UNDER THE LOMBOK SKIES
KHURSHEED DINSHAW
Lombok has an inviting air to it. The soft sea breeze hitting your face the minute you step on the island is like a glucose shot — it perks you up instantly! After a smooth check-in at the resort, our group headed for dinner at Puri Mas Spa Resort. As people around us got busy with indulging in Indonesian cuisine, I could only patiently wait for the morning to explore the beauty of Lombok.
The next day was reserved for paying my respects at the Pura Batu Bolong temple, which is located on a rocky periphery in a bay on the south of Senggigi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, women have to wrap a mandatory waistband before entering the premises. A lady outside the temple offers long strips of cloth for this. Batu refers to stone and bolong to a hole. The temple gets its name because it is situated on a black rock, which has a hole through which the waves of the Lombok Strait wash up. Our guide informs us that it is during full moon nights that the temple welcomes hordes of devotees.
The beach called Batulayar near the temple has unique rock formations that are estimated to be around a million years old. There is a seating area outside the temple, and visitors can sip fresh coconut water, or take their pick from fresh fruit cuts such as raw mango, papaya, watermelon and red jamun. As you relish these fruits, take some time to soak in the serenity by gazing at the Lombok Strait as the sun sets. Cilok, which is basically chicken dumplings, are also on offer. Pearl jewellery consisting of bracelets, necklaces and rings are also sold, while ladies offer you a foot massage.
Rejuvenated, it was time to saunter on Senggigi beach. The entire beach has an impressive lineup of five-star hotels and resorts. Relishing fresh coconut water, you can get your foot, neck or back massaged.
While at the beach, I tried Lombok’s sweet mango, which is smaller in size compared to the mangoes that we get in India. But, in all honesty, it is just as delicious as the one back home. Talking about fruits one can indulge in, durian is one thing you cannot miss when visiting Lombok. It resembles a jackfruit in appearance, with a very strong, pungent smell and an acquired taste. Probably the smelliest fruit in the entire world, it has a strange combination of sweet, savoury and creamy tastes, all at once.
Don’t miss the Islamic center, the icon of Lombok and the recipient of a Halal Award. It was constructed to fill the lacuna of guests not being able to eat and drink at marriages that were conducted inside mosques. The centre has a ballroom and an Islamic library.
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