Lombok

Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat or NTB) province. It form part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Island, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a 'tail' (Sekotong Peninsula) to the southwest, about 70 km across and total area of about 4,725 sq km (1,825 sq mi). The provincial capital and largest city on the island is Mataram. It is somewhat similar in size and density with neighboring Bali and shares some cultural heritage, but is administratively part of NTB along with sparsely populated Sumbawa. It is surrounded by a number of smaller islans locally called Gili.

Lombok is situated between 115^o45' and 119^o10' east and to the south of the equator between 8^o25' and 9^o52' south, and therefore this island is perfectly located within the golden triangle of  the Indonesia's best kept secret places : East Nusa Tenggara (Komodo Island), Bali (Island of Gods), Toraja (Unique Tribe Island) in Sulawesi to the North. The climate is generally similar to other areas with a tropical climate in Indonesia. The temperature ranges from 21^o C to 33^o C. There are two season namely dry and wet season. Wet season starts from October to March and dry season starts from April to September. January has in general lot of rain and winds until and reaching a peak in February.

Marine ecology has played an important role due to coral reefs with sea grasses and seaweeds vegetation where the majority of reefs are found in Nusa Tenggara Region. They could potentially endorse the development of tourism, fisheries and pharmaceutical products in future. With seasonal nature of the monsoon, vegetation of Nusa Tenggara is influenced by the distribution of rainfall in a year rather than by total annual rainfall.

Based on the fictive 'Wallace Line' that flora & fauna in Asia separates from Australia which runs north - south between the Island of Lombok and Bali. Forest are here found mostly in mountain areas. Huge parts of Lombok mainland are coastal wetland, irrigated fields and other wetland while extensive dry land areas are found on the island of Sumbawa. Especially species of plants growing have specific importance that influence the life of its people such as kesambi, bungur, sonokeling, mahogany, teak, kelicung, pala, ipil, bamboo, tutul etc. Here are also found several types animal spread over the area according to climate and natural conditions such as wild pigs, small deer, deer, iguanas, porcupines, turtles, and any kinds of snakes and birds such as pring, parrots, bering, koak kaek, cucak rawa etc.

It's original inhabitants formerly followed an animism belief. The Sasak, local tribe of Lombok,  is believed to have come from north - west India of Burma. Nowadays, the people of Lombok are 90% are Moslem but other adherent are found, Balinese Hindu (mostly live in western part), Christian and Buddhist. Interestingly, varied forms of religious life with different worship places and practices could be seen existing alongside with mutual respect for one another.


As a province, this autonomous region is governed by a Governor of the 1st level regional administration elected for a term of 5 years. The governor has played an important role for conducting administration, coordinating, planning, developing and promoting all aspect of social life. There are seven regencies and two municipalities.

The new paradise island of eastern Indonesia, Lombok Island offers a various charming unspoiled natural beauties that makes it often described as Bali in the past. Starting from the awesome volcano peak for hard trekking to the underwater sea world for diving and snorkeling, from the pristine white sandy beaches for sun bathing and swimming to the good breaks for world class surfing, and from the scenic drive inland for day trippers to the breathtaking hike for soft trekking. Lombok Island also has a range of fine handy crafts either wooden or earthen ones.  They are crafted at exported quality and are sold at local negotiable price. Lombok's sea breaded pearls are also getting more popular among tourists to bring home as valuable charms gift or souvenir.