What to Do in Lombok | Visit our Lombok Ducks

Just a few days before Easter, Tuesday 31st of March 2026, 4:00 pm – witnessed by two of our lovely young guests, Santiago (11Y) and Cosmo (9Y) – something happened that I did not expect this early. Yet it filled my heart in the most beautiful way. A new Life this Easter: Our Baby Ducks on Lombok Island.

New Lombok Life: Fluffy and Full of Joy

Here on our peaceful island of Lombok, surrounded by nature, the gentle rhythm of the sea, the mountains, and the rice fields, I had the pleasure of welcoming the very first baby ducks of our Villa Estate’s Duck Family – two sweet little baby ducks.

Meet Lily & Lolo in Lombok

I cannot begin to describe the happiness. So small, so fluffy, and so full of curiosity. These little creatures have already become part of our family. Watching them wobble around, discovering the world step by step, reminds me how magical simple life can be.

Lily & Lolo, our very first ducklings of the year, were born on the 31st of March. Since then, our little family has grown beautifully. They are now accompanied by 20 adopted ducklings from a local farmer, who couldn’t take care of the ducklings – bringing even more joy and lively energy at our Villa Property.

And the story continues… We are welcoming new arrivals almost daily. Just yesterday, 3rd of April, our third newborn made its appearance – little Leo, our second brown duck – continuing our tradition of  this year’s “L” / Lombok  names. Life with us at The Lombok Lodge Hospitality has never felt more vibrant. Spot our growing duck family enjoying the gardens, a gentle reminder of nature’s simple, beautiful rhythms.

Lily, one of our smallest ducklings, arrived with a tiny challenge. She has what is called spraddle leg, sometimes also known as “spray leg”. A condition where a duckling’s legs sit a little too far apart, making it difficult for her to stand and walk properly. It can happen in the very early days of life when the legs are not yet strong enough to support the duckling. It looks delicate. And it is. But it is also something that, with the right care, gently corrects itself.

Here, Lily is in very good hands. Our duck keeper, Pak Dink, has taken her under his wing. Quite literally. With soft support, careful positioning, and a watchful eye, he is helping her regain her balance, step by step. She rests a little more than the others. Moves a little slower. Is watched a little closer. And that is exactly what she needs. In a few weeks, she will be running through our Villa gardens just like the rest. Perhaps even a little stronger for the attention she received at the beginning.

The Miracle of a Duck’s Early Life

For curious minds, and especially for our youngest guests, ducks are truly fascinating animals. Life begins inside an egg, warm and protected. For white ducks, the eggs usually take about 28 days to hatch. During this time, the mother duck keeps them warm, turning them gently so the baby develops properly. Then, one day, a tiny crack appears. And slowly, with determination, the duckling breaks free. It is already covered in soft down feathers and can walk within hours. Nature is incredible.

A Little secret about our Lombok Ducks

Now here comes something quite special, and a little funny. Our Lombok ducks are what I lovingly call “a little naughty.”
Unlike wild ducks, some domestic white ducks simply do not want to sit on their eggs. They lay them… and then walk away, as if to say, “You take care of it.”

This is not unusual. Over time, these ducks have been raised more for laying eggs than for sitting on them. Their natural instinct to incubate has become much weaker. So, to gently support new life, we step in with a little help.

The Warmth and Care of a Mother

As our Lombok ducks are a little naughty, instead of a mother duck, we use a breeding (incubation) machine: a warm, safe environment that carefully recreates what nature would normally do. Our incubation method:

– Keeps the eggs at a constant, warm temperature
– Maintains the right level of humidity
– Gently turns the eggs every 6 hours, just like a mother duck would

For about 28 days, everything happens quietly inside… until the moment of magic arrives. A soft crack. A tiny movement. And then – new life. It is a very special experience here at the Villa Estate to witness this process so closely.

What Happens After Hatching?

Unlike many other baby animals, ducklings are quite independent early on. They can:
– Walk and follow almost immediately
– Swim within their first day (yes, really!)
– Begin searching for food with gentle guidance

However, they still need warmth, protection, and love – just like all babies. I cannot wait to watch my little ducks take their first steps and then bravely enter the water for the first time. Let’s organise on Easter Sunday!

Fun Duck Facts for our youngest guests

Here are some lovely and surprising facts about ducks:

DUCKLING COLORS
Most are born with soft, fluffy feathers called down. Many ducklings are yellow, but some can be brown or striped!

WHAT DO DUCKLINGS EAT
Ducklings eat insects, tiny plants, and seeds. They love nibbling in water and mud. Their flat beaks help them scoop food easily.

PEEP PEEP
Ducklings make soft “peep peep” sounds to talk. They like to sleep close together to stay warm. Ducklings grow fast. They can start flying in about 5–8 weeks!

BOY OR GIRL DUCK?
It’s very hard to tell if a duckling is a boy or girl. Boy duck (male) often has: Brighter, more colorful feathers (like green heads in some species); A tiny curled feather on the tail (called a drake curl). Girl duck (female) usually has: More brown or plain feathers (for camouflage). No curled tail feather. All this works best when ducks are a bit older, unfortuantely not tiny ducklings.
Girls (female ducks) make the classic loud “QUACK!” Boys (male ducks) sound quieter, more raspy or soft
Good to know: Baby duck = Duckling – Boy duck (male) = Drake – Girl duck (female) = Hen

CAN YOU TOUCH OR HOLD THE BABY DUCKS?
Yes, you may gently touch or hold the baby ducks!  However, baby ducks are delicate and still learning about the world. While some may enjoy gentle human interaction, others can feel a little shy or unsure at first. We kindly ask to approach them calmly and quietly and to use soft, gentle hands. If a duckling feels comfortable, it may happily stay in your hands. If not, it’s best to simply observe and let it move freely. Our team is always happy to guide you, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, both for you and for our little feathered friends.

CAN DUCKLINGS HEAR?
Yes, ducks have excellent hearing! Their ears are hidden under their feathers, but they can hear very well and respond quickly to sounds.

HOW LONG DO DUCKS LIVE?
Ducks can live between 5 to 10 years, sometimes even longer if they are well cared for.

DO DUCKS TALK?
Of course! Ducks “quack,” but they also make many soft sounds to communicate, especially between mothers and babies.

WHY DO DUCKLINGS FOLLOW THEIR MOTHER?
This is called imprinting. When they hatch, they bond with the first moving creature they see – usually their mother*. It is their way of staying safe.

ARE DUCKS FRIENDLY?
Very much so. With gentle care, ducks can become affectionate and even recognize people.

Did you know that baby ducks have webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers.
Their feet are also equipped with tiny sensory nodules that help them detect food underwater.

A Little Lesson from a Tiny Duck

My two little baby duck – Lily & Lolo – reminded me of something simple yet powerful. Life is always renewing itself. There is always a new beginning, even in the quietest corners of the world.

Here on Lombok, where nature surrounds us every day, moments like this feel even more special. It is not about luxury or grand experiences, but about connection. Connection to life, to nature, and to joy. And sometimes, happiness arrives in the smallest, fluffiest form. Waddling right into your heart. It’s not just their fluffy feathers and tiny webbed feet, but also their playful and curious personalities that make them so adorable!

Come visit our farm and meet our new baby ducklings – they love making new friends and exploring their surroundings.
Feed them, cuddle them, and watch them waddle around with all the other furry and feathered friends on the farm. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist their charm!

Related Stories from Lombok Island

If you enjoyed this little Lombok story, you may also like:

BABY TURTLE RELEASE AT THE ESTATE

Experience the magical moment of baby turtles finding their way to the ocean — a truly unforgettable highlight of life on Lombok Island.

READ OUR GILI ISLAND TURTLE GAZETTE

Follow our ongoing turtle conservation story and learn more about the care, protection, and love behind each release.
Each moment is part of life here at the Villa Estate — gentle, natural, and quietly unforgettable.

With warmth,

Ibu Antje

I’m Ibu Antje, Founder and Owner of The Lombok Lodge Hospitality® and 'Chief of Magic' at TLL Hospitality® With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, I am passionate about creating meaningful and bespoke travel experiences across the breathtaking island of Lombok and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. My passion for Lombok comes from the island’s breathtaking beauty, its rich traditions, and the warmth of its people. It inspires me every day to share this special place with others by creating meaningful and memorable experiences that allow guests to truly feel the spirit of Lombok and the Gili Islands. Follow my daily life in Lombok & Gili - and more things I adore - on Instagram @ibu.antje

Contact Ibu Antje