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.

Dragon Safari

The Komodo Dragon is a rare lizard found wild only on 4 islands in Indonesia, notably on Komodo Island.  This seven foot lizard has fearsome teeth, teeth that are in the league of sharks. And saliva teeming with bacteria.  Its one bite will almost certainly lead to an animal's slow death.    Besides watching Komodo Dragons and the breathtaking sunsets, one can go scuba diving in Komodo National Park, a marine reserve.

You can get to Komodo from Bali by air or go a cruise on the luxury Bugis Schooner from Flores Island to view these monster lizards and go snorkelling or diving in the marine park.

This video by NationalGeographic gives a good introduction to the Komodo Dragon.

Cebu

Cebu is smack in the centre of the Philippine archipelago.  It made Conde Nast’s list as one of the top 10 island destinations in the world.

As Magellan’s first landing point in the Philippines (and also where he was killed), there is a monument to Lapu Lapu, the leader who resisted the Spanish when they first arrived at these islands.

There are many things to see and do in Cebu; from partying, eating, biking, shopping, sun bathing and sightseeing. Cebu has brilliant white sandy beaches, pristine waters and rich marine life fit for diving and snorkelling, as well as verdant mountains, mysterious caves and challenging trails for mountain trekking and spelunking to provide an endless option of outdoor activities. 

You will be hard pressed to wonder what to do at this tourist centre.  And you might just want to drop by in January to soak in the festival of Sinulog, the thumping Mardi Gras of the East, and the biggest one in the Philippines.

This video by wowphilippinesuk shows off the fabulous attractions of Cebu.