Indonesia's islands: Komodo, Lombok, Gili, Sumba, Flores, Lembonggan & Bali

Kayti Denham reveals Indonesia's most idyllic island getaways - from beautiful Bali to the largely unexplored isles of Flores, Lombok, Sumba and Komodo.

The tropical island of Bali has long-enjoyed popularity as a vacation destination. And with the provision of increasing services, the standard of this enchanting island's hospitality industry has up-scaled dramatically. But on your next Bali sojourn, consider heading out to some of the less-discovered jewels of the Indonesian archipelago, then returning for a few nights of indulgence.

Komodo
Heading east, cruise companies such as Bluewater Cruises (www.bluewatercruises.com) create three to 10-day holidays onboard traditional Indonesian wooden boats known as Phinisi. The Al-Isra travels from the island of Flores, taking in spectacular dive spots along the coral ridges of the Indian Ocean, to the magical islands of Rinca and Komodo - where the ancient reptiles of Komodo can be seen in their natural habitat. From the Gili Islands, Bluewater can take you to the submerged volcanic island of Setonda - where the myth of the mermaids attracts visitors to place talismans in the trees around "her" lake.

Gili Islands & Lombok
Located just northwest of Lombok, the Gili Islands offer tranquility and peace above and below sea level. With no cars and only donkeys for transport, the impact of development is minimal. Companies such as Bali-Gili Villas (www.bali-gili.com) are creating eco-friendly, sustainable villas for chilled-out family vacations in private locations. Over on Sire Beach, north Lombok, the Tugu (www.tuguhotels.com) - famed for its eclectic and artistic hotels in Java and Bali - has recently opened a beautiful property brimming with the historical art and the stunning temple architecture of ancient Java. Within its spacious grounds, find temple pavilions and beautiful gardens evoking legends of paradise found.
          The diving and snorkelling throughout this area are sensational. On land, trekking Mount Rinjani is an activity people of all fitness levels can enjoy. Lombok's sleeping volcanoes and underwater coral gardens are among the best in the world, and all supported by the work of organisations such as The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org), which has introduced education and preservation programmes to sustain the locals.

Sumba
Sumba's majestic west coastline is popular with surfers, while the still-traditional life of the people attracts others eager to witness buffalo races and experience the villagers' way of life - unchanged over hundreds of years. Even remote traditional villages can be visited and there's much to be learned about the local culture and efforts to preserve traditional lifestyles, as well as improve the lives of the villagers - who chose to live in harmony with nature and the spirits. Nihiwatu (www.nihiwatu.com) is the most well-known resort in the area. Catering to families, honeymooners and surfers, this unique property exudes the friendly vibe of Sumba.

Flores
On Flores, the magic continues with the mysteriously coloured lakes of Kelimutu in the craters of the Kelimutu volcano, the outpost port town of Larantuka and the pretty coastal town of Labuanbajo - connecting you to the hundreds of deserted islands dotted in the crystal blue seas. Boats can be hired on a daily basis with the choice of destination entirely your own. Or, you can head to one of the romantic resorts on Serayu and Kanawa Islands (www.labuanbajo-flores.com, www.kanawaisland.com). With simple lodgings and nothing but the sun, moon, sea and sand, these island getaways can make three days seem a lifetime - a timeless luxury.

Nusa Lembonggan
If your time is short, spend a day or two on the islands of Nusa Lembonggan, Ceniggan and Penida - just a 45-minute boat ride from Bali's west coast. Accommodation ranges from basic to best on the island of Lembonggan and is centered around the major surfing beaches. Try Nusa Lembonggan Resort (www.nusalembongganresort.com). Head off the beaten track to trek the wilderness of Cenningan and over to the secretive island of Penida, drenched in myth and magic. Discover the extraordinary elephant fish temple and limestone caves of the east coast, the sweeping grasslands and remote weaving village of Tanglad and the sanctuary of the Begawan Giri Bird Foundation (www.begawanfoundation.org), where you can see the almost extinct, but surviving, Bali Starling. 

BALI
East Coast
Back on Bali, re-enter the modern world slowly by heading up the east coast to Seraya Shores were the Seraya Shores Resort (www.serayashores.com) is home to chef Sasa, who prepares fresh ingredients cooked to perfection in his traditional outdoor kitchen. Travel further along to the pretty Amed coast and the welcoming Eka Purnama Bungalows (www.eka-purnama.com) well located above the diving spot of a Japanese shipwreck. Take in the majesty of Mount Gunung Agung with a trek arranged by Alila Manggis (www.alilahotels.com) and spend a few days enjoying the back-to-nature vibe of this resort with an organic garden tour and a bicycle ride through the verdant hillside villages of Bali's rice basket.

Ubud
An escape to Ubud presents a visual feast of plunging gorges, lush rainforest and the magnificence of the Ayung River - a constant backdrop to any Ubud activity. Ubud is "art central". Make sure to check out the Nekka Museum, which traces the history of Balinese art from the traditional works of the early 1930s to the vibrant, contemporary forms created today.
          Ubud is also "foodies' heaven" with famed cafes such as Casa Luna (www.casalunabali.com), The Three Monkeys (Tel: 975 554) and Batun Waru (Tel: 977 528), the award-winning organic cuisine of Uma Ubud (www.uma.ubud.como) and Mozaic (www.mozaic-bali.com) complemented by the ultimate in fun and frozen margaritas at Naughty Nuri's (Tel: 977 547).

Seminyak
When you're ready to head back to the buzz that is "new Bali", visit Seminyak and indulge in what this area does best with a beachside massage at KU DE TA (www.kudeta.net) followed by an elegant cocktail at sunset and a delectable dinner from the creative kitchen of Phil Davenport - one of Bali's most popular chefs.
          If something even more relaxed is in order, spend an afternoon surrounded by books, antiques and comfort at the traditional wooden joglo - traditional Balinese house - BIKU (www.bikubali.com). Choose from a traditional Indonesian menu, or opt for an authentic European afternoon tea, as you mingle with the international devotees who fill BIKU's rooms with the languages of the world. Read a newspaper, exchange views with fellow travellers and gain an insider's snapshot of the rhythm of life which renders Bali unique.

BALI PRIVATE VILLA OPTIONS
Relax in your own private compound with staff to look after your every need...

Albia Villa www.AlbiaVilla.com, Email: info@AlbiaVilla.com
Bali Dream Villas www.balidreamvillas.com FINDER OFFER: Complimentary bottle of wine for confirmed bookings from Nov 2009 to April 2010. Quote Finders' Reader 11.09 on enquiry.
Exotic Hideaways www.exotic-hideaways.com, Email: info@exotic-hideaways.com
Karang Kembar Estate www.bali-karangkembarestate.com, Email: info@bali-karangkembarestate.com FINDER OFFER: Complimentary daily one-hour Balinese massage for every adult plus cocktail on arrival, for bookings before June 30 2010.
Kemah Tinggi www.kemahtinggi.com, Email: info@bali-kemahtinggi.com FINDER OFFER: Lock in 2009 rates for
all 2010 bookings confirmed by November 30.
Mia Villa www.miavilla.com, Email: info@miavilla.com
Villa Pantai Biru www.villapantaibiru.com, Email: horizonassets@pacific.net.sg
OFFER: 20 percent off regular published rates for November and December 15 to 31.

GETTING THERE
BALI Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), Qantas (www.qantas.com), Jetstar (www.jetstar.com.sg), Air Asia (www.airasia.com) and Garuda (www.garuda-indonesia.com).
LOMBOK Silk Air (www.silkair.com) flies to Lombok three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.


Posted Nov 09