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

Saturday, 16 March 2013

SOUTH LOMBOK