Thirty-five kilometres east of Bali at its closest point, Islamic Lombok (80km by 70km) is populated by Sasak people and differs considerably from its Hindu neighbour. The landscape is much more barren and its tourist facilities are still developing. The island's northern area is dominated by the awesome bulk of Gunung Rinjani , until late 1994 believed to be dormant. Trekking at least part of the way up Rinjani is the reason many tourists come to Lombok and most base themselves in the nearby villages of Senaru and Batu Koq or in the foothills at tiny Tetebatu . The other big draw are the beaches: at the developed resort of Senggigi on the northwest coast, at the trio of backpacker-friendly Gili Islands , just offshore, and at less frantic south-coast Kuta , a popular surfing spot. Lombok's capital Mataram has little of interest, except for decent transport connections.