Lombok Cultural Discovery

This tour highlights the island's ethnic and religious diversity, featuring the Sasak people, Balinese Hindus, and other ethnic groups from across Indonesia. You'll visit key sites around Mataram, the bustling yet relaxed capital city.

At 9:00 AM, leave your hotel in Senggigi and head to Kebon Roek Market. Here, observe locals trading vegetables, spices, fish, meats, tobacco, and other agricultural goods. This market is a melting pot of Lombok's diverse communities. Next, visit Lingsar Temple on the outskirts of Mataram. Built in 1714 by King Anak Agung Ngurah, this temple complex reflects a blend of Balinese Hinduism and Lombok's Waktu Telu, a mystical form of Islam. The temple features shrines connected to the holy mountains of both islands. You might try skipping a coin into the holy water pond or attracting the holy eel with a boiled egg.

Then, explore Pura Agung Narmada, constructed in 1805 as the summer palace of the King of Mataram. Unable to climb Mount Rinjani, he built a replica of the volcano and its lake. Stroll through Narmada Palace and Park, which includes lush gardens and a swimming pool fed by holy springs. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the West Nusa Tenggara Museum, which houses historical items and artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa Island. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region's geology, flora, fauna, archaeology, ethnography, history, and crafts. Finally, visit Mayura Water Palace with its floating pavilion in an artificial lake surrounded by mangosteen trees. Built in 1744 as part of the Karangasem kingdom in East Bali, it served as a court of justice and a meeting hall, combining Hindu and Islamic architectural features. After the tour, return to your hotel.