Mount Rinjani, Hunting the Summit Attack in West Nusa Tenggara

Mount Rinjani is the most popular mounts in West Nusa Tenggara that challenges all of climbers from around the globe. You may curious why the mount become one of spots that must be visited. The reason is because you will find so many beautiful spots, from natural lake, flora and fauna as an endemic diversity. 

Rinjani Mount is well-known as one of mounts in Indonesia that has the most beautiful scenery. The average temperature here is from 20⁰ Celcius – 12⁰ Celcius and the wind is a bit gale in the peak during August. Actually, there are many tracks you can try according to your skill when you want to conquer Mount Rinjani. Each track has visual beauty and difficulty levels.

If you want to compare two tracks that has been favorite choice for climber, i.e. Senaru track and Sembalun Lawang, you will notice that Senaru track has countless steep grade. But, along the route, you will be shaded by green trees. While you step to the forest area and entering to the peak of mount, you can look at behind and the nature shows off the stretches of green scenery with slow motion of leaves. In addition, Senaru track is the closest route to reach the peak of Rinjani.

The Sembalun Lawang itself is a route that becomes the most favorable and taken by amateur climbers because the contour of the track is flat. Your journey will be accompanied by vast savannah and pines forest. It will be more comfortable to see Lombok City from the height without any barrier from the trees.

The difficulty you will face as you take Sembalun Lawang track will be started as you go along the edge of crater Plawangan Sembalun. It is worth to be conquered because as you reach the peak of Mount Rinjani, you will see an amazing view. Actually, the peak of Plawangan Sembalun will guide you to the slope of Rinjani and it will take around 3 – 4 hours with flat route to reach the peak of Mount Rinjani.

The peak of Mount Rinjani is the main aim for the most adventurer and natural lover because there will be a pride if someone able to conquer Rinjani. The busiest season to climb Mount Rinjani is from July to August, both local and international climbers. For local climbers, most of them are students that want to celebrate Indonesian Independence Day (August 17^th) in the peak of Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake. They call that as ‘Tapak Rinjani that is held annually by natural lover group in Lombok Island with Mount Rinjani Natural Park.

Summit attack is one of term that is used to refer to sunrise on the peak of Rinjani Mount and usually it will be started at 03.00 am. The sandy, rocky and soil field at 200 meters in height will be passed with difficulty because if you miss just one step, you will fall down with pebbles.

For highlander, the track to Mount Rinjani is the most challenging and favorable because the route is difficult but it is worth. At the end of your effort to climb to the mount, the natural beauty can be seen clearly. That is why all climbers need a good stamina, proper equipment, patience and passion. 

To reach Mount Rinjani, it will take around three days and two nights. But if you want to see the other objects, such as Barujari Mount and Susu Cave, it takes two days more. The logistic stuffs need to be prepared properly. If you want easy way, you can get it from the closest  village, such as sleeping bed, tent, food stuffs, goods and radio communication. Besides that, you can stay for some night at the homestays at Senaru Village.

The momentum of summit attack in Mount Rinjani will happen at 3,726 meters above sea surface. Commonly, the right time to get the moment is at mid-night. Thus, you will be able to see sunrise and Segara Muncar Crater that will be irradiated by the sun shine. It seems that each beauty will be showed.

Pictures taken from www.lombok-giliislands.com

Tracks to Climb Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara

Mount Rinjani is one of favorite mounts in Indonesia and popular for foreign as well. The beauty of the mount attracts climbers to step to the peak of Rinjani. The height of the mount is 3,762 meters above sea surface and located at North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. If you plan to venture to this mountain, there are many tracks you can choose. 

Mataram is the last transit place to climb Mount Rinjani. To reach the city, you can take a flight from Jakarta or by a bus. From Mataram, you can continue your journey by public transportation or carter a car to go to the last village before you climb the mount. And here are some tracks you can consider to climb Mount Rinjani.

Senaru Track

The height of Senaru Track is 600 meter above sea surface and the track is favorable because it is the shortest distance and more shade. You will like entering to the tropical forest but the track is ascending. To reach Senaru Village, from Mataram City you can take public transportation for about two hours. The village has many inns with travel agent packages to Mount Rinjani. The easiest way to venture to the mount is by take guide for your comfort.

To get more information, you can contact the official in the post at Mount Rinjani National Park. After you ask permission from the post at national park in Senaru, the journey will be started by passing farming and entering to the forest. After you through three posts that can be reached for about five hours, at the third post (Mondokon Lolak) with 2,000 meters above sea surface, you will arrive at Pelawangan Senaru after trekking for about two hours. 

In the Pelawangan Senaru, you can see Segara Anak (a name of lake) and the peak of Rinjani. To get Segara Anak, you have to descend to the steep hills. From the lake to the basecamp of Segara Anak, you have to walk for about two hours. After you rest and enjoy the beauty of the lake, you can continue climbing to Mount Rinjani through Pelawangan Senaru which is become the last camp. Usually, at 02.00 a.m., you will start climbing to the peak of Rinjani.

Sembalun Track

The height of Sembalun track is 1,150 meter above sea surface. The track is the easiest track to be reached by public transportation. From terminal bus in Mataram City, there are public transportations to Mataram – Aikmel which is takes around an hour. Then, you can continue your journey to Sembalun Post by public transportation. For note, if you take public transportation from Mataram – Aikel, you are suggested to go earlier because the transportation only available until 12.00 noon.

After you arrived at Sembalun Post, you can complete the equipment because in this place there are rental equipment to climb Mount Rinjani, guide, and porter for your comfort. After you get permission from the official of the post, you can start the climbing by entering to savannah. There, you will through three main posts for about four hours.

Sembalun Track is a sloping track compared by Senaru Island. But, the track is quite hard because you have to pass vast savannah which is need your stamina if the day is hot. Before you arrive at the third post or Padabalang Post, you will face the cross road to separate the right track to the regretting hill and the left to the suffering hill. Currently, you only can take the suffering track because the vision of the regretting track is unclear.

From the third post, you will pass nine hills before you arrive at Pelawangan Sembalun at the height of 2,639 meter above sea surface for about four hours. Pelawangan Sembalun itself is a fork or the last post to reach the peak or to descent to Segara Anak (a name of lake). In this post, you can build a tent to enjoy the beauty of Segara Anak and Mount Barujari right at the bottom. The journey to the peak will go along the edge of the crater which is exhausting. The track is sandy and loose which is make your step slower.

Torean Track

Bayan can be reached from Cakranegara, Lombok by public transportation for about three hours. Then, you can continue to Torean Village as a latest village for about an hour by ojek or taxi motor, or a truck that through Torean. Torean Village provides you porter service that will ease your journey to climb Mount Rinjani. 

Actually, Torean Track is not a common track that is used by climber to Rinjani because there is no post just like other tracks. The Torean Track is used by local residents to reach Segara Anak (a name of lake) to do tradition or ceremony for Hindu religion. The track will guide you to Susu Cave and Manik Cave which are located before you reach Segara Anak.

To start climbing Mount Rinjani, you are suggested to start earlier because the road is a bit dangerous if you do it a night. Besides that, you will not enjoy the scenery and the beauty of sloping trail that is challenging. To reach Segara Anak, you will through the only one climbing post which is takes around 2.5 hours by passing national park. After that, you will go toward the trail and valley at the north of Rinjani that bring the spring from Segara Anak to Kokok Putih River.

You will follow the spring of Kokok Putih River by stepping the trail and through many hills. After you arrived at Pelawangan Torean, then you can descent to the branch of Kokok Putih River. After you through one more hill, you will arrive at the area of cave and natural hot spring near Segara Anak. 

The journey to Segara Anak takes around eight hours. To reach the peak of Mount Rinjani, you have to through the cliff steeps for about four hours before you reach Pelawangan Sembalun. As you come to this area, you will through normal track, i.e. Sembalun Track.

Timbanuh Track

To reach Timbanuh Village, you can take public transportation from Mataram. Then, you can get down at Masbagik and continue to Timbanuh Village by different transportation for about three hours by driving. In Timbanuh, there is guide that will ease your adventure to Mount Rinjani.

Timbanuh Track was inaugurated as a new track by Mount Rinjani National Park. If you compare the track to other tracks, Timbanuh Track has not adequate facilities but the track has water source along the track and diversity of flora and fauna. Besides that, the track is challenging for climber because you are allowed to climb until Pelawangan Cemoro Rompes and the south peak of Rinjani.

However, there is no track yet to Segara Anak because the track is very steep and dangerous. It will take around nine hours from Timbanuh to Pelawangan Cemoro Rompes. From Cemoro Rompes, you can see Mount Barujari clearly compared by the three other tracks because the positions is closer to the mount and you will witness the edelweis field.

Source : www.capsulx368.blogspot.com

Pictures taken from www.yaasiiiiin.blogspot.com

Gili Trawangan Transportation from Bali

Gili Trawangan is a small island in Lombok and it has been nominated as one of favorite tourist destination in Indonesian, especially at the eastern of Indonesia. The ambience of the beach and turquoise color of the sea become the atraction of Gili Trawangan. The most dominant activities that have been popular is diving and snorkeling in the surface of water. Now, if you currious to know and want to explore more, lets find out about Gili Trawangan accomodation and transportation from Bali. 

Gili Trawangan Transportation from Bali

Travelers, you definitely can reach Lombok from Bali by a plane, but if you want to take Gili Trawangan transportation from Bali, it can be fun as well. Actually, fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan Lombok is the alternative transportation. Although it is a bit expensive but if you want to get unforgettable momen, both in Bali and Lombok, this definitely worthed. The prices start from IDR500k to IDR800k. And here are some fast boats to Gili Trawangan from Bali one way or return.

Picture Infokebali

1. Wahana Gili Ocean

Wahana Gili Ocean is one of provider of Gili Trawangan transportation from Bali or vise-versa which is take around 1.5 hours. The transfer service by fast boat from Bali is available daily. This company also include life insurance as their service. So, if you purchase tour package Gili Trawangan Lombok through Wahana Gili Ocean, both one way transfer or return transfer, it covers life insurance as well. This company parks their fast boat at Padang Bai Beach at the east of Bali, so the price is included shuttle bus and the hotel in Bali. 

2. Gili Cat Fast Boat

Travelers, you also can take Gili Trawangan transportation from Bali by renting Gili Cat Fast Boat. This company provide shuttle bus for vacation in Gili Trawangan daily, one way service or return. The life insurance is also included and the fast boat will leave from Padang Bai Port because the port is the fastest route to Gili Trawangan from Bali. If you stay at hotel in Kuta area or Tanjung Benoa, you dont have to worry because the company will pick you up. The average trip of Gili Trawangan transportation from Bali by Gili Cat Fast Boat is around 1 hour 20 minutes.

3. Island Gateway Fast Boat

Island Gateway Fast Boat leave Benoa Port in Bali to Gili Trawangan within 2 hours. The facilities you can enjoy is shuttle services from the hotel in Bali to Benoa Port. 

4. Blue Water Express

This fast boat leave Serangan Port (close to Benoa Port) twice  a day, i.e 08.00 and 10.00 morning. This operator has 2 fast boats for 25 and 15 passengers. Besides that, Blue Water Express also provide Gili Trawangan transportation from Bali through Padang Bai Port depart at 11.15 daily. 

5. Scoot Fast Cruises

Super Scoot Fast Cruises operates fast boat for 52 passengers and completed by toilet and security facilities. The fast boat will stop by first at Nusa Lemongan Island Bali before go straight to Gili Trawangan and Lombok. Leave from Sanur, the operator provide you shuttle bus from the hotel in Bali.

6. Marina Srikandi Fast Boat

Marina Srikandi fast boat depart from Padang Bai Bali to Gili Trawangan at 09.00, 11.00, and 13.00, from Gili Trawangan to Bali depart from 10.00, 12.00, and 15.00. 

7. Giligili Fast Boat

Giligili fast boat depart from Padang Bai Port Bali at 09.30 morning with the capacity for 30 passengers. The facility you can get is LCD TV, toilet, towel, and snacks. The operator is also provide you shuttle bus from hotel in Kuta, Sanur or Nusa Dua.

8 Things To Do At Gili Trawangan Lombok

Gili Trawangan Lombok is one of favorite tourist destination at the eastern of Indonesia. Initially, oversea tourist more familiar to Bali, but when the beauty of Gili Trawangan isn’t disappointing to be visited, the tourist starts to come and peep the island. There are many things to do at Gili Trawangan Lombok. Just prepare your energy and time to do all of these activities below. Are you ready? Lets go!

1. Exploring underwater panorama

If you love water activities, snorkeling or diving, Gili Trawangan Lombok is the island you have to visit because the island is far from the city and it makes the water is free-pollution. The gradation of blue color can be seen as you arrive at the seaside. The crystal water in this island make it easier to see the marine life and coral reef even when you still on the boat. For water activities, it wont be enough to see it only from the boat because diving is the best choice to see the real marine life under the sea. The calm current water at Gili Trawangan is supportive to explore.

Picture Lombokekpressfastboat

2. Riding bicycle or cidomo

In Bali, you may frustate to see so many vehicles passing along the road, but when you visit Gili Trawangan, you wont see them because the local government prohibit the vehicles. So, the transportation you are going to meet there is cidomo or horse drawn-carriage from Lombok. Off course this is so unique because usually tourist destinations always full of vehicles. 

Beside that, you also can ride is a bicycle and rent it by paying IDR20k – IDR70k a day. By riding a bicycle you can explore Gili Trawangan. Just bring a map of the island to visit many tourist destination. Thus, prepare your energy and water before you start in. However, if you want to rent a cidomo to surround Gili Trawangan, you have pay around IDR150k – IDR200k.

3. Admiring clean beaches

You may have found so many clean beaches in the world but Gili Trawangan is different. The cleanness can be seen from the land to the underwater. It can be proven by the clear water and healthy coral reef. The key of this condition is because the local residents concern about the cleanness of the beach and the island. That will make you feel comfortable to sit on the sand, or just enjoy the picturesque view around the beach.

4. Hunting sunrise and sunset

Geographycally, the position of Gili Trawangan enable you to experience the sunrise and sunset easily because the one side of the beach facing to the east and the other side facing to the west. That is mean if you always hunting sunrise and sunset anytime you visit the beach, Gili Trawangan is a perfect tourist destination because the distance between the east and the west side are pretty close. You can go by on foot, bicycle or taking a cidomo.

5. Night life

Gili Trawangan is not only alive at the day, but if you are interested in a night life, this is a right place for you as well. The lining of bars and shops can be seen easily. Even, the situation is just like in oversea because there are lot of foreign travelers who love to stay in Gili Trawangan Lombok. With a friendly resident and adequate facilities, you feel like you are in your own place. You can find them at the central area or the local resident name it as Pasar Seni. The best time to visit is around 21.00 because all of bars are open.

6. Swimming, yeah!

Well, you are visiting a beach and if you miss for swimming in Gili Trawangan, your vacation wont be complete. Who doesnt desire to jump into the crystal water with calm current. The blue color of the sea and the gradation of turquoise water will make you dont want to wait any longer. For safety, just keep in mind to avoid swimming too far from the seashore because the wave and the current of water can be wilder. Usually, it will be signed by the ropes and small balloons that floating on the surface of water.

7. Jogging

Travelers, if you are a jogging maniac, dont miss it when you visit Gili Trawangan. The perfect time for jogging is in the morning, especially early morning while waiting the sunrise near the beach. Or, you can do it at afternoon while waiting the sunset. The track you can choose can be the footpath along the beach. Vacation is not only about relaxing, but here you can build your muscle as well.

8. Hunting a perfect pictures

Yes, Gili Trawangan Lombok is suitable for a photographer because the island offers you many destinations that must be captured into your camera. The beaches, the night life, the local resident, the bars, the tradition, the sunrise, the sunset, the marine life, or even when you snorkeling at the beach. You will never lose the idea anytime you visit Gili Trawangan. Promise!

Gili Trawangan accommodation
As one of tourist destination in Lombok, the facilites and Gili Trawangan accommodations are also complete compared by other places in Lombok. You can find hotel, from homestay, budget hotel in Gili Trawangan to five stars hotel. Even Gili Trawangan resort that offers you services and packages, such as internet, wifi, pedicure, menicure, sauna, spa, and swimming pool. So, you can choose any type of hotel depend to your budget.

You can stay at Vila Ombak Hotel, Desa Dunia Beda, Hotel Ombak Sunset, Scallywags Resort Gili Trawangan, Palmeto Village, Bale Sampan Bungalows, Villa Almarik Resort, Villa Nero, Kokomo Resort, Oceano Jambuluwuk Resort, and many more. And if you want to choose cheap hotel in Gili Trawangan, there are so many choice, like Icha Cottage,  Gili Life Homestay, Intan Inn Hostel, Angels Cottages, Denaya Lodge, Gili Tralala Homestay, Gili Smile Homestay, Trawangan Oasis Hotel, E’Wahana Homestay.

Nipah Beach, A Perfect Place to Relax and Taste Local Culinary

Nowadays, Nipah Beach steal the attention of tourist in North Lombok. The beach is suitable as tourist destination for a family. Even, the beach is often to be an alternatif place when Senggigi Beach is crowded. With a complete accomodation and accessible from anywhere, it will be easier to come and enjoy the vacation. 

Location of Nipah Beach

Nipah Beach is located at the north of Maluku Island, precisely at Nipah, Malaka Village, Pemenang sub-district, North Lombok Regency. If you come from Lombok International Airport, you need to drive around 80 km or it takes around 1.5 hours. The access is very good because the local government has been developing Lombok as one of tourist destination in East Indonesia.

Most of tourist would stay in the hotel in Mataram City or directly to stay at Hotel in Senggigi, West Lombok. If you plan to go to Nipah Beach, you are suggested to stay in Senggigi because the distance is closer, which is only 20 minutes. There are many hotels in Senggigi, for backpacker or even star hotels. So, its all about your budget you have. The entrance ticket to Nipah Beach is IDR3k for motorcycle and IDR5k for a car.

Picture Travel.detik

Adoring Nipah Beach

What Nipah Beach offers for you? Well, as you arrive at the beach, you will be welcomed by panorama of beach with the deep blue color of sea and surrounded by greenish hills. At the side of the road, there is a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the beach. From there, you can see the wave and the boats which are rowing at the edge of the beach freely. The smell of smoke from grilled fishes that sold along the road of Nipah Beach will definitely make you hungry. 

But, wait! You can enjoy it later because now you need to explore and enjoy the beach first. The character of Nipah Beach in North Lombok is clean, calm, having white sand, and comfortable because the location is far from the city. The stretch of the beach is so wide and this is becomes the main of attraction of the beach.

Here, you can do many thing, such as snorkeling, canoing, swimming, playing the water or sand, surrounding the sea by renting a boat from the fishermen, or taking picture alone or with family. If you want to wait the sunset, you can go to the north to Nipah Sunset Point. In the spot, you will witness the great color of sunset at Nipah Beach.

It can be said the the scenery is so amazing. You will feel fresh and natural atmosphere. Moreover, the trees in the beach able to create shady ambience so that you can sit and relax in the beach. If you come in the evening, you can wait till the sunset. The golden color in the sky will reflect at the surface of blue sea to create an amazing mosaic.

Hunting for seafood at Nipah Beach

In a holiday season, Nipah Beach will be flooded by tourist and it will be difficult to get a shady spot. However, you still able to find gazebo which is provided by seafood stalls. Yes, this is one of interesting part while you visit this beach. The situation in the beach will be more crowded as the other sellers come.

After exploring the beach and taking the picture, next you can get a rest and order fried fish or other seafood. The taste of fish still fresh and the other local cuisines ready on the table. Actually the price of seafood is depend to the size and species of fish with the range from IDR20k – IDR80k. A package of fried fish price is around IDR70k and it consists of a grilled seasoning fish, a plate of rice, a plate of grilled eggplant, 2 skewers of squid satay, and a plate of plencing kangkung (vegetable).

Beside fulfilled by local culinary, Nipah Beach is also having an exotic view. Here, you can find the row of coconut tree at the edge of the beach. Moreover, the crystal water will make you want to jump and swim as you come. And the breeze from the sea is really fresh. That is why Nipah Beach is a perfect place for family vacation.

Mount Rinjani, A Paradise on The Sky

Mount Rinjani is a hanging paradise on the sky. Yes, if you curious to know more, you have to come here and prove it. Not only Indonesian, the popularity of Mount Rinjani has been spreading to all around the globe. As you success climbing the peak, you will see how beautiful is the land of Lombok. 

As one of highest mount in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani is so special for local people, especially for Sasak Tribe and Hindu. They believe that the mount is one of sacred mount and a place of God besides Mount Semeru and Mount Agung. To achieve the peak, there are many alternative’s route you can try.

The official route to Mount Rinjani will ease the climber. The mount itself is positioned on 3,726 meters above sea surface and nowadays become very much populer for tourist who love nature. The beauty of the mount can not be compared because you will see a lake there. Yes, Segara Anak Lake on the peak of Mount Rinjani. And here are some official routes to climb Mount Rinjani

Picture shutupandtakemethere.com

Senaru Route

Senaru is one of popular route to climb because its route is used as treking tourism and often to be used by local people for ritual tradition on the peak of Mount Rinjani or Segara Anak Lake. The route is Senaru – Pelawangan Senaru – Segara Anak Lake by on foot which is taken 10 – 12 hours through trail tourism at the primer forest. Along the trail, you will find rest area at each posts. From the gate of Senaru to Segara Anak Lake, there are 3 posts and along the trip you will enjoy the beauty of heavy forest and amazing rocks. 

From Segara Anak Lake, you can continue climbing Mount Rinjani to Pelawangan Sembalun which is takes around 4 hours. And from Pelawangan Sembalun to the peak of Mount Rinjani, you have to move forward for about 3 – 4 hours. Commonly, the climbing to the peak started around 2 am so that you will have a chance to catch the sunrise and also the beauty of Lombok Island, even Bali Island from the height. 

Sembalun Route

Sembalun Route is the most hectic route and favorite for those who love trecking. The route is : Sembalun Lawang Gate – Pelawangan Sembalun – Peak of Mount Rinjani (needed 9 – 10 hours). This route is very dramatic and atractive for treking tourism because you will pass savana desert and the back of mount which is winding with cliffs on the left and right side. 

Compared by Senaru route, Sembalun route is not too steep but dominated by savanah. This condition will make you sweaty more. The good news is you will see beautiful scenery from the desert, green valeys and forest along the route. The wind of savanah will accompany you along the route. 

The atmosphere of the desert is so exotic. Usually, the sunshine will burn the land but you will be lucky if the cloud hanging on the sky. Yes, the route of Mount Rinjani is amazing, indeed. After reaching the peak of Mounth Rinjani, you can take a rest for a while and enjoy the panorama from the height.

Break the limit, that is the words you must remember as you conquer the peak of Mount Rinjani because it will be so exhausted. But, as you arrive on the peak, you will never regret to struggle because the panorama from the height is very beautiful. When the weather is clear, you can see Sumba Island, Balis Island and the whole Lombok Island. From the distance, Mount Agung in Bali standing so cool. 

In this spot, you can take a break for a while collecting the energy to get down to Segara Anak Lake. You have to be very careful to reach the lake because the trek is dangerous, rocky and sandy. The panorama of Segara Anak Lake in the morning as the sunrise come out will make your heart stop beating. Wonderful! 

Beside an exotic panorama, hot spring is what you can try in Segara Anak Lake. Yes, Mount Rinjani always full of surprise because after you try hard to reach the peak, you will have chance to relax your body in the hot spring among wild monkeys. Waiting for sunset is also favorite moment for climbers in Mount Rinjani because as the sun come down, the color around the lake is totally changing. Beautiful and spectacular. 

Then, when is the best time to climb Mount Rinjani? Travelers, you can go there from June to August because that is dry season and will be safer to reach the peak. Happy climbing!

The Beauty of Kelimutu Lake

Kelimutu Lake is located at Flores Island, Nusa Tenggara Barat. The mountain and the lake become favorit spot for tourist from all around the world. The mountain itself has three crates on the peak. One of uniqueness of Kelimutu’s craters are having different color, i.e , blue, red and white color. 

Kelimutu word is taken from the word of ‘keli’ (mountain) and mutu (boiled). Local people believe that each colors of Kelimutu Lake has each meanings according to the colors. Red color means Tiwu Ata Polo or the place of dead’s soul that during the life doing bad things or black magic. The blue one means Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai means the place of youth’s dead soul. And the white one mean Tiwu Ata Mbupu or the place of old’s dead soul.

Currently, the color of each lakes is changing and it is influenced by the sulfur level and other chemical compounds. Nowadays, the color of blue lake is changing into green color, and the red color changing into brown to black color and the white color is changing into black color. 

When you climb to the mountain, you will witness the beauty of Kelimutu, the panorama, the lake itself, and also the color of water. Then, where to start the journey to Kelimutu Lake?

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For the goodness, you are suggested to start in the early morning. But actually it will depend to the location of the hotel you stay, either hotel in Flores or hotel in Ende. If you want to hunt a sexy sunrise, you may want to spend the time in the hotel close to the Kelimutu Lake. And one of popular village to stay is Moni Village which is located 12 km from Kelimutu. Before you climb, you still have chance to explore the village by strolling around beautiful rice terraces and stretch of paddy field. So fantastic.

Usually, to catch the sunrise travelers start to climb the mount from the foot of mountain around 04.00 am. The footpath toward to peak is surrounded by pine trees because the Kelimutu Lake is around Kelimutu National Park and you can follow the arrow sign to avoid dangerous area. 

As you arrive at the peak of mountain, you can take the pictures while enjoying the scenery of Kelimutu Lake through with a specific smell of sulfur. One of favorite spot around Kelimutu Lake is around Observation Monument or Tugu Pengamatan (1.690 m). 

Once you stay there, you feel do not want to get down because the beauty of Kelimutu Lake is so astonishing. There is something interesting when you find the mist covering the lake. Local people believe if you whistling, the mist will go away and you can see the color of lake clearly. But do not expect for long time because you may have 5 minutes to take the picture. Although this is only a myth, but you can try it. 

The mist becomes your best friend and it comes and goes quickly. The scenery of forest and trees is so beautiful. And when the mist come down, it looks like a thin curtain. One of spot you can explore is a small monument and it is believed as a place for Bung Karno (the first president in Indonesia) to do meditation.

Mawun Beach, Visiting a Virgin Beach That Flanked by Two Hills in Lombok

Mawun Beach is one of beaches in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. First time you come here, you may think that the beach is a private beach with stunning panorama. It is not surprising because the beach so quiet and it seems you are the owner of its beach. Probably, the visitors here only 3 – 5 and most of them are foreign tourists that stay around Kuta Beach, Lombok. 

The contour of Mawun Beach is just like the beach around Komodo Island because the beach is flanked by two green hills just like teletubbies hill. When you come during summer or June to August, you will see blue and crystal water. Your experience here will be more perfect if you stay until dusk because the color of twilight is so amazing. The wave of water very calm and you can enjoy the beach by lie down on white sand or just play with water. 

Unfortunately you won’t be able to see the sunset because the beach will set at the right of beach, precisely at the west of the hill. But, you can see the tranquility and peace during sunset. 

Location

Mawun Beach is situated at Tumpak Village, Pujut sub-district, Lombok Tengah Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The location is around 60 km from Mataram City and it can be reached by a car for about 1.5 hours. You can take a route from Mataram City – Cakranegara – Kediri – Praya – Penujak – Selong Belanak – Mawun. Or, Mataram City – Cakranegara – Kediri – Praya – Batunyale – Sengkol – Rambitan – Sade – Kuta – Mawun. 

The road the Mawun Beach is not adequate along 9 km from the beach. But, you will see the tobacco farming and wide plain. In certain day, the farmer will harvest the tobacco and sell it to the merchant.

If you want get easy traveling, you can rent a car and paying IDR 350,000 or US$35 per day, including fuel and driver. To enter the beach, you need to pay IDR 5,000 or US$0.5 if you come with the car. But after 4.30 pm, there is no guard and you can be free to enter the Mawun Beach.

Accommodations

There is no lodges around Mawun Beach. Most of visitors who come here will stay in Lombok or stay overnight around Kuta Beach Lombok because it becomes the center of lodges for tourists in East Lombok.

But you can find souvenir just like traditional clothes and so colorful. You may meet the seller who offers their traditional clothes, but if don’t intent to buy, don’t tray to bargain because they will angry if you just bargain and don’t buy it. 

Activities

The beach is part of strait and if you see if from above, it forms horse-shoe. There are two hills at the west and east of the beach with fine sand at the east, besides at the west the sand a bit rough. The topography of the beach more steep at the center with bigger waves.

Playing calm water that look like a lake become favorite activity in Mawun Beach. But you have to be careful because the depth of the beach can be deeper after you work 5 – 10 meters from the coastline. Although the water is so clean and clear, but you won’t be able to snorkel because the base of the beach is sand. After playing water, you can clean yourself.

The beach is suitable to relaxation and escape from the hustle. There are many huts and small posts along the beach that can be used to rest or put your stuffs. If you don’t like water activities, you can stroll along the beach or just sun bathe. After that, you can explore the beach by walking near the hills.

Pictures taken from www.worldtourismindonesia.blogspot.com