Beyond Bali: Exploring Indonesia's Hidden Gem

Lenpock
A 30-minute flight from Bali (or a 1.5-hour speedboat) takes you to the lesser-known Lunpok. Lombok felt that Bali thirty years ago was ahead of mass tourism and the digital nomad movement, which led many Australian backpackers to visit Indonesia and stay forever. Lenpock is relatively underdeveloped. However, there are some luxury resorts. You can easily spend your day, hang out on your own beach and drink coconut, but the area has a lot of untouched beauty, so be sure to venture out from your resort when you are in Lombok. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and is a popular place for adventurers. The hike to the top of the mountain is not for the faint of heart, which promises beautiful panoramic views, but rather Indonesia's second-highest peak (12,224 feet), which can be challenging for beginners. For calming activities on sea level, you can attend some of the region’s most popular waterfalls: Gunung Rinjani, Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile, all of which are a quiet day from the beach.
Culture seekers should check out the village of Banyumulek, known for their pottery and crafts, and surfers should visit Kuta Beach. Simple kiosks and cafes, Caribbean restaurants, old Casa beaches and Gili Resto can be found on the island, all popular for their brew-free cuisine. If you want to have a party scene at night, pop up Gili Island and just follow the music and you won't get lost.
Where to live: There are only a few accommodations on the island, and if you want a more intimate stay, check out somewhere in Lenpock. If you want a higher, traditional luxury hotel experience, consider Sira, a luxury hotel. The resort opened in November 2024, with some of the best in Bali. When you are tired of your own private beach, a high-tech fitness center and a wellness facility, there are two Olympic-sized swimming pools that focus on local customs to relax. For foodies, there is no reason to leave the resort because you have everything you need here. Chef Frosh Nur distributes classic Mediterranean dishes on MEDSA and stands out among Sija's Japanese-style cuisine. If you want authentic Indonesian classics, try the tables on the island. The resort has several private villas with access to its own private beach, but if you can splash, go to the Presidential Suite on the property overlooking the Geely Islands.