Saturday, March 28, 2009

LOMBOK ISLAND

Lombok Island







Lombok is situated just to the east of Bali, and can be reached in just 25 minute by plane or an hour by the new fast boat service from Bali. Lombok is rapidly emerging as the new Indonesian destination and is a haven for those seeking the unspoilt beauty of the” Bali of old”. Indeed many people refer to Lombok as “ Bali 20 years ago”; however in this correct, when you want consider the landscape and cultures that are uniquely Lombok. As the old local saying goes: You Can See Bali in Lombok, but You Can Not See Lombok in Bali.
Lombok island is almost as large Bali, and like her famous sister, has a wide range of attraction and activities for all types of traveler. Wheatear you are looking for action and adventure, discovering different cultures and traditions, or lazing on perfect beaches in the sun.
The island of Lombok is the new tourism destination with a pristine environment, a fascinating culture, stunning beaches and island, jungle and waterfall, and world – class trekking on Mt. Rinjani and the island also combine these with fantastic diving, fishing and ecotourism opportunities, and an exotic tropical lifestyle, and it is obvious Lombok is winner.
Visit the small villages and town for a look at authentic lifestyles, unchanged by tourism, shop for traditional handicrafts, weaving and pottery; or witness fascinating dance and musical performances unique to Lombok. Wherever you go, you will be greeted with smiles and friendly Sasak hospitality.
Lombok island is also delight in clean oceans bordered by lovely sandy beaches, and fringed with coconut palms, Or visit the famous “GILI ISLAND” for world-class diving and snorkeling, boating and water sport. Swim in turquoise clear water by day and, at night, dine at some the bst restaurants in Lombok.

In Lombok island you will find a wide a variety of accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budgets from opulent luxury resort to quaint thatched bungalows on the beach. Enjoy sumptuous fine dining in Senggigi or eat grilled fish on the beach at Gili Island. Climb the world-famous volcano Mt. Rinjani 3726, or have a massage at the Mandra Spa, Challenge the huge waves of Bangko-Bangko, or have pedicure on Senggigi Beach. And so on…. The option are endless.

Come and discover the magic of Lombok, Get feeling stay in New Paradise in the world, and then let your imagine to fly over….!!!!

History
Lombok today has become Indonesia’s new “in” destination. Lombok ‘s area and population are just slightly smaller than Bali’s. There is cultural connection between these two islands.
The named “Lombok” is said to come from a fiery red chili pepper, used as a condiment in Indonesia, although this may be a folk etymology. Lombok also called “Bumi Gora” by the Sasak – the natives of Lombok , which means the dry farmland.

Little is known of Lombok’s prehistory, but it is mentiond in the 14th century chronicle of the great East Javanese Majapahit empire as a dependency. At this time also, Islam was introduced to Lombok and become the native’s religion up till now.
In the 17th century, Lombok was dominated by Balinese state of Karangasem and then continued by the Dutch. Lombok got its fully independence in 1949 became a part of the new province of Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara)

Geography
Lombok is a small island, which stretch just 80km from east to west and about the same distance from north to south. There are several clusters of small islands off Lombok’s coast, all called Gili, Sasak word means island. The best known islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno which have relaxing white sandy beaches, calm and clear water, varieties of colorful fishes, and the best snorkeling and diving in Lombok.
Lombok is also dominated by Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia’s highest volcano. Rinjani crowns a group of mountains that dominate the north – central section of the island.

Population
Lombok’s population is just over three million, dominated by Sasak (90%) and the rest is Balinese and several number of Chinese, Javanese, Bugis and Arabs. The Sasaks are Muslim and have much common with the Javanese. They have spread over central and eastern Lombok. Most of the Balinese lived in the western part of Lombok.

Society
In Lombok, artistic activity is strong in certain village but rare in others. Cultural performances are far less frequent than in Bali. Dance and music are directly tied to cultural identity in Lombok and particularly custom relating to birth, circumcision, courtship, and marriage.
The large Balinese minority in western Lombok retain their temple festivals and performing arts only at the festival.

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