Desert Point – Surfers Challenge

Desert Point or Bangko Bangko beach is in the remote south west of Lombok Island.  Desert Point was voted as the best surfing point by most surfers.

As described by surfers, the wave quality is totally epic, great barrels, with a thrilling 300 meter hollow ride, best when the tide is low and rising.  Because of this and that there is a shallow reef with razor sharp corals, only seasoned surfers risk the ride.  The swells start at 1.5 meters, and holds up to 2.5 meters.

Besides surfing at Desert Point, one can go diving, snorkelling, hiking and a host of other activities in this relative quiet away from the crowds from the other touristy areas of Lombok.  There are several nice lodges around Bangko Bangko at Pelangan.

This video by aznness shows off the fun and the tubes of Desert Point Lombok.

Lombok - Travel to Tropical Islands

Lombok, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is east of Bali in Indonesia.  For ecology buffs, the Wallace Line is here at the Lombok Straits, separating the Indomalayan biome at Bali and the start of the Australasian biome from Lombok.  An active volcano, Mount Rinjani, the third highest mountain in Indonesia, dominates the Lombok skyline and is a National Park.  Gili Trawang and its two tranquil sister islands are off the northern tip of Lombok Island. 

Lombok offers jungle trekking, beaches, scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling and some historical sight seeing.  

Sengigi beach is just north of Mataram, en route to Gili Trawangan.  Sengigi beach has four focus areas namely Mangsit with its long and tranquil beach, Kerangdangan Bay, Sengigi town and the Batu Bolong hotels.  Kute beach on the southern end of Lombok is an area popular with surfers for its clean beaches and high waves.  A well hidden surfers gem is Desert Point. You can even hop off Lombok to GIli Trawangan or Sumbawa for a get away from it all feel.

For sightseeing you can go see the Tanjung A'an beach to see its unique pepper shaped sand, Sukarare to watch local artisans at work on handicrafts or for a spirit of adventure, trek up Mount Rinjani to see its beautiful lake crater. Narmada park and Brahma's Throne offers some historical insights and the many waterfalls offer cooling dips from the tropical heat of Lombok.

The video by bali0range shows what Lombok has to offer.

Gili Islands - Ibiza of the East

Fancy going to a place where there are no cars and motorcycles? Just laze on the beach, go snorkelling or scuba diving and then later just party and forget the weight of today?  There is a name for such a dream; the Gili Islands in Indonesia.

The Gili Islands are just off the northwest point of Lombok Island, east of Bali. There are three islands in the group, Trawangan, Meno and Air.  Trawangan is the happening island, with white beaches, dive schools, resorts and a party scene complete with throbbing beach bars and an Irish pub.  Meno and Air are rather laid back, for sun bathing, snorkeling and diving.

Once catering just for backpackers, the Gili now beckon the hip and wealthy too. There are no motorized vehicles on these tiny islands.  Only bicycles, horse carts and your own two feet to get around.  And the boats to travel to the other islands and civilization. 

There are six dive centers, with great dives to see sharks, turtles and seahorses with the stunning coral.  Powdery white beaches, clear waters and a brilliant sun with the unpolluted air clean of fumes give one a feel of a tropical paradise.

This video by mariekevangameren showcases a relaxing day at the Gili Islands.

And this video by sir0 gives a glimpse of a beach party.