Asia: Indonesia, One Morning in Lombok.

Asia: Indonesia, One Morning in Lombok. 

Sun, sea, sand lovers, here is another treat for you. Today we are visiting an island paradise in Indonesia: Lombok.

 

Mystical Lombok.

Lombok Island is located in the province of West Nusa Tenggara and is often compared to the more famous neighbouring island, Bali. Having visited both islands, I find this comparison is unnecessary. Both have their own unique rustic charm to delight any visitor.

Pick one, the options to do are plenty.

Much of Lombok is still untouched, so any visit means enjoying the raw, natural beauty. Even still, there are reliable transport options for local travel, as well as various types of hotels to suit different budget preferences. In general, travel-related expenses are not going lighten your pocket too much. The people are friendly and will readily welcome any visitor.  So, if you want a quick, stress-free Asian getaway or a moment to yourself, you’ve come to the right place.

Guided by a light.

To get here, you can fly into the Lombok’s international airport. If you are travelling from another Indonesian islands nearby, check out the ferry and speedboat travel options. There are scheduled transfer services from most islands.

I am coming your way, Lombok.

All you trekkers, adventure seekers, and non-water freaks, Lombok is not all about the surfing, sea, and sand. You can still enjoy the sun and warmth while you explore the various trails at Gunung Rinjani National Park. Mount Rinjani, 3,726 meters (12,224 feet) above sea level, is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. It’s also an active volcano, having last erupted in 2016.

Indonesian coffee, a local brew. 

Though Lombok is a small island, the few days I had there just weren’t enough. This poem about my laid-back mornings in Lombok will tell you why.

One Morning in Lombok ....

One morning in Lombok

peace-count years back,

I followed a trail of yellow trumpets, 

pausing at the sight of an earth-warm pot. 

The dew-filled golden carpet guided me

to the feast of beating drums.

The performer-in-waiting,

accompanied by a melodious eastern orchestra.

Both set for the centre stage.

Just in time, thoughts hurried, as I raced.

A trail of yellow trumpets and the earth-warm pot.

But they were no longer visible,

shadowed by the fluffy curtains.

Did you not see?

Weren’t you here for them?

The performers now far away

Nikon did not handshake,

not today, nor the dawn before.

Maybe tomorrow.

But it was OK they say,

pointing me to the flying doves, 

for they too had posed,

looking at us, pointing at me, at them

Oh that mastery, that perfection,

They will return.

Today,

I didn’t come to hear

the noises of late arrivals,

but to pick up a trick or two.

My local friend, the fisherman.

Far off, a fisherman

wrestling wind and line,

finds no comfort from either.

There is still space in the bucket for more.

A chilly start, did you not see the dew?

The boats set sail.

A new day begins,

There is comfort in the quiet rise of a warm cup. 

How many sunrises had he seen?

How many sunrises had I missed?

Pristine, clear sea.

The pristine shores of Lombok wiggle,

The tide so high, I can’t see myself.

A sail set for the west –

Gili is her name, they say.

But, the rising sun pleas with me to stay,

the mountains and a lake of glorious green and grey

soothe my restless mind.

Is that her, the mighty one?

Rinjani, so full of mystery,

Ness missed this spot,

Would she send her spirits if I asked?

Glorious natural shades.

Beard now chin length,

the bucket filled.

The western orchestra’s turn for centre stage,

showing off the glorious skies of paradise.

Sunset, preparation for another day.

Another sunrise,

another pause.

A few more clicks.

one morning in Lombok.

 -----   Uma Singaram ----

Culture, art and history enthusiasts, there is something in store for you too. Pura Batu Bolong Temple in Tabanan district is a must-visit spot. This is a beautiful rock-top temple that overlooks the majestic sea.  

Visit to Pura Batu Bolong.

Taman Narmada (Narmada Park) is another popular local attraction, built-in 1727. The park is located ten kilometres away from the main town centre, Mataram. At the park, remember to look out for the famous royal tiered gardens and the Fountain of Youth (the water source is from Mount Rinjani). According to legend, anyone who drinks from this fountain will gain eternal youth. 

Regaining lost youth in Taman Narmada.

During my visit to the park, the fountain had been turned off.  Nevertheless, I hope some of Rinjani’s mystical powers had seeped into me in the form of coffee, because there are a lot more places to take you to with Reaching Delphi. Stay healthy, keep fit always. Counting Stars, Reaching Delphi for eternal memories together.  

One morning in Lombok