Tag: Indonesia nature

Lombok beaches which should be in your bucket list

Do you think only on Bali island you can find crystal clear water and white sand beaches? NO. There are many such beaches in other Indonesian islands as well and they are not so crowded yet. In the neighbor Lombok island, you can enjoy the same or even better beaches. Maybe it’s time to consider Lombok island one of the options for a holidays destination? Besides beautiful nature, it’s a bit cheaper than in Bali.

There are so many beautiful Lombok beaches that during 3 weeks trip we didn’t manage to visit all of them. But here are my favorite ones where I would love to come back one day.

Lombok beaches which I recommend to visit at least once

Selong Belanak beach

Selong Belanak- beach in Lombok

The most beautiful beach I ever saw in Indonesia till now! Wide and long, soft, white sand coast and crystal clear, clean, warm water. The beach is having a curvy shape with hills on each point. The waves are not so high, so you can enjoy swimming (even if it’s not recommended to do because there are fishing boats but from my experience they are too far, not disturbing at all). As well have sunbathing or just a relaxing walk along the beach. As well it’s a perfect place to learn how to surf.

Beaches in Lombok - Selong Belanak

HOW TO GET TO SELONG BELANAK BEACH:
Beach located ~49 km from Mataram (~1,5-hour drive). From Kuta Lombok, it’s ~ 17 km. From Mataram, you just need to take the route to Lombok International airport. If you have reached Jami’ Penunjak Mosque, you should turn to the North until you find the beach. Make sure to ask around on the way to Selong Belanak beach because there would be no road signs that can lead you to this beach.

Selong Belanak beach in Lombok

TIPS:

  • If you will be lucky, you can buy fresh seafood from local people. Most of the people living near Selong Belanak are fishermen, so sometimes they will come back from the sea with fresh seafood. As well you can have a fishing trip with local people.
  • The beach will be very crowded during the holiday season. If you can, try to visit Selong Belanak beach on weekdays.
  • You can find many beach vendors there, rent a cot.
  • To make your time more efficient, you can visit as well Mawun beach, Kuta beach, Seger beach, Aan Bay, or Sade beach in one day. But I would highly recommend staying in Selong Belanak beach all day long.

Selong Belanak beach

WHERE TO STAY NEAR SELONG BELANAK BEACH:

Mawun beach

Mawun beach in Lombok

One of the Lombok beaches is cozy, peaceful, surrounded by 2 hills on the West and East sides. Has white, soft texture sand in the middle of the beach that turns to rougher, mixed with small rocks near the hills. Has clean, blue water where you can enjoy swimming (but near the hills, the waves are higher and stronger). Not too many people come to this beach, so you can feel like it belongs all to you. On this beach you can have a relaxing time, sunbathing, climb the hills and enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean.

HOW TO GET TO MAWUN BEACH:
Mawun beach is ~60 km from Mataram city (it’s ~1,5 hour drive). From Kuta Lombok ~20 min. drive. The route is Mataram-Cakranegara-Kediri-Praya-Penujak-Selong Belanak-Mawun, or Mataram-Cakranegara-Kediri-Praya-Batunyale-Sengkol-Rambitan-Sade-Kuta-Mawun. If you are visiting Selong Belank beach, Mawun is only ~9 km from there.

Mawun beach

TIPS:

  • You should be careful if you will decide to swim near the hills because there are no lifeguards on this beach.
  • Take some snacks with you because there are only several beach vendors, who sell things for extremely high prices.
  • If you will be lucky, on the way to this beach you can see farmers harvesting tobacco leaves.
  • On the way, you can visit as well Selong Belank beach and others around (see above).

WHERE TO STAY NEAR MAWUN BEACH:

Kuta beach (Lombok)

Kuta beach in Lombok

Even if it’s not my favorite place (because it’s too crowded) but it’s a strategical good place to stay a couple of days and explore the South part of Lombok beaches (and not only). There are many places to stay, to eat, order some extra activities or trips to other parts of Lombok, as well as make laundry if you are on a long trip.

Kuta beach has ~7 km coastline with some small hills where you can climb. The sand not so soft and you can’t properly swim, as well it lays near the main road. Here you will find many people who come just chill out with a drink in a beach bar or see the sunset. But ~2 km from Kuta beach you can find as well Seger beach (it’s a good place for snorkeling, a more calm beach just to spend some time). and other smaller ones.

HOW TO GET TO KUTA BEACH:
Kuta beach located ~50 km from Mataram (~1-hour drive). If you are in Bali or in one of the Gili’s island, many tour operators suggest trips to Kuta Lombok from there.

Lombok beach - Kuta

TIPS:

  • Bargue the price before renting snorkeling equipment.
  • Stay safe in the Kuta area.

WHERE TO STAY IN KUTA:

  • There are many places to stay, depends on your budget and wishes.
  • We stayed in Seger Reef homestay. It’s located in front of the beach, has hot water, WI-FI (in the lobby) and it’s a safe to place.

Tanjung AAN beach

Tanjung AAN beach in Lombok

This Lombok beach surrounded by some hills that you can climb. In the middle of the beach also have one small hill that you can hike. Unfortunately, the sand not so smooth like in mentioned other beaches but still you can have a nice time swimming in blue water, enjoy the beautiful scenery of ~2 km coastline or have a walk. It’s a good place for snorkeling as well.

HOW TO GET TO TANJUNG AAN BEACH:
It’s located ~75 km from Mataram (~1,5 hour drive). Or ~3 km from Kuta beach. The route is Mataram – Cakranegara – Kediri – Praya – Batunyale – Sengkol – Rambitan – Sade – Kuta and finally Tanjung Aan.

TIPS:

  • There are many beach vendors, some local “warungs” to eat.
  • You can be a bit annoyed by many street sellers who on each step suggest buying something.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR TANJUNG AAN BEACH:

Pink (Tangis) beach

Pink beach in Lombok

The name “pink” was given because it’s the only beach on Lombok island which have pink colored sand. Some of the locals call this beach “heaven beach” as well. Because it’s a cozy, quiet beach, seems untouched by people. But if you want to reach it you need to pass the “hell road”. When we were there, the road condition was so horrible that ~10 km we were passing more than 1 hour. But we saw that people were fixing the road, so I hope now it’s much better.

“Pink beach” surrounded by cliffs that you can climb and have an amazing view of other close Lombok beaches, panorama below the cliffs. Also from the top, you can see a more clear pink beach color. The sand on this beach so soft and the water so blue, calm. It’s the perfect place for 1-day trip. As well, like the road to this place so bad many people don’t come here.

Tangis-Pink beach

HOW TO GET TO PINK BEACH:
It’s ~82 km from Mataram (~3 hours drive). From Kuta ~ 53 km (~1,30 hour drive). But going to this beach takes the safe route and don’t go by the quickest way.

TIPS:

  • The more clear pink color you can see either in the early morning or in the evening, so try to visit it during that time.
  • You can reach Pink beach as well with short boat trips from Tanjung Luar or Telong-Elong.
  • Take some snacks with you because there are only several beach vendors who sometimes not open during the work week (only on weekends when coming more people).
  • If you don’t want to drive through “hell road” by yourself you can order a tour from tourist offices in Kuta.
  • While you will be in Pink beach, visit as well amazing Tanjung Ringgit, like it’s on the same road.

Pink beach

WHERE TO STAY NEAR PINK BEACH:

 

Tips for all Lombok beaches:

  • Don’t be surprised that almost to all Lombok beaches you will need to pay an entrance fee that is valid only for 1 day for the exact beach.
  • On all beaches cots are not for free, even if nobody said the price after you would like to leave somebody will come and ask to pay for it.
  • Have enough cash with you, like not in many places you will find ATM.
  • Stay safe during your trip to Lombok.

Mentioned beaches on the map:

Lombok beaches pinterest
Pin for later!

 

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

  • Would you like to visit these beaches?
  • If you have been to these Lombok beaches what was our experience?
  • Maybe you have other Lombok beaches recommend to visit?

 

 

Useful? Great! :) You might also like these:

Tips for safe travel in Lombok
My days in Bali beaches

Indonesian discoveries (part 2) – nature

Indonesia is a country where you become addicted to travel. There are so many breathtaking places and so many things to explore – you just need to decide where to go. Even without a plan, you will have, for sure, amazing memories.

If you like to travel, probably, you had such feeling – when you come to a place, it’s just bewitch you? Here are some Indonesian discoveries of nature that stuck in my mind like most powerful ones (which I visited till now). I don’t know why and truly to say don’t think about it so much. For me, the main thing – at that time, when I was there, I was really happy!

Waterfall Siruwe (“Air terjun Siruwe”, Dieng Plateau, Java island)

Siruwe waterfallTo reach this waterfall we went through rice paddies, small “jungle”, no more clear path was seen. The view from a bit further already was amazing. But to go down wasn’t so easy – it was vertical way through clay that was still wet and very slippery. It took us some time to get down – but we were so happy – to be in the middle of nowhere, without anyone else, to hear the sound of falling water, to feel strong wind and the power of nature.
First time in life I try bath under the waterfall (ant it’s ~100 m high). And it was the most powerful feeling that I ever felt – for couple of minutes I couldn’t even properly breath – because of coldness, strong wind and strong water stream that was a bit painful. I stood there and didn’t want to move. I felt what it means to be in a nature ant with it. This waterfall was the most amazing thing that I saw in my life (till now :)).

Selong Belanag beach (“Pantai Selong Belanag”, Lombok island)

Selong Belanag beach When I saw this beach I was amazed. It was so big, yellow, soft, warm sand, with turquoise water color. I never before saw such color of the water. I was just standing there and watching that immense horizon. Through me passed couple beginners surfers and that’s all, no more people (only sellers in “warungs”). The beach was quite long, so I just desired to walk through it and enjoy that peaceful moment. Only later I decided to swim a bit and the water was so warm. Funny thing, in touristic books written that swimming here impossible because quite near onshore, there are many fisherman boats. But it’s not true, you can see some boats but it’s further from the beach. The beach and sea are so large, that everyone can find a place for themselves. I felt in love with this beach, so even if we didn’t plan, we came here once again, on the way back.

“Pink beach” (“Pantai Tangsi”, Lombok island)

Pink beach in LombokLocal people as well call it “heaven beach”. 10 km distance we needed to drive more than 1 hour through very rocky road. Local people say that “if you want to reach heaven (beach) you need pass hell (rocky road)”. When we came there were no people. It’s cozy, not big beach with pink color sand. You can swim there, a bit climb on the hill and see many other beaches from the top. This beach looked like from fairy tale.

Gili Meno island

Gili Meno Small island, during 1 hour you can walk around all of it. The sunrises in horizon of mount Rinjani and peaceful beaches just bewitched me. I never thought that I can stay 4 days in a beach and do nothing :). But here I manage just to do nothing and enjoy holidays.

Tanjung Puting National park (Borneo island)

Borneo orangutanFirst time I saw in this park live orangutans (like other monkeys) and their life in a nature. To meet them in a middle of forest, to see how they behavior, look at you – something unforgettable.

Sunset in Uluwatu temple (“Pura Luhur Uluwatu”, Bali island)

Uluwatu temple sunset

If you ever thought about “perfect” sunset – this place is the right one to see it. Fishing boats, temple on the cliff, Balinese “kechak” dance and going down sun – the view like a reward for all hard work.

Sidoharjo waterfall (“Air terjun Sidoharjo”, Kulon Progo, Java island)

Sidoharjo waterfallEven if the stream of this waterfall already smaller than was before, still this ~75 m high waterfall reminds me that nature is so beautiful and inspiring. More than 1 hour I was just sitting there and enjoying all surrounding.

Sunset in Parangtritis beach (“Pantai Parangtritis”, Yogyakarta, Java island)

Parangtritis beach sunset

This beach not the best in Indonesia and Yogyakarta. Rubbish, not allowed to swim, strong wind but it’s a perfect place for sunsets not far away from the city. This sunset was like a gift for my birthday – special one :).

 

Yeah, I believe that Indonesia can suggest even more beautiful places to see, to explore. But like I read somewhere, you need at least 45 years, if you want to see most of the Indonesia. I don’t have any so much time, so I try to enjoy every place that I see and every time I fall in love with Indonesia more and more.

What is your nature discoveries in Indonesia? Tell me your stories :)

Interesting? Great! :) You might also like these:

Indonesian discoveries (part 1) – sound and look
Travel stories from Lombok island
Adventures from Bali island

Mount Merapi defeated me

How many times you read bad or failure stories? Somehow most of the people shares only good things. In one hand it’s good – more positive thoughts – creates more positive things. But in other hand – is it real life, when everything goes just right?

I have such story – “failure” one – how mount Merapi defeated me ;). And want to show that not only sun shines in Indonesia, but sometimes comes some clouds as well (but beautiful ones) :).

Many people that I know, who comes or stays longer in Yogyakarta, wants at least once, climb up to mount Merapi and meet there the sunrise. I was one of those people. Just till now, somehow wasn’t right time to do that or people with whom to climb. By the way “Gunung Merapi” (literally “Fire mount”), the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548 (~68 times).

But finally, some of the friends organized night trekking to mount Merapi to meet sunrise. So I wanted to join them for sure (when if not now? :)).

Day before trekking I was a bit nervous – it was my first trekking in life and as well to so high (2930 m.) and vertical mount. I didn’t know what to expect, how my body will adapt it, if I like it and it’s at night. You know, Lithuania is a “flat” country, highest point is 294 m. Also all my trips in Europe somehow wasn’t around hills :D. But at the same time I was excited.

The adventure begins!

We all (8 people) met at meeting point on the way to mount Merapi. We started our motorbike trip ~10:00 pm. Of course, which trip goes without “surprises”? After ~30 min. of driving, one of motorbike got flat tire. So we needed to find who can fix it. We were lucky, like near was one service who was still working in late evening. We wait a bit and moved on.

The road wasn’t the best – holes, not in all parts of the road was lightening, tortuous way. Going higher became colder and colder. We even stopped to dress more clothes before reach the post.

Maybe after couple of hours we were in the post of mount Merapi (from Selo village side). Surprising that in the post nobody was working. Usually, many people come at night for trekking till sunrise. But we were thinking, maybe because of Ramadhan, local people fasting, going to visit relatives and doesn’t go for such trips.

We were trying to find somebody who could park our motorbikes and as well register us that we are going up. Like couple months ago one Indonesian guy died in mount Merapi (he was making selfie in the edge of the top and slipped). After that, the rules to entering and leaving mount Merapi became stricter. As well it’s not allowed anymore to climb exactly to the top (the last point is ~500 m from the real top of mount).

Finally we found responsible people (they were already sleeping – it’s normal thing to do at midnight :D). The registration, parking took us ~40 min., because of waiting we started freeze (you know at ~1 am in high place, not so warm, even in Indonesia). We saw some other motorbikes, guy in the post told that they arrived day before and are camping in mount Merapi national park.

After all bureaucracy things, we dressed the warmest clothes, covered all naked parts and started to trek.

Already from the beginning, after the post, the road was quite sharp (in my opinion, from person who never made trekking ;)). After maybe 15 min. my lungs were almost locked. I couldn’t breathe properly. I don’t know why, maybe because of nerves, pressure or first time such activity. The rest 6 people went up and me with friend decided not to be in a rush and go slowly.

Little by little we were going up, the path was more complicated, slippery sand and not wide. I needed stop more and more times. During stops we meet couple of foreigners groups (probably they came with travel agencies that organizes trips). In my mind already was an idea to go back, but I thought maybe still little by little I would manage to go to the top.

Unfortunately, after almost 1 hour of going up, I decided to go down. Yeah, I gave up (even if it’s not common to me). Just I was a bit afraid that if I will go further up and I will feel worst then I will make problems for myself and the entire group. So I decided that better not to push myself and make problems for others. I didn’t reach even the mount Merapi national park gate (that is in ~1 km distance from post). Pity :( But at least, now I know that I need to prepare more for trekking trips. I already imagine how I would be trekking in Lombok island, mount Rinjani, when I planned to do it during my 3 weeks trip there. But at that time, park was closed because of rainy season, so need to change my plans. Now I think it was a sign :D.

The way down was even more difficult because of slippery sand and bluff way. I even couple times slipped (I had proper shoes for trekking). Going down took me the same 1 hour.

But not to go to the top of mount Merapi was the worst part :D. The most “exciting” part was when we (me and my friend) came to post and wanted to take motorbike for going back. What do you think? Everything was closed (why they should be open, if usually people return in late morning from the top?). 2 hours (truly I’m not lying) we were knocking all possible doors, windows, going around the building, even sitting in the street and hoping that some neighbor will pass and would tell us how to reach responsible people. But nothing. The weather was more and more freezing.

During our waiting for a “miracle” that somebody will open the door, one foreigner couple didn’t reach the top as well and came back. So it seems not only me can’t handle mount Merapi – I feel a bit better about it :D.

Finally! ~5 am the people in post heard us and open the door. But it was too cold to go by motorbike straight back (usually in the mornings very cold wind). So we decided to wait a bit, warm up and then go.

We started to chat with the post guy and he told us, that before Merapi eruption the way to the top was much better, but now even for him, who is trekking there almost all life – quite difficult to go. As well, he told that it’s common that people not handle go to the top (may “failure” became smaller :)). And when we told that we wanted to see sunrise, he started to laugh and told that from his house (beside the post) we can see sunrise as well. Just need to wait till ~6 am. So like it left ~45 min. we decided to stay and at least see something ;).

It was very beautiful view! (even it was totally cold). The sun came like from the sea line and colors was so clear; I could say “dramatic”. I felt relieved that at least I had amazing views: in front – sunrise, in the left mount Merbabu softly lighten by sun and twin mounts Sindoro and Sumbing, in the back small part of mount Merapi.

Beauty of mount Merapi

After 15 min. we left – tired and still freezing (I can just imagine how guys felt on the top). On the way, we saw beautiful views of Merapi, other mounts, daily people life’s, active morning market. I was surprised how many traditional Javanese houses there, still build in old way with “gedheg” (like “big tent”). And almost no rice fields – but big plantations of different vegetables. I think if you don’t want to trek but have beautiful views, it’s just enough to come to that area in early morning, before sun goes up ;).

So this is how my first mount Merapi defeated me :D. I don’t know if soon I would like to go there again, but maybe later I be ready more and will win! :).

Now in my mind thoughts how will be in mounts Bromo and Ijien that I plan to visit :D. Hope much better :D.

What is your experience in trekking in mount Merapi or other Indonesian mount? :)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  • If you are not trekker, I suggest at least, one week before the trip, have some more physical activities – riding bicycles every day and etc.
  • It’s not easy to see the post at night, especially when it’s closed, so here is the photo, not to miss it ;).
  • Entrance fee for locals and students – 15 000 Rp. For tourists 155 000 Rp and on holidays, weekends – 225 000 Rp.
  • It took us ~2,5 hour to get there from Yogyakarta with motorbikes.
  • We fill full back of fuel and it was enough go both ways.
  • The post guy told us, that experienced trekkers, reach the top during ~3 hours, others (depends on their condition) during ~4-6 hours. The tourist groups came ~1-2 am and sunrise is at ~6 am, so organizers probably knows that 4 hours should be enough to reach the top.
  • Take with you snacks, enough water, properly clothes (gloves, hat, socks, warm sweater, jacket, scarf, shoes suitable for trekking, flash light, if you are coming near the beginning or in the end of rainy season, take raincoat).
  • Avoid trekking in the rainy season which spans late October to early April.
  • If you want to go there by motorbike – ride north out of Yogyakarta on Jl. Magelang for ~45 min. When you reach Mungkid turn right into Jl. Bololali – Mungkad and head towards Ketep. At Ketep turn right and continue following the Jl. Bololali – Mungkad into Selo. From Selo ride up the steep road (on the right as you come into Selo).
  • There are no straight buses to go to Merapi. You can reach the sub-village by public transportation from Yogyakarta (Jambor station) to Magelang, stopping at Blabak and continued by minibus or hichkiking to Selo. Afterwards, you will need to walk through asphalt roads to the post.
  • I know that those who comes with public bus, usually comes in the early evening to the last village Selo, stay for couple of hours in the hostel (there are several – just ask people, they knows who accept guests) and then goes up.
  • More practical information here.

Interesting? Great! :) You might also like these:

First time in Indonesia
Indonesian discoveries
How to know if you stayed in Indonesia too long