Lombok Island Indonesia : Bali Sister Island
Lombok Island , It’s only 70 miles to the east of Bali, Lombok (1990 pop. 2,403,025) is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a “tail” to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). The administrative capital and largest city on the island is Mataram.
Located just east of Bali, Lombok has been promoted as “an unspoiled Bali” for quite some time, with beautiful beaches and the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjani.
Less developed than Bali, Lombok has better beaches, a bigger volcano and more varied landscapes. Tourism is still low key, and many visitors are independent travellers drawn by the island’s intoxicating diving and snorkelling, hiking and surf spots, as well as Lombok’s intriguing endemic culture.
The more Islamic culture in Lombok compared than Bali may explain the reason why Lombok is quieter than Bali in terms of parties and nightlife, which can be either a positive or a negative depending on your point of view. Lombok is also becoming increasingly popular for honeymooners.
Lombok Strait, which has depths exceeding 3,600 feet (1,100 metres), has been called the edge of the Asian continental shelf, a contention supported by the marked differences between the plant and animal life of Bali and Lombok. Some intermingling of species has taken place, and Lombok has become the beginning of a transitional area in which Asian forms of life are being supplanted gradually by Australian forms. Vegetation includes a great palm, and typical mammals are monkeys, deer, and wild pigs. The island’s diverse birdlife includes large green pigeons, eight kinds of kingfishers, ground thrushes, grass-green doves, little crimson and black flower-peckers, large black cuckoos, king crows, golden orioles, and fine jungle cocks.
The population of Lombok is composed largely of Sasaks of Malay origin, although there are Chinese in the urban area around Mataram, some Balinese in the west, and some Sumbawanese in the east. The Sasak are Muslim, though there is a strong animist element to their religion. Agriculture is by far the dominant occupation, with paddy rice, soybeans, tubers, peanuts (groundnuts), tobacco, coconuts, and vegetables the chief crops. The central lowland strip of the island, between the two elevated coastal areas, is the centre of settlement and rice cultivation. Mataram, the provincial capital, is the largest city. The chief port is Lembar, on the western coast.
SASAK LOMBOK CULTURE
The Sasak people are among one of the many underdeveloped groups in Indonesia. Not many adults can speak the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. The majority of them are wet-rice farmers, though in some villages, many work as pottery makers.
At present, Hinduism is the religion embraced mostly by the Balinese population of western Lombok. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem. Even more so are the people of neighboring Sumbawa.
At present, West Nusa Tenggara’s cultural make-up is a composite of the four main population groups inhabiting the two islands: the Balinese, the Sumbawanese, and the peoples of Bima and Dompu. The region is famous for its “ikat” hand-woven textiles. Cattle and horses are the major export commodities of these islands.
MOUNT RINJANI NATIONAL PARK
The majestic pinnacle of Mt. Rinjani dominates the panoramas of Lombok. This island’s highest peak (3726 metres) is seen from anywhere in Lombok. Some consider that Rinjani Mountain is a sacred place; therefore, it is common to observe the ritual practices made by the people on the lakesides or at certain places around the Crater Lake. This magnificent mountain has become one of the highlights of Lombok tourism and has long attracted visitors or climbers from both Indonesian and international tourists. Nowadays various facilities have been created to ease the climbers in accessing the volcano. Trekking tour guides and mountain porters have been provided with sufficient skills and knowledge through training programs held by local government and some affiliated NGOs.
There are two-access points to trek this mountain, you may take Sembalun for the best access in ascending the mountain peak, and others may take Senaru access point to catch for Segara Anak Crater Lake. The ideal duration for this trekking tour is three days and two nights for Senaru – Base Camp III – Segara Anak Crater Lake return, and four days three nights for Sembalun – the Summit – Segara Anak Crater Lake – then return via Senaru Village.
GILI ISLANDS
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.
Gili Trawangan, or “Gili T” is by far the most developed with plenty of backpacker options and one swanky resort. There are no dogs on the island but according to one local, there are more cats here than people. The local population is around 800. There is no police on the island and all problems are usually settled by the local “council”.
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.
It should be noted that there is no natural fresh water available on any of the three islands.
Senggigi Beach Hotel
Pool Villa Club
Lombok NTB – Indonesia
Jl. Pantai Senggigi
PO BOX 1001
Mataram 83010
Lombok, Indonesia
Ph. 62 370 693210 ( Hunting )
Fax. 62 370 693200
E-mails Address:
BOOKING AND RESERVATION:
booking@senggigibeachhotel.com
Website
www.senggigibeachhotel.com