Beaches to a Throbbing Nightlife Scene and More: Culture, World-Class Surfing, Lush Rice Paddies, Volcanic Mountain Scenery, and Fantastic Year-Round Weather
THE BEST OF BALI & LOMBOK 1 etween the two Indonesian islands of Bali and Lom- bok, you can experience it all—from pristine, quiet Bbeaches to a throbbing nightlife scene and more: Culture, world-class surfing, lush rice paddies, volcanic mountain scenery, and fantastic year-round weather. But wait, there’s more. The island pair also offers the best-rated resorts at reasonable prices, flawless service, and pampering, cut-rate spa treatments. A Hindu haven in the Muslim-majority Indonesian archipelago, Bali has for years attracted artists, honeymooners, spiritual seekers, surfers, and those otherwise looking for the “good life,” while Lombok attracts more rugged travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. The Bali- nese and the people of Lombok have always been accommodating hosts, and their acceptance of different lifestyles has drawn an assortment of “misfit” residents. During your trip, you’re destined to meet some real characters, whether they be of the “Kuta cowboy” variety—young Indone- sian bachelors trolling the beach for foreign girlfriends—or the cult of New Age, yoga-obsessed foreigners who’ve settled in the rice paddies of Ubud. The Balinese practice a unique amalgam of Indian Hindu traditions, Buddhism, ancient Javanese customs, and indigenous, animistic beliefs. The beauty of their faith colors every aspect of life, from fresh flowers strewn everywhere in obeisance to the calm of morning prayer at the temple. During your visit, you’re sure to catch the distinctive tones of the gamelan, a xylophone-like instrument, and the gathering of sarong-clad worshipers at the island’s ubiquitous temples.
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