South Lombok & Kuta

South Lombok is noted for its drought and therefore less densely populated. The settlements here are normally built on hilltops and are most likely inhibited by Sasak indigenous. Sparsely populated, South Lombok has limited paved road and public transport but famous for its woven fabric, pottery and woven ketak basket and other fine crafts.

However, Kuta Beach with its strikingly white sand and gorgeous water is magnet to visitor and is a paradise to surfers. The sand is very uniquely grainy similar to peppers; thus many people, unfortunately, bring it home for aquarium or other oceanic decor. The waves breaks (‘left’ or ‘right’) around Kuta beach is said to be among the top 10 in the world. Kuta Beach also offers a range of accommodation along the beach and surfing trip can be arranged with any surf shop there.

During low tide, it is nice to join the farmers either plant or harvest seaweed around Kuta beach, or just strolling around among miscellaneous sea shells and corals or other marine animals.

Bau Nyale

Bau Nyale is a colossal sea worm catching festival celebrated on 19th day of the 10th  month in the Sasak lunar calendar, normally falls during the peak of rainy season January or March. Several hundreds of Sasak people, mainly from Central Lombok Regency, gathered on Kuta Beach from late in the afternoon. The young people set their selves around the bon fire during the night and competing each other in rhyming traditional poetry (pantun). When the dawn breaks the next morning, the first Nyale (worm-like fish) are caught with net. This is also the time for teenagers to have a lot of fun riding on many deferent boats chasing each other, making lots of noise and laughter. The rain which might falls makes the circumstance even more dramatic and unforgettable for those who come with lover, or even for those who are in an effort to find one. Bau Nyale, for teenagers, is not only a ritual, but also a good courtship and dating out time.

Nyale are good to serve either raw or cooked. Nyale catch is a good indication of the forthcoming harvest. If the catch is good, the harvest will also be good. Even many people believe that Nyale is good for rice field. It is said that it can help fertilizing if put in the field.