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Beyond Bali: Lombok and the Gili Islands
Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, of which around 6,000 are inhabited. It has the fifth-highest number of islands in the world, after Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Canada, while also being the world’s largest archipelagic state. The country’s main islands are Sumatra, Java, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea), whereas Bali remains the most visited. Nearby, Nusa Penida is famous for its dramatic cliffs and Instagram-famous beaches, while Nusa Lembongan offers white-sand beaches along with diving and surfing opportunities. Lombok is popular for trekking, surfing, and beaches, whereas the Gili Islands are known for their relaxed atmosphere, snorkelling…