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Lombok, I’m in Love

JUST ACROSS THE WATERS FROM BALI IS ANOTHER SLICE OF PARADISE KNOWN AS LOMBOK. WHILE BALI IS AN ISLAND OF UNIQUE CULTURAL TRADITIONS, BREATHTAKING SCENERY AND EXCITING RESORTS, LOMBOK HAS AS MUCH TO OFFER IN TERMS OF ITS UNIQUE VALUES. HERE WHITE SANDY BEACHES, COCONUT PALMS, OCEAN VISTAS AND MAGNIFICENT AREAS OF TROPICAL LUSHNESS ARE ALL PART OF THE MAKE UP OF LOMBOK’S OWN FASCINATING BEAUTY. ON THIS OCCASION I GOT THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE SEVERAL AREAS OF LOMBOK THAT HOLD THEIR OWN UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE ISLAND’S BEAUTY.

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FMy first destination was the shoreline on Southern side of Lombok and even though a little remote, was definitely worth a visit. There is only one way to get to this part of the coast and that is from the island’s capitol Mataram. From there I passed through the central island area until I arrived at Kuta beach. Although bearing the same name of its Bali counterpart, this area offers a far more tranquil embrace than its namesake on Bali. Lack of tourist infrastructure means the area’s natural lines are still maintained and it is a real joy to tread this uncluttered part of the island’s Western shoreline. From there I took the scenic route toward Selong Belanak, a discreet beach that has recently gained popularity for its soft white sand and calm waters between the lush of green steeped hills. The road leading to this beach redefines the adjective in ‘scenic route’ – breathtaking beauty.

The Senggigi area is not to be missed; this famous spot on Lombok’s Northwestern corner is known for the curves and lines of its magnificent beaches. There are several popular spots worth visiting in Senggigi’s swathe of natural beauty. Here there is the daunting ‘Vila Hantu’— an abandoned hilltop villa with views of picture perfect scenery of Senggigi and its ocean beyond. Here there is Melaka beach where coconut trees lean forward as if in homage to the beachfront area. To sate a traveller’s hunger, one should have lunch at Nipah beach where traditional ‘warung’ restaurants line facing the ocean and serve fresh-catch ocean gliders that are grilled to perfection with delicious spices. The merchants here sell their fresh fish at affordable prices so one is not required to bargain before lunch.

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To compliment my amazing journey, Living Asia Resort & Spa Lombok became my intimate getaway. Located at Senggigi, this lavish resort takes advantage of its privileged location on one of the very best sandy beaches of Lombok. Beside comfortable guest rooms featuring thoughtful amenities, Living Asia Resort & Spa Lombok also provides top class facilities, including a great restaurant with an exciting menu of local and international specialties, a tropical beach bar offering cocktails and snacks and an oversized infinity pool with plush floating beds to which to relax over a breathtaking vista of sunset on a red and golden sea.

My trip to Lombok turned out to be a marvellous discovery of hitherto unexplored parts of Lombok. I got to know more about the island’s natural environment and will certainly return for more of this surprising neighbour of Bali.