Introducing Lombok

Indonesia is known as one of the world’s most tourist destination. Its archipelagic geography gave it an advantage for different spots and abundant supply of natural beauty. Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours has the pleasure of introducing Lombok, Indonesia, one of the prides of the country.

Tourism is an important source of income on Lombok. The most developed tourism area of the island is on the west coast of the island and is centered about the township of Senggigi. Lombok is only a few kilometers from the country’s capital, Jakarta, Indonesia which made it more accessible to tourist to visit the place.

We have reviewed some of the most sought-after adventures in Lombok as follows:

1. The Lombok Chili Pepper

Since the word lombok means chili in Bahasa Indonesia, you'd expect the locals to know a thing or two about spicy food. The green and red Lombok chilies are often made into sambal — a fiery condiment — with locally grown naga jolokia peppers, garlic and shrimp paste. Sample it as an accompaniment to local dishes like ayam taliwang (grilled wild chicken) and sayur nangka (jackfruit curry).

2. Hit the Beach

Lombok's beaches are second to none and a blessed relief after Bali's busy strips. Head for the island's southwest to really escape the crowds. Surfers love the big waves at Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point); if its long-walled and hollow left-hand breaks sound too taxing, then try the tiny island of Gili Nanggu, 15 minutes by boat from the town of Tawun.

3. Two Wheels Good

Public transport on Lombok is unreliable. Many visitors opt to hire a car and driver, which can be obtained at very reasonable rates, but if you're feeling adventurous try renting a motorcycle — available from shops all over the island. At just over 80 km at its widest point, Lombok is easily traversable and its roads are in great condition for Indonesia — the beneficiaries of recent infrastructural investment. The excellent 21-km coastal stretch from Senggigi to Pemenang winds past beautiful inlets and beaches and is an easy, exhilarating ride. Other, smaller roads meander through rugged highlands, passing secluded waterfalls and verdant rice paddies.

4. Hot, Roasted Worms

The largest and most colorful festival is the Bau Nyale or Sea Worm Festival. Every February at Kuta beach, the Sasak people commemorate a mythical princess who drowned herself in these waters rather than enter a politically vexatious marriage. The festival is timed with the spawning of marine worms, which are eagerly caught and eaten — often after being wrapped in banana leaf and roasted — and the celebrations last for four days. The locals never had any complaints on the taste of worms in the spirit of the festival.