Lombok, The Diamond of West Nusa Tenggara

Senggigi Beach

Senggigi Beach is a very famous place for tourists in Lombok. It's on the west coast of Lombok Island. Although it's not as big as Kuta Beach in Bali, but the view can still take your breath away. You can also do some snorkeling and enjoy the beautiness of coral reef at the bottom of the sea. You will forget your routines in your life once you set your foot on Senggigi Beach.

There are alternative ways to reach Senggigi Beach:

• From Bali: head to Lembar harbor, then you can rent a car with other travelers or just take a bus to reach there.
• From Jakarta and other big cities: Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a cab and head to your hotel (book the one that close to the beach)
• From Ampenan, you can ride a Bemo (it's a three wheel vehicle) that's available from 06.00 AM until 06.30 PM only for Rp 2,000 (that would be 20 cents in USD). Look for the ones that goes straight to Senggigi.

In the island of Lombok, there is one version of the horse-drawn cart called the cidomo which is unique for it uses car wheels instead of the usual wooden spoked wheels. Cidomo is a contraction from three words:
CI, for cikar, a traditional handcart
DO, for dokar, a pony cart
MO, for mobil, or sometimes montor, the car

The cidomo is an easygoing and charming way to get around just about everywhere in Lombok. Think of bells chiming with the gallops, bright painted patterns competing with yarn bonbons and tassels, and well, some malodorous poop dropping here and there. This is what local color (or smell) should be- raw, earthy and memorable.

Here's the thing to remember: don't forget to bring sunblock cream and sexy swimsuits. And if you do snorkeling, don't touch things in the sea that you don't know (although it's beautiful) because it might be dangerous.


Images taken from: gettyimages.com, colloidfarl.blogspot.com