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SCMP Reporter

LOMBOK maybe only 20 minutes from Bali but, in terms of development, it could be a million miles away.

  It is a tranquil, virtually untouched contrast to its world-famous neighbour.

   True, there is the impressive Sheraton Senggigi Beach resort built in 1991, but the hotel has been designed to blend in with the island's scenery rather than compete with it.

   Elsewhere, copper-green and beige limestone is widely used, as are local ceramics and smooth river boulders along with soap stone and endesite imported from Bali and Java and carved by local craftsmen.

  Walls are covered in intricate designs of bas-relief geckos, frogs and plants.

   Visitors who stay on and around the superb wide-open expanses of Senggigi beach can windsurf and sail in the blue waters, or snorkel among the many reefs and atolls.

   But that's a mere fraction of the island's charms. The cultural mixture of the two main groups, Hindu Balinese and Muslim Sasaks, together with Arab and Chinese influences, has created a dazzling array of arts and artefacts, customs and traditions.

  A colourful market can be found at Sweta. You can buy locally woven Songket cloth, traditional pottery, fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, rice, fish and much more.

   Palaces and temples dating back to 18th century are dotted about the hillsides and many more are to be found in the main town of Mataram.

  Romantics will adore the sunsets viewed from deserted beaches, while those of pioneering bent will favour the mountainous terrain around the active volcano, Mount Rinjani, that towers over northern Lombok. Off the beaten track, the rain forests are lacedwith numerous spectacular waterfalls.

  The Sheraton Senggigi Beach resort itself is situated in 13/4 hectares of landscaped gardens, 20 minutes' drive from Lombok's Selaparang airport.

  Spacious balconies afford views over the ocean from all 156 rooms and suites, including two beachfront villas that are literally within paces of the gently rolling surf.



Neighbour is a world away from tourist hordes