Hi I am going to Java on Business and plan to take a week's holiday somewhere else in Indonesia at the beach.  Other than Bali where would you recommend where there would be nice hotels. Thanks Alison

Alison, there are literally hundreds of places you could go, but I would recommend that you go to Lombok. I'm sure other people have different favorites. I think you can get a flight from Jakarta to Mataram as cheap as 6-700.000Rp now with Merpati. On Senggigi Beach you can find some very nice hotels, and I guess you can get a good bargain as there are few tourists there now.

Also South Lombok is really nice, not that many hotels to choose from, but you will find some nice ones. If you like to go snorkeling the Gili islands outside the northwest coast of Lombok is a really good alternative, but the accommodation there is relatively simple. Go to the Bangsal village and hire a boat from there, you can also go from Senggigi, but that is usually much more expensive. You can read more about Lombok and the destinations I have mentioned on this site.

As you only have one week I think Lombok is a perfect destination, it is small enough to get around the island and see many interesting places, or just relax by the beach. It is also considered to be safe, there was some religious unrest here a few years ago, but that is now under control. I hope you enjoy your stay in Indonesia!

Hi Alison,
If Bali or Lombok is too far away from Jakarta, why don't you consider to visit one of these places: Carita, Anyer or Peucang Island (Ujungkulon National Park)? Have a nice holiday..