22°CBeyond the Guidebooks | My Personal Guide to Exploring Lombok
Thank you for choosing Lombok Private Villa Estate as your home away from home.
Truly, from all 95 team members and proud brand ambassadors at The Lombok Lodge Hospitality® – it means more than you know that you’re here, spending your time in Lombok with us.
Terima Kasih Banyak.
While you’re here, do as much or as little as your heart desires – there’s simply no ‘best way’ to spend your days in Lombok. And more often than not, it’s the smallest, quietest moments that become the memories you carry longest. Of course, a day at Bagno Di Gili – our private beach on Gili Meno – a visit to our charming Boutique Hotel in Medana, and swimming near the Sendang Gile Waterfalls are simply not to be missed while in Lombok. But I suspect those are already circled on your itinerary.
So instead, let me share a few of my own personal secrets – small, (mostly) unhurried moments that I hope will give your Villa Stay that extra touch of magic.
Surya Sevana at the Estate
Live like a Lombok local, and take a moment to welcome the sun in the morning.
I know the ocean views from your villa are relaxing enough on their own – and that sunset over the water – from the privacy of your villa or from our Sunset Theatre – with Mount Agung standing quietly in the distance, needs no introduction. But whatever else you do, please don’t miss the sunrise from your villa’s entrance. Two chairs will be waiting for you each morning, and even through the day, it remains one of the loveliest shaded spots on the Estate – perfect for watching local farmers and our Estate ducks waddling around.
If you’re able, wake early one morning and let your butler arrange our Surya Sevana ritual for you. For our West Wing villas – Villa 11, Villa 10, and Villa 9 – we’ve created a dedicated Surya Sevana corner at the end of the East Wing, near Villa Dua.
Guided by the quiet rhythm of dawn, the ritual includes your morning tea or coffee, a simple mantra, and the pure, unpolished beauty of Lombok waking up around you. Simply ask your butler, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Your Best Picture of Indonesia
For what I believe will be the finest photograph you’ll take in Indonesia – and the one you’ll treasure most once you’re home – simply let your butler or E-Butler know your preferred time, and we’ll bring one of our Estate boats to the water right in front of your villa. Slip on one of our woven Fishermen hats, take up the paddle, and glide out just as our local fishermen do each morning. I promise, you won’t regret it.
And for those wanting the real thing, guided fishing trips with a local fisherman can be arranged at sunrise or sunset – an experience as authentic as Lombok gets.
Visit Gondang Local Market
Hop on one of our Estate mountain bikes – just give your butler a little notice so the bikes are ready and waiting – and pedal out to Gondang’s wonderfully lively food market, taking the little bridge road in front of the Estate, only ten minutes away, yet a world apart. The locals are as friendly as they come, and it’s an unforgettable spot for photographs.
Guided Village Biking is also available, and one of our team members will lead you by bicycle past his own home and family, through the most beautiful rice paddy views, a local tofu farm, and – should you wish – Lombok’s Buddhist temple.
Market Hours: 6:30am – 10:00am
Visit Taman Kanak-Kanak
If you’re making your way to the local market on weekdays, it’s well worth stopping at one of Gondang Village’s schools along the way. Take the little bridge road in front of the Estate and you’ll find the junior high school at the T-junction. Even more delightful, though, is TK Dewi Santika, the village kindergarten – Taman Kanak-Kanak, which translates beautifully to “children’s garden”. You’ll find it turning left just before the T-junction.
A small note on Indonesian schooling, in case you’re curious:
children begin at TK (kindergarten) around age four, before moving to SD (primary school) from about six to twelve, then SMP (junior high) through age fifteen, and finally SMA or SMK (senior high) until eighteen — the former academic, the latter vocational, covering fields such as hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts. Education is compulsory through senior secondary school, though kindergarten, while optional, remains very much loved. Schooldays in Lombok are Monday through Saturday,
Where to go for a Beach Walk Near Your Villa
No day by the sea is complete without a walk along it. Head toward our West Wing – past Villa Solas (11), Villa Sepuluh (10), and Villa Sembilan (9) – and you’ll find a local playground and football field, full of life, especially on Sundays. Head instead toward the East Wing, past Villa Dua, Villa Telu, Villa Lima, and Villa Nam, and you’ll discover a small fishing village where you’ll always be welcomed warmly.Do keep the tide in mind; at high tide you can simply walk along the land, while at low tide, either direction opens onto a beautiful two-kilometre stretch of sand.
Duck Feeding at The Estate Duck Farm
Finished with breakfast? A few hungry friends are waiting nearby. Ask your butler to walk with you to our Duck Garden for a morning of feeding our beloved (and famously lazy) ducks.
A few gentle rules to keep them happy:
Please skip the bread and crackers – they offer no nutrition to our ducks and, too often, can cause real harm.
Rice, chopped greens, or sliced grapes are ideal – just ask your butler, and they’ll have everything ready.
Happy feeding! And a fun fact for while you’re there: our Lombok ducks have quite the reputation for laziness. If you don’t spot them near the garden, they’re most likely off on their morning walk with our duck keeper – a little safety precaution we take whenever a helicopter is due to land nearby.
The Fascinating World of Bees
Did you know we produce our own “liquid gold” right here at the Organic Gardens of The Estate?
Your butler would be delighted to show you the hives, and if you’d like to go a little deeper into the world of bees, our resident beekeeper is always happy to share his knowledge with genuine enthusiasm.
Lombok 5-in-1 Guided Vespa Tour
This one is my personal favourite Lombok activities.
A full day of pure fun with your own guide, and quite simply the best way I know to experience Lombok properly.
Ask your E-Butler for full details or read more at my Vespa Blog >
Turtle Encounters
You may have noticed the turtle on our Estate logo – it’s no coincidence. Our silvery sands and warm waters draw turtles to our shores throughout the year
Be sure to visit our Turtle Sanctuary at The Estate
Do not miss our Turtle Gazette for the full story
The Estate Bird Garden
Small, quiet, and rather charming, our Bird Garden at the Estate lobby is a small tribute to my grandfather, Jan, who loved birds every bit as much as so many here on Lombok still do.
Read more at https://www.thelomboklodgevillas.com/blog/chirping-mania
I began with real birds in the cages in 2022, but in time, we felt it kinder to let them fly free rather than keep them – so today, the garden lives on through beautifully crafted decorative ones by our Lombok artisans instead, a quieter nod to his memory.
Why a little bird garden at The Estate?
Well, one of the most fascinating aspects of Lombok culture is its deep-rooted tradition of keeping birds at home. Wander through any Lombok village, and you’ll notice elegant birdcages hanging from porches and trees – a timeless reflection of peace, harmony, and community. For generations, Indonesians have believed that the gentle presence and melodious song of birds bring tranquility to a household. Nearly a third of Indonesian families keep songbirds, reflecting a shared passion known locally as Kicau Mania – ‘Chirping Mania’
This tradition also finds joyful expression in lively songbird contests, where locals gather to celebrate the finest melodies. Through Javanese influence and transmigration programs, the art of bird-keeping has become a cherished part of daily life across Lombok. And this is why.
Lombok Watersports
For those wanting a touch more adrenaline, a few of my personal recommendations:
JET SKI
Book a Yamaha WaveRunner out for a different perspective of Gondang Bay, at full speed across open water
WAKEBOARDING
Includes one jet ski, one instructor, and all equipment
BANANA BOAT
Banana Boat Fun for up to six guests – Life jackets included
Change of scenery during your Villa stay?
> Book our Sunset Theatre for Pre-Dinner Drinks instead of sunset drinks at your Villa
You might end up mingling with fellow Villa Residents – or getting stuck talking to us, Ben and me, at Ben’s Bar
> Visit Flavors Restaurant for dinner instead of In-Villa Dining
A private car will be ready for you, with our compliments
> Visit Bagno Di Gili for a day
Day-Pass & Spa Safari at our Boutique Hotel
One of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon away from the Estate – a leisurely half-day at our sister property, The Lombok Lodge, right on the water at Medana Bay.
A Half-Day Escape to Our Charming Boutique and ‘Firstborn,’ The Lombok Lodge Hotel, Medana Bay – Since 2010
A place to unwind by the sea, linger over a proper Italian lunch, and finish with a spa treatment that melts away whatever’s left of the day.
MEDANA DAY PASS INCLUSIONS
Return private car transfer from Lombok Private Villa Estate to The Lodge
Sunbed & pool access for two (10:00 am – 5:30 pm)
An Italian Lunch at La Terrazza, home to L’Osteria Restaurant – a relaxed, sun-drenched lunch of Italian classics
One 60-minute spa treatment of your choice, per person, at The Lodge’s Frangipani Spa
Just message your E-Butler – we’ll sort you a holiday-within-a-holiday in no time
Spa recommendation – Sisley Paris Luxury Facial
Available at the Frangipani Spa at The Lombok Lodge Boutique Hotel and as well at the Tiu Kelep Spa at The Estate
Chef Jiwa’s Wagyu Grill
Special Dining at the Garden Bonfire of your Villa or at The Estate OFYR Grill
#WAGYU CHUCKROLL MB 5
Indonesian Tokusen Wagyu, derived from Japanese Black Cattle crossed with Holstein and Black Angus. Exceptionally tender with a pronounced, beefy depth.
#RIBEYE MB 5
Australian Wagyu Ribeye with a moderate marbling profile. A guest favourite for its balance of juiciness and full-bodied flavor.
#TENDERLOIN MB 4-5
Exceptionally lean, buttery texture with bold meaty notes. Hormone Growth Promotant (HGP) free and antibiotic free – purity guaranteed.
#WAGYU STRIPLOIN MB 4-5
A classic choice, offering a fine-grained texture with a clean, beef-forward flavor profile.
Not to be missed!
Wagyu Menu >
With warmth, from Ben, myself and all of us at Lombok Lodge Hospitality
Happy Holiday!
Ibu Antje
I’m Ibu Antje; Founder, Owner and 'Chief of Magic' at The Lombok Lodge Hospitality®. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, I am passionate about creating meaningful and bespoke travel experiences across the breathtaking island of Lombok and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. My love for Lombok comes from the island’s breathtaking beauty, its rich traditions, and the warmth of its people. It inspires me every day to share this special place with others by creating meaningful and memorable experiences that allow guests to truly feel the spirit of Lombok and the Gili Islands. Follow my daily life in Lombok & Gili - and more things I adore - on Instagram @ibu.antje
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