Visiting Lombok Island
free guidance before travelling to Lombok Island
Articles
Bright Sasak Welcome for Cruising Tourists
2012-04-16 05:58:00
Young and adult dancers from Lombok’s indigenous Sasak community donned colourful traditional costumes to welcome more the 130 visitors from a luxury cruise ship. Cruise ships from around the world are calling at Lombok’s Lembar harbour so their passengers can experience some of West Nusa Tenggara’s (NTB’s) exotic scenery and cultural wealth. Port authority PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) III said that French-flagged luxury cruiser L’Austral, which anchored at Lembar on 6 April, was one of 22 cruise liners scheduled to visit the West Lombok port in 2012. The 142-metre vessel has a capacity for 264 passengers. After it anchored at Lembar at 7am, 132 visitors disembarked to participate in two organised tours of the Lombok mainland. Some chose an introduction to Lombok’s rich history by visiting significant sites such as the Mandalika traditional market, the temples and gardens at Lingsar and Narmada parks, and the art market at Sayang-Sayang. Others took advantage of
2012-04-16 05:58:00
Young and adult dancers from Lombok’s indigenous Sasak community donned colourful traditional costumes to welcome more the 130 visitors from a luxury cruise ship. Cruise ships from around the world are calling at Lombok’s Lembar harbour so their passengers can experience some of West Nusa Tenggara’s (NTB’s) exotic scenery and cultural wealth. Port authority PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) III said that French-flagged luxury cruiser L’Austral, which anchored at Lembar on 6 April, was one of 22 cruise liners scheduled to visit the West Lombok port in 2012. The 142-metre vessel has a capacity for 264 passengers. After it anchored at Lembar at 7am, 132 visitors disembarked to participate in two organised tours of the Lombok mainland. Some chose an introduction to Lombok’s rich history by visiting significant sites such as the Mandalika traditional market, the temples and gardens at Lingsar and Narmada parks, and the art market at Sayang-Sayang. Others took advantage of
Getting Together for the Rituals of Rice
2012-04-16 05:43:00
In the face of pressure to adopt agricultural technology to improve the efficiency of rice production, many Lombok farmers adhere to traditional practices and rituals which exemplify the spirit of togetherness. Often rejecting time-efficient harvesting machines and other modern equipment, the farmers rigidly maintain their system of ngerampek which draws communities together to participate in all aspects of the rice growing process. Many Lombok communities produce two rice crops a year and others, in the high-rainfall Mount Rinjani foothills, can produce three of four crops. Often one crop is being planted while a nearby padi is ready for harvest. Across the island, though, from planting until harvest, rice farmers manage the process in a spirit of togetherness in which traditions determine work groups and their tasks. In the south, ngayah is a local term which defines how traditional farmers produce their rice in partnership. A ngayah group of five to 10 men will spend abo
2012-04-16 05:43:00
In the face of pressure to adopt agricultural technology to improve the efficiency of rice production, many Lombok farmers adhere to traditional practices and rituals which exemplify the spirit of togetherness. Often rejecting time-efficient harvesting machines and other modern equipment, the farmers rigidly maintain their system of ngerampek which draws communities together to participate in all aspects of the rice growing process. Many Lombok communities produce two rice crops a year and others, in the high-rainfall Mount Rinjani foothills, can produce three of four crops. Often one crop is being planted while a nearby padi is ready for harvest. Across the island, though, from planting until harvest, rice farmers manage the process in a spirit of togetherness in which traditions determine work groups and their tasks. In the south, ngayah is a local term which defines how traditional farmers produce their rice in partnership. A ngayah group of five to 10 men will spend abo
Memutah harnesses Purity and Eternity
2012-02-24 17:30:00
The Memutah tradition of Lombok’s indigenous Sasak people, which involves a ceremonial procession and rituals to engender an abundant harvest of rice, is full of messages and meaning that impart local cultural wisdom. Although this important rice ritual is almost extinct, it is still conducted in some rural communities including the Tanjung district of North Lombok. On the day appointed for the first harvest of rice, the Memutah procession creates a magical atmosphere as the paddy owners (risata) and young local men make their way to the rice fields. Six little girls, wearing the traditional Lombok-style Kebaya and carrying drinking water containers named ceret, appear and line up neatly behind the owners. Before the rice is harvested, the owners of the fields must wash to purify themselves. Then one little girl will present to the owners a rombong, a rice container made from woven bamboo. Within the rombong are duplicates of traditional rice-cutting t
2012-02-24 17:30:00
The Memutah tradition of Lombok’s indigenous Sasak people, which involves a ceremonial procession and rituals to engender an abundant harvest of rice, is full of messages and meaning that impart local cultural wisdom. Although this important rice ritual is almost extinct, it is still conducted in some rural communities including the Tanjung district of North Lombok. On the day appointed for the first harvest of rice, the Memutah procession creates a magical atmosphere as the paddy owners (risata) and young local men make their way to the rice fields. Six little girls, wearing the traditional Lombok-style Kebaya and carrying drinking water containers named ceret, appear and line up neatly behind the owners. Before the rice is harvested, the owners of the fields must wash to purify themselves. Then one little girl will present to the owners a rombong, a rice container made from woven bamboo. Within the rombong are duplicates of traditional rice-cutting t
Brave Little Jockeys Born to Ride Rough
2012-02-23 19:00:00
To Witness the dexterity and bravery of Lombok’s little jockeys, mostly aged only five and six years, head to Praya in Central Lombok on any Sunday. These tenacious little bareback horsemen take to the race track without the protection of helmets or boots to wave the Lombok flag in the face of the better known child jockey traditions of Sumbawa island and Sumba island in the neighbouring province of East Nusa Tenggara. The action peaks at Praya’s old field (lapangan tua) between around 10am and noon when hundreds of people come to a standstill as the little jockeys arrive with their mounts. The Sunday event is a horse lover’s picnic with owners showing and racing their favourite horses and displaying a good selection of the small horses used to pull cidomos – the colourful traditional pony carts used on Lombok as taxis. One recent Sunday, about 20 horses were presented for participation in two main categories of events. In the senior class, the determined little jockeys t
2012-02-23 19:00:00
To Witness the dexterity and bravery of Lombok’s little jockeys, mostly aged only five and six years, head to Praya in Central Lombok on any Sunday. These tenacious little bareback horsemen take to the race track without the protection of helmets or boots to wave the Lombok flag in the face of the better known child jockey traditions of Sumbawa island and Sumba island in the neighbouring province of East Nusa Tenggara. The action peaks at Praya’s old field (lapangan tua) between around 10am and noon when hundreds of people come to a standstill as the little jockeys arrive with their mounts. The Sunday event is a horse lover’s picnic with owners showing and racing their favourite horses and displaying a good selection of the small horses used to pull cidomos – the colourful traditional pony carts used on Lombok as taxis. One recent Sunday, about 20 horses were presented for participation in two main categories of events. In the senior class, the determined little jockeys t
Knights of Sasak Fight for Friendship
2012-02-21 18:00:00
Lombok’s indigenous Sasak community actively preserves its ritual arts such as the challenging sport of Peresean (stick-fighting), which traditionally was practised by the knights of Sasak. Two brave young men, named pepadu, use rattan sticks and cowhide shields to test their strength and agility. Their behaviour and attitude teach the true meaning of chivalry. The fierce fight takes place to the beat of traditional music and is sometimes staged during the dry season as a plea to God for rain and fertile crops. Peresean begins when two judges, named pekembar, appoint the young fighters. Dancing traditional steps, the pekembar nominate the pepadu who face each other in the arena. An appointed pepadu cannot refuse, even in the face of defeat by a stronger opponent. Each fighter carries a one-metre long rattan stick for striking his opponent and an animal skin shield for defence. As the starter whistle sounds, spectators erupt in cheers for one or other of the v
2012-02-21 18:00:00
Lombok’s indigenous Sasak community actively preserves its ritual arts such as the challenging sport of Peresean (stick-fighting), which traditionally was practised by the knights of Sasak. Two brave young men, named pepadu, use rattan sticks and cowhide shields to test their strength and agility. Their behaviour and attitude teach the true meaning of chivalry. The fierce fight takes place to the beat of traditional music and is sometimes staged during the dry season as a plea to God for rain and fertile crops. Peresean begins when two judges, named pekembar, appoint the young fighters. Dancing traditional steps, the pekembar nominate the pepadu who face each other in the arena. An appointed pepadu cannot refuse, even in the face of defeat by a stronger opponent. Each fighter carries a one-metre long rattan stick for striking his opponent and an animal skin shield for defence. As the starter whistle sounds, spectators erupt in cheers for one or other of the v
Pemalikan Beach Waves its Magic Wand
2012-02-21 01:07:00
Every day, the vast tourism potential of the stunning coastal region of southern Lombok becomes more apparent with the revelation of yet another unspoiled, fabulous location. Spectacular panoramic coastal scenes abound in seemingly endless supply, especially in the Sekotong area of southern West Lombok where idyllic little topical islands float in crystal clear, calm blue waters close to rugged, peppery sand beaches that are pounded by awesome waves. West Lombok is blessed with established and highly successful tourist destinations such as Senggigi to the north and centrally-located Narmada. Now, attention is rapidly turning o the emerging destination of the regency’s dazzling southern coast. Scenic sights are in abundance as soon as one crosses on the coastal road into the Sekotong area. There is high potential for the development of fishing tourism at the beach adjacent to Lembar harbour where rows of buoys define the fishermen’s nets. Further south, after passing through c
2012-02-21 01:07:00
Every day, the vast tourism potential of the stunning coastal region of southern Lombok becomes more apparent with the revelation of yet another unspoiled, fabulous location. Spectacular panoramic coastal scenes abound in seemingly endless supply, especially in the Sekotong area of southern West Lombok where idyllic little topical islands float in crystal clear, calm blue waters close to rugged, peppery sand beaches that are pounded by awesome waves. West Lombok is blessed with established and highly successful tourist destinations such as Senggigi to the north and centrally-located Narmada. Now, attention is rapidly turning o the emerging destination of the regency’s dazzling southern coast. Scenic sights are in abundance as soon as one crosses on the coastal road into the Sekotong area. There is high potential for the development of fishing tourism at the beach adjacent to Lembar harbour where rows of buoys define the fishermen’s nets. Further south, after passing through c
Cukli Craftsmen Revive their Ornate Skills
2012-01-18 21:31:00
The Heartbreaking first Bali bombings on October 12, 2002, tarnished the global reputation of Indonesia as a safe destination, crippled Bali’s important tourism sector and severely eroded Lombok tourism. Lombok’s key tourism areas, such as Senggigi, were suddenly devoid of visitors and companies operating hotels, restaurants and travel agencies were forced to lay off workers. Business ground to a halt, impacting on Lombok’s traditional weavers of Sukarara village, the pottery producers of Banyumulek and the industrious cukli craftsmen of Sayang-Sayang village in Mataram who produce furniture and other items intricately inlaid with pieces of shell such as kerang and mother-of-pearl. In many cases, craft production ceased and artisans were forced seek work in the fields, as motorcycle taxi drivers or as porters in local markets. “All work associated with the tourism sector was affected and many businessmen ended up in poverty because of debt and even bankruptcy
2012-01-18 21:31:00
The Heartbreaking first Bali bombings on October 12, 2002, tarnished the global reputation of Indonesia as a safe destination, crippled Bali’s important tourism sector and severely eroded Lombok tourism. Lombok’s key tourism areas, such as Senggigi, were suddenly devoid of visitors and companies operating hotels, restaurants and travel agencies were forced to lay off workers. Business ground to a halt, impacting on Lombok’s traditional weavers of Sukarara village, the pottery producers of Banyumulek and the industrious cukli craftsmen of Sayang-Sayang village in Mataram who produce furniture and other items intricately inlaid with pieces of shell such as kerang and mother-of-pearl. In many cases, craft production ceased and artisans were forced seek work in the fields, as motorcycle taxi drivers or as porters in local markets. “All work associated with the tourism sector was affected and many businessmen ended up in poverty because of debt and even bankruptcy
Unique Rembiga Rites keep Disaster at Bay
2012-01-17 19:30:00
For hundreds of years, villagers at Rembiga in Mataram have practised the unique and complex Betetulak ritual to protect their community from disaster. The December tradition features a procession through the village of bottles of holy water and offerings of food. In 2011 it was attended by thousands of villagers, government officials and traditional tribal leaders of the indigenous Sasak people of Lombok. Displays of various traditional arts, as well as the Chinese lion dance, opened the sacred ceremony before indigenous leaders presented a historic flag to Mataram Mayor Ahyar Abduh to symbolise recognition of him as a traditional Sasak leader. He was sprinkled with yellow rice and holy water and then paraded through the village on a palanquin. The Betetulak ritual to ward off disaster is performed only in Rembiga, before sunset, and is linked to the word “tulak” which means to reject. Rembiga has a special building, named gendeng, for the storage of religiousl
2012-01-17 19:30:00
For hundreds of years, villagers at Rembiga in Mataram have practised the unique and complex Betetulak ritual to protect their community from disaster. The December tradition features a procession through the village of bottles of holy water and offerings of food. In 2011 it was attended by thousands of villagers, government officials and traditional tribal leaders of the indigenous Sasak people of Lombok. Displays of various traditional arts, as well as the Chinese lion dance, opened the sacred ceremony before indigenous leaders presented a historic flag to Mataram Mayor Ahyar Abduh to symbolise recognition of him as a traditional Sasak leader. He was sprinkled with yellow rice and holy water and then paraded through the village on a palanquin. The Betetulak ritual to ward off disaster is performed only in Rembiga, before sunset, and is linked to the word “tulak” which means to reject. Rembiga has a special building, named gendeng, for the storage of religiousl
A Racy River Ride through Lombok History
2012-01-16 21:26:00
Visitors to historic Narmada Park can gain a new perspective on the location’s significant attractions by seeing them from the river that intersects the beautiful park’s boundary. In a bid to boost visitor numbers and enhance the tourist experience, park managers have introduced a rafting package which offers fun and excitement while showcasing the park’s heritage features. Eleven kilometres east of Mataram, the park is most often reported to have been built in 1727 by Mataram’s Balinese King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem. Rafting at Narmada Park is both enjoyable and educational. Rafters experiencing the package since it was introduced four months ago receive a taste of park attractions that arouses their interest and brings them back to fully explore the heritage gardens. Instructors are on hand to guide groups of rafters along the swiftly-flowing Peresak River and to identify convenient points for photographing the passing attractions. Rafters see two o
2012-01-16 21:26:00
Visitors to historic Narmada Park can gain a new perspective on the location’s significant attractions by seeing them from the river that intersects the beautiful park’s boundary. In a bid to boost visitor numbers and enhance the tourist experience, park managers have introduced a rafting package which offers fun and excitement while showcasing the park’s heritage features. Eleven kilometres east of Mataram, the park is most often reported to have been built in 1727 by Mataram’s Balinese King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem. Rafting at Narmada Park is both enjoyable and educational. Rafters experiencing the package since it was introduced four months ago receive a taste of park attractions that arouses their interest and brings them back to fully explore the heritage gardens. Instructors are on hand to guide groups of rafters along the swiftly-flowing Peresak River and to identify convenient points for photographing the passing attractions. Rafters see two o
The Hidden Treasure of Karang Bayan
2011-12-19 19:00:00
Hidden treasure is waiting to be found among the rich art, fruit and forest products of West Lombok’s Karang Bayan village, 25 kilometres east of Mataram. But it has nothing to do with durian or other exotic natural products – it is an ancient mosque that has been there for three centuries. Known as the Mosque of Honesty, it numbers among several heritage mosques on Lombok, yet until now it has been overlooked as a religious and tourism attraction . Moves have started to publicise the historic Masjid Kuno Karang Bayan and to make it a “must see” on tourist itineraries, along with famous places of worship at Bayan in North Lombok; Rembitan in Central Lombok; and Songak in East Lombok. Local leader Hajji Jayadi says the Karang Bayan mosque may have been a victim of the village’s high profile as a centre of art and fine agricultural produce. As in many Lombok communities, Karang Bayan’s 300 families are a mix of Muslims and Hindus. Mostly farmers, they live peacef
2011-12-19 19:00:00
Hidden treasure is waiting to be found among the rich art, fruit and forest products of West Lombok’s Karang Bayan village, 25 kilometres east of Mataram. But it has nothing to do with durian or other exotic natural products – it is an ancient mosque that has been there for three centuries. Known as the Mosque of Honesty, it numbers among several heritage mosques on Lombok, yet until now it has been overlooked as a religious and tourism attraction . Moves have started to publicise the historic Masjid Kuno Karang Bayan and to make it a “must see” on tourist itineraries, along with famous places of worship at Bayan in North Lombok; Rembitan in Central Lombok; and Songak in East Lombok. Local leader Hajji Jayadi says the Karang Bayan mosque may have been a victim of the village’s high profile as a centre of art and fine agricultural produce. As in many Lombok communities, Karang Bayan’s 300 families are a mix of Muslims and Hindus. Mostly farmers, they live peacef