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  • The island of Lombok is situated in the vast Indonesian archipelago,

  • between the islands of Bali and Sumbawa.

  • With quick air and sea connections from Bali,

  • and a new international airport, Lombok is easy to get to.

  • Lombok has a population of just over three million,

  • and blends the local Sasak culture with Hindu and Islamic traditions.

  • Long overshadowed by it's brasher, big sister Bali,

  • Lombok offers a quieter, less developed vacation alternative.

  • The pace is slower here, and the island is much less developed-

  • in fact many visitors say, Lombok is like stepping back in time.

  • The islands capital is Mataram,

  • home to Lombok's largest Hindu Temple, Pura Meru.

  • Nearby, spend a quiet hour amid the rows of Mangosteen trees

  • and bathe in the scent of jasmine at the Mayura Water Palace.

  • This royal court and floating pavilion was built in the mid 1700s

  • by Lombok's former rulers, The Balinese.

  • Head north from Mataram along the scenic west coast road to Senggigi Beach.

  • This laid-back resort town makes an ideal base

  • to explore the rest of Lombok.

  • Pay your respects at the Hindu pagodas of Batu Bolong Temple,

  • then enjoy a dip with local families at the beach below.

  • At sunset, everything stops at Senggigi, as the sun drops into the sea.

  • When it's time to move on, follow the inland road north to Pusuk Park Pass,

  • a mountainous reserve teeming with monkeys.

  • A few miles on, is the town of Tanjung.

  • Wander the local market,

  • a real window into the lives of Lombok's mostly rural people.

  • The Tanjung area is the gateway to one of Lombok's biggest attractions,

  • The Gili Islands.

  • These three, tiny islands lie just off Lombok's North West coast,

  • and are also accessible by fast boat from Bali.

  • Once you jump ashore, prepare to step back even further in time.

  • Life here is refreshingly simple,

  • and the only way to get around is on foot, bicycle, or pony cart.

  • For the most back-to-basics experience head to Gili Air and Gili Meno.

  • These are the smallest of the islands

  • and offer miles of sand, simplicity, and seclusion.

  • Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three

  • and is just a thirty minute boat ride from Lombok.

  • This island offers the widest range

  • of accommodation, restaurants and activities.

  • Pull on a dive mask, do some shopping or just get to know the locals.

  • Whichever Gili Island you choose,

  • a few days here is guaranteed to reboot your body clock to island time,

  • and put you back in touch with the rhythms of nature.

  • Welcome to Lombok, Bali's little sister.

  • A place to remind us that sometimes it's not always best to be first,

  • or to grow up too fast, too soon.

The island of Lombok is situated in the vast Indonesian archipelago,

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