Lombok Island, Tropical island in Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia.
This island stretches across an area with beaches along its northern and southern coasts, while the interior holds rice paddies and forested hills. The Gili Islands lie off the northwest coast and connect to the mainland through boat services.
Hindu kingdoms ruled this place until the 16th century, before Islam became the prevailing religion. Colonial powers later gained influence over local rulers, who gradually lost their autonomy.
The Sasak form the majority of the population and speak their own language, clearly distinct from Balinese. Many villages still show traditional building methods with raised rice barns and houses woven from bamboo.
Visitor boats run regularly between coastal points and the smaller nearby islands. Terrain can vary from flat coastal sections to steep mountain trails inland, so preparation depends on your chosen destination.
This place has two distinct rainy seasons due to its elevation: the lowlands dry out earlier than the slopes of the volcano. This division influences the planting of rice and other crops throughout the year.
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