Idyllic and Untouched Lombok
If I had to close my eyes and list all the prepossessing places in Indonesia, I would end up creating a rather long list! But a single location that would stand out in a group of the very same would be The Island of a Thousand Beaches, or Mosques {take your pick} ~ Lombok. Similar to its next-door fellow Bali, idyllic and untouched Lombok contains a distinct blend of unique features. Other than what the nickname might suggest, it extends to perfect-for-sunsets beaches, high and mighty mountains, and soul-searching waterfalls. But where it does distinguish with its neighbour would be in the reduced quantity of crowd it possesses; something with which you would feel better off. Read on for a magical itinerary that summarises what to do in Lombok for one day.
When to book your tickets for?
Lombok maintains its beauty throughout the year due to its tropical climate, however not all of you appreciate getting wet rather frequently. In that case, the dry season would be more welcoming, providing warm sunny days with the temperature maintaining an average of just about 30°C along with nearly no rainfall, and lasting from May to October. But be aware of the scanty vegetation that might greet you, you may miss the greenery. Vikram and I visited Lombok in August and noticed that there was hardly any greenery in the south.
The wet season, on the other hand, can be best described as hot and humid; still a little drier if a comparison had to be drawn to its more famous neighbour. Amidst all this, if you are interested in saving some money and your dates are flexible, might I suggest you not visit during the summer vacations extending from July to August along with the rush that comes with Christmas and New Year.
Difficult reaching Lombok? Not Really.
The sky and the sea are the only available mediums for reaching Lombok from Bali:
- Take a flight: Costing almost the same as a ferry, a comfortable flight from Denpasar Airport should get you to Lombok in 40 mins.
- Take a ferry: Practically a couple hours drive from Denpasar Airport, the Padang Blair Port offers ferries as well as speedboats which get you to your destination in 5 hours and 2 hours respectively.
Travelling within Lombok?
In contrast to other Indonesian Islands, Lombok is smaller. However, an area of 80 x 110 km should be enough to experience its captivating beauty and joy. On the bright side, it becomes much easier to find your way around and as for transportation, you are going to want to look for shops to rent a car, a motorbike or a scooter.
- Scooter: Renting a scooter ranges from 50-60K IDR {about INR 300} on a daily basis. Safety and scenery go hand-in-hand on these roads.
- Driver: If you doubt your driving skills then perhaps hiring a driver would be the best option, given the affordability. The price for a car per day would range from 500K to 600K IDR {about INR 3000}. If you plan on travelling far and with your belongings then hiring a driver would be the way to go.
Is Lombok safe?
- Lying on the famous “Ring of Fire”, Mother Nature isn’t always kind to Indonesia. The presence of active volcanoes, including one right in Lombok {Mount Rinjani} can be cause for concern to tourists due to endangering Tsunamis. A keen eye on recent developments would have to be in order if planning a trip.
- The presence of strong currents doesn’t reduce safety concerns either. I advise you to stay wary of the north-eastern corners of the island as the force is particularly strong in that part.
- Naturally, no place is completely safe from the human elements in the region. In this case, there is a need to tend to your own belongings as the island is not safe from shoplifting; a lack of police force might have something to do with that. And in my experience, not drawing too much attention does the trick when speaking of keeping money and belongings safe.
- Needless to say, a regard for the culture of Indonesia has to be kept in mind. Being a Muslim country, as the culture dictates, women should cover their shoulders and knees when setting foot in public locations, prevalent mostly in the northern part of the isle. And, it would be appreciated if your bikinis find a way back in your suitcases if not on a beach.
What to do in Lombok for one day: What we experienced on our day trip to Central Lombok
- Shopping, shopping, where to go?
It would be a tragedy if you didn’t get local souvenirs representing the culture of Lombok for your loved ones back home. For the same, I would recommend that you visit the Pasar Besar market of Cakranegara. That’s not all, look up the word ‘palatable’ if you don’t know it already because that’s how it feels to indulge in the traditional food of the country. Not to mention the fresh vegetables and fruits; reasons alone to come back to Lombok. And, did I mention the top of the line fabrics along with handicraft and jewellery that you would find? Immerse yourself in the smells, sights, and sounds, and tell me if Lombok is not a package that caters to all your senses.
- A culture yet unchanged in Sade Village
If you are tired of lounging at the beaches then Sade Village just might be the change of scenery that you seek. Vast green rice fields greet to enlighten you about the original inhabitants of Lombok ~ the Sasak. In a world of ever-changing culture, credit must be given to the population to have maintained the respect of the lifestyle of their ancestors, an example being a quintessential Sasak house made of bamboo, clay, and straw. A truer reflection of the Sasak tribe would be difficult to find elsewhere! Also, keep your eyes open for souvenirs here.
Just so you know, The Sasak make up to 85% of the population of Lombok. Given the uniqueness of their culture, a tourist’s fascination is expected to be at level high.
Bonus point: Many Lombok natives don’t shy away from using the Sasak language even today {mainly the elderly though}. But that doesn’t away take away from the fact that the locals here comprehend Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country. In my opinion, a guided tour might help you understand the Sasak culture better since English is only spoken in tourist spots.
- The Masters Of Weaving Await You in Sukarara Village
If the art of weaving generates your curiosity, Sukarara might be the perfect place to visit. Placed at 22 kilometres southeast from Mataram on Lombok, the Sasak members reside and produce articles of clothing such as shawls and sarongs with their conventional looms. The village also produces the vividly designed “songket moti’s”. In fact, that’s how it derives its prestige.
In case you are wondering, the “songket” is a woven fabric produced with artistic beauty and features designs or motifs that are dissimilar when compared to other woven fabrics in Indonesia.
A basic tour of the place is mostly provided on arrival; informing visitors of its rudimentary history, and unique features of the general way of life of the Sasak people.
- Contrary to what norms in today’s society dictates, women are conventionally the money-makers {due to their knowledge of weaving and creating clothes} in the Sasak culture. Perhaps, that’s why they cannot marry until they possess the required skill for weaving.
- How does the kidnapping of the bride by the groom just before their marriage sound? Normal, at least, in the Sasak culture. Besides, marriages are not arranged.
- After getting married, the men are only allowed to sleep gazing at the night sky, in a lumbung {barnyard}. The same applies to boys once they become 12 years old. The huts only facilitate the women and children.
- Pottery as an art at Lombok Pottery Centre
Being an established centre for crafts, Lombok has multiple villages that customarily circulate around a single craft, no matter if it be pottery or basket-making.
If a place is internationally acclaimed for its conduct in a particular craft, it is only right that it is met by the proportional interest of tourists. Situated about 10 km south of Mataran, Banyumulek is a cardinal pottery centre present on the isle. Producing elaborately decorated pots, the place has established its own renaissance in the art world.
Similar to the weaving culture of the Sasak people, women play a dominant role in framing the pots in this region. This art form is passed to them at an early age from their mothers, a tradition prevalent from a period as early as the 16th century. While the men are to fire the pots, clay moved from the countryside and tools passed over the period used by women ensure the completion of the job.
What will entice you to get one of these pots is that each one is an original due to the absence of a particular design by the craftsman, instead their own fancy taking the lead. If you ever find yourself in the region, perhaps a pot at one of the many market stalls would make for a wonderful keepsake.
- A Holy Endeavour at Mataram Islamic Centre
By this point, you have become aware of enthralling landscapes and fascinating culture change in Lombok. But what you may not be aware of are the holy places of worship that it is home to. Mostly of Islamic origin, the Hubbul Wathan Mosque forms a segment of the NTB Islamic Centre and is a place to watch out for.
What makes the place even more enticing to visit is the noticeable mixture of green and gold it has, and the sights that you get to see from the tallest minaret which is as high as 99 meters {the number having a historical significance as 99 represents the number of names Allah had}. Spread across 7.6 hectares of space, the building portrays the architectural style of the local region. At night, the mosque’s real beauty reveals itself via spectacular lighting.
- Swim your troubles away, or just bask in the sun: Well, you are probably planning a visit to Indonesia for the stunning beaches, aren’t you? The ones you should definitely check out are ~ Mawun beach, Selong Belanak, and Tajnung Aan.
Mawum Beach: Most of the beaches in Lombok are known as virgin beaches, which are still rarely visited by tourists. Mawun beach is 20 minutes away from the city centre, with the drive providing you with Instagram-perfect backgrounds. Being a virgin beach, the place offers you quiet comfort with all the amenities present ~ restaurants, bamboo lounge chairs ~ not to mention white sands and turquoise waters. While reaching the beach is pretty convenient as it is located on the West side of Kuta, I recommend swimming while keeping in mind that the waters do get heavier over here.
Tanjung Aan: For the next time you need a photo printed for one of those holiday cards you are sending out, why not head to Tanjung Aan where you would get similar landscapes and click one yourself? The green hills meet the sea and couple that with white sand all around, Tanjung Aan Beach might just become your key to relaxation with less attention.
Only at a distance of 5 km from the Kuta beach, Tanjung Aan’s coastline extends further than those of other beaches in Lombok. Pinpointed to Marese Hill, what makes the beach unique are the two varieties of sands that you would find. Smooth white sand on the right and the left side, well, let’s just say you can compare it to pepper.
- Grey Monkeys of Pusuk
Spanning across a crossover section of West Lombok and North Lombok Regency, Pusuk Monkey Forest, as the name suggests, is a safe habitat for grey monkeys {called macaque} where they have been domesticated and made familiar with people in general. Oh, and did I mention the place is at a tropical hill-forest?
Get ready to live a part of those fantasies that you have imagined since childhood because the forest offers an environment at a cosy temperature and staggering sights for a viewer. Moreover, the surrounding sounds of birds and animals and the rustle of trees makes you feel like you are in the midst of a medieval fairy-tale.
For those of you experiencing daily the rush of the city life, trust me, you are going to love this breath of change. Watch out for the monkeys though, any behaviour not attributed to an ordinary human might not be greeted warmly.
- Witness your childhood painted landscape at Malimbu Viewpoint
You know the scene in movies where the hills meet the ocean and time begins to stand still ~ there’s your chance to witness the same at Malimbu Peak, the viewpoint located at Hills 1 and 2. You would prefer the latter though, as you can spot Lombok’s coastline as well as the mighty sky from there. Add to the fact that Senggigi Beach can also be enjoyed. Now, close your eyes and imagine an amalgamation of sea waters, the sand on the beach, patches of greenery, and the altitude that you would view it from. Truly magnificent, isn’t it?
Bonus point: Far away from the occupied street so often left alone by the populace, tranquillity awaits you. A coconut would be nice on a quiet sunset though, wouldn’t it?
- An Insight into delectable Lombok Cuisine: Ayam Taliwang, Plecing Kangkung and Es Kelapa Muda
Good thing that food occupies a central value in Lombok’s culture, as these authentic dishes will ensure you lose consciousness to palatable tastes:
- Ayam Taliwang {Taliwang Chicken} ~ Although the dish derives its name from the village it was first introduced at, Karang Taliwan Village, a delicacy of the island, Ayan Taliwang is a flavoursome spicy grilled chicken that hits the spot just right. What makes the chicken appealing is the fact that it is only half-cooked on the grill before being dipped in cooking oil, garlic, shrimp paste, and chilli combining into one sauce and then, is sent straight back to the grill for absolute excellence.
- Plecing Kangkung {Salad} ~ A traditional Lombok dish, Plecing consists of boiled spinach in consonance with tomato sauce and a pinch of lemon. The said, the sauce consists of a blend of tomatoes along with shrimp paste, chilli, and salt. A perfect side order to the Taliwang Chicken, a complete plate of Plecing might greet you with some extra vegetables too.
- Food isn’t going to exhaust your thirst, is it? That’s why the Es Kelapa Muda is the drink to look for. Made along the lines of iced coconut water with young coconut flesh and syrup, the perfect afternoon sipping is one of the most acclaimed beverages in the region.
A Necessary Paraphernalia
There are a few things that you will absolutely need while in Lombok ~
- Reef Safe Sunscreen: Normal sunscreen, as opposed to coral safe sunscreen, causes damage to the reef when the chemical contained interacts with it. But I am sure, you knew that already. Although, I have recently found that a reminder has never hurt anyone.
- Adaptor: You are going to want to charge your phones to click those amazing photos. Can’t do it if the charger refuses to go into the socket, right? Buy the one suited for Indonesia, or get one of those universal adaptors if you are unsure.
- Reusable Water Bottle: When you generally see a beautiful place, the natural response is to not hinder the beauty by your actions and preserve it. Avoid using and throwing plastic around and get these bottles instead. With the filling amenities available, I’m sure it will not be a hassle carrying them around.
- Mosquito Repelling Bracelets: Yes, mosquitoes can potentially cause Malaria and Dengue. And yes, Indonesia is known to have them. Better be safe than sorry.
- Activated Charcoal: Although you can purchase it in Indonesia, you never know at what point in your trip you may need it. Keeping it on hand would always be an option, especially when you don’t know how your stomach may react to something.
- Travel Insurance: Needless to say, don’t plan a trip without it.
A closing word
When speaking of Indonesia, most of your friends are going to tell you about Bali, as it is usually the centre of attraction for tourists. But if you want to do something different in Indonesia, maybe explore a different culture or find yourself in the middle of amazing landscapes along with numerous other activities, close your eyes and add Lombok to your travel plan. A jump here and there from Bali, you’ll be glad you did.
Apart from all its features stated, a boost in tourism would definitely help Lombok stand straight on its feet after what was lost in the disastrous 2018 earthquakes.
BTS 🙂
Though the island isn’t totally off the beaten path, I hope my personal experience in Lombok via my What to do in Lombok for one day guide, will have you travel to Lombok and experience the fascinating island for yourself!
So, you’ve already been there? Alright, what was your favourite part?