Lombok 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.

RINJANI VOLCANO

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.

by : Senggigi Beach


It should be noted that there is no natural fresh water available on any of the three

islands.