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Lombok is slowly but surely coming of age as one of the premier island tourist destinations of the world. In Indonesia, this island had for long been obscured by her more glamorous neighbor, Bali, though the picture is now changing. With the seemingly unending white beaches and diverse natural wealth in terms of flora and fauna, Lombok is sure to mesmerize you. Lombok will offer you the perfect holiday, you can spend your time exploring, trekking, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling and looking into the coral reefs surrounding the Gili islands. For a comprehensive tour of Lombok, spend a couple of days in Gili Trewangan Island, Gili Meno Island and Gili Air Island. Of the three Gili Islands, Air Island or Gili Air Island is nearest to Lombok. Not only is the island the nearest, it is also well populated. The island is very green, there is a thick cover of trees here. In fact, though Lombok as a whole is a nature lovers’ paradise, Gili Meno and Gili Trewangan does not have the number of trees, Gili Air has. The Gili Islands were the home of local Indonesian fishermen. The population is of diverse ethnic origin, Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. The villages of these rustic fisher folks are very unique and you will get an idea of their way of life. Though the younger generations of the island inhabitants are choosing new ways of life and new professions, the older generations still go about their way of being boatmen, fishermen and coconut farmers. Apart from exploring the island, if you are a sporty kind then pamper yourself to some deep sea diving, scuba diving, swimming and snorkeling. The snorkeling area is located in the south east of the island. Explore the submarine world where thousands of colorful fishes will fascinate you and the coral reef will be a revelation. You can reach Air Island from Lombok, the three Gili Islands are hardly at a distance of 10-15 minutes. Ferry service is available for your transportation but remember that on the island, cars or any motor transport are not available. For moving around, you will only get Cidomos (horse drawn carriages). Bicycles are also available. But do keep in mind the fact for all things of superior quality, you will have to shell out a fair price, as most of the things are brought over from mainland.
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