Lombok Event and Festival

A Whole
Year Lombok
Cultural Performance

Put a side every 1st and 3rd Saturday on the month to watch “LOMBOK CULTURAL PERFORMANCE at CENTRE STAGE ART MARKET, here you can watch most of Lombok dances and culture which are really shown In the past. these cultural performance is sponsored by Department of Tourism Art and Culture of West Lombok.

Ogoh Ogoh Parade
one day before the Hindu new year, the Hindu people in Lombok have a Tawur Kesanga ritual which mean to purify Bhuana Agung (macrocosmos) and Bhuana Alit (microcosmos) as well as naturalize negative power from Bhuta Kala. The Tawur Kesanga ritual is usually held in West Lombok and Mataram city during Tileming Sasih Kesanga. The Tawur Kesanga ritual usually begins with the Ogoh ogoh parade. An Ogoh ogoh is statue to visualize Bhuta Kala. This statue is to give more focus to people throughout the Tawur Kesanga ritual. During the Ogoh ogoh parade the statue is spun around before being faced in the right direction. after that the statue is cremated to ensure that the bad spirit won’t disturb the people again.

Male’an Sampi
Male’an Sampi is highly exciting Lombok tradition that always has the power to draw a crowed. The event is actually a series of cattle race held on a water logged race track 100 meters long. The local Sasak language the meaning of Male’an Sampi can be divided into two world, male’an meaning to chase and sampi meaning cow. Male’an Sampi is a favorite pastime for farmers and cattle breeders in West Lombok. This event is usually held at the planting season when the farm is empty and the farmers and cattle breeders get together to stage the race.
Gendang Beleq Festival
The Gendang Beleq Dance is one of Lombok’s famous local dances. it is so named because the musicians beat a huge (beleq) drum (gendang) that set the well – defined ‘Lombok’ rhythm to which the dancers perform. in the olden days this dances was performed to say goodbye to soldiers heading for the battlefield and again when they were welcomed home. this dance whit it’s distinct sound is now performed to welcome important guest.

Senggigi Festival
Senggigi festival is a week of cultural events to promote Lombok tourism, which will be held in the Senggigi Resort area and organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture West lombok, artist and cultural observer and by tour agencies. During this event, all the color of Lombok’s arte and culture are brought together in one central location so as to be easily experience by all. Domestic and overseas guest are invited to join the event. Some important event that are going to be present include.

Painting Kite Competition
This event is oven for everyone, especially children. it’s designed to incurage children to explore they imagination and aspiration through they talent which is paint.

English Speech Competition
The competition is designed to encourage the younger generation to use more English. Especially since West Lombok relies on tourism. The more people who can speech English means more information can be given to tourist.

Stick Fighting Festival
Manhood and heroism is a total criteria are shown into a game called Perisean. The fighter called Pepadu use a stick as a tool to fight and perisae which made of Cow’s skin as a shade to protect themselves from getting hurt. Sportive is becoming the main requirement in this game with a referee called “Pekambar” will act as a judge. A simple traditional music will accompanied this game as a spirit lifter. it is usually held during the dry season. This game is also a performance to ask for the rain from the God.

Takbir Competition
Takbir is a praised to GOD, because Muslim people have completed one month fasting period, and was successful in suppressing they passion. Those happiness showed through a Takbir and Tahmid and play in a mosques. And after a while, Takbir and Tahmid are shown as a parade. Takbir is paraded at the end of the fasting month after the last breakfast.

Lebaran Topat
Lebaran Topat is a cultural event related to the Moslem religion in Lombok. Lebaran Topat as the tradition to celebrate Lebaran and recreation by bringing traditional food “Topat” with variety of side dishes including vegetables, it’s held in the 7 day after Idul Fitri. Lebaran Topat is Held particularly in the West Lombok, started to pray to happiness and prosperity in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and followed by recreation along the coast line, the traditional food “topat” and variety of side dishes including vegetable dishes.

Mulang Pekelem – Mt. Rinjani
The Balinese Hindu are have been in Lombok since event though they live in Lombok over generation they are still maintain their culture and tradition. One of the tradition is Ngaturang Peklem at Lake Segara Anak, Mt. Rinjani. Pekelem means gives some offering to God like gold and buffalo heads as a expression of gratitude to god for his blessing everything in life. Thousand of pilgrimate will go up to Lake Segara Anak, some times pilgrimate as the far as Bali will come to this event. beautiful panorama of Mt. Rinjani will make them keep coming back next year.

Perang Topat
Perang Topat (Rice cake War) is a ritual ceremony which is performed as a expression og gratitude to God for his blessing of fertile soil plentiful agriculture produce. This event is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks, who throw rice cakes “topat” at each other. The show begins at 16.30 p.m after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flower fall (Rorok Kembang Waru). The ceremony is usually held every year at the time of sixth full moon (according to the Sasak calendar) some time in November or December. Topat is a plating if coconut leaves filled with rice and boiled.

Lombok Region

MATARAM

Mataram is the provincial capital of West Nusa Tenggara that consists of two main island namely Lombok and Sumbawa and comprises three major towns: Ampenan, Cakranegara, and Mataram itself. Ampenan is the furthest west located town in Mataram and used to serve as a port town. Ampenan resident is quite diverse; there are descendants of other Indonesian ethnics like Bulginess who are generally fishermen, Malay and Banjar of Borneo origin. There are also a significant amount of Chinese and Arab traders running most of the shops and restaurants around. They normally live at the old shop-houses. The amalgamation of their traditions and the locals’ makes Ampenan a little deferent than other living area in Mataram. Ampenan Residents speak a slightly different language.

Along the coast, there is a fishermen village where tourist can experience their way of life and watch the making of sailboats, when lucky. The are rows of boats lining up on the beach after coming back from fishing, good for photograph. Be there early to see fishermen coming ashore after staying out in the ocean the whole night long for fishing. Watching them pulling up the huge fishing net ashore could be new experience. It’s also amazing how they keep the tradition of gotong royong (help each other) when carrying the fishing boat out of the water to park it on the sand. A bit further north of the fishermen village is a sophisticated Chinese graveyard, which is often described as 7 star rated Mandarin hotel by local tour guides. Come and see, but don’t book a room there.

The second town in Mataram is Cakranegara, often shortly referred to as Cakra. This town has long been the commercial center in the province. Dominated by Chinese business people, Cakranegara is getting busier as the only downtown in Mataram along with the opening of Mataram Mall a few years ago. There are several small restaurants, hotels as well as banks in Cakra. In the night time, Cakra turns into a hive of culinary from different places in Indonesia. They are normally sold at small warung (food stall) or knock down tents. Inspire of the Chinese domination in business area, Cakra is a home to Hindus of Balinese descendants who came to Lombok not later than the Chinese. Inhibited by Balinese, Cakra becomes very much like Bali as they still practice their own tradition and belief and speak their own language and becomes a paradise to rooster fighting gamblers. Drive a bit further east of Cakra is the main Mandalika Bus Station.

The third town is Mataram, the administrative town and hub of education. Governor’s, mayor’s and several other important offices are located here. A few banks, including Indonesian Central Bank, Bank Indonesia also sit in this area. There are also many schools of different levels including Mataram University and State Islamic Institute. Official residences of high rank officers are built in the main Mataram highway.

SENGGIGI

Senggigi is located about 25 minutes drive from the airport. In the mean time, Senggigi is the major accommodation area with a good range of selection. There are also many restaurants lining up along the street. Starting from 5 stars rated Sheraton Hotel to simple home stay. Staying in Senggigi, you can enjoy the beauty of the beach and the sunset as well as the night live offered by a few bars, discotiques and karaoke.

WEST LOMBOK

This area of Lombok is mostly very green along the year and its west coast boundary directly oriented to the neighboring island, Bali. Both West Lombok fertility and situation tempt the invaders from eastern Bali Kingdom to settle in and around this area. Pottery and wooden craft can be found here in Banyumulek and Labu Api and Rungkang respectively. Senggigi also belongs to the same area.

CENTRAL LOMBOK

The area of southern slopes of Rinjani is very fertile and lush and well watered. Spring waters and waterfalls flow the whole year long. It makes the area an ideal place for hiking or soft trekking.

However, reservoirs have been built around the southern coast to dam the flow from the waterfalls and springs, as the country turns drier. By so doing, it can provide irrigation for the farmers during dry season. The water is as well flowed through big pipeline to the southern coast for drinking and cooking and other household need.

SOUTH LOMBOK and KUTA

South Lombok is noted for its drought and therefore less densely populated. The settlements here are normally built on hilltops and are most likely inhibited by Sasak indigenous. Sparsely populated, South Lombok has limited paved road and public transport but famous for its woven fabric, pottery and woven ketak basket and other fine crafts.

However, Kuta Beach with its strikingly white sand and gorgeous water is magnet to visitor and is a paradise to surfers. The sand is very uniquely grainy similar to peppers; thus many people, unfortunately, bring it home for aquarium or other oceanic decor. The waves breaks (‘left’ or ‘right’) around Kuta beach is said to be among the top 10 in the world. Kuta Beach also offers a range of accommodation along the beach and surfing trip can be arranged with any surf shop there.

During low tide, it is nice to join the farmers either plant or harvest seaweed around Kuta beach, or just strolling around among miscellaneous sea shells and corals or other marine animals.

EAST LOMBOK

In spite of less exposure, the tourism potentials of East Lombok remain enchanting. Sembalun, the northeast starting point to climb Rinjani, offers a scenic drive during nice weather. It’s also good for non-climbers to enjoy the peak of Rinjani from. The green valley, stretches like natural green carpet, inspires the local people to grow garlic and onion, and other cash vegetation. It inspires also agro industry investors to cultivate the fertile land.

In the southeast coast, fishing port of Tanjung Luar is worthwhile visit. Visit early in the morning to see the newly caught. Inhibited by Bugis sea persons, Tanjung Luar also dock to traditional wooden fishing boat. Further south from Tanjung Luar are marvelous pristine beaches for those who are in search for quietness. For instance, Tanjung Ringgit, Kaliantan, and Pantai Sorga etc. some of which are good for surfing.

Driving 50 km east of Mataram, you will find a well-known Otak Kokoq tiny waterfall for its healing power. The waterfall is believed to be able to cure minor ailments and baldness. Take a shower under the water that falls through a giant root of a tree and if the water turns into like muddy water, you might have some diseases, as it is said.

Driving about 10 km further up north from Otak Kokoq, you can enjoy watching the highest point in Lombok in a bright morning. Located in southern slope of Rinjani, Tete Batu Village is home to many kinds of flora and fauna. For that reason, Dutch once here and Wisma Soedjono (now a hotel) is the authentic evidence. The air is not polluted and the surrounding view is awesome. So, take a light walk through tobacco field or a soft trek to the waterfall is surely pleasant and breathtaking. There are a few simple cottages to select around here.

Lombok Island Map

About Lombok

Just lies 25 minutes from its celebrated sister Island of Bali by flight or 4 hours by public ferry, Lombok has various attractions for those who are in search for a memorable holiday. In the northern coastline, the unspoilt beaches forested by thick palm trees dominate the landscape. Senggigi, the main tourist resort area in Lombok, for instance, is amazing and offers various range of villa categories, from one bed room till 4 bed rooms such as The Sheraton Villas, The Pool Villa Club, The Floating Villas, The Santosa Villas and Resort, The Qunang and Qusia Villas, The Puri Mas Villas, The Harmony Villas, The Oberoi Villas, The Novotel Villas, The Imaj Villas, The Alang-Alang Villas and many others. Three-small-island, better known as Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan are also heaven for either beginner or professional divers. Their underwater beauties inspire a next vacation to Lombok.

Driving further north, you can experience a unique way of life of the Sasak indigenous who live in the simple traditional houses in the rustic village of Segenter. This mountain tribe compound is not built for tourists, but is open widely to tourist, though. So they are not commercial as many other tourist places through-out the island.

For hard trekkers, the highest and holiest mountain for both Baliness and Sasakness, Mt. Rinjani (3.726 m), is a perfect choice to escape from complicated daily routine. 3 days 2 nights hiking to the summit is quite a bit tiring, but to enjoy the fascinating sunrise from the summit is worthwhile. Spending a night by the lake shore of Segara Anak is also enjoyable and unforgettable.

Lombok is also gains more popularity amongst the young surfers for its various surf breaks along the southern coast of Kuta Beach. Many hotels In Kuta Beach, therefore, provides and arranges surfing trip to the surfing point around.

Aside from the natural attractions above, Lombok is also well known by its fine handicraft and jewelry such as traditional woven fabric, pottery, furniture, and sea pearls.
They are made in the best and finest quality by local people and that they can meet the export quality standard. This is also one of the reason why coming to Lombok.

We can eventually assure you that you can absolutely experience more than we can tell. See you around in Lombok!.

RICH BLENDS OF CULTURE AND TRADITION

Discovering Lombok is like traveling in Bali 15 years ago, the beach is pristine; the volcanic Mountain View is spectacular and the people are pain fully shay.

Where Islamic SASAKS mingle harmoniously with Balinese Hindus in a mix that enhances the island’s cultural and traditional attraction.

Where the SASAK costumes and rituals focus on lavish marriage ceremonies and colorful circumcision celebrations.

Where eager crowds line the street for a wedding procession that can be seen on every Sunday afternoon. Accompanied by a full gamelan orchestra.

Where young ladies prior to circumcision are carried in procession astride colorful wooden horses galloping in time to a crescendos of musical rhythms.

Where ritual mock battles are staged between warriors with staves and shields.

Where female dancers, enacting a “LOVE” dance, select male partners for short duet to roars of laughter from the audience.

Where the minority HINDU descendents of the Balinesse, who created a “NEW BALI” by building temples and places, participate in ceremonies and ritual with as much devotion and energy as across the waters on the neighboring island.

Where coming upon lavish HINDU processions or ceremonies, or visiting shrines and temples perfumed with the scent of frangipanis and incense, you would swear you were in Bali.

Where almost everyday of the year some form of traditional ceremony or ritual is held.