Central and East Lombok Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink, where to stay, local culture, and more in Central and East Lombok, Indonesia.


Introduction to Central and East Lombok

Central and East Lombok are two of the five regions of Lombok Island. Unlike West Lombok, Central and East Lombok are less crowded but still boasting beautiful scenery and cultural heritage, which make it a perfect destination for those who enjoy the beauty of nature and history.

List of Places to Visit in Central and East Lombok

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mayura Water Palace and Park: The palace once served as a meeting place for the royal families. Now, it is a park which hosts events and festivals.
  • Narmada Park: A royal summer palace and water park built in the 18th century which features a mini replica of Mount Rinjani, one of the highest mountains in Indonesia.
  • Lombok Epicentrum Mall: A modern shopping center that combines the new and the old. It has a cinema, outlet stores of famous international brands, and a traditional market, making it a perfect place to enjoy the urban lifestyle while still experiencing local culture.

Natural Attractions of Central and East Lombok: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rinjani National Park: This park offers various activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching. Standing at 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani is the second-highest mountain in Indonesia with a crater lake on its summit.
  • Selong Belanak Beach: Known for its white sand and perfect waves, Selong Belanak Beach is the perfect spot to learn surfing or just to relax and enjoy the sunset.
  • Pink Beach: Named for its unique pink sand, Pink Beach is a hidden gem of Lombok. Snorkeling and diving in the clear water is the best way to explore the beauty of the underwater world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central and East Lombok

Central and East Lombok has several hiking and biking routes:

  • Pergasingan Hill: A four-hour hike with the reward of a panoramic view of the entire island.
  • Bukit Pergi: A challenging and technical bike trail of 15 kilometers that is recommended for experienced bikers.
  • Sembalun Valley: Renowned for its rice terraces and breathtaking views, Sembalun Valley offers several hiking trails from light to extreme.

Best Things to Do in Central and East Lombok: Activities and Tours

  • Water Sports: Central and East Lombok offers a variety of water sports activities such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
  • Traditional Weaving: Lombok is famous for its traditional woven fabric called Tenun Ikat. Travelers can join workshops to learn the process and create their own pieces with the guidance of skilled weavers.
  • Gili Islands: Easily accessible from Central and East Lombok, Gili Islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs, which make them a perfect destination for diving and snorkeling.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central and East Lombok

Day 1 - Arrival and check-in at a hotel in Senggigi Day 2 - Pergasingan Hill Hike Day 3 - Narmada Park and Mayura Water Palace visit Day 4 - Bukit Pergi Biking Trail Day 5 - Snorkeling and Diving in the Gili Islands Day 6 - Traditional Weaving Workshop and Selong Belanak Beach visit Day 7 - Pink Beach Trek

Food and Drink Scene of Central and East Lombok

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ayam Taliwang: A spicy grilled chicken dish served with Plecing Kangkung, a spicy water spinach salad.
  • Pelecing Urap: A mixed vegetable salad served with Sate Bulayak, grilled beef skewers wrapped in a palm leaf.
  • Sate Ikan Tanjung: Grilled fish skewers in a special sauce and served with rice.

Local Beverages

  • Es Jeruk: A refreshing lime juice drink.
  • Tuak: A traditional drink made from fermented palm wine.

Where to Stay in Central and East Lombok: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Qunci Villas: A luxury resort located at Senggigi Beach.
  • Gili Air Lagoon Resort: A mid-range resort located in Gili Air Island.
  • Mama Bella Hotel: A budget hotel located in Praya.

What to Buy in Central and East Lombok: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tenun Ikat: Lombok is famous for this traditional woven fabric.
  • Sasak Pottery: Handcrafted pottery made with traditional techniques by the Sasak people.
  • Pearls: There are several pearl farms in the area, making pearls a perfect souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Central and East Lombok

Central and East Lombok has a diverse culture with a strong emphasis on the Sasak traditions. Visitors should respect the local customs such as wearing appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Central and East Lombok

The best time to visit Central and East Lombok is during the dry season, which is from May to September. This is when the weather is the most stable, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central and East Lombok

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
  • Try local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious sites and traditions.
  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central and East Lombok

Central and East Lombok are generally safe, but visitors should take common precautions such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Central and East Lombok

Travelers should take precautions such as using insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases and being cautious when consuming food and drink from street vendors to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Getting to Central and East Lombok: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Central and East Lombok

  • Lombok International Airport: Located about 40 minutes from Senggigi.

Bus Stations Near Central and East Lombok

  • Mandalika Bus Terminal: Located in Praya.

Other Options

  • Fast boat: Boats that operate between Bali and Lombok are a popular option for travelers.

How to Get Around in Central and East Lombok

Private cars, taxis, and motorbikes are available for hire in Central and East Lombok. Visitors can also use public transportation such as bemos, a small minibus.

Where to Go Next from Central and East Lombok: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mount Bromo: A famous volcano located in East Java, approximately 10 hours by car from Lombok.
  • Bali: The famous island of Bali is only a short boat or plane ride away from Lombok.

Conclusion

Whether it is the natural beauty, cultural heritage, or urban lifestyle, Central and East Lombok has something for everyone. In this guide, we have listed the best places to visit, activities to do, and local culture to immerse yourself in. Plan your next trip to Central and East Lombok and discover the beauty of this hidden gem in Indonesia.



    Labuhan Lombok