LOMBOK, Indonesia — As the monsoon clouds roll in, obscuring the towering volcanoes along the Bali coastline, the pristine neighboring island of Lombok seems a world away from Indonesia's premier tourist destination.

Lombok is a less-developed tropical escape, unobscured by sprawling resorts, fast-food chains, shopping malls or traffic jams.

Lombok residents hope that plans to improve the island's infrastructure and build a new international airport will bring them out of Bali's shadow, and give them a bigger slice of the burgeoning tourist trade in Asia.

Singapore's Silk Air operates the only international flight to the island. There also are daily flights from Bali, which is just a half-hour away by air.

In contrast to Bali's tourist hustle and bustle, Lombok offers a view of the old Indonesia, with dense forests, traditional thatched villages, empty beaches and bygone transport — the ubiquitous dokar carts pulled by sturdy Sumbawan ponies.

A massive volcano, the 12,000-foot Mount Rinjani, is Indonesia's second-highest peak. Prepare for a two-day trek to get to the dormant crater and the lake that lies in its center.

"There are more cultural things to see in Bali, but Lombok is cheaper and much more natural — you get a village feel here," said tourist Christy Oliver, of Ottawa, Ontario. "It's still untouched by mass tourism."

While not up to Bali's level in terms of goods and services, Lombok offers adventure and eco-tourism, as well as handicrafts such as pottery, weaving and pearl jewelry. The coral gardens fringing the three tiny and unspoiled Gili Islands off its northwest corner are a draw for snorkelers and divers and include the second-largest patch of blue coral in the world. Surfers and backpackers congregate at the Kuta beach area, which faces the Indian Ocean.

"Lombok is well-known among Korean honeymooners because it's quieter and less touristy than Bali," said Simok Kim, visiting from South Korea with his bride. "A lot of couples come here."