The island of Lombok is how Bali was like before the world discovered its charms. The mighty volcano of Rinjani dominates the island and provides magnificent panoramas for hundreds of miles. The low lands are characterized by two distinct types. Lush and fertile lands become more arid further south. Along the coast, undisturbed while virgin beaches are typical in Lombok. To the east of Lombok is the island of Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, also dominated by massive volcano, called Tambora, which last erupted in 1815 killing an estimated 92,000 people. Further east, lay the islands of East Nusa Tenggara, part of the Ring of Fire. The province consists of over 550 islands, but dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba and Timor.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Looking for sun, sea and sand without the usual holiday crowd? Senggigi is located around 6 km north of Mataram. It is Lombok's most developed tourist region and many first-class resorts have mushroomed around the secluded bays and tranquil beaches. Tanjung Aan is probably Lombok's finest beach. Northwest of the island, are the emerald-like islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Boasting powder white beaches, crystal-clear waters and an amazing underwater world, these islands are perfect for diving for diving and snorkeling. North of the island and covered by dense vegetation, Mount Rinjani (3726 m) is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. Its crater lakes are popular camping sites before reaching the top.

East Nusa Tenggara's Flores is crowded with volcanoes and mountains including Mount Kelimutu and its thress colored crater lakes. At Lewoleba on the island of Lembata in the Solor Archipelago, follow pearl divers out to sea and watch them harvest pearls.

Sekotong, Bangko-Bangko and Gerupuk in Lombok as well as Lakey beach in Sumbawa are the world famous Desert Point surf locations. But Roti Island is where the best surfing is to be had in Nusa Tenggara. Snorkeling on the coral reefs reveals fantastic coral formations and an amazing variety of fish. For such an experience, explore Moyo and Satonda islands.

Nature Reserves
The Komodo National Park on Komodo Island is home to the world's only pre-historic "Dragon" or giant lizards. An adult can measure more than 3 meters and weigh over 130 kg.

Cuture
In Lombok, stop at several traditional Sasak villages such as Sade and Tansang-Ansang, and see how the Sasak live following a way of life that has little changed for hundreds of years. Sumbawa's traditional villages are also interesting stops, such as Tegel which can be reached on horseback.
At Batu Tering, a stone sarcophagus believed to be 2000 years old bears a foot imprint said to be made by the gods. The highland town of Bajawa is a good place to see the one of most traditional communities in Flores with traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts as well as enormous megalithic tombs. Surrounded by volcanoes, it also offers spectacular scenery. A source of sandalwood during the days of the spice trade, the island of Sumba is now famous for its horses and a unique style of ikat or cloth weaving. Spirits, both ancestral and natural are worshipped and although some exist in East Sumba. Roti Island's inhabitants are fond of dancing and music. One of their distinctive instruments is the sasando, a stringed instrument made of Palmyra leaves.

Cuisine
Local dishes that have been exported to other regions of the archipelago are Kangkung Plecing or sauteed vegetables and Ayam Bakar Taliwang, grilled baby chicken with special tangy sauce.

Shopping
The West and East Nusa Tenggara regions are famed for their exquisite hand woven cloths. Lombok's songket is brightly patterned. There are also pottery in Penunjak, and rattan goods from Beleka. Look out for yellow on black embroidered sarungs in Flores. Eastern Sumbawa is famous for its weaving of fine ikat cloth and striped and checked sarongs. In the Dompu district rich brocades are made with glittering silver threads running through the fabric. Ende in East Nusa Tenggara is the center for ikat weaving with typical abstract motifs. Other villages known for their fabulous hand-dyed ikat are Moni and Nggela.