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EXPLORE TETEBATU
Take a break from the main tourist areas and discover the authentic heart of Lombok in Tetebatu.
Tetebatu is a cool mountain village in the foothills of the Rinjani National Park, around 50kms from the city of Sweta and around two hours’ drive east of Senggigi. Trekking in the area with the assistance of various local guides gives visitors a window into rural village life in this beautiful part of Lombok.
Explore lush green rice paddies, learn about the farming traditions for rice, maize, and the fruits and spices that are grown in the area, see monkeys playing in the trees, and sample freshly ground local coffee, vanilla, and more.
A trek through the area usually includes a visit to Jeruk Manis Waterfall, a lovely cascade of water during the wet season where you can take a dip in the cold clear water, and finish with a traditional lunch overlooking the green scenery.
Some guides offer overnight adventures with camping in the foothills of Rinjani, which is a fantastic way to take in the peace and beauty of the area. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and take a jacket, as it’s much cooler in the mountains.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
With the rainy season coming to an end, head to the Lingsar area in northwestern Lombok where you can enjoy white-water rafting (even in the rain). A day of rafting promises to provide exactly the adrenaline boost you’re seeking!
A relatively new addition to the Lombok list of things to do, the rapids range from Grade II in the dry season to grade IV in the wet. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the flow is faster and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green.
Rafting expeditions are made up of stretches of relatively calm rafting where you can take in the jungle views and unique insights into village life along the river, with local families going about their day, washing clothes, bathing or farming by the river.
These stretches are broken up by white water and exciting rapids of varying intensity, guaranteed to get your heart racing!
While certainly not for the faint of heart during the wet season, each participant is kitted out with a helmet, life-vest and water safety training, and a guide remains with you at all times. Most companies also include a traditional Indonesian lunch too. White water rafting is a fun and thrilling day out!
VISIT THE CAT PARK
Lombok has its own cat rescue centre at the Naughty Little Cat Park in Rembiga (around 15 minutes’ drive from either Senggigi or Mataram).
The park rescues street cats from around the island, many of them in poor condition, and provides free vet care; nursing them back to health so that they can be re-homed with caring families.
However, Naughty Little Cat Park is more than just a rescue centre – the grounds house comfortable enclosures where you can visit and play with the kitties, games and art supplies for children, comfortable lounging pavilions to relax and enjoy a meal or drink, a full restaurant serving well priced and delicious meals, and a lovely gift shop.
It’s a great place to visit with children and perfect for residents looking to adopt a healthy cat (all are vaccinated and sterilised). The park is also available for private parties and functions, and is a great choice for children’s parties. All proceeds go to cat rescue and care. See page x for details.
VENTURE TO THE EASTERN ISLANDS
Lombok is the hopping-off point for adventure travel to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores.
Swim with whale sharks off the west coast of Sumbawa or climb the active Tambora Volcano, which was ten times more powerful than Krakatau when it erupted in 1815!
Visit enchanting Moyo Island with pristine reefs in its 6000-hectare marine park, virgin jungles and the iconic Mata Jitu Waterfall.
Take a boat to Labuan Bajo on Flores, stopping to visit Rinca and Komodo Islands – home to the famous “dragons” – and explore rarely visited islands, beaches and snorkelling spots along the way.
After your off-the-beaten-path escapades, return to the sanctuary of your hotel in Lombok to rest and rejuvenate, swim and sunbathe, unwind with massages and enjoy leisurely dining in our fabulous restaurants; the perfect combination of adventure travel and indulgent holiday.
*** Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Driver’s License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light. Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring.
Or take part in the tours and day trips by the many tour agencies on the island offering these tours; just do an internet search for the title (e.g. “trekking in Tetebatu”, “white water rafting Lombok”, etc.)