BALI and LOMBOK

Residents of Lombok say: “You can see Bali in Lombok, but you will not see Lombok in Bali”. The adage aptly reflects the strong influence of larger islands on the smaller which still have their own distinct uniqueness. These Islands combine the beauty of nature and belong to Indonesia, with it’s divided religion, diverse languages and 35 kilometers of water. Bali, which has an area of 5,632 sq. km., has nearly 4 million inhabitants. The vast majority are followers of a local faction of Hinduism, which involves colorful rituals. Balinese people speak Balinese which is common to the whole Bahasa Indonesia. The smaller Lombok, which covers an area of ​​5,435 sq. km., is inhabited by Bahasa Sasak Muslims.

In the middle of the island of Lombok rises one of the highest (and at the same active) volcanoes in Indonesia – Mount Rinjani, which fills the crater lake Segara Anak (Child Seas) owes it’s name to the unique blue-water. A small isthmus separates Bali and Lombok and runs down the Wallace Line, appointed by the scholar surprised by the fact that the common Bali Asian species of plants and animals are not found on the nearby Lombok, which has flora and fauna typical of Australia.

Active volcanoes rise above the overgrown jungle coast of Bali and are still active. The highest of them is sacred Mount Agung, home of the Gods, where on the slopes rises mother of all temples – the temple of Pura Besakih.

The whole of Lombok is surrounded by white sandy beaches in Bali like sand can be found only in the southern part, the sand of its northern and western beaches is black. One of the prettiest beaches stretches near the town of Kuta on the south side of the island.

Residents of Bali are known worldwide for their colorful culture founded on faith in the existence of demons that they try to appease with offerings of flowers and food. An example of the diffusion of culture in everyday life is the celebration of Nyepi, the Hindu New Year, Day of Absolute Silence. It usually falls in March or April and is the time when everyone, including tourists, are required to remain in their homes and maintain silence, which seeks to aid the police. The aim of the festival is to deceive demons, to recognize that no one is an island in Bali, leaving no residents alone for the year.

Bali Culinary Arts combine the influences of Chinese, Indian, Arabic and European enriched with a huge wealth of tropical fruits of amazing appearance and taste. A characteristic feature of the kitchen island is the use of pork, which is contained in many foods, whose Muslim majority Indonesia can not eat because of religious prohibitions. The most famous dishes is the Babi Guling – suckling pig with an extremely delicate meat and crispy crust. Traditional Balinese delicacies you can taste, by buying them from itinerant vendors called kaki lima, or “five feet” (three-wheel truck with food and two legs of the dealer towing it).

The name of the island of Lombok is in Bahasa chili. This Muslim island strictly adheres to religious principles, we will not find pork or alcohol here. Lombok’s specialty is ayam Taliwang – spicy chicken in a sauce of chilli, galangal and turmeric. All dishes are served with separate bowls of white rice.

Climate

The proximity to the equator means that both islands are located in the humid equatorial climate zone. The year is divided here for a lasting period from October-April rainy season and the dry season attributable to the period from May to September. The air temperature throughout the year rarely falls below 25° C, also rarely exceeds 32° C, it is slightly higher in the interior of the island of Lombok. The rainy season is characterized by sudden and very violent rainfall, followed by nice weather returns.

The most pleasant, rainless weather in Bali prevails from June to September. It is slightly slightly more dry and best is best to go to Lombok between May and July.

Top things to do

In Bali there are over 20,000 temples, of which the most important is impressive Pura Besakih, known as the mother of all temples, rising on the slopes of an active volcano. Other churches are also worth exploring. The most popular are: built to honor the spirits of the sea Pura Tanah Lot and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, guarding the source of holy water Pura Tirta Empul, one of the temples that protect Bali from evil – Pura Ulu Danu the waters of Lake Bratan, Cave Bats – Pura Goa Lawah, which is named after the winged tenants and the former seat of the royal dynasty of Mengwi – Pura Taman alum. Nine temples protect the island from the evils, each guarding another direction. You can also visit Taman Burung Bali – Waterfowl Park in the beautiful gardens there are over a thousand rare species of birds from around the world

Being on the island of Lombok, you can visit the Narmada park, which was created on the thumbnail summit of the volcano Mount Rinjani and is located in the crater lake Segara Anak. Near the northern coast Lombok are three small, beautiful white beaches surrounded by coral reefs, and the Gili islands, where motor vehicle traffic is prohibited, staying on them is therefore an interesting experience.

Currency – Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)