Lombok is the island just east of Bali. It has all the trappings of a beach centre at Senggigi and Kuta in the south. It boasts the wonderful Gili Islands and of course treks up Gunung Rinjani. The indigenous Sasak people have a fascinating culture of their own.

Senggigi Beach stretches 10km and provides sweeping bays with fine sandy beaches. Hotels are excellent value in a bid to draw the run off from Bali. Senggigi Central has a clutch of lovely restaurants. Nightlife is more sedate with a few places featuring live bands. Travelers congregate at the beach each evening to watch the sun set over Bali. Senggigi is a good place to lay back for a while before attempting the Rinjani trek.

Kuta Beach is the reason to travel South. Near deserted stretches of white sand invite you to laze away the day. There is the ever-present threat of 5 star hotels mushrooming here. Thankfully, it has not happened yet. Surfing is world class at both Kuta and Tanjung Aan.

Gili Islands off the North East coast of Lombok have a distinctively party feel. Gili T or Trawangan is a good place to start. Dive shops, restaurants, and hotels are found along a 1 km stretch of the finest sandy beaches anywhere in the world. It is small enough to walk around. Diving is excellent. If you can, avoid Bangsal, which is the ferry point for Gili.

The Rinjani treks usually start at Seneru.

Do take time to visit a Sasak village and buy their pottery and handicrafts. They are cheap but authentic souvenirs for those back home.

East of Bali lies Lombok

Many say Lombok is what Bali used to be 30 years ago. I disagree. It is just different. The Sasak people have their own unique culture and Lombok continues with its own style and at its own pace.

Fine beaches are found in Kuta [not to be confused with Kuta, Bali] and at Gili Islands. The diving is accessible and dive and snorkeling sites are world class.

The main tourist destination is Senggingi. Hotels and the nightlife are more laid back than in Bali although you will find enough bars to keep you well satiated.

To top it off, Lombok has the awe-inspiring Mount Rinjani trek, which is one of the most scenic and rewarding journeys you can make in Indonesia.