Posted by Kyle McFadden on July 21, 1997 at 19:29:11:
In Reply to: LOMBOK & OTHER ISLANDS posted by Category on April 03, 1997 at 02:35:09:
A trip to Lombok is well worth it if you want to experience more of the real Indonesia. It is much less touristy than Bali and a lovely island with beautiful sunsets on Senggigi Beach.
If you would like to meet many of the local people and want a relaxing laid-back time away from the big hotels I would recommend 'Pondok Senggigi' as a great place to stay. They have reasonable rates
and their place is always busy on the weekends (for Lombok that is) as locals and visitors. They have bands that play every weekend. The staff are very friendly.
I would also recommend diving on Gili Trawangan or one of the other island. There are several reputable dive shops. Blue Coral Diving Sport tel: (370) 93441 and Albatross/Lombok Dive School run by Andy Chan tel: (0364) 93399 fax: (0364) 93388.
If you are into climbing you can inquire about a guide & climb Mt. Rinjani. You can easily rent motorscooters and drive around the island. Watch out for the dogs & chickens that cross the roads at 'oh so slow' speed!!! If you want to see waterfalls
ask the locals how to get to them. If you're lucky you may even make local friends like my sisters & I did and they took us around everyone!! That made for a trip of a lifetime.
You can fly to Lombok from Bali with Meripati Airline for about $25.00 or $30.00 return (3 years ago anyway) or you can take the hydrofoil across but the seas get rough especially during the monsoon season.
If you would like to ask me any other questions please feel free to email me.
Hope you enjoy Lombok as much as I did if you decide to go.
Happy travels
Kyle