Mataram: the gateway to Lombok and the Gili Islands

Capital of the island of Lombok, Mataram remains the starting point for the Gili Islands and for Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia's highest volcanoes.

Taxis and scooter rentals remain the most common way to get around.

The Temple of Pura Meru, the largest Hindu temple on Lombok, reflects the legacy of the Balinese minority on a predominantly Muslim island.

Just minutes by boat, the Gili Islands, three islets without motorized vehicles, remain among Indonesia's most celebrated snorkeling destinations.

Continuing inland you can climb Mount Rinjani, an active volcano that shelters a sacred crater lake revered by local Sasak populations.

Toward evening, the market of Cakranegara animates commerce in hand-woven Sasak traditional textiles.

Mount Rinjani, standing at over 3,700 meters, remains Indonesia's second highest volcano, with a crater lake called Segara Anak considered sacred by both Hindu Balinese and Muslim Sasak peoples.

The Gili Islands, which prohibit motorized vehicles and even motorized bicycles, remain accessible only on foot, by bicycle, or in horse-drawn carts - a rare feature in Southeast Asia much appreciated by visitors.