Indonesia, Lombok island: in search of “white beaches. Lombok island in Indonesia Kuta Lombok island Indonesia medical care

In the northern part of Lombok rises the huge Gunung Rinjani volcano, the second largest in Indonesia. Most of the people live here on the fertile plain at the foot of the mountain range. The south of the island is hilly and arid, covered with low, hard vegetation, and its eroded valleys are reminiscent of some of Australia's landscapes.

Having studied the plants and animals of Indonesia, the naturalist of the XIX century. Alfred Wallace divided it into two parts: the western one, which belongs to Southeast Asia, and the eastern one, which is geographically adjacent to Australia and Oceania. He drew the dividing line just across the Lombok Strait, showing that Bali and Lombok belong to different geographic zones. Although this division is not indisputable, its basis - the "Wallace line" - is still recognized.

For many years, Lombok served as a home for the Sasaks, who once came here from Asia through Java and Bali. It is known that they were animists - they animated everything that surrounded them. When Islam entered the island (partly from Bali), a part of the population accepted it, but in its own version, Vektu Telu, which retained a significant influence of animism. Now the majority of the inhabitants of the island are Muslims to one degree or another. As you travel around Lombok, you will notice many exotic mosques, with domes and quirky arcades, as well as a considerable number of young women in tailored headscarves and dresses.

The first attempts to intervene in Bali began in the 18th century. After a while, most of Lombok was ruled from the Balinese Karangasem. Later, the Bali province of Lombok became independent and even tried to subjugate Karangasem. The animist-Hindu beliefs of the Balinese and the animist-Muslim religion of the Sasakians were not always in conflict, and there were many similarities between them. The majority of Balinese people now live in the west of Lombok and influence the development of local trade and tourism.

At the end of the XIX century. the Dutch, taking advantage of the differences between the Balinese and the Sasaks, joined the latter and then established complete control over them. After World War II, at the end of the Japanese occupation of Lombok, the Dutch returned to the island for a short time, but as soon as Indonesia declared independence, they left it again.

People

Lombok, named after the local variety of chili peppers, is also called "the island of a thousand mosques." Indeed, the Hindus, who came here in the 16th century from the Balinese Karangsem, settled only on the west coast and number only 100 thousand people. The overwhelming majority of the population - over two million - are Sasaks, professing Islam. They are divided into two groups: vetu tulu (Wetu Tulu)- almost pagans living in the mountains and observing only some Islamic and Hindu rituals, and vetulima (Wetu Lima)- true Orthodox Sunnis.

They all speak Sasak and Bahasa, and many understand Balinese and Sumbawi. English is spoken only in the most popular resorts.

Where to go in Lombok

In Lombok, you will first of all be conquered by the unhurried, relaxing pace of life, clean beaches and natural, unspoiled beauty. Visitors to the island pay tribute to the tranquil country roads, where water buffaloes roam with their calves, hens and chickens run, and the ocean blue, dotted with sails, suddenly opens up. Most tourists stay in hotels near Senggigi Beach or on the few remote Gili Islands, but southern Lombok also has good beaches suitable for snorkelling.

There are several noteworthy temples, palaces and others historical sites, but its rich culture is not conspicuous, not on display. The coexistence of Sasakian and Balinese-Hindu traditions means that there are always some ceremonies taking place here, you can get information about them at your hotel.

Some villages specialize in certain crafts: weaving, weaving, pottery, or woodcarving. For a glimpse of village life, it's best to rent a car or motorbike and take a day trip through the charming countryside. It is worth knowing the opening hours of the markets; in many towns and villages they open once or twice a week in the morning. Roads outside the city limits are free, and pony-drawn carriages still prevail among vehicles. (chidomo).

Ampenan, Mataram and Chakranegara

The planes land at Selaparanga Airport, located on the northern border of Lombok's capital, Mataram. Slow ferries from Bali dock at the port of Lembar, 10 km to the south.

Not so long ago, the old port of Ampenan, administrative center Mataram and the Chakranegara shopping area were completely separate from each other. Now it is an urban conglomerate, home to a quarter of a million people. They are united by a long, wide street that ends at Sveta, the city's central transport hub.

The port area of Ampenan is already being destroyed and hardly used, the narrow streets of the old city are much more lively. Most of the population are descendants of Arab traders, they can be seen in well-kept mosques, where they gather for prayer, accompanied by the shouts of the muezzins.

South of the center, in Jalan-Banjar-Tilar-Negar, is the Nusa Tenggar Barat Museum (Tue-Sun 7.00-14.00, entrance fee)... There you can get to know the island's culture and nature.

A number of government offices are located in Mataram, the capital of Nusa Tenggara Barat province; the tree-lined streets are full of wealthy houses. On the way to the temple, located at the top of Gunung-Peng-song, 6 km to the south, you will be greeted by flocks of monkeys waiting for handouts.

Lombok's commercial center Chakranegara, or simply Chakra, grew up around the palace of the Balinese rajas. Of all the royal buildings, only the Mayura water palace has survived to this day, in which there were previously halls for receptions and court sessions. The palace stands in the middle of the lake; you can approach it along a paved road guarded by cannons. Here in 1894 the Balinese won a short-term victory over the Dutch troops. A few weeks after this triumph, everything changed and the Dutch continued to conquer the island.

On the opposite side of the street stands Pura Meru, the largest temple in Lombok, built in 1720. Its three mera shrines are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. A huge wooden drum in the outer courtyard announces the start of the festivities and ceremonies to the Hindu community. In the east, the transport hub of Sveta is crowded with buses (bemo) and carts drawn by ponies (chidomo)... The largest market in Lombok is also noisy here.

Near the capital

The hillside gardens and lake at Narmada, 10 km east of Chakranegara, were laid out in the 19th century. by order of one of the kings: they were supposed to remind him of the Gunung Rinjani volcano and the lake located in its crater (due to his old age, he could no longer visit them)... With the addition of another rectangular pool, the similarities were no longer so obvious.

In Lingsar, in the north of Narmada, stands the ecumenical temple of Pura Lingsar, designed to unite people of different religions. Its topside is for Hindus. There are large old sacred eels in the basin of the Vektu Telu temple, which must be fed with sacrificial boiled eggs, which the merchants will sell you at the gate. In another building lies a stone brought from Gunung Rinjani, wrapped in white cloth and tied with a yellow sash. He is said to represent the spirits of the genus. Chinese Taoists take a mirror with them to ward off evil spirits.

The Suranadi Gardens, east of Lingsar, also offer eggs for the inhabitants of the pond at the Temple of the Sacred Eels. You can also take a dip in the pool, fed by natural springs, and stay for lunch at the old, Dutch-built Hotel Suranadi.

Senggigi Beach and Gili Islands

Following the coastline north of Ampenan, visit the Pura Setara Water Temple near a vibrant, colorful Chinese cemetery. Villagers gather next to him to pull fishing boats ashore and sort the catch. Right in front of Senggigi, on a cliff, stands the vaulted Pura Batu Bolong. An ancient Hindu shrine juts out into the sea, providing a wonderful platform from which to enjoy the sunset over the Lombok Strait.

The first place to stop is near Senggigi Beach, north of Batubolong. Sometimes the beach slopes down steeply, and there may be rocks or a coral reef just below the surface of the water, so it is better to walk along it in rubber shoes, rather than barefoot. The road north of Senggigi runs along one of the most enchanting coasts of the Indonesian archipelago. Sometimes she climbs to the tops of cliffs, and then rushes down to the water itself. Tiny villages hide among the palm trees, and bright spots of sails glimpse the ocean distance.

Sometimes tours from Senggigi and transport from Mataram are directed not to the coast, but inland, along the windswept Pusuk Pass road. There are two roads in Pemenang, one of them, a country road, leads to the small port of Bangsala, from where you can go to the three Gili Islands in the distance (the word gili means "island")... The nearest of them, Gili Air, lies about 3 km away, then Gili Meno follows, and then Gili Trawangan - it is not only the farthest, but also the largest of them, although its length is only 2.5 km.

White sand beaches and coral reefs have made Gili extremely popular with divers, tourists and those looking for fun. The quietest of the islands is Gili Meno; here you can relax in the many beachside cafes and bamboo bungalows without worrying about the noise of cars, motorcycles and dogs barking. But Gili Trawangan is famous for noisy parties, and in general there is more entertainment, including diving centers.

Boats plying from Bangsal to the islands usually only leave when full of passengers (usually one boat can accommodate 15-20 people)... You don't have to wait long in July and August, but out of season it is better to pay for empty seats or hire a round-trip carrier (for a fairly low flat fee)... Buy tickets from the main building, not from the salespeople or home-made stalls, where you can easily run into scammers. Some large hotels on the Gili Islands provide speed boat transfers.

Mountain hikes

Gunung Rinjani with a height of 3726 m is revered by both the Sasaks and the Balinese, who make pilgrimages to the lake and hot springs in its crater. Many mountain tourism enthusiasts come to this area every year; they start their route from one of the villages at the foot of the volcano, south of Bayan (we advise you to hike during the dry season, from June to November).

A narrow road quickly rises from the center of Bayan to Batu Kok, leads to the nearby village of Senaru and ends there. There are guest houses along the road, some of which are adjoined by a restaurant or cafe (warung) and from the restaurant overlooking the valley you can see the glare of Sendang-Gile waterfall. In Rinjani, you can hire a guide - both for one day and for a longer ascent. The main target of tourists is the awe-inspiring crater with beautiful lake in the shape of a crescent. To reach it, you will need a whole day of tiring trekking. The crater is 600 m deep, and the descent down its steep, slippery slope will take several more hours. Plan for the expedition to last three or even four days, especially if you want to climb the summit of Rinjani. Those without that much time or energy can indulge in a half-hour walk through the valley and lunch at Senara, next to the magnificent Sendang and Tin Kelep Waterfalls.

South and East Lombok

When you exit the road through Lombok and head east of Narmada, you will encounter a cluster of handicraft villages. Loyok, for example, is famous throughout Indonesia for baskets and bamboo mats. In nearby Rungkang, pitch-black pots of all sizes are made and then braided with thin, flexible rattan.

On the southern slope of Gunung Rinjani is Tetebatu, favorite place recreation of local residents, with an old hotel and a couple of apartments overlooking the green valleys. Here you can walk to the forest waterfall accompanied by black monkeys chatting, squealing and jumping from branch to branch.

Labuhan Lombok, on the east coast, is a local "backwater"; it's hot and stuffy here, the impression is smoothed out only by picturesque pile houses. Freight and passenger ferries depart from Kayangan Terminal, 3 km from the village, bound for Sumbawa Island.

In Sukarar, south of Mataram, almost every home has an antique loom for the production of magnificent songket fabrics, in which gold and silver threads are mixed with cotton threads. A little further south is Penujak, where world famous ceramics are made for export.

Beleka, located to the east of the trading town of Praia, specializes in intricate weaving: it takes the craftswomen about a week to make just one large table mat. Further south, near Kuta, lies the Rambitan, a traditional Sasak settlement, with bamboo-covered houses and tall barns for storing rice. Tourists and souvenir sellers are always crowded there. Sade is similar to him, but not so big. Note the bamboo-roofed mosques in both villages.

To the south, dry, low-scrub hills will slowly lead you through the semi-desert before discovering one of Indonesia's most delightful coasts. Kuta Beach with its white coral sand is one of the most convenient places for surfing, however, unlike its Balinese namesake, it is mostly empty. You can live here in modest cottages; some of them have restaurants.

At the sandy beach of Mandalika there is a hotel-resort "Novotel Coralia Resort", stylized as a traditional Sasak village. This is the most best hotel in District. At the request of guests, drivers can take them to one of the most beautiful secluded beaches nearby.

It is worth visiting the Sunday morning market in the village of Kuta: it is very crowded and interesting. Once a year, in February or March, for a few days after the second full moon, people gather on the beach near Novotel to hold the Bau Nyala festival. The festival has a very ancient origin and takes place on the night when millions of sea worms crawl out of the water to mate.

Drive in Lombok

In Senggigi they get settled organized tours through the few cultural attractions of Lombok and the villages of artisans. Some of them include a visit to one of the Gili Islands for snorkeling or diving. Bemos ply from city to city, but rarely leave the densely populated central lowlands. They can be rented for a price that roughly corresponds to the cost of a standard vehicle per day. On the ubiquitous chidomo (pony with a wagon similar to a Balinese dokar) convenient to make small trips. Taxis outside Senggigi must be booked in advance. You can rent a car in Senggigi and Mataram. You can also rent bicycles, they are good for traveling in the mountains during the dry season (June to October).

Accommodation

Most visitors to this island stop in and around Senggigi. A number of hotels are located in Kuta Beach and on the south coast. On the Gili Islands there are comfortable middle-class hotels, Losmen, as well as luxury villas and hotels, the number of which is increasing.

In villages where there are no official places to spend the night, but if you want to stay here, you must introduce yourself to the elder: he will place you with one of the local families.

Kitchen

Lombok cuisine is no different from its Balinese neighbor. Except for one thing: this is a Muslim island and finding pork on the menu of restaurants outside the resorts is problematic. Alcohol is ubiquitous in tourist areas, mainly in the form of Bintang beer.

Crafts

The handicraft art in Lombok aims to produce household items that have natural beauty and functionality. Look at fine wickerwork, be it mats, boxes, plates, pouches, or today's popular rice barn designs. Carved out of wood and painted boxes for storing spices, tobacco, jewelry are also very attractive. Simple red clay products are made in Penujak, and black pots braided with intricate patterns are made in Rungkang.

How to get there

Selaparang International Airport ("Selaparang") in Mataram, two ferry crossings - that's all the poor set of Lombok's connections with the "mainland", usually meaning neighboring Bali.

Actually, air traffic with other countries is limited only by Singaporean Silk Air flights with its inhuman 300 SGD one way and 490SGD round trip from Singapore (approximately $ 190 and 300)- and this is a couple of months before the flight. A week before the required date, the price tag skyrockets, and it is more logical to use the flights of Air Asia and local airlines with a transfer in Denpasar. The Bali capital is just around the corner - 15 minutes in the air by a / c "Merpati" (2-3 flights per day, $ 60)... Those wishing to save money are offered flights on the Fokker of the a / c Trigana for $ 30 - an unforgettable experience in the style of a "chronicle of a dive bomber"!

Also, if you wish, you can directly fly to Surabaya and Yogyakarta on the planes of a / c "Citilink". Tickets are sold at airport ticket offices and travel agencies. Arriving guests of the island are transported to cities and resorts by taxi. You should ignore the intrusive bombing, go out through the parking lot onto the road and catch blue taxis with a meter - the trip to Mataram will cost Rp 6,000 - 7,000 (3 km south).

The main western gate of Lombok is at Lembar (Lembar), where ferries from the Bali Padangbai dock every hour and a half. The ticket is inexpensive - 15,000 Rp, but for vehicle you will have to pay extra, from 40,000 Rp for a motorbike to 225,000 Rp for a car. Passengers of buses, regular and charter, do not need to pay anything extra. Ferry tickets are sold at the box office, cunning port scammers claim that the box office is closed, but you shouldn't believe them. The port is also home to the huge Pelni ferries from other islands in Indonesia. Because of their lethally slow speed, they are rarely used by tourists. You can get from Lembar to Mataram by motorbike along a beautiful road for 25,000 Rp or by taxi.

Those who wish to continue their journey east to the islands of Nusa Tenggara (Sumbawa - Komodo - Flores) use the eastern port of Kayangan (Kayangan) in Labuan Lombok (Labuhan Lombok) where ferries depart every hour to Sumbawa (Rp 9,000, extra transport charge)... It is connected to Mataram by a good road and numerous buses departing from the city bus station "Bertais" ("Bertais") (2 hours).

In general, the bus service, starting from the trans-island Jakarta - Sapa (Sape) (Sumbawa Island) and ending with the daily tourist charters of the Regatta company to all Balinese resorts - the cheapest and most popular means of communication with the outside world. The easiest way to get there is from Denpasar (6 - 7 hours, 90,000 Rp) and Sumbawy Besar (Sumbawa Besar) (6 hours, 65,000 Rp)... A trip from Jakarta will turn out to be an extreme 32 hours in a smoky Rp 300,000 bus - very cheap, but incredibly fun.

Useful information

The tourist office is located at Mataram, Lombok. Jalan Langka, 70, tel .: 0370-631-730. Useful maps and brochures, which, however, are not always available.

We also recommend the company "Bidy Tour" in Lombok (tel .: 0370-632-127; www.bidytour-lombok.com)... Another reliable travel agency - "Perama Tours" (tel .: 0370-693-007 in Lombok, 0361-751-551 in Bali; www.peramatour.com) offers a variety of excursions, as well as transfers in Lombok and Indonesia.

This small island is located in the Malay Archipelago, although according to documents it belongs to Indonesia. If you open the map, then Lombok is located between two islands - Sumbawa and Bali. The well-known island of Bali is located from the western part, and Sumbawa from the eastern. In terms of territory, Lombok will be smaller than Bali. He also has an administrative center - Mataram. The number of inhabitants is 3 million.

Lombok is one of the Indonesian islands, which is simply full of amazing and unforgettable nature. It is less popular than Bali, but its beauty is in no way inferior to the Balinese land, on the contrary, it is superior. Tourists who want not only to sunbathe on the beach, but also to see with their own eyes the landscapes that we meet exclusively in the pictures, should definitely visit the island of Lambok. We will tell you not only how to get from Bali through the Strait to Lombok, and what you can do there, so that this trip becomes one of the most memorable.

What is so amazing about the island of Lombok

Lombok is a completely different world, which is separated from Bali by a couple of hundred kilometers and a strait. There is a different nature, customs, architecture and even a different religion. When will you find yourself in this paradise, you will immediately feel the difference. This is a wild, unique nature. You will be completely free from mass influx of tourists, city bustle, noisy establishments. It has a completely different atmosphere with small, green, Indonesian-style villages. The local color is different from the Balinese.

Even the nature is different here. There are no familiar ones on the island rice terraces, the emphasis is more on the pristine flora and fauna. Incredible views of wild beaches with white, black and pink sand, rocky cliffs, green coves, rocky cliffs and green jungle untouched by the human hand. And monkeys are everywhere, it seems that you are their guest. Bali was like that 15 years ago, until it became a center of tourism.

The main disadvantage of Lombok is its undeveloped infrastructure, namely the lack of Internet cafes, high-class restaurants, villas, exchange offices and supermarkets. For most tourists, such conditions are considered impossible for a comfortable stay.

Despite the detachment of the island from the noisy life of resort places, there are many cultural and natural attractions. Therefore, we can honestly say that not only one day, but even several days, will not be enough for you to experience all the beauty of Lombok. Well, if you decide to rent a bike or vehicle, it will be much more convenient and faster. In addition, you can visit at least every corner and get acquainted with the beautiful landscapes, namely wild beaches with azure coastal water, desert roads with exotic plants, deep green jungle with tropical animals and much more.

But, like any other resort, Lombok is also known for its special sights and merits, which tourists primarily want to taste upon arrival. So let's get to know them.

Ridjani volcano

One of the most visited places in Lombok is climbing the Ridjani volcano. Today it is not only the most high volcano in Indonesia, but also the only one that is considered valid. Its height is 3726 meters. Indescribable beauty. Ridzhani consists of three peaks, although its slopes smoothly merge into each other. The main merit of the volcano is its large caldera with a lake. For this alone, tourists climb the very mountain - a volcanic lake.

The volcano itself is very huge, so climbing it can take a couple of days, and beginners may have to spend even more time. But the picture fully justifies all the efforts, fatigue and strength. Such excursions are organized quite often, and in no case do not go without an accompanying person, as it is very easy to get lost. Such an excursion costs a lot, about $ 100.

The Ridjani volcano last erupted in 2009. That is why many tourists are afraid and prefer other options for active rest on the island of Lombok.

Waterfalls

There are two famous waterfall(Air Terjun), they are called Sindang Gila and Tiu Kelep. They are located on the territory of the national park, by the way, like the volcano itself. It is not difficult to get to them both from the volcano and from the center of the island. And in fact, and in another case, choose the course to the village of Senaru. When the long climb begins, you pass it and immediately see hotels, shops, travel agencies. There is paid parking on the right side. It is small, so not everyone notices it. You will have to pay 5,000 rupees for parking. Then the attack of local guides begins, who charge about 20-30 dollars. Of course, you can use their services, or you can easily get there yourself.

So, if you decide to walk to the waterfalls on your own, you need to cross from the parking lot to the other side and go down no more than 10 meters. You go down the steep slope again and at the end you will see the ticket office. This is the entrance to the waterfalls. The entrance fee is 10,000 rupees. When you buy your ticket, head down the track from the ticket office. You walk along it for about 15 minutes and go out to the first waterfall in Lombok. It's pretty simple. The view on him is unreal. Most tourists come here for beautiful photographs.

Now we are heading to the second waterfall, which is more popular on the island. To do this, you need to climb up from the walking path, when you see a gazebo with a tiled roof, there will be another path. It is mostly covered with cobblestones, so it is very difficult not to notice it. There is no need to turn off, you will have to walk for about 20 minutes. On the way, you will already hear the loud sounds of a spilling waterfall. Many tourists even swim here, although the water is very cold. But if we take into account the heat of 40 degrees, then such water will give vigor and freshness.

If you have a phone, camera or other equipment in your hands, then it is better to hide them, or cover them with a film to protect them from getting wet, since the splashes are very strong and reach far.

Lombok beaches

The most popular beaches are located in the southern part of the island. The south of Lombok, as well as in Bali, is called Kuta. Getting to one of the beaches is easy, you need to keep moving along the main road until you see the appropriate signs. Here is the main coastline where you can swim, sunbathe and relax in local establishments, which are located right on the beach. Considering that the largest number of tourists comes here, the administration has worried about the development of infrastructure in Kuta. So, here you can stop at the following beaches:

Novotel Beach. Located 3 km from Kuta. This coast belongs to an upscale hotel, therefore it is equipped with everything you need, and is also regularly cleaned;
Tanjung A'an. You will have to drive about 7 km from Kuta to this beach. It is the farthest, but tourists call it the most beautiful;
Seger Beach. This beach is located slightly east of Kuta, not far from Novotel Beach. But surfers mostly practice here, as strong currents and big waves do not allow to enjoy. warm water... Although some just stop by on the way to enjoy the unique landscape from the hill.

Surfing

Bali is globally known as a resort with the best beaches for surfing. Lombok is not far behind in this. Many athletes come here solely for this purpose. The most popular surf beach in Lombok is Mawi. It is located on the south coast of the island, next to Kuta. There are waves here that even professionals are delighted with. But if you are a beginner, then this will be a good school for you, but it is better to do this together with an instructor, especially since locals willingly provide such services.

There is a huge selection of spots, and you can choose the level that suits you. Some of them are attractive in the rainy season, and some in the dry season. As for the boards, the assortment is more focused on professionals. If you don't find what you need, then the most popular boards are presented in the shop, which is located in the fishing village of Gerupuk, near the beach.

Gili islands

Another attraction that many have heard of are the Gili Islands. These are the western small Sunda Islands related to Indonesia. They are located near Lombok. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are enough hotels, restaurants, as well as all kinds of entertainment. Nature is also distinguished by its beauty and uniqueness. Tourists are especially distinguished by small houses that stand right on the water.

This includes three, smaller islands:

Trawangan;
Meno;

Trawangan is the largest island and is considered the most popular among tourists. It is more suitable for young people, as large-scale discos or other events are constantly held here. Tourists from all over the world come here who are fond of diving or snorkeling. Meno Island differs from Trawangan for its calmness and silence. Entertainment can be observed only on the territory of the hotel. In general, the infrastructure is practically undeveloped. But the island of Meno surprises with its wild and spacious beaches.

Eyre Island is the smallest, however, it has better infrastructure than Meno. Here you will find everything you need, and you can also have a great time on the beach. On the Gili Islands except the good ones sandy beaches there are a lot of ancient sights, especially temples and palaces, which are already several hundred years old.

How to get from Bali to Lombok

Now it remains to deal with the most important thing - how to get from the island of Bali to Lombok? Today, this can be done in several convenient ways, but each of them has its own pros and cons.

By plane

Until recently, it was possible to get to Lombok by air flights only from Bali. And all because there was no international airport on the island. After in 2011 in the city of Praia was erected new airport, now the island can receive and international flights... That is, now not only Balinese, but also other guests from Indonesia and other countries can quickly get here. Such a service will cost you from 30 to 50 dollars, and the whole journey will take only 30 minutes. Of course, the pleasure is not cheap, but you find yourself quickly and comfortably in Lombok. As in any other airport, you can get to the center by taxi or by bus. A taxi will cost 5 times more, and the boarding itself is carried out only after the ticket office has been paid at the airport.

Despite the fact that about 8 planes from Bali land at the airport per day, it is quite problematic to buy tickets, so it is better to order them in advance and either at the airport itself or from travel agencies, and not via the Internet.

On a ferryboat

A cheaper way, and therefore popular, is to travel from island to island by ferry. The fare is 10 times less than an air flight. But the price in no way justifies the 5-hour journey, and if the weather is unfavorable or stormy, the flights are canceled altogether. That is, you can arrive there, but you cannot get back on time. The ferry operates around the clock and runs every hour.

The ferry departs from Padang Bai pier in Bali and arrives in Lombok to Lembar. From there, you can get to the center of the island either by bus or by taxi. Mostly tourists use a route taxi (Bemo). They will take you to your destination for a small fee. Alternatively, you can rent a bike ($ 10) or a car (up to $ 70). This method of travel is more suitable for a company.

Thus, Lombok is an amazing place that delights with its pristine beauty. The nature here is completely different from Bali, so it is worth spending a few days to see everything famous places and long beaches with black and pink sand. Of course, for those who love parties and noisy establishments, it may seem boring here. Unless the animators of the hotel in Lombok offer interesting proposals.

General weather

Temperatures here, like in Bali, are high all year round - between 26 ° C and 29 ° C. However, it is cooler in the mountains. Average temperatures in the central mountains of the island are from 18 ° C to 24 ° C. In general, in Bali and Lombok, the weather is about the same, although Lombok is drier, and there is less rainfall than in Bali.

Rain season

The hot rainy season lasts from October to March, and sometimes the showers are quite long and strong. In wet season rains are almost daily, and most of all rains are from December to February. In December and January, sudden and short thunderstorms occur in the afternoons, although it can sometimes rain for several days, flooding roads and causing the island's rivers to overflow. But more often than not, the rain will not bother you too much. After all, the rest of the day (except for this rainy hour) the sun is shining, and you can even manage to get burned. Not that the humidity was unbearable. For example, swimsuits will have time to dry on the balcony overnight, but T-shirts will only dry in the sun during the day. So, just in case, we stock up on swimsuits and light clothes. Read completely

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What to buy?

It is safe to say that, unlike Bali, Lombok has a richer assortment of handicrafts and souvenirs. No, Bali is also littered with all sorts of trinkets, but the point is that in Lombok markets they sell gizmos brought from craft villages, which, as a rule, specialize in one kind of skill: wicker baskets, textiles, clay products... If you are not lazy at all, go to one of these villages (Masbagik, Banyumulek or Penujak) and see with your own eyes how all these wonders are handcrafted using ancient technologies.

Solitude and Lombok are practically synonymous words. The tourist infrastructure is most developed in the western part of Senggigi Island. There tourists will be able to do idleness and shopping with full dedication. The island is famous for its pottery, silk and fabrics with gold and silver thread, handcrafted by local craftsmen.

Excellent surfing can be found on the other side of the island, in the resort of Kuta (not to be confused with the resort of the same name in Bali).

Search for flights to Denpasar (closest airport to Lombok)

Code of Conduct and Safety

If you are planning to visit some remote rural areas on your own, it is prudent to take care of finding a local guide. Often, residents of such places do not know not only English, but also Indonesian, so it will be possible to communicate with them only in Sasak.

In addition, here and there in Lombok there are rather strict customs. If you are planning to visit the countryside, religious sites, or government offices, it is best to wear something more modest. Women on the road would not hurt to have a pareo with you - you can put it on if you decide to leave the beach for a short time in one swimsuit, besides, it perfectly protects from the sun and wind.

Be careful with local alcohol. On the island, things are not particularly favorable with him, so if it seems to you that you are feeling worse, it is better to see a doctor just in case (however, in case of mild discomfort the next morning, you probably don't have to go to the hospital).

Be sure to bring insect repellent with you. It is unlikely that you will be bitten by anopheles mosquitoes if you rest at one of the popular resorts, but it is still rather sad to scratch until the very end of the trip due to one small mistake.

And, what shakes local traditions - in Lombok it is customary to take off your shoes when entering someone's house (and even to the reception rooms of some companies) and it is not customary to give your left hand or pass something with your left hand to someone with whom you are not too close. Failure to comply with these two rules is considered very rude here.

Holidays on the island of Lombok

Shopping: shops

Pottery, silk and woven gold and silver thread, handcrafted by local craftsmen, are the main souvenirs from Lombok.

Beaches

The best beaches on the island are in the Senjiji area: they are wide, clean and with blessedly few roasting and steaming. A distinctive feature of the Lombok coastline is the beaches with grains of sand the size of a pea of black pepper in a gray-beige color. A handful of such sand is another important souvenir that is taken away from Lombok.

Kitchen

Lombok is Indonesian for chili, but the local cuisine is generally not as spicy as one might think.

One of the most popular dishes on the island is called ayam taliwang. Locals can't agree on which recipe should be considered authentic, but in the most common variation, the dish is chicken in a rather spicy tomato sauce with many spices. Its taste can be mild or quite pungent, so be sure to check when you order.

One of the things to watch out for when in Lombok is the local traditional massage.

The main food of the inhabitants of the island and an obligatory item on the menu of any cafe is rice with various additives. In terms of the amount of rice consumed, the islanders are hardly inferior to the Japanese, and the additives are quite diverse. In addition to vegetables (this is an obligatory part of the program), nuts, fish, chicken, meat or tofu can be added to the rice, and as a seasoning you will probably be offered sambal sauce, which is based on ground red pepper.

Prices in restaurants and cafes in Lombok are highly dependent on their location. Lunch at a restaurant in one of the popular resorts will be quite expensive, and the dishes offered there will be adapted to European cuisine. In other places, you can find many small restaurants called warung, which are more focused on locals. If you are interested in traditional cuisine, they are exactly what you need.

Alcoholic drinks can be bought almost everywhere, but since most of the population of Lombok is Muslim, in some areas (in particular, in Praia) there is a ban on the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants. In addition, alcohol is subject to huge taxes throughout Indonesia - it may well turn out that a bottle of wine is the most expensive item in your order.

Popular hotels in Lombok

Lombok entertainment and attractions

Here are held interesting excursions to Rinjani volcano, Sendang-Gila waterfall and Danau-Segara-Anae lake. In the sea, there are three coral islands of Gili (Gili): Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, with white beaches, bays with clear water and coral reefs. The nearest one can be reached in 15 minutes by ferry, making it ideal for picnics, diving and snorkelling. In addition, the island has several villages-museums of the Lombok aborigines - Sasaks.

One of the things to watch out for when in Lombok is the local traditional massage. To do this, you don't even need to go anywhere, you can get a massage right on the beach, under the relaxing sound of the waves. In addition to being extremely enjoyable, this massage is believed to have an excellent therapeutic effect. It is still one of the main methods of treating many diseases among Sasak healers and is very popular among all segments of the island's population.

Fishing is another traditional entertainment on the island. There are many places where you can rent a boat with all the equipment you need and go fishing in the sea for a day or more. It's relaxing, but be careful not to go too far to watch the weather forecast.

And if you are looking for a more active holiday, there are excellent bike excursions on the island, where you can stretch your muscles after lying on the beach while listening to the guide's stories about local attractions.

Lombok - known as a virgin island ideal for travel and relaxation, where you will find white sandy, quiet beaches, mountains, unspoiled villages, tropical vegetation and rich culture in Indonesia. On the island, the rhythm of life is slow, it is here that you will hear the sound of silence in the mountains, you will feel peace and tranquility.

Lombok is often compared to its famous neighbor, Bali. It is often described as "Bali before the tourists arrived." Lombok can be recommended for honeymooners. Here, such a type of hotel as a boutique hotel and villas, which have a separate exit to the beach, to the pool, and their own servants, are very common. In general, the level of hotels is very high, quite comparable to Bali, and the prices are somewhat lower. The island does not have as many monuments and other attractions as in Bali. People come here mainly to enjoy nature.

The main difference and advantage of Lombok is that there are much fewer tourists there than in Bali. Nature lovers will be delighted with the scenery of the southern coast of the island and the beauty of Mount Rinjani. In the central part of Lombok Island, Mount Rinjani is visible from everywhere, it is a volcanic cone 3800 m high with a crater lake in the middle. In the same part of Lombok Island, there is the 17-meter Otakokok Waterfall, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. In the evening you can admire a stunning view - the sunset between two famous volcanoes - Balinese Agung and Rinjani.

How to get there

Get to about. Lombok from Bali is possible on a comfortable catamaran ferry in just 2.5 hours, and there are daily flights from Bali, Jakarta and Singapore. The flight from Bali to Lombok will take only 30 minutes.

Population

Most of the local population (2.5 million people) - Sasaki professes Islam with elements of Hinduism and the local animalistic cult of the Vetu Telu (wetu telu). Balinese (about 100 thousand people) inhabit the areas adjacent to the western coast of the island.

Location

O. Lombok is a small island located near Bali and the island of Sumbawa.

Lombok is located 8 ° (375 km) south of the equator, so the length of the day and night is about the same here all year round. Rise is about 6.20. sunset at 18.30. Between about. Lombok and about. Bali passes the border of the ecosystems of equatorial Asia and Australia - the Wallace Line. To the east of it live representatives of the Australian animal world: birds of paradise, a thrush with an orange rim. To the west, Asian, including monkeys and tigers (they met on Bali until the 1930s).

The three main cities of Lombok - Ampenan, Mataram and Chakranegara - are located side by side, within a six-kilometer strip stretching from the western coast of the island to the east.

Mataram

The city with wide green streets and parks is built up with buildings in the traditional Saka and Art Deco style, shops of Arab and Chinese merchants. It is located on the west coast of Fr. Lombok.

The metropolis Mataram, formed as a result of the merger of five settlements - Ampenan, Mataram proper, Cakranc-gara, Sweta and Bertais, stretched for 10 km from west to east along the street one-way traffic. Traffic in the opposite direction follows a parallel (1 block south) street. In Ampenane, the former main port of the island, several interesting old houses have survived. City government buildings, most hotels, shops and restaurants are concentrated in Mataram, the administrative center of the West Nusa Tenggara region (Lombok and Sumbawa islands) and Chakranegara, and in Sveta and Bertais, through which the main transport interchanges pass, there are the main bus stations.

In the XVII century. the feudal lords of Bali, Makassar and Bima (Sumbawa Island) fought for Lombok. In 1838, Matarama, the Raja of one of the four principalities created on the island by the Balinese, became the sole ruler of the island. In July 1894, a Dutch expedition landed in Lombok. After overcoming fierce resistance, on September 29 the Dutch took Mataram by storm. and on November 8 - Chakranegaru. Until the mid-1990s. the island remained far from historical events and was little affected by the tourism industry. It was then hit hard by the 1997 Asian crisis and the ensuing sectarian clashes.

On January 17, 2000, a group of aggressive Islamists gathered in Amperon to celebrate the Day of Muslim Solidarity. For the next three days Catholic Church, the adjoining hospital and several discos were burned to the ground. During the dispersal of the crowd, several Muslims were killed and wounded by the police, but not a single tourist or local Christian was injured. Now the Mataram administration is making great efforts to return foreign tourists frightened by the pogrom to the island and is trying to ensure their safety.

In Mataram you can visit Mayura Water Palace(Mayura). Palace (1744) built as part of royal palace Balinese Karangasem dynasty. In 1894 the Balinese demolished the wall water palace and killed the Dutch who defended him. Now only a lake is left of the palace ensemble, surrounded by a park with fountains, statues, altars and cannons.

Pura-Meru temple opposite the Mayura Palace. It is the largest temple in Lombok with 33 sanctuaries and three tiered pagodas dedicated to the Hindu triad: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. It was built in 1720 under Anak Agung Karang. Admission is free, but the priests immediately pounce on visitors as if they were dear guests, lead to a giant banyan tree, make a belt out of a piece of plain cloth, ask to sign the book of honored guests, and after that it is impossible to do without a donation for the maintenance of the temple. Only then can you go through the gates to the territory of the second and third courtyards. True, there is not much to see there - the outside of the temple is decorated much brighter than the inside. A very picturesque weaving workshop is located in a small alley adjacent to the temple wall. There you can see the conditions under which local proletarians work.

Negeri-Nusa-Tengara-Barat Museum. The exposition dedicated to the geology, history and culture of Lombok and Sumbawa contains fabrics and ceramics, copper and wood products, archaeological finds, including 1239 manuscripts written on palm leaves.

Narmada water palace. The palace (1727) is built on a hill south of the main road and is surrounded by three pools. They depict the volcano Rinjani (Gunung Rinjani): the central pool represents Lake Segara Anak, the small pools symbolize the thermal springs near the lake, and the top of the mountain is the Kalasa temple dedicated to Shiva. In the lower pools, locals bathe and do their laundry. The water in the upper pool provides eternal life. During the full moon of the fifth Balinese lunar month (usually December), a pujavali ritual takes place here.

Near the village of Lingsar there is a huge temple complex Puri-Lingsar... The complex was built as a sign of the establishment of friendship between the Balinese and Sasaks (the indigenous inhabitants of Lombok). In this strange temple, sacred rituals can be performed by both Muslims, fans of the Balinese form of Hinduism, and followers of the local animalistic cult. Every year, before the start of the rainy season, the Perang Topat ceremony (Sasaksk. Perang Topat - War Topat) is held here for a week. Muslims and Hindus give thanks for the last season's rains and pray for more rain, and then they start throwing ketupat (ketupat - rice wrapped in coconut leaves) at each other. Hard-boiled eggs are sold at the gates of the temple complex. It is believed that if you feed them to eels living in a sacred pond, your wish will certainly come true. To the east of the Lingsar Temple is the Puri Suranadi Temple (donation entry), one of the most revered temples in Lombok.

Pura Batu Bolong Temple rises on a stone ledge with a wonderful view of the ocean. It is said that the most beautiful virgins of Lombok were once sacrificed to the sea from this rock. A small but surprisingly romantic temple, built in the Balinese-Hindu style, is oriented towards the sacred Mount Agung.

Kuta

At the southern end of the island. Lombok stretches the Kuta beach. Pure white sand, rugged coastline high waves Surf lovers are attracted here, and unusual stone formations - nature lovers. The main settlement of the resort is the village of Kuta, built up with wooden fishing houses.

The deserted Mavun beach lies 8 km west of the village of Kuta. and 8 km to the east - the sandy Tanjung-Aan bay with calm turquoise water.

Mount Rinjani. Dormant volcano- the second highest peak in Indonesia is located in the center of the northern coast of about. Lombok. The cruciform caldera has a small but active Baru volcano(a strong eruption was in 1925, and the last in 1994) and a crater lake Segara-Anak, and at the foot - thermal springs. Balinese Hindus venerate the active volcano as a holy place. Every year they make a pilgrimage to the top of the lake surrounded by steep walls. Local Muslims believe that on the ninth day after death, the souls of the dead come here. Live goldfish and gold jewelry are sacrificed to them.

You can climb to the top of the volcano from almost any side of it, but the most popular trail starts from the village of Sembalun-Bumbung at the spurs of the northern slope. The ascent takes at least three days. This can be done independently or as part of an organized group under the guidance of experienced instructors (from 55 thousand Rp / day) and with porters (from 45 thousand Rp / day). Sleeping bag, tent and other camping equipment can be rented in Senaru Village or Sembalun Bumbung.

The best time for climbing - June-August, in the height of the rainy season (November-April) the trail becomes too slippery and dangerous, and the view is obscured by clouds and fog. Since 2000, several cases have been recorded when tourists were attacked by armed bandits, so you should not neglect the precautions.

There are waterfalls near Senaru Air-Terjung-Gila.

Climate

The climate in Lombok is drier and hotter than Bali. Between these nearby islands (2.5 hours by catamaran) lies a deep ocean trench separating Asia and Australinesia. The best time to travel is all year round. The rainy season on different islands does not coincide. The average annual temperature is between 26 ° C and 28 ° C. This is where the transition from western to eastern Indonesia, its flora and fauna begins, changes become more noticeable the further you move east. The northern part of the island is hilly and covered with greenery of tall trees and bushes. South - barren, arid land, savannah. Dry seasons here are getting longer and longer, so corn and sago are replacing rice as the main ingredient in most dishes. Lombok is known as a virgin island ideal for travel and relaxation, where you will find white sandy, quiet beaches, mountains, unspoiled villages, tropical vegetation and rich culture in Indonesia. The island has its own unique charm, it is not for nothing that they say "You can see Bali on the island of Lombok, but not vice versa."