Lombok

Lombok - is an island of uncrowded beaches and tranquil countryside, dominated by the spectacular volcano of Mt Rinjani. The folks are mostly Muslim (the Sasaks), whilst you can find isolated groups of Balinese Hindus. The Sasak culture is noteworthy for weaving, its brilliant and dramatic dances, and its ritualised pageantry and contests. Balinese culture nevertheless survives in Lombok - a remnant from the time as soon as Balinese princes as soon as controlled the island - and Lombok's tourist companies are largely run by Balinese.

Attractions:

Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara & Sweta - Though officially four separate towns, Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara and Sweta almost merge to form a 'city' on Lombok. Mataram will be the administrative capital; Cakranegara the commercial centre; Sweta is the transport terminal and internet site in the island's largest market; and Ampenan, once the central port, will be the prime place for budget accommodation and food.

Senggigi - Located on the series of sweeping bays, Senggigi has turn into the most created tourist area on Lombok. Despite a distinct gearing on the upmarket traveller, you'll find nevertheless cheaper places to stay, as well as the fine beaches and snorkelling make it worth the hunt. After you have soaked up the last UVs and witnessed one more magnificent sunset over the Lombok Strait, you can find that is the only spot in Lombok with any nightlife.

Gili Islands - These little coral-fringed islands have come to be enormously well-known with site visitors who occur for the very simple pleasures of sun, snorkelling and socialising. It is cheap, and also the absence of cars, motorbikes and hawkers adds greatly to the pleasure of staying on the Gilis. Indeed, the islands' status is a backhanded boon, as numbers sometimes exceed the out there rooms and raise environmental pressure, specially with regards to waste disposal as well as the provide of fresh water.

Gunang Rinjani - Rinjani (3726 metres) will be the greatest mountain in Lombok. It's an active volcano - it last erupted in 1901 - plus a well-liked destination for hikers and locals making pilgrimages to the hot springs located on the north-eastern side from the caldera. The springs are concept for getting incredible curative powers. Four-day treks towards caldera are common, but care need to be taken as the tracks are always slippery.

South Lombok - The rice-growing region in this area is dotted with tiny thatched-roof villages and Sukarara, a noted weaving and basketwork centre, is unusual for its houses produced from local stone. Almost every home right here has an old wooden handloom, not to mention a traditionally dressed young woman weaving away for the benefit of tour groups. Penujak, just south of Praya, is well recognized for its pottery made inside local red clay and fired in conventional kilns. Kuta, a sleepy fishing village located over a picturesque bay on a south coast of Lombok, is for people needing rest, rays and relaxation.

Getting There & Away - You will find typical ferries in between Lembar in Lombok and Padangbai in Bali. The crossing takes at least four hours. Ferries to Sumbawa depart from Labuhan Lombok and come at Poto Sano. The trip takes less than two hours. Merpati has normal flights among Lombok as well as other Indonesian islands.