History of Lombok

Lombok is regarded as one of the most spectacular of all of Indonesia’s islands. Though visions of idyllic Bali, modern fast paced Jakarta are conjured up in the minds of the people whenever, the name of Indonesia crops up, Indonesia is much more than the relatively well cities and islands as a whole, Indonesia is also about tempting virgin beaches, innocent and naïve villagers, simple life styles and truly exotic cuisine. It is also about Lombok. Relatively unravaged by time and marauding travelers from all over the world, Lombok is slowly but surely revealing herself to the world. The island of Lombok is to the east of her most famous neighbor, Bali. The straight which divides these two islands is very deep with innumerable whirlpools and dancing dolphins. The history of Lombok gives a fascinating insight into how the island evolved over the centuries to become what it is today. Though it is quite a task to delve deep into the ancient history of Lombok because of a paucity of chronicled articles, what is known is that in the ancient times, Lombok had native rulers who ruled over this province and Selaparang (a small kingdom) had some control over the eastern side of the island.

It was in the seventh century that the veil over this island started lifting with outside influences. Lombok came under the influence of Balinese and Makassarese of Sulawesi. The Balinese arrived from Karangasem crossing the Lombok Strait in the early part of the seventeenth century and around the same time, the Makassarese invaded the eastern part of the island. 1677 was a landmark year in the history of Lombok, it was in this year that the two intruders managed to subdue the other one. Balinese won as they had the help of the native Sasak aristocracy. Henceforth, it became a Balinese obsession to secure and maintain their control over this island. However with the passage of time, it was found that the Balinese control over Lombok had run into hard times and the beginning of the nineteenth century saw Pagesangan, Pagutan, Mataram and Cakranegara competing for the island.

1894 changed the course of Lombok’s destiny. From this year Lombok began her journey as one of the colonies of the Dutch. Balinese army had attacked the Dutch camp in Mayura Palace, Cakranegara. Though the Dutch escaped, they could not escape casualties to artillery and man. Now they were determined to pay back the Balinese and this resulted in their taking total control of Lombok.

Lombok now started to realize what colonialism meant. There was abject poverty and they were on the verge of starvation on more than one occasion. The Dutch wanted control as well as personal profit. Heavy taxation was another area of concern for the Lombok population along with exportation of food materials. The last straw on the camel’s back was famine which tormented Lombok for nearly half a century.

So continued Lombok’s tryst with destiny. But suddenly in 1945, Lombok had a new sun rising . Soekarno arrogated that Indonesia was independent and Lombok was also a part of this new order of things. But in 1965, after a difficult two decades, mass killings of Communist sympathizers and ethnic Chinese created a scar for ages to come on Lombok. It was President Suharto who can be credited with much of the growth and stability of this island, but here it has to be mentioned that in comparison to Bali and Java’s glitz and glamour, Lombok comes a poor second. Now this island is slowly gaining its place under the sun as a distinguished alternative to Bali in the tourism world.

Lombok Popular Destinations

Ampenan City Lombok

Lombok, a part or rather a very important part of the Indonesian islands has several tourist attractions. Lombok is just beside Bali but the two islands are separated by Lombok Strait. This Strait is very deep with several whirlpools and innumerable dolphins. Though the island is not very big, it is making waves as a popular holiday destination. Lombok is a surprise according to the majority of the people who have spent their holiday there. Though her fair neighbor Bali has created an impression in the minds of the people with her glamour and accessibility, Lombok will bewitch anyone venturing to put forward a foot on the island. You will find that the cities in Lombok are very modern with all the necessary amenities and amongst all the cities Ampenan city can be termed as one of the oldest.

It also has the distinction of being a port town. Ampenan city is not very large compared to other Asian cities or cities even in Indonesia. It is positioned directly on the sea and has all the flavor of a port town. Earlier big sea faring vessels were seen with regularity here at the harbor, but today with its glory as an important hub, much diminished, only smaller fishing vessels are seen. But though Ampenan’s importance as port has gone down she has another feather in her cap, Lombok’s lone airport, Selaparang Airport is situated near this town. Ampenan is known for the shopping and dining district which is the best in Lomdok. The best boutiques, best restaurants and best antiques’ shops give many cherished memories and material “treasures” to take back home.

Ampenan city is located on the western side of the island. It is the main attraction of the tourists and during the tourist season, many hectic activities are seen. You can buy many articles of interest in the city, bright designed fabrics will surely make your eyes glued to them. Gorge on the local delicacies or international fare in some of the city’s restaurants. Experimenting the stretch of your taste buds is a very good idea, chances are that you will switch over to Asian cuisine. Indonesian cuisine is all about curries, coconut milk, spices and rice. In fact any authentic Indonesian delicacy will have coconut milk to impart the rich, creamy texture and the heavenly aroma of coconut milk and spices make one craving for more. In Ampenan, you can choose between a roadside eatery and a dining room in a five star hotel, but be sure to appreciate the sophistication and intriguing flavors of Indonesian food. Poultry and meat are taken generously by Indonesians, you can opt for purely vegetarian meals too.

Wildlife & National Parks in Lombok

Do you intend to saunter through the lush landscape while strolling upwards the verdant hills that seems gleaming with radiant sun? Do you wish to stride along the meandering pathways that take you to the mystical land, which is scattered with unique plant and animal life? The place is none other than Lombok when one gets the pleasure to indulge in a wildlife adventurous tour. Feel the introspective calmness in the air as you travel to Lombok, which has a varied spread of flora, fauna and vegetation as sighted from the presence of several Wildlife & National Parks in Lombok. Trek along the Gunung Rinjani Mountains that stands in the second position as one of the highest volcano within Indonesia. Nestled within Nusa Tenggara Barat this is a unique spot to venture to. The uncanny seclusion along with soaring mountain peaks are the sole attraction of this area. Known for having the Gunung Rinjani National Park, which is recognized as one of the distinguished Wildlife & National Parks in Lombok seems to be instituted here. Catch glimpses of the dazzling emerald water of Lake Segara Anak along with dense expanses of wide ranging forests. From tropical vegetation to the captivating wildlife, the area enthralls you with all kinds of beauty. Watch out for species like buffalo, barking deer, long-tailed macaques, wild pig and civets that can be frequently sighted.

Moyo Island is yet another wildlife reserve among the Wildlife & National Parks in Lombok that are scattered with grassy savannah lands and sporadic forested areas. It is nestled along the northern coast of Sumbawa towards the eastern end of Lombok. Watch out the native animals like the Deer and feral cattle while birds spreading along the coastline with species like Orioles, Coequals, Sunbirds, Koels and Drongos

Lombok Festivals & Events

From religious beliefs to revelry indulgence, Lombok's captivating culture attracts a traveler with all its spells and bounds. Being a doorway to east Indonesia Lombok Festivals & Events has lot to offer starting from Balinese ceremonial rituals to Sasak's traditional ethnicities. The province shares a common bonding between varied ethnic groups residing here like the Sasak, Balinese Hindu and Arabs that carry their own share of customary values to follow. The native rejoices in the carousing of several Lombok Festivals & Events that holds in harmony the unique customary values, morals, costumes, processions, decorations and ways of life.

Bau Nyale Festival is the most celebrated ritual among the Lombok Festivals & Events that are held in its southern lying beaches. It calls for the unison of moon, wind and tide that brings along colorful sea worms known as Nyales or eels that serve both their fortune as well as their feast principles.

Among the celebrated Lombok Festivals & Events, one can participate in the Gendang Beleg Festival where the native troupes congregate for a competition. The festival is incomplete without the performance of bamboo flutes, drums and percussions.

Peraja Nyongkolang, yet another important event in Lombok is a wonderful procession carried during the wedding of young native couple. Palanquin adorned with fantasy animals carry bride and groom together in the ongoing procession.

Peraja Sepaer is the local function held for approaching age of adolescent boys where they are carried in palanquin festooned with a flying tiger or a car or any modern vehicle, which passes through the entire village thereby observing the boy's circumcision.

Independence Day is one of the esteemed festivals held in Lombok Festivals & Events, which is held in the month of 17 August. Games like pole climbing, concerts, dance presentations and fête marketplace are common attractions to see.

Celebrated annually as per the lunar calendar especially in December, this festival of Perang Topat is noted as a symbolic 'war' ceremony. It shows gratitude towards the Almighty God for the fertile lushness. It is said that the society of Sasak Wetu Telu and Balinese Hindu hurl steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves known as topat at one another.

Lombok Parks & Gardens

Are you in search of a great escape to the Indonesian land that paces up your thrill for adventure? Are you looking out for a blissful retreat within a calm, scenic and cultural setting? Do you intend to relax peacefully or breathe the fresh air surrounding you in a tranquil garden? Then in that case a visit to Lombok that boasts of scenic adventures to eco tourism is surely going to catch up your glance. Leisurely walk along the Lombok Parks & Gardens where a tourist can grasp the startling diversity, verdant greenery to the diverse avifauna that are evenly spread along the area.

Among the Lombok Parks & Gardens, the Narmada or the Summer Garden Palace is the native parkland modeled on the basis of Mount Rinjani's pinnacle. It was acclaimed as the resting place of the King of Lombok. The area is close to the Mataram palace that was instituted during the year 1727 by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem. The place served both as a pleasure garden and even a place for worshiping Lord Shiva.

A fountain placed within this Narmada Park, was assumed to give longevity in a person's existence was popularly identified as the famous "Youth Fountain".

Apart from these Parks & Gardens in Lombok, several National Parks seem to flourish in this region. Among them Gunung Rinjani National Park is worth mentioning as far as traveling is concerned. Gunung Rinjani is known for its active volcano where several backpackers climb to the mountaintop. Experience the cloud forest as you stroll towards the crater rim entering areas filled with grassland and lowland rainforest.

While visiting Lombok Parks & Gardens, one can even choose to stay in thatched-roof villas, boutique hotels, and terraced pavilions where resorting would lead you to the mesmerizing open stretched landscape. Rejoice in the intimate ambience and don't miss out the local attractions around the vicinity areas of Lombok Parks & Gardens.

What & Where to Eat

Indonesia is the world's third largest democracy after India and the U.S with 18,108 islands of which 6000 are inhabited. There are five main islands Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan New Guinea and Sulawesi. The Lombok region a part of the South East Asian archipelago plays host to multitude attractions of myriad varieties. There are some exotic extravaganzas waiting to be explored by you slowly! The Spice garden follows you in your endeavor to get local, as local cuisine binds you to the ethnic traditions of the region.

In Lombok there are many places dealing with oriental spices and their manifestations with along the international savory stores. Clove, nutmeg and mace are the spices that had been a gainer in trading for Indonesia earlier. World famous spices of Indonesia are Indonesian Hot curry powder, fresh Kaffir Limes, coconut, Galangal and batteries of seasonings and pastes.

Rice is Indonesia's staple diet, also sago palm flour, sweet potatoes and cassava. Meat, fish and vegetables add tang to the bland staple diet. Hot sambals spicen fish and crustaceans, fresh or dried. Shrimp pastes are added to some dishes to make unique.
Cumin, coriander, ginger, caraway and other spices come in the Indonesian Cuisine through their Indian connection. Indonesian food has fused the stir-frying, the soybean and noodles, daikon radish and Chinese cabbage from the Chinese percolation. The fusion with Dutch cuisine gave way to Mexican chili flavor incorporated in sauces. The peanut butter from America has weaved its way into the sauces for Satay and Gado-Gado.

YOU can enjoy food mainly in the lanes lining the beach, mostly the beach area, the orbit of Art market and also the numerous mobile food stalls, not to forget the village community eating too.

A small enclave in the beach will provide you with individual mini-barbecue wine and mineral water. While if you want to eat local food the best option can be eating with the villagers to get wholesome Beef Soup and beef crackers to top it up!

While in Lombok, do try the fresh succulent meat balls served with noodles dropped in clear soup from the mobile road side vendors, they are pocket friendly and taste awesome!

You can get specialties from round the globe in Lombok, listed are some delights:

Asian delight such as Thai Soups, Balinese Chicken, Singapore Crabs and Japanese Teriyaki and Tempura
European highlights such as French Tournedos, Italian Pasta and pizzas and Mediterranean specialties
Continental stuffs like Caesar Salad and Indian Samosas and many more.

How to Get in

Lombok is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and attracts travelers from all across the globe. How to get there to Lombok is not difficult to answer as there are several modes of transport making it all easy.

The quickest and comfortable way to get to Lombok is by air and flights connect all the important cities of the Indonesia and also important cities of the world. The Selaparang Airport is Lombok's only airport. This airport is linked to important cities of Indonesia.

Travelers can also get to Lombok by boat that starts from Benoa in Bali to Lembar. The ferry service runs twice a day and during off season only once. The price of the ferry varies according to the nature of the class one is traveling.

Lombok Island is an unspoiled region of Bali with the pristine beaches and the scenic beauty. The lively culture reflected in food, dress, art, architecture, cuisine are the chief source of attraction for the tourists coming to Lombok.