Tradition meets beaches in Lombok, Indonesia

I remember one of the participants of the #TripofWonders asked, “What’s our itinerary for tomorrow?”

‘I think in a village. Doesn’t look very interesting.” I answered. (Shame I could actually say those words!)

Karma strikes as fast as it can. I checked the guide and I saw the word TRADITIONAL. Oh wait, did I just say uninteresting? i love every tradition. It’s one of the reasons I keep wandering. So let me take that embarrassing response and give you a little bit of the not-so-usual experience I had instead.

What is that not-so-ordinary experience, you ask?

It’s when old and modern merge.

Do you want to go back to the past, where life seems slower, but not brave enough to leave the comforts of the modern world? I have your back!

You can observe the patience of great women, weaving scarves and sarongs with unique designs, using traditional and basic tools.

Once you have made your choice, you can wear these comfortable clothes with pride and match them with handmade accessories, also made by the women of the village. Those will certainly support the details of today’s fashion.

Sounds good? Then keep supporting these kinds of local products!

It’s when land and water go together.

You don’t have to choose a adventure. A trio of islands are grouped together for those looking to view both water and land activities without the hassle of long travel.

Photo by: Hannah Cepe

Walking an island by bike is the best way to see the life of tourists and locals, share each other’s stories, drink and eat like there is no tomorrow, negotiate items or discuss the next adventure where they will go.

You see, a simple bike ride can also be just as exciting as a you-only-live-once (YOLO) activity.

Well, if you don’t agree, it’s time to introduce something exciting (maybe?) – snorkeling!

Photo by: Hannah Cepe

Life in the underwater world could be more intriguing, right?

It’s when tradition and beaches merge in one journey.

After seeing colorful performances that appreciate a well-maintained tradition, I bet the waves that come along on a boat trip are also a flawless movement to watch.

After being amazed at the talents a community can do, I bet the shadows of the sky reflected in a sea would also be an impeccable sight.

It’s when you could get the chance to visit the traditional village of Sasak Sade and the Gili Islands in Lombok, Indonesia for short but two wonderful days.

Oh yeah, all the ones I’m talking about are focused on these two destinations. Located in the east of Bali, Lombok has made a name for itself on the list of best places to visit for beautiful beaches. The car and motorcycle-free Gili Islands or Tiga Gili in Indonesian make up the Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air and all attract visitors for an island getaway.

Well, you know, you can also see Sade Village. This is where the native Sasak village has preserved their valuable resources and tradition. Wood, bamboo walls and thatched roofs are what the constructions are made of.

Take advantage of your time when you are in Lombok and better try this trip with a traditional beach mix!

Notice Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia invited Two Monkeys Travel Group and other Southeast Asian bloggers to the 10-day #TripofWonders in four destinations, including Lombok, but the opinions written in this article are entirely my own.
About the writer

Jessica Ja is a freelance writer who writes whether 5-10 cups of coffee are served per day. She used to work as a TV researcher, but her feet are always curious to venture into new places, so she decided to work for nearly two years in the communities of Visayas and Mindanao as a documentary filmmaker, through a non-governmental organization (NGO). She tries to see the “true happiness” in every person she meets and in every place she goes. She will always choose mountains over beaches.

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