The Lombok Way of Life

The island has its own unique diverse culture descending from its original inhabitants, the Sasak people. Lombok means 'straight' or 'honest' in Sasak, referring to the "Lombok way of life": a slower, more relaxed lifestyle centered around a deep connection to the land and natural beauty of the island, with a strong emphasis on community, and a focus on simple pleasures. Lombok colorful heritage is an enchanting mixture of vibrant rituals, jagged history and a unique religious perspective that shaped the island over hundreds of years of colonialism. The religious mix is remarkably complex and spawns year round striking ceremonies celebrating birth, marriage, death and special religious days. Among many is Nyongkolan, a processional parade taking the streets during a wedding ceremony that lasts many days. Gendang Beleq is one of the popular traditional dances where each dancer plays on a huge drum (Gendang Beleq). Peresean is a fighting game between two men wearing nothing but a sarung and a headband, armed with a rattan stick and cowhide as a shield, symbolizing the masculinity of Sasakanese men at war, or practiced as a ceremony to ask the Gods for rain before the planting season. 

Don’t be surprised if you are invited to join in the celebrations, as the locals are very friendly and proud to share their culture. 

The food scene in Lombok offers a vast variety of tasty dishes full of flavors, herbs and spices. The island is filled with many scrumptious and traditional local cuisines to sample. From Ayam Taliwang (grilled chicken covered in a sauce made of tomato, turmeric and ginger) to Nasi Balap Puyung (white rice with various side dishes served on banana leaves) to Plecing Kangkung (vegetarian dish cooked with spinach, bean sprouts, green beens, coconut and chili sauce), there is something for everyone. And if you're not feeling adventurous, there are many western and international restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from.

Lombok is home to many handcrafts and arts, including sarung weaving, pottery, wood carving and silver jewelry. Passed down from one generation to the next, preserving the cultural heritage of the Sasak people, their craftsmanship is a show of mastery for traditional techniques and skills.