DK revisits Lombok. Although #Bali and #Lombok are neighbouring islands, just 25 minute flights party, they offer a very different holiday style. Bali is 80% Buddhist Hindu, and they are proud to display their culture. Lombok is much more rural, rather reserved, and is 90% Muslim. They are both equally attractive and make an interesting twin centre. In addition to the flights, you have a regular ferry service taking about 3 hours. It was my first time in Lombok for 5 years, and there are now so many new hotels. However, unlike Bali where the business model seems to be mega size ultra luxurious resorts, Lombok has chosen the go for small boutique properties, with 40 rooms and under, more first class than deluxe; just simple easy elegance. It is a large island, so moving around takes a while. For example the airport to the Oberoi in the north west corner of the island is almost 3 hours. And then Oberoi to Senggii, which is the only tourist enclave, is one hour. And if you want to to go the extreme south at Kuta, its another 90 minutes. So most of my time was looking at hotels or in the car. I have to mention the beaches. Whilst with Bali you have limited choices, in Lombok you are are spoilt for choice. I think the image of the chairs and table on the beach says it all. in fact I thought it would make a rather inspirational office! This was the beach of the unique Tugu hotel, but this was just one of several I discovered. Absolutely stunning, right up there with the best in Asia. We will be introducing a couple more boutique options to our collection in Lombok. A very good day, exhausting as I left my hotel at 0430 and returned late evening, but really worthwhile as there are so many new options on the island. Lombok is not for everyone. It has simple pleasures, superb beaches, with some really good boutique hotels - But if nightlife, shopping and restaurant options are required, Bali is still the place to be. DK chiclocations Dk
Posted on: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 11:33:31 +0000
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