The Province of West Nusa Tenggara

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Traditional Attires of Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Timor

Geography

The province of West Nusa Tenggara lies immediately to the east of Bali. Separated by Lombok Strait, this province includes two large islands:
*Lombok (What Bali was?):
  • The people of Lombok
  • Cultural attractions
  • Places of interests
  • *Sumbawa,
  • The people of Sumbawa
  • Cultural attractions
  • Places of interests
  • as well as a number of small islands like the Medang island and the Moyo island off the north coast of Sumbawa, and the Sangeang and Komodo islands off the north east coast of Sumbawa.

    Culture

    At around the time Islam first came to these islands in the 16th century, four Hindu Kingdoms coexisted in apparent peace. Hindu is still the primary religion embreced by those in the west of Lombok, who are primarily Balinese. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still retained a unique identity. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem, and have a strong, distringuised tradition as do the people of the neighboring Sumbawa.

    Lombok is also famous for its ikat handwoven textiles.

    Activities

    The resorts of Lombok encapsulate the exceptional charm of the island. You can leave all modernity behind and stay at the Gazebo Gili Meno Cottage. It is in Gili Meno where you can find one of the world's rare coral formation known as the Blue Coral. A short swim off the beach will give you a magnificent view of it's underwater scenery. Endless stretch of fine white sandy beach and the warm summer weather with magnificent Sunrises and Sunsets makes visiting Gili Meno an experience you will never forget. Only for those who don't mind an island without cars or any other form of motorized land vehicles. A place where modernization has not reached in.

    West Nusa Tenggara also has two natural reserves: the Mount Rinjani Natural Reserve and the Moyo Island Natural Reserve.

    Diving sites are also available around the Lombok island.

    And of course, the Komodo Island for a time voyage thousands of years back to see the prehistoric Komodo lizards. You can board the Spice Island Cruise Ship for a memorable journey.

    Nature

    The Northern part of Lombok is mountainous and lush with tall tress and shurbs. The south on the other hand, is arid and covered by savannas. Large Asian mammals are absent and replaced instead by large numbers of marsupials, lizards, cockatoos, and parrots. The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are longer and the land is dry and bush-like. In many areas, corn and sago are the staple food, because rice does not grow in such dry climate.

    Soft, white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok. "You can see Bali in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali."

    Getting there

    There are a number of ways to island-hop to Lombok and Sumbawa:
    * Regular shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya.
    * Ferries from Bali.
    * Cruise ships (like the Spice Island Cruises).

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