Central Lombok
KUTE LOMBOK
Overlooking a large bay, the fishing
village of Kute is the main tourism center of Lombok’s rugged south
coast. In the past Kute was predominantly a drawcard for surfers from
near and far. However, the area has now risen to prominence thanks to
its many virgin beaches is now slated to become one of Lombok’s prime
tourist destinations. Accommodation ranges from simple homestays to
international star rated hotels. You can find various restaurants as
well as souvenir and surf-shops, tour organizers, internet cafés, and
ATMs here. This makes Kuta a suitable starting point for excursions to
surrounding attractions.
SEGER BEACH
Plays annual host to Bau Nyale, the largest
and most unique traditional event in southern Lombok which commemorates
the death of Princes Mandalika at Seger beach. According to legend, the
beautiful princess had to choose a husband from among her many suitors.
Seeing how they all vied for her hand in marriage, she feared bringing
war among them and within the kingdom if she chose one. In an act of
sacrifice, she flung herself into the sea and was transformed into a
swarm of colored worms. The anticipated advent of these palolo worms in
February or march every year sets the stage for festival which includes
traditional songs, dances, poetry and theater. Cued by the season and
moon phase, the worms undergo mass spawning at night over the reef. In
the morning hours children, women and men wade far into the ebbing tides
of the sea to scoop up the colored creatures which are regarded as a
delicacy. Besides Bau Nyale Festival, Seger beach sometimes sees good
swells for surfer, or for the romantically inclined, offers “sunset
hill” with its beautiful view over Kuta Bay at dusk.
TANJUNG AAN BEACH
Tanjung offers a serene seascape from all
vantage points along its curved shores. This beach is a good place for
relaxing, swimming and if the conditions are right surfing. Don’t miss
the opportunity to take a walk up the small hills to the west for a fine
view of the open sea outside the bay. The beach hosts some cafés and
hawkers sell fresh coconuts and pineapples.
GERUPUK SURF
A few kilometers drive east
of Kute, Gerupuk is possibly Lombok’s most popular surf destination. You
can charter a boat to one of several surf spots in the bay from
Gerupuk. The surf shops will set you up with gear if you haven’t got any
yourself. Locals also make living from seaweed and lobster farming, and
these farms can be seen just offshore. Neighboring Bumbang and Ekas Bay
are just a short boat ride away.
GOA BANGKANG
This cave shelters thousands of bats that
leave their roost in swarms at dusk. The spectacle is best witnessed
from the road outside the cave. Bats are the earth’s only flying mammals
and are essential to the environment. They contribute to our rich
biodiversity and well being through pollination, seed dispersal, insect
control and other eco services in rain forests, woodlands, wetlands,
grasslands, deserts and cities. Bat populations everywhere have declined
alarmingly in recent decades due to habitat loss, human disturbance at
hibernation sites, increasing urbanization and epidemics.
MAWUN BEACH
One of the most picturesque beaches wedged
between the hillsides west of Kuta. Sheltered in a large horse shoe
shaped bay with steep terrain on either side, Mawun is a great for
swimming (even at low tide) or just lying idly soaking in the rays under
the tropical sun. A beach kiosk will provide you with essentials and
there’s a public toilet here.
MAWI SURF
Central Lombok is just full
of great places to surf! Mawi is an enchanting beach with a reef break.
There is fairly consistent surf here which attracts advance surfers. Be
sure to bring your own surf equipment as there is no rental on location.

SADE
Lies on the main road to Kuta is probably Lombok’s most renowned
Traditional Sasak village. Visitors can admire Sasak architecture
including the prominent bonnet shaped rice barns called “Lumbung” with
roofs made of alang-alang (elephant grass), woven bamboo walls and
floors made from clay and dried cow dung. A range of souvenirs such as
bracelets made from coconuts and hand woven sarongs are on offer to
tourists

ENDE
A traditional village on the
main road to Kute. Compared to its neighbor Sade, Ende is smaller and
less frequented by visitors although it boasts similar highlights with
its Sasak thatch roofed house and handicrafts. Guided walks through the
village can be taken, and locally made souvenirs are available for
purchase.
PENUJAK POTTERY
Since the 16 century the
Penujak villagers have been following the traditional method of making
clay pottery (gerabah), and it has remained almost unchanged until
today. In Penujak there are handful of art shops to visit, and you can
glimpse potters in the process of making their earthenware.

SUKARARA WEAVING
Sukarara is home to some of Lombok’s best weavers who produce
songkets and ikats, the famous textiles which often boast bright colours
and intricate motifs, and are woven on traditional back strapped looms.
The knowledge and skills of how to weave are passed down from
generation to generation in the weavers’ families. The weavers employ
cotton,silk,gold and silver threads for their mastery. When in
Sukarara, take a stroll around and see the different shops along the
street, hear about the local handicraft tradition and try threading a
weft through a warp y