Finding Peace in Indonesia: A Hijrah Journey to the Island of a Thousand Mosques

Indonesia has quietly become one of the most attractive destinations for Muslims seeking a fresh start. While most tourists flock to Bali, only a short distance away sits a place completely different in spirit — Lombok, a serene Muslim-majority island known as “The Island of a Thousand Mosques.” Calm, welcoming, and overwhelmingly Muslim, it has become a haven for those searching for a slower rhythm, deeper faith, and a life anchored in community.

This is the story of Jacobs, a 54-year-old originally from South Africa who spent most of his life in Australia. After years of corporate pressure, burnout, and navigating a rapidly changing society, he began reflecting deeply on where he truly belonged. Having lived previously in Saudi Arabia and spent time in Dubai and Ghana, he wasn’t unfamiliar with moving — but this time, he wanted something different. Something permanent. Something meaningful.

The Search for a New Beginning

In 2022, like many Muslims in the West, Jacobs felt the world shifting — socially, economically, and spiritually. Post–October 7 events and an environment increasingly difficult for Muslims pushed him to rethink his future. Malaysia was first on his radar, but a conversation with a cousin changed everything. A friend living in Lombok encouraged him to visit.

Jacobs had never even heard of the island. Australians know Bali — but Lombok remained a mystery.

He booked a one-week holiday in December 2023.
Within three days, he fell in love.

Within two months, he made hijrah.

Settling Into a Muslim Sanctuary

Jacobs moved to Lombok in February 2024 — and he has never looked back. The island offered something he didn’t expect: sakina, a deep inner tranquility he felt instantly.

For a man who had lived in bustling Sydney and worked long corporate hours, Lombok’s simplicity was transformative. No traffic. No skyscrapers. No relentless pace. Instead:

• The sound of adhan echoing from multiple masjids at once

• Crystal-clear beaches only minutes away

• A tight-knit Muslim community with traditions rooted in humility

• Fresh food, simple living, and a life without excess

Lombok, he says, “disconnects you from the West and reconnects you with your soul.”

He remarried in 2024 to a sister from Belgium, and together with her teenage children, they all settled in Lombok — a complete family hijrah.

The Rhythm of Life in Lombok

Lombok has over four million residents and more than 8,900 mosques — and the atmosphere reflects it. Modesty is normal. Community is strong. People are warm, humble, and content. Materialism is minimal.

Locals live with an extraordinary simplicity: fishermen offering part of their catch as sadaqah before selling it, neighbors helping each other without hesitation, and families welcoming strangers with banana leaves and warm tea. Here, “enough” truly means enough.

Jacobs describes Lombok as “Bali 30 years ago,” but with the heart of a deeply Islamic society.

Adjusting to Island Life

For Westerners considering hijrah, Lombok is both peaceful and refreshing — but requires a mindset shift. The modern conveniences of large cities exist, but in simpler forms. Life runs slow, intentionally slow.

You won’t find Western-style freeways, luxury malls, or fast-paced work culture. Instead, you’ll wake to roosters before Fajr, see families riding motorbikes to school, and witness sunsets that wash away stress.

As Jacobs says,
“If you come with the right intention, you receive the right outcome.”

Cost of Living: Surprisingly Affordable

One of Lombok’s biggest advantages is affordability. A modern 3-bedroom villa with a pool costs around:

• $200–$250 USD per week, usually paid 6–12 months upfront.

Other costs are even lower:

• Car rental: ~$300/month

• Fast internet: ~$30/month

• Electricity: ~$60 per 10 days

• A full meal of local food: $1 USD

• Eating out for a family: $4–$10

• Private hospital consultation: $7 USD

Food is extremely cheap — often cheaper to eat out than to cook.

Education & Healthcare

Education is the biggest challenge. International schools exist, but are expensive and limited. Many expat families choose:

• homeschooling,

• Islamic schools (Bahasa + Arabic), or

• local secular schools with translators.

Healthcare, surprisingly, is reliable and compassionate. Jacobs even had a major surgery in Lombok and felt spiritually supported and medically cared for in ways he didn’t experience in the West.

Language & Integration

Bahasa Indonesia is not difficult to learn, but essential for long-term living. Locals appreciate every effort to speak it. Foreign Muslims — especially those with beards or Arab-like appearance — are treated with high respect.

You are not strange here.
You are welcomed.

Working & Earning in Lombok

Most expats earn remotely. Local salaries are too low to support Western families. Many brothers:

• work online,

• run remote businesses,

• or open small cafes or travel services.

You cannot rely on a local job.
But you can build a halal business serving tourists or expats.

Visas & Residency

The easiest long-term option is creating a company (PMA) and obtaining a 2-year work visa (KITAS). It’s surprisingly simple:

• Register company: ~USD $1,800

• Visa (KITAS): ~USD $800

• Renewal: easy, every 2 years

• No financial proof required

• Quick processing: ~10 days

Indonesia makes it far easier than many Muslim countries.

Spiritual Life & Community

Lombok is a place where practicing Islam is natural. You hear Qur’an from homes, see niqab and hijab everywhere, and feel welcomed into masjids even as a newcomer.

Jacobs laughs that whenever he enters a new mosque, people assume he’s an Arab sheikh and ask him to lead the prayer — a sign of genuine respect and curiosity.

What to Avoid

Two areas are not ideal for hijrah families:

• Kuta Lombok — surf culture + Western nightlife

• Gili Trawangan — a known party island

The rest of Lombok is deeply modest and community-oriented.

Earthquakes? Yes. Fear? No.

Lombok has occasional tremors, but locals treat them calmly. Jacobs says the sense of security, community, and tranquility far outweigh any natural risks.

Advice for Anyone Planning Hijrah to Indonesia

Jacobs offers powerful advice:

• Begin with sincere niyyah.

• Do your homework.

• Have stable income before arriving.

• Don’t isolate yourself—join the community.

• Tie your camel properly.

• Expect tests. Hijrah always comes with them.

He reminds us:
“Hijrah is not just a change of location. It is a transformation.”

And Lombok, with its serenity and faith-filled atmosphere, is becoming a rising hub for Muslim families seeking a peaceful Islamic life.