Lombok unspoiled paradise

WHAT TO DO in LOMBOK: Climbing Mount Rinjani is a highlight for many Lombok visitors. Arrange for a guide. A one-night trek, including guide, food, and camping on the volcano's crater rim. Enjoy the breath taking view on top the crater, A smaller volcanic cone emerges from the crater lake within Mount Rinjani, an active volcano and one of Indonesia's tallest. Taking a two-day trek to the 12,224-foot-high summit of Rinjani is the perfect way to crown a visit to Lombok. Starting off under the jungle canopy at its base, travelers are likely to see wild pigs and black-leaf monkeys along the way, before arriving for the night at the rim of the mountain's lake-filled volcanic crater. The steep push for the summit begins before daybreak the next morning. As dawn approaches, the circular contours of Lombok become visible below. And to the west, across the Lombok Strait, a faint outline of Bali's Mount Agung becomes visible through the morning mist. Lombok island adventure hiking up to the crater of mount Rinjani Adventure Travel in the Sun Explore Top National Parks Indonesia's Lombok island lies just across a narrow strait to the east from Bali. But unlike its sister island -- a travel Mecca that has become even more popular and ever overcrowded, Lombok has remained largely in quiet, save for a trickle of foreign travelers who have discovered its charms. Now the bucolic island is gaining a following among tourists turned off by the over commercialization of Bali. A number of posh boutique resorts have recently sprung up along Lombok's western coast lf Senggigi bay to cater to this crowd. They serve capiroscas and other fancy cocktails on the beach at sundown, but are just a stone's throw away from rural, unspoiled countryside, much as Bali was four decades ago. The resort also has a top-notch spa offering lulur, a traditional Indonesian body scrub that uses a paste made from sandalwood, tumeric and rice flower. Be pampered as a royalty. And just off the west coast, on the largest of three tiny islands known as the Gilis, divers and swimmers explore the coral see underwater world. living easy lifestyle and spartan bungalows with saltwater showers and catered to scuba divers and backpackers who arrived by traditional fishing craft. Still, the little islands retain their rugged feel, with horse and carriage the only mode of public transport. Lombok's shabby-chic image and stunning natural beauty (Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest peak, is a popular destination for trekkers) is also attracting big outside investors.  Those selling Lombok as the "unspoiled Bali" have many historical connections to draw upon. In the 18th century, a Hindu Balinese king conquered much of the island, and his progeny ruled until the Dutch pushed them out at the turn of the 20th century. Today, 10% of Lombok's population, mainly in the western part of the island, are of Balinese origin, and the island is dotted with Hindu shrines. In the town of Narmada, the same king built a temple on a hill as a replica of Mount Rinjani, an ancient pilgrimage site. On days leading up to a full moon, the temple in the palace is festooned with garlands of flowers and baskets of fruit offerings. Yet Lombok's culture is also distinct from Bali's, and is the product of a complex cultural mixing. Islam arrived here in the 16th century and over time the dominant ethnic group -- the Sasaks, who today make up 85% of the population -- became Muslim.  But as in many parts of Indonesia, orthodox teachings were only partially embraced. The mountain village of Bayan, in the northern part of the island, is the center of Wetu Telu, a religion that blends elements of Muslim, Hindu and animist beliefs. Followers pray three times a day, instead of Islam's standard five. Mount Rinjani is the spiritual heart of Lombok's animist traditions. It is also the place where Alfred Russel Wallace, the noted Victorian explorer and naturalist, observed the differences between bird species on Bali and on Lombok. He later identified the Wallace Line, which runs between the islands and divides Indonesia into two distinct parts: one where the birds and animals are more closely related to those found in Asia and the other to those in Australasia. Lombok's potential has been touted before and never come to much. Some people in the travel business here fear the global economic recession could thwart the island's latest ambitions once again. Every time Lombok is ready to take off, something happened The area did well for a while but the Asian financial crisis in 1997-98, followed by the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings and another attack on a Bali beach in 2005, had a devastating effect on Lombok's tourism industry. Lombok's new wave of resorts marks the latest attempt by the island to become a serious tourist draw. Like travel destinations throughout the region, Lombok has battled to overcome a series of setbacks, including the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s and terrorist attacks in Bali a few years ago. Despite new challenges on the horizon, including a global recession, locals here are hoping that a major investment from a Middle Eastern developer, combined with Westerners' desires for less expensive resort alternatives in the area, will finally put Lombok on the tourist map. Earlier this year, the U.S. lifted its travel warnings on the country, and travelers and expats here say they feel perfectly safe. But the difficulty of getting to Lombok has continued to stunt its growth. While many international airlines fly direct to Bali, Lombok has only a few flights a week from Singapore. The usual route to the island is a short hop from Bali in a twin-prop plane, but since mid-2007, the European Union has banned EU-based tour operators from selling Indonesian domestic flights, after a series of deadly crashes in the archipelago in recent years. None of those incidents involved the private operators who run flights between Bali and Lombok, however. And Indonesia has taken serious steps to improve its overall air-safety record in the past year, raising hopes that the EU ban soon will be lifted. In the meantime, many tourists buy tickets directly from Indonesian travel agents to work around the EU ban. The Indonesian government also constructing a new modern airport only 20 minutes from the planned tourist resort development. Roads are being upgraded across the island as well.   just off the west coast Lombok, on the largest of three tiny islands known as the Gilis, divers and swimmers explore the coral see underwater world.   What could be better than breathing in the fresh air while the sun warms your back? A vacation to one of the country's mountain side or shorelines will leave you with a new appreciation for nature and a checklist of where to visit next year. The southern coast of the island, at Kuta beach, with unspoilt natural beauty, has world-class surfing. Ask the locals to arrange for a boat out to the best breaks.

Cruises in Indonesian archipelago

Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 17,500 Islands, and long history of maritime seafarer. Naturally if you got the time and the money it is a good idea to explore Indonesian islands by sailingboat cruises. Experience the traditional wooden shipping vesel combined with modern amenities in exploring and island hopping across Indonesia.
astonishing luxury sailing and diving charters in exotic islands, Indonesia’s Eastern Islands are yours to discover in comfort and safety.

there are some package tours available aboard these traditional modernized boat.



Ombak Putih - white waves cruise
The Buginese schooner "Ombak Putih" (which means "White Wave") was custom designed for Western travellers and built in 1996/1997 by traditional craftsmen in Kalimantan. Each of the 12 twin cabins has its own shower and toilet and its own air-conditioner, and there is a crew of 15 to take care of the passengers' needs.

You can book 2-day to 10-day cruises on the "Ombak Putih" during all times of the year, and you have a wide choice of destinations. There are visits to the Lesser Sunda Islands east of Bali where you can swim and snorkel at pristine beaches or explore villages where women still weave the traditional ikat cloth.
The most popular cruise is the 7-day trip Bali-Komodo-Bali to visit the famous dragons who only here have survived from the Jurassic age.

from November to February, the "Ombak Putih" sails to South Sulawesi, a sun drenched island that once drew explorers and traders from all parts of the world. Historic Dutch colonial buildings and forts evoke the shadow of the past – equally impressive are today's vibrant local culture and magical beliefs that still play an important role in everyday life.

In the Lesser Sunda Island [sumbawa, sumba, flores, timor] as well as around Sulawesi you'll also find coral reefs that are amazing both in their colour and in the variety of life they sustain. these cruises offer new experiences and unforgettable impressions for every traveller to Indonesia.




phinisi sailboat silolana cruise

Conceptualized as a luxury passenger vessel, the Silolona was designed to be classic in line and style, and to reflect the stringent demands dictated by Lloyd's Register for wooden vessel construction, ensuing the highest levels of safety, stability and performance.

Luxury Cruises in the islands of East Indonesia, to visit the Komodo Dragons or Papua Tribes, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and the Andaman Sea, are the perfect exclusive sailing holiday for families or private yacht charter honeymoon..


Silolona is a traditional wooden sailboat, a Phinisi, built by hand by the Sulawesi Konjo people in 2004. Since her first days of sailing in the waters of East Indonesia and East Malaysia and Thailand, she has surprised more than a few with her breathtaking décor, spacious decks, delightful Asian fusion cuisine and the smiles of its professional crew.

Although the schooner will blend right into the local scene, she has been specially designed and built to International Lloyds specifications with passenger comfort and safety in mind. All the romance of sailing the ancient spice routes with billowing sails and polished teak decks remains, while you are pampered by all the latest amenities and a gracious crew of 17.

Silolona includes five spacious cabin suites, a teak lounge and dining area surrounded by large windows, on deck dining area, and well equipped dive area.

Silolona offers luxury yacht charters for sailing in Indonesia from April to November every year, before going up to the West Coast of Malaysia and Thailand and up to Myanmar, from December to March for more luxury cruises.


Phinisi sea safari cruise

The Buginese schooner "Sea Safari" was custom designed for Western travellers and built in 1996/1997 by traditional craftsmen in Kalimantan. Each of the 12 double/twin cabins has its own shower and toilet and its own air-conditioner, and there is a crew of 15 to take care of the passengers' needs.

a wide choice of destinations. There are visits to the Lesser Sunda Islands east of Bali where you can swim and snorkel at pristine beaches or explore villages on remote islands.

At other times the "Sea Safari" sails through the exotic Moluccas, a sun drenched group of islands that once drew explorers and traders from all parts of the world in search of precious cargoes of nutmeg and cloves. Historic Dutch and Portuguese forts evoke the shadows of the past – equally impressive are today's vibrant local cultures and magical beliefs that still play an important role in everyday life.

In the Lesser Sunda Island as well as in the Moluccas you'll also find coral reefs that are amazing both in their colour and in the variety of life they sustain. Therefore, these cruises offer new experiences and unforgettable impressions for every traveller to Asia.


Raja laut - king of the sea cruise

Raja Laut is a classic gaff rigged schooner designed for private yacht charter. Over 100ft in length, Raja Laut can accommodate 12 guests in 6 spacious and beautifully appointed cabins with ensuite bathrooms, hot showers and air-conditioning. She has an interior dining area full of classic charm and a spacious saloon for relaxing. Above deck there are also areas designed for relaxation and dining whilst you enjoy the magnificent natural cruising grounds of Southeast Asia.



seven sea cruise

From Bali to Komodo, Wakatobi, Alor, the Banda Sea, Raja Ampat and the Papua Bird's Head, all the great destinations within reach from a single comfortable liveaboard. With its tropical climate, warm waters, staggering array of wildlife above and below the water and stunning scenery, this is the land explorers returned to time and again. Welcome aboard the luxurious 30m schooner for your own voyage of discovery.




bali hai cruise

Cruise the spectacular waters of Bali to beautiful Lembongan Island with Bali's leading marine tourism company, Bali Hai Cruises. Their comprehensive cruise programmes and Hai Tide Huts offer a variety of activities with world-class facilities. Operate in and around Bali only.

komodo island, home of the giant lizard

Komodo Island, Indonesia, is one of the most dangerous places in the world. Tropical typhoons rip trees from their roots. Strong currents swirl over the reefs, causing shipwrecks that leave castaways on the island. And during the rainy season, the wet monsoon, the king-cobra and other poisened snakes patrol the island's forests and grasslands. Deadly spiders hang from their webs, ready to jump for a 4 to 5 m. leap. Poisened millipedes march through the underbrush, and rats, as big as grown-up cats, swarm over the kampung-place. feel like an adventure ???  Welcome to Komodo island. Komodo island adventure Komodo National Park has widely known with the home of the giant lizard Komodo Dragon - which has just declare to be one of the latest heritage of the world. Komodo National Park is nestled between eastern Sumbawa and western Flores lie three tiny grass-covered islands Komodo, Padar and Rinca, which together form the Komodo National Park, a protected wildlife reserve. This is the home of the giants lizard known as the "Komodo Dragon" or ORA in local dialect, it was thought to be a myth until the turn of the century, when fishermen who were forced by a storm to take shelter on Komodo sight the flesh eating monsters. Komodo National Park offers its beautiful landscape, take you close with a touch of unspoiled Nature. Komodo, Padar and Rinca, which together form the Komodo National Park,is a protected wildlife reserve by the Indonesian Goverment. The Komodo had protected by the law and although they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo Island is now a nature reserve, home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. Admission fees to national parks are minimal and camping can be cheaper than booking a fancy hotel. Not sure where to start your adventure? Check out these travel ideas to get your heart pumping. About 20,000 people visit this remote area each year. Some days no one comes at all, but at the height of the season in June and July, 100 tourists a day may float in to see the dragons. Komodo dragons live in one of the driest area in Indonesia, where there are few permanent water sources, only few vegetation and its greener during rainy monsoon. This is the world's largest monitor lizard, varanus Komodoensies, when full grown it measures up to 3.13 meters (10feet 2 inches) in length and weight anything up to 165.9kg (365pounds). They are fearsome creatures with enormous jaws, squat muscular legs and sharp claws. Preying on live deer, goats and wild pigs, they lie in wait hidden in the long grass These giant reptiles really look like dragons, so may be they truly are the source of the ancient Asian Dragon myths, what is told. And they have truly dragon breath. After they feed on rotting flesh, bits of the flesh rot in their teeth. Bacteria from the flesh lives in their mouths, making a sickening, rotten smell. That means trouble to humans. Because a bite is dangerous and injurious. After they cut a tendon or tear a muscle, the injured animal limps away. A bacterial infection from the dragon's mouth kills the animal in a day or two. The dragon, along with siser & brother-dragons, tracks down the body by following the stench. The islands of Komodo National Park are oceanic volcanic islands which are constantly : rising, eroding, and subsiding in the sea. There are no active volcanoes in the park although the islands are located in one of the world's most active volcanic belts, tremors from volcanic belt are common. The closest active volcano last erupted in 1975. Gunung Sangeang Api located northwest of Komodo island last erupted in 1997 and is still smoking from the northern peak Adventure Travel in the Sun Explore Top National Parks Komodo coral Komodo island has breathtaking under water life. Explore the under water live and its ecosystems which has well known as the best diving site in the world. From beautiful coral, reefs, thousands sort of fishes to the crystal water and beautiful beach are await adventourous visitors. Diving package to komodo coral are also offer to depart from Denpasar - Bali either by boat or by flight. local people of Komodo There are a total of over 2,300 people living in the park. There are only 3 village in the park. Komodo village has 1400 people, Rinca village has 1074 people and Kerora Village has 223 people In Komodo village , most people are originally from Bima (East Sumbawa), Selayar (South Sulawesi) and Manggarai (West Flores). In Rinca village, the people come from the same places as Komodo village, but there are also Bajo people from Sulawesi. In Kerora village, the people originally came from Bima and Manggarai. The only human population on the island is at the fishing village called Komodo who supplement their income-breeding goats, which are used to feed the lizards.   There is some evidence that the original people of Komodo lived on Gunung Ara. Trees such as jackfruit, coconut and mango, as well as remains of ceramics on Gunung Ara suggest that people once inhabited that area several hundred years ago. However, the people of Komodo village are thought to have settled there less than 100 years ago. There is a story that the settler of Komodo village were exiles from Bima. Most people who live in the park are fishermen, but there are also merchants and teachers. Some people carve Komodo dragons for sale to the visitors. What could be better than breathing in the fresh air while the sun warms your back? A vacation to one of the country's hundreds of parks or shorelines will leave you with a new appreciation for nature and a checklist of where to visit next year. accomodation Travel to Komodo National park with variation of accommodation choice either on board, at the ranger house, simple guesthouses in the fishing village. Or at the resort on Flores island offer you maximum eco tours experiences to bring you close with nature atmosphere. The new renovated ranger's houses in eco style accommodation, with modern facilities featuring with private bathroom, limited electric power supply, dining. Only few step to the beach of Lohliang. Ranger's houses becomes an alternative accommodation offer to visitors whom for some reasons are not able to sleep on boat.   Komodo island has breathtaking under water life. Explore the under water live and its ecosystems which has well known as the best diving site in the world. From beautiful coral, reefs, thousands sort of fishes to the crystal water and beautiful beach are await adventourous visitors. bali lombok  flores borneo  trip to Komodo Komodo is no longer a remote island accessible only by wealthy tourists on private boats. Today there are over 20,000 visitors a year that visit the park. The majority of visitors still arrive by cruise ship, Komodo island can be reach either from Labuan Bajo (West Flores Island) or Bali by boat or flight. it is better to check the local available tour from the local travel agent. Komodo island is accessible from the sea only. Fly to Labuan Bajo, from where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island. The gateway to Komodo is arguably the island of Bali. While most visitors to Komodo National Park enter through the gateway cities of Bima in eastern Sumbawa, or Labuanbajo in the west of Flores, the departure point is actually Bali. Both Bima and Labuanbajo are serviced by regularly scheduled flights that depart daily at 9:30am from Denpasar to Bima, with connecting flights to Labuanbajo. The gateway cities are also connected to Bali by overland buses and inter-island ferries. There are local coastal ships that travel between Lombok and Labuanbajo. These boats cater to tourists and take passengers on a four day trip that includes a day and night in Komodo National Park. After arriving in Sumbawa, a ferry service from the port of Sape in the east of the island to Labuanbajo picks up and drops off passengers in Komodo in the July-August peak tourist season. Otherwise local tour operators organize shared boat charters from either Bima or Labuanbajo to Loh Liang and the smaller islands in Komodo National Park. Komodo dragons live in one of the driest area in Indonesia, where there are few permanent water sources, only few vegetation and its greener during rainy monsoon. komodo  has virgin beaches to explore meet face to face with Ora the giant lizard komodo island view from the ship