Diving into Art and Nature: The Underwater Sculpture Park of Gili Meno

The underwater sculpture park at Gili Meno, created by the renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor, is indeed a highlight that transforms snorkeling into a surreal experience. This underwater sanctuary, known as ‘Nest’, features a circle of 48 life-sized human figures, positioned in a way that evokes a sense of unity and continuity.

As you descend into the clear waters of Gili Meno, the sculptures slowly reveal themselves, standing motionless and serene amidst the ocean currents. The figures, which are made from pH-neutral materials, are designed not only for artistic value but also to encourage coral growth, serving as an artificial reef. Over time, these sculptures have become a part of the oceanic landscape, with corals adorning them and a diverse array of marine life making them their home.

Snorkeling around this installation is like gliding through a mystical underwater garden. You’re likely to see schools of colorful fish weaving through the statues, while soft and hard corals form a vibrant backdrop. This underwater tableau is a vivid reminder of the harmony between art, nature, and conservation.

The allure of this snorkeling spot lies not just in its artistic appeal but also in its contribution to marine conservation. It’s a place where art meets the ocean, creating a habitat for marine life and offering a unique experience for visitors. As you explore this underwater spectacle, it’s a gentle reminder of the delicate balance between our world and the marine ecosystem, and the need to preserve such natural wonders.

Gerupuk Bay

Gerupuk Bay is considered to be one of Lombok’s surfing hotspots. No matter what skill level you are at, the waves are consistent throughout the year. The bay offers a variety of spots to surf at, perfect for beginner to advanced levels. Gerupuk Bay is a beautiful place to spend the day learning to surf. After some time in the water, visit the incredible vantage point from the bay to access views across the coastline.  

Providing an incredible glimpse into the local culture, Gerupuk is a fisherman’s village set seven kilometres from Kuta. Gerupuk brings an insight into the local Sasak culture and how they live off the land through fishing. Surrounding the town are hotels and cafes, as well as homestays. The area can be located by car or motorbike from Kuta. The locals have a relaxed nature, and the town provides necessities for travellers to utilise.

Sunset at selong belanak beach

Selong Belanak Beach

Selong Belanak beach is a beautiful beach of approximately 1 kilometre long located 30 minutes west of Kuta Lombok. Surrounded by rolling hills, Selong Belanak beach lies in a beautiful sheltered bay in a largely uninhabited part of Lombok. The beach itself is made up of white powdery sand and some of the most clear turquoise waters on the island. It is listed as one of the best places in the world to learn surfing, but that’s not the only thing to do here! In this blog post you’ll find all the information you need about Selong Belanak beach Lombok.

How to get to Selong Belanak beach

From Kuta Lombok, its a 30-40 min drive west. Selong Belanak beach is easy to find if you follow Google Maps. The beach has an easy access with only a two minute walk from the parking lot.Entrance fee Selong Belanak beach

There is no entrance fee for the beach, but you need to pay 10,000 IDR parking fee per motorbike.

What to expect at Selong Belanak beach

Selong Belanak beach is one of the most beautiful Lombok beaches we’ve explored. In comparison to Kuta beach Lombok for example, this is a true paradise beach. Although it can get busy with surfers, there are still quiet areas where you can enjoy the beach and ocean for yourself. The approximately 1 kilometre long stretch of soft sand is filled for 1/3 part with warungs, surf schools and sun loungers. The other parts are quiet with not much people around. There is also a huge floating raft where you can walk on further into the sea. We saw lots of local children playing on the beach and the raft, so this is especially for families a great beach to go to.

Things to do at Selong Belanak beach

Learn surfing

As said before, Selong Belanak is one of the best beaches in the world to learn the basics of surfing! The sandy bottom of the ocean and soft waves help to make the first steps into the world of surfing fun. There are many surf schools on the beach where you can book a surf lesson or rent a surf board if you’re not a beginner anymore.

Surfing in Lombok is absolutely an unforgettable experience! 

Relaxing & playing

If you are not surfing then relaxing and recharging your batteries has to be the priority here. The bay of Selong Belanak is extremely protected from the open ocean and is perfect for a casual swim or to enjoy the amazing hills and mountain tops. Either way, be sure to soak in the serenity and beauty that the area has to offer. The many warungs offer sun loungers and umbrellas for a small fee, or when you order food or drinks they are usually free to use. 

Eating

There are several options you can choose from here. You can eat at the local warungs for a small price for example. They offer local dishes for both meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. But if you’re in search for a more upscale restaurant with more choice and also international classics, then you should head to Laut Biru bar and restaurant which also serves delicious cocktails. Perfect to end the day with!

Watch the buffalos cruising the beach

Every day in the afternoon around 5 PM there is a parade with buffalos cruising the beach. This gives perfect photo opportunities, especially with the soft afternoon light. It’s a very fun thing to watch and gives that extra authentic and local vibe to this beach. The buffalos belong to a farmer from the traditional village of Lombok Selong Belanak who brings them back in for night time. 

10 must do while in Lombok. Not including the Gili’s

Must do while in lombok and popular destinations in Lombok – Beautifully stunning, rich in its culture and history, Lombok Island always has something to offer to anyone. This island has anything from mesmerizing beaches and pretty hills to historical temples and great waterfalls.

tiket.com is here to recommend you some must-visit destinations in Lombok other than the well-known Gili Islands. Here are some places to explore for your next trip, t-mates!

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Explore the Must-Visit Destinations in Lombok

Near Bali, lies a popular tourist destination situated in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara Province. With colorful marine life, soft sandy beaches, and even volcanoes to climb, Lombok has lots to offer.

Make sure you put these must-visit destinations in Lombok into your itinerary, t-mates!

1. Set up your own tent on Pergasingan Hill

Have you ever heard about Pergasingan Hill? For those of you who haven’t, you should explore this destination located in the village of Sembalun in East Lombok.

Situated near Mount Rinjani, this hill is a perfect option for you who wants to capture the beautiful sunrise and sunset without having to climb up to the summit of Mount Rinjani.

You won’t forget the mountain breeze once you’re there, setting up your own tent. Witness the spectacular view of the patchwork paddy-fields surrounding it. In the morning, you’ll wake up to the picturesque sunrise!  🌄

Ticket price: 50,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 24 hours

Address: Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83656

2. Spend a day at Sade Village

Your vacay won’t be memorable if you don’t immerse yourself in the unique culture of Lombok.

Sade is one of the Sasak villages in Lombok, perhaps the most touristy of those available to visit.  This village is nestled 30-kilometers away from Mataram. When you come there, you’ll get an opportunity to learn the local culture and traditions.

While men beautifully dance to the beat of the drum – “Gendang beleq,” women are doing the weaving work, and called it “Songket.” The pieces are remarkably detailed, even one woven piece can take up to two or three months to finished. Here you will see the lovely traditional life of an ancient village that survived the passing of times. 

Ticket price: 10,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 8AM-7PM (Everyday)

Address: Jalan Kuta Lombok, Sade, Rembitan, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

3. Visit Planet Krypton at the Semeti Beach

There are no sands that you can step on at Semeti Beach. It’s unusual, right? 😉  Located in Central Lombok, the beach is well-known for its volcanic rocks. The rocks here look a little bit like the crystals in Krypton planet – the home of Superman – if you are a fan of it.

It is undoubtedly adventurous for you to spend an afternoon here climbing the rocks other than the usual Lombok beaches. One of many things to be grateful for about Semeti beach is that not many tourists come over here. Shh, even the locals sometimes won’t tell you about it! 

Ticket price:  10,000 IDR/person*

Address: Mekar Sari, West Praya, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83572

4.   Walk around the Pink Beach Lombok

Bored with the ordinary white sandy beaches? Say no more, Lombok offers you a dusky pink wondrous beach located in Sekaroh Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. This pink beach or Tangsi Beach is one of the two famous pink beaches in Indonesia.

This beach really does live up to its name. The pink sand looks really soft and lovely, especially if you have a drone to photograph yourself lying on pink sand from above. It is such a pretty place for feeding your social media account with wonderful pictures. 

Ticket price: 25,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 24 hours

Address: Sekaroh, Jerowaru, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83672

5.   Stunning Batu Bolong Temple

Next, we’re here to take you to the South of Senggigi, where you can find a small Hindu temple, called Batu Bolong. It stands on a rock that has carved a natural hole, hence where the name came from.

Though not the grandest, Batu Bolong Temple is the most appealing Hindu Temple in Lombok. Consisting of fourteen temples standing tall over the rocks makes it a more stunning place to enjoy the panoramic views, as well as a stunning place of worship. And it’s free! 

Ticket price: Free

Address: Tabanan, Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121

6.   Breeze Air at Benang Kelambu Waterfall

Located at the foot of Mount Agung, Benang Kelambu Waterfall looks almost like a portal to another world. This waterfall has its own uniqueness that will make your half an hour trip away from Senggigi worth it.

When most waterfalls fall over black rocks, Benang Kelambu is quite different. Rather than plunging flows of water, Benang Kelambu flows gently down the pretty layers of leaves that have grown over the rocks. 

Ticket price: 30,000 IDR/ person

Operational Hours: 7:30AM-6AM (Everyday)

Address: Aik Berik, North Batukliang, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83552

7.   Batu Payung in Tanjung Aan Beach

Batu Payung is one of the must-visit places in the south of Lombok located 10 minutes away from Tanjung Aan Beach. This unique natural vertical stone was formed by erosion over a thousand years ago.

The great standing stone looks oddly beautiful during the sunset, making it one of the most wondrous landscape photography spots. A much-relaxing place to enjoy your vacation. 

Ticket price: 5,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 24 Hours

Address: Jalan Kuta Lombok, Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573

8.   The Mystical Bangkang Cave

Unlike no other, Bangkang is an underground bat cave with prepared bamboo stairs leading down. So, it’s friendly for you to visit. The light rays that shine in through during daylight will amaze you.

There will be thousands of bats in the cave that will welcome you, pretty much a unique tourist attraction to visit. The best time for you to catch the incredible sun rays is around 12 at noon.

Ticket price: 25,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 9AM-6PM (Everyday)

Address: Prabu, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83573

9.   The Well-Known Mount Rinjani

We are finally at the end of our list, the well-known Mount Rinjani. A visit to Lombok isn’t complete without a visit to Mount Rinjani. This active volcano is considered by the world to be one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the planet.

While climbing to the top might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Rinjani offers you a national park that you can visit at the base of the mountain. It has pretty hills, as well as majestic waterfalls that make for an excellent day trip. 

Ticket price: 5,000 IDR/person*

Operational Hours: 9AM-6PM (Everyday)

Address: Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara

Plan Your Next Visit to Lombok’s Exotic Wonders

Now that you have it all on your list what we have recommended for you, it’s time for you to plan your unforgettable next trip to Lombok! Do remember that we are still living in the midst of a pandemic. So, make sure that you always adhere to health protocols whenever and wherever you are, t-mates!

Best sunrise spots in Lombok

Sunrise is the most beautiful sight you can see at dawn. It feels incomplete when it comes to Lombok without doing sunrise hunting. The reason, Lombok is a small island with a very beautiful scenery. Besides visiting its wonderful beaches, you can also hunt sunrise at some places in Lombok with your friends. Do not forget to set up the best camera you have. You might get the best sceneries that you haven’t seen before. Here is the best place to hunt sunrise in Lombok.

  1. Segara Anak Lake in Rinjani Mountain

Mount Rinjani is only for those who are experienced climbing the mountain. It is not easy to get the golden sunrise from the top of Rinjani and the Segara Anak Lake Caldera. You also have to be tough, because once up, meaning no word complaining.

Being one of the highest peaks in Indonesia, Rinjani is not just an easy challenge to conquer. Thus, Sunrise from the top of Rinjani is very expensive because it is obtained through a struggle that is not easy. From the top of this Rinjani you can capture the most beautiful sunrise from Eastern Indonesia.

  1. Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is not only beautiful. If you can not climb Rinjani, you just cross the ocean to be in Gili Trawangan. You can enjoy sunrise at once beautiful sunset. To be more satisfied you can climb a hill in Gili Trawangan. Moreover, the calm wave there makes the view more beautiful

Your social media page will be more beautiful if decorated with sunrise from Gili Trawangan. Anyone would be jealous to see it.

  1. Tanjung Ringgit

Tanjung Ringgit has the privilege of seeing the sunrise from here. You will see at once two beautiful scenery of syahdu, Rinjani and Sumbawa Island. The existence of the hills on the coast of Cape Ringgit into its own charm, because you can enjoy the sunrise accompanied by the beach breeze that gently hit in the morning.

Beautiful scenery there can be enjoyed with a beautiful backdrop. In addition visitors can see Mount Rinjani as well as Sumbawa Island from Tanjung Ringgit. So the scenery there will be more interesting and beautiful. In addition, the hills on the coast of Lombok will add beauty to the atmosphere of the morning. As the sun begins to emerge, its light will warm the atmosphere at Tanjung Ringgit. You can build a tent and camp there to wait for the sun to rise the next morning.

  1. Sire Medana Beach

The beach which is located on the north of Lombok is very interesting. One of them is the charm of Sire Medana beach. The waves on this beach is not too big, is perfect for you who already have family and children who often love to play on the beach.

The privilege of seeing the sunrise here is because the sun will arise from behind Mount Rinjani. Prepare enough equipment so you can catch the sunrise perfectly. Do not let you wake up early.

  1. Labuan Haji

Sunrise on the Beach is different. Even sometimes people who see it can not tell whether it is sunrise or sunset. Labuhan Haji Beach is included favorite spot of the traveler who likes hunting sunrise. You should bring your best camera to take some good views from there.

In order not to lose a good moment, come while the sky is still dark. It is also the seconds of sunrise light it appears you can record with a favorite camera.

  1. Bukit Malimbu

Malimbu Hill is very popular in the coastal area of Senggigi Lombok. Because it is in a high enough position, you can see the sun rising and the sun is sunken from the same place. Just spin the view you can enjoy both at different times. Remember not to miss the golden time in capturing sunrise in Lombok.

What is interesting from there is that visitors can enjoy sunrise and sunset view from the same place. From there will be seen also Gili Trawangan from a distance. In addition it will also look beautiful view of Mount Agung in Bali Island. The tourists can enjoy the atmosphere in Malimbu Hill by enjoying food and hot drinks from the place. You can visit anytime, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

  1. Tanjung Ann

Maybe Tanjung Aan popularly known as pepper beach. However, the charm of Tanjung Aan hill can not be underestimated. You would enjoy the best sunrise ever. Moreover, the sunrise will give you the good picture ever. You can make the real picture of it.

Tanjung Aan is located not too far from Kuta Beach Lombok. You will be presented with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean, an unrestrained sea off the hill of Cape Aan.

  1. Anak Dara Hill

In Indonesia it is called Bukit Anak Dara. This place has just opened as a tourist attraction in 2015. But until now the name is still foreign to the ears of the tourists, so you can visit there with more flexibility.

Its position is at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters above sea level, and is another highest hill after Bukit Nanggi. Climbing to the top of the hill takes approximately 2 to 3 hours of travel. Visitors are recommended to hire a guide because the hill is still relatively quiet.

  1. Batu Idung Hill

It is unlike the previous hill, where the sunrise in Lombok this one is not in Sembalun, but in Gerung, Lombok Barat. This hill became popular through social media.

The interesting thing about this hill is its position which is not so far from the center of Mataram so it is more affordable than the hills in Sembalun. You only need to drive approximately 30 minutes just to reach this tourist area.

  1. Pergasingan Hill

Pergasingan Hill is one of the names of the hills in Sembalun that began ogled as a tourist attraction. This one hill even is often used by prospective climbers to warm up before climbing Mount Rinjani.

This hill is located at an altitude of approximately 1700 meters above sea level and is one tourist attraction to enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful morning. His position is in Sembalun Village, East Lombok. From the top of the hill, you can see the stretch of nature and also the rice fields of citizens who look like small plots.

  1. Dandaun Hill

Still about hills, hills and mountains is indeed one of the best locations for hunting sunrise or sunrise views. If you want to visit Lombok, try to come to Bukit Dandaun which is also still in Sembalun area.

Although this place is not as popular as Mount Pergasingan, but the beauty of nature in Bukit Dandaun no less beautiful. Even this hill will look more natural because not many tourists who visit there. The interesting thing about this place is not only the natural scenery and the sunrise there, but also the presence of cattle, old trees, and also hundreds of species of forest orchids.

  1. Nanggi Hill

The sunrise in Lombok looks so perfect in Bukit Nanggi. This hill is located in Sembalun Bumbung and is one of the higher hills of Mount Pergasingan. Its height reaches 2,300 meters above sea level.

To reach the peak, it takes a fairly long climb, which is 3 to 4 hours in accordance with the physical strength of each. This hill is also often used as camping or camping location for the tourists, because it is suitable to enjoy the atmosphere of the morning.

  1. Gili Nanggu

One more dyke with beautiful sunset view of Gili Nanggu. This small island known as the honeymoon destination has an unspoiled natural beauty and is away from the crowds.

In addition to enjoying romanticism with your partner on the beach and the clear sea, you can also enjoy the beauty of sunrise sunset in Gili Nanggu. Sunset view on this island is very special because the sun as if hiding behind Mount Rinjani

Those are some of best sunrise in Lombok. It really gives you reference, right. Don’t forget to get up earlier if you want to see sunrise. You might see the life in above of clouds that so closed with the sun (if you are lucky it is not raining).