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The recognition of Lombok as one of the most fabulous places for holidays in
the Far-East has taken a long time to come, but now that Lombok is becoming
increasingly popular with the holiday crowd all over the world, the natural
beauty of the islands are becoming more well known. Lombok is a group of islands,
east of Bali and separated from Bali by a deep strait with innumerable dolphins
and whirlpools, Lombok Strait. It is mostly populated with Sasak Muslims
who also practice Animism, but one can discern the Balinese influence immediately
while on the island. Lombok is a divers’ paradise.
Coral Fan Garden, situated in the north of Gili Trewangan, is one of
the dive spots that is much favored by both the novice and the seasoned ones.
In fact here on this island, one connects to nature immediately. The submarine
aqua world is unique with coral reefs and brightly colored fishes, waiting to
be discovered and explored.
The sea around the small islands is relatively calm which allows swimmers to venture out to the sea, safely. Divers are more prone to hone their skills in the morning and Coral Fan Garden, Lombok, is very popular with them as a morning dive spot. This beautiful place is to the north of one of the Gili islands that comprise Lombok, Gili Trewangan. Gili means small in Bahasa Indonesia dialect and the three Gili islands, Gili Trewangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are slowing being discovered as paradise on Earth.
Of the three Gili islands, Gili Trewangan in terms of geographical area is
the largest and furthest from Lombok mainland. Gili Trewangan or any of the
Gili islands do not have motorcars, the only way to move about is either through
bicycles or horse drawn carriages. Gili Trewangan is one island in Lombok where
after sundown parties are the in thing, most of the bars double as nightclubs
in the evenings. But in the mornings diving activity is very hectic, with divers
from all over the world congregating to have a go at their skill.
The underwater world of Coral Fan Garden will make a diver feel that he has
landed in an aquarium. The multi colored fishes passing by afford many precious
moments of pleasure, one can spot banner fishes, colored fairy bass, fusiliers.
More deep in the water groupers, batfish, trumpet fish, hiding octopus and bearded
scorpion fishes lurk amidst the large corals and big stone blocks, at times
here it is possible to see eagle rays, mantas and reef sharks.
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