Mataram Tour
Other Tourism Attractions and Activities
Mountain Climbing
Mt. Rinjani, Lombok’s famous volcano, soars 3726 m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge crater near the top contains a beautiful lake, Danau Segara Anak ( Child of the Sea Lake) and a smaller volcanic cone, Gumung Baru Jari, which was formed a couple of hundred years ago. There are number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano. In 2004 Rinjani won the World Legacy award and the volcano is recognized internationally as an important ecotourism destination. Two, three and four day treks on the volcano are offered by tour companies and trek organizers in all the main resort areas of Lombok.
Historic Sites and Temples
There are a number of interesting temples around the west coast, many of which are Hindu or ancient sites of worship.
Handicraft Villages
Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay with distinctive “Lombok primitive” designs. You can also purchase hand-woven sarongs and fabrics (ikat).
Beaches
The whole island is surrounded by fantastic beaches, most of which are covered in clean white sand and fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Sanggigi to Malimba of Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkeling and swimming. The southwest coast also has fine beaches especially around Sekotong and Taun. Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu for rustic accommodation and great snorkeling just off shore or stay at Secret island resort on Gili Gede to explore the twelve other undeveloped islands in the southwest. The beaches around Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon.
Diving
With so many beaches and small islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkeling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili Islands-Gilli Air, Gilli Meno and Gilli Trawangan. Snorkelling is easy from the shore and three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night drives to the many sites around the Gillis as well as specialized courses and liveaboard adventures to exotic locations. For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well as near Kuta on the south coast and the small uninhabited island off the east coast.
Surfing
Lombok is becoming a world-renowned surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts worldwide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok.
Trekking
Much of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and adventure tours. There are number of spectacular waterfalls on the island which provide lovely trekking opportunities, whether travelling independently or as part of a tour. Sendang Gile on the slope of Mt. Rinjani in the north is an easily accessible waterfall in a stunning jungle setting and popular with visitors. Air Jeruk Manis, near Tetcbatu is reached by walking through pretty rice fields and forests. The awesome Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls, in central Lombok, are located within a short trek of each other and make a perfect day trip for those who appreciate truly magical natural surroundings.