Central Lombok’s traditional weaving village of Sukarara produces and sells quality ikat cloth and other distinctive handwoven Lombok fabrics. At Sukarara, only five kilometres west from Praya as you head south towards Kuta on the Indian Ocean coast, weavers work outside village shops, using antiquated backstrap looms to painstakingly produce original works of art.
Larger pieces can take several months to weave, and collectors from around the world visit this village to purchase its unique blankets, sarongs and fabrics which are true to age old tradition in their production and design. Rambitan and Sade villages, between the roadside and rice fields on the way south to Kuta, are two traditional communities of Lombok’s indigenous Sasak people in which the village buildings are laid out in the style of traditional compounds and include authentic lumbung (rice barns).
Kuta Beach is famous for its fabulous surfing beaches and stunning panoramic coastal views from readily accessible high points. Kuta offers a good variety of restaurants and accommodation. At the top of the range is the architecturally spectacular and luxurious Novotel Mandalika Resort. Located on one of the most picturesque beaches in the area, the resort’s design concept was inspired by the structure of a traditional Sasak village.
Some of the best waves in the world break off the south coast’s outlying reefs, giving long tube rides that surfers dream about. Kuta draws surfers from around the world and holiday-makers seeking sun and sea in a relaxed, still untarnished, and stunningly beautiful environment where they can opt for luxury or take it as it comes. About 45 kilometres (28 miles) south of Cakranegara within greater Mataram, or about two hours drive from Senggigi, Kuta has an expansively beautiful white sand beach and provides a good base from which to explore Lombok’s magnificent southern coastline.
To the east, Masbagik is a small pottery village near Pringgasela at which you can wander the streets to find distinctive Lombok pottery being made in small yards behind simple homes. Prices are very low. At Pringgasela, easily reached from the main road as you head east across Lombok and turn off at Lenek, you’ll find a small village steeped in the traditions of the island. Despite its smallness, Pringgasela is a major centre for weaving Lombok’s unique ikat.
You can visit houses and shops to purchase fabrics painstakingly woven to traditional methods and designs. Tete Batu, on the southern slopes of towering and sacred Mount Rinjani, is a cool mountain retreat with beautiful rice terraces, forests and bright green fields of crops and tobacco. Tete Batu, known for its tranquility, is wet and misty during rainy season and cool and lush during the dry months. It is a lovely destination for a day trip that includes a refreshing walk among nature and lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Picturesque Jeruk Manis (sweet orange) waterfall, which can be reached from Tete Batu via a one-hour trek through a protected monkey forest, is locally famous for the curative quality of its water. A local guide is recommended. While many tourists base themselves in the more developed areas of West Lombok, they’d be remiss not to venture out to uncover the untold treasures of the island’s centre and south.
source:enchanting-lomboksumbawa.com
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