Page 70 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

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— Indonesia — Indonesia —

LOMBOK

With its pristine white-sandy Praya is in the centre and Selong is located is also known for its magnificent South
beaches, the magnificent Mt to the east of the island. Sea cultured pearls, and its pottery has
Rinjani volcano, and spectacular Popular tourist resort area, Senggigi, is a gained in popularity and is now shipped
marine life to discover, the island township that is positioned on a sweeping all over the world. There are many other
of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara bay providing magnificent views of a rich, traditional handicrafts that make perfect
has no shortage of attractions both fiery red sunset over neighbouring Bali. gifts or souvenirs including wooden masks,
in, and out of the water. Visitors to Lombok also flock to one of baskets made out of ketak grass and
the three Gili islands- Gili Trawangan, wooden boxes decorated with shells. Visit
Lombok is located to the east of Bali and is the village of Banyumulek where arguably,
geographically the same size. A wide range Gili Meno and Gili Air. These picturesque some of the best pottery is produced.
of destinations is guaranteed to suit even tropical islands are just a short 40-minute Public transport in Lombok comes in the
the most discerning visitors. Whether you boat ride from Senggigi. form of buses and bemos (a small minibus).
wish to surf the massive breaks on the south The majority of the population is Muslim The main bus terminal is Mandalika at
coast, challenge yourself with a trek up with most worshipping in the mosques Bertais. Hiring a car or motorcycle is a
steep volcanic peaks, or hire a bike and cycle on Fridays, their holy day. If you are convenient way to explore the island. Hotels
through lush, abundant rice paddies, you planning on travelling around the island and travel agencies offer the most competitive
won’t be disappointed with the spectacular and visiting small villages, be respectful and rates for car and motorcycle hire.
natural beauty of Lombok. considerate of the Islamic beliefs and wear
or knee length shorts, a shirt with sleeves To get to Lombok, you can travel by air,
The island enjoys a tropical climate with or a sarong. If you happen to visit during ferry or fast boat. There are daily flights
warm and humid weather all year round Ramadan, which is the Muslim month of between Denpasar, Bali and the capital
with a temperature range of 21°C to 32°C. fasting from sunrise to sunset avoid eating, of Lombok, Mataram. The public ferry
The wet season starts from November drinking or smoking in public places during travels between Padang Bai (Bali) and
through to May and the dry season starts this month-long fast. Lembar (Lombok) multiple times a day,
from May through to October. and the trip takes roughly two and a half
Lombok has a reputation for amazing,
The island has a population of about 3.1 hours. Both motorbikes and cars can be
million and the local inhabitants are called woven textiles. Songkets (hand-woven taken on the ferry.
Sasaks who comprise 70 percent of the textiles) and ikats (intricate dyed fabric) can
population. The remainder consists of be used, amongst other things, as sarongs, Ferries also travel between Labuhan
other predominant ethnic groups such as wall hangings, or tablecloths. The design Lombok and Poto Tano on Sumbawa
Balinese, Chinese, Arabian, and Javanese. woven is unique to each weaver and it is several times a day, and this trip takes
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language passed down through the generations. one and a half hours. However, if you
but English is widely spoken. There is a traditional handweaving village are prone to seasickness, the trip can be
in Puyung in central Lombok where visitors rough. Another option is by fast boat
Lombok has three distinct districts with can try on a traditional Sasak costume, and Blue Water Safaris run express boats from
three main cities. Mataram, the centre of the village of Sukarare is a must visit for Bali to Lombok, the Gili islands and
commerce and the capital city, is in the west, kain ikat or handwoven textiles. Lombok Lebongan Island.

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