In Reply to: Booking a room on Lombok posted by SydneyDave on Monday, 1. March 2010 at 09:31 Bali Time:
Just like there probably isn't anywhere you could stay for one night in Bali to "get a good feel for Bali", there really isn't any such place in Lombok.
It is a very long way to go for one night, and personally (although I much prefer Lombok over Bali) I wouldn't bother for one night. You will spend two days travelling and not have time to see anything.
Minimum 3 night stay in my opinion. Base yourself in the Senggigi/Mangsit area and:
Day 1 - Bali to Lombok. Travel and settle in. Explore Senggigi.
Day 2 - tour to see the Senaru waterfalls passing through Pusuk pass on the way. Make sure you take the time to walk into the second waterfall - about an hour through the rain forrest. These are not 'tourist traps' like gigit in Bali. You will see Mt Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia if not too much cloud cover.
Day 3 - tour to see South Lombok including Kuta Lombok, the beaches in that area, traditional Sasak village, hand-weaving ikat etc.
Day 4 - travel Lombok to Bali.
If you stay longer, then also have a look at the Gilis (you can do a day tour by boat from Senggigi or you can stay there). Also Gili Nangu which is lovely and not as crowded or touristy as the 3 famous Gilis.