Lombok Festivals - Festivals in Lombok

Lombok Island

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Lombok is beautiful islands at the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. Journey through our website to discover their treasures, including Lombok's majestic Mount Rinjani.

About Lombok

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LOMBOK ISLAND-INDONESIA

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.

Lombok & Gili Island Map

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About Gili Island

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ABOUT GILI ISLAND

Gili means small island in local language. Located about 20 km north of Senggigi, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are paradise to divers or marine activities and marine life lovers. There are many dive shops and schools on any of the 3 Gilis. Either you are novice divers or certified ones, you can explore the underwater magnificence of the Gilis no matter on which island you base yourself. You can choose the dive spots you want to experience based on the information provided by your dive master. Or if you don’t dive, simply enjoy your swimming or snorkeling time there. Each of the 3 Gili has beautiful beach and crystal clear water.

To get to the island, just head to Bangsal harbor and buy public boat ticket at the booking clerk at fixed prices. If waiting long for sufficient other passengers is inconvenience for you, then take a chartered boat at higher rate but it sails you promptly on private arrangement.

Gili Air is the closet island from the harbor thus sailing to the island takes only 20 to 25 minutes and Gili Trawangan is the furthest, the biggest and the busiest one. Located across Gili Meno – the less developed and visited – it takes no less than 45minutes to get to the island of Trawangan and there is an opportunity to experience a bumpy sea ride on certain time or seasons.

All of the 3 Gilis offer various ranges of accommodation, restaurants and dive shops meeting your taste and budget. Nevertheless, Gili Trawangan seems to have more to offer since Trawangan magnetizes more visitors a long the year. While, Gili Meno is least developed and visited and is, therefore, less exploited or spoilt. There is quite large variety of choice for dining or staying, though. Gili Meno is good for relaxing.

GILI TRAWANGAN
Now appear to head the list as the most popular island – it has long had a reputation as the the “ Party Island”. Mainly through a concentrated and central foreshore area of restaurants, café, diving company and hotels including some luxuries boutiques and villas choice.

GILI MENO
Still the quietest island is a place to escape and although it has a smaller list of accommodation option those that it has are tending towards a more up-market clientele. Snorkeling off beaches of pure white sand the coral is superb.

GILI AIR
Has the largest local population and while it has more of lived – in feeling that the other two island for some that is quite possibly its attraction. On Gili Air it’s possible to like wide enjoy the marine possibilities but also one can absorb some of the local culture missing on the other island.

GILI GEDE AND GILI NANGGU
These two island off the north coast of the peninsula are now becoming popular for those seeking retreat from the more popular luxurious holiday spots. Accommodation is comfortable, through fairly basic, and entertainment and food is mostly left up to one’s own devices. Popular for those seeking a more alternate holiday life style with the freedom to do as one wishes without restriction both island can be reached by small skiff from Lembar or by other skiff departing from near Tawun

Mountain Rinjani

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There over 20 villages surround Mt. Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain,
but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east. The challenging three-day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.

A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani Trek Centre embodies under one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of the National Park, tourism industry and local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.

WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE
Gunung Rinjani National Park lies within the major transition zone (Wallacea) where the flora and fauna of South East Asia makes a dramatic transition into that which is typical of Australasia. The Park has a rich variety of plants and animals, although they can be hard to spot due to the terrain and rainforest cover.
Sometimes seen early in the mornings is the rare black Ebony leaf monkey, known locally as Lutung.

The Long tailed grey macaque or Kera is common in Lombok and older males are seen on the crater rim. Rusa deer are forest dwellers and are occasionally seen along the Rinjani trek trail. The smaller Barking deer or Kijang has an alarm call with a distinct dog-like bark. Look for the disturbed ground where the Wild pig or Babi hutan has been foraging. Also found in the forest is the Leopard cat or Bodok alas, Palm civet or Ujat and Porcupine or Landak.

A variety of colourful birds live in the forests of the Park. Perhaps the best-known icon of the Park is the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo that is not found any further west of Lombok. Many of the forest-dwelling animals, insects, birds, civets and monkeys owe their survival to the wild fig tree or Beringin as a provider of food and shelter. The pine-like Casuarina species, Cemara, are a feature of the grassy higher slopes. Orchids or Anggrek are also a feature of the grassland areas, as is Edelweiss or Bunga Abadi growing above the tree line; it is a beautiful icon of the Park and one of our best-known sub-alpine plants.

Rinjani Trek Centre:

The Centre is located at the trailhead above Senaru traditional village. It offers information and displays for visitors on the trek, the National Park, Sasak culture and a range of activities available in Senaru.

Displays include maps, Park interpretation, village walks and environmental guidelines. All trek arrangements can be made here, cultural tours booked and purchases made of local produce and handicrafts.
Park Fees: Fees are paid at the Rinjani Trek Centre. They contribute to the protection, maintenance and management of the National Park, Rinjani Trek route, village attractions and visitor facilities. Guides and Porters: Trained and licensed guides and porters are available. You will need three days and two nights to trek from Senaru via the spectacular crater lake, to Sembalun Lawang (or the other way). More time will be needed to explore the summit of Mt. Rinjani.
All trek arrangements can be made and paid for at the Rinjani Trek Centre. If not with a guide, please ensure you are well equipped and have knowledge of mountain safety.

Warnings:

The Rinjani Trek is a challenging mountain walk and you must be prepared with good equipment, warm and windproof clothing. Rinjani can attract severe storms, lightening and strong winds. When the weather is settled, the sun is intense and the nights frosty. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery. Beware of bad weather and risks of exposure to the wet and cold (hypothermia). If caught in an electrical storm, take shelter and avoid prominent ridges. Beware of snakes, and stinging insects and plants. Leeches can be a nuisance in the wet season.

Volcanic Hazards:

Although Mt. Rinjani has not erupted in recorded history, Mt. Baru (2,363m) in the crater lake is an active volcano. It last erupted dramatically in 1994. Check the notice boards for recent hazards, and take advice from park staff and guides.

Spring Water:

Fresh water springs are a feature of the trek and determine campsites. Your guide knows where these are. During the drier months (July-September) some springs completely disappear. Park staff and guides constantly monitor these water sources to determine their abundance.

Lombok Hotels

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	Villa Sayang Boutique Hotel & Spa A shangri-la of peace tranquility nestling into its own piece of hidden Lombok magic. With its villas meticulously designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Website: http://www.villasayang.com Email: info@villasayang.com
	Jayakarta Beach Resort Aman Kusdiaman - General Manager http://www.jayakarta-lombok.com/ jayakarta@mataram.wasantara.net.id
	The Oberoi Lombok John Halpin - General Manager http://www.oberoihotels.com/ jhalpin@theoberoi-lombok.com

	Villa Ombak Hotel Imam Wahyudi - Manager in charge http://www.hotelombak.com/ info@hotelombak.com

	Hotel Sahid Legi Cecep Suganda - General Manager http://www.sahidhotels.com/ sahid@mataram.wasantara.net.id

Lombok Festivals

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PATUT PATUH PATJU FESTIVAL

The PATUT PATUH PATJU FESTIVAL is a festival promoting the culture of West Lombok. It portrays the daily life of the people that have continued from generation to generation and which still exist to this very day. The festivals ussualy held near on April.

Through the PATUT PATUH PATJU FESTIVAL, the Goverment has been able to preserve the culture, which is held during the celebration of the birthday of the West Lombok Regency, by presenting some of the most important events including:

Pawai Ogoh-ogoh

One day before the Hindu New Years, the Hindu people in Lombok have a Tawur Kesanga ritual which means to purify Buana Agung (Macro Cosmos) and Bhuana Alit (Micro Cosmos) as well as neutralize negative power from Bhuta Kalla. 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 a statue to visualize Bhuta Kalla. This statue is to give more focus to people throughout the Tawur Kesanga ritual. During the Ogoh - ogoh statue is spund 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. The festivals ussualy held near on March.

Male'an Sampi

Male'an Sampi is a highly exciting Lombok traditional that always has the power to draw a crowd. The event is actually a series of cattle races held on a waterlogged race-track 100 meters long. In the local Sasak language the meaning of Male'an Sampi can be divided into two word, Male'an meaning to chase and Sampi meaning cow. Male'an Sampi has long been 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 races.The festivals ussualy held near on April.

Gendang Beleq Festival

The Gendang Beleq Dance is one of Lombok's most famous local dances. It is so named because the musicians beat a huge (beleq) drum (Gendang) that sets the well-de-fined 'Lombok' rhythm to which the dancers perform. In the olden days this dence was performed to say goodby to soldiers heading for the battle field and again when they were welcomed home. This dence with its distinct sound is now performed to welcome important guests. The festivals ussualy held near on April.

Senggigi Festival

Senggigi Festival is a week of cultural events to promote Lombok tourism, which will be held in the Senggigi Resort area and organised by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of West Lombok. During this event, all the colour of Lombok's art and Culture are brought together in one central location so as to be easily experienced by all. Domestic and overseas guests are invited to join the events. The festivals ussualy held near on July.

Cultural Parade

Cultural Parade is a spectacularly colourful and vibrant parade of marchers, dancers and local horse and buggies that shows off many of the hihglights of the local culture. The parade also showcases and is a perfect opportunity to promote tourism industry products. The festivals ussualy held near on July.

Presean

A 'Fight' performance by two young men armed with rattan sticks and shields made of cowhide. This dance is a dance asking God to give rain for the next planting season. People believe that the more blood is shed on the soil from the fight, the more rain God will give. This dance is also meant to show how the fighters will show off their power to each other and sometimes magic will also have to be involved. The Pekembar or a judge determines if the fight should carry on, or who the winner is. The festivals ussualy held near on July.

Painting Competition

This event is open for everyone, especially children. The object will be a Lombok tourism destination, which is well know to be the most beautiful in the area. The festivals ussualy held near on August.

Sand Castle Building Competition

The sand castle competition is designed to encourage young artist to put their talent into sand. The festivals ussualy held near on August.

Ngaturang Pekelam – Mt. Rinjani

The Balinese Hindu are have been in Lombok since even though they live in Lombok over generation they are still maintain their culture and tradition. On of the tradition is Ngaturang Pekelam at Lake Segara Anak, Mt. Rinjani. Pekelam means gives some offering to God like gold and buffalo heads as expression of gratitude to God for his blessing of everything in life. Thousand of pilgrimage will go up to Lake Segara Anak, some times pilgrimage as far as Bali will come to this event. Beautiful panorama of Mt. Rinjani will make them keep coming back every year. The festivals ussualy held near on November.

Lebaran Topat

Lebaran Topat is a cultural event relived 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 vegetable, it’s held in the 7 day after Idul Fitri. Lebaran Topat is held particularly in the west Lombok, started to pray for happiness and prosperity in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and followed by recreation a long the coast line, the traditional food (Topat) and variety of side dishes including vegetable dishes. The festivals ussualy held near on November.

Perang Topat

Perang Topat (Rice Cake War) is a ritual ceremony which is performed as an expression of gratitude to God for his blessing of fertile soil plentiful agricultural produce. This event is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks, who throw rice cakes ‘’Topat’’ at each other. The show begin at 16.00 after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flowers 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 platting of coconut leaves filled with rice and boiled. The festivals ussualy held near on November.

Lombok Activities

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Diving in Lombok

Three small islands, surrounded by coral, The Gilis, off Lombok's west coast, are fast becoming one of her main drawcards. Dive centres with all the high tech equipment and professional instructors ensure that visiting divers at all levels of experience and ability can dive in waters that have more varieties of fish than anywhere in the world - and that includes The Great Barrier Reef and Red Sea.

Gili Trawangan now appears to head the list as the most popular island - it has long had a reputation as the 'party' island mainly through a concentrated and central foreshore area of restaurants, dive operations and hotels including some luxury boutique choices.

Gili Meno, still the quietest island is a place to escape to and although it has a smaller list of accommodation options those that it has are tending towards a more up-market clientele. Snorkeling off beaches of pure white sand the coral is superb.

Gili Air has the largest local population and while it has more of a lived-in feeling than the other two islands for some that is quite possibly its attraction. On Gili Air it's possible to likewise enjoy the marine possibilities but also one can absorb some of the local culture missing on the other islands.

I addition to the Gilis there are many other dive and snorkel possibilities such as an area now being prmoted on the rugged south coast where the experienced can now dive among hammerheads and rays.

Surfing in Lombok

For one of the best surfs on the island, Bangko Bangko is about 90 kilometres from Mataram and located on the furthest point to the west on Lombok's foot. It's mostly deserted but famous in some circles for its surfing waves where it's known as Desert Point.

The trip to Bangko Bangko takes two hours but it's a beautiful drive beside the ocean where you'll see lots of white sand on the stretches of beaches beside the road side and white sandy beaches that ring the many islands (gili's) off shore such as Gili Nanggu, Gili Sulat and Gili Gede.

It's definitely one of the best surfing locations in Indonesia and the waters are also ideal for sport fishing. Slated as an area for future development Bangko Bangko already has a small resort of luxury villas located in a quiet bay only a few minutes from the surf and fishing grounds.

Golfing in Lombok

No matter where you go in the world, golfers will have their way. Lombok island has its own spectacular course.

On the island of Lombok, the Rinjani Golf Course embraces most of these essential ingredients of what golf is today. They’re pretty serious about golf, too! The latest trends and record breaking distance fairways are apparent but not the be all and end all of the game. At the same time everyone is serious about improving their game, and dare I say it, winning? The bottom line, however, seems to be enjoyment - an aspect often lost in many of the more ‘sophicticated’ locations. But don’t get me wrong, if you want to talk about location, Lombok’s Rinjani Country Club Golf Club ideally positioned 500 metres above sea level in the cool foothills of the Mount Rinjani mountain range, defers to no one.

Jack Nicklaus couldn’t have planned it better. A 3,700-meter volcano looms in the distance while other smaller mountains join in to create a superb natural vista. For those used to playing at sea level or adjacent to city skylines the escape is a feeling that must create a more relaxed mental attitude to one’s game. Yes, in these conditions the last thing one thinks about is stress. It shows that there is more to a game of golf than just hittting that little ball down fairways, out of bunkers and onto greens.

The Golf Resort has a swimming pool to cool off in, villas for those who wish to stay overnight, a restaurant that serves cold beer, a driving range, a putting green and a tennis court. And the 45-minute drive from Senggigi to the course takes you through some of Lombok’s lushest countryside, passing by the water palace of Narmada and skirting Suranadi with its manicured rice terraces, old Dutch hotel, and small Hindu temple.

Game fishing

Like surfing, deep-sea, game-fishing is an activity relying on a knowledge of underwater reefs, ocean floor contours, tides and currents and the weather. Mistakes can spell disaster, expertise success. Lombok being an island that has on one side a peaceful sea and the other the often times raging ocean is perfectly positioned to cater to a variety of fishing wants. Says Ted Turnbull, who fishes from his own traditionally styled outriggers: 'We may not have the latest fish catching technology, but we do have the fish. And while game-fishing in Lombok is still in its infant stages and relatively uncharted, this adds to the excitement. We surely can boast some of the best game-fishing in the world today'.

And a trip out in Ted's boat (pictured right) not only guarantees fish, but also gives you another spectacular view of Lombok. Rugged cliffs mark the southern coastline while white sandy beaches with palm trees are the norm on the western and northern coast. Of course what better place from which to see unhindered the huge mass of Mt Rinjani rising out of the inner island areas.

Here is Ted's account of a recent venture: 'Within moments of anchoring - bingo! The fish were lining up to get on board. The instant your line was in the water the bites started. The first line out pulled in two nice Trevally. After that the Red Snapper were hoisted on board by the dozen and getting bigger and bigger. Then there were Grey Snapper, White Snapper, Coral Trout, Grouper, Shark and Sea Bass. It was nothing to see a Giant Trevally of 30kgs being caught on one of our hand lines.

Arts and crafts

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INTRODUCTION TO LOMBOK CRAFTS

On Lombok there is more crafts than art. The main crafts of Lombok are practical items made for everyday use, but showing great skills and finish, traditional techniques and natural, locals materials. Villages specialize in certain crafts, and it's interesting to travel to a number of them, seeing hand weaving in one village, basket ware in another and pottery in third.

LOMBOK POTTERY

Lombok pots have become widely known. Three major villages that are famous with their pottery production are: Banyumulek, Masbagik and Penujak. These villages had their own style and methods which were further developed and improved under the aid plan from new Zealand Government on 1991. Most of Lombok pottery are handmade and using very simple tools and methods - no machinery used but very creative. Check out the newest article related to the long process of making the pottery on our special page: Lombok's Unique Pottery. From there, you can browse through our online catalogues, contains fine selections of Lombok Earthenware Pottery - collected from three major villages on Lombok.

LOMBOK LIMESTONE

This product can be categorized newcomers compare to other Lombok's art and crafts. Not widely known, but has becoming very popular nowadays. Many big hotels design their lobby wall or give some touch of arts with this product. Unlike lombok pottery, white stone carving does not using any coloring technique, or complicated steps of work. The basic materials is the natural solid rocks/sands stone, which further developed into basic shapes and then carved into final shapes with sands paper and finished by special liquid to protect the natural color from moistures and weather.

TRADITIONAL HAND WEAVING

Two main villages on Lombok that known for it's traditional weaving factory are; Sukarara (Central Lombok) and Pringgasela (East Lombok). Typical of sarongs and tenun ikat are produced here. The sarong is not only a comfortable article of clothing but can serve as a sheet, towel and multitude of other uses. Songket, is one of the most complicated hand weaving that usually done by women from generation to generation. The process can take over a month to reach one piece of songket. Some expensive songket combines silver or gold strings to give a touch of natural, shiny motif. Other kind of hand weaving is called Ikat Weaving, usually done by men.

LOMBOK WOODEN MASK, BOXES AND PRIMITIVE CARVINGS

Many of this product can be found in some art galleries in Bali's Legian St, or Ubud. They are well marketed in Bali, and often claim as original Bali's art. Two main villages in Lombok where they mainly produce those items are; Labuapi and Rungkang Jangkuk.

LOMBOK PEARLS

Lombok and Sumbawa's seashore are potential and pollution-free for Oyster Farm. Many Japanese investors are involved in developing sea pearls and black pearls. Sekotong, East Lombok, and North West of Lombok are the places where most sea pearls comes from.