The Indonesian island of Lombok is the location of the CCTA programs.
Lombok is reachable from Bali by plane (a twenty minute flight) or by ferry from the harbor of Padangbai   (a 4 -5 hour trip).
Lombok has not yet experienced the mass tourism as in Bali and is therefore still quite original. However, the island offers everything what one needs to be comfortable.

Lombok belongs to the Indonesian Province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) which comprises of the islands Lombok and Sumbawa. The capital is Mataram and has grown into a modern city in recent years. You will find a variety of good banks with ATM facilities, a well stocked shopping mall, several supermarkets, hospitals and internet facilities.

The ethnic population of Lombok are the Sasak people who still adhere to a strict traditional system, especially amongst the aristocracy. They also speak their own language, Bahasa Sasak. However, West Lombok has a large population of Balinese Hindus and Balinese temples and ceremonies mix well with the majority of Sasak Muslims and their colorful mosques.

The Sasak people comprise of excellent talents such as traditional weaving, basket making, wood carving, pottery, sculpturing, dancing and they are exceptionally good musicians. Traditional music such as the Gendang Beleq orchestras and the very entertaining Ciloka should not be missed.
Although Islamic, the Sasaks are quite moderate and enjoy their festivals and gatherings to the full.
Lombok lives mainly from agriculture, especially good quality tobacco in East Lombok, a very fertile area because of the awesome volcano Mount Rinjani (3872m). Apart from that the people grow excellent coffee, rather hot chillies, rice, corn and the famous Lombok watercress “Kangkung”, a specialty for the local people.
Nature is still pristine in Lombok. The most beautiful beaches are in the south (Ekas Bay, Kuta etc) and the east features green rice terrasses, waterfalls and the stunning Mount Rinjani.
The north is famous for Lombok’s oldest mosque in Bayan and the area’s animist population, the Wetu Telu

For pure travel adventure only please contact our recommended tour company JOAN TRAVEL:  (www.joantravel.co.cc)