Lombok: A quiet alternative to Bali

Lombok and the islands to the east are an adventure waiting to happen. People wanting to get a feel of what Bali was like in the 1970’s should catch a ferry to Lombok and step back in time. Recent visitor Adam reports getting around was easy, even for someone who doesn’t sound too organized.

My friend Devin is in Gili Trawangan right now, no doubt hanging from 2 trees in his hammock. Devin has a habit of writing very descriptive postcards and emails back to friends at home, sometimes too descriptive. As the freezing rain and sleet whip across Oregon, Devin will fire off messages to friends that read like this, ‘As I lazily awoke, the tropical sun was easing above the horizon. The smell of frangipani and other plants wafted into my luxury beach villa. After a few moments a Balinese maiden, wearing nothing but a sarong knelt before me, with a tray of luscious fruits. After devouring this feast I dove into turquoise warm water and swam with rainbow colored fish, only to return for a 3 hour massage from 2 virgins.’ So you’re sitting back home, freezing your butt off, and he’s sending you this stuff…you want to strangle him. He means well though, and I’ll make sure he cranks up the adjectives for Toby, who is now back in
Oregon.

As you can see from Adam’s site, Lombok & Sumbawa have white sand beaches and few people. By using Perama Bus and a selection of local bemo buses, its is possible to get around and enjoy a quiet traditional scene.