LOMBOK EXPLORATION

The island of Lombok is a mere 20 minutes from Bali on MERPATI’s daily flights and luxury high speed passenger ferry, the Mabua Express is relaxing and enjoyable way to travel from Bali / port Benoa to Lombok / port Lembar and return. Cruising Bali – Lombok  or return only 2 hrs. 30 min (one way). Westernmost of the Nusa Tenggara chain, it is separated from Bali by a deep and treacherous strait. This channel marks the historic “Wallace line” named after the famous naturalist Sir Alfred Wallace who observed the differences in both flora and fauna which begin at Lombok and continue to the East – the thorny arid plants, cockatoos, parrots, giant lizards and marsupials typical of Australasia.

Lombok means “chili pepper” in Indonesian. Surrounded by idyllic white-sand beaches, the island has a chain of volcanic mountains in the north. Mount Rinjani dominates the entire island, rising to 3.726 m from a high plateau area. Placid Crater Lake “Segara Anak” has not springs on its shore. In the South a fertile alluvial fan reflects the shape of the mountain, tapering into the dry hills of the extreme south. The north is contrastingly fertile, similar to Bali, with rice, coffee and tobacco cultivation.

The people are a mixture of Islamic Sasak, living mainly in the East, Hindu Balinese, concentrated in the West and coastal dwellers from the outlying islands. The Sasaks are a hill-tribe of a different racial origin, with darker skin, curly hair and more Caucasian features. Their women wear a distinctive black costume decorated with bright -embroidered strips. Fine ikat weaving, basketry and earthenware pottery is local home crafts.

During the 17^th Century Lombok’s three main Sasak kingdoms came into conflict with Sumbawa. In return for military aid from the King of Karangasem, Bali, they gave him power over the western part of the island. Many strong Balinese influences from this period can still be seen. The Moslem Buginese from Makassar, seafaring traders, also became firmly entrenched along the coastal areas, converting many of the Sasak people to Islam. A stormy history of wars ensued, involving clashes between, as well as amongst, the different sects.

Today Lombok is a peaceful little island, little affected by the pace of modern development and commercialism. Its people live in harmony with each other and their surroundings and extend a warm welcome to visitors.

SW. 017   LOMBOK EXPLORATION

08 DAYS / 07 NIGHTS

This tour places an emphasis on getting right out into the most untouched parts of the island and really experiencing the local way of life. Visit Lombok,s most beautiful coastal and mountain areas, mingle with the people, watching them at work on their traditional handicrafts. Accommodation will be provided in small  and star hotel, as a combination.

Conditions

The exploration included all transfers by ac car, guide in English all meals and accommodations. Excluded insurance and personal expenses.