Time for a new chapter
Wow, can you believe it? Just two months left in 2024!
It's also been two years since we relocated to Lombok, Indonesia.
Amazing how quickly time flies. Or maybe it just feels that way as you get older?
Since moving here in June 2022, I’ve been helping senior executives embrace simpler living or even escape the rat race entirely. It’s been deeply rewarding, opening minds to a different, more fulfilling future. Many have come to visit Lombok (you know who you are). Some stayed a few weeks, others a few months, all falling in love with the island and its simple way of life. Along the way, I’ve made wonderful friends and forged some truly special connections.
But now, it’s time for a new chapter.
This is the life I envisioned—exploring fresh opportunities, shifting directions, creating, and feeding my creativity. So, in July, I wrapped up my coaching business to start building a new brand here in Lombok.
Over these two years, it became clear that many people hadn’t even heard of Lombok. Through my posts and newsletters, I noticed a growing curiosity. Travellers heading to Bali would reach out, and some would pop over for a few days. Every single one wished they’d spent more time here.
This is Lombok—a hidden tropical paradise where you can recharge your soul. No traffic jams, no tourist overload. Just secluded beaches, majestic waterfalls, delicious local food, and warm-hearted people.
And yet, there was no locally based holiday company actively promoting Lombok internationally (Industry term: Destination Marketing Company, DMC) —a gap that gave birth to Lombok Concierge.
The backstory of Lombok Concierge.
In November, I got a call from Ighsaan Jacobs in Sydney. Originally from South Africa, Ighsaan had moved to Australia as a child. He was telling his cousin back in South Africa about his disillusionment with the Western world’s treatment of Gaza and Muslims, expressing a desire to live differently, away from the madness that had become his norm. His cousin suggested he reach out to me, someone who’d already made that leap.
A few weeks after our first conversation, Ighsaan visited Lombok for a one-week discovery trip. By day three, he was sold—he was moving to Lombok. Two months later, he left his sneaker collection behind and made the move. We connected instantly, and in our many conversations, the idea of a high-end DMC in Lombok began to take shape. Ighsaan’s creativity shines in his colourful shirts and bright shoes, while I bring the structured approach of a solution engineer. Together, we’ve created something truly unique.
The response has been incredible, with bookings pouring in before our official launch. Building our systems and processes amid live bookings has been both challenging and exhilarating. One of our core values is authenticity: we only recommend villas or resorts we’ve personally visited. We also add special touches, like an Island Holiday Bag filled with local treats.
This isn’t my first business venture, but it’s one of the most fun and creative ones I’ve ever started. It’s exactly what I envisioned for my new life—launching fresh ideas without the stress of deadlines or corporate politics. No long office hours here; our meetings happen on the beach or in coffee shops. Our work involves inspecting luxury resorts and villas, cultivating connections with Lombok’s top property developers, meeting new friends, and introducing them to the beauty of this island we call home. This is work—Lombok style.
Our business is built on attracting people who share our values: Serenity, Spirituality, and Sustainability. We may not offer designer shopping or Michelin-star dining, but we can offer incredible holiday and property investment experiences—luxurious private villas overlooking the ocean or five-star beach resorts. We’ll curate an unforgettable paradise getaway for you.
Consider this your personal invitation to discover Lombok’s beauty. Dip your toes in soft sand and warm turquoise waters. Trek through tropical forests to breathtaking waterfalls. Catch a wave at one of Asia’s top surfing spots. Dive into the underwater world of the secret Gilis. Savor the tastes of Lombok’s cuisine. Relax, breathe, unwind.
A holiday like no other.
For further information:
If you are interested in investing in Lombok we have put together a Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) document that we will be happy to share with you. Comment below or send me an email to abbas@lombokconcierge.com
Cool website! Who designed it?
Wishing you all the success with your new chapter!