If you’re looking for a change of scene from boisterous Bali, then read on.
Vacation information
Small group tour, ideal for solos & couples:
Small group travel is not large group travel scaled down. It is modeled on independent travel – but with the advantage of a group leader to take care of the itinerary, accommodation and tickets, and dealing with the language. It’s easy to tick off the big sights independently – but finding those one-off experiences, local festivals, traveling markets and secret viewpoints is almost impossible for someone without the insider knowledge gained from years in the field. For those with limited time, a small group tour will save valuable time in planning, and on vacation.
Indigenous communities:
This trip benefits Dusun communities by providing a reliable source of water to the isolated dusuns of Burne, Erot, and Tandangolok. Through the construction of an iron pipe network, clean water sourced from higher up Rinjani Mountain is channeled into large concrete tubs. This initiative ensures daily access to clean water for these remote villagers.
Reviews
2 Reviews of Lombok & Bali vacation
3.5 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 22 Mar 2023 by Pamela Major
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The snorkelling and staying at Pondok Siola with its wonderful staff. The waterfall trek in Senaru.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that single supplement doesn't apply on some nights of accommodation. The choice of restaurants was very Western-oriented rather than Indonesian food. The choice of accommodation was resorts rather than homestays - I would have expected the latter given the badge and the emphasis on local people.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefit local people - less so given the points above Reduced environmental impact - to some extent, but many places we went used plastic straws and bottles Supported conservation - didn't really see much of that, though Pondok Siola did have a self-run scheme for helping to preserve turtles.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Some of the activities were outstanding (see above). But I was disappointed overall by the vacation being more tame than I expected. And the village tours were a bit repetitive. I sometimes had the feeling also that we were being taken somewhere in order to be sold something eg the weaving and pottery trips. So like a classic tour group really, which I dislike and tend to avoid.
Read the operator's response here:
Hi Pamela - Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how you got on in Indonesia. We’re so pleased to see how much you enjoyed Pondok Siola and the waterfall trek in Senaru. Regarding what you felt didn't work so well, thank you for your insight here as it points to ways in which this trip could better align with our People, Planet and Purpose values. As such, we've shared your comments with our Product Manager for this trip and our local team in Indonesia to see what adjustments can be made for future versions of this route. We want all our travelers to have the opportunity to engage with First Nations and Indigenous cultures and gain a better understanding of how they can respectfully travel in a destination in a way that acknowledges the rich history of the places we visit. Thanks again, Pamela, and best wishes for your future adventures!
Reviewed on 03 Feb 2017 by Jo Christophe
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
being an impromptu wedding guest and being invited attend the wedding procession -surreal but very special one-off experience
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
bear in mind that Lombok is not as commercial as Bali - but this is its charm
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we got to speak to local guides on how 'tourism' was affecting them. We were told that it was bringing an additional source of income to the communities which was in turn be used to fund educational programmes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Everything I had hoped for - would recommend this trip without hesitation
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your vacation to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
The environment is extremely important to us and in Lombok we are sponsoring the production of a local environmental magazine 'Asyik'. This magazine was first published in 1995 but has not been printed for three years due to lack of funding. The reading material comprises letters and other contributions about the environment from local Lombok communities. Given that education plays an integral role in future environmental protection, the magazine is distributed to primary schools throughout the island.
We encourage a local tree-planting initiative in Lombok, through which our travelers can sponsor the plantation of a fruit tree (primarily Avocado, Papaya, Rambutan, Mango and the famous Durian). 'The Green' program concentrates on three locations in Lombok, each chosen for their soil compatibility, climate, sustainability and local needs and each in close proximity to Lombok destinations. Anyone can support 'The Green' by purchasing a seedling, which is then planted in any one of the three locations. Sponsors are given an official certificate and are able to visit 'their' tree at any time.
People
Lombok is one of the poorest provinces of Indonesia. Much of the poverty is hidden from the visitor's eye, as the areas that need the most support are the areas that gain the least from tourism revenue. Their neglect is largely due to their distance from tourist areas, main roads and city centers.Our Lombok trip focuses on the areas of the island where few other tourists venture. We co-operate with local initiatives in order to lend support to communities in this remote region.
In addition to the above, we also collect donated clothing and makes distribution drops in Lombok on regular days when people from a wide area converge on certain villages for public health immunisations
The area of Karangbaru in Central East Lombok consists of 8 "dusun" (small villages). We are working, together with the local Karangbaru administration, to provide a reliable source of water to the three most isolated dusun: Burne, Erot and Tandangolok. Through the construction of an iron pipe network, clean water from further up Rinjani Mountain will be channelled into large concrete tubs, for daily use by these remote villagers. During the Lombok trip we enjoy a spectacular walk near the base of Rinjani that includes a visit to the Burne dusun where the whole community turns out to welcome us. A local representative has been appointed to oversee the construction and ensure that the funds are utilised to the maximum benefit of the village.
