Excursion Lombok's cultural heritage tour at Lombok Island

Discover the cultural heritage and traditional arts and crafts of Lombok during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Gili Mas, Mataram District, Cakranegara Town and Mayura Water Palace

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour and 15-minute drive to the small town of Cakranegara, located in the Mataram District. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the Mayura Water Palace. One of Lombok's religious and historical buildings, it was originally known as the 'Garden Palace of Kelepug', a name derived from the 'kelepug' sound that emerged when the swift water discharged from springs in the middle of the palace's pond. The Mayura Water Palace emotes a peaceful, natural, religious and historical aura. The palace is equipped with a pool, arranged in a way that looks like a beautiful garden. Although the Mayura Water Palace was designed with Balinese and Javanese influences, it also imparts a nuanced religious feel. In some special rituals, the temple still functions as a place of worship of the Gods.

Downtown Mataram and NTB Museum

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to downtown Mataram, the capital city of Lombok, for a visit to the NTB Museum. The museum's exterior features the relics of a cannon and anchor, mementoes of the arrival of the Dutch on Lombok Island. During your guided walking tour inside the museum, view collections depicting the island's geology, biology, ethnography, archaeology, history, numismatics, heraldic, philosophy, and ceramics. In addition, see dolls dressed in traditional Sasak, Mbojo and Samawa garb, part of the culture of the Province. In the main exhibition room, a row of glass cabinets contains funerary artefacts, as well as those used for marriage ceremonies. Other collections include manuscripts containing historical records of Lombok.

Sayang Sayang Art Market, Free Time and Shopping

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to your final stop, the Sayang Sayang Art Market. This local art market was built as a hub for Lombok Island residents and craftsmen to display and sell their crafts. The market consists of small stores selling handicrafts such as wooden, rattan, cane and bamboo products, along with antiques and traditional woven cloth (ikat). During your visit, some free time is made available to browse the items available for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour and half drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lembar, Lombok, Mataram District, Cakranegara Town, Mayura Water Park, Downtown Mataram, NTB Museum, Sayang Sayang Art Market, Free Time, Shopping

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 437 yards (about 400 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking at the Sayang Sayang Art Market is at the discretion of each guest. Although this tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, it is not for wheelchair user. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.

Infrastructure in Gili Mas is basic: coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Traffic may impact the duration of your tour. While riding your coach you may observe local life and Lombok countryside. Although English is very popular language in Indonesia, local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility and understanding.