Lombok Island

Indonesia has a lot to offer. Everyone from locals to tourists, children and adults alike, may find something worth visiting in this wonderful country – one of which is Lombok, an island located in the western southeast islands of the said country.

Within the island is a collection of cities, each of which has something to offer potential visitors. Traveling within the island, one could choose to ride taxis or motorcycles if these are available. Many, however, choose to ride bicycles or the cidomo, which is a horse-drawn cart. Mt. Rinjani is one of the main attractions within the island as it is an active volcano and is the second highest Indonesian volcano. It has a lake, the Segara Anak Lake, in the crater, and a hot spring, the Aik Kalak, at the crater rim.

The first city, Mataram, is the largest of the mainland cities. Here, one could venture into the Mayura Garden and Water Park, which boasts of its magnificent architecture, history, landscape, and pond. In the middle of the pond is a small building where palace officials of erstwhile eras would hold meetings. Nearby, one could visit Pura Meru, or Meru Temple, which is a large temple with three pagodas on its grounds to symbolize the trinity in Hindu: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. People could also go to the Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat, which shows exhibits regarding the history and culture of the island. Narmada Park, or Taman Narmada, is visited by many for the Youth Fountain.

Bangsal, another city in the mainland, serves as a port for the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands consists of three islands that form a straight line from the mainland. One could enjoy surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the reefs surrounding these islands. One of the islands, Gili Meno, has a small bird sanctuary. People who are searching for a more club or party scene are suggested to island-hop to Gili Trawangan.

Kuta is the city in Lombok, which possesses wonderful beaches and surfing spots. Praya, a city located in the central part of the island. Villages specializing in weaving, such as Sukarara, are found by traversing its main road.

And last but not the least is Senggigi, which is the foremost tourist destination. Tourists regularly visit Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Lingsar. Pura Batu Bolong is a small temple located at a cape in Senggigi. It is famous for its peak, where a chair symbolizes the throne of Brahma. Pura Lingsar, on the other hand, is a complex of temples and is known to be the holiest within the island.