West Nusa Tenggara province consists of two large islands; Lombok and Sumbawa which not only present nature, but also historical places such as Batu Bolong Temple and Narmada Park. Situated in the tourist area of Senggigi, Batu Bolong temple was built in the 5th century by a Hindu priest from Java. The historical temple was built on a cliff at the edge of the sea directly overlooking Lombok city and Agung Mount, Bali. Around the temple is the blue sea on one side and the myriad activities of the Hindu people in the vicinity. Along Senggigi Beach, there are many hotels and villas ranging from simple hostels to 5-star luxury.
Not too far from Senggigi, you can find the centre of the area’s nautical tourism, the three famous Gilis: Trawangan, Meno and Air. On Trawangan for example, the island has white sand and there are many activities that you can do to enjoy the sea from diving, snorkeling and banana boating to swimming while watching a colourful hawksbill’s life. Along the east side of Gili Trawangan, there are rows of cafes, bars, restaurants at which to eat or maybe you can search out places that offer tattoo making.
For those who want a relaxing vacation in a private villa, please visit the neighboring islands, namely Gili Meno. On this island are several hotels and villas that provide complete facilities for your holiday. Rooms directly overlook the beach and not far from the room you can snorkel or just swim to your heart’s content.
Lombok is not merely a matter of the beach and neighbouring islands. It has Rinjani Mountain, ready for you to climb. Book a local tour operator to guide you to the peak or, if you are not a typical climber, you still have the option of staying overnight in the local villas around Tete Batu village, Sikur – East Lombok. Some of the villas’ rooms face directly towards Mount Rinjani. Take a trekking tour package to the countryside, waterfalls and rice fields around the slopes of Rinjani. Guaranteed, you will get a Lombok-style holiday in a different way.
Sumbawa Island offers sea attractions no less interesting. You can encounter small islands like Kenawa Island, the location of Tom Hanks’ film ‘Cast Away’. White Sand Island is accessible from Kayangan Port, Lombok with a ferry heading to Pototano, Sumbawa. You can rent a private boat from Pototano to Kenawa Island, and the transit time is approximately 30 minutes. In the low season it could even be your very own private island. Unlike the touristic Gili Trawangan, Kenawa only offers an empty tropical island without hotels and luxury villas.
► Family Fun
Kuta Beach on the southern part of Lombok is the right choice for you and your beloved family. Here, you can stay at the Novotel and other hotels that have children’s playing facilities and a gently sloping beach for children. You can take your kids to make sand castles around the coast. Not only that, take the family to meet the native tribes of Lombok in Sade village. Here, children will learn the local culture while admiring the original architecture of their homes. Kuta Beach, Lombok is about 40 minutes drive from Lombok International Airport. There are plenty of taxis and rental cars around the airport ready to take you there.
► Shop & Dine
The restaurants and bars facing the sea will also spoil you in Gili Trawangan, Senggigi Beach and Kuta, from local dishes to international items you can find chicken Taliwang and Jinggo rice to fast food and Italian food. There is a variety of prices along with pretty good service. Take a seat directly facing to the sea and your vacation in Lombok will be unforgettable. At Trawangan Night Market, which is located just inside the harbor, you will be confused to choose what seafood menu you want to order. Maybe you would like to try the Grouper fish, squid, shrimp, lobster and even crabs. In another corner of Trawangan, tropical-style bars and cafés offer pizza, burgers, pasta and cold drinks. For those who want to relax while watching the sunset in southern Lombok, head to Ashtari Restaurant & Yoga Shala at Raya Kuta Street – Mawun, Kuta Beach. The location is on the hill and directly faces the open sea and the coast line underneath. Come and visit at dusk for the dinner session. Trust me, Lombok will be an unforgettable experience.
For shopping, come to Sade village on Gili Trawangan. In Sade you will be spoiled by the various colors of Tenun Ikat, the typical fabrics of the Sasak tribe, then in Gili Trawangan, there are lots of shops offering a variety of beach shirts, sandals, shoes, hats and perfume. Not only that, handicrafts like bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings are also sold throughout the day and don’t forget to bargain the price before buying. Enjoy the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa!
