Page 58 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Lombok

Belongas Bay in South Lombok is one of
Lombok’s most famed diving regions, the Conditions
Bay is in an exquisite location with a long
beach and water that is ‘mill pond’ flat.
The area is remote and there is little in Lombok has everything from some of
the nearby village but the local people are Indonesia’s most challenging sites to
friendly and keen to exchange a few words easy submerged coral reefs suitable
with visitors. The lands of South Lombok for all levels.
are low lying with undulating hills which Belongas Bay is a location best suited
support rice and tobacco leaf plantations. to experienced divers. The open
For the local people of Belongas the ocean pinnacles are subject to strong
local fishing industry is a main source surge which results in upwellings
of income as well as pearl and sea weed and down drafts as the waves hit the
farming in some areas. The local dialect is pinnacle. For this reason, negative
Bahasa Sasak but the younger generations entries are required and a swift
speak Bahasa Indonesia and some descent through the surge. From July
English.
through to October these sites are
much cooler and thermoclines can be
The majority of the locals in Lombok are in the low 20’s and below!
Muslim and as such alcohol is not widely
available outside of tourist hotels and Sekotong, is a divers dream for all
visitors are encouraged to be respectful
LoMBoK and dress conservatively when venturing levels. Sekotong sites offer calm,
warm water, shallow dive sites and
out.
a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour.
As well as diving, Lombok also ticks the All levels will enjoy the beautiful
reefs that are on offer here and
boxes for those who want to combine
ombok is an island that promises adventure. Pristine white sand beaches diving with other adventure activities, temperatures remain constant
through to rugged cliffs and towering volcanoes make this a unique from surfing and yoga retreats in the through out the year – as does good
Ldestination. Tourism is still on a small scale when compared to other south through to trekking the towering visibility. For more experienced
divers, there are drift dives and
popular Indonesian destinations such as nearby Bali, so it’s the perfect location volcano of Rinjani (Indonesia’s second deeper dives also on offer.
for exploration and experiencing local culture. Enjoy the beaches, get your largest volcanic peak), Lombok is
adrenaline pumping on some of the south coast dive sites and spend time with definitely suited to those who like to be
the friendly locals. outdoors and active!
Lombok is easily accessed by boat from
Sekotong offers more relaxed conditions over stunning coral Bali as well as by both domestic flights to
reefs and some of the most pristine dive sites in Indonesia – Lombok Airport (arrivals from other major
combined with phenomenal marine biodiversity. The region is Indonesian cities) and international, direct
still “off the beaten track” but has been likened to the diving in flights from Perth, Australia.
Raja Ampat – remote, secluded and incredibly beautiful.
If you are looking for big fish or diverse
marine life away from the crowds, Lombok
is an excellent choice.

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