Places of interests
as well as a number of small islands like the Medang island and the Moyo
island off the north coast of Sumbawa, and the Sangeang and Komodo
islands off the north east coast of Sumbawa.
Culture
At around the time Islam first came to these islands in the 16th century, four
Hindu Kingdoms coexisted in apparent peace. Hindu is still the primary
religion embreced by those in the west of Lombok, who are primarily Balinese.
Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still
retained a unique identity. The indigenous people of Lombok, the
Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem, and have a strong,
distringuised tradition as do the people of the neighboring Sumbawa.
Lombok is also famous for its ikat handwoven textiles.
Activities
The resorts of Lombok encapsulate the exceptional charm of the island. You can
leave all modernity behind and stay at the Gazebo Gili Meno
Cottage. It is in Gili Meno where you can find one of the world's rare
coral formation known as the Blue Coral. A short swim off the beach will give
you a magnificent view of it's underwater scenery. Endless stretch of fine
white sandy beach and the warm summer weather with magnificent Sunrises and
Sunsets makes visiting Gili Meno an experience you will never forget.
Only for those who don't mind an island without cars or any other form
of motorized land vehicles. A place where modernization has not reached
in.
West Nusa Tenggara also has two natural reserves: the
Mount Rinjani Natural Reserve and the Moyo Island Natural Reserve.
Diving sites are also available around the Lombok island.
And of course, the Komodo Island for a time voyage thousands
of years back to see the prehistoric Komodo lizards. You can
board the
Spice Island
Cruise Ship for a memorable journey.
Nature
The Northern part of Lombok is mountainous and lush with tall tress and
shurbs. The south on the other hand, is arid and covered by
savannas.
Large Asian mammals are absent and replaced instead by large numbers of
marsupials, lizards, cockatoos, and parrots. The difference becomes more
pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are longer and the land
is dry and bush-like. In many areas, corn and sago are the staple food,
because rice does not grow in such dry climate.
Soft, white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok. "You can see Bali
in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali."
Getting there
There are a number of ways to island-hop to Lombok and Sumbawa:
Regular shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya.
- Ferries from Bali.
- Cruise ships (like the
Spice Island Cruises).
[.Home.]
[.Hotels.]
[.Food.]
[.Money.]
[.Events.]
[.Resources.]
[.Jakarta.]
[.Industry.]
Copyright © 1995-1997
Bali Online
