Lombok Island Online Information - Information About Lombok and Gili
Mataram
Mataram is the provincial capital of West Nusa Tenggara that consists of two main island namely Lombok and Sumbawa and comprises three major towns: Ampenan, Cakranegara, and Mataram itself. Ampenan is the furthest west located town in Mataram and used to serve as a port town. Ampenan resident is quite diverse; there are descendants of other Indonesian ethnics like Bulginess who are generally fishermen, Malay and Banjar of Borneo origin. There are also a significant amount of Chinese and Arab traders running most of the shops and restaurants around. They normally live at the old shop-houses. The amalgamation of their traditions and the locals’ makes Ampenan a little deferent than other living area in Mataram. Ampenan Residents speak a slightly different language.
Along the coast, there is a fishermen village where tourist can experience their way of life and watch the making of sailboats, when lucky. The are rows of boats lining up on the beach after coming back from fishing, good for photograph. Be there early to see fishermen coming ashore after staying out in the ocean the whole night long for fishing. Watching them pulling up the huge fishing net ashore could be new experience. It’s also amazing how they keep the tradition of gotong royong (help each other) when carrying the fishing boat out of the water to park it on the sand. A bit further north of the fishermen village is a sophisticated Chinese graveyard, which is often described as 7 star rated Mandarin hotel by local tour guides. Come and see, but don’t book a room there.
The second town in Mataram is Cakranegara, often shortly referred to as Cakra. This town has long been the commercial center in the province. Dominated by Chinese business people, Cakranegara is getting busier as the only downtown in Mataram along with the opening of Mataram Mall a few years ago. There are several small restaurants, hotels as well as banks in Cakra. In the night time, Cakra turns into a hive of culinary from different places in Indonesia. They are normally sold at small warung (food stall) or knock down tents. Inspire of the Chinese domination in business area, Cakra is a home to Hindus of Balinese descendants who came to Lombok not later than the Chinese. Inhibited by Balinese, Cakra becomes very much like Bali as they still practice their own tradition and belief and speak their own language and becomes a paradise to rooster fighting gamblers. Drive a bit further east of Cakra is the main Mandalika Bus Station.
The third town is Mataram, the administrative town and hub of education. Governor’s, mayor’s and several other important offices are located here. A few banks, including Indonesian Central Bank, Bank Indonesia also sit in this area. There are also many schools of different levels including Mataram University and State Islamic Institute. Official residences of high rank officers are built in the main Mataram highway.
Senggigi
Senggigi is located about 25 minutes drive from the airport. In the mean time, Senggigi is the major accommodation area with a good range of selection. There are also many restaurants lining up along the street. Starting from 5 star rated Sheraton Hotel to simple home stay. Staying in Senggigi, you can enjoy the beauty of the beach and the sunset as well as the night live offered by a few bars, discotiques and karaoke.
West Lombok
This area of Lombok is mostly very green along the year and its west coast boundary directly oriented to the neighboring island, Bali. Both West Lombok fertility and situation tempt the invaders from eastern Bali Kingdom to settle in and around this area. Pottery and wooden craft can be found here in Banyumulek and Labu Api and Rungkang respectively. Senggigi also belongs to the same area.
Central Lombok
The area of southern slopes of Rinjani is very fertile and lush and well watered. Spring waters and waterfalls flow the whole year long. It makes the area an ideal place for hiking or soft trekking.
However, reservoirs have been built around the southern coast to dam the flow from the waterfalls and springs, as the country turns drier. By so doing, it can provide irrigation for the farmers during dry season. The water is as well flowed through big pipeline to the southern coast for drinking and cooking and other household need.
South Lombok & Kuta
South Lombok is noted for its drought and therefore less densely populated. The settlements here are normally built on hilltops and are most likely inhibited by Sasak indigenous. Sparsely populated, South Lombok has limited paved road and public transport but famous for its woven fabric, pottery and woven ketak basket and other fine crafts.
However, Kuta Beach with its strikingly white sand and gorgeous water is magnet to visitor and is a paradise to surfers. The sand is very uniquely grainy similar to peppers; thus many people, unfortunately, bring it home for aquarium or other oceanic decor. The waves breaks (‘left’ or ‘right’) around Kuta beach is said to be among the top 10 in the world. Kuta Beach also offers a range of accommodation along the beach and surfing trip can be arranged with any surf shop there.
During low tide, it is nice to join the farmers either plant or harvest seaweed around Kuta beach, or just strolling around among miscellaneous sea shells and corals or other marine animals.
East Lombok
In spite of less exposure, the tourism potentials of East Lombok remain enchanting. Sembalun, the northeast starting point to climb Rinjani, offers a scenic drive during nice weather. It’s also good for non-climbers to enjoy the peak of Rinjani from. The green valley, stretches like natural green carpet, inspires the local people to grow garlic and onion, and other cash vegetation. It inspires also agro industry investors to cultivate the fertile land.
In the southeast coast, fishing port of Tanjung Luar is worthwhile visit. Visit early in the morning to see the newly caught. Inhibited by Bugis sea persons, Tanjung Luar also dock to traditional wooden fishing boat. Further south from Tanjung Luar are marvelous pristine beaches for those who are in search for quietness. For instance, Tanjung Ringgit, Kaliantan, and Pantai Sorga etc. some of which are good for surfing.
Driving 50 km east of Mataram, you will find a well-known Otak Kokoq tiny waterfall for its healing power. The waterfall is believed to be able to cure minor ailments and baldness. Take a shower under the water that falls through a giant root of a tree and if the water turns into like muddy water, you might have some diseases, as it is said.
Driving about 10 km further up north from Otak Kokoq, you can enjoy watching the highest point in Lombok in a bright morning. Located in southern slope of Rinjani, Tete Batu Village is home to many kinds of flora and fauna. For that reason, Dutch once here and Wisma Soedjono (now a hotel) is the authentic evidence. The air is not polluted and the surrounding view is awesome. So, take a light walk through tobacco field or a soft trek to the waterfall is surely pleasant and breathtaking. There are a few simple cottages to select around here.
Gili Islands
Gili means small island in local language. Located about 20 km north of Senggigi, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are paradise to divers or marine activities and marine life lovers. There are many dive shops and schools on any of the 3 Gilis. Either you are novice divers or certified ones, you can explore the underwater magnificence of the Gilis no matter on which island you base yourself. You can choose the dive spots you want to experience based on the information provided by your dive master. Or if you don’t dive, simply enjoy your swimming or snorkeling time there. Each of the 3 Gili has beautiful beach and crystal clear water.
To get to the island, just head to Bangsal harbor and buy public boat ticket at the booking clerk at fixed prices. If waiting long for sufficient other passengers is inconvenience for you, then take a chartered boat at higher rate but it sails you promptly on private arrangement.
Gili Air is the closet island from the harbor thus sailing to the island takes only 20 to 25 minutes and Gili Trawangan is the furthest, the biggest and the busiest one. Located across Gili Meno – the less developed and visited – it takes no less than 45minutes to get to the island of Trawangan and there is an opportunity to experience a bumpy sea ride on certain time or seasons.
All of the 3 Gilis offer various ranges of accommodation, restaurants and dive shops meeting your taste and budget. Nevertheless, Gili Trawangan seems to have more to offer since Trawangan magnetizes more visitors a long the year. While, Gili Meno is least developed and visited and is, therefore, less exploited or spoilt. There is quite large variety of choice for dining or staying, though. Gili Meno is good for relaxing.
