Sunday, January 26, 2020

Waterfall Heaven in Indonesia

The best waterfalls in all of Indonesia are in Lombok. A blogger-tourist wrote that Lombok is “waterfall heaven”. Probably because of the landscape, there seems to be so many waterfalls in Lombok, concentrated in the North and Central regions of the island.

Here are some of them, considered the best of the lot, with each one having its own characteristic unique look that can blow you away. All of the waterfall in Lombok island have their own amazing looks that are different from the others, but having their own distinctive attraction.

Tiu Kelep

This is the most famous of them all and certainly has that inimitable look all its own. All of them are irresistibly beautiful, mesmerizing and flaunting its misty beauty to anyone looking.

From Sendang Gile you follow the river for 15 minutes, sometimes walking through the water, before reaching Tiu Kelep. The arrival area has an amphitheater full of mist blowing all over the place.

The waterfalls pour out of the mountain wall and then there is a huge diagonal gushing flow pouring down with extreme force on top of them all. You need to be careful swimming beneath the falls because some people have gotten into trouble sucked into the pull of the the water impact zone.

Be careful swimming beneath the falls as some people have gotten into trouble being sucked into the extreme pull of the waterfall impact zone.

Sendang Gile

This was an unexpected bonus sight following a different trail. Sendang Gile is an incredible attraction in its own right, although it might always be outshone by Tiu Kelep.

The waterfall is a unique two-tiered waterfall that booms down into a shallow river. This is a surprise to the people who saw it for the first time who didn’t expect it at all in the first place.

Benang Stokel / Kelambu

People also talked about Benang Stokel in Lombok. The big surprise is that I did not know that this waterfall is actually composed of five waterfalls, and all are amazing to look at.

You need to have some negotiating skills when dealing with the locals because they will try to lock you into a guided tour for about $7 (80,000 rupiah) when the actual entrance fee at the board is about $2.

The last spot is waterfall which is a huge wall of vines and greenery with multiple cascade spread throughout the wall. The site looks magical to look at and makes you feel lost in the wild. It is breathtaking and being one of the most popular falls in Lombok is not a surprise.

Places to stay

The northern region of Lombok is perfect place to visit all the best waterfall in Lombok island or hiking Mount Rinjani, for that matter. There are budget guest houses and there also beautiful resorts in the region.

At the other end ofl the island, the southern region is where people choose to chill out, enjoy the surf and the beaches. The crowds are smaller than in Bali, and underdeveloped compared to Bali itself. However, the waterfalls around the island are the main reasons for your stay.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Exploring Temples and Food


There are very few exotic places in the world that merits your attention to want to explore them. Lombok city is simply one of these places, and the Lombok City Tour is just the right vehicle to do so.

All in all, this is a half day tour that covers the important heritage places in the area. This includes the Mayura Temple built in 1714 which is the royal floating palace (named Bale Kambang) of the former Balinese kingdom.  

Also included in the itinerary is the Narmada Temple built in 1805 and used to be a palace of Anak Agung Gede Ngurah. You can see here the miniature of Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak lake with a holy temple on top.

The temple was built by Balinese Hindus when they first came over to the islands.

Pura Lingsar

Pura Lingsar is one Hindu temple that represents the blending of the Hindu tradition with Wektu Telu, the religion practiced by the Sasak people who are natives to Lombok itself.

Followers of Wektu Telu consider themselves Muslims although they do not follow many of the religious commandments that orthodox Muslims do. They have adopted other beliefs from Hinduism and the native animistic traditions.

This dual heritage makes Pura Lingsar an important symbol of unity among the faiths in the islands.

Clothing

Visitors to Pura Lingsar need to wear a sash or sarong in order to enter the temple. For regular visitors who don’t have this, they shall be helped by vendors outside the temple who can rent them the appropriate clothing.

Exploring the temple’s outer buildings does no need special clothes. The northern elevated part of the temple is the Hindu section while the Wektu Telu followers do their worship at the southern section.

Attraction

Pura Lingsar is famous for the pool of water in the Wektu Telu which is sacred to the deity Vishnu.

This is also home to a family of holy eels which can be lured out of their hiding places with hard-boiled eggs. (Buy your eggs from stalls outside the temple to feed the eels yourself.)

Itinerary

From your hotel in Senggigi, Mangsit or Klui, you can meet up your guide at your hotel lobby. The first stop would be a visit to the Mayura Temple and Bale Kambang in Cakranegara.

After Mayura, the group can proceed to Narmada Water Palace. This is a historical park that was used by the Balinese Dynasty king as a summer palace. Inside the park, there is a spring believed by locals to be the fountain of youth.

A visit to the local market will be your place to get your arts and craft souvenirs of the place. This is aside from taking in some local fruits and vegetables that you fancy. Bertais is one of the biggest markets where traders from all over converge.

A taste of Lombok

After the tour, you can partake some local food in one of the local restaurants around. There would be Ayam Bakar, or Ayam Goreng Taliwang with steam rice, Pelecing Kangkung and Beberuk Terong.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Mount Rinjani Trekking Perfect for Casual Travellers or Novice Hikers!

Enjoy a Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour whether you are a casual traveler or a novice hiker. If you want to enjoy a journey to the volcano in Indonesia, you’ve got to see this fast. There is, however, a need to know more about the mountain that is at 3,726 meters above sea level. This looms large over the island of Lombok. This is also by far the 2nd highest mountain in the country. This is an ominous silhouette that comes to remind you of the powerful forces that rumble just under the surface of the earth. This is what fuels hikers to Rinjani every day. See Rinjani in almost any place in Lombok.

Why Pursue This Kind of Trekking?

Enjoy the hike to the crater rim since it will reward you with absolute and magnificent views. The black and rocky soil at the summit drops off into the lush valley. This is the field with deep purples and greens that can be so bright to look at. They do not appear as they should appear in nature.

With the Lake Segara Anak, it is nestled in the underneath of the gaping crater. This is known as a deep turquoise that echoes the brilliant color of the Lombok’s seas. There is an active volcano to see on the edge of the lake. This already starts to spew threatening clouds of smoke flowing into the air.

Right inside the crater or Rinjani, you will see the Mount Barujari. This is one active mountain that can erupt at any time. During the night, you will see the sky with stars that can be so thought that they look like they are painted on.

The views around will inspire awe to you. You will, all the more, be convinced of trekking the Mountain Rinjani. This is indeed a challenge to your mind and body. Leap out of your comfort zone and shout yes you did it! This will sound good to you. You just need to read more facts about the idea of going on a Mount Rinjani Trekking.

How to Plan the Mount Rinjani Trekking?

Admit it or not but the trek to the Mount Rinjani comes with a cavalier attitude. There were already stories head about how difficult it was supposed to go hiking. Experienced trekkers with years of challenging hikes would more appreciate the trek.

Accept the fact that trekking Rinjani is difficult. It can be so freaking hard. It will begin with a climb of about 1500 meters over 8 kilometers. The elevation change will take place during the final 4-kilometers. This will as well take about four hours. This is just one kilometer per hour.

The route will have to be slippery, sandy, and steep. Prepare for a strong will with a body that will be pushed to the limits as you go your way up on the Mount Rinjani Trekking. The 2nd day will also start in the middle of the night. Hikers will also summit for the sunrise. There will still 1000meters of elevation gain here. There will be a narrow trail of loose and slippery scree. It also is cold once you’re up there. Even during August, you will feel the temperature hovering around thereby freezing.

Once you’re done with the climbing experience, you will observe the descent as something of a relief. It will continue for days that require every ounce of hamstring strength to muster. There also is a need to have knees of steel and a sense of humor.

Expect that your body will be put to the test due to the descent of the Mount Rinjani. So, be prepared in handling the trekking Rinjani experience!

Monday, December 23, 2019

Book Your Adventure Lombok Tour Today!

There is so much more to enjoy from an adventure Lombok Tour. For one, you can go hiking and exploring the incredible landscapes. Add a three-day hike in your tour experience to the summit of Mt. Rinjani. This way, you will do a lot of things in there.

As for the trek, it will start in Senaru which is a small mountainside village found at the base of the 2nd biggest active volcano. This is whopping 3,726 meters high. This is so far the main hub of those who want to take the Rinjani Trekking Challenge.

Tour Companies Around
There are lots of tour companies to find around that can organize your trek in the Mount Rinjani. Their offices could be found in the towns that include the Mataram, Sengiggi, Kuta Lombok and Senaru.

When you reach Lombok by boat to the Bangsal Harbor, you will also be approached by the locals who want to sell one of their tour packages. So, you will need to organize and book the trek upon arriving at the Bangsal.

The best option as suggested is to find your way to the Senaru. This is the village wherein most of the people stay before and after the trekking at the Mt. Rinjani. Right in Senaru, you will negotiate a price the tour company of your choice in the village. Book online in advance so you can be guaranteed with a fixed price for the trek.

Visit the Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Tiu Kelep Waterfall is by far the most amazing waterfall you could ever lay your eyes on. This is one of the best things to do in Lombok. This waterfall is situated in the mountainside village in Senaru in North Lombok.

Many river crossings can be found here than a muddy and knee-deep trail leading through the jungle. That leads to the sight of the Air Terjun Tiu Kelep. Nothing can compare to the waterfall than this.

Visit the Sendang Gile Waterfall
The Sendang Gile Waterfall is by far the first waterfall found in the trail to the Tiu Kelep Waterfall. That is why you should not miss this one. This is a 2-tier cascading waterfall that spits out of the rock that faces high above. Go swimming in the rock pool and also right beneath the fall of the Air Terjun Sendang Gile.

Visit the Bukit Selong Sunrise Viewpoint
The Bukit Selong Sunrise Viewpoint is the location of the sun rising becoming popular among travelers. Here, you will find two viewpoints overlooking the blanket of the crop fields. One viewpoint is a dirt mound found at the lower level while the second viewpoint is found up the hill. This is where you will see a handcrafted wooden star on the bamboo stilts making it perfect for a photo.

On one side of the hill, you will see a tree-top boardwalk leading out over the edge. At around every corner is an epic landscape that waits for you to discover!

Now, you have learned more about what places to visit as you book your Adventure Lombok Tour today!