The Lesser Sunda Islands are a group of islands in Southeast Asialocated in the eastern part of Indonesia. They extend from Bali in the west to Timor in the eastforming part of the southern chain of the Malay Archipelago. The Lesser Sunda Islands are known for their diverse culturesunique wildlifeand stunning natural landscapesincluding active volcanoespristine beachesand lush forests.
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| Lesser Sunda Islands |
The islands are divided into two main groups
- The Western Lesser Sunda Islands: This group includes well-known islands like BaliLombokSumbawaand the Komodo Islands. Bali is famous for its vibrant cultureHindu templesand tourismwhile Lombok offers beautiful beaches and the towering Mount Rinjani volcano. The Komodo Islands are home to the famous Komodo dragonsthe world’s largest lizards.
- The Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands: This group includes islands like FloresSumbaand Timor. Flores is known for the stunning Kelimutu volcanic crater lakes and is a gateway to the Komodo Islands. Sumba is famous for its traditional villages and horse culturewhile Timor is split between the independent nation of East Timor (Timor-Leste) and West Timorwhich is part of Indonesia.
The Lesser Sunda Islands are a treasure trove of biodiversitywith many endemic species of plants and animals. The region's diverse culturesinfluenced by both indigenous traditions and historical trade routesmake it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.