Word: volcano
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...Lombok never lost out to Bali because of a lack of attractions. Pristine beaches ring the island and many, particularly in the southeast, remain untouched. Snorkeling, diving and surfing can be world-class, and new sites are being discovered all the time. Climbing the active 3,726-m-high volcano Rinjani (see Detour) offers some of the more spectacular and secluded hiking in the whole of Southeast Asia. Even those who want little more than a spot to sunbathe should take time to explore central Lombok and the lush rice terraces contouring the fertile lower crater slopes...
...main tourist town of Senggigi on the west coast. Gas is cheap, around $6 for a tank, which should be almost enough for a complete island tour. Two hours inland is Tetebatu, a small village on Rinjani's southern slope that offers clear views up to the volcano. Hotels are cheap and cheerful. A cut above the rest is the Hotel Soedjono, an old Dutch colonial house with rooms, plus outlying cottages, most with glorious vistas of the terraces, and a colossal pool; fax (62-376) 223-22 or call (62) 8185-44265 to book. Rates are a scarcely believable...
There are records of the 11,000-ft. volcano blowing its top since classical times. This year's performance is the most spectacular eruption since 1992, when lava flows threatening the town of Zafferana were diverted by controlled explosions. This time, residents of nearby Catania, a city of 380,000, have been using umbrellas to protect themselves from a constant thin drizzle of ash. The local airport was closed for three days...
...entertainment, but they are a real threat to the 6,300 people who live in Nicolosi, a town at 2,300 ft. So far, the lava has stopped about 2.5 miles away. Those who live on Etna seem to like the excitement. "We have a love affair with this volcano and this mountain," says Nicolosi Mayor Salvatore Moschetto. "Even in the past, when eruptions have ruined some property, we just start over again...
Etna will too. It rumbles and smokes regularly but is a relatively friendly volcano, giving plenty of warning when it's about to blow. The damage, however, can still be severe. Since the start of this year's eruption, lava has destroyed a ski lift and a couple of summer homes, and threatened Rifugio Sapienza. Don't try to ski there next winter: the slopes will remain too warm to hold enough snow...