Cheap Flights to Praya

If you're keen to get off the beaten track and explore authentic Indonesia, Praya is a great destination and an attractive town on Lombok Island. Benefiting from a new international airport, it is relatively compact at around 12 square miles and has a population of around 55,000. A mainly Muslim town, you will also see Buddhist, Hindu and Christian communities and places of worship. The town is located close to Kuta, which is well worth a visit with its attractive beach. During your visit, make sure you make time to visit the stunning Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu Waterfall and Sasak Village which offers you an insight into the rich local culture.

For those who love water sports, the area offers superb surfing and diving. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to relax afterwards with incredibly fresh fish at the local restaurants and cafes. You'll need plenty of food and energy if you decide to take a challenging trek to hike up mountains and see stunning volcanic crater rims. Why not finish off the day with one of the magical beach parties that celebrate far into the night on the pristine white sands? Don't forget to see dawn from the top of Gunung Rinjani; a truly rejuvenating experience.

Things to do

Praya is a superb gateway city which offers access to natural wonders in bucketloads, from the vast and towering volcanoes and mountain peaks through to white and unspoilt beaches and underwater worlds.

• Learn a traditional art with expert guides
  Why not visit Sukarara, the village that specialises in traditional Sasak textile art that's a short distance from Praya? The many female-owned co-ops create incredibly beautiful patterns for sarongs, wall art, scarves and more. The ancient skills are a core part of the Sasak culture and are handed down through generations -- tourists can experience the looms for themselves.

• Visit the incredible Benang Stokal and Benang Kelambu Waterfall
  Praya is perfectly base from which to take a motorcycle or tourist transfer to the foothills of Rinjani mountain and see the incredible waterfall. There are also plenty of hiking tours to enjoy on Mount Rinjani, too, with expert guides.

• Party the night away on the Gili Islands
  From the city, there is a well-established tourist transfer to these island-get-away tourist hotspots, with beach-side sushi restaurants, water sports, sun lounging and bars. The international crowd descends by day to see reef sharks, turtles and parrotfish and then enjoys all-night parties with glamorous cocktails.

Calendar of Events

Many Praya events are associated with beach culture or the Muslim events calendar, and you will find delicious food, friendly people and plenty of local colour.

• Tanjung Aan Full Moon Party. Held in February, this event marks the legend of Princess Mandalike, who decided to throw herself into the sea rather than give up a lover. Why not try the local nyale coloured sea worms, which are traditionally used to predict the harvest -- and fried up for a snack!
• Eid. The traditional end of the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, Eid in Praya involves plenty of food, music and parties, with a warm welcome for neighbours and visitors
• Surfing events. The island holds surfing competitions throughout the year, many of which attract international competitors as the island becomes well known for its warm welcome and quieter vibe. Keep your eyes peeled for forthcoming fixtures.