In this edition of Letter from Lombok, we give readers an overview of the best things to do and see in Lombok. If you are interested in visiting Lombok soon, these travel tips are essential reading!
Only in Lombok: Only in Lombok will you have the chance to see and hear a Gendang Beleq performance. Gendang Beleq is traditional Lombok music, featuring the big drums for which Lombok is famous. Only Lombok holds the annual Bau Nyale Festival, a local festival held every year around February at Mandalika Beach, near Kuta. The highlight of the festival is catching nyale or sea worms, which only appear at this time of the year. The festival is steeped in legend and there are cultural performances on the beach in the days before the main event. Only in Lombok can you taste true Pelecing Kangkung or Pelecing Ayam – Lombok dining specialties featuring water spinach or fried chicken, served with a fiery sauce.
Best Views: Watch the sunset from anywhere along the west coast across the Lombok Strait to Bali, with her volcanoes silhouetted on the horizon. Try the hilltop, north of the Sheraton Senggigi Resort or Batu Bolong Temple, just south of Senggigi. The stunning south coast, from Kuta to Selong Blanak, features some of the most sublime scenes in Indonesia, with idyllic deserted bays and dramatic coastlines. The more adventurous will be rewarded with panoramic views from Bali to Sumbawa, from the summit of Gunung Rinjani (Lombok’s famous volcano).
Best Activities: Learn diving or discover snorkelling on the Gili islands, with pristine clear waters and abundant tropical sea life. Explore tropical forests by soft trekking to the waterfalls in the Rinjani National Park or making the three day trek up Gunung Rinjani to stand on the summit, high above the rest.
Best Beaches: In Lombok, it’s hard to choose which is the best beach; there are so many beautiful and different bays! Try the calm waters and pure white sands of Sekotong and Gili Nanggu on the southwest coast. For stunning views and world class surfing, head to Kuta Beach on the south coast. North of Senggigi, deserted beaches for picnicking and swimming line the west coast, and sun worshippers flock to the perfect beaches on the Gili Islands.
Best Temples and Ancient Sites: Lingsar Temple and Suranadi Temple in west Lombok are both fascinating and well preserved temples, showing a blend of Hindu and traditional Lombok heritage. Batu Bolong Temple, near Senggigi, is easily accessible and is steeped in history, while Otok Kokok in East Lombok is a fascinating water pool complex surrounded with healing legends.
Best Performing Arts: The Senggigi Festival, held in July every year, is an event not to be missed and showcases the best traditional performances from around the island. Peresean, or traditional stick fighting, is an exciting and spirited contest between local competitors who try to hit each other with long rattan sticks, whilst shielding their bodies with shields made of toughened hides.
Best Museums and Galleries: Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum houses historical and cultural artifacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Renovations and new displays are being planned for the near future. Jl. Panji Tilar, Mataram. Ph: 632159. Open Tues–Sun, 8 am–12 noon; small admission fee.
Lombok for Families: Again, a lot for the kids to do with beaches and swimming pools everywhere, plus Lombok is so children-friendly! Also try a day out at Mataram Mall.
Great children’s clothing, toy shops and an amusement center to keep kids happy while mum and dad shop. Waterbom Park, right next door, is the local version of a water park with pools and slippery slides, and there are KFC and McDonalds outlets on the ground floor.
Best Shopping: Shop for authentic, high quality wood and handicrafts in the village of Sayang-Sayang, not far from Senggigi. Gold and pearl shops in Ampenan sell genuine pearls and 22kt gold jewellery, sold by weight and great value! Banyumulek village has a huge selection of export quality Lombok pottery, with designs from villages around the island.
Money-Saving Tips: To catch live cultural performances, check around the local hotels to see which are offering special buffet nights with free traditional dancing and music performances. These set-price dinners are often good value for money and a great way to see local performers in action.
Happy Hours are available at many of the bars and restaurants from around sunset until 8 or 9pm. Like most of Asia, alcohol attracts a high import duty, so save money at happy hour!
When traveling, get a group together when chartering boats or cars for day trips. The price is often the same for the car or boat, regardless of whether it’s for two people or a group of six. Local bemos (small minibuses) travel the main tourist areas, with fares around Rp 5000 or less for short hops. Most of the restaurants around Senggigi offer free transfers between their restaurant and your hotel. Phone to arrange free pick-up or ask for a free trip home when dining.
