Once known as the surfer’s best-kept secret, Mandalika is now the center of leisure in Lombok. After being designated as a unique tourism economic zone by the government, the area is more vibrant and becomes the tourist’s local and foreign, popular wishlist. Moreover, the area also features beautiful natures, from greenery mountains and hills to the stunning coast. Curious about Mandalika? Here is our simple guide.
Mandalika stretches across 1,035.67 hectares of the southern coast of the island of Lombok. It’s 17 km straight from Lombok International Airport and about 50 kilometers from the town center of Mataram, the province’s capital. Dubai has previously owned the island, but in 2007 has been marketed back to Indonesia and inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on 20 October 2017. In its development as a distinctive tourism economic zone, Mandalika boasts numerous pubs, nightclubs, racing circuits, water parks, luxurious hotels, golf courses, spas, and much more. Mandalika can be located near some of Lombok’s southernmost mesmerizing and famous beaches, including Tanjung Aan, Gerupuk, Kuta, and Seger.
How to Get There
You can take a trip to Lombok International Airport. Flights are also available from many important cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali. From Jakarta, the flight will take approximately two hours, while from nearby Bali, it will only take about half an hour. By Bali, You May Also take a ferry out of Padang Bai Harbor to Lembar Harbor from Lombok. From that point, it is possible to take a bus or a cab to Mandalika that will take about 2-3 hours.
Recommendation Activity
- Surfing
Known as the worldwide surfer’s favorite place, Mandalika has tough waves that you will need to encounter. You can go to the world-class surf spots at Seger Beach, Gerupuk Beach, Ubrug Beach, Tanjung Aan Beach, Selong Beach, Kuta Mandalika Beach, and Mawi Beach.
- Hang out at the lively spots
With comfy cafes, restaurants with an opinion, occurring clubs, and lively bars, Mandalika offers a memorable encounter. It’s possible to enjoy the lively atmosphere and Mediterranean food as you browse the stores and eateries on the bustling main street of Kuta.
- Beach-Hopping
With various lovely beaches of the southern part of Lombok close to Mandalika, you have to experience beach-hopping here. The merry Seger Beach, calm Serenting Beach, to breathtaking Tanjung Aan.
- Explore the villages
Lombok is also famous for its rich culture that it is also possible to experience in Mandalika by researching the villages. You may go to Sade Village where you’ll be welcomed with its exotic charm and friendly residents. You could also visit Ende Village, occupied by Sasak sub-ethnic groups who maintain and conserve their precious heritage and lifestyle. The first thing vacationers can do in Ende Village is learn to tie fabrics to create Sasak’s traditional material, Songket.
- Commemorate Princess Mandalika’s Sacrifice
In Seger Beach, There’s a statue to commemorate the sacrifice of Princess Mandalika, princess of Tonjang Beru Kingdom. The narrative told that Princess Mandalika was a charming young woman, gentle, warm, and kind. Princes from different kingdoms are then attempting to win her heart, although not one of the interest the princess. Inspired by the rejection, just two of those princes then threatened Mandalika kingdom that made her need to choose. Among them her realm would be ruined. To safeguard her kingdom and her dignity, Mandalika invited the princes into the hill. Then she sacrificed himself, in front of everybody there, by leaping off the hill to the sea. That’s the reason this area is named Mandalika, and sailors build her statue to commemorate this.
Before you plan a trip to Mandalika, be sure to read more about Mandalika and around that in Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
