Nestled in the southern part of Lombok, Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Tunak (Gunung Tunak Nature Park) is a secret scenery that promises a complete and unforgettable vacation experience. Though not as widely known as the famous Kuta Mandalika Beach, Gunung Tunak offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural heritage. For those of you who are seeking a destination that combines adventure, relaxation, and education in one place, Gunung Tunak is the perfect choice.
Gunung Tunak Nature Park: Breathtaking views of Natural Beauty
The journey to Gunung Tunak Nature Park begins with breathtaking views even before reaching its entrance. Located on a hill, the gate to the park offers sweeping views of Teluk Bumbang’s blue-green waters and the lush rolling hills of Desa Mertak. It’s a feast for the eyes, inviting everyone to pause and soak in the scenery before continuing their exploration.
Inside the park, the landscape becomes even more impressive. Spanning approximately 1,200 hectares, Gunung Tunak features dramatic cliffs, dense forests, pristine beaches, and colorful marine life. The panoramic views from its higher points, especially near the seven-story lighthouse, are nothing short of spectacular — combining the deep blue sea, white sandy beaches, and distant rock islands into a painter’s dream.
Meet the Wildlife: A Haven for Flora and Fauna
Gunung Tunak is not only beautiful, but it’s also a protected forest area rich in biodiversity. Its carefully preserved habitats are home to various species of plants and animals, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and families.
One of the park’s highlights is the butterfly conservation center, where you can see many species of butterflies, including endemic types unique to the area. Not far from there, the deer sanctuary offers a chance to interact with playful deer. you can watch them up close and even feed them, making it a perfect educational outing for kids and adults alike.
Exploring the Exotic Beaches
Gunung Tunak is surrounded by some of the most exotic beaches in Lombok, each offering a unique charm. One standout is Pantai Sari Goang, often dubbed the “Raja Ampat of Lombok” due to its small islets and stunning turquoise waters. It takes about 10 minutes by motorcycle or jeep from the main gate to reach the beach — a short ride for a big reward.
Another must-visit is Pantai Bilasayak, a striking beach with golden-white sands and gently breaking waves. The water’s hue changes with the tides, creating a beautiful gradient of blue as the sea kisses the shore. Not far away, Pantai Bumbangku offers a peaceful crescent-shaped coastline, decorated with floating lobster farms in its shallow waters — a unique view that adds to its serene charm.
Comfortable Accommodations with Scenic Views
No great destination is complete without a cozy place to stay. Luckily, Gunung Tunak offers several lodging options, ranging from cottages on the beach to hotels near the entrance and around Mertak village. These hotels come with full amenities such as clean rooms, prayer rooms (musholla), restaurants, and even swimming pools with ocean views.
You can book accommodations through popular travel apps or hotel websites. For those who love nature, camping under the stars or setting up a tent by the beach is another way to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Outdoor Activities for Every Traveler
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who prefers peaceful pastimes, Gunung Tunak has something for everyone. You will be able to go do the trekking through forest trails and over the park’s scenic hills, including Bukit Kelor, Bukit Takar-akar, Bukit Bungkulan, Bukit Pejanggik, and more. From these hilltops, the view of the coastline and nearby bays like Teluk Bumbang and Teluk Awan is simply unforgettable.
Those who prefer relaxing by the water can enjoy swimming, fishing, or just sunbathing on the untouched beaches. And for those who enjoy the heights, climbing up the 7-floor lighthouse offers a panoramic perspective of the entire park.
Cultural and Sacred Sites
Beyond nature, Gunung Tunak also holds cultural significance. One sacred location within the park is Gunung Raden, believed to be a historical meeting place for spiritual leaders in the past. Similar to Pantai Seger, Gunung Tunak hosts the annual Bau Nyale ritual — a cherished tradition in Lombok where locals gather to catch sea worms believed to bring prosperity.
Another unique cultural tradition in the area is called “Betunak”. This practice involves releasing buffaloes into the park’s forest, swamp, and savanna areas, symbolizing a deep respect for the land. Interestingly, the name Tunak itself comes from a word meaning “beloved,” highlighting the local community’s attachment to this one-of-a-kind natural sanctuary.
Accessibility and Travel Information
Gunung Tunak is located in Desa Mertak, Pujut District, in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). It is about 50 kilometers from Mataram, the capital of Lombok. To get there, travelers can follow the road to Pantai Kuta Lombok, then drive approximately 16 kilometers eastward to reach the park entrance.
Here’s a simple route:
- From Mataram, head to Pantai Kuta Lombok.
- From Kuta, continue east on Jl. Pariwisata Pantai Kuta.
- Turn right to Jl. Sengkol, drive around 12 km.
- Turn right again onto Jl. Bumbang until reaching the entrance gate.
Entrance Fees
Visiting Gunung Tunak is affordable and offers great value:
- Weekdays:
- Domestic tourists: IDR 5,000
- Foreign tourists: IDR 100,000
- Weekends/Holidays:
- Domestic tourists: IDR 7,500
- Foreign tourists: IDR 150,000
- Parking:
- Motorbike: IDR 5,000
- Car: IDR 10,000
*Note: Prices are approximate and may change depending on government policies, special events, or peak seasons.
Final Takes
Gunung Tunak Nature Park might not yet be a household name like Kuta Mandalika, but it offers an equally mesmerizing — if not more intimate — experience for nature lovers, families, and culture seekers. With its scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, sacred sites, and well-maintained facilities, it truly is a “complete package” for a weekend getaway or extended vacation.
Whether staying for a few hours or spending the night under the stars, our best guess you will likely to fall in love with this beloved part of Lombok — and perhaps, like many, they’ll find themselves wanting to return again and again.
Read also: Guide to the Serene Gili Asahan, Lombok
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