Bali & Lombok (8 pages)… Introduction

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Introduction
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Bali & Lombok Indonesia is a chain of over 13,700 islands ranging from the tropical paradise of Bali, the untouched wilderness of Sumatra, the historical monuments of Yogyakarta and the bustling city of Jakarta. Majestic mountains, lush green rice terraces and glorious beaches, combined with a vibrant culture and the gentle charm of the Balinese, are some of the reasons why Bali is the main attraction in Indonesia. A stay in one of the southern beach resorts is ideally combined with a visit to the artists' town of Ubud or the less developed east coast. For a relaxed atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle, head to the neighbouring island of Lombok with its beautiful beaches and wonderful coral reefs surrounding the Gili Islands to the north. Nusa Dua Beach Indonesia Travel Tips BALI LOMBOK Anyar Singaraja Mt. Sanglang West Bali National Park Gili Trawangan Tanjung Pemenang Mt. Agung Labuhanlombok Gunung Rinjani Senggigi Lombok Airport Negara Ubud Denpasar Sanur Jimbaran Benoa Nusa Dua Candi Dasa Lembongan Island Penida Island Mataram Labuhanhaji Bangko Bangko Ekas Kuta Bali If you come to Indonesia expecting to see rice paddies, soaring volcanoes and lush tropical jungle in addition to beautiful beaches and warm clear seas, then the tropical island of Bali is your ideal destination. Although famous for its stunning southern beaches, we also recommend you head to one of Ubud's idyllic retreats, located approximately 1.5 hours drive from the airport and southern beach resorts. Surrounded by temples and graced with the rushing Ayung River the artist's village of Ubud is the inspirational cultural centre of Bali. The island of Nusa Lembongan and their cast away Hai Tide Huts are a two-hour scenic cruise from Bali and offers guests the opportunity of staying in a traditional rice house. Lombok & The Gili Islands Easily accessible by air from neighbouring Bali or Singapore, Lombok's tranquil surroundings and relaxed ambience make it the perfect place to unwind. Attractive sandy beaches, the peaceful Gili Islands to the north surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and the spectacular volcano, Mount Rinjani, are the main attractions of this sleepy picturesque island. Lombok has an intriguing endemic culture and the island's arts and crafts such as pottery, weaving and the production of rattan furniture have become widely known. Although less developed than Bali, there are a few tourist centres, including the well-known Senggigi Beach offering a selection of restaurants, bars and shops. · Time: GMT +8 · Flying Time from UK: Approx. 15 hours · Language: The official language is Bahasa Indonesia but most people speak a Balinese dialect. English is widely understood and spoken in hotels, shops and restaurants. · Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). £1 = IDR 17,250 approx. · Departure Tax: Denpasar ­ IDR 30,000 for domestic departures, IDR 100,000 for international departures. · Visa Requirements: Visas are obtained on arrival for all UK citizens. Approx £35 for a 60-day visa. · Getting Around: The best way of getting around in Bali & Lombok is by taxi. There are local buses and cars can be hired but road signage and timetables can be unpredictable. For information on how to get to Lombok see page 73. · Festivals, Events & Busy Times: Special ceremonies and festivals dominate the Balinese way of life. The best times for festivals are those unique to Bali which include: Galungan & Nyepi (mid Mar) Kuningan (early May) Bali Arts Festival (Jun/Jul06) Please note almost everything closes on Nyepi Day, including the airport! Hotels are especially busy JulSep when the Australian winter, the European holiday season and Bali's best weather coincide. · Tourist Office: For further tourist information, please contact the Indonesian Embassy: 38 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HW. Tel: 0207 499 7661. www.bali-tourism-board.com. 66