Senaru and Waterfall - Lombok Indonesia

Senaru Village is the main access to Mt. Rinjani National Park, and the most popular starting point for trekking to the second highest peak in Indonesia. with in Segara Anak lake as the destination of many pilgrims who place offering in the water and bathe away diseas in the hot springs.

The cool, flower filled mountain village stretching along a hill side spur above Bayan. The village of Senaru is an easy 2,5 hours drive from Mataram and Senggigi, Senaru has range of accommodations in simple pretty home stays (Losmen), and a number of cafes serving delicious local specialties with lovely views.

The National Park and village entrance fee are here. Village guide including several local women wo has trained to acompany visitors for sigh seeing around the village. Arrange a guided exchurchion through Sembilan Pulau Tour.

Waterfall

Senaru’s best known attraction is the Sendang Gila waterfall which attracts many thousands of Indonesian and foreign visitors annually.

Located at about 600m above sea level, the waterfall is an easy 20 minute walk down a graded trail and steps from Senaru Village, a pleasant alternative return route winds along the edge of the steep valley, following the irrigation canal.

For the more adventurous, Senaru’s “second waterfall” Tiu Kelep is another hour’s walk upriver from Sendang Gila. The scramble over rocks through the tropical forest is rewarded by the beauty of the waterfall and a swim in its deep pool. It is said locally that every time you swim behind the main waterfall of Tiu Kelep you become a year younger!

With access from the main road, Senaru’s “third waterfall” Betara Lenjang is a true rainforest adventure strictly for rock climbers with local guide and equipment.

Wildlife

During early morning and evening walks in Senaru you are likely to see interesting birds, butterflies and at least one of the two species of monkey who live in the surrounding forest. Long tail macaques, known locally as kera, often seat on the road.

More elusive is the rare Silvered Leaf monkey, and also known as the black monkey or Lutung, which can often be glimpsed in the forest around the waterfalls.

Senaru Traditional Village

A visit to the Senaru Traditional Village, situated next to Rinjani Trek Center where the Rinjani trail begins, is greatly enhanced by asking a local guide to show you around. The Sasak inhabitants are the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding forest and safeguard its spiritual values. Locally guided visits include opportunities to experience the villagers daily life, visit their thatched houses and gardens of fruits and spices.

For a romantic highlight, ask to be shown the “sunset view” where you may see the tropical sun setting against the distant skyline of Bali.

Cultural Performances

By special request in advance, the people of Senaru and Sembalun can treat you to the very special spectacle of their traditional music and dance performances in a village setting beneath Mt. Rinjani.

Sembalun Lawang is set an ancient an fertile caldera to the east of Mount Rinjani, preferred access route for summiteers. The rich soil produces high quality market garden crops, including the famous garlic and rice, staple of local farmers. Seismic activity is monitored daily at government Rinjani Volcano logy centre. The beautiful valley of Sembalun is also known for its hill walks, recently restore traditional village, active cultural performers and local weavers. Some home stay (Losmen) accommodation is available and trek service are based at park’s Rinjani Information Centre.

Women hand-loom weavers in the village of Sembalun Lawang, East Lombok have recently revived their weaving skills with the help of the NZAID Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Programme. The women decided they would like to return to this ancient craft after many years of earning a livelihood by other means. They now work together in co-operative groups sharing skills and resources.

In the past weaving was an essential qualification for womanhood, and young girls began to learn the basic skills at an early age. All women were expected to provide their family with fabrics for clothing and ceremonial use. Now, with the widespread availability of factory-made fabrics, hand-loom textiles are used mostly for religious ceremonies and special occasions such as weddings.

Although the weavers no longer spin and dye local cotton to make their yarns, the weaving process is nevertheless very labour intensive. The fine yarns must be washed, threaded onto the loom and wound onto bobbins before weaving can start a process which can take several days. Once the looms are set up it takes about a week to complete a length of this stunning cloth. It may be sold as is, or sewn into place mats, bags, cushion covers and belts. All the work is done in the village by local women.

The rich colours are achieved by careful selection and blending of basic yarn colours available from the textile mills of Java. These women are masters of colour and the simple, modern motifs they now use show this skill off to great advantage.

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Gunung Rinjani National Park

Gunung Rinjani National Park represents a range of Nusa Tenggaras ecosystem types, from sub-montane rain forest to montane forest and savanna.

The plant potential in this Park area includes jelutung (Laportea stimulans), dedurenan (Aglaia argentea), bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), beringin (Ficus benjamina), jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), rerau (D. imbricatus), lumut jenggot (Usnea sp.), cemara gunung (Casuarina tripolia and C. equisetifolia), edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis javanica), and endemic species of orchid such as Perisstylus rintjaniensis and P. lombokensis.

There is one endemic species of civet in the Park, namely the musang rinjani (Paradoxurus hemaproditus rinjanicus). Also to be found in the park are barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak nainggolani), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus kohlbruggei), pangolin (Manis javanica), southeast Asian porcupine (Hystrix brachyura), Timor helmeted friarbird (Philemon buceroides neglectus), crested hawk eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus floris), lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea occidentalis), Lombok honeyeater (Lichmera lombokia lombokia), dark-backed imperial pigeon (Ducula lacernulata sasakensis), black-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis broderipii), and several species of reptile.

Mt. Rinjani, at 3,726 m asl., is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. In a valley high up on the western part of Mt. Rinjani lies Segara Anak Lake (2,208 m asl.) whose sulphurous-smelling water has different temperatures from one part of the Lake to another, ranging from cool, through warm, to very hot. A new volcano is emerging from the centre of this Lake, and it is still active and growing.

Danau Segara Anak dan Anak Gunung Rinjani

Particularly with the coming of the rice-planting season, the communities in the vicinity quite often hold ritual ceremonies on Mt. Rinjani and at Segara Anak Lake. One involves releasing small artificial fish made of very thin gold into the Lake.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Mt. Rinjani: mountain climbing and camping.
Segara Anak Lake, Sebau and Gunung Baru: research, enjoying natural phenomena, thermal springs, bathing, observing animals and exploring the forest, cultural attraction.
Otakokkoq and Kembang Kuning: enjoying thermal springs and waterfalls.

Cultural attractions outside the Park area include, in Mataram, Perang Topat in December, and Ciwaratri in January.

Best time of year to visit: August to December.

How to reach the Park: there a number of options. Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, 4.5 hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Or Mataram-Bayan-Senaru by car, 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 9 hours (25 km). Alternatively, Mataram-Bayan-Torean, 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, 7.5 hours. Or Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to Otakokkoq, 30 minutes.

Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.280/Kpts-II/97,
a total area of 41,330 hectares
Location : Regencies; West Lombok, Central Lombok and
East Lombok, Province of West Nusa Tenggara

Temperature 23° - 30° C
Rainfall 2,000 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 550 - 3,726 m asl.
Geographical location 116°18' - 116°32' E; 8°18' - 8°33' S

Office: Jl. Erlangga 88, Mataram
West Nusa Tenggara
Tel. : +62-370-627764
E-mail: tngr@indo.net.id.

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THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

Biking and Walking around Lembongan

The island is a great place for biking, as there are not many other vehicles and only a few steep spots to test your stamina or your rented bike’s brakes. Travelers with sensitive rear ends – the local push bikes are not too comfortable – can circle the island on foot in about two hours. However, it is better to allow for at least half a day, taking time to enjoy various places of interest.

Desa Lembongan – with its huge banyan tree and its colorful temples.

Gala gala underground house

Gala gala Underground House
located down a small lane off the main road, on the right in the descent towards the Ceningan bridge and it wide enough for motorbike access. Leading up to the entrance of this unique compound there is a collection of art stalls selling an array of local souvenirs such as shorts, sarongs and handicrafts. built by Made Byasa between 1961 -1976. The house was built underground using only a hammer, chisel and intuition as guidance. It took 15 years to complete this incredible labyrinth, which includes a bedroom, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and sacred meditation room.

Seaweed Farmer Carrying his Crop on Nusa Lembongan - Bali, Indonesia

Seaweed farms
From Lembongan Village, turn left (westwards) and follows the road down to the coast, where you can stop and have a look at the mosaic of green and blue seaweed farms, separated by little posts and ropes on which algae are tied up to grow. Since the mid-1980s, nearly all the community lives off seaweeds, which are exported to the rest of Asia for the cosmetic and food industry. Every household can make one to two million rupiah a month from the red and green algae – just enough to survive on these islands, where everything has to be brought from the main land at high cost.

Rent motorbike for the day to try and find our perfect beaches. Went around the entire island, saw about different beaches, Nusa Ceningan island is good view to see, Dream beach is nice for relax with a great bar / cafe, Mushroom beach is also nice and snorkeling is ok too.

Swinging Bridge
The recently built suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan connects the two islands and allows the visitors to easily access each island. This narrow and swinging bridge only allows access on foot, by bicycle or motorcycle and it is unsuitable for cars.

Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Cening is the smallest of the three islands and rarely visited. From the southern end of Lembongan, you can cross over on a suspended bridge to Nusa Ceningan. Circle around this small island and climb to its top to admire the views of Lembongan and Penida. Surrounded by crystal clear water, hosting colorful coral and sea creatures, make it an ideal spot for snorkeling or any other sport activities.

Dream Beach

Dream beach:
Dream Beach on the south coast, for natural wonders is a wonderful hidden beach area with white-sand beach. To get there, turning right to the south at the entrance of Lembongan. Its fierce waves are not ideal for swimming, but you can still take a refreshing swim, but please pay ATTENTION to the strong current, especially when it is high tide and there are big waves. you are only aloud in the middle of the beach where you can see like a white line of sand in the water. Never go close to the cliffs of the left side! At high tide, the current may be a bit too strong for small children.

There is a restaurant here, and it is the source of entrance to the beach. You can watch the sunset from the upper floor of the restaurant.

Mushroom Beach from both side

Mushroom Beach
One of the nicer beaches on Nusa Lembongan is Mushroom Beach. This gorgeous beach, unofficially named for the mushroom corals offshore. This beach provides you with
post card white, sandy beaches. There are 2 Mushroom Beaches to say, and even though they are one next to the other, there is a difference. There is the more isolated one, with its casual visitors, and the more populated one with some upscale hotels.

There is some coral, which is sharper than the coral that you find in Bali. So make sure you bring the rubber shoes if you plan to do some walking at low tide. But swimming is possible at this beach.

Mushroom Bay is a well-known spot for surfing with elegant wave for begginers to professional surfers. This location is safe for water sport with white sandy beach close to the wave. Other surfing areas closes to mushroom Bay - Ship Wreck, Batumelawang (Sacred Point ), and Play Groubd ( Song Lambung Bay )

There is transportation from Bali, directly to this beach, but you need to be sure by asking that it will drop you off here.

Mangrove Park

Mangrove Park
Take a tour through the mangroves in a sampan-style boat. Explore and experience an extreme quietness of mangrove park by sailing small 'jukung'. You will have an unforgettable impression to see colorful and unique mud crabs and if you are inclined, catch some for delicious meal. Along the tracing of the park you are welcome with various sound of birds and do not forget to take photo of many wild life in this area.

Wood Carvings
At Nusa Lembongan, continue towards the north on the flat, peaceful coast road along the mangrove. On your way, stop at a little house with a sign saying “Wood Carving”. The friendly artist, and old man with gleaming eyes, will proudly show you his collection of unique pieces, carved from pieces of wood collected in the roots of the mangrove. From his house, it’s another 30 minutes of pedaling back to Jungutbatu through dense coastal vegetation.

Pura Puncak Sari
This temple is located on top of hill, and overlooks the Indian Ocean as well as neighboring islands - Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. Hike to this area and enjoy the natural panorama surrounding it.

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NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND

Nusa Lembongan - between Bali and Nusa Penida - Lombok

Squatting like a serene Buddha in the Badung strait, Nusa Lembongan sits smack-bang on the "Wallace line" between Bali and Lombok. Part of neither Asia nor Australia/Pacific the island eschews the tourist-driven advances of its neighbors in favour of simple seaweed harvesting and a more relaxed pace - where the fastest ride you're likely to catch is on the crest of a wave.

Nusa Lembongan is a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in the Badung Strait. It is situated 12 miles south east of Bali, the perfect holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine un-spoilt beaches. It is one hour travelling time by boat from Benoa Harbour. This pear shaped island is around 4km long and 2km wide. It is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef and the waters are renowned for their abundance of life and great surf breaks. The reef has been declared a marine park by the Indonesian authorities. Not only does the reef support its own Eco- system, but it supports most of the villagers on the island as well. Other sources of income include traditional wooden boat building, farming peanuts, sweet potato crops, and fishing.


Village life is very slow and enchanting. Very few cars and motorbikes are seen on the roads. The people are steeped in tradition, and one could imagine Bali being like this island thirty years ago. The unspoilt and relaxed atmosphere of the island has been maintained and is the islands greatest asset. It's still a basic place, but interesting, and there are some lovely places to stay. Although the island is small there are still things to do.

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The Mount Rinjani Trek

The Rinjani Trek Ecotouring Program is creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods and helping to protect one of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural environments.

Map of Lombok Island

Spanning the Gunung Rinjani National Park (Mt. Rinjani National Park), which lies within the major transition zone (Wallaceae) where the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia makes a dramatic transition into that which is typical of Australasia, the community based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru. The park has a rich variety of plants and animals, although they can be hard to spot due to the terrain and rainforest cover.

At 3726m it is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, part of the infamous ring of fire that encircles the basin of the Pacific. Within the crater is the spectacular Segara Anak lake and the still – active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363m).

Segara Anak Lake within the crater

For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and the abode of Gods. Within the spectacular crater, the Segara Anak Lake is destination of many pilgrims who place offerings in nearby hot spring.

Over 38 villages surround Mt. Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain, but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east. The challenging three-day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang is just sensational. Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.

Rinjani trekking routes

Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Program is one of the world’s leading examples of how tourism can really benefit the communities and environments on which it depends. The Program offers opportunities to guides, porters, handicraft makers, trail maintainers and many others, while at the same time making sure that locals and visitors are fully aware of the value of their environment.

Established in 1982, John’s Adventures is run by a very friendly chap called John Maray, chairman of the Senaru Trek Organizer Association, and the first person ever to take trekkers up Rinjani mountain. So, you really won’t find yourself a better guide. John can arrange 1-4 day trekking trips, even for families with young children. Most of the guides and trekkers are member of John’s family, who, having lived in Senaru Village all of their lives, know this trek like the back of their hands. John insists on using only the highest quality trekking equipment and prides himself on providing personalized, professional and friendly service.

Read about Mountain Sickness

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LOMBOK GILI ISLANDS

In the Indian Ocean between Bali and Lombok there are three small islands called The Gili Islands. From the east, there is the possibility to see the sunrise over Mount Rinjani (3726m), Lombok. From the beaches in the west, you can enjoy the sunset over Mount Agung (3142m), Bali. The three islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan are becoming one of the most popular destinations. The name "Gili Islands" is rather redundant as gili simply means "small island" in Sasak, but the name has stuck and is universally used and understood in Lombok. All the three islands feature superb, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs, brilliantly colored fishes and the best snorkeling and diving spots.

There are no cars or motorcycles allowed on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Transportation is provided by small, quaint horse carts and bicycles.

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LOMBOK POPULAR PLACES

Popular Places and Sights:

Most visitors settle in the west coast beach resort of Senggigi, or on one of the three Gili islands. A number of tour operators offer one-day tours of the island.

Senggigi
Senggigi, north of Bangsal, belongs to the most scenic and most popular beaches an the island of Lombok with good accommodation facilities. Coral gardens grow in the sea just off shore. It is the most developed area for tourists in Lombok. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.

The Gili Islands
All three islands, Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, offer white sand beaches and clear water for snorkeling, diving or to the simple pleasures of sun. (read more..)

Kuta Beach Lombok

Kuta Beach
Also known as Putri Nyale Beach, Kuta on the south coast of central Lombok is one of the most scenic and unspoilt beaches in this part of Indonesia. From Kuta to Tanjung Aan five km away, it is an unbroken stretch of clean white sand on the Indian Ocean. It is safe for bathing and swimming. Further to the west are the surfers and windsurfers beaches. Each year, on the 1 9th day of the tenth month of the Sasak lunar calendar when the Nyale fish come to the sea's surface, Kuta Beach is the site of great festivities. The small solitary village that guards access to the magnificent 100 m stretch of deserted Golden beach. It's a nice beach to enjoy the sunrise. The fine sand of Kuta Beach is a nice occasion for a relaxing walk in the evening as well.

Tanjung Aan - Kuta Beach - Lombok

Tanjung Aan
It is situated just 5 km from Kuta Beach. It is the most beautiful part of Kuta Beach, white sand beaches with a hilly bays views gives a glamour impression. You can get there by Cidomo (horsecar), motorbike, Ojek (motorbiketaxi) or by free hotel-transport. The fine white sandy beach is an amazing place to relax body and soul. On the western part of the bay the delicious and refreshing milk of young coconuts is offered. The bay of Tanjung Aan is a proper spot for beginners with surfing.

Mawun Beach - Lombok

Mawun Beach
A gorgeous view over the bay of Kuta-Lombok. Good place to learn to surf, since you are protected on both sides by land. Following the road leads you to the bay of Mawun with its white sandy beach surrounded by palm trees and crystal water. Here the fresh milk of young coconuts is also offered.

Sunset at Batu Bolong Beach - Lombok

Batubolong Beach
Located 9 km from downtown Mataram, this beach has a huge rock with a hole in it. A Hindu temple lies on top facing the Lombok Strait and across is the contour of ma jestic Mount Agung of Bali. after sunbathing, relaxing and frolicking on this beautiful beachfront, try to stay till the end of the day to watch one of the most stunning sunsets you have ever seen when the sun slowly begins to disappear behind Mount Agung with incredibly flaming colors. Sunsets seen from here can be very impressive.
The first of the two small mountains which are passed from Ampenan, named Batu Layar, contains the dedicated grave of one of the islamic saints (wali) which spread the islam on Lombok. The local population prays near a shrine close to the road. It's possible to walk from the summit of the second mountan to the Balinese temple along the beach of Batu Bolong.

Mayura Water Palace
Onto the Mayura Water Palace, an apparently floating platform in the middle of a vast man made lake. Built by the Balinese occupiers in a similar era to the temples, the palace is quite nice despite losing some of it's ancient charm and serenity to the encroaching suburban sprawl. The palace was built in the centre of Cakranegara in 1744 to serve Balinese court. The full moon of the fourth month of the Balinese calendar, is the date of Mayura's most important ceremony.

Pura Meru
The largest Balinese temple in Lombok is just across the main road from Mayura. Built in 1720 under the orders of Anak Agung Made Karang of Singosari. The complex is made up of three courtyards and hold more than thirty shrines. The temple is the site of one of Lombok's biggest Balinese rituals.

Mount Rinjani
A 3,726 meter high active volcano, is one of the tallest mountains of Indonesia. At the floor of the volcano's huge caldera is the sickle shaped crater lake Segara Anakan, surrounded by steep walls. The mountain is popular with hikers. Sembalun Bumbung and Sembalun Lawang are two traditional Sasak villages on the slopes of Rinjani (read more..)

Gunung Pengsong
About 6 km south of Mataram, offers some of the best views in Lombok in a clear day. Mt. Rinjani in the early morning, Bali's Mt. Agung during the late afternoon, and a panoramic overview of the rice field all day long. An important harvest ceremony is held around March or April.

Mount Tambora-Sumbawa
Not active at present, the 2,820 meters tall volcano Tambora is notorious for its savage eruption on April 5 -July 15, 1815. Falling debris, hot gases and lava streams killed more than 12,000 people. Some 44,000 more perished of hunger in the aftermath of the explosion. The top, now a big caldera has two colored lakes. From the rim of the crater, the view on the rest the island, the sea, Mt. Rinjani, and the island of Lombok in the distance is breathtaking. The mountain occupies almost the entire Sanggar peninsula.

East Lombok
Just beyond Kopang on the trans-island highway, you cross into East Lombok district. North of Sikur are number of villages where traditional craft are practiced. In Kotaraja blacksmiths using traditional techniques forge a number of farming implements. Nearby Loyok village specializes in bamboo and palm leaf handcrafts. Tetebatu village, a couple of kilometers north of Kotaraja. There is "Monkey Forest" nearby, the 50-meter high waterfall Jeruk Manis or Air Temer is 12 kilometers away. On the trans-island highway east of Sikur lies Masbagik where a producer-controlled pottery center has been established with the help of the New Zealand goverment. Further east, at Lenek village there is an excellent music and dance ensemble which performance at local events. North of Aikmel at Pasugulan is the point of departure for a 16 kilometer, 4-5 hours hike to Sembalun Bumbung through beautiful mountain scenery.

Narmada
Taman Narmada, 11 kilometers east of Mataram, was built in 1727 by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem as both a pleasure garden and place to worship Shiva. Its big pool is said to represent Segara Anakan, the crater lake on the volcano Rinjani where they used to make offerings by throwing valuables into the water. As the became too old to make the pilgrimage up the 3,726 meter high mountain, he had Narmada made to represent the mountains and the lake. Near the pond is A place of worship and a spring whose water is believed to give dedicated pilgrims eternal youth.

Sukarara Village
Sukarara is one of such village in Lombok for traditional Sasak weaving cloths with on hand looms in pattern, colouring, descended from mother to daughter for many generations. This is an interesting place to visit to get an insight in the art of traditional weaving. Lombok is known for it's unique variation of ikat, the light patterned "songket" textile.

Rambitan
It is one of most typical Sasak where the living houses (Bali Balak) and the rice storages (Lumbung) are still costructed with woods, and bamboos, and traditional thatch roof. This is a traditional Sasak village where we can see Sasak houses and women who still wear the traditional dresses.
The villages of Rambitan and Sade are situated about nineteen kilometers South of Praya, in Central Lombok. Despite catering to many visitors, these traditional thatched architectural designs of the dwellings with their soaring roofs. In their beautiful settings, surrounded by hush rice fields, these villages also offer visitors the opportunity of trying their hand at weaving gedogan using simple looms.

Banyumulek Villages (Pottery Village)
Villagers at a Banyumulek pottery village, baking their terracotas with husk. One of the many pottery villages in Lombok where clay pots for everyday use, simple in design and primitive in style are produced.

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LOMBOK ISLAND OF TREASURES

An unspoiled sensuous island. Lombok is known for its endless, deserted white beaches. It is the perfect place to collect your thoughts, to refocus on life and simultaneously discover fine handmade earthenware and handwoven pieces of cloth, they are not only unique and handsome but also useful. Lombok also prides its Mount Rinjani (3,726m) that offers hot springs and a crater lake. An excursion to a traditional Sasak village deepens your appreciation for wood, bamboo and thatched material. Houses and rice barns are all made of there materials. Mataram is the capital of the province. The royal temples and gardens in Mataram city which show evidence of a link with the Kingdom of Karangasem of East Bali will intrigue your curiosity for ancient history. And the two most inviting beaches are at Senggigi and Kuta. And it is at Senggigi where most hotels stand, offering comfort you deserve.

Map of Lombok Island

Unspoiled and wonderfully pure, Lombok island is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, separated from Bali by the Lombok Strait and from Sumbawa by the Alas Strait. The island is inhabited mainly by Sasaks. Lombok has much in common with nearby Bali, but less well-known and less-visited by foreigners. It has been working to increase its visibility to tourists in recent years, promoting itself as an "unspoiled Bali".

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