Pink Beach or Tangsi Beach got the name from the color of the beach sand. The sand has pink color, making it distinguish than any other beaches. Most beaches usually have white or black color sand. Tangsi is one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Lombok.



Apart from its pink color sand, the beach has attractive panorama that make everyone want to stay longer in the beach when they visit it. The beach is actually beautiful, however, the location is too remote and the infrastructure is inadequate. The government should pay attention for the development of the beach. Developing infrastructure will attract more tourists to visit the beach. Then, the regional revenue will increase.

Location

Pink Beach is situated in Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara. You will need about two and a half an hours driving from Mataram. As previously mentioned, the infrastructure around the beach is inadequate. It is quite difficult for a car to reach the beach. Many part of the roads are damaged. However, once you have arrived at the beach, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the beach. Especially, the pink color makes the beach look stunning. The pink color of the beach was said to derive from the fractions of coral reefs, named Homtrema rubrum, which mixed with white sand of the beach.

Activities

When you come to Pink Beach, you can do many activities, especially water activities. Water activities in the beach are fun and exciting, like snorkeling, fishing, diving or surfing. Snorkeling will allow you to learn more about the underwater life of the beach. You must bring your own equipment if you want to do this activity. No rental activity is found in the beach. You can also swim in the edge of the beach. The clear and clean water is safe for you to swim at any time. Another challenging activity you can do in the beach is water sports, like sea kayak. Sea kayak will be fun, and you will have a challenging experience when you choose this activity.

Accommodations

When you come to Pink Beach, you will not find complete facilities. There are only few fishermen offering their boat to cross the beach into the small island near the beach. However, you can find some people offer you various drinks. But what about hotels or lodges? You will not find any near the beach. The best way when you visit the beach is to come as early as possible, and then go back to town in the afternoon. You better find a hotel or a lodge in Mataram. Mataram provides a wide range of hotel, from budget to splurge rate. Depending on your budget, select a hotel with affordable rate for you.

Visiting Tangsi is recommended for you who love adventure. The nature and the beach offer you incredible views. You can snap interesting objects around the beach. That is why, don’t forget to brink a camera when you visit Tangsi Beach.

The most well-known and popular of the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan is the largest island and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than an hour by local boat and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok.

Previously tagged "the party island" by The Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately known) has moved on and up.

Gone are the days when backpackers flocked to the island for IDR 20,000 a night huts on the beach and IDR 5,000 Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sophisticated side that becomes more evident every year.

That's not to say that the original charms that attracted travellers in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still what attracts visitors today.

But the island has cast off its grungy origins and now combines the best of a tropical island paradise with a touch of chie and all the mod cons of a top holiday destination.

Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java and Bali, together with singles, couples and families from all over the world.


The island itself is around 3km long and 2km wide, so walking is easy and you can cycle around the island in around 1 1/2 hours (but will need to get off and push your bike through sandy sections on the west side).

This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south is a great lookout from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets acoss the ocean to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on the mainland Lombok.

On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up.

The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast in the area called "Sentral", where the boats dock. Tracks meander from the main coastal "road" inland through coconut groves to pockets of secluded development.

Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area.

Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, homestays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren't as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical.


Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic homestays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd.

At the other and of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pool or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD.

Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. there are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafes, movie "theatres" and beachside cafes galore. Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian Nasi Goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between.

There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the "party island" reputation). These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.

For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko-ko-mo Resort, Scallywags Resort, and on the beachfront at Hotel Villa Ombak, as well as the stylish Pearl Beach Lounge next door.

These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and renge of tourist facilities.

Many of the larger restaurant, hotels and dive shops accept credit cards; there are ATM's in front of Gili T Resort (near Sentral), in front of Villa Ombak on the east coast and further north., near Blue Beach, as well as on the west side at Ombak Sunset.

Internet cafes with WiFi are readily available, as are money-changers, tour operators and a large number of fast boat services.

There is a tennis club and fitness centre at Kelapa Villas and a medical centre at Villa Ombak with basic emergency facilities and a doctor on call.

Horses can be hire from The Stud on the southeast coast; sea kayaking is available at Karma Kayak on the north coast; yoga, meditation, massages and other health and beauty treatments are available at numerous places around the island.

There is even shopping at the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) in Sentral and at any number of shops and kiosks all around the island, selling everything from pearls to sarongs to hammocks. Innuendo has some upmarket resort wear and Silver Dragon sells beautiful silver jewellery.

But it is the beaches and the diving that remain the main draw card for Gili T. People flock here to sunbathe on white sand beaches and swim in clean blue waters, to dive the fabulous reefs and to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of a tropical paradise.

There is a good surf break on the south coast with a fast right-hander that really pumps in the right conditions. Local surfers will happily lead the way and rent you a board.

The best snorkelling on the island starts on the northern end of the east coast, where you can wade to the reef just offshore. The water is calm and there is a drift from north to south, making it easy to lie on the surface and float down the coral outcrops. Although much of the coral is damaged, there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy and patches of colourful coral.

Further of shore, the island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok, which is why thousands of divers visit Gili T every year.

It is also one of the safest and easiest places to learn to scuba dive, with warm water temperatures, calm seas and excellent visibility almost all year round. There is a very good selection of professional western operated dive shop and a range of dive locations suitable for beginners through to thrill seekers.

It's been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island's time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there's a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T.

A world class tourism destination is emerging - without the traffic and pollution - set down on an idyllic tropical island.

The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can fly to Lombok and travel across to Gilis.

Getting Gilis From Bali

Fast Boats: With Lombok's airport now based further away in central Lombok, the fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfer between Bali to Gili Trawangan. The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice "over loading" in busy times.

Blue Weather Express provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan, and Lombok mainland. Blue Weather Express operates two boats, with 30 and 50 passenger capacities, departing from Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) at 08:00am and 10:00am, and from Padang Bai Harbour at 11:15am everyday.
Contact info: Ph: +6236 1895 1111 / +62813 3841 8988.

Gili Getaway is a comportable fast boat departing from Benoa Harbour, Bali (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily at 08:00am. The crossing takes around 2 hours to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kodek on Lombok.
Contact info: Bali Ph: (0361) 751570 / 726 523; Ph Gili T: +6287864322515.

Marina Srikandi operates direct fast boat services several times a day between Padang Bai Harbour (in Bali) and the Gilis, as well as a direct service to Senggigi.
Contact info: Ph: +623 7069 3383, Bali Ph: +623 6172 9818.

By Helcopter: Air Bali offers a regular helicopter transfer service between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Private charters are also possible (subject to availability).
Contact info: Ph: +623 6176 7466.

Getting Gilis From Lombok

From Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek Harbour: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes drive north of Senggigi. Most of dive companies and many businesses on the Gilis have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands everyday from Teluk Nara. It is possible to negotiate private boat trips (including speed boat transfers) out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of bangsal.



At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Villa Ombak, The Beach House, Kokomo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by Speed Boat to the Gilis.

From Bangsal Harbour: Catch a Taxi or Bemo (or other public transportations) to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.

Bangsal Harbour

Public ferries (really just large outrigger boats) depart regularly to all three islands and charters are available, with prices depending on the number of passengers and your bargaining skills.

Unfortunately, the area is plagued by touts and scams, so ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are posted clearly on the wall of the ticket office.

Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best time are between 08:00am and 04:00pm. If you don't want to wait, it doesn't cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group.

Don't let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first.

Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers... there are; or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands. Bangsal is a pretty; it's a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone.

If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there are some basic home-stays on the road from the beach.

There are several home-stays with pretty rooms at reasonable prices as well as the restaurant serves delicious meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services.

From Senggigi: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours.

Senggigi

The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first.

A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.

Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.

Source: HaLoMi Trekker

Tourism object that is almost similar to the waterfall Sindang Gila and Tiu Kelep is waterfall Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls. Two waterfalls is located in the village of Aik Berik, Batukliang North, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. In addition to a pair of these because of the waterfall is located adjacent to each other, the four aforementioned waterfall at its source Lake Segara Anak of Mount Rinjani.

The difference of the two pairs of this waterfall is the access road to the tourist. In contrast to the access road to the waterfall Sindang Gila and waterfalls Tiu Kelep already paved smooth and reached by public transportation, the access road leading to the Benang Stokel waterfall and the Waterfall Benang Kelambu not too smooth.



The street is not very wide, car-carrying vehicle was dominated by the results of the Earth from "Kawasan Hutan Kemasyarakatan" the mean is "The Civic Forest" or call (HKM) around the site of the waterfall. But the scenery along the way is very indulgent eye. The paddy harvest as the giant tapestry ready. The farmers are planting rice Schoolhouse-brewers. Children playing in the yard of the House. Not only that, the cattle like cows and buffaloes freely foraging with convenience.

The location of Benang Stokel waterfall closer from the counters object destinations entrance ticket sales. Just walk about 15 minutes, the tourists are treated to scenic waterfalls that are shaped like stokel (roll of yarn). Benang Kelambu waterfall located above Benang Stokel waterfall, it took about 30 minutes walk along a footpath which is quite wide.

Sights in Benang Kelambu Waterfall more beautiful and mesmerizing. As the name implies, gust waterfalls formed as netting (curtain). Some people believe that the water around the Benang Kelambu Waterfall can cure diseases.

Characteristics.
Agricultural land, forests, pine forests, rivers and waterfalls.

Level: Advanced, experienced

Type: Moderate/extreme/full adventure

Water: Many water sources.

Type of tour: Fully organized (a combination of adventure, recreation, eco tourism, security). Individual or group departures available upon request.

TOUR DESCRIPTION
Waterfall Benang Stokel in the village of Aik Berik residing in central Lombok is about 27 km east of Mataram, a little less than an hour into the trip. Benang Stokel famous waterfall to find 2 pieces of the waterfall. Waterfall Benang Kelambu and waterfalls Benang Stokel also named from which the climb up Mount Rinjani starts.

The waterfall and the starting point for the line can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. Trekking through the dense forest, climbing up to the edge of the crater takes about 6 hours. From here, the descent into Crater Lake about 3 hours. This ascent offers a lot of variety, with the famous Goddess Anjani waterfall as one of the highlights, and with a little luck it might find a herd of deer.

The climb is especially favored by those seeking a completely different angle of approach to the mount Rinjani. For centuries this route has been used by a Hunter and fishermen seeking their prey in the dense forest and Crater Lake.

The climb is not offering a chance to climb up to the Summit of Mount Rinjani, unless you plan to bring a rubber boat to paddle across to the side of the crater lake Segara Anak. If one wants to do that our team can accommodate one.

TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1:
The Guide will pick you up in the hotel lobby at 06.00 AM and then transfer it to the Benang Stokel waterfall, meet your guide and set the entrance ticket to the National Park. Your guide provides a briefing explaining the details of routes, local cultural traditions and what you might see, and describes garbage management and safety procedures. Trekking through the dense forest, climbing up to the edge of the crater takes about 8 hours. This ascent offers a lot of variety, with the goddess famous waterfalls Anjani as one of the highlights, and with a little luck it might find a herd of deer. . Lunchbox sandwich is served on the road.

Day 2:
Enjoy a feeling of proud satisfaction and an amazing view of the sunrise in the Wallace line to Mt. Agung, Bali and Sumbawa.

Day 3:
After breakfast, dropped down the path long enough to find the waterfalls Benang Stokel through dense tropical forests which are rich in flora, bird life and different types of butterflies. You may be able to see the orchids and, if lucky, the rare ebony black monkey, known locally as Lutung.

Resting place taken along the way, After a seven-hour hike from the RIM, the journey ended at Jebak Gawah where our vehicles are waiting to transfer you to the waterfalls Benang Stokel.

Gili Meno, the middle island, the smallest of the three Gili's and it is the quietest with fewer tourists. A great escape for honeymooners or someone who wants to get away from it all. A special feature of the island is the salt lake and spectacular dive sites such as, Meno Wall, Sea Turtle Point, and Blue Coral Point. The beach on eastern part of the island is very nice and there's snorkeling just offshore and further north. In the past Meno was known to have lots of mosquitoes but steps have been taken to control it. Still the best time to visit the island is during dry season.

Gili Air is the nearest Gili to Lombok. It is also the most populated and you will find more trees there than the other Gili's. The local inhabitants are: Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. You can find their different unique culture from Lombok and wonderful beaches. Many of the older generation still make their living as boatmen, fisherman and farming coconuts.

There are only a few number of 2-3 stars hotels (rooms with air conditioning, swimming pool, TV etc) on Gili Air. Most of the places to eat and stay are in south and east side of the island (near the jetty). You can find many home stays or budget accommodation on this island.

Not much things happening for the last 3-5 years. One of the first dive schools (The Reef seeker) is no longer operate from Gili Air. They have moved to Flores. Returning guests are what they expect to come. Most accommodation are locally owned and managed, while a few of the up market hotels own and managed by foreign investors. You can go from one island to another by joining Gili Island's hoping boat (depart twice a day). People here are friendlier than on Gili Trawangan. There are also a few places to stay around the north and south west coast in quieter atmosphere.

There are many activities that the tourists can do in this island. Snorkeling and diving are the highlight of the activities. Snorkeling area are located in the southeast (opposite-facing Lombok Golf Kosaido) and along to the northeast). The tourists can just jump into the water to see the colorful fishes and coral reef. In the western part of Gili Air you can't snorkel off the beaches. When the moon is high (low tide), you can't swim off the beach. You need to walk to the south or east side.

There are few quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy the entire islet has to offer, with accommodation prices at their lowest level.

To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

Gili Island is a popular destination in Indonesia. Gili Islands located in the north west of Lombok, featuring three small, coral fringed islands; Gili Air, Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan, each with superb, white sandy beaches, clear water, coral reefs, brilliantly colored fish and the best snorkeling on Lombok. Visitors, especially young European is attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leasure of staying on the Gilis. "Gili islands" is not the local name. Gili actually means Small Island and there are lots of other gili's around Lombok.

There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. We can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes.

There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A must see: Turtles Point, Meno Wall. Dive Schools available on all the islands with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical dives.

While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life living just off-shore. Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep fishing remains the best on north west of Gili Trawangan.

Gili Trawangan, the most popular island of the Gili's. Just kick back and enjoy the sun, nightly beach parties and sea. The main stripe is full of accommodations, restaurants, and dive shops. If you are seeking a quieter place to stay, there are bungalows in the north. This Island is also known as "Party Island", where mostly young European found them "Lost In Paradise". With spectacular sunrises over Lombok's Mount Rinjani volcano and breathtaking sunsets that illuminate Bali's towering Mount Agung volcano, together with warm hospitality of Gili Trawangan residents, it's not surprising that most visitors end up staying longer than originally plan.


Snorkeling off the shore, sunbathing, swimming, or join any dive trips with any dive operators, which colored the lines. There are quality dive schools available to cater the needs of tourists, offering complete range of PADI courses, as well as Fun Dives for those already certified. By night, the waterfront comes to life as various foreign and locally restaurants and bars start to fire up, with fresh snapper, grouper and tuna, cooked over charcoal flames, readily available.

[Photo by: Halomi Trekker]

Hiking activities on Mount Rinjani continue to escalate by an average of 20 percent per year. Hikers see the 3,768-meter tall mountain a challenge that must be conquered. Mount Rinjani is one of the best tourism destinations for nature lovers across Southeast Asia.

In 2012, 4,839 foreign tourists and 633 domestic tourists explored Mount Rinjani by traveling through the Senaru village, the main entrance to the mountain, in Lombok. Meanwhile, 4,360 foreign tourists and 4,887 domestic tourists ventured to the mountain through Sembalun village in East Lombok.

Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Culture and Tourism Department, Gita Aryadi, says Rinjani has received several awards, including the World Legacy Award from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler (2004), two awards from the Tourism for Tomorrow Award (2005 and 2008), and the Cipta Award from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Source: TEMPO

Lombok – an island east of Bali, but less famous than its neighbor. While every year millions of tourists are attracted to Bali, many places on Lombok are still untouched. Over here mass tourism is unknown. Lombok offers many empty and often isolated dream beaches, friendly and interesting people, tasty food and fantastic nature. This year, after a stay of more than two months, Lombok and the Gili islands became my personal favorites – at least so far ;).

Gili Islands

3 paradise islands – which seem tiny compared to Lombok – are located only 20 minutes away by boat (Public Boat): Gili Trawangan, the main island, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The Gilis are very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling but also for relaxing, swimming and partying. Backpackers and tourists visit especially Gili Trawangan often. Over here you can feel the lively reggae-ganja-magic-mushroom-vibe ;). The Gili islands are a MUST!!!

Mount Rinjani

Yeah! the second highest volcano of Indonesia is definitely one of THE highlights of Lombok! book a multi-day tour, guided tours to the Crater Lake and even to the top at all touristy spots.

[Photo by: Halomi Trekker]

[Photo by: Halomi Trekker]

Senggigi

Most tourists arrive in Senggigi because many hotels are located over here. It’s also great for going out at night or eating. One of the most popular surf spots for locals and tourists alike is Senggigi Beach. At this beach the vendors and locals aren’t pushy at all but you can have a nice small talk if you like (mainly about football since Indonesians love football).

From Senggigi to Pemenang

To explore this road next to the coast it is best to use a scooter, which you can rent for example in Senggigi. One of the highlights is the viewpoint at Malimbu hill. It offers a marvelous view over Malimbu beach and the 3 Gili Islands. Check out the other view points and beaches that you can find on this way as well since they are worth seeing, too.

If you leave Lombok with the public boats to the Gili Islands and would take a taxi from the airport or from Lembar (where the public ferry from Bali arrives) you will probably use the very same road (or you tell the taxi driver your preferred route) since this road goes directly to Bangsal where public boats are leaving.

Pusuk Monkey Forest

Taking a winding road through a breathtaking mountain landscape is the second option to get to Bangsal. It’s were one finds the so-called monkey forest, named after the numerous wild monkeys in the jungle and near the street. Feed the hungry and annoying little bastards at the view points if you like :D. But be careful and look for your bags, backpacks and such ;). You can go there by scooter as well, but always “Hati Hati”, like the Indonesian says.

Kuta

After Senggigi, Kuta is probably the second tourist hotspot on Lombok. It offers beautiful beaches as well and lots of accommodation and restaurants. From here you can explore the dream beaches of Mawun, Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak since they are very close by (see below). Even Kuta beach itself is worth a look.

Mawun Beach

Now I will introduce you my three favorite beaches of Lombok. No. 1 is Mawun – simply AWESOME! Depending on the weekday and the time of the day this beach with its soft white sand and turquoise water is mostly deserted. Sometimes the waves are heavier over here. The beach is secluded and located in an almost enclosed bay, which you can easily reach with your scooter as well.

Selong Belanak and viewpoint

I believe I never ever saw such a wide and shallow beach like Selong Belanak! I strongly recommend taking a look at the near viewpoint overlooking the beach and the bay. Not far from here you will find the popular surf spot “Mawi”.

Tanjung Aan Beach

Turquoise sea and white sand, the way I love it! Even here you can climb a rock to enjoy a breathtaking view over the bay and beach. A must-see!

Pink Beach

Insiders’ tip! You need a good driver or strong nerves (especially if you go with a scooter) to get to this one! The drive is quite difficult since in my opinion the streets cannot be called streets anymore ;). If you actually make it you will be rewarded with a desolate quiet beach. It is called after its pink sand that consists out of coral. The view from the near viewpoint is marvelous as well and popular Tanjung Ringgit is situated close by.

Mosques and Hindu temples

In contrast to Bali, Lombok and the rest of Indonesia are mainly Muslim. That is why you can see and especially HEAR mosques everywhere. If you book your accommodation in advance you should inform yourself if it’s closely located to a mosque. Especially around Ramadan it could become very noisy.

The Balinese minority on Lombok got its temples like Pura Meru, Pura Lingsar, Pura Narmada or Pura Batu Bolong as well. Most of them are located at the western part of the island in and around Mataram/Cakranegara or Senggigi.

Waterfalls

Lombok got numerous waterfalls, mostly in the northern part of the island. Among others, there would be Tiu Teja, Tiu Kelep or Sendang Gile. In the center of Lombok you will find a few decent ones as well, for example the Benang Kelambu or the Benang Stokel. There is no fresher water than this! Drink it, swim or just let the ice cold water hail down your back… superb! :)

Sasak culture

The Sasak are the indigenous people of this island, which today make about 85% of the total population of Lombok. Their culture is fascinating and as a visitor you definitely need to experience it. Their food known for its spiciness, their handicraft, their music and dances, the typical Sasak houses or a Sasak wedding with (extreme loud) street parade with “Gendang Beleq” musicians you need to experience. There are plenty wedding parades on Lombok, especially on the weekends. Must-see!

By the way, many of the Lombok natives still speak the Sasak language, especially the older. But everyone speaks and understands the official language Bahasa Indonesia. English only helps in tourist spots.

Traditional markets

The markets are typical Asian with fresh veggies, spices, fish and so much more. I recommend strongly the traditional market in Ampenan. Every now and then locals look in astonishment at a “Bule” (westerner) since they don’t come often over here ;). There is no cheaper or fresher place to do food shopping even though as a “Bule” you should consider paying more than a local. It is of advantage to speak a little Indonesian.

Mataram, Ampenan and Cakranegara

Counting around 400.000 inhabitants, Mataram is the capital of Lombok. Close by you find places like Cakranegara (short: “Cakra”) and Ampenan where one can still find some old Dutch colonial style buildings. In Mataram/Cakra are a few lovely Balinese temples and the Mataram Mall with its numerous shops, bars and restaurants on different levels.