Lombok Regions Guide - excursions

Ampenan
The vast metropolis of Ampenan, Mataram, Caimanegara and Swete, with a population of around 250,000, comprises four towns, the boundaries of which are all but indistinguishable to the casual visitor. While Sweta is the main transport hub and site of the island's biggest market, Ampenan, the town furthest west, is the main tourist area and the location of most shops, hotels and restaurants. Most visitors pass through the area fairly quickly but there are one or two sights worth seeing nearby, including the weaving factories in the capital Mataram, whose processes have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, and a weaving village to the south where traditionally dressed women work on wooden handlooms. There are a number of shrines and temples open to visitors, the best are centred around the Mayura Water Palace, dating from 1744 and used by the royal court during the Balinese rule of Lombok.

Jayapura
This is often the first stop for travellers to Papua, and as testament to its remoteness many of the visiting westerners are thought to be either mine workers or missionaries. Although the wilds of Papua are a quick trail away this town has reasons to stay. Beautiful beaches and bays stretch below thick jungle hills. Some of these contain remnants of WWII landing crafts and it is said some of the caves retain Japanese skeletons. The nicest swimming beach is Base G with aqua water and a palmed shoreline. Nightly arrays of seafood tents are erected where eaters can pick their favourite fish to barbecue. The mix of Indonesian immigrants and Papuan locals get along well here despite being somewhat locked in conflict elsewhere in Papua. The city is deeply religious and a normal greeting often asks visitors to describe their faith. It also means there is a lack of nightlife although one pool hall serves expensive beer and free karaoke. There are a number of mid-range hotels and the posh Swiss-Belhotel for the high-class. Papua New Guinea is a gunshot away and visas and transport can be arranged in Jayapura.

Resorts: Gili Islands | Senggigi