VISIT LOMBOK SUMBAWA

Senggigi beach

Lombok and Sumbawa, two islands directly to the east of Bali belong to the province of West Nusa Tenggara. With a huge variety of stunning attractions there is no doubt that they will be major players in the future of Indonesian tourism.

Lombok already has an international airport servicing smaller capacity aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s and flights from Singapore and Malaysia while Sumbawa has two domestic airports. Port facilities on both islands frequently cater to international cruise lines.

Accommodation possibilities on both islands would not be out of place in any of the world' finest resort areas. International chains like Accor/Novotel, Sheraton and Oberoi occupy exquisite locations on the island of Lombok while Sumbawa boasts among its classy accommodation an Amanwana resort.

But it's the natural attractions on both islands that really make them stand out. Both islands have spectacular dive sites: The three Gili islands of Lombok are famous for their blue coral and more than 3,500 species of fish as well as idyllic lodgings right on the beach; Sumbawa too has dive spots but is probably better known for its sport fishing possibilities where Giant Trevally and Blue fin tuna provide exciting fishing.

Surf breaks on both islands have become world famous for the quality of the waves. Desert Point on Lombok's south west is one of the best breaking lefts in the world, while Sumbawa's Hu'u Lakey beach areas each year host international surfing contests.

Lombok has long been famous for its Mt Rinjani trekking. At 3,726 meters, Rinjani waits to be climbed as a safe but arduous 3-day trek to view the turquoise waters of its crater lake. In 2004 Mt Rinjani received a World Legacy Award from National Geographic for developing ecotourism in the Rinjani National Park. Sumbawa, not to be outdone, has Mt Tambora (2,800 metres) scene of the mightiest explosion in recorded history and now a trek through lava fields to view the awesome crater that once affected the weather of the whole planet.

Both islands have their own distinct vibrant cultures where on Lombok palaces and temples dating back to the island's colonization by Bali still remain in a mix with the colourful indigenous Sasaks, while on Sumbawa one can clearly see the influence of powerful sultanates that for centuries ruled the island.

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