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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.
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