Around Us

Lombok... an unspoiled tropical island of the Indonesian archipelago, where the South Pacific Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. 

Indonesia stretches from Sumatra - right beside the Thai Peninsular - to western New Guinea, which we call Irian Jaya. And right in the heart of this archipelago is Lombok island.

Now this may sound as though we are a little isolated. But actually, we are only a very little off the beaten track. Just far enough away to enjoy an unhurried lifestyle... and just close enough to have all the conveniences of today. Twenty minutes flight from Lombok is legendary Bali island. (From Lombok's Senggigi Beach you can look across the lagoon and see Mt. Gunung Agung on Bali silhouetted against the setting sun). 

The ties between Bali and Lombok are centuries old with Balinese culture reflected in many of our traditions and hospitality. We are also part Sasak, presenting a different culture which goes back many centuries to the Arab traders who plied these waters of the Spice Islands. 

POINTS OF INTEREST
Mt. Rinjani 3726 meters:
Lombok is dominated by Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia's highest volcano and the second highest point in the archipelago. Mt.Rinjani is 3,726 meters high and dominates the north-central section of the island. Explore the villages of this area where the inhabitants still find visitors as interesting as visitors find the local people! The volcano is used as a focal point for worship. Trekking through this area is both challenging and rewarding. Guides are recommended. Click here detail...

Mayura Water Palace: 
At the township of Cakranegara, adjoining the capital - Mataram - explore the remains of the Water Palace built in 1744 to serve the Balinese court. The royal complex is set in parklands with an avenue of Mangos teen trees leading to old Dutch cannons. These fascinating ruins include a floating meeting hall which served as a court of justice.

Narmada Palace: 
Built in 1727 by an old Balinese King too frail to worship at the traditional place at the summit of Mt. Rinjani, the palace features beautiful gardens around a natural spring. A temple inside the grounds called Pura Kalasa, is completely devoted to the Hindu supreme deity, Shiva. Once a year ducks are released onto the lake and local boys must retrieve them as a prize.

Pura Meru: 
The largest Balinese temple on Lombok is just across the main road from Mayura. It was constructed in 1720, under the orders of Anak Agung Made Karang of Singosari. The complex is made up of three courtyards and hold more than thirty shrines. The temple is the site of one of Lombok's biggest Balinese rituals.

Pottery: 
Lombok is known for its simple, but high-quality earthenware pottery. Throughout the island, you will discover villagers employed in this ancient craft. The distinctive black/brown clay makes practical items and attractive decorative objects. The region of Penujak is specially known for its original designs. Discover an unusual 'bottomless' water pot, that when the water is poured into a hole in the bottom of the pot then turned over, the water disappears!

Weaving Village: 
Visit the town of Sukarara to discover the heart of Lombok's fabric weaving industry. Traditional hand-weaving had almost disappeared until tourism revived the craft. Beautiful Songket fabric is woven on hand looms from cotton embellished with gold and silver thread, creating a beautiful and unique effect reflecting the islands brightest hues.

The Isle Gili Air, Gili Meno and Trawangan Islands: 
A short ride north of Senggigi, a cluster of tiny coral islands offer the perfect destination for snorkeling, scuba diving or picnics on pristine stretches of white sand beaches. Hire a boat to take you out to discover a magical marine world of blue coral, brightly colored fish and delicate shells, Good dive locations.

Sasak Village: 
An interesting day trip should include a visit to a traditional Sasak Village - Sade - to the south of Lombok. The village has only traditional huts constructed of clay, dung and straw, polished to a high gloss, and with thatched roofs. The village has many 'Lumbung' rice-storage barns.

Mataram Museum: 
A fine collection of local artifacts, pottery and weavings provide a fascinating look at Lombok's unique culture. Located at the heart of Mataram - a town which has grown until it joins both Ampenan and Cakranegara on each side.

HOW TO GET TO LOMBOK
For many visitors to Lombok, the principal access is through Bali's bustling international airport (DPS).Two airlines (Merpati and Air Mark) operate the twenty-minute inter-island flight to Lombok (AMI) with frequent schedule service. Direct flights from the nation's capital, Jakarta is operated by Garuda Indonesia (Boeing 737) and from Surabaya by Garuda Indonesia (Boeing 737) or Merpati (F-28). All have connecting international or regional services. Non-stop scheduled flights from Singapore are operated by Silkair, offering convenient connections with many international flights to Singapore Click here detail...

With excellent connections like this, we find that many visitors are choosing Lombok island as their primary vacation destination. Ask your travel agent professional to assist in choosing the connecting service best suited to you. Click here detail...

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