Lombok offers isolated and vacant fantasy shores, interesting and friendly people, tasty food and nature. Following a stay of more than two months, Lombok and the Gili islands became my personal favourites, this season. In this following article, you will find a few must-visit spots.
- Tanjung Aan
Its sand and turquoise sea will really make you fall in love! Here you are able to climb a rock to witness a stunning view over the two bays and shores of Tanjung Aan. Definitely, it is a must-see!
- Pink Beach
It’s not actually an insiders’ tip anymore, but worth a trip! The drive is somewhat tricky since in my opinion the roads around the Ekas Peninsula (where the Pink Beach is situated) cannot be called streets. Each year, at least they are improved bit by little. You will be rewarded with a beach that is exposed if you make it. It is derived from its pink sand that contains pink coral. The perspective from the close viewpoint is marvellous as well and also the also worth visiting cliffs of Tanjung Ringgit are located close by.
- Mosques and Hindu temples
That is why it is possible to see and notably discover mosques. If it is firmly located in a mosque, if you reserve your accommodation in advance, you need to inform yourself. Around Ramadan, it might turn out to be very noisy.
The Balinese minority on Lombok obtained its temples such as Pura Lingsar Pura Meru, Pura Narmada as well as Pura Batu Bolong as well. Insiders’ suggestions are Pura Gunung Sari north of Pura and Mataram Suranadi. The majority of them are situated in and around Senggigi roughly even Mataram or Cakranegara.
- Waterfalls
Lombok got waterfalls from the northern part of the island. Among others, there would be Tiu Kelep, Tiu Teja or Sendang Gile. You will find a few decent ones at the middle of all Lombok, such as Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel or Jeruk Manis near Tetebatu. There’s not any fresher water than that! Drink it, either swim or let the ice water hails down your back — excellent!
- Sasak culture
The Sasak will be the people of this island, which today make about 85 percent of the population of Lombok. Their culture is admiring, and as a visitor, you really need to experience it. Their food is famous for its spiciness, their handicraft, their music and dances, the standard Sasak homes or some Sasak wedding with (extreme loudly) street parades using “Gendang Beleq” artists are all you need to experience. There are wedding parades on Lombok, especially on the weekends. Must-see!
Startlingly, many of those Lombok natives speak the Sasak language, especially the elderly. But everyone speaks and knows the official language, Bahasa Indonesia. English helps in tourist areas, making a guided excursion a great option to get to know the Sasak tradition.
- Traditional markets
The markets are typical Asian with fresh veggies, fish, spices, and so much more. I suggest the marketplace in Ampenan. Every now and then locals look in astonishment at a “Bule” (westerner) since they do not come frequently over here. There’s not any cheaper or fresher spot to do food shopping even though a “Bule” you should think about paying over a local. It is of benefit to talk a little Indonesian.
Whether your trips take you to a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts or urban attractions, extra research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Lombok Island by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.