In Reply to: Lombok and gilis posted by balihopeful on Tuesday, 31. July 2012 at 16:08 Bali Time:
While the gilis are just off the coast of Lombok, they don't represent anything about Lombok. They are great for relaxing, sunbathing, snorkelling, eating, reading etc. Whereas Lombok has much to see and do. So I recommend you do 4-5 days on Lombok and 4-5 days on one of the Gilis, either Trawangan or Air depending on whether you want more crowds (trawangan) or more escape (air).
On Lombok, stay somewhere like Qunci in Mangsit, or Jeeva Klui in Kelui (the next bay from Mangsit). Both are very nice hotels that you and your daughters should love. Once there organise some day trips - e.g. go to the waterfalls, traditional weaving village, hand made pottery, south Lombok which has fabulous deserted white sand beaches, drive around the base of Rinjani (Indonesia's 3rd? largest volcano), etc. I do have contact details for a very good guide that you can arrange trips with prior to arriving if you are interested (no association to me just someone that is often highly recommended), otherwise you will have no problem finding someone to help you with your 'program' once there.