Fantastic holiday in Lombok, the sister of Bali

Sunbathing on the beach of Gili Trawangan. Image: virtourist.com

If you have planned a vacation to Bali, the last paradise in the world, it is very good when you add your holiday to Bali neighbor, a beautiful island, namely the Lombok Island. The Island is well-known as a sister of Bali. The island of Lombok is located east of Bali and can be easily accessed by air or by sea. Lombok island sweeps across the richest tropical waters in the world and vast expanse of ocean on one of the world's most volatile volcanic belts, diving in Lombok and beyond is a new and fresh around wild marine experience for all.

 

Unique culture in Lombok. Image: holidaytoasia.net

It is waiting for you to be discovered. Imagine; you are in new gorgeous underwater world that no one has been explored, that is Lombok Island wild dive about. Once you did, you will be glad what you did. Submerged, immaculate marine coliseums await the avid diver, the myriad fish and invertebrates that shelters among and encrust the rugged surface provided by the clumps, shelves and branches of corals are overwhelming in their numbers, shapes and color.

Diving in Gili Island, Lombok. Image: trawangandive.com

Imagine you are in the middle of virgin beaches and pristine of Indian Ocean water and add with the wild marine lives of southern Lombok Sea that shows you the breathtaking of nature and lives. Vacation to the island is sure to be unforgettable memories, especially if you are very fond of water sports such as diving or snorkeling. Perhaps, if you are in love, then Lombok also has many beautiful beaches for the honeymoon.

Snorkelling for fun. Image: purnass.wordpress.com

If you have the opportunity to visit Lombok island don’t forget to visit Rinjani National Park, and the tree Gillis island. The park covers an area of 41,330 ha on the northern part of Lombok. Named after Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak outside of West Papua, the peak of Gunung Rinjani (3,726m) dominates the landscape.

 Within the crater are the spectacular Segara Anak Lake and the still-active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363m). Trekking, or climbing Mount Rinjani will be an interesting adventure for those who are young at heart.

Gunung Rinjani is rich in a variety of flora, fauna and vegetation types. On the south western side of the mountain is the most eastern extent of primary rainforest in Nusa Tenggara. The three Gili Islands are a small-scale backpacker Mecca and Lombok's most popular tourist destination. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes playing reggae and serving up banana pancakes, and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace.

 

Spectacular sunrise at the top of Rinjani. Image: trekkingrinjani.wordpress.com

The flip side of the coin is that as they exist solely to cater for travellers, they're also rather anonymous (you might as well be at anywhere) and, aside from snorkelling and diving, there's little if anything to do. From west to east, the islands are:

Gili Trawangan, the most developed with many choices of places for backpackers, and a swanky resort for those who have extra budget.

Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest, low-key with some simple places to stay.

Gili Air, closest to the mainland and with the largest local population.

Strictly speaking, the name "Gili Islands" is rather redundant as gili simply means "small island" in Sasak, but the name has stuck and is universally used and understood in Lombok. Lombok also has a unique art and culture, and you can find a variety of wonderful souvenirs for a keepsake that you can take home.

 Let’s go.