Just to the east of oh-so-popular Bali lays Lombok Island. Though the beaches may not look as spectacular as its scene-stealing sister’s at first look, the island has lots to boast about, and with a whole lot less people tromping all over it. Senggigi is the main beach town, and is a pretty self-explanatory destination. To discover some of the more hidden gems, take a day tour out of the town and head for the country.
Learn exactly what’s being grown in all those fields
From the air-conditioned comfort of your private vehicle, you’ll be driven through the island’s beautiful landscape, but do be sure to hop out once in a while for a little at-hand terroir appreciation. Though the Indonesians were already familiar with tobacco, it was the Dutch that set it on path to become the giant force it is today. Here on Lombok, you will often see fields of waving tobacco plants just like the one above.
You may love chocolate, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll love raw cacao
While Indonesia is known for its cacao, virtually none of it becomes chocolate in the islands. Instead, the cacao is packed up, shipped abroad, and processed into the chocolate loved the world over. Your guide will take you right into the fields and grab one of the cacao fruits off the tree for you. Did you have any idea that your chocolate bar started out like this? The seeds have a pulpy membrane, with a crunchy center. The flavor at this stage is no more than redolent of the sweet chocolate it is to become.
Up the mountains to the Senaru Waterfalls
Once you start gaining elevation, terraced farming and dramatic backdrops fall into line, surrounding you with nothing less than grandeur. Soon enough, you are at the start of the trail which leads to the Senaru Waterfalls, which is actually a pair of waterfall sights about a twenty minute walk apart. At the further of the two, you can wade into the chilly, crystal-clear waters and have a bit of a swim. The entire experience of seeing both waterfalls, and also the walk through the forest to get to each of them, is something you will not soon forget. Rainbows, birds of the jungle, monkeys, lush canopy, bubbling creeks, you name it and you’ve got it.
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Village life, uninterrupted
Near to the waterfalls, you’ll stop by one of the local villages that, with few exceptions, has not, and cares not to, catch up with the times. Your guide will explain the architectural styles and building techniques behind the homes you see, and you’ll also get the chance to see some of the locals going about their lives. The people essentially live off the land, trading with one another and taking each day one at a time.
Driving back to Senggigi, one cove at a time
Though the island landscapes run from lush to relatively arid, the coastal waters stay azure blue throughout their length. As you drive back towards Senggigi, you will get see many views such as the one above. Have your driver stop the vehicle, then get out and breathe it in. It is these simple pleasures that you have traveled so far to enjoy, no?
From field to mountain to shore, what could there be more?
A tour like this offers a little bit of everything, and a lot of satisfaction. Taking in beautiful sights, learning about how and what the island is beyond tourism, and then swimming beneath majestic waterfalls, you are sure to remember this as a great day in Indonesia.
“Tour Lombok” (http://www.tour-lombok.com/) is one company offering a tour like that described above. Private vehicle with fluent English speaking guide, hotel or pier pickup and drop off, plus all fees and on-site guides, will run you around 150 USD for two people. Lunch is not included.
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