Places To Go In Bali, Indonesia
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Places to Go in Bali, Indonesia

Travel To India Package Tours

Catch the next  flight to Lombok via Bali and then journey by road to the Sembalun village. Lombok is dominated by Mt. Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest volcano, and the Sembalun village, which lies on its eastern slopes. Enjoy your trek to the summit of Rinjani, returning to the base camp and  relishing your lunch   and spending the overnight here. The panoramic views of the crater lake of Segare Anak and Sembalun are spectacular. In the villages, you will notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their playful pets. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.

 

You could trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani and ensure that you arrive at the top before sunrise, not only to experience this stunning sight but also to have the best chance of getting clear views. It is a steady ascent to the summit. From the summit, you will watch the enigmatic sunrise with views across to Bali, Mt. Agung and Sumbawa, the crater lake below, and the island of Lombok stretching even further below.  Return to your camp for a short halt and then continue onto the formation of the 'new' volcano, which has become a symbol of Lombok. Here you have the opportunity for some fishing or you can have a soak in the natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing powers. Your tents will be pitched on its shores for the night, to bring in that exciting spark through this sojourn!

 

The next morning, you may ascend to the crater rim. This is a great place to enjoy the views of the lake from the other side, as you may choose to spend he last night of your trek  here. The volcano and the caldera are protected by the Gunung Rinjani National Park, which  is popular for mountain climbs and trekking and represents an important nature reserve and water catchement area.

 

The principal tourism area extends to Tanjung in the northwest at the foot of Mount Rinjani and includes the Sire and Medana Peninsulas and the highly popular Gili Islands lying immediately offshore, with new boating marina at Medana bay. The three small islands are most commonly accessed by boat from Bangsal near Pemenang, Teluk Nare a little to the south, or from further south at the Senggigi and Mangsit beach. Many hotels and resorts offer accommodations ranging from budget to luxurious. Recently direct fast boat services have been running from Bali making a direct connection to the Gili islands. Although rapidly changing in character, these islands still provide both a lay-back backpacker's retreat and a high class resort arena…….. and  a large golf course already established. Other Indonesia tourist destinations include,  Gili Bidara, Gili Lawang, Narmada Park and Mayura Park and Kuta.   Sekotong, in southwest Lombok, is popular for its n umerous and diverse scuba diving locations.

 

The Kuta area is also famous for its beautiful, largely deserted, white sand beaches. The small town is rapidly developing since the opening of the International airport in Praya. Increasing amounts of surfers from around the globe come here seeking out perfect surf and the slow and rustic feel of Lombok. South Lombok surfing is considered some of the best in the world. Large polar lows push up through the Indian Ocean directing long range, high periods well from as far south as Heard Island from late March through to September. This coincides with the dry season and South-East trade winds that blow like clock -work. Lombok is famous for its diversity of breaks, which includes world renowned Desert Point at Banko Banko in the southwest of the island.

 

You may then take another day to descend the long trail to Senaru Village.  through thick tropical forests rich in flora, bird and butterfly life. On the descent, if lucky, you may spot the rare black monkey, known locally as lutung.

 

This village is normally thought of as the key gateway to an arduous trek up Mount Rinjani, but there is a lot more to this area, hence those visitors less inclined towards serious trekking should not be discouraged from visiting here. There are some cute little places to stay, and glorious scenery all around, including some notable waterfalls.The village of Batu Koq  to the north, almost merges as one with Senaru these days. The area around Senaru and Bayan was the birthplace of Lombok's unique Wektu Telu belief system ancient animist practices combined with Islam.

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