LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – When the time comes for a change of scenery away from Lombok’s glorious beach life, the island’s magical waterfalls are always high on the list. For most visitors, the cascading falls of Sendang Gile are the main attraction but savvy locals in the nkow head for some of Lombok’s secret waterfalls hidden deep in the hinterland.
The twin waterfalls of Benang Setokel and Benang Kelambu are two such hidden gems yet are not as difficult to get to as one would imagine. Situated in the far southern foothills of Mount Rinjani near the village of Aik Berik, it takes about an hour’s drive to reach from Mataram.
It’s an appealing scenic drive from the city through villages backed by undulating rice fields. Before reaching Benang Kelambu you will encounter its twin sister Benang Setokel waterfall which cascades down into a crystal clear pool of water from about 20 metres high. The shallow pool is very clear an ice cold – the perfect respite on a hot tropical day. A large clearing surrounded by a mossy rock face is very photogenic and a great spot to enjoy a picnic.
It is an easy walk from the main road to here while the Benang Kelambu waterfall is a futher 30 minutes on foot along a forested path surrounded by banana trees, coffee, jackfruit, and a multitude of other exotic plants. There is usually lots of unseen activity in the undergrowth, with chirping birds and a colony of long tail monkeys scampering around.
Once you reach Benang Kelambu it becomes immediately apparent the extra walking was worthwhile. It is an Instagram worthy moment watching the sheets of fresh, cool water jetting out of a steep rock face of vibrant green. It has a mesmerising quality as you gaze up and see the water cascade through the thick undergrowth that completely covers the hillside.
In all, the waters drop down three levels from a heigh of about 40 metres and it’s a very peaceful experience. While most waterfalls of a smiliar height are a thunderous, noisy experience crashing against rocks, the waters of Benang Kelambu are much quieter, passing through a thick wall of tropical flora.
The water here is also incredibly clear and unsurprisingly is thought to be a cure-all for all manner of ailments. The water is thought to be sourced directly from Rinjani’s volcanic Segara Anak lake. There are a handful of food stalls located near the entrance to both waterfalls and it has become a busy weekend haunt for local families.
LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – Lombok’s time is here and now, having finally stepped out of Bali’s shadow, showcasing to the world its unique mix of adventure, pristine natural scenery and captivating art and culture. A new airport, international yacht marina and improved reads have made travel to and within Lombok much easier, but it is its untamed natural beauty and traditional charm that captivates.
It is an adventure-seeker’s paradise, home to world-class scuba diving, surfing and mountain climbing yet travellers looking for a cosmopolitan beach lifestyle and luxury creature comforts will not be short of options. Experience the best of Lombok with these recomended highlights and hidden gems:
Senggigi and The West Coast
Senggigi, just a short drive from the island capital Mataram is Lombok’s premier beach resort, extending along a series of sweeping bays. The main beach strip is fringed by a wide expanse of sand framed nightly by spectacular ocean sunsets.
It is a fairly spread out beach town that rarely feels overcrowded yet there is a board variety of places to stay, eat and socialse. There is a vibrant expat community here with lots of opportunity for sports and leisure, business networking and searching out those hard to find omported goods.
Senggigi Beach Resort (c) guidelombok.com
Senggigi is the beast place to arrange days out and guided trips to other parts of Lombok. The beach road then winds it way north to upmarket Mangsit, dotted with hip boutique hotels and villas among some of west Lombok’s most captivating scenery.
In all, the Senggigi area stretches for almost 10km along the west coast, and away from the main tourist centre, comprise numerous palm fringed beaches dotted with colourful fishing boats.
A trio of tiny tropical island off the northwest coast, known simple as “the Gilis” are the go-to place for laid-back island life and the simple pleaseures of sun, sea and superb scuba diving.
Each of these three islands has its own distinctive atmosphere; the smallest is Gili Meno, a peaceful tropical island haven with few distractions other thatn deserted white sand beaches and a couple of chilled out beach bars.
Gili Destinations (c) scootcruise.com
Legendary “party island” Gili Trawangan is largest and most cosmopolitan of the Gili Islands with no shortage of swanky boutique villas, diverse dining and plenty of action after dark. Gili Air, located closest to the Lombok mainland, sits somewhere in the middle of these two extremes and has the most authentic local atmosphere.
The enduring appeal of the Gili Islands is the refreshing absence of any motorised transport making for a pleasant alternative to Bali’s congested beach resorts.
Scuba diving is still the main draw and it is one of Asia’s top spots to learn the basics and get qualified. For landlubbers, there are few better places to get horizontal on a tropical beach and soak up the unique island vibe.
Kuta and South Lombok
Like its namesake in Bali, Kuta Lombok is synonymous with worl-class waves but thankfully without the hassle of 24/7 traffic and infuriating beach hawkers. In fact, Lombok’s south coast surf breaks are more than a match for the best in Bali, and savvy surfers are heading here to enjoy miles of uncrowded, adrenaline-fuelled waves.
Kuta Lombok Beach (c) triptrus.com
Kuta, invitingly close to Lombok’s new International airport, is the main tourist hub yet remains a fairly tranquil tropical haven favoured by both surfers and adventurous families. It makes for a great base for exploring the rugged souhthern coastline dotted with numerous breathtaking beaches. Scenic highlights include up-and-comping Tanjung A’an, Gerupuk and isolated Ekas Bay.
The Southwest
Lombok’s ruggedly beautiful southwest peninsular is largely unexplored by visitors but is now getting serious recognition with the discovery of superb offshore scuba diving and miles of deserted beaches.
The main gateway is Sekotong Bay, located just south of Lombok’s main ferry port Lembar and is the jumping off point for Lombok’s “Secret Gilis“. These small offshore islands feature pristine coral reefs and idyllic tropical beaches for a real castaway experience.
Gili Kedis, Sekotong West Lombok (c) canfly advertising
Heading south, the coastal road winds its way past tiny fishing communities and secluded bays all the way to the tip of the peninsular where the legendary surf breaks of Bangko-Bangko (Desert Point) are found-rated among the best in the world.
Mount Rinjani
For an alternative to surf, scuba and sandy beaches, a trek up the immense Rinjani volcano is hard to beat. At over 3.700 meters, this is Indonesia’s second highest volcano and makes for challenging 3-4 day trek but the views are definitely worth all the effort.
Mt Rinjani Lombok (c) cometolombok.com
The mountain dominates much of north Lombok and the caldera alone covers a mind-boggling 50 square kilometres. Most climbers only go as far as the crater rim which offers vertigo-inducing views down into the volcanic lake but the extra effort to get to the summit will be rewarded with views as far as Java and eastwards across to the island of Sumbawa.
If this all sounds too arduous for comfort, the mountain’s foothills offer a wealth of leisurely hiking opportunities. Head to Senaru village for easy-going walks through remote weaving villages and dense jungle to uncover a succession of scenic waterfalls.
Source : My Lombok Mag, 26
Featured Image by : www.maxtrotour.comEditor : Jackysan
LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – To reach the Gili islands there area three options. The fast boat is the fastest, easiest but also the most expensive way. Several companies operate from various ports in Bali and offer a free transfer from your hotel to the boarding point, depending on your location. Journey times vary from 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours depending on weather conditions.
Fast boat, the fastest way, slow boat, local experience!
You can also go to the pier on your own and buy your ticket directly. Below you will find details of schedules and departures. For more information and online booking, visit gilibookings.com or see our recomendation in recomendation page.
If you have a limited budget, you can choose the ferry option. The crossing takes five hours from Padang Bai in Bali. If you want to get to the Gili islands in the evening, take a boat in the morning, from 08:00am. Once at Lembar port Lombok, find a means of transport to get to Bangsal port, then take a public boat after buying a ticket at the office. Allow 10-30 minutes to cross depending on your destination.
The last option is by air. Take a flight via the international airport in Lombok Praya, go to Bangsal (about 3 hours) and take the public boat.
WALKING – JOGGING
Make the most of your holiday and get active! It’s easy to get around the islands by walking or running. Give yourself 1-2 hours depending on your pace and run in the morning or the evening. Alternatively, get around by bike or Cidomo!
SURFING – WATER SPORTS
You will find a surf spot on the south of each island, with sometimes extremely beautiful waves. You can rent your equipment easily and consult page 29 for tide times. You can also go Kitesurfing and rent stand up paddle boards.
HORSE RIDING
There is an equestrian centre on Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. Indulge yourself with a sunset ride that you’re guaranteed to remember!
FREEDIVE
You could try out this increasingly popular sport. It requires a great understanding of your body, and the ability to listen to your senses and know your limits.
ISLAND HOPPING
Discover another island by taking a boat from the ports of each island
FISHING TRIP
Share a magical moment with the locals! Learn the technuques of fishing and if you’re lucky, the fish will be waiting for you.
SHOPPING
A typically feminine pursuit, shopping is one of many activites, you will find beautiful shops on Gili Trawangan, and there are coconut-shell handicrafts, multitudes of beaded bracelets and sarongs on the other islands!
RELAXING
Listen to your body and take some time out. Whether in the shade of a coconut tree, kicking back in a hammock or during an extended sunbathing session, relax!
COOKING
You like the Indonesian cuisine and want to take home some recipes to share your know-how with dinner guests?. Take courses in Gili T, recently a “cooking class” opened its doors!
MAIS AUSSI
Other activities available on the islands : the football field, volleyball, tenis, a gym and a sports hall for badminton. But also, join the locals for a game of chess or takraw (like volleyball but played with feet, heads and a plaited rattan ball)
Source : Gililife Magazine, August 2013
Featured Image by : bluemarlindive.com
Editor : Jackysan
LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – Every traveler’s dream a perfect tropical paradise holiday, but usually what is depicted on a brochure, poster or any other kind of promotional media is not what you get. Don’t get it wrong; you do end up getting tanned on a nice beach, but the whole packages is far from the meaning of “paradise”, the moment you turn back from the exotic beach you’ll need up in something pretty much you seen everyday crowd, traffic, al the hustle and bustle the very same thing you’ve been trying to escape by taking a holiday trip.
There is one place that truly worthy for the title of “Tropical paradise” and it can be found in Lombok. But no the overcrowded-popular Gilis, which had become the mini version of Kuta, Bali. With all the villas, spas, cafes or nightclubs.
Gili Kondo (c) www.facebook.com/om.Duta
It is their less popular brothers on the eastern shore of Lombok, The Gili Kondo and co, East Lombok. With Gili Kondo as the biggest and other two smaller island : Gili Bidara and Petagan. They are located on the eastern shore of Lombok island, about three hours trip from Senggigi or Mataram. You will need to take a boat from the Labuan Lombok habor to reach this little paradise; it took about 45 minutes of crossing. The other two is also nice to visit but most of activities and facilities can be found in Gili Kondo.
Gili Kondo Underwater (c) agushoe.wordpress.com
Beautiful clean white sand stretch around this 20-acres (8 hectare) island a perfect matrass for your dream sunbath, turquoise blue water with breathtaking underwater views with colorful coral reefs and beautiful underwater marine life can be seen even from the surface, magnificent scenery surrounding it. Face west and you will be served with a majestic view of the rooftop of Lombok, Mount Rinjani, face east and view the dazzling scenery of Sumbawa Island and on top of all it’s absolutely away from all the hustle and bustle. A bright blue sky and warm sun will add as a cherry on the top to this perfect tropical paradise.
Gili Kondo Beach (c) inindonesiaku.comAnother view of Gili Kondo (c) Zulfikar Aleksandri
Facilities on this island also keep as natural as possible; no permanent building is built here. Several exotic bamboo cottages can be rented if you are intend to sped a night or two, with nice clean water and meals also served at the restaurant. It may be just a small island in the middle of the ocean but this is land is greener the main land, shady trees planted by all over the island.
Another interesting thing to see is barrier island that can be found near Gili Kondo. This tiny sand island will make you realize how its feel being cast away also a very nice place to take some memorable pictures.
Gili Kapal, East Lombok (c) Nandy/Adhy Nata Facebook
Gili Kondo was once a deserted island, only used by the local fisherman to make stop to repair the boats before continuing their trip. But then by the late 1970s Perama Tour a travel company, with their Komodo Trip Program which starts from Lombok island began to make Gili Kondo as a part of the trip program and together with the local people and the regency administration start to develop the island.
With the concept of sustainable tourism, programs such as preventing the illegal coral bombing, tree planting, and coral reforestation which is done by the visitors, all to ensure that Gili Kondo becoming the true Tropical Paradise.
Writer : Dewi Supartini Source : The Journey Magazine, April 2014 Editor : Jackysan
Senggigi is a bustling town on the West cost of Lombok littered with luxury hotels, restaurants, shops of all kinds, and a craft market. About ten kilometers on either side of the city there are beautiful beaches lined with coconut palms.
Mataram City
Mataram, the capital of Lombok has several sectors : Ampenan, the pear, Mataram, the administrative center, Cakra, the business center and Bertais-Sweta where the bus station is located. From the Gilis, take the monkey forest road and visit the Mall for a shopping session!
Banyumulek Pottery
The Sasak artisans of Lombok produce pottery for centuries and pass on their traditions from one generation to another. Visit one of the most important centers in Banyumulek where you will observe the manufacturing process and find a wide range of objects.
Sekotong – Gili Gede
Gili Gede is a tropical jewel. The lack of traffic and untouched nature are two of the main features of this island! The clear waters and abundant marine life guarantee fantastic snorkeling experience steps from your bungalow.
Sekotong – Desert Point
Said to be “the best left in the world”, Desert Point is an oasis for experienced surfers. Break is located near the village of Bangko-Bangko and produces powerful rollers that can be surfed up to 300m. The best season is from May to September.
Sekotong – Gili Nanggu
This small island without inhabitants (just a resort) is ideal for a snorkeling trip or to spend a few days in total relax, Gili Nanggu is a fantastic getaway that offers a peaceful setting, close contact with nature and with ouerselves!
NORTH LOMBOK
Bayan – Masjid Kuno
Built in the 16th century, the Bayan Mosque is the oldest mosque in Lombok. It has woven bamboo walls and is built on stone foundation. It is located around 80 km from Mataram and is part of a very interesting and meaningful religious site.
Trekking – Rinjani
Mount Rinjani soars to 3726m above sea level (2nd highest volcano in Indonesia). The ascent does not require highly technical skills but rather determination! Start from Senaru, North Lombok, a site also known for its magnificient waterfalls: Sendang Gila and Tiu Kelep Falls.
From the Village of Senaru it takes 20 minutes walk to access the waterfalls. You can cross the valley and go down the 315 steps following the irrigation canals. Powerful waterfall, locals say that it must go behind to rejuvenate a year.
SOUTH & EAST LOMBOK
Gerupuk Bay
Gerupuk is a small fishermen’s village known for its peaceful life and surfing spots. If you love to surf or are looking for a while empty beach just for you, Gerupuk Bay is the perfect destinations!
Kuta Beach
Kuta is a small town famous for its surfing “beach break” and “reef break”. You can rent boards in several places and take lessons. Its beach is a beautiful and wide sandy cove surrounded by small hills.
Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak is a beautiful bay strewn with small shops. The main attraction is surfing but however, swimming remains possible. The waves are perfect for beginners. You will easily find somewhere to rent a board for a few hours.
Mawun Beach
Don’t miss Mawun beach under any circumstances! Located 20 minutes west of Kuta Lombok by scooter, the read there is beautiful and safe. You’ll travel alongside rice paddies and small traditional vilalges with typical “sasak” houses.
Tanjung Aan Beach
The Tanjung Aan bay is huge with pristine, fine, white sand on one side, and on the other, a golden sandy beach with large grains. A central rock sperates the two different beaches and you can climb it to admire the magnificent view!
Ekas Bay
Renown for its world -class surf- breaks and strong wind that blows all year round, this peninsula is the paradise for surfers and kite-surfers. Ekas also offers white beaches with pristine water on sandy bottoms.
LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – North Lombok Regency is bounded by the Java Sea to the north, Central Lombok Regency and West Lombok to the south, East Lombok Regency to the east and the Lombok Strait to the west. Central to the region is Mount Rinjani which at 3,726 metres (12,224 ft) is the third highest mountain and the second largest volcano in the country and is an active volcano. The oldest recorded historical eruption was in 1847 and last eruption was in May 2010
As it is dominated by the majesty of Mount Rinjani and the surrounding mountains, the north of the island offers stunning landsacapes and long curves of deserted beaches, jungle and rainforest, with towering plantations of mahogany, teak and other native trees provide opportunities for trekking and ecotourism.
North Lombok is a failry new regency and was offically established on Juli 21, 2008. The regency has 5 districts, including the Gili Islands, 33 villages and 332 hamlets, with a total population of around 246.283 people.
North Lombok is reached by two main roads, both in good conditionan providing different scenic routes. The coastal that runs from Ampenan all the way up west coast to the north provides stunning views of the many beautiful bays and beaches that line the west coast, as well as vistas over the Gili Islands and Bali to the west.
The Pusuk Pass, a winding mountain road that start at Gunungsari and runs through the mountains inland, terminate in Pemenang in the north. The drive upon the pass provides wonderful views of valleys and gorges, with rivers running through the tropical forest and small villages and dotted amongs the trees. Families of grey monkeys live in the jungle and come down to the road to beg for food from passing motorists.
Source : North Lombok Guide BookFeatured Image by : www.lombokutarakab.go.idEditor : Jackysan
