History
West Nusa Tenggara Province named Sunda Kecil before 1951, and become East Indonesia State part. Based on the Lombok government constitution, East Indonesia Presidents decision on 9 May 1949 No.5/Prv/49, Lombok did not contain of a municipality but is a area that governed by Dutch Government and in 1946, 1949 had formed Neo Municipality or an area that done its autonomous based Zelf Bestuur Rgelen (ABR) in 1938. The Swatantra I area and Swatantra II area had formed since 14 August 1958. The government has developed when it formed based on the constitution number 1 in 1957 about the main point of region government. Then the formed of Swatantra area in West Nusa Tenggara had done step by step start from 1959 until 1961.
SUMBAWA BESAR REGENCY
Sumbawa is a large island to the east of Bali and Lombok. It is part of West Nusa Tenggara province along with Lombok. There are hundreds of small islands in this area in addition to the two major islands. Sumbawa really belongs more to Eastern Indonesia than to the western part of the archipelago. The effects of Hindu and Buddhist cultures are minimal in Sumbawa (although there is a Balinese presence along the northern coastal area), and although the island is predominantly Muslim, the role of traditional culture is still very strong.
The slogan of Sumbawa Regency is: “B E S A R” which stands for BERSIH, ELOK, SEHAT, AMAN DAN, RAPI, (Clean, Beautiful, Healthy, Safe, and Proper). The regional government’s official website notes that Sumbawa still lacks sufficient medical facilities to support public health, in particular a lack of doctors and other health professionals. A public health center was recently opened in Sekongkang, but adequate treatment for a serious illness or accident requires a trip to Sumbawa Besar or Mataram, both of which require a journey of at least four hours minimum.
The regional government has a six-year plan for improving the lives of the island’s residents. This plan includes: Health (improving health service quality including equipment and facilities), Education, Social Welfare (including reaching gender equality), Agriculture (optimizing resources for improving agricultural products), Industry, Trade and Cooperation (developing an economic system that focuses on the fair market mechanism), Regional Finance and Capital Investment, Manpower and Demography, Public Works and Communication (improving transport and the use of water resources), Agrarian Matter and Landscape, Living Environment and Natural Resource (rehabilitating and conserving natural resources), Tourism, Art and Culture (developing tourism based on natural and cultural tours, as well as teaching traditional art and culture), Religious Life Teaching (improving religious life through teaching and providing praying facilities and by making the role of religious institutions and social organizations to be teaching about living in harmony with other religious people), Law and Society’s Orderliness (creating safe conditions based on the supremacy of the law and human rights); Politic and the Efficiency of Apparatus (improving the quality of public service through responsibility and the quality of government institutions); Science and Technology (the application of right and useful technology).
In many respects Sumbawa can be considered remote. To get to Sumbawa from Bali most people take the ferry from Bali to Lombok, travel overland to the eastern seaport in Lombok and then take another ferry to Sumbawa, ending up in Poto Tano. From there transportation is somewhat problematic. There are buses that will take us on to Sumbawa Besar, the capital, or down the coast road to the south, If traveling from Lombok, it is best to board a bus there that will take us to our final destination in Sumbawa. It is also possible to fly into Sumbawa Besar city on the western side of the island, and Bima on the eastern side of the island. A small airline called Tropical Air existed for a short while which flew directly to Sekongkan where the surfing spots of Yoyo and Scar Reef are located.
Sumbawa is known for its great waves and sandy white beaches. Due to the somewhat trying process of getting there and the scarcity of cheap tourist facilities, the island is not visited much by non-surfing tourists which is unfortunate as the parts of the island that have seen are quite beautiful. During the dry season (April to November) a lot of dust is blown up and around. Strong winds blow in off the ocean, and the lush green hills, mountains and valleys turn a dusty brown. When the rainy season begins an amazing transformation takes place and the island becomes a lush jungle once again.
The pace of life on Sumbawa is definitely slower than that in Bali. As most of the island is still developing, there is a very rural feel to just about everywhere that you go, including Sumbawa Besar, the capital of the western side of the island. The mining company, New Mont, has a gold and copper mine down in the southwestern corner of the island around the villages of Sekongkang, Maluk and Benete. Their presence has speeded up the development process on this side of the island.
West Sumbawa is mostly made up of hollow lefts that are best accessed by boat charter. The charters will pull up and anchor at the best breaks for easy access to the surf. This area has many steep cliffs that offer scenic backdrops to the epic surf. The Lake area can be accessed by charter, as well as by ferry and overland transfers, or flights from Bali. Here there some hotels and surf camps located right in front of the main breaks of Lackey Peak and Lackey Pipe, with other waves within walking distance. Most waves are a long paddle or walk across the reef depending on the tide, reef booties are recommended.
DOMPU REGENCY
Dompu is the capital city of Central Sumbawa. It is situated on the main road between the district of Sumbawa and Bima district.
Tourism Objects in Dompu
- Mada Prama
It is located about 4 km from Dompu. Natural spring water for swimming and bathing set in lush tropical forest surrounding. - Dermaga Kempo Beach
It is located in Saleh Bay. It is a port that connects Dompu to Nisa Pudu and Nisa Rate Islands. - Nisa Pudu and Nisa Rate Islands
Nisa Pudu and Nisa Rate Islands have beautiful panorama. People can enjoy the sun from either island. They are located 45 km from Dompu and they can be reached by public transportation. - Hodo Beach
Hodo Beach is about 45 km from Dompu. Located on Salch beach, the beach is an excellent stop over before ascending Mount Rinjani. Fresh water is available. - Calabay
It is about 100 km from Dompu. It has a port called “Tiga Bangun”, a port through which timber are exported. - Mount Tambora
Mount Tambora is about 100 km from Dompu. It is the highest mountain in Sumbawa. Its eruption in 1815 was one of the most destructive and powerful volcanic explosions in human history, caused a huge catastrophic all over the island. The explosion could be heard as far as Ternate (1400 km), and tremors were felt in Surabaya (800 km). The volcanic dust, ejected into stratosphere acted as a giant filter, creating a spectacular orange sunsets around the world, the eject which circled the world caused temperature to drop almost 2 F degrees below normal for the whole year, resulting in the famous ‘year without summer’ of 1816._Nowadays, the vicinity of this mountain has become a game and conversation area. Mount Tambora has a dense forest and various kinds of wood. There is a vast meadow, which extends on the slope of the mountain. The hunting area that faces the sea makes the panorama more beautiful. The port here connects to Kempo district. - Doro Bata
It is about 1 km from Dompu. Here can be found the remains of the Dompu palace, which was covered with volcanic dust during Mount Tambora’s explotion in 1815. - Woja Beach
Woja Beach is located in the western part of Cempi Bay. The folktales that describe the origin of Dompu are very famous. The beach has white sand and a beautiful panorama. It is an interesting place. - Lapadi
Lapadi is located about 5 km South of Dompu. Lapadi is an area for traditional horse race with little jockeys – children of 8 years of age. The traditional horse race is exclusive. There is also a livestock “Koteka” (cattle breeding and sheep herding). - Hu’u Beach
This beach location is about 40 km from Dompu and about 100 km from Bima airport. The largest stretch of beach in the West Nusa Tenggara. Its long and uncompromising curling waves, which have 8 levels gives the area. It has reputation as one of the hottest spots for surfing in Indonesia. - Nangga Doro
It is about 45 km from Dompu. Nangga Doro has a mountainous resort with a very hot water spring. The temperature ranges between 80.5 to 81 degrees Celsius.
BIMA REGENCY
The former palace in the town of Bima is about all that is left of the Bima sultanate. The building is now being turned into a museum. Dara, a village two kilometers from the town of Bima in eastern Sumbawa, is believed to have been the seat of the ancient Bima kingdom.
WEST LOMBOK
West Lombok has both the lushness of Bali and the starkness of outback Australia. The 3,726m Rinjani volcano dominates the northwest of the island, while the southwest is arid and covered by savannas.
Famous for its basket ware, pottery and ikat hand woven textiles, Lombok has exceptional charm and is relatively undiscovered, except for Sengiggi and the Gili islands that have become popular tourism areas. We visit traditional villages and a local market in search for rare pieces of handicraft.
With the three ‘big cities’, the airport and the biggest concentration of hotels, West-Lombok is the best place to stay for the visitor. Here are the popular Gili Islands, as well as the most important Balinese temples, the center of Wetu Telu and mount Rinjani. The first route takes the tourist north, from Ampenan to Senggigi beach, Gili’s, Wetu Telu center Bayan and surrounding, and eventually to the foothills of Moutn Rinjani. The second route goes south to quiet beaches and surfing locations of the southern peninsula.
Geographically
West Lombok is stay at 115°4´- 116° East Longitude and 8°12´ – 8°55´ South Latitudes with its boundaries is:
East Side: Central Lombok Regency and East Lombok Regency
West Side: Java Sea
South Side: Indonesia Ocean
CENTRAL LOMBOK
Central Lombok is the tourist heart of the Island. The area concludes the traditional villages which are visited in most daytrips – and which are not far from the ‘big three’ cities – and the southern coast: Kuta beach, where the festivities around the sea worms (nyale) takes place and Tanjung Aan, with beautiful beaches for surfing. Many travel agencies organize daytrips to these easy to reach destinations
For those who are more than just a little bit interested in Sasak culture certainly has to bring a visit to Batu Kumbung village, northeast of Mataram. It’s a traditional Sasak-village, 3.5 km north of the Narmada Water palace. Some women still weave traditional fabrics, decorated by the ikat-technique. There is a creek, which is said to be healing.
The village has a certain degree of fame because of it’s music- and dance-groups. They perform in the region at weddings. The environment is very good for a walk. You can learn the local dances or learn to play an instrument. It’s possible to spend the night in a home stay.
MATARAM
Mataram is the capital of Lombok. The town actually consists of four different towns Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara (Cakra) and Sweta. Ampenan has most of city sights, including Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat museum, which gives a good overview of the culture of Lombok. Cakra is the best place for eating, sleeping and shopping. It also has the Water Palace, which is worth a visit and the largest temple of Lombok, Meru Purse. Mataram is the administrative centre and Sweta the transport connection of the whole island.
As a center of government administration, Mataram has many large, impressive public buildings and substantial houses. The city also has transportation and shopping facilities. The main square is used for art exhibitions, theater, dance, and wayang kulit (puppet theater) performances. In other parts of Mataram, there are a variety of old-style markets and neighborhoods featuring traditional craftwork like basketware and gold- and silver-threaded sarongs, or wraparound garments.
Ampenan port was once Lombok’s main port, but it now relies mostly on fishing vessels. Cakranegara has significant Balinese and Chinese populations; the Chinese have been brought by the Dutch to provide cheap labor.
Although officially 3 separate towns, Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara actually run together, so it’s difficult to tell where one stop and the next starts. There are banks, travel agents, mall, interesting shops, traditional markets and few things to see, but the town is not a major attraction.
Cakranegara
The main commercial centre of Lombok, has a thriving Chinese and Balinese Community. Most of the shops and restaurants are run and owned by Chinese.
Ampenan
Once was the main port of Lombok. Old buildings with mix population of Chinese, Arabs, and Melayu. You can find many local restaurants with great Chinese and Sasak foods.
MOYO ISLAND
Moyo Island, at the mouth of Saleh Bay, has a nature reserve with wild oxen, deer, wild boars and a great variety bird species. Visits are best made during the dry season from June through August. A few kilometers of the north coast of Sumbawa, the national park island of Moyo Island is probably the most rewarding destination in Sumbawa, surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and home to wild pig, monitor lizards, 21 species of bat, huge herds of native deer and hordes of crab-eating macaques. The best time to visit is in June and July, though the seas are clear and quiet from April. There are basic private rooms at the PHPA post at Tanjung Pasir on the south coast, where most boats from the mainland arrive. Renting a fishing boat from Tanjung Pasir and going fifteen minutes east to Stama reeft is very rewarding, with lots of sharks and turtles. There’s nowhere on Moyo to rent masks and snorkels so bring our own; fins are advisable due to the strong currents.
To get to Moyo, take a bemo from beside Seketang Market in Sumbawa Besar to Air Bari , a small port settlement to the northeast. From Air Bari, we can charter a boat to Moyo.
National Parks of Indonesia: Moyo Island Reserve
Further along Nusa Tenggara to the east of Lombok lies Moyo Island and its Reserve. A fantastic place to visit and is a place of adventure.
Moyo Island is an attractive island three kilometres off the north coast of Sumbawa, lying to the east of Lombok. Two thirds of Pulau Moyo is actually a game reserve. The central plateau with its grassy savannah land and intermittent forested areas is ideal for Deer as well as the feral cattle released there.
The coastline has some beautiful beaches of fine coral sand and not the black volcanic sand like we find on a lot of islands in the archipelago. There are beautiful coral reefs, which make it excellent for scuba diving or just snorkeling. The reef at the southern end of the island is probably the best of all.
There are a few inhabitants on the island and this consists of around 21 villages concentrated in the northern end. From Moyo there are splendid views of Mount Tambora (2,821m) to the east, the highest mountain in Sumbawa, which erupted quite violently in 1815 but now has amazingly beautiful forests on its western slopes.
Tambora can be climbed from the side in three days and is well worth a visit. It has an enormous crater and within, a two-colored lake. From the crater there are also spectacular views over Saleh Bay and the rest of Sumbawa to the east, and to the west, Moyo Island to Lombok and Mount Rinjani.
The wildlife on the reserve has adapted to the fairly dry habitat and these include Deer, feral cattle, and numerous birds such as Orioles, Sunbirds, Coequals, Koels and Drongos. Of course there are several species of shore birds along the coastline.
WEST NUSA TENGGARA TOURISM OBJECT
The Wallace Line, named after 19th century naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, marks a point of transition between the flora and fauna of Western and Eastern Indonesia and acts as the Western boundary of West Nusa Tenggara, which includes Lombok Island and Sumbawa. Lombok is noticeably different to its close neighbor, Bali. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall trees and shrubs. The South on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas. Large Asian mammals are absents and replaced instead by large numbers of marsupials, lizards, cockatoos and parrots. The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are more prolonged and the land is dry and bush-like, and so in many areas corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice. At first Islam time come to these islands in the 16th century, four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace what is now called West Nusa Tenggara and is still the religion embraced by those in the west of Lombok, which are primarily Balinese. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still retained a unique identifies. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighboring Sumbawa. Soft white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is ‘You can see Bali in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali’. Famous for its ‘tenun ikat’ hand-woven textiles, the island has exceptional charm and its relatively undiscovered, except for Senggigi City, which becoming a major resort area. Regulars shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya as well as ferries provide excellent transportation links within the islands of the province as well as with the rest of the country.
Batu Bolong Beach, Narmada ,Lingsar Purse ,Agung Gunung Sari Purse ,Senggigi ,Tuak ,Kuta Beach, Gili Island, The Natives & History ,Gili Air ,Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan, Nyale Fishing, Meno’s Bird Park, Wetu Telu, Traditional Villages, Holy Forest of Bebekeq ,Garlic and Shallot ,Lembar- Seaport in the South ,The Southwestern Peninsula, Center of the Wetu Telu, Selong, Aikmel ,Labuhan Lombok, Sembalun Lawang ,Loyok, Pringgasela, Tete Batu, Kota Raja ,Kaliantan ,Senanti ,Lemor ,Suradadi, Biraq, Lenek, Timbanuh, Gili Lampu, Gili Sulat, Gili Lawang ,Selaparang Grave, Mt. Rinjani, Sukarara, Penunjak, Praya Kuta- The Nyale-ritual, Tanjung Aan The Beautiful Bay, Batu Nampar ,The Traditional Villages, Beleka- Art and Tobacco ,Mayura Park, Meru Purse Tanjung Luar- Buginese Settlement
Tags: Nusa Tenggara Barat, Wisata
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