Sanctuary at Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. Here, you can learn about turtle breeding and conservation of turtles, guided by its English speaking staff. You may also tip in some pennies after you finish the tour so you can help the locals to buy the foods and things needed for the sanctuary. A little help goes a long way, doesn’t it?
Visit the Traditional Weaving Village
Be closer to the locals by bringing your kids to the Traditional Weaving Village in Lombok. You can go to Sukarara Traditional Weaving Village or Sade Traditional Weaving Village. Here, your kids and you can see how the beautiful songket such as the clothes, sarong, and shawls were produced by using the traditional looms. You can also learn about the traditional lifestyle of the villagers while you are here. Before you’re off to the next destination, don’t forget to buy some souvenirs to bring home.
Horseback Beach Ride
Aside from that, get your children’s’ adrenaline pumping by enjoying horseback beach ride in Lombok. Perfect for those who love peaceful exploration and some adventure, try the horse riding tour by the beach while you enjoy the ocean breeze. Go on the horseback ride over a number of days while you are there, so you can explore the many aspects of Lombok.
Accommodation
As a family-friendly destination, Lombok offers a list of family-friendly hotels and resorts just as wonderful as its beautiful scenery. Here we have made a list of family-friendly hotels and resorts in Lombok, for your choice.
- Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas: Located only 20 minutes from Lombok’s international airport, you can enjoy your holiday at the traditional Sasak style at Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas. This 4-star luxury hotel offers you a fun-filled holiday with its resort and villas overlooking the beautiful bay of Kuta beach.
- Villa Sepoi Sepoi: If you and your family are in for a total escape from the normal routines, Villa Sepoi Sepoi is for you! This is a luxury villa that offers a bunch of family retreats thanks to its six-bedroom villa, 20-metre swimming pool, the scenic beautiful beach and gardens, bicycles, and a projector screen for a movie night.
- Sira Beach House: Located at the Sira Peninsula on Lombok’s North West Coast, Sira Beach House is an idyllic beachfront villa. Enjoy the beautiful pearl white sands and crystal clear waters among the coconut groves, while you relaxing at this luxury villa.
- Scallywags Resort: This resort is located at two of the Gilis in Lombok – Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. As the name goes, Scallywags Resort offers a holiday destination for those who need a perfect getaway til you forget your everyday-hectic life back at home.
- Hotel Tugu Lombok: Learn more about the arts, history and the culture of Indonesia while you stay at Hotel Tugu Lombok. ‘Tugu’ means monument. Inspired by the founder’s interest in the fine Indonesian antiques, this museum-esque hotel features hundreds of beautiful artworks, monuments, and ancient buildings that emphasize the Indonesian culture.
- The Lombok Lodge: The Lombok Lodge welcomes you to a peaceful, romantic setting which is perfect for the entire family and also honeymooners. It is located in a quiet environment of Nothern Lombok. Prepare yourself to be stunned by the mighty Mount Rinjani, the elegant touches on its design, and also the shimmering turquoise ocean of Medana Bay of Lombok.
- The Oberoi Beach Resort Lombok: Enjoy the sunset views, romantic walks and a variety of water sports at the white sandy beach of The Oberoi Beach Resort. You and your little ones can also take a dip into the infinity pool overlooking the crystal clear ocean.
- Quinci Villas: From Guest Rooms to Pool Rooms and Luxury Villas, you can choose which rooms at Quinci Villas perfectly fit your family. Be enchanted by the beautiful view of Mt Agung while you basking in the sun near the pool or the ocean.
Now you have a list of things to do in Lombok along with your family. Get your itinerary (and bank account) ready, and be prepared to have a wonderful vacation at this beautiful island. For more information, visit this Indonesia Travel – Lombok. You can also contact VITO Malaysia office at 03-21488033 or send an email to VITO.MY@aviareps.com.
Website: Indonesia Travel – Lombok
VITO Malaysia Office
Email: VITO.MY@aviareps.com
Telephone: 03-214880333