Lombok (Lembar), Indonesia


Not to be outdone by Bali, its better-known neighbor to the west, the spellbinding Indonesian island of Lombok is finally revealing its cultural and natural treasures to the world. Like Bali, Lombok boasts idyllic beaches lapped by impossibly translucent aquamarine waters. Divers and snorkelers in the know come here to explore the island’s uncrowded, thriving reefs. The capital city of Mataram captivates with its medley of Hindu and Muslim temples, including the mesmerizing, tiered towers of the 18th-century Pura Meru complex. And because Lombok is one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, there’s no better place in which to immerse yourself in the vibrant everyday life of the locals.