Idul Fitri, the holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, one week later, Lombok will celebrate with a second unique holiday, not normally seen in other parts of Indonesia – Lebaran Topat.

Originally a traditional Sasak celebration at the end of the optional Syawal fast that some people complete after Ramadan, Lebaran  Topat is now more of a ‘second holiday’ for the family after Ramadan.

Lebaran Topat occurs seven days after the Idul Fitri holiday.

The main celebrations are held at Loang Baloq Tomb near Mataram, at the historic Bayan Beleq mosque in North Lombok, and at Batu Layar, just south of Senggigi, which is an important traditional landmark in West Lombok.

Batu Layar is the site of many ancestral graves and is believed to be the final resting place of Sayid Duhri Al Hadad Al Hadrami, a beloved Islamic teacher.

At Lebaran Topat, thousands of people will flock to Batu Layar to visit the graves and to pray for good health and success for the future.

The well there is believed to contain holy water with powers to heal and is still used in Sasak rituals today. Pilgrims visiting Batu Layar wash themselves and their children with the water and collect some to take home.

The somber part of the day is always followed by gathering together for a feast involving specially prepared ketupat (topat) – rice that has been wrapped in parcels of plaited coconut leaves and steamed.

Groups of families and friends often spend the day picnicking on the nearby beaches; swimming, relaxing and eating topat, which are served with a variety of different dishes, especially the delicious chicken and coconut milk curry called Opor Ayam.

Thousands of people from all over the island participating in Lebaran Topat will camp on the beach at Batu Layar during the week, with the beachfront crowded with tents and cooking areas.

There is entertainment during the day and usually live music in the late afternoon and evenings, as well as a mini fair and lots of food stalls to visit.

Based on previous years, traffic will be backed up from Ampenan to Senggigi – try to avoid travelling into the cities on that day. If you need to travel, or get to the airport, allow plenty of time – at least an extra hour.

Of course, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities on the beach… for a uniquely Lombok experience.