Lombok & Gili Islands

Whisper it quietly; Lombok has far prettier, quieter and whiter beaches than neighbouring Bali. While its profile may be lower, the island looms over Bali with its 13,200ft-high pinnacle, Rinjani. This is Indonesia’s second highest volcano – no mean feat in such a ripped archipelago.

In the smoky shadows of this behemoth, the southern coast is licked with coconut-white coves and waves that draw discerning beach lovers and surfers respectively. For a Robinson Crusoe adventure, take your pick from any of the Gili Islands that dot along Lombok’s north-eastern fringe – a trio of tiny jungle-and-sand islands, haloed by kaleidoscopic coral reef – all without cars, crowds or complexity.

Where to stay?

Oberoi Hotel Lombok. Lovely as they are, the Gilis offer little in the way of luxury comforts so it’s best to admire their simple beauty from the day beds of the Oberoi’s private beach on Lombok’s mainland. The hotel also arranges picnics and day-trips to the islands – just 20 minutes away by boat. Doubles from £227.

Oberoi Hotel Lombok	Hotel Tugu Lombok

Hotel Tugu Lombok. Also on the Gili-facing side of Lombok. Take your pick from bamboo and thatched-roof rooms, styled on those found in traditional Lombok villages, either facing out to the cerulean sea and islands or inland to the ember-crowned Rinjani volcano. Three-night packages from £264 a night.

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