Lombok the hidden paradise Lombok Island is only a short ferry ride from Bali around 3 hours. The island lies across the straits from Bali and quickly reached by ferry or plane. Many say that Lombok is like Bali long time ago. Lombok Island is a tropical paradise with magnificent view stretches from natural beach, excellent diving and snorkeling off the three coral ringed, great crater with High Mountain and traditional native village, ancient temples and palaces Lombok is about three-quarter the size of Bali and is estimated to have approximately 3 million inhabitants making it slightly more densely populated than Bali. Traveling in Lombok is much more relaxed than Bali but once you get out the main of tourist sections, it is not as well maintained. In Lombok you can found traditional vehicles that called Cidomo (horse drawn cart) Mataram and the Dutch influenced Ampenan are bustling little town, approximately 90% of the population is Sasak with the majority of the remaining 10% claiming Balinese lineage. The Sasaks are Moslem there are still evidence of Hindu and Wetu Telu an animistic faith that has incorporated some aspects of Islam into its practice. The Sasaks people are much more conservative by culture than and not as open as their more famous Balinese neighbors and fare poorly in comparison. This may be due in part to the lack of interaction with visitors but whatever reason pay no mind the more you learn about Lombok, the more you’ll appreciate the people and the friendlier the seem to become. People in Lombok are not as inclusive by nature as the Balinese and it takes more time to get to know them. Be respectful.