Why didn't you take the ferry to Lombok? Far more romantic. I was in Indonesia in 1992 for 6 months. Bali was very beautiful then. Ubud was just like a small village with wooden huts. Lots of arts and crafts. Most roads were dirt very little traffic. Lombok was as you say very different. Iirc it was at the time of the first Gulf War and there was a lot of anti Western particularly anti American feeling on Lombok. We had to disembark the ferry onto about 10 long boats which then took us into the harbour. 2 American guys on the ferry were refused entry onto to Lombok by aggressive locals young men and it was quite a tense scary situation. As you correctly point out Lombok is a Muslim country whereas Bali is animist Hindu. I found the Balinese much more friendly and more suited to tourism. In Lombok I and my Swiss girlfriend were chased by machete wielding thugs from a very small local village in central Lombok that we had been visiting to try to see some authentic Batik dancing that we were told by our homestay host was very beautiful and well worth seeing. All of a sudden the mood in this very small village group of huts changed and my girlfriend said it was time to leave. Now. She told me to go to our scooter and start it as she would try to keep the now angry young men and some women who had a clear hatred of western tourists talking amongst themselves aggressively. I had just got to our scooter like yours and started it when she came running along the narrow path between the rice paddies and jumped on the back screaming go, go, go! followed by two guys chasing her with machetes raised trying to strike her. They then chased us for about 10-15kms on their scooter along dirt tracks from this tiny hamlet in the middle of nowhere. They seemed to chase us for ages. I tried to ride as fast as I could with Lisa on the back without crashing. These bandits came along side many times trying to force us off the track into the jungle where they would have likely robbed us and maybe worse. Anyway at some point I felt our scooter swerve and luckily I didn't crash or drop it, but what had happened was that Lisa riding pillion had managed to push their bike over as they tried to come along side us causing them to crash meaning we left them behind in the dirt. Eventually we made it back to a main road which in those days was a single pot holed miserable piece of bitumen. There was what looked a like a policeman at this junction as it was in a small village. I skidded to a halt shaking life a leaf. They then got the local teacher who spoke some English to translate what had happened into Malay. A large crowd gathered around us but they weren't very friendly. Eventually the policeman called our homestay and got our host to come and collect us which wasn't far to ride back to. It was agreed that these remote villagers were intent on robbing us and likely killing us after. We had a very lucky escape. This was in central Lombok east of Mt Rinjani. I would never go back there. By contrast Sabah, Sarawak, southern Java and Sumatra were absolutely spectacular and very welcoming. When I was there in the early 1990s much of Sumatra's northern rain forests had been felled but the southern or western side of the country was still largely in tact as it is pretty mountainous because of volcanoes difficult to reach many areas. Sabah and Kalimatan (Malaysia) was absolutely stunning especially Kota Kinabalu which was a spectuclar climb 4101m. I loved Indonesia and the Malaysian islands, but sorry Lombok I didn't as the people were very primitive and aggressive especially the young men. I think they saw their neighbour Bali doing very well from tourism but they had no idea how to host tourists let alone make them feel welcome. It was very much still an agricultural island, quite poor with limited opportunities. Maybe things have changed now.

Indonesia is breathtakingly beautiful. I just recently travelled the country outside Bali and was shocked to see the whole country is like a postcard picture. A university student in Jogjakarta explained it to me that most tourist don't know that tourism only play a small amount of percentage in Indonesia economy (and my aussie mates were shocked to hear it. lol). But the best thing about Indonesia is the people, one of the kindest we've ever met during our travels. We even love Jakarta whom always get the unfair judgement from foreigner. But like my guide said ,"Jakarta is the richest province in Indonesia. They don't give a shite about what foreigner think."

I first saw your channel because we have a house in Tenerife. During covid we built a Villa in southern Lombok. Now you have visited two of our favorite places. We fell in love with the place, the beaches and the people of Lombok. Bali is a nightmare if you know Lombok exists. If you are still there go and look at mawun beach, and Nambung. Absolutely incredible!

We recently spent 8 weeks between Bali, Lombok, Flores/Komodo and Gili Trawangan. Absolutely loved Lombok and Gili T. Stayed in Senggigi at Jeeva Klui. Highly recommended. We took the scooter to Selang beach as well. Wonderful outlook.

Seeing this brings back great memories. Scooter riding in Lombok and Bali is such fun! Have a good trip guys😀!!

I love Lombok, have couple of friends there, would love to explore it on my Kawasaki w175 this year. Lombok has lots of tourism potentials as much as Bali if not more. I see Lombok just like Bali 10 -15 years ago. Thanks Freddie and Monica for showing some good destinations there! ❤

A few years back (2017), I toured Lombok, as I was looking to buy or build on the beach. I thought prices would be more reasonable than Bali. However, all the early investors were trying to get Bali prices for a place that is not Bali. For sure Lombok is beautiful, but given Bali prices, lack of infrastructure, lack of stores and restaurants, and people a bit less friendly than the Balinese, I ended up going back to Bali 😀

Bali not for me, too busy… Lombok wow!! I must get there. Lovely start to my Sunday..fine editing and choice of music Lady M… top commentary Freddie…thoroughly enjoy your “work”…watching it again shortly.. atb..Alan

Being a Muslim and from the UK, I have been to both Bali and Lombok, and in my opinion I actually preferred Lombok over Bali. The scenery, the beaches, the waterfalls, and the people are amazing there. South Lombok beaches like Kuta, Selong Belanak, Mawun and Tanjung Aan are amazing. The waterfalls like Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep are beautiful. And yes Gili Islands (Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno) are good but touristy. The Secret Gilis off SW Lombok are much better IMO (Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak). I actually stayed in Senggigi which was good. Bali has amazing temples but Lombok has some stunning mosques - Lombok Islamic Centre in Mataram is stunning. Hike around Mount Rinjani is a must do if you are in Lombok. In Bali, I stayed in Ubud which was good but I didn't really like the beaches that much and the island was far too overcrowded and filthy in parts. Northern parts of Bali is much better but not easy to get to.

Freddie & Monika, You guys work together beautifully. I hope you keep the team together for a long,long time. I really appreciate when you give the prices that you pay for all items. It helps to educate us. Because I am old, I would for sure choose Lombok over Bali in a heartbeat. Thank you two for bringing us these very nice videos. Have a beautiful day!!! Illinois, USA

Freddie, Lombok looks like Phuket and Bali did when I was mischievous 25 year old in Royal Hong Kong police in early mid 80s. I would suggest the modern generation enjoy the paradise before it inevitably gets over developed. As a global motorcycle adventurers I have been lucky to find many little paradises that still maintain charm - Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Namibia, Jordan, Sinai, and Iran (believe it or not). South Africa by far the country with most beautiful spots on planet Earth and sadly one of worst governments. Once a place attracts the banana pancake and baggy trousers with elephant prints being sold to the hippies its over. I was one of the early pioneers of paragliding and flew many of these Thai and Indonesian islands - often the first to do so. Bali now has a quite established paragliding scene and it’s a lovely way to explore and escape with the eagles Love the videos - keep it up

Great idea to go to Lombok, we used to just go to places because we could and were always glad we did. Grab these chances while you can, places change so quickly these days. What a beautiful place and the roads must be a dream after what you've been used to in Bali. Great work both of you as always.

I just decided to move to Lombok instead of Bali yesterday and saw your video right now ！so thrilled ！🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Thank you both, now I see somewhere I would love to go! Already checking options. Enjoy your last few days.

I drove around the island just over two weeks ago and can tell you that almost the entire island is now paved with some sections having completely new smooth asphalt with curvy bends that no one drives on. Truly a bikers paradise. I believe the most amazing piece of road was if you go west from Kuta along the coast for two hours until you reach Pantai Melaka beach. It is the most beautiful beach on Lombok in my opinion and absolutely no one goes there. The roads there are just incredible, you will drive on fast sweeping corners up on a mountain ridge with amazing views and the asphalt is brand new

I have always had a love hate relationship with bali. Beautiful, spiritual, friendly, but the crowds and traffic made it hard to relax and unwind. You've given me something to think about with lombok, it looks more my style.

Wow…wow…what a life you two lead. Thank you.

Hi Freddie, from someone living here in Bali I was about to give you some great riding ideas. Next time ride from Dps to Ahmed which is located on great sweeping dual-carriageway roads before fizzling out into a lovely coast road ride. I ride these roads quite often on my Classic reborn from there I would not have been far to the ferry to Lombok, 5hr crossing by ferry boat, but relaxing.Recommendation next time would be go to a homestay,I could recommend 👍. Another great ride is from Jakarta to Bali or visa versa, depending on your agenda.

I found you and have been watching your shows. They're very entertaining. I can go places around the world right here from my chair in my room. Breathtaking waters, scenery and beautiful mountains. 5/21/24.

Thank you, Freddie, for sharing another wonderful journey with you and Monika. The beautiful 🏞 view and scenery from Lombok were just amazing. 💕🌸😊

Ah.. my amazing island. Thanks for the video

I don’t know who chooses the music for these videos but they are always a perfect match…well done 👏Stay safe you two 👍🇬🇧

I liked Lombok, too, Had some amazing days on the three Gili islands and on the 3 days/2 nights Rinjani volcano trekking tour. The whole island is much more chilled than Bali, not so much traffic and the prices are decent. Its a good alternative to Bali, especially for backpackers , travelers on the budget who have to take care of the money and want to get the maximum of a travel adventure.

Thanks for sharing, Lombok looks so appealing, my kind of destination but alas too far for us to travel comfortably. Just had a good look around on Google Earth, never realised there were so many islands, you're so fortunate to do this while you can, enjoy both and ride safe.

This seems like a more relaxed setting than Bali. Certainly more so than 30 years ago in Bali. This is sweet. Thanks!

Thank you so much for your good impression for this a little island.Enjoy the beauty of the white sandy beach.Hope you come again next time.

What a great peaceful video. That island looks so beautiful and relaxing, think you guys are going to have a great time!

This video exemplifies what was so exciting and interesting for me in my 20s and 30s in the Philippines from the 1990s. I relished every bit of that nostalgic blast to the past. These beaches and simple, uncluttered life in Lombok is paradisaical as it gets. I thoroughly understand why a young man would be awestruck and develop a bond with the place, especially if the Indonesians are even more publicly high-trust of each other and not crab bucket mentality clannish. When I watch videos like this, I have a very romantic flashback to my youth in the Philippines. I have the urge to be young and that same feeling returns briefly where I am feeling inspiration for it. But then reality hits me in the face, and I remember all the egregious struggles I endured. And how difficult is became for me as the decades wore me down, and my health plummeted from tropical disease and lack of for example salads and cool weather. I think a dead rat in my cheap rental house IS ACTUALLY I THINK WHAT CAUSED MY TUBERCULOSIS OR MADE ME SUSCEPTIBLE TO IT. I DISTINCTLY REMEMBER BECOMING ILL WITH DECLINING HEALTH AFTER FINDING THE DECOMPOSED SMELL AFTER DISASSEMBLING A WALL MOUNTED CABINET. Also now I have new concerns about worsening authoritarianism, ever more restrictive residency and visitors visas, and having to report every months or annually to the govt being forced to vax or whatever our deviant overlords have planned for us next. Asia seems one of the worst fits in this respect.

lovely place ,thanks for sharing it with everyone .

Was there in June 2023 for 2 weeks. Amazing beautiful island, friendly people and the Gili Islands were breathtaking. Going back for sure.

Looks amazing, especially from here in chilly, grey and damp London

Thank you for this beautifully made video. My girlfriend and I are considering moving to Lombok for long term and this video kind of just seals the deal for us.

I just came across your channel - what a delight to see this video! The whole time I'm thinking it was what Kuta, Bali was like when we visited in 1972. Love this! Thank you for sharing ☺️

Much love to Freddie and Monica for giving us this lovely series

Brilliant again. Can't wait for Tuesday!!!

Surprisingly, I enjoyed watching this video♡Thank you so much!

Looks beautiful. Another place to add to my list.

So beautiful Natural sceneries..

A lovely job editing and pairing the music, Monika. Quite soothing.

Our early trips were 1987 Kuta Bali had dirt roads and open drains. It was electric. Sanur and Denpasar were more established. Next trip was 1990 went to Handara and Lovina which was still all rice fields. Been back 15 more times over the years. This year is going to be Lombok and the gilis but via Singapore. Tired of the crazy traffic jams in Bali

I miss lombok so much. I was born and raised there. But now, it's so far away. Long time no see lombok. I miss my home. I wanna go home. Thanks for the video,

Brilliant, really does look like paradise. Enjoy 😊

Lombok was a paradise 35 years ago when i visited it. Enjoy your trips!

Morning Freddie and Monika. Stunning location. Enjoy your remaining time on this current adventure.

Looks stunning, wonderful video.

Lombok reminds me of Bali when i first went there in 1981.a much slower pace compared to Bali now.

I've been to Bali and Mataram, Lombok in the early 90's. The atmosphere of Lombok now is almost similar to the Kuta area in Bali at that time... 😊

Iv just got back from Denpasar, I spent 4 months exploring Bali, a good scooter is essential for the high mountain terrain. Last week I explored Penida island on the scooter, it made a nice change than riding my T120 Bonneville in UK! Indo is an amazing part of the world, looking to go Lombok in a few weeks 🙂

What a serene and comforting looking place... I am going to look into travelling there soon...congrats on a great video, fitting music, beautiful scenery.

Now that is stunning

love the way you describe our island. thank u sir!!

We fell in love with the natural beauty of Lombok and are now in the process of building a house there on the south coast. It’s such a beautiful, magical place ✨. Lovely music btw! 😊

Great vlog looks a nice place and very tranquil enjoy your last week 😊

I love Bali, but Lombok too 💙 Just like Bali, Lombok looks beautiful: the scenery, landscape, culture, food, people are amazing but no crowds LOL*👌 I think you guys must comeback next month for Moto GP Mandalika, Lombok. And if you have much time, you guys should visit Gili islands also! . Thanks for sharing bro Freddie & Monica 👏 . . #lombok #wonderfulindonesia

So beautiful Lombok! Nice video as always Freddie! Its like im riding on the beautiful road of lombok as well, love from Indonesia 👌

Lombok is paradise..🌴

Excellent video, Thank You

I stayed in lombok in 98" - the currency had crashed due to soeharto the president did a runner with all the money 😮 - the hilton in bali could be had for £5 per night ! backpacking with 2 dutch girls i met in bali, erika & elizabeth, great fun and happy days, no real problems that others have mentioned here, covered most of the island inc senaru, sembalun, sengigi ( of course ) gillis and camping and trekking rinjani national park, roads quiet and traffic free compared to bali - i loved it ! - no intwrnational airport just a small one at mataram and kuta lombok in the south had not been developed at all as a tourist destination. I noticed a dry less humid heat than in bali. Your videos have brightened up winter here and its been great to take a trip back in time - on can almost feel the heat as the sunshine bursts out of the TV 😊

The central and local government tried hard to build tourism in Lombok island in recent years, but the 2018 earthquake, covid, put years back to the development, although some high note such as successful MotoGP and World Superbike event last year. They tried so hard to replicate another Bali into Lombok, but this island are different people, different tribe, different religions, culture etc. I don't think it's never gonna be like Bali, Lombok has it own charm. Still it held a lot of natural beach, mountains and also cultural experience to feel and see by yourself. Personally, I'm already goes to Lombok for vacation four times in recent years, me and partner had enough with Bali.

Ohh Freddie & Monika, another fabulous adventure from the both of you! Love these solitude journeys without crowds. Though, that spaghetti pasta looked absolutely delicious 🇮🇹❤️🇮🇹❤️ Enjoy the remaining days of your incredible holidays & I guess see you in sunny UK😉😎

I have friends from DA who run a surf school in Lombok. We are currently in Bali up north in Lovina where my wife is involved in Aquaculture. We have been her now for 6 months and will be moving to Lombok where she will continue with her work and our daughters will be starting school in Late July. Cannot wait. 1month to go.

Back to nature.....welcome to indonesia..

When you travel and stay so peaceful, and make KZfaq video about it... You actually are contributing to a more peaceful world..coz PEACE must come from inside individuals, more and more...❤Thank you!

So mooii , beautiful view landscape nature , i enjoyed when watch this content

I spent 2 months in Bali late 1988 and then again late 1989;. 1988, it was like we had discovered the place, very few people lots of space and no traffic to speak of. Ubud was literally a one road village. Came back in 1989, and although still magical noticed a marked change in development. Fast forward to 2018 when I returned....OMG what is this place. Don't get me wrong I still loved it, but craved the peace tranquility and laid back vibes from the 1980's. I did spend some time on Nusa Penida, which had pockets of what Bali used to be back in the day Next trip I will definitely head to Lombok... Great Video thanks for the insight..:)

Beautiful!

Lombok looks like the place you should have stayed all along Freddie. No traffic and beautiful beaches, ya that’s the place. My wife is ready to figure out how to get there from here in Kentucky. I’m tell ya Freddie after watching this video I’m ready to turn in my Springer Harley, engineer boots, Lee jeans, and Harley tee shirt for flip flops Bermuda shorts and a shirt with palm trees on it

What a amazing place, its gone onto my bucket list

Nice to watch this. Currently in Delhi India heading home for a month from Punjab Province. I start up large chemical reactors for a living. We have some projects coming up in Indonesia. Everyone is fighting over each other to be on the team. To be honest India has been a massive disappointment. The country is just so dirty and the people don't treat their country very well. Animals are wondering around (Cows/Dogs) just in terrible shape. SE Asia looks so wonderful in comparison. Lovely video thanks for posting guys. Heading back to Alberta Canada for a month of R and R !!!!!!!

Lovely place to visit. I thought you were in my back yard at the beach, then you panned a round and had elevation of land....... I knew then, you two, were not in my back yard!. Enjoy your time together there. 😊

Thanks Freddie, I think Lombok seems much more idyllic than Bali, guess it depends on individual preferences. Lombok gets my vote though, just gotta watch out for the water buffalo😂

Yep, like Bali in the 70s, friends! Beautiful!

I enjoy watching videos from you guys

Good video great content. I was in Bali 5 years ago , took the fast boat service to Lombok. Did snorkeling and a tour of the island by jeep. Lunch with an amazing view. Lombok is special as is Bali. So glad I visited this part of the world. Enjoy your travels

Nice work. No in fuss no drama no silly music and well spoken

Wow looks amazing

Thx for the Video, brought back some memories!! At the time of my visit which was when the Earthquake struck as well (5.6 Richters, Mar 17th 2018), Tampah beach had underwater currents, very dangerous for all, whether experienced swimmers or not. So exercise extreme caution and do not venture way out into the sea. Knee-deep to waist depth would be considered relatively safe there, and get out as soon as you feel overwhelmed in your swimming efforts in unknown waters...Other than that, hope Lombok remains as it is and not become overcrowded like Bali...

Beautiful place!...it will take time for them to recover from the 2 disasters...patience..it will happen...fun dodging water buffalo's versus other riders..lol...now this...looks like a place to retire to...I never made it to Indonesia when i was in the Navy in the late 70's, early 80's...wish i had though...another excellent video...cant wait for the next...

Beautiful great video 😊

Hey, you visited during Hari Raya Idul Fitri / Eid Al-Fitr. This is why the roads are so quiet. Last year, I was in Jakarta during the same time, and could cross the whole city with no traffic - even Jakarta is quiet at that time. This is why I think the best time to visit Jakarta as a tourist is during Idul Fitri!

Why i love the way of your video seems natural , blend in go with the flow such as the bald ben not to much effect , drama or editing like others. Well done mate👍

i'm indonesian live in java, I went to lombok to hike mount Rinjani, it was a few months ago and i already miss it, such a beautiful place. but Indonesia from the west to east no doubted is a paradise, and every place is special.

Yeah Lombok now is Bali in the 70’s! We lived in Mataram from 87-89 the road to Kuta was bumpy and there were no hotel in Kuta !

Great vid Freddie. I've been looking for a quieter alternative to Bali (where I used to live for 10 yrs) and this has totally got my attention. I have visited Lombok a couple times but never really explored it. I feel this is about to change real soon. . . Thanks for the heads up. . . Really love your travel vids. . . Blessings. . .

Try visiting another island in Indonesia which is Batam it's an island city close to Singapore. It has Beaches, nature, city vibes, pelnty good restaurant,cafes and spa. The roads are way much wider (up to 5 rows) so the traffic isn't as insane as Bali. It's famous for weekend trip for Singaporean but not westerners. Only downside the Beaches is not as good as Lombok or Bali since it facing south China sea which way more calm while Bali or Lombok have better waves at Indian ocean. Batam also didn't have Mountain or Volcanoes.

Was in Kuta, Lombok in 2016. Also ride scooter west to Selong belanak. Thanks for the memory refresh. That beach was amazing!

Just back from Lombok. Pluses: less tourists. Super friendly people everywhere. Minus: do not take Lion Air (Thai Lion)/Wings if you plan to check luggage. More pluses: uninhabited stretches of beach all over. Minuses: water clarity/wave size/snorkeling not as good as Bali.

After spending time on Bali we lived in Mataram for several months, and toured Lombok on scooters back in 2010. It’s changed. Paradise is never the same place twice.

Random coincidence. I watch your motorcycle reviews, but I’m off to Lombok soon and found you there too! Great vid mate, thanks.

Amazing Lombok. I love Lombok so far

We recently moved to Lombok, and our impressions are very similar to yours. Great video! Next time, shout out while here 🙏

Lombok is the beast ❤️

They say indeed that Lombok is bali 40 years ago. I have been there a lot and the beach you visited was very impressive! It seemed to been cleaned up bcse many days it was scattered with plastic debris like those stupid 1 portion sized water cups, hundreds and hundreds of them on that beautiful beach!! Furthermore, Lombok is called the island of a 1000 mosks. One can see and in many cases hear them all over. I loved it there. Wonder when the development continues because bali is getting overcrowded…

I am currently on Lombok. Last week I slept out in the open on Mawun Beach, in front of the fishing village. The local warung owner was highly hospitable, and helped look after my stuff. In return, he expected me to open my wallet and spend liberally at every one of his suggestions, which I was happy to do. I had a series of amazing experiences hanging out there including catching and cooking an octopus, but it became clear that I was getting bilked left right and center. I did not exactly leave on a cordial note, though I am going back tomorrow just for the day. I bonded with the village dogs, one of them slept next to me for a couple of nights, so I have to see them again at least, and rent a deckchair at the neighbouring warung.

Beautiful place

Kuta Mandalika area have a lot beautiful beach, until you go to Sekotong area on the South West Lombok. You can stay more than a week at Lombok and find different beach everyday. East Lombok have a beautiful beach too and only locals go there at weekend. Quiet, beautidul, clean and peace is the reason why i at least once a year come and stay at Lombok

Lombok and bali is very different. When i stayed in Lombok, i was totally feeling calm even just after landing in airport while in Bali i still feel a rush. I agree with you that lombok is slower living than Bali. But i love it. I love tp go ups and downs through the hill in Senggigi while watching sunset. It was magical❤

Morning to you Freddie and Monika ! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

First time a travel video made me feel like I was there.

Outstanding would take that over Bali for sure