Lombok is an island in the West Nusa Tenggara Province. Lombok Island is home to five regencies and cities: East Lombok, Central Lombok, West Lombok, North Lombok, and Mataram City. Lombok has become a popular tourist destination among Indonesians. Not only is there the Mandalika Circuit, but Lombok also boasts many unique features and interesting facts. Are you curious?

The Meaning of the Name Lombok

People outside Lombok think that Lombok means chili. In fact, Lombok means straight, derived from the Sasak language, “lomboq.”

Quoted from Mojok, in the Nagarakretagama book, Mpu Prapanca praises King Selaparang by referring to his territory as “Lomboq Mirah Sasak Adi.” “Lomboq” means straight or honest, “mirah” means jewel, “sasak” means reality, and “adi” means good or primary. Therefore, the overall meaning of this sentence is: “honesty is the jewel of good and primary reality.”

This name is said to commemorate the long journey of the ancestors of the Lombok people when they discovered this island. Over time, the word “lomboq” was changed to Lombok. This name is said to commemorate the long journey of the ancestors of the Lombok people when they discovered this island. As time went by, the word “lomboq” was changed to Lombok.

Island of a Thousand Mosques

Another important fact to know is that Lombok is nicknamed the Island of a Thousand Mosques. This is because Lombok is home to numerous mosques. Every village on Lombok Island has a mosque.

The people of Lombok Island not only use mosques as places of prayer, but also for other religious activities. For example, they commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, hold religious study groups, and many other events. Mosques in Lombok serve many functions and are busy places, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Furthermore, with a predominantly Muslim population, it’s no surprise that every village has a mosque, each with its own distinctive architecture.

Halal Tourism Destinations

With a predominantly Muslim population, Lombok is a top halal destination in Indonesia, and even globally. Lombok was awarded the World Halal Tourism Award in Dubai in 2017 and the Muslim Travel Index in 2019 (GMTI).

In Lombok, you’ll find a wealth of delicious, halal food, so you don’t need to worry. Furthermore, Lombok also offers numerous culinary delights you can explore with your loved ones.

To this day, Lombok remains very welcoming to tourists, especially Muslim tourists. Finding a place of worship is easy, and Muslim tourists can easily find restaurants serving halal food.

The Indigenous People of the Sasak Tribe

The indigenous people of Lombok Island are the Sasak people, the majority of whom are Muslim. Besides the Sasak, who make up 80% of the population, the remainder are immigrants.

The language spoken daily is Sasak, except in the formal sector. Uniquely, in each region, you’ll hear quite different languages with distinct accents. This will sound unique to your ears.

The Sasak people have a culture that is still preserved to this day. Some of these include begawe, merariq, the Prophet’s birthday celebrations, and so on. Cultural activities are still preserved, but packaged in a more modern way.

One of the Highest Mountains in Indonesia

For those who love extreme tourism, Mount Rinjani is certainly familiar. This mountain is a popular tourist destination. It’s one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia, making it a popular destination for climbers in Lombok.

From the summit of Rinjani, climbers and tourists can enjoy stunning views of Lombok Island and Lake Segara Anak.

Mount Rinjani sits at an elevation of 3.726 meters above sea level. It’s no wonder Rinjani is a favorite destination for tourists from outside Lombok. If you enjoy climbing, don’t miss this opportunity.

Here are five fun facts about Lombok Island, one of the islands in West Nusa Tenggara Province. It’s interesting to learn a few facts before visiting.