Traveling to Lombok

Lombok Island

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Tue, 9 Feb 2010 05:45:00 -0800

Lombok (population 2,950,105 in 2005) is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a "tail" to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). The provincial capital and largest city on the island is Mataram.

History

The Dutch first visited Lombok in 1674 and settled the eastern most part of the island, leaving the western half to be ruled by a Hindu dynasty from Bali. The Sasaks chafed under Balinese rule, and a revolt in 1891 ended in 1894 with the annexation of the entire island to the Netherlands East Indies.

Geography and demographics

The Lombok Strait marks the passage of the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan ecozone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia that is known as the Wallace Line, for Alfred Russel Wallace, who first remarked upon the distinction between these two major biomes.
The island's topography is dominated by the centrally-located stratovolcano Mount Rinjani, which rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-highest in Indonesia. The most recent eruption of Rinjani was in May-June, 2009, which was a small oozing eruption of 'Gunung Baru' (New Mountain). The volcano, and its crater lake, 'Segara Anak' (child of the sea), are protected by the Gunung Rinjani National Park established in 1997. The southern part of the island is a fertile plain where corn, rice, coffee, tobacco, and cotton are grown.
The island's inhabitants are 85% Sasak whose origins are thought to have migrated from Java in the first millennium BC. Other residents include 10-15% Balinese, with the small remainder being Chinese, Arab, Javanese, and Sumbawanese. Since the Sasak population typically practice Islam, the landscape is punctuated with mosques and minarets. Islamic traditions and holidays influence the Island's daily activities.

Economy and politics

Proximity to Bali is Lombok’s blessing, and its curse. While only 25 miles separate the two islands, they are in fact worlds apart. "Indeed, overzealous tourism officials notwithstanding, Lombok is not “an unspoiled Bali,” or “Bali’s sister island.” Lombok is not Bali at all, and that is precisely its charm." Lombok has retained a more natural, uncrowded and undeveloped environment, which attract travelers who come to enjoy its relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore the island's unspoiled but spectacular natural beauty.
The most-developed center of tourism is Senggigi, spread in a 30-kilometer strip along the coastal road north of Mataram, while backpackers congregate in the Gili Islands off the west coast. Other popular tourist destinations include Kuta (distinctly different from Kuta, Bali) where surfing is considered some of the best in the world by leading surfing magazines. The Kuta area is also famous for its beautiful, untouched beaches.

While the area may be considered economically depressed by First World standards, the island is fertile, has sufficient rainfall in most areas for agriculture, and possesses a variety of climate zones. Consequently, food in abundant quantity and variety is available inexpensively at local farmer's markets, though locals still suffer from famine due to drought and subsistence farming. A family of 4 can eat rice, vegetables, and fruit for as little as US$0.50. Even though a family's income may be as small as US$1.00 per day from fishing or farming, many families are able to live a happy and productive life on such astonishingly small incomes.

Tourism

Following the fall of Suharto regime in 1998, Indonesia experienced a period of domestic unrest. At the same time terrorism in Indonesia further aggravated domestic unrest across the archipelago. In early 2000, religious and ethnic violence (ostensibly provoked by Jemaah Islamiyah Islamist agitators) flared up in the Ampenan area of Mataram and the southern area of Senggigi. Many foreign embassies issued Travel Warnings advising of the potential danger of traveling to Indonesia.
This period of unrest dramatically impacted tourism to Lombok. Tourism has been slow to return to Lombok, provoked in part by a worldwide reluctance to travel because of global tensions. Only since 2008, when most countries lifted their Travel Warnings has tourism recovered to the pre-2000 levels.
Both the local government and many residents recognize that tourism and services related to tourism can potentially be a major source of income to the Island. The island's natural beauty and the customary hospitality of its residents make it an obvious tourist destination.
Emaar, Emirati property company planned to build a new town sprawled in 1,200 hectares in Central Lombok. It costs estimated at US$600 million. It will have a 7 km natural waterfront, which will support a marina, apart from luxury residences and five-star resorts by Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton will also have a world class golf course and retail amenities. The homes will employ tropical designs and low-rise architecture in tune with the surroundings. Lombok now appears to be on the verge of a tourist boom. With the commercialization of Bali over the past few years, and with it the accompanying traffic and reduction in open, natural spaces, many tourists are discovering the charm of 'Undiscovered' Lombok. With this new interest comes the development of a number of posh boutique resorts on the island serving quality food and drinks, but just a stones throw away from rural, unspoiled countryside — much as Bali was decades ago.

Source: wikipedia

Banyumulek

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:52:00 -0800

Lombok, the famed island situated in West Nusa Tenggara of Indonesia, is a quaint backpackers paradise. Located in the vicinity of Bali, this tourist hotspot is fast gearing up to become one of the most coveted getaways. An ideal retreat in to the lap of nature, this majestic island is dotted with numerous attractions. It has something in store for everyone, catering to the shopaholics palate as well as the party hopper's. All you gastronomes can sample some delectable delicacies, that are dished out by eateries. Dig into sumptuous Chinese and Indonesian fares that will leave your taste buds asking for more. Besides, you can also sample scrumptious tit bits.

Shopping in Lombok vouches to be a memorable one. Flecked with innumerable shopping joints, you can take your pick from an assortment of wares on display. Gift yourself an entirely new wardrobe or stack your bags with beautiful collector's items, on sale, in the bustling marketplaces of Lombok. Indigenous art and craft are on display and you can lay your hands upon lovely baskets, vibrant weaves and brilliant pottery among a host of others. Lombok's potters have carved out a niche for themselves in the whole world. The true connoisseur makes a beeline for Banyumulek of Lombok, to lay their hands on these splendid handcrafted artifacts. The region located in the western part of Lombok, scores a brownie point with tourists, who troop to its pristine environs all round the year. Cashing in on the tourism boom, the Government is pulling out all stops to woo backpackers to its lovely locales. You can master the craft of pottery by paying visit to Banyumulek, where you can catch glimpses of the potters, immersed in their craft, providing for a perfect photo opportunity. The colorful pots come in variegated shapes and sizes and they are among the most sought after souvenirs of Lombok. These pots are guaranteed to lend a whole new look to your cozy den. So, on your trip to Lombok, a visit to this lovely tourist joint is a must.

So, pack your bags, draw up your itinerary, and make a dash for this amazing destination.

Mataram

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:28:00 -0800

Mataram is the capital of Lombok. The town actually consists of four different towns Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara (Cakra) and Sweta. Ampenan has most of city sights, including Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat museum, which gives a good overview of the culture of Lombok. Cakra is the best place for eating, sleeping and shopping. It also has the Water Palace, which is worth a visit and the largest temple of Lombok, Meru Purse. Mataram is the administrative centre and Sweta the transport connection of the whole island.

As a center of government administration, Mataram has many large, impressive public buildings and substantial houses. The city also has transportation and shopping facilities. The main square is used for art exhibitions, theater, dance, and wayang kulit (puppet theater) performances. In other parts of Mataram, there are a variety of old-style markets and neighborhoods featuring traditional craftwork like basketware and gold- and silver-threaded sarongs, or wraparound garments.

Labuapi Worcarving Village

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:22:00 -0800

There are lots of woodcraft centres in Lombok, but it's apparent that Labuapi village has the biggest productivity. The village itself has approximately 42 units of industry centre and accommodate 350 workers with product capacity of 24.900 pieces annually. There are various items produced here. Wood-masks, seashell decorated boxes, indigenous Lombok statues, wood-plates, and the many kinds of wall decoration of wood etc. The interestsants may include the visit to this village in half-day or full-day sightseeing.

Sekarbela Village

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:20:00 -0800

Sekarbela Village is to Lombok what Celuk and Mas Village are to Bali. It is the centre of silver and goldsmith of Lombok. Nowadays, as this island is getting more popular with its pearl productions, hence the village is better known as the pearl centre. People can easily buy pearl jewelleries in silver or gold bounding; plenty of jewellery-shops line the main roadsides of this village. It is located at some two kilometres from Mataram to the South.

Pura Meru

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:17:00 -0800

Pura Meru is the largest Hindu Temple in Lombok and it is dedicated to the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Wisnu. The Pura symbolises the universe and has three courts. The first one is the hall with 'Bale Kul-Kul' a wooden bell beaten to call the Hindu people from the surrounding areas to ceremony. The second court is provided with two buildings where people may arrange their offerings such as fruits and flowers. The innermost is the centre court where three Merus and thirty-three smaller shrines are available. It is located in Cakranegara, and it was built in 1720.

Rungkang

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:14:00 -0800

This village is one of the handicrafts centres of Lombok. Many kinds of Lombok handicrafts are produced in this village, such as the various items of woodcarvings, boxes of plaited elephant-grass, woods, bamboos and barks of trees. Antique souvenirs also can be found, such as old Lombok keris-daggers, antique weavings of various origins, porcelains etc. Visitors can easily shop and buy those things at the many souvenir-shops and handicrafts-centres of this village. It is located at some two kilometres from Cakranegara to the North.

Tete Batu, Longgali, Timbenuh and Lemor

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:13:00 -0800

These mountain resorts are situated in East Lombok featuring greenery and breathtaking views. Tetebatu provides walking paths through sawah (paddy field) and ladang (dry field) heading to preserved forest where communities of black-monkeys and rare species of birds can be seen. The art performance at Loanggali will impress you throughout the whole set of traditional dances acted by the locals. Timbenuh highland offers a vantage point from which half of Lombok with its panoramic views can be observed, and also the scenic spectacles, which extend across the Alas Strait to Sumbawa Island.
On the way to Lemor you will pass the grave of Rajah Selaparang the King of the first Moslem Kingdom of Lombok and that one of his daughter Princes Dewi Anjani, the Empress of all refined creatures inhabiting Mt. Rinjani, Lemor then awaits your discovery.

Sembalun

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:12:00 -0800

It is an isolated village, situated at more than a hundred kilometres to the north of Mataram, located in the middle high-land, surrounded by mountains, with the towering peak of Rinjani Volcano offering an endless beauty in the background. The village stands still, on its own, complete with its unchanged traditions performed in every aspect of daily life.
To become one of the gateways to climb Mt. Rinjani, this village provides mountain climbers some simple home-stays, porters and tourist information centre.

Surf Lombok Waves

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:11:00 -0800

The most of Lombok south coasts offer the surf-seekers challenging waves of various grades. We have spotted out four surf-points, which are highly recommended for our surf lovers. Within the Lombok Kuta Beach we reserve two points, namely Gerupuk that provides neutral waves, and Aik Guling provided mostly for the left-handed. Several kilometres to the West of Kuta Beach we have found Pengantap desert point that provides various grades of attractions, but it is ideal only during the periods of June, July, August, December and January. Our next attraction is at Ekas Beach that reserves challenging waves and reef-break-point, reachable by boat or by land from Kuta Beach in approximately one and half hour cruise.

Lombok Golf Course

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:09:00 -0800

There are two 18-hole golf courses have been developed in Lombok. Namely Rinjani Golf Country Club, which is located in Peresak Village, near Narmada, 30 minutes drive from Mataram or 45 minutes from Senggigi; and Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club, which is located in Sire Beach, approximately 45 minutes drive from Senggigi or Mataram. Both courses offer international standard services, complete with golf club and restaurants. You can just come and play, compete with your friends for joys and funs, or exercise your skills by challenging the course's obstacles for your future championship.

Tanjung Luar

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:07:00 -0800

Tanjung Luar Village is well known for its quality fresh fish and it supplies the fish consumption of mostly the entire area of Lombok, consequently it is named the largest fishing village on the island. Fishing enthusiasts are recommended to fish here for the best catches. Barracuda, big tuna, stingray, sharks are favourite sea dwellers to be found off the coast. Just at near-by Tanjung Luar, a large traditional salt-farm with piles of crystals, and the farmer's simple kilns for further process, are observable during the drive to the village.

Trace-The-Past (Japanese Memorial Objects)
The island of Lombok is also preserving memorial objects in form of the Second World War ruins. Although most people will not spend most time for a moaning ceremony, but some would trace back what the-left-of-the-past. There are number of places spread-apart secluding the island, at Gili Terawangan, at Bangko-Bangko, at Tanjung Ringgit, at Lembah Sempaga, at Gunung Sari and many others which were hidden along with the history gone-by. Due to the distance, which extend in between each memorial object, at least two or three days tour is required to cover all of the destinations.

Bayan

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:07:00 -0800

Having been made the base for trekking to Segara Anak Lake, Bayan Village is more popular than its neighbouring village, Sembalun. However, within the District Bayan some interesting objects can be found here and are still little known due to less publicity. Mesjid Bayan the 16th century old Moslem Mosque which is protected and preserved as part of the cultural heritage of Sasak people, Sendanggila Waterfall which is said to be connected to the crater lake of Rinjani Volcano, and Senaru Traditional Sasak Village the last village passed before ascending the Rinjani Mountain, all those are featuring unspoilt uniqueness.

Pusuk Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:02:00 -0800

Stretching trees and neat rows on the edge of the road, which follows the contour location is hilly, bring fresh nuances that are so natural that at the peak pusuk, often used by many tourists, travelers, or even passing motorists on the highway pusuk, either to mataram or otherwise to the district of North Lombok, explore some of the many attractions found in the youngest districts in these provinces, for a brief rest natural scent.

"I usually do when crossing the road, always taking the time to enjoy the atmosphere in this pusuk pass, while sipping coffee, taking a break up the energy before continuing the journey," explained Fianto Widawan, one motorist who looked serene resting on the edge of the road. Sitting for a short break in the bale-bale concrete are available, as he sold coffee shop owners who were scattered along the highway pusuk.

Located approximately 20 miles from downtown Mataram, and 831 at an altitude above sea level (from sea level), highways that cut through these hills pusuk always traveled vehicles, because this road is one way of the two existing roads, which connect West Lombok district directly with North Lombok regencies.

When driving a motor vehicle, it will pass pusuk can be done for about 45 minutes from downtown. Along the way, riders will be seduced by the green expanse that stretched on either side of the road to pusuk. It's just that the driver must be very careful when crossing this road, besides the volume of vehicles that pass so many, the road winding and a bit steep, and slippery when wet season arrived, demanding every rider to be more careful in driving.

Pusuk forest which is a conservation forest, production forest and protected forest areas included in the West Rinjani which has an area of 43,550.23 hectares, has 162 species of trees that grow in this area, among others, Sono Keling or Dalbergia latifolia, which has Daoki Duacontomelori mangiferum Latin name, and that many are lined up neatly at the curb, Mahogany or Swettania macrophylla.

It seemed so spoiled eyes during cross this road. The sight of green fields that stretched wide, combined with a panoramic frontier green hills in the distance, presents a scene that was so rare in urban areas obtained today.

Along this road too, there are lots of sweet wine merchants hawking their wares to the 2500 price of a bottle of silver, a traditional drink that feels fresh when enjoyed in the hot weather. Also when winter fruits, such as rambutan or durian season, appeared much or kagetan merchants hawking their seasonal wares along this road until toward pusuk pass.

Pass Pusuk divided into 2 areas, namely area West Lombok and North Lombok. Appear visible to the north pusuk pass, which has become territory of North Lombok, some tourists seemed to be engrossed mingle with the monkeys there is lots of forest on the edge of the road to this northern region.

"This really incredible can fiddle around with wild animals, while enjoy green scenery. (It was incredible to play with wild animals, while enjoying the scenery of green.)" Said Conny Schmidt, a German tourist who met the Koran NEWS (5 / 3), when passing highway. (dix)

Lingsar

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:01:00 -0800

Lingsar Temple is the most unique and holy temple found only on this fertile land of Lombok. It belongs to both the Hindu and the Moslem Waktu Telu. Some may consider this uniqueness is odd, but here it is natural and is regarded as the re-present or symbol of harmony amongst these faithful people.
There are two main praying places, one named Pura Gaduh erected for the Hindus, and Kemalik for the ones following the faith of Moslem Waktu Telu.
An artificial war called 'Perang Ketupat' held once a year somewhere between October to December - may be interpreted in various ways. One might say as thanks giving ceremony, or a ritual to bring rain and good harvest. Ketupat is boiled rice wrapped with palm leaves and is used as the weapons instead of arrows, keris dagger or spear.

Mayura

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0800

It is one part of the Royal Court of the former Balinese Kingdom in Lombok and was built in 1744. It is situated close to Pura Meru in Cakranegara. The house in the middle of a large pond is called 'Bale Kambang' or the Floating House and was both a court of justice and a place of meeting for the Hindu Lords.
At the Bale Kambang some hajj-like-statues were put representing the good co-operation amongst the two larger communities, the Sasak-Moslem and the Hindu-Balinese.
In the attempt to rule Lombok, a Dutch colonial expedition came to Mayura to enforce their authority - General Van Ham the leader was killed here together with all of his men. His grave can still be seen at Karang Jangkong, Cakranegara.

Segenter Village

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:58:00 -0800

Segenter is traditional Village Lombok Sasak tribe, the village is located in the district Bayan is about 45km from the Mataram. People hold beliefs Watu telu. In this primitive village we invite you to surround the village, accompanied by hundreds of small children to follow your reply from the rear.

Suranadi Nature Park

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:58:00 -0800

Suranadi Nature Park (TWA) Suranadi a nature conservation area which serves to natural recreational activities. In addition to ecological benefits as life support and maintain the water, this area has a lot of potential that can be used for nature tourism, tourism education, research and development activities cultivation.
Regions TWA Suranadi have conditions that are relatively intact forest with a relatively flat topography and in the forest area there are many dirt roads and paths. There is also camping ground area is quite spacious. In such conditions, this area is often chosen as the location for outbound both by government agencies or by the company. During the year 2007 recorded the two companies and seven government agencies that use Suranadi TWA as outbound location.

To complement these outbound activities, Balai KSDA currently NTB has developed outbound facilities for children and adolescents in locations Camping Ground, among others Flying Fox Outbond and High Ropes (step Six). Although this outbound facilities recently built, but until March 2008 some schools had to use for outbound activities.

Balai KSDA NTB also has plans for promotion of education tourism packages to schools. Conservation education package to be offered will include an explanation of the woods, the streets know the forests, planting trees and Flying Fox Outbond. In addition to these packages should also be developed tour packages to other education that could include objects such as interpretation of ecosystems of tropical evergreen forests, flora and fauna (symbiosis of plants, medicinal plants, fungi, insects, gray monkeys, butterflies, butterflies, etc.), the spring and followed by the use of facilities on the outbound. (Tri Endang W).
source: Central KSDA NTB

Ampenan

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:18:00 -0800

Ampenan is a district in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
This area was once a center of Lombok. To the west is bordered by the Lombok Strait (sea link with the island of Lombok Bali). Kecamtan have in the old city remains as was formerly the main port of Lombok.

Ampenan an old port city (now moved to the sheet). City Ampenan typical ancient architecture, which when cleaned and cared for, will become the favored tourist destination.

There are many villages that are the embodiment of the various tribes in Indonesia, including Bugis Village, Kampung Melayu, Kampung Java, the Arab village, Kampung Bali, etc., so that the community here is heterogeneous and harmonious

Cakranegara

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:15:00 -0800

Cakranegara. It is a business city, there are agricultural markets, bird markets, and Mayura springs and temples Meru, the largest temple in Lombok. Cakranegara supposedly used to be the former empire, but the former kingdom (site) was unrecognizable. If you want to by-the food, it can buy fried chicken legs, salted eggs and a variety of sweets from seawee

Malimbu Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:12:00 -0800

Beach front land is located in the region Malimbu - Winner of the area, located just in front of the paved highway that connects to the Winners of Senggigi.

Providing a beautiful panorama towards the sea coast with tranquil blue and sunsets with Bali Mount Agung in the background, you can also view towards Mount Agung, Bali and the three Gili (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno) at noon . Suitable for building a private villa, hotel or other accommodation.

Mandalika Beach:Tanjung Aan

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:11:00 -0800

From Kuta, the coastal road goes towards the east to Tanjung Aan, a bay that is a kilometer wide. Big waves break on several rocky islands in the mouth of the bay. The wide sand beach catches the blue-green seawater, where seaweed is grown on bamboo rafts. There is a hotel, which was closed even before it was opened, probably because it was built too close to the water.

After Tanjung Aan, the road continues for a couple of kilometers to Grupuk village, where the recent introduction of seaweed cultures, for agar-agar, has brought in the very needed rupiah. Close to here, it seems to be a very good surfing spot; the Australians name it 'Desert Point'.

Just before Tanjung Aan a 13 km long unpaved road leads to Awang village, located along the shore of a big bay where the settlements are still very traditional. Only a few people take this road. From a hill just before Awang we have a good view over the bay.

Sade: Traditional Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:09:00 -0800

More south, we will arrive old Sade village after we have passed Sengkol the little town. There are many traditional houses and rice sheds here. The building permit doesn't allow the construction of modern houses with red paned roofs here. Small boys, which sometimes speak some English, guide the tourist through the village and explain everything of which they think it's interesting. The government constructed a concrete path through the village in the late 1980's, probably because too many tourists fell here.

Along the path we can now buy ikat-fabrics. The ladies, who are selling, have much experience and will trick us if we don't see through it. The traditional houses have a platform inside which is built one meter above the ground, and is made of a mixture of clay, droppings and straw, which is polished into a shining floor. The roof is made from natural products, the walls are made from bamboo or palm leafs. Sade, a village with just more than 150 farmers families, has a big number of had shaped rice sheds on pillars (lumbung), which have become the symbol of Lombok.

Narmada

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:08:00 -0800

Narmada was a summer palace for the Royal Family of King Anak Agung Ngurah, was built in 1727. It is a good place to spend some time after the hectic life of town, having beautiful gardens and an artificial lake made for ritual purposes.
A sacred spring water called 'Tirta Amerta Padmawangi' or more well-known as 'Water of Eternity', is believed to have the effect of keeping one fresh and young, can be found at the centre of the Palace. A holy temple lies at the top of the area is dedicated to Shiva and is called Pura Kalasa.

Sukarare

noreply@blogger.com (Dangeen) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:06:00 -0800

Sukarara is located in Lombok in the centre of Lombok which is the next island east of Bali and only two islands along from the main island of Java. Lombok has a developing tourism industry that is not yet even close to that of its neighbor of Bali but offers excellent facilities in some areas such as Senggigi but is still largely un-spoilt and traditional with the original beautiful landscapes that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Lombok is not similar to Bali in many ways, the climate is dryer, the culture is different and based around them Muslim religion and the landscape is dryer although equally and if not more beautiful hen the most beautiful spots in Bali. However for the most of Lombok there is very little the way of tourist facilities which is why most people base themselves in Senggigi which has some excellent accommodation including international resorts and incredible restaurants all offered at lower prices then in Bali. The area is incredibly beautiful and there is an amazing coast line running through the area with white sand beaches and gorgeous cliff tops.

From Senggigi and the Mataram area it is only a small drive to reach the centre of this small island where Sukarara can be found. Sukarara is a small village which is very beautiful and has some incredible views of the mountains and volcanoes of the north of Lombok and some traditionally laid out buildings. These thatched buildings are usually lined up in and around the markets which are the pulse and heart of the village. The main focus of the village is in the production of fabrics and cloth used for a variety of applications including clothing, curtains and other decorative things. Every area in Indonesia has its own styles of Batik cloth and in Lombok there are some of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing traditional designs and in Sukarara and most of Lombok the quality of production is excellent. Designs here make excellent use of earthy colors couples with traditional eastern patterns that are indigenous to Lombok as well as the famous and en-capturing design of the Lombok man and woman which has become one of the most memorable symbol of the island.

Most of the women of the village of Sukarara work in the sewing factories and workshops which is the modern way that the traditional business of the area is now conducted. You can witness the production of these amazing materials from the thread to the market stalls where you can take part in the bartering and haggling which is all part of the culture of Lombok and indeed the whole of Indonesia. Whether you are looking for clothing, materials to take home gifts or just some keepsakes, Sukarara is the place to by cloth as well as many other interesting and very different items that make great gifts and scream Lombok culture. There is also a selection of local foods that are very well made in the are and there are a few places to get some western style dishes as well.