Lombok is often referred to as the “Island of a Thousand Mosques,” and for good reason. The island’s population is predominantly Muslim, and nearly every village has at least one mosque. But beyond the everyday prayer houses, there are a few ancient mosques that stand as witnesses to the early spread of Islam in Lombok. These historical mosques offer not just spiritual meaning, but also insight into the island’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Here are five ancient mosques worth visiting on your religious or cultural trip to Lombok.
1. Masjid Kuno Bayan Beleq
Located in the village of Bayan, this is widely believed to be the oldest mosque in Lombok. Built in the 16th century, Bayan Beleq is considered the birthplace of Islam on the island. Its architecture uses natural materials: woven bamboo walls, a roof made of palm fiber, and wooden pegs instead of nails.
The mosque is still used for traditional Wetu Telu ceremonies, a blend of Islamic and indigenous Sasak beliefs. Visiting this mosque is like stepping back in time to the earliest Islamic roots of Lombok.
Read also: The Charm of The Old Bayan Beleq Mosque
2. Masjid Kuno Karang Bayan
This lesser-known ancient mosque is located in Karang Bayan Village, tucked away in the foothills of Mount Rinjani. It dates back to the early Islamic period in Lombok and still features original wooden pillars and thatched roofing.
Masjid Karang Bayan is an important site for the local Sasak Muslim community, especially during traditional Islamic holidays, where rituals tied to Wetu Telu are still performed.
3. Masjid Gunung Songak
In East Lombok, the ancient mosque of Songak stands as a symbol of the Islamization of the region. Built with bamboo and timber, the mosque maintains a low-profile structure that blends harmoniously with the village surroundings.
The mosque is not just a relic — it’s a cultural center where elders pass down oral histories and traditions related to Islam’s arrival in the area.
4. Masjid Kuno Rambitan
Situated near the famous Sade Traditional Village, Masjid Rambitan is a classic example of Sasak vernacular Islamic architecture. With its thatched roof and bamboo structure, it mirrors the local houses, symbolizing how Islam was adopted in harmony with Sasak culture.
The mosque plays an important role during special religious ceremonies and is often included in cultural village tours.
5. Masjid Kuno Gunung Pujut
Built in 1008 AD by Pangeran Sange Pati, this mosque sits atop a hill in Sengkol Village, Pujut. Though no longer used for daily prayers, it remains a spiritual and historical monument. With bamboo fencing, a thatched roof, and 32 supporting pillars, the structure is preserved as a “dead monument” — one no longer active for worship but rich in heritage.
The location offers a panoramic view and can be reached within 20 minutes from Lombok International Airport, making it a convenient and meaningful stop.
Final Thoughts
These five ancient mosques not only tell the story of how Islam came to Lombok, but also reflect how the religion blended with local culture and traditions. Whether you’re on a religious pilgrimage or a cultural tour, visiting these sites offers a rare look into the island’s spiritual and architectural legacy.
Want a deeper experience? Consider hiring a local guide who can share stories, rituals, and meanings you won’t find on Google Maps.
Also read : Why Lombok is Known as the island of a 1000 Mosques
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