Puri Saron Lombok

Gili islands

Off the northwest coast of Lombok, there are three small coral fringed islands: the Gili’s (means “island” in Lombok). They are famous for their crystal clear waters , white beaches and their great possibilities for snorkeling and diving. The islands are small and the only mode of transport is by cidomo (open taxi) so the pace is slow and very relaxed. Ideal for those who are looking for a tropical island getaway.

Gili Trawangan
Trawangan is the largest of the Gili’s and was the first island to attract visitors. It offers fabulous dive trips to some excellent sites in deeper water. There are several good dive shops offering dives to experienced divers and to those wanting to learn. Gili Trawangan has a reputation for being the party island: also at night there is always something happening at one of the many restaurants or bars.

Gili Meno
This island has a beautiful white beach , excellent coral including rare blue coral just offshore.
If you are lucky you can see the turtles and of course al kinds of beautiful coloured fishes when snorkelling through the crystal clear water.

Gili Air
Gili Air is the smallest of the three islands, also the quietest and it is less developed than its neighbours. The white beach around Gili Air is peaceful and deserted , a stroll round the island will take less than 45 minutes. However, Gili Air is the only island offering air-conditioned accommodation and hot water.

Senggigi
Built around a series of beautiful bays, Senggigi has become the most developed tourist area on Lombok. Despite a definite aiming for the upmarket traveller, there are still cheaper places to stay, and the fine beaches and snorkelling make it worth the hunt. After you've soaked up the last UV rays and witnessed another magnificent sunset over the Lombok Strait, you'll find this is the only spot on Lombok where you can join in the nightlife.

Kuta
Lombok's Kuta doesn't have the millions of tourists of Bali's, but there are big plans to develop luxury hotels along the south coast, so it's probably better to visit now rather than later. For the moment, except for the main tourist season in August, Kuta is peaceful and very laid back. Pantai Segar is about 2 km east of Kuta, and if you climb the enormous rock you'll be rewarded with a great view of the surrounding countryside, especially in the early morning. There's superb surfing, especially at Gerupak, about 7 km east of Kuta, and you can get there by local fishing boat.

Gunung Rinjani
Rinjani (3726m/12,221ft) is the highest mountain on Lombok. It's an active volcano – the last time it erupted was in 1995 - and a popular destination for hikers and locals making pilgrimages to the hot springs which can be found on the north-eastern side of the caldera. The springs are told to have amazing curative powers. A lake is 600m below the rim of the crater, and a relatively new cone, Gunung Baru has sprung from one side. Four-day treks to the caldera are common, but care should be taken as the tracks are often slippery.

Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara & Sweta
Although officially four separate towns, Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara and Sweta virtually merge to form a 'city' on Lombok. Mataram is the administrative capital; Cakranegara is the commercial centre; Sweta is the transport terminal and is the town where you can find the islands’ largest market; and Ampenan, once the central port, is the place to be for budget accommodation and food.

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