After my five-day quarantine at FM7 Hotel in Jakarta—a smooth experience all things considered—I found myself descending into Lombok’s Praya International Airport with a sense of calm anticipation. The bustle of Java gave way to the tranquil rhythms of island life, where the soul of Sasak culture still beats strong under the slopes of mighty Mount Rinjani.
Lombok, unlike its neighboring Bali, offers a less-touristed yet deeply enriching cultural experience rooted in the life and traditions of the indigenous Sasak people. As I made my way to a small village just outside Sukarare, I was greeted by warm smiles and the distinct sound of gamelan music reverberating from wooden homes on stilts.
The Heart of the Island: Sasak Traditions
The Sasak people represent about 85% of Lombok’s population. Their customs are deeply influenced by Wetu Telu—a syncretic blend of Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous animism. In daily life, religion and spirituality flow seamlessly into tradition. I was captivated by their unique marriage rituals, where elopement ('merariq') forms the core of pre-wedding customs. A young man symbolically 'abducts' his bride-to-be before formally seeking her family’s blessing.
Traditional Sasak houses, or bale, are built from bamboo, cow dung, and thatched roofs—materials chosen for their cooling properties and connection to the earth. Walking barefoot into a bale tani, the home of a rice farmer, I felt the cool soil floor beneath me and was reminded of how harmoniously the Sasaks live with nature.
A Taste of Local Life: Lombok Food and Cooking
My most vivid sensory memory came during a visit to a local family's kitchen. Clay stoves burned coconut husks while fragrant steam wafted from a pot of "Ayam Taliwang"—grilled village chicken rubbed in fiery chili paste and lime juice. Here, cooking is a visceral, family-centered ritual. Mortars and pestles clashed rhythmically as women prepared spicy sambal bebek, crushing bird’s eye chilies with garlic and tomatoes.
In another moment etched into my senses, I tasted plecing kangkung—a dish of boiled morning glory topped with spicy sambal and grated coconut. The crunchiness of roasted peanuts paired with the freshness of water spinach and zesty tamarind was unforgettable.
Food in Lombok isn’t just sustenance—it tells stories. Every bite bore traces of trade routes, spiritual offerings, and the bounty of volcanic soil.
The Rhythm of Ritual: Festivals and Ceremonial Practices
On my third day, I stumbled—quite literally—into a traditional Sasak ceremony. While walking through the rice terraces of Sade Village, I slipped on a wet rock and landed gently in a patch of sacred river grass. Apologizing profusely, I backed away as villagers smiled kindly, motioning me to join a preparation for a Bau Nyale reenactment.
Bau Nyale, the sea worm festival celebrated every February, commemorates the legend of Princess Mandalika. Villagers gather before sunrise along the coast to harvest the seasonal nyale worms, believed to bring fertility and prosperity. The air is thick with incense, laughter, and reverence. It was not the day of the real event, but even the practice run was infused with meaning.
Respectfully participating—even just as an observer—added layers to my understanding of how ceremonies bind people to their land and past. I learned the importance of modest dress (covered shoulders and knees), letting elders speak first, and removing shoes before entering homes and temples.
Respectful Interaction: Giving Back and Learning Fully
Traveling through Lombok is a lesson in humility. As guests in another’s land, our first role is to listen.
Engaging with local artisans in Banyumulek, where pottery is shaped by generations of patient hands, I supported a woman named Ibu Sri by purchasing a hand-crafted water jug shaped with meticulous care. Buying directly from artists, or choosing locally owned homestays and warungs, ensures that our presence helps sustain—not displace—traditional livelihoods.
Participating in respectful dialogue, sharing meals, and abiding by cultural cues, we form real connections. Even learning a few Sasak words goes a long way: 'Matur tampiasih' (thank you) nearly always earned a broad smile.
Bird’s-Eye View: Rekindling Wonder with FlyLombok.id
One of the most memorable ways to appreciate the depth of Sasak culture is from above. With FlyLombok.id, I had the chance to soar over weaving villages tucked between emerald hills and rice-patched valleys. From the air, the geometric harmony of traditional fields intertwined with coconut forests tells the story of ancestral land stewardship.
Seeing it from this height didn’t distance me—it deepened my awe. I thought of the families I met, the cooks who fed me, and the artisans who shaped earth into legacy.
Lombok is more than beaches and waterfalls—it is alive with story. From whispered legends around volcanic firewood to the spice-laden air of clay kitchens, the island draws you into its rhythms. Whatever path brings you here—be it post-quarantine wanderlust or a yearning for new perspectives—come with curiosity and leave with kinship.
And if you find yourself tripping (like I did) into a piece of someone else’s sacred space, remember: it’s often through these small missteps that we discover grace.