Lombok, INDONESIA
Airing Date: Jul 18th, 2005
Lombok is the most popular side-trip for Bali-based tourists. The chief reason is its proximity to Bali, and Lombok's Gili Islands are another attraction. It takes just 30 minutes to fly from Bali to Lombok's Mataram Airport. Accommodation on Lombok ranges from the top of the line (Oberoi) to small local operations on the smaller Gili Islands.
Calling these the Gili Islands is technically incorrect. Gili actually means island, so the Gili Islands means Island Islands. However, they've been called this long enough by travellers that it has stuck and is now widely used. There are other gilis off Lombok, but since these 3 islands are the most popular, they are the ones generally referred to as the Gilis.
A big part of visiting Lombok is seeing the three petite Gili Islands named Air, Meno and Trawangan. They are just off the Lombok mainland on the western side, very close to Senggigi Beach. Gili Meno is a great place to visit, the island has a laidback pace, typical of undiscovered, not-yet-mainstream travel destinations. There are no cars or motorbikes - you travel the islands' unpaved dirt roads on foot or in small horse-drawn carts called cidomos - the only source of ground transportation.
The main attraction of the three Gili Islands is for the snorkelling and scuba diving. Each island is abutted by clear-water reefs teeming with fascinating coral formations and marine life, including giant clams and colourful tropical fish. The islands are filled with dive shops and instructors, and visitors come from all over the world to sample the colourful and diverse world underwater here. You will come across turtles and whale sharks, which makes it particularly popular, and there is a full range of dives, from beginner standard through to difficult wreck dives. There's even a dive site off the north of Gili Meno called Turtle Heaven and off the west of Gili Trewangan is called Shark Point.
For a place to stay there is Puri Mas Boutique Hotel and Village. There's the Boutique Hotel area, which is on the beach, and there's the Village, which is set back in the jungle area. The unique architectural style of the Balinese is apparent in all of the seventeen individualised rooms, suites and villas. Each room has a private veranda where you can see superb examples of delicate Balinese carvings surrounding the windows, doors and pillars. The carvings are delicately hand painted in traditional pastel hues of rose pink, blue and green, enhanced with the splendor of gold. The facility has designer recreation pools. Rooms are set in idyllic, manicured, tropical gardens. The ocean is in view and only steps away from each room. You can also treat yourself to a traditional Indonesian feast!
Further Information:
A deluxe room at Puri Mas Boutique Hotel & Village starts from $60 a double. That's 40% off just for The Great Outdoors viewers!
International Telephone: + 62 370 693 831 boutiquevilla.com
Prices correct at 18/7/05
Australian Airlines fly to Bali from $769 ex Perth, $919 ex Sydney and $904 ex Melbourne.
Prices available online only & include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.
And connecting flights to Lombok start from $58 return
Australian Airlines Ph) 13 13 13
Prices correct at 16/6/05
