Sights of Lombok (Indonesia) - what to see

Lombok has a sufficient number of natural and man-made attractions, thanks to which you will not be bored during your vacation on the island. Although it is worth warning sophisticated tourists in advance that not all attractions can cause wild delight. To be honest, they are somewhat modest here, but they still have the character of "wildness" and "undeveloped" by numerous tourists.

Attractions are scattered around the island (you can see them on the interactive map of Lombok), and you can visit them yourself either by rented transport or by taxi. It is more convenient and cheaper to use one of the group excursions, which are offered in large quantities in travel agencies on the streets of tourist areas of the island. You can also use the services of an experienced tour guide, of which there are enough in the same travel agencies, and make up a route for a private excursion yourself. For our part, we have prepared an overview of the main attractions of Lombok, which will help you choose an interesting excursion, make a route with a guide or visit interesting places on your own.

At the top of Rinjani

The main attraction of the island – Rinjani Mountain (Rinjani Mount), concurrently a volcano and the location of a huge volcanic lake. The trekking trips are very popular for climbing. You should immediately pull on the sleeve of seasoned travelers who want to conquer the peak themselves: you absolutely should not do it yourself. Although the ascent to Rinjani is quite gentle and does not require special training, it is not the same as climbing a five-hundred-meter hillock. The height of the peak is 3726 meters, and it will take at least one day to climb it, but it will be necessary to spend the night, and then go down. That is why trekking trips with a guide and porters for two or three days are offered everywhere in Lombok. The program of hikes varies: starting simply from climbing to the edge of the crater to a height of 2700 meters with admiring the beauty and ending with climbing to the edge of the crater, swimming in the lake and hot springs, and then climbing to the highest point of the mountain. The cost of participating in such a campaign ranges from 1,000 thousand rupees (about $ 111) to 2,000 thousand rupees. For this money, in addition to the conductor and porters, you will receive a tent, sleeping bags and food. But do not forget to take warm clothes with you: at the very top, the temperature rarely rises above zero even during the day. Read more about everything you need to know about this in our guide about Rinjani here...

The next attraction is Gili Island. Wonderful coral islands with beautiful beaches and an interesting underwater world. The most popular are Trawangan, Meno and Air, and they are all located next to each other and very close to the coast of Lombok. You can go diving, snorkeling and doing nothing on them. Even if you don't dare to stay in one of the hotels on the Gili Islands (it's really boring enough to spend many days in a row there), then it's definitely worth visiting one of the islands as a tourist attraction. Learn more about the Gili Islands here.

Still worth a visit on Lombok Narmada Water Park (Narmada water park, also Taman Narmada). This is not an amusement park at all, as you may have immediately thought. In the past, this water park was used by members of the royal family, especially during the dry season. The park was built in the early 19th century by King Anak Agung Gede Karang Asem of the kingdom of Mataram Lombok.

In the "Narmada Water Park" there is a Hindu temple Pura Kalasa, a swimming pool, a "fountain of youth", whose water prolongs youth if you drink it and wash with it. Many lakes and springs in the park take their waters from Mount Rinjani. And there is also a small old holiday home in the park, where the king spent his time when he wanted to relax and retire. The territory of the park is very well maintained and beautiful. Many locals visit this place to relax. Entrance to the park is paid: 10,000 rupees (just over $1).

Another "water attraction of the island" - Mayura Water Palace. Note that this is an attraction in quotation marks. This palace was built in 1744 and used to be the Palace of Justice of the Kingdom of Bali. In 1894, a fierce battle between the Dutch and the Balinese took place here, as a result of which the palace was seriously destroyed. Now there is a lake surrounded by a park with statues, altars and cannons. This is a favorite vacation spot of the residents of Mataram. Access to the park is open from 07:00 to 19:30 , entrance is paid.

There are also several traditional villages on the island, each of which has its own specific craft to a greater extent. What's even better, by visiting such a village, you will be able to purchase handmade handicrafts at prices significantly lower than in resort areas.

So, the traditional village of Sukarare (Sukarare Village) is best known for handmade textiles. The village is even called the "village of weavers". Visiting the village, you will not only be able to plunge into the atmosphere of the traditional village of Lombok Island, but also be able to observe the process itself on ancient looms. Pringgasela Village is famous for its national clothes, also made by hand. And in the village of Suradadi, artisans weave baskets, bags and much more from a palm leaf. Another village Getap is famous for blacksmith craftsmen who still use the most primitive tools in their work. In the village Penujak (Penujak) dishes are made from red clay, which are fired in traditional ovens.

Acquaintance with the sights of Lombok will be incomplete if you do not visit one of the many temples of the island, including two of the most significant:

Pura Meru Temple is the largest temple in Lombok. This Hindu temple was built in 1720. In the outer courtyard of the temple there are huge wooden drums, the sound of which invites believers to the ceremony. In the courtyard there are 33 small shrines to the gods Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The temple is open to the public from 08:00 to 17:00.

Another temple, or rather a whole temple complex Pura Lingsar, built in 1714 is the most sacred place in Lombok. The temple complex serves two religions at once: Balinese Hinduism and three-time Islam "Vektu Telu" (Wektu Telu), each of which has its own temple built on the territory. The complex is open to the public from 08:00 to 18:00.

Admission to most temples in Lombok is free (including the two described), but donations are very welcome.

Also among the attractions of Lombok, we recommend visiting waterfalls, the most famous of which are:

Sindang Gila Waterfall, located approximately 600 m above sea level. Waterfall Tiu Kelep (Tiu Kelep), which is quite difficult to reach, but at the foot of which there is a deep natural pond-a pool in which you can swim.

Betara Lenjang Waterfall can only be seen by trained climbers with the necessary equipment accompanied by a local guide.