Luxury Hotels Lombok

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The island of Lombok lies in the Indian Ocean opposite Bali and is a one of the small parts that make up the whole called Indonesia. This destination is referred to by some as the "unspoiled Bali" and it is becoming a popular destination for the kind of traveler that wants to get away from the madness of the city type tourist destinations. Book one of the luxury hotels Lombok has on offer and you will enjoy the best of luxury with an often forgotten kindness in service.

The people of the island are known as the Sasak people and they have a reputation for gentleness and hospitality. It is perhaps this nature that allowed the Balinese to invade and overrun the country. When the Dutch first arrived in 1674 there was a peace treaty signed with the then Princess of Lombok. By 1750 the Balinese had taken control of the western parts of the island and this seemed to have been accepted by the locals with their inherent amicability. However, the story in the east was more troublesome and eventually the local aristocracy invited the Dutch from Bali to rule over them in exchange for removing the Balinese oppressors. The Dutch maintained piece on the island until their departure by cultivating a relationship with the aristocracy of both the Sasak and Balinese. Lombok was incorporated into Indonesia when Indonesia gained independence from the Dutch. Since then nothing serious has affected the island apart from the odd protest often instigated by outsiders and put down by the Sasak. It is a quiet country that did not suffer the overdevelopment of Bali but that can still offer the willing tourist a luxurious getaway.

Lombok is served by an international airport but presently this only serves incoming flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. You can also fly into Bali and catch a quick hop to Lombok. One needs to be aware that flights can be erratic due to the influence of a nearby volcano. There is a good reporting service and this should be checked before flying. There is a visa that one can buy at the airport for about $25 (have the correct amount ready) and will last about 30 days. Travel to your hotel can be arranged by the hotel as many provide a shuttle service. If not then there are the airport taxis that will take you to your hotel for a cost that is paid by coupon. Coupons can be bought in the airport near the exit.

The luxury hotels Lombok has to offer will not only provide an excellent level of service in a discrete and efficient manner but will also offer all the amenities that one would normally expect in a top hotel. The minimum level of facilities on offer include a twenty four hour front desk, a variety of room types, air-conditioning and currency exchange. Additional features will vary but will most likely include a sauna, a spa and wellness center, massage and a swimming pool. Activities may include hiking, biking, fishing and horse riding. The rooms will offer at least room service, internet, laundry and ironing and in-room breakfast. There are also restaurants and bars where you can sample some of the local specialties but also find some of the tried and tested western favorites.

On an island paradise holiday little is expected of a guest other than to lounge in the humid air and soak up the sun's ray while sipping fresh fruit juices. And the beaches or hotels are well equipped to supply these. However, sometimes the urge to explore overcomes gravity and the pull of the sun lounger and if this is the case then here are a few suggestions. Take a boat ride or hire a taxi for a day. You can speak to a local beach guide (there is often a small gratuity associated with this) and they can arrange for you to journey to another of the smaller islands or to go fishing or to just venture off to a more secluded beach. The same will apply to a motorbike or Taksi. Some places to visit include Tanjung A'an, which has some unique ball shaped sand and there are plenty of coconuts for sale. Then there is the water falls at Air Terjun Sindang gila. You can also go surfing at Kuta or take a bicycle tour with a guide.

Lombok is an island paradise that combines the luxury hotels Lombok has adopted from the best of the developed world with some of the innocent gentleness that is lost from other tourist destinations.

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