2015-10-25

Lombok is like a charming lover you kissed and you won’t tell anyone.

This is a secret you would only share with your close friends.

Also read: The complete guide to the Gili islands – the Maldives of Lombok

Lombok provides a kaleidoscopic experience that is easy to start, difficult to finish but impossible to forget. Known for its fiery temperament with active volcano Mount Rinjani, do you know it also has a sweet spot for romantic getaways and surreal pink beach?

If Bali is an international superstar, Lombok is a shooting star you won’t want to miss.

1. Amazing bird eye view of Lombok and Rinjani – Bukit Pergasingan

This is one of the most poetic scenery of Lombok Island.



Photo via idntime

The rice paddy fields laying complementally next to each other makes them scintillating.



Photo via iand_azhar

Here, you can catch a glimpse of a far stretching view with the almighty Mount Rinjani.

Pergasingan hill is also the alternative to hiking Mount Rinjani, with an altitude of 1700 metres above sea level and Sembalun village located at an altitude of 1100 metres above sea level. So you must conquer an altitude of about 600 metres.



Photo via thelangkahtravel

The hike up is around 4 hours, it will take you some effort up the hill, and some parts of the slope is almost at an angle of 70 degrees.

Photo via idntime

It is recommended that you camp overnight, so you can catch the magnificent sunrise behind Rinjani.

Bukit Pergasingan

Address: Jl. Raya Senggigi km.13 Lombok Barat – NTB, Indonesia 83355
Recommended guides: http://lombokcarrental.com
Contact no: +62-82144644613
Getting there: Pergasingan Hills is located in Sembalun Lawang Village. Coordinates here
Entrance fees: Rp 20,000-25,000 /pax (USD$1.50-1.80)
Tour fees: IDR 650.000 (USD$47) per person, 2 pax minimum

2. Rushing waters – Waterfalls of Lombok

Waterfalls have been cloaked in mystery and myth for as long as people have known about them.

Luckily for you, you don’t need to hop on a plane to Hawaii or Zambia to revel at some rushing water. Here the most gorgeous waterfalls you can enjoy in Lombok:

2a. A nature art sculpture – Mangku Sakti waterfall

A natural art sculpture out of Antoni Gaudí collection – the gorge formation is impressive.

Photo via rinjanidawnadventures

The natural erosion has carved a marble-like canyon that the water meanders gently through.

Photo via kooyod

The river runs down from Lake Segara Anak (Mt Rinjani), and the water is milky because of the sulfur content and is believed to able to treat different kinds of skin diseases.

Photo via dominiquediyose

Photo via irmakecy

Mangku Sakti waterfall

Getting there: This waterfall is located in the village Sajang, sub Sembalun, East Lombok district. It is 50 km from the Selong if you’re going by Sembalun hills.

At Papar Sekretariat, in Sajang Village, you can engage a local guide (if you wish). From the office it’s a further 3km (approx) by car or motorbike. The track is not good – there are some steep sections with loose stones and mud, which makes it a bit dangerous. When you reach the carpark, it is a 20-30 minute walk to reach the river and the magnificent Mangku Sakti waterfall. Coordinates here

Recommended guide: www.rinjanidawnadventures.com
Contact no: 087 864 93 1176
Entrance Fee: IDR5000/pax (USD$0.40), IDR5000/motorcycle (USD$0.40)

2b. Stunning water curtain – Benang Kelambu waterfall

Made up of 6 ‘falls’ through the trees, similar to water curtains, that’s how Benang Kelambu waterfall got its name.

Photo via fakruljamil

It is easily accessible from the carpark but well hidden in the rice fields.

Photo via Prince Dastan

This waterfall is located at the foot of Mount Rinjani, so you can get up close and personal by going behind the water.

Photo via amelianalar

Photo via lembahputih

It’s a 500m mountainous walk to the waterfall, so be sure to bring water and some snacks along. You can visit its twin waterfall, Benang Stokel, which is 1 km away.

Benang Kelambu waterfall

Address: Air Terjun Benang Kelambu, Aik Bukaq, North Batukliang, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara
Getting there: There is no available public transport to the waterfall.
It is situated about 32 km from Mataram or about 1 hour by car. From Mataram, you should go to Narmada City, Sedau, then you should head east until you find Pancor Dau intersection. Turn to northeast until you find Teratak market intersection and travel north. Make sure to ask the local people if you feel clueless, because there is only one sign to reach the waterfall. For your safety, you can also ask a travel guide to guide you there. Coordinate here
Entrance fee: IDR5,000/pax (USD$0.40)

2c. Secluded jungle waterfall – Air Terjun Tiu Kelep

Mother Nature does have her way of keeping her most beautiful attributes tucked away in remote areas, ensuring that these stunning features are preserved and kept intact as much as possible.

Photo via pagandance.de

If you wish to visit Air Terjun Tiu Kelep, you need to sacrifice some effort and time, allowing at least 3 hours to journey from Mataram.

Photo via Wayan-Premananda

The condition of the road to the waterfall is not well-conditioned, and is fraught with rocky paths, fallen tree trunks and swift currents. It is recommended to hire a guide provided at the entrance.

Photo via azerilrazak

According to local myth, having a circulating bath in the waterfall will lead to eternal youth. The soft and flat pool bottom makes it suitable for visitors to swim in.
This waterfall is located in the area of ​​Mount Rinjani National Park, with the source water coming from Lake Segara Anak at the peak of Mount Rinjani.

Air Terjun Tiu Kelep

Address: Senaru, Bayan, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83354
Getting there: Located approximately 60 km from the capital Mataram. To go to the village of Senaru, it takes about 2 to 3 hours by four-wheel drive from downtown Mataram. There are two routes that can be taken to get there, the first through Pusuk and second through Senggigi Beach. There are no public transportation that leads directly to this location. Therefore, visitors usually rent a vehicle at the car or motorcycle rental which are found at the town centre (Mataram or Cakranegara). Coordinates here
Entrance fee: IDR5,000/pax (USD$0.40)

3. Egypt Pyramids in the sea – Semeti Beach

You will feel like you are on another planet – Planet Krypton.

Photo via ClimaMgta

Photo via wan_thelone, idanurlaili91

The many stones here resemble the crystal box in Planet Krypton where Superman is born, hence it is also called Krypton Beach. Semeti Beach has rocks that are shaped like pyramids and stand firmly in the middle of the ocean.

Photo via Abu Ihsan al Atsary

The path is extremely rocky and rough, so be sure to wear covered shoes that are slip-proof, as you might need to climb rocks as high as 20m to get to the other side of the rocks.

Photo via wonderfullombok

Behind the rock is where you can get the phenomenal view of Semeti Beach.

Semeti Beach

Address: Prabu, Pujut, Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia.
Getting there: Mawi Beach, Central Lombok, Mekarsari village, 5 km from east coast of Selong Belanak. Coordinate here

4. Soak in the infinity pool at the foot of the volcano – The Rinjani Lodge

Elevated at the foot of the volcano, Rinjani Lodge boosts of a supreme escapade with Mount Rinjani as your window view. Visually stunning and situated on a gorgeous backdrop, the infinity pool is definitely where you want to luxuriate in.

Photo via diodhylan

Photo via amrazing

There are a few attractions within walking distance, so you can reach the famous Tiu Kelep waterfalls and Sindang Gila Waterfall in less than 40 minutes.

Furthermore, having the ingenuous Sasak as your neighbour at the base of the volcano, how much cool can it get?

Photo via rizazeinas

Free wifi available in the mountain, that’s definitely another bonus.

Photo via abdlmuizz

Rinjani Lodge

Address: Jalan Periwisata Senaru Bayan, Senaru, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83354, Indonesia
Contact no: +62 0819 0738 4944
Price: USD$109/night, deluxe double room
Check rate on AgodaOfficial Site

5. Tears of Angel – Tanjung Poki

Don’t be swept away by the scenic tremendous waves – literally.

Photo via rosishelmi

While being enraptured by this natural beauty, do remain careful and vigilant and not be hit by the waves. Waves at this spot are very huge and ferocious which create a blowhole effect. The waves can reach the height of tsunamis above 10 metres!

Photo by Loetfi

The big waves make it unsuitable to swim, but you can still fish here. This is a popular location for the local fishing fanatics, and they actually have a weekly competition.

Photo via DiskiEdinya

There are other cliff rocks around the beach which provide photo-worthy opportunities.

Check out this video by Loetfi too! Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Video by Loetfi

Tanjong Poki

Address: Sekaroh, East Lombok
Getting there: Tanjung Poki is a cape situated between Pulau Batumilalang and Repokbaru, and is also nearby to Pantai Sowan. Landmarks in the Tanjung Poki area include Teluk Aikundur, Teluk Pulutiga and Teluk Mangkurun. Coordinate here

6. Waterfall of the Sea – Nambung Beach

Salty Niagara waterfall – this unique waterfall phenomenon is created by large waves crashing against the cliff rocks and falling like a waterfall.

Photo via: top-instagram-nita.fransiska2

The best picture is when you are actually under the cliff, so be prepared to walk through the large waves with waterproof bags. You have to bring your own surfing equipment to ride the waves, and the crystal clear water also makes it lovely to swim.

Photo via: twitter-LL_Herry

But take note – there are neither rental nor bathrooms facilities available at Nambung beach.

Check out the video below!

Nambung Beach

Address: Pantai Nambung, Nambung, Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia Nambung, Pengantap Village, Senggigi District, West Lombok. Coordinate here
Additional information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nambung-Sekotong-Lombok-Barat/626452514098774
Getting there: Nambung beach is located at the southern part of Lombok. It take 3 hours to drive from Mataram (60km) and enter into the Sekotong region

7. Swing your worries away at Ocean Swings and hammock

Many of us pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that we hurry past it.

Downtempo and spend an evening off at the most idyllic attractions in Gili Trawangan – swing in the middle of the sea at Hotel Ombak Sunset. There is something nostalgic when you are swinging so high on the swing that it feels like you are flying.

Also read: The complete guide to the Gili islands – the Maldives of Lombok

Photo via: Anjahofberggren

Imagine an evening with your favorite person just swinging your worries away into the calm waters, isn’t that an ideal romantic way to end a day?

Photo via: beflawless90

For a more adventurous and creative approach, strike a pose and balance yourselves on the swings. Every shot is almost impeccable, be imaginative and make your photos stand out!

Photo via: emilieprehn

Alternatively, you can head over to the nearby bar – The Exile Gili Trawangan. The swings even comes with a hammock!

Photo via: Ellchintya

Hotel Ombak Sunset

Address: Coordinates here
Contact no.: +62 370 644333

Official website

The Exile Gili Trawangan

Address: Coordinates here
Contact no.: +62 819-0722-9053
Official website

8.  Climb the fiery active volcano to the best view in Indonesia – Mount Rinjani

Everyone should have this in his or her bucket list – climb an active volcano.

Volcano Rinjani is just one of those heavy smokers that just won’t quit, but also trying to be at its greenest.

Photo via trekkingrinjani

This mighty volcano has an extraordinary panoramic view that makes it one of the greatest volcanological attractions of the world.

Standing at 3,726m, the second highest mountain in Indonesia, the 4-day-3-night trek to the summit is not a walk in the park. Those loose lava rocks, sand and high altitude will require certain physical fitness to make it an enjoyable trek. It is recommended that you start training by walking at least 5 km every other day with weights before the actual trek.

Photo via travelledpaths

Despite not able to shower for 4 days, and endlessly walking for 3 days while sweating like a tap, the magnificent summit view is all worth it!

Photo via: Asoka Remadja

Photo via: Asoka Remadja

5 stars hotel? You get to sleep under 5 billion stars and marvel at the Milky Way.

Photo via Hak Photography

Some travel tips from us:
The best season to climb Mount Rinjani is April to December. Mount Rinjani National Park is closed from January to March due to heavy rain. The last eruption was in 2010, but please do check the volcano activity and weather forecast before any summit attempt.

Photo via ady_oche

While it is possible to climb Rinjani without a guide, it is highly recommended to go with a tour, unless you are experienced, well prepared, very fit, and fully equipped, ready to carry all your food supplies, sleeping bags, camping tents for 4 days. If not, definitely hire a guide who can do all these for you.

Photo via trekkingrinjani

High altitude sickness is common at this height (which can happen at about 2,500m), so be fully aware of the symptoms and have the necessary check ups before the climb. Do not attempt the summit if you develop any of the symptoms, descent immediately. It can be fatal within hours.

The temperature can get as low as 0°C at the summit, so bring along windproof and warm clothes for the summit day. Take only the things that are absolutely necessary – you won’t want to carry a 10kg luggage for 4 days!

Mount Rinjani

Address 1: Mt Rinjani, Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency 83656
Coordinates here
Address 2: Jl. Barakuda No 09
BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi
– West Lombok NTB 83355
Tel: +62 (0)370 692 179 / 693 949)
Recommended guides: http://rinjanimountain.com
Opening Hours: 08.00 AM-04.00 PM
Package Fees: Guides from USD$350 for 3D2N package
Entrance fee: IDR150,000/pax (USD$11)

9. Out of a movie set – Bangkang Cave

Doesn’t this look like a cave straight out of an Indiana Jones movie?

Photo via Adjie-Pratama

This hundred-years-old cave is located in a local village that remains unexplored by tourists. Treasures and loot are long gone, but do have your fisheye or wide-angle lens to capture valuable photos!

Photo via: idolamertua

This cave is also home to thousands of bats, and best time to visit is before sunset. You can witness the spectacular occurrence of thousands of bats leaving their nest and flying out of the cave at dusk.

Photo via: zoeraa

But do open an umbrella or poncho – you won’t want to be caught in the rain of droppings!

Bangkang Cave

Address: Bangkang Village, Pujut Sub-District, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara
Getting there: On the road out of Kuta, a few km before the turnoff to Mawun beach, take a right at the white and red sign down a rocky track. Goa is located below the hill.

Have you been to Bangkang cave? Share with us the coordinates @ mehthesheep.com[at]gmail.com

10. Grand Canyon of the East – Pantai Tebing

There are parts of the Earth which do not seem to really belong; Pantai Tebing is one of them.

Photo via: cadjole

It is an extraordinary borough unmatched to its surrounding. A fascinating beauty. This reminds us of the Grand Canyon and is definitely on the visit list!

This unique rock formation was due to the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. Hot clouds of sediment containing fragments of coral resulting from the tsunami were deposited here.

Photo via: og4nk.blogspot.sg

For the brave souls who want to attempt to rock climb the cliff, the limestone and rocks can be loose, so please do take extra precaution!

Pantai Tebing

Address: Jalan Raya Bayan, Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat. Sambiq Bangkol village, Gangga, North Lombok. Coordinates here
Getting there: 1.5 hours, 80km from Mataram capital city to the location of Coastal Cliffs, look out for SMPN 2 Ganges.

11. Batu Payung in Tanjung Aan

This solitary rock stands out like a sore thumb.

Photo via agusm123

It appears like an unearthly thingummy right in the middle of the beach.

Batu Payung or the umbrella stone, it is impossible to ignore its existence but that is what makes it beguiling. The façade of this stone changes at different angles at varied times of the day, and it may appear like a human face.

Photo via windarynda

This stone is located approximately 1 kilometre east of Tanjung Aan Beach. The walk to the Umbrella stone along Tanjung Aan delivers incredible views of the hills, and are inhabited by birds and bats.

Tanjung Aan

Address: Jalan Kuta Lombok, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar.
Getting there: From Tanjung Aan beach to Batu Payung beach, you have to walk 1 hour across a stretch of white sand and along the edges of cliffs. Alternatively, you can go by boat at Tanjung Aan beach, which will only take about 15 minutes. Coordinate here

12. The forgotten Heaven – Tanjung Bloam

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Angels must have missed this spot.

Photo via: Herman Morrison

This natural beauty of flanking cliffs and rock stones that stretches beyond the coastline makes it exotic. It has stunning view of contrasting black rock with the golden cliff against the clear blue waters.

Photo via: Lempok Adam

Tanjung Bloam is not easy to reach and offers challenging waves for surfing and swimming.

In order not to be a fool, waterproof your personal belongings and wear sturdy shoes, as the rocky path leading to the cliff is slippery and wet.

Photo via: Fahmieyel Tahaway

Here’s also a Turtle Conservation area, so you might spot turtles on the beach or get to swim with them!

Tanjung Bloam

Address: Jl. Pantai Beloam, Tanjung Ringgit, Jerowaru, Kabupaten Lombok Timur, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83672. Coordinate here
Getting there: The beach is located in the region of Cape Bloam Jerowaru East Lombok. It is 2.5 hours’ drive from Mataram. Prior to Tanjung Ringgit, turn right into a small street that is about the size of one’s car. You’ll find a mini pavilion 500 metres from the corner, indicating you have reached.

There is no entrance ticket. You only need to pay parking fees of IDR 5,000 for one motorbike and from the parking lot, you need to walk less than 20 minutes. The path is quite rocky, so covered shoes are recommended. If you drive a car, park your ride on the main road since the path is quite narrow, after which you will need to walk about one and half hours to get there.

13. Teletubbies hills – Selong Belanak Beach

Drive slow and enjoy the scenery – drive fast and join the scenery.

Photo via Debucung

The lush green hills along the way to Selong Belanak Beach are worth a sight. The best period to visit is from January to May where it is at its greenest.

Volcanic deposits develop some of the richest agricultural lands on earth, producing these green terrains that look like Teletubbies hill.

Photo via whynotwithkids

Make Selong Belanak Beach your pit stop, which is known for its crescent-shaped coastline and white sand. It is also great for beginner surfers. Located close to tobacco plantations and farms, you can spot farmers with their buffalos on the beach if you are lucky!

Selong Belanak Beach

Address: Selong Belanak, West Praya, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Getting there: Selong Belanak Beach is located about 49 km from Mataram City. With car or motorcycle, you can reach the beach in 1.5 hours. From Mataram, you just need to take the route to Lombok International Airport. If you have reached Jami’ Penunjak Mosque, you should turn north until you find the beach. When you are going to reach the area, you will find a magnificent view of the beach from the top. You will find a large bay with blue crystallised ocean framed by curved white sand. Coordinates here

14. The cauldron of miracle – Aik Kalak Hot spring

Cure all your illness and soreness without any pills or medication – that’s what the locals believe.

Photo via beckorastagang

Photo via trekkingrinjani

This hot spring is blessed by the local Hindu community and is believed to have an enigmatic healing power.

Photo via: Vinchel Budihardjo

Myth or truth, diving into the warm water is revitalizing enough to sweep away all the fatigue from a full day hike! Just located 200m from the camping site, it’s a popular place for hikers to rest their feet in the therapeutic water.

Photo via lombokreisen

While we hikers are asleep during full moon, the local perform rituals and bless the blades of their kris (swords) in the sacred waters and hot springs of the caldera lake.

Aik Kalak Hot spring

Address: Lombok Eco Tour, JL. Raya Senggigi Km 8, Lombok Barat – Indonesia 83355
Tel: +62 370 692014
Mobile : +62 81 805 728 107
Recommended guides: http://www.lombok-eccotour.com/rinjani_hotspring.htm
Getting there: The hot spring is located at the crater lake of Segara Anak within Mount Rinjani. It will take one day trek to reach the crater.
Fee/Price: Guides from USD$230/pax (min 2 person)

15. Fantasy comes true – Pink Beach

Yes you read it right – pink beach.

Outlandish, picturesque pink beach that look like they are straight out of a fantasy movie. Pink Sand is a result of the tiny red organism that grows on the dead coral reefs.

Photo via: Sisca subakti

The best time to go is before 8 am and after 4 pm when the sand catches the morning sunrays, presenting a nature fascia of grandeur.

The condition of the road can make the trip challenging. If you don’t want to ride on the bumpy road, you can rent a boat at Telong-Elong (village nearby).

Photo via: 2ticketstowonderland, uniqpost, harindabama

The area is still natural and undeveloped, so there’s neither toilet nor shades. Bring your own meals, drinks and cutleries.

Lombok Pink Beach

Address: Pemokong East Lombok, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. Coordinate here
Getting there: Tangsi Beach is situated in Tanjung Ringgit, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara. It will take two hour to drive from Mataram or Senggigi.

16. Hunt like Poseidon – Spear fishing, Gili Islands

Hunt like a predator under the sea.

Photo via: Tarquin-Cooper,indospearfishing

You have finally decided to bite the bait and join the bandwagon of people who are spear fishing? The art of spearfishing began in the Paleolithic era more than 20,000 years ago.

Photo via: indospearfishing

Why spearfishing? Traditional net or line fishing is passive and requires patience.

Spearfishing empowers you with the ability to target specific prey, use your wits and athletic skill to track it down, stalk it and go for the kill – with no by-catch.

Photo via: Tarquin-Cooper

Technological advances have improved the success rate of spearfishing, though the method remains primitive.

Spear fishing, Gili Islands

Address: Jl. Lestari Gang Manalagi VIII No.2, Pejeruk Bangket Ampenan, Lombok, Indonesia
Contact no.: +62 8123-7824-505
Official website

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jabutwoodenspeargun
Price: Full day fun trip USD$175/pax.
Full day extreme trip USD$300 for 2 pax (All inclusive of meal, lunch, boat and local guide)
Additional info: The spearfishing in Gili Trawangan is quite challenging, and mostly in the 20m+ range, so you must have some experience already of diving 20m+ with bottom time at this depth to enjoy the fishing here.

17. Find lost treasure undersea – Bounty Wreck Dive

This is not a boat wreck, it’s a sunken pier under the sea!

Photo via: southseanomads

The Bounty used to be a pontoon once used by the Bounty Resort on Gili Meno, so whatever’s on the pier sunk together!

The Bounty Pier fell into shallow water along the coast of Gili Meno, making it accessible to all level of divers. There’s also a coral ridge extending from 20m to 12m for you to explore near the wreck.

Photo via: Randi-Ang,mpzproductions

The Gili islands (Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan) are known as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world! There are other interesting dives around Gili Islands such as the Japanese WWII Wreck.

Do check them out!

Bounty Wreck Dive

Address: Trawangan Dive Resort, Gili Trawangan Main Beach Road, Lombok, Indonesia
Contact no.: +62 (0) 370 6149 220
Recommended guides: http://trawangandive.com/dive-sites/72-bounty-wreck.html
Opening hours: 9am – 2.30pm, night dives upon request
Price/Entrance fees: IDR490,000 (USD$36) per dive inclusive of all equipment and dive guide, additional charge of IDR50,000 (USD$3.80) per diver to the Gili Eco Trust

18. The most poetic sunset in Lombok – Sunset at Senggigi

So irresistible is the beauty of Senggigi Beach, that even Indonesian novelist Mira W. wrote a novel titled Segurat Bianglala di Pantai Senggigi (Rainbow of Senggigi Beach). The pristine beach of Sengigi makes it the perfect backdrop for sunset.

Photo via: itaichsaniamran

The beach provides scenic views of Bali’s Mount Agung and stunning sunsets with the volcano silhouette on the horizon.

Photo via iwan_sumantra

Here’s also one of Lombok’s prime tourist resorts, you can find a legion of bars and dram yourself to the sunset.

Senggigi Beach

Getting there: Senggigi is about 15-20min north of the outskirts of the island’s capital Mataram. Coordinates here
From airport: A public bus service is available from Bandara Internasional Lombok to service passengers wishing to travel to and from either Mataram or Senggigi. The 8 DAMRI buses serving the route are air-conditioned and have a capacity of approximately 40 passengers.
The DAMRI bus services depart Senggigi from 03:00 and are listed as departing every 1.5h until the last departure from Senggigi at 20:00. The bus is meant to take about 1.5h but the trip time may be closer to 2h.

19. Return to innocence – Lake Segara Anak

Want to know your future life? The answer is in this lake.

Photo via Asoka Remadja

There’s a local myth that if the lake looks wide to you it is a sign you will live to an old age; or if the lake seems narrow it is a sign of a short life.

What do you see?

The name Segara Anak means child of the sea. Segara Anak Lake holds various mysteries and invisible power.

No matter what, just sitting by this jade serene lake and warming yourself with a drink after your hike will make all your worries fade away.

And here’s the catch – there’s actually another volcano within Mount Rinjani. Gunung Samalas, the former twin peak of Mount Rinjani, was destroyed after the explosion in 1257, but remains dormant in the middle of Segara Anak.

Segara Anak is a crater lake contained at the west of Mount Rinjani. A 3-day-2-night trek will take you to the lake at 2,000m elevation.

Lake Segara Anak

Address 1: Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani, North Aikmel, Aikmel, East Lombok Regency 83656, Indonesia
Address 2: Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani
Arya Banjar Getas
Lingkar Selatan, Ampenan
Lombok Barat, NTB Indonesia
Recommended guides: http://www.rinjaninationalpark.com/rinjani-lake-segara-anak-3-days-2-nights-package-rinjani-national-park-lombok.html
Getting there: From Mataram, it is a 2 ½ hour scenic drive to Senaru Village, which is the main access point to Rinjani National Park.
Tel: +62 (0)370 660 8874
Package fee: 3D2N package at USD$350/pax.
Entrance fee: IDR150,000 (USD$11) per day per person

20. Travel 5,000 years BC – Bayan Sasak

Time travel back in time is made possible right here in Lombok.

Sasak village is still home to the indigenous people of Lombok, who have been living the same way since 5,000 years BC.

Photo via natureones

Villagers have continued to live in their old traditions despite the modernizing surroundings. The most ancient village can be found at the foot of Rinjani, Bayan Village. Rinjani Lodge is located 1 km away, so you can be become neighbours.

Photo via indonesia-impressionstour

Plasters of mud and cow-dung make the huts. The distinctive traditional huts – rice barns – were built using 100% natural resources, a craftsmanship developed since the 17th Century.

Be respectful when visiting their compound – it’s their private property.

Photos by: jihaarifin,littlebeni

Alternatively, Sade Village, located in Kuta, is more welcoming to tourists. You can get to meet and greet the Sasak people and understand their way of life. Traditional woven handicrafts by the women are also available for sale.

Bayan Sasak

Address: Labuan Lombok Road, the village of Bayan, Bayan subdistrict , North Lombok , West Nusa Tenggara Mataram
Coordinate: TBA
Getting there: Bayan is located 5 km southeast of Anyar. Just before the village, a road to the south runs to Batu Koq and Senari, starting points for the ascend of Mount Rinjani. The area has several lodges. From here it’s less than one hour of walking to the high fall of Sendang Gile, from which the vast fields east of the village get their water. Coordinates here

21. Temple on a rock with a hole – Pura Batu Bolong

There’s a quiet charm to this Hindu temple on the cliff.

Photo via fransbond

As the name implies, Pura Batu Bolong is located on top of a black stone of Senggigi Beach that has a hole in the middle.

Photo via snaebyllej2, asiavistas

Although a small temple, it is of great value in the hearts of the Hindu followers in Lombok. There are two buildings in the temple. The first temple is named Pura Ratu Gede Mas Mecaling, located under the trees near the entrance, and the other one is perched above the cliff prominently, looking into the sea.

The temple faces the Straits of Lombok and Bali’s Mount Agung, and has a spiritual atmosphere that is capable of providing peace and tranquility.

Pura Batu Bolong

Address: Peta Pura Batu Bolong Lombok
Getting there: Senggigi Beach, Pantai Batu screen, next to the northwestern city of Mataram, West Lombok. Coordinates here

22. Boundless outlook into the ocean – TWA Gunung Tunak

Photo via Yeyet

Be electrified by the sweeping panoramic view of the infinite sea – by climbing this platform that bears a resemblance to a power transmission tower.

Photo via ayiep_darbozt2, berbagifun.com

This viewpoint is located in Taman Wisata Alam, Gunung Tunak Nature Park. The natural rock trail is about 3km and the lighthouse is right at the cliff end. Strong wind makes the climb more stimulating and challenging.

Photo via faztravelog.wordpress.com, Farrah Nurmalia

There are 2 beaches there which you can explore – Bilasayaq Beach and Ujung Tanjung Beach. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there’s no food stalls around.

Photo via ayiep_darbozt

TWA Gunung Tunak

Address: Pantai Bilasayak TWA Gunung Tunak, Mertak, Pujut Nusa Tenggara Bar.
Getting there: It’s located just the east of Coast Bumbang , and very easy to find. After arriving at beach Bumbang, continue up the hill until the end of the asphalt road as far as 4km. It is still accessible by vehicle there. Coordinate here

Are there any other more amazing things to do in Lombok we missed? Share with us today!

The post 22 extraordinary things to do in Lombok – Indonesia’s fieriest island appeared first on TripCanvas Indonesia.

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