EAST OF BALI - LOMBOK

Although separated from Bali by a mere 54 km, Lombok is a whole world away. Lombok has not yet received the same tourism attention as Bali. Resort beaches such as Senggigi, Kuta-Lombok and the famous Gili Islands, to the traveller looking for a more ,secluded holiday.

Lombok's capital, Mataram, on the west coast, joins up with the towns of Ampenan and Cakranegara; together they make the largest urban complex on the island.

Measuring approximately 80 km from north to south and 80 km east to west, Lombok has a blend of both the Hindu and Muslim religions, mixed with some indigenous beliefs, that have co-existed in apparent harmony since the 16th century. At the Pura Lingsar temple, 7 km northeast of Cakranegara (pronounced Chakranegara"), the followers of both religions come to worship, and once a year stage a mock battle, throwing rice cakes at one another. Lombok's largest Balinese temple is Pura Meru,' located in Cakranegara and built circa 1720.

Ten kilometers east of Lombok's capital, Mataram, are, the Taman Narinada Pleasure Gardens. Built in 1727 the contain a minature of the crater-lake found on Mount Rinjani. The waters from the nearby spring are said give eteral youth to dedicated pilgrims.

Lombok's holiest temple is said to be Pura Suranandi, where holy springs bubble forth into pools that house sacred black eels. Probably the most popular temple is the one on Batu Bolong beach, facing the Lombok Strait. The sunsets from this vantage point are spectacular, as the sun disappears behind Bali's majestic Mount Agung.

Beautiful beaches abound in Lombok. Kuta and Tanjung Aan, on the south coast, are famous for their beauty and surfing. The Senggigi beaches stage impressive sunsets and for a real view of paradise, the Gili Isles, a sunbather's and snorkeler's heaven. Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia's highest volcanoes at 3,726 m above sea level, is popular with trekkers.

The arts and crafts in Lombok can be quite different from those in Bali. Textiles, basketry and ceramics can be found at a fraction of the cost, so don't forget to bargain.

Banyu Melek (6 km from Mataram), Pejanggik (5 km south of Praya), and Sukarara (25 km southeast of Mataram) each produce their own distinct form of weaving. Lombok ceramics can be found in the villages of Pejanggik, Penujak, both 5 km south of Mataram and at Masbagik, 40 km east of Mataram. Getap is famous for blacksmiths who also cast swords and knives. All fonns of basketry, woven rattan or reeds, can be found at Beleka, 10 km east of Praya; at Sayang-Sayang you can buy the Lombok laquered boxes made from palm leaves. Sindhu Market (Pasar Seni) is probably the best place to go if you want to find all of the above in one location, but taking a horse-drawn cart to the outlying villages is something not to be missed.

The village of Sade, south of Praya on the road to Kuta, is worth visiting; a hamlet built in the traditional Sasak style, houses are made entirely of adobe, roofed with alang-alang (a type of long grass), as are the typical Lombok rice bams or lumbungs.

HOW TO GET THERE...

If you are planning to stay in the Senggigi area (or Gili Isles) the best way to get to Lombok is to catch a 20 min. flight from the Ngurah Rai Domestic Airport; flights land at Selaparang Airport, Lombok (only a few kilos metres south of Senggigi). Airfare is approximately US$30 one way, & transport to & from Senggigi is easy to come by (bemo, taxi or even dokar - horse-drawn cart). If you have more time on your hands, catch the Oceanic Odyssey, owned by Spice Island Cruises. This luxury cruise ship docks, at Lombok, Sumbawa & Komodo; a 3 or 4 night cruise sees the best of the nearby islands, with dragons, pink beaches, & even bull races. All the comfort with none of the worries - a real island adventure.