| BALI Bali is a world away from the rest of Indonesia, and it's a longstanding favorite with independent travelers. Itinerant surfers started coming as early as the 1930s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that surfing holidays in Bali became fashionable. Today, the island legacy continues, and Bali sees as many bohemian surfers as it does affluent resort tourists. With miles of luxurious coastline and a range of accommodation in Bali, this small island has room enough for everyone. Indonesia may have the world's largest Muslim population, but Bali fosters its own distinct culture. Hinduism has flourished here for nearly 2,000 years. Away from the beaches are fascinating Hindu temples, cultural exhibitions, terraced rice fields and colorful festivals all worthy of a visit – any many photos. Kuta is the busiest resort district in Bali, with a few of the top luxury hotels in Bali. Behind the main waterfront is a spread of budget guesthouses that are still within easy walking distance of the beach. From here it's a short trip by taxi or rented motorbike to Uluwatu, a massive limestone peninsula jutting out in the sea. Tourists visit Uluwatu to see the temple, go surfing or watch the sun set over the majestic cliffs. Nusa Dua/Benoa is another major tourist area, with scores of high-end, big name hotels. Legian is another must-see. This relaxed beach boasts excellent surf and a strip of restaurants and bars near the onsite hotels. Life in Legian begins and ends on the beach. Surf shops give lessons by day, and then give way to lively bars and live music venues after sunset. Kuta Beach is also legendary and offers up a smorgasbord of luxury beachfront resorts. Further south is Denpasar's Ngurah Rai Airport, one of Indonesia's busiest travel hubs. Flights connect to prominent cities across southern Asia, and most of the major hotels in Bali offer free transfers from the airport. For those not staying in a hotel near Bali airport, metered taxis and rental cars are easily arranged around the Arrivals Hall. For more information on hotels and landmarks in the different areas of Bali, click on the interactive Bali map on the left-hand side of the page. Bali insider travel tip: How to do a Bali road trip. |
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LOMBOK
Located in the Western Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, Lombok has perhaps the most remote and unspoiled beaches in the Indonesian archipelago. Lush forests and immense mountains – some volcanic – provide a majestic backdrop to white sandy beaches and pristine waters.
Lombok is much less developed than neighboring Bali and appeals to travelers truly seeking a quiet island escape. Lombok's airport is called Selaparang Airport, though it's possible to arrive by ferry from Padang Bali.
The most popular area of Lombok is Senggigi Beach, a 10-kilometer stretch of coastline. Resorts on Senggigi Beach are close to the water and the township, where travelers will find some basic infrastructure including shops, restaurants and a post office.
Away from the coastline, Lombok's most fascinating feature is Mount Rinjani. This is an active volcano with a six-kilometer caldera that houses the crater lake Segara Anak and a small newly-formed crater called Gunung Baru or New Mountain. There are also hot springs within the caldera. Mount Rinjani and its immediate surrounds are national parkland and dedicated trekkers can hike all the way to the rim of the crater.
Off the coast of Lombok are the Gili Islands, a small archipelago of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The Gili Islands offer secluded beaches, warm waters and good snorkeling and diving, with dive centers located on each of the three islands. The islands enjoy a slow pace – there are no cars and most of the activity on the island centers on eating, swimming and relaxing
