We visited Lombok in February 1993, so things will have changed a lot since then. We obviously can't recommend anywhere and this page is really here just so we have a memento of our time there, so we'll just give a quick outline of our experiences. We stayed on Senggigi Beach at the impressive budget resort Pondok Senggigi which we have found no longer exists. The owners sold it to a wealthy Chinese businessman who planned to build a luxury resort. We enjoyed staying there - the staff were possibly the friendliest bunch we'd ever met on our travels. In face we found people in Lombok extremely warm and friendly - they made our short visit to Lombok very special and enjoyable.

Senggigi is Lombok's main resort but was extremely quiet when we were there. The beach was nice - we though it was nicer than any of the beaches on Bali - nice soft sand in parts but a bit shingly in others. It's bound to be different now but when we were there there was little there apart from the Pondok Senggigi, Senggigi Beach Hotel and a supermarket!

Click here to book hotels on Lombok, see photos and read reviews by other travellers.

While we were in Lombok, we also spent a few days on Gili Trawangan, a short ferry trip away. Again, this place will have changed so much from 1993 so we can't give any real advice. The beach was gorgeous with white sand (although very corally in areas) and turqouise sea but there was nothing much there apart from a few very basic places to stay - we were surprised at the poor quality and had to settle for a dark dingy room which appeared to be the best of a bad bunch! - and a few places to eat. There weren't even any shops, cafes, etc then. It was quite cute that there were no cars or motor bikes, and the only mode of transport was horse and cart! We weren't too lucky with the weather when we were there (heavy rain, thunder and lightning!) and although it was a beautiful island when the sun was shining it was a depressing place in the rain and we cut our stay short. If you're thinking of visiting Gili Trawangan there are much better places to stay now - click here for a selection. We have read that Gili Trawangan is now very much a party island, so if that isn't what you're looking for Gili Meno or Gili Air might be more suitable.

Some useful sites about Lombok

Lonely Planet - Guide to Lombok
Trip Advisor - Reviews from other travellers and a useful forum

Click here for Travel Jimmy's review on Bali Indonesia