Gay Lombok: the ultimate travel guide

We touched on the hotel earlier, but now it’s time to gush over the restaurant/bar all by itself. What better way to enjoy the volcanic majesty of Mount Rinjani than in a hip lounge, dining on gourmet food and cocktails? The Indonesian dishes are made using fresh, local ingredients, and based on old family recipes. And the cocktails? Heavenly divine! The atmosphere is very relaxed… after all, who could get angsty in a place as gorgeous as this?

This bar was a happy encounter. After a day spent exploring the sandy beaches, we were ravenous and parched, dying for a drink. We luckily stumbled upon this gem and couldn’t have loved it more. They had a large variety of cocktails (gold star from us!), plus tons of delicious seafood. The staff were welcoming – happily chatting to us about our travel stories. The crowd was mixed, with people from around the world visiting the bar. And did we mention the beach views? Absolutely glorious!

Surfs up! The name fits it well, as it faces out onto Kuta Beach, so expect to see lots of surfer dudes drinking here after hitting the waves. We spent our first evening in Lombok right here when they had a live band playing. The music was a mix of pop, classic rock, and some blues. It’s a very easy-going spot, with relaxed bar staff… and even more relaxed guests. In the past, they’ve thrown BBQ parties on the beach so keep an eye on their Facebook page to see if they’re planning any more events.

What could be cooler than a treehouse? Well, how about a bar IN a treehouse? The Juice and Booze Bar is a hip, laidback spot, built within a gorgeous tree. All of that surrounding wood décor and lanterns served us rustic couture henny! The cocktails were reasonably priced, and the bar staff extremely cute and welcoming. Tens tens tens across the board from us! They’re also known for their themed nights – everything from cabana parties to techno raves. Check out their Facebook page to see what they have coming up next.

We passed through Lombok at the beginning of a health kick, which is why Kenza Café was perfect for us. They had a wide range of veggie options, full of nutrition and delicious goodness. Each of our plates had so many colours (from the mix of vegetables) that we thought it was an homage to the Pride flag! The wait staff were super friendly and told us about how all ingredients are locally sourced to ensure the best tasting meals for their guests.

Spending so much time on an island, frolicking on the beach sands, and breathing in the salty air gave us such a hankering for seafood. We sought it out as much as we could. And Seasalt Lombok had to be one of our favorite finds. Every time we went, they had new specials and items to try – we always opted for the fresh catch of the day. The calamari, in particular, was exceptionally scrumptious, especially with the sides of potato wedges.

We’d been asking around to find what restaurant served the best Indonesian cuisine – and nearly everyone would cheer ‘Olah Olah'! It did not disappoint! The menu was extensive, containing a mix of Indonesian, Asian, Western foods, and even their own special pizza. No matter who you’re dining with, everyone will find something they’ll like here. The other reason we loved it so much – the stunning ocean views whilst dining!

Vegans are lowkey geniuses… how they can come up with seemingly meaty-without-being-meat-at-all food is beyond us! Whilst we are omnivorous, we do love a vegan meal every now and again. This place ticked all the boxes for us. Welcoming staff who were patient and walked us through the menu? Check! Reasonably priced items? Check! And plenty of options, so even the most staunch meat-eater wouldn’t be fazed sampling some of their food. Check! We gorged on spaghetti and veggie balls – and were convinced we were eating meat… it was simply incredible!

Believe us when we say, this mountain is a beast! And like the task of defeating any beast, the payoff is incredible. Once we reached the top, all the huffing, puffing, and sweat we faced on the trek up was all totally worth it! Stretching a whopping 12,225 ft (3,726m) above sea level, Rinjani Mountain hovers above the entire island of Lombok and is an active volcano. It’s intimidating AF, but we were up for the challenge. It takes at least two days and one night to hike Rinjani, although we opted for the three day trek in order to really enjoy sunrise from the summit and see the shockingly blue Segara Anak crater lake.

Would it be a Nomadic Boys gay guide if we didn’t geek out over the beaches? This one isn’t just white sands and sparkling blue waters though. It’s loved for its iconic swings, which you and a loved one can sit in and live out your rom-com fantasy. And snap pics for the ‘gram of course! The beach is a 15-minute drive from Kuta, so you can get a cab or rent a scooter. You also have to pay a small entrance fee, plus a small charge for using the bathroom. Beach seats cost around 25,000 IDR ($1.75) to park yourself in, but other than that, it’s all free.

A day trip to the Senaru villages is a must. We went on a tour exploring the villages, home to the Sasak tribe. This tribe mainly ruled Lombok before Indonesia became independent, and yet, around 85% of the local population still belongs to this indigenous group. Throughout our tour we got to see their homes and marketplace, as well as the chance to chat with some of the locals. Our personal highlight was the trip to the strawberry plantations where we were allowed to pick a few delicious fruits for ourselves.

Senaru may have two waterfalls, but we think the Sendang Gile one is far more impressive. For one, its backstory is so fascinating. Legend has it that a prince once hid here whilst being hunted by a crazed lion. Whether it’s true or not, the waterfall is stunning by itself. We got a snap of ourselves standing in front of it, and it is undoubtedly one of our favourite pictures. Standing beneath it, you’ll be amazed at how loud the water rushing is. Yet, it still holds a tranquillity that will instantly wash away any stress you may be having! Join a trekking tour to see this gorgeous spot for yourself.

They say you never forget how to ride a bike… well we say, you’ll certainly never forget biking through Golong Village! Passing traditional farms, some of which come from the Balinese colonial times, you’ll get to view endless fields, meet friendly locals, sample some village treats, and marvel at the Lingsar Temple. You’ll get matched with a local guide, who’ll walk you through all the historical titbits of the monument – did you know it was built as a symbol of harmony between the Buddhists and Islamists of Lombok? Be ready for plenty of uphill cycling…

We won’t be made to feel gili-ty for our island getaway fantasies. Especially when they are as undeniably stunning as the Gili Islands. Imagine this: white sands, blue waters, and peaceful island living… that’s the reality in the Gilis! There are opportunities to go surfing, diving, and snorkelling, or check out the local bars/restaurants. There are even a few spots to indulge in a spa day – up for a hot stone massage? Everyone we met was eternally optimistic and welcoming to travelers – can we live here forever, please?