The southwest coast of Lombok is one of the most spectacular areas on the island and is still relatively undeveloped, offering a pristine natural region for travellers to explore.
South of Lembar Harbour, the main port on West Lombok, the southwest coast features a series of stunning bays set against a backdrop of green hills and fields. There are also twelve small islands just off the coast, similar to the famous Gilis, but largely uninhabited.
The drive itself is a worthwhile trip, meandering through villages where life is untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brick-making and other traditional pastimes. Along the roadsides you will see people building and repairing boats, laying out hand-made bricks to dry in the sun, working in the fields, and sometimes guiding primitive wooden ploughs harnessed to huge water buffalo as they prepare the fields for planting.
Heading towards Sekotong, on the left side of the road is a sealed road leading up the hill. Climbing steeply, the views back down the hill and across the fields are truly magnificent. The panorama stretches out across the clear waters, highlighting the white sand coastline and the many small islands dotted just off the coast. Some of these islands have simple accommodation for travellers and are great places to visit – the Gilis of the future, no doubt!
A bit further along the main road is Taun, a peaceful village with friendly people, situated on a wide, placid bay. The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide sweep around the bay, while the hills behind form a perfect backdrop to an idyllic setting. Just out in the calm bay sit the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small sign in the nearby village will direct you to the local boat hire area, where you can arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other small islands in the area, at reasonable rates.
A little further on, before the local marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading off toward the beach. This road leads out onto a dazzling white peninsular of land that juts into beautiful blue waters. Gili Genting is a small hill in the ocean situated just off the point. At high tide it is separated from the mainland by a shallow stretch of water and at low tide it is possible to walk out to explore the island. The rock formations are ancient lava flows into which the sea has carved all sorts of interesting shapes, tunnels and caves; providing sheltered nooks and crannies of shade… a perfect setting for a picnic lunch!
Heading further south is the Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the hillside overlooking another white sand beach. The villas here march up the slopes of the hill, perched on prime real estate and provide fantastic views all around. The hotel development is still under construction and, once complete, will be the premier accommodation in the area with luxury hotel rooms, swimming pools, a spa and privately owned villas all in this visionary resort complex.
Across the road on the beachfront is Dive Zone, the only diving facility in this part of Lombok. Dive Zone are the experts on diving around the southwest islands and have pioneered development of previously unknown dive sites in this area. They also offer island-hopping tours to explore the many islands around Sekotong and further south. A long jetty stretches out over the sea at the Dive Zone site and is one of the Sundancer facilities, with coral and fish clearly visible in the crystal clear waters below.
Further along the road, at the next intersection there is a signpost for Labuhan Poh and Pelangan, the site of Bola Bola Paradis. This is a lovely small hotel, situated right on the beachfront with comfortable and clean rooms at reasonable prices. Attractive octagonal buildings are set on the lawns leading down to the beach for those wishing to stay in the area. The hotel also organises snorkelling tours and boat trips for exploring the islands just offshore.
The largest of these islands is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning “Big Island”. The island lays just offshore and is easily accessed by boat from the village of Tembowong. Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has accommodation, at Secret Island Resort and at Via Vacare on the other side of the island. Secret Island offers a host of activities that all the family will enjoy, while also being a place where you can get away from it all. With no roads and very little development on the island, a few days here offers travellers the chance to relax and recharge on a true “deserted” island.
Even further south lays the surfing Mecca of Bangko Bangko, on the far southwest tip of Lombok. Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers.
The southwest coast is filled with “undiscovered” beaches and beauty spots. As one visitor commented, the area is reminiscent of the undeveloped areas of the Caribbean. Take your time exploring and don't be afraid to wander down some of the small dirt roads towards the beaches, they often lead to deserted paradises! The local people in this area are delightfully friendly and your hand will get tired waving to the children, who call “hello” whenever they see you.
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Heading further south is the Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the hillside overlooking another white sand beach. The villas here march up the slopes of the hill, perched on prime real estate and provide fantastic views all around. The hotel development is still under construction and, once complete, will be the premier accommodation in the area with luxury hotel rooms, swimming pools, a spa and privately owned villas all in this visionary resort complex.
