Long renown for its stunning natural attractions, distinctive local cuisine, and the warmth of its residents, Lombok has a thrilling new experience for visitors as the Mandalika resort district gears up to host all the thrills of the inaugural MotoGP on its state-of-the-art racing circuit.
With travel restrictions gradually being eased, the Mandalika International Street Circuit will be the focus of thousands of motorcycle sports fans for the March race. Accolades for the new 4.3-km track have already been coming in from racers who have had the chance to practice on its technically demanding turns and exhilarating straights.
Japanese racer Takaaki Nakagami declared “So happy! This track is so epic” on his Instagram feed, while the MotoGP said the location, alongside breathtaking Kuta Beach, is “paradise.”
“What an incredible place!” it added. “The Mandalika Circuit is firmly in the category of most beautiful circuits in the world.”
The race going ahead is the clearest indication yet that Lombok is embracing the new normal and welcoming visitors back to this part of Indonesia. And was well as being the perfect place for racers, Mandalika has everything to combine what promised to be an exciting race with the perfect holiday, from those famous beaches to a choice of high-end hotels, unique attractions, and mouth-watering dining opportunities.
As soon as the race is over, however, anyone looking to rediscover the tranquility that Lombok has to offer will have their opportunity. For two years, this lush island has been unnaturally quiet and still. The hospitable people of Lombok have not been able to welcome visitors from around the world, to share their culture, history, unique attractions or their cuisine. As international travelers flock back to Bali – just a 40-minute flight away - it is also time to return to Lombok.
In many ways, the absence of large numbers of travelers has been beneficial to Lombok and its myriad surrounding islands. The plant and animal species that inhabit the rugged interior or the coral reefs have been able to regenerate. Mother nature has worked her magic and restored the islands’ natural beauty. Jungles seem greener, beaches more golden, reef fish more dazzling.
Lombok’s vast array of dispersed outdoor attractions also make it the ideal place for a first post-pandemic vacation, particularly when combined with the stringent health precautions that have been introduced to ensure visitors’ well-being.
Do and See
Roughly circular and around 70 km from coast to coast, Lombok is 78 km from Bali’s Padang Bai Port and enjoys many of the natural attractions that have long brought foreign visitors to this part of Indonesia – although it has a reputation for being less brash and glitzy than its neighbor.
Lombok’s unspoiled beaches are lapped by the aquamarine Java Sea, but the interior is dominated by Mount Rinjani, a volcano that rises to a height of 3,726 meters. The contrasts are dramatic and provide opportunities for those who want to explore the wild inland regions just as much as those who prefer to relax on a sun lounger within earshot of the ocean.
Climb – Reaching the top of Mount Rinjani cannot be described as an easy stroll – but anyone who has made the journey will tell you that the view from the peak makes the hike worthwhile. The second-tallest volcanic mountain in Indonesia, the panorama takes in the entire island, the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Millenia of activity deep beneath the mountain have helped to create the breathtaking Segara Anak, a crescent-shaped lake that is a spiritual place to local people. The mountain is at the heart of the Gunung Rinjani National Park, which covers a sprawling and virtually untouched 41,000 hectares.
The most popular ascent of Mount Rinjani starts at Senaru, with the entire hike typically taking four days.
Dive – Lombok is surrounded by more than 20 “gilis” - the local word for a small island – but three stand out as destinations.
Gili Trawangan is a fast boat away from the mainland and has some of the best scuba diving in the region. Shark point has the ocean life for which it is named, while the Halik dive site has countless varieties of coral and turtles that seem quite happy at human intruders into their realm.
Gili Meno enjoys a long stretch of pristine and peaceful beach backed by bungalows and high-end resorts. Offshore, divers can explore the colorful corals the length of Meno Wall and at Point Coral Blue. Gili Meno enjoys a long stretch of pristine and peaceful beach backed by bungalows and high-end resorts. Offshore, divers can explore the colorful corals the length of Meno Wall and at Point Coral Blue.
Gili Air is even more relaxed, with small cafes and restaurants on the beach. As well as diving, visitors can rent paddle-boards or snorkeling equipment, while the more adventurous can try kitesurfing or parasailing.
Waterfall treks – Blessed with highlands that receive plenty of precipitation, Lombok has some of the most impressive waterfalls in the entire Indonesian archipelago.
Two of the island’s most glorious cascades are Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, which channel water over a 45-meter falls at the base of Mount Rinjani. Two of the island’s most glorious cascades are Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, which channel water over a 45-meter falls at the base of Mount Rinjani.
According to local legend, Sendang Gile takes its name from a prince who was chased by a lion but escaped by hiding behind a waterfall. In the local Sasak language, Tiu Kelep translates as “flying pool.”
The waters at Jeruk Manis falls are believed to have magical properties, with anyone who dips their head in the water cured of any number of illnesses, including baldness. The 30-meter waterfall is a 1.5km hike through dense vegetation, with visitors likely to see deer or monkeys along the way.
Mayung Putek is also believed to have therapeutic properties as the water that crashes over the 60-meter falls is high in sulfur drawn from the volcanic Mount Rinjani. The feature’s name means White Stag after the deer that was reportedly seen bathing in its waters long ago.
Mandalika – On the southern coast of Lombok, Mandalika is being developed as a vast center for tourism on the island, with high-end hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and theme parks interspersed with the region’s natural gems, such as attractive and safe beaches backed by gently sloping green hills.
The beaches at Tanjung Aan, Seger, Gerupuk, and Serenting are ideal for anyone looking to relax, while the more energetic can rent water sports equipment and explore offshore.
The temple of Pura Ratu Bolong takes its name from the black rock promontory pierced with a hole that it stands on and is well with exploring.
The age-old Bau Nyale Festival, in February or March, sees locals competing to catch spawning sea worms. According to local custom, the “nyale” are considered to be the reincarnation of the beautiful Princess Mandalika, who jumped into the sea off Seger beach to stop suitors fighting for her hand in marriage.
Cuisine - Lombok enjoys all the other dishes that are staples throughout Indonesia – nasi goreng, gado-gado, satay, rendang, and soto are considered national dishes - but it also has a number of local specialties, including several that are halal.
No visit to Lombok is complete without sampling ayam taliwang, a spicy grilled chicken dish that is unofficially the island’s leading contribution to Indonesian cuisine. Half-cooked over a grill, the chicken is then dipped in a marinade of oil and a piquant sauce concocted from garlic, chilies, and shrimp paste before it is returned to the grill. Served with boiled water spinach of sambal beberuk, this is the authentic taste of Lombok.
Visitors must try another authentic local dish, as satay rembiga is traditionally marinated for three hours before being cooked on a searing hot grill to bring out the flavors of the beef, cayenne pepper, shrimp paste, garlic, salt and sugar.
Another favorite is ayam balap puyuh, which originates in a hillside village in the heart of the island and is a combination of rice with fried chicken, vegetables, fried and seasoned grated coconut, fried soya bean, and chili paste, all traditionally served on a banana leaf.
Babalung is a soup that incorporates cow or goat ribs that is often served at special celebrations with rice, chili, and slices of lemon, while plecing is Lombok’s traditional salad, consisting of water spinach topped with a tomato-based sauce that also includes chili and shrimp paste.
InDOnesia CARE:
The InDOnesia CARE initiative has implemented comprehensive anti-coronavirus protocols to ensure cleanliness, health and safety throughout the travel industry.
Thorough guidelines have been introduced for all sectors of the industry, from hotels through restaurants and bars, scuba diving operators, homestays, spas, golf courses, rafting tours and other tourism operators. Employers and staff are aware of the updated healthcare requirements, which include mandatory personal protective equipment, regular disinfectant procedures, and frequent training.
Facilities are also required to obtain a certificate of CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability) to demonstrate that they meet the necessary standards and are vigilant in the campaign against the virus.
To prevent the coronavirus spreading, the Indonesian government is regularly updating requirements for anyone planning to visit the region. The situation remains fluid and the regulations for travelers can change, but for the most up-to-date information, please visit #Wonderful Indonesia.