Lombok & the Gili IslandsForested mountains and an imposing volcanoform a dramaticbackdrop as you relax onbeautiful beaches, sip a drink by the ocean or lazeby the pool. Venturing from the shade of yourpalm tree, spend a day cruising and snorkellingthe coral reefs around the Gili Islands. Seeingturtles is all but guaranteed if you are there for acouple of hours. Alternatively, head inland anddiscover the dramatic scenic contrasts of theisland's interior, as you drive the windingroads or walk or cyclearound Sasak villages. The morehardy and adventurous can attempt thechallenging two day ascent of Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia.THEOBEROI, MEDANABAYLocated in the north of the island on the beautiful Medana Bay, The Oberoi offers guestaccommodation in luxurious villas and terracepavilions, set in 24 acres of tropical gardens thatface a glorious beach. The resort has a fantasticrestaurant offering international and localspecialities. It is a good base from which toexplore, with boats heading out daily to the Gili Islands.Mount RinjaniTeluk Kode, near Medana Bay, LombokThe Oberoi, Medana BayHawksbill turtle, Gili Trawangan, LombokTemple festival, LombokTUGULOMBOK, SIREBEACHLocated on the pristine white sands of Sire Beach,Tugu Lombok is one of the very best hotels onthe island. In typical Tugu style this property isunique in design reflecting the forgotten history of Lombok and Indonesia. The 19 rooms areespecially spacious and comfortable, while theopen air restaurant serves excellent food and theunique spa is an icon in itself. Traditional fishingvillages can be visited easily by bicycle or on footand the tropical Gili Islands are only a short boatride away on the Tugu's private boat.www.audleytravel.com/indonesia ?01993 838 110 ?Indonesia135Mount RinjaniRinjani's peak stands at 3,726 metres anddominates the island. Locals consider this hugeexpanse of land as sacred. From the heights ofRinjani looking east lies Lombok's neighbouringisland, Sumbawa. To the west the panoramaencapsulates Lombok's three Gili Islands.The climb to the crater takes around six hoursand there you can camp overnight under ablanket of stars. The reward for your efforts isone of the most amazing views you can imagine,the turquoise waters of the crater lake surround a small new smoking peak and the sun slowlyannouncing itself from behind the summit of themountain. In the opposite direction, you lookover the forest of Lombok and out to sea, whereyou may even see Bali's sacred Mount Agung.Tugu Lombok's open air restaurant, Sire BeachMount Rinjani

SulawesiSulawesi is strikingly beautiful. Its dense jungle,mountain scenery, incredible diving and diversecultures have made it a favourite destination foradventurous travellers. Inland communities havescarcely been touched by the western world andmany indigenous cultures and traditional beliefsremain. Easily reached from Java or Bali, visitorscan choose to fly north for the outstanding divingpossibilities around Manado or drive to theTorajalands to explore the different ethniccommunities that live here.Tana TorajaThis is a destination that has by its location, farfrom any major cities, remained away from thetourist trail. It is an unspoilt area of traditionalvillages, unique architecture and fascinatingculture. The major attractions here include themany unusual grave sites and the elaboratefuneral ceremonies, as well as the traditionalhouses. These are a common sight and aredistinctive for their size and grandeur. They existas a symbol of the family's status and aresometimes only used for funeral ceremonies.Notable features include the huge roof, whichrears up at the end, wall panels decorated with painted engravings and the carved wooden buffalo head which decorates the front of the house.136Tau tau effigies, LemoFuneral ceremonies in Tana TorajaThe traditional culture of the Torajans hasexisted for many years and although somebeliefs have been altered by Christianity, thefuneral ceremonies remain a vital part of life.Torajans believe that without proper funeralrites, the spirit of the deceased will causemisfortune to the family. Funeral ceremoniesalso impress the gods with the importance of the deceased and they can be spread outover several days and may involve manyhundreds of guests.The Toraja usually have two funerals, oneimmediately after death, the second, moreelaborate, after the necessary preparations.Cash must be raised, livestock gathered andrelatives contacted. Most funerals occur fromJune to October when most family membersare free from farming duties. The deceasedusually remains in the house, preserved untilthe time of the funeral which can be anything up to two years after their death.The Torajan people believe that the souls ofanimals follow their master to the next life,hence the animal sacrifices at the funeral. The buffalo is traditionally a symbol of wealthand power and of great importance inreligious ceremonies. At funeral feasts, themore important the deceased the more willbe slaughtered, as many as 200 in somecases. Since the plundering of graves in thepast, the Toraja hide their dead deep in cavesor carve out niches in rock faces. Graves ofthe upper classes feature Tau Tau - life sizewooden effigies of the dead, which are placedin front of the tomb.Water buffalo at festival in Tana TorajaTraditional houses, Tana Toraja