CENTRAL LOMBOK

Central Lombok is noticeably drier than the rest of the island and more sparsely populated, with limited roads and public transport. Most visitors head for Lombok's very own Kuta, more serene and big brother in Bali, offering Surfers some great waves and stunning coastal scenery for all.

PRAYA

Praya is the main town in Central Lombok. It's quite attractive, with spacious gardens, tree-lined streets and a few old Duct Buildings. The Bemo terminal, on the northwest side of this town, in the transport hub for the region.

SUKARARA

Sukarara is meant to be a 'traditional weaving center', thought it doesn't look that traditional. The main street is given over to touristy, commercial craft shops, but it's still worth a visit to see the various style of weaving. Get a Bemo to Puyung (where a hug market is held every Sunday), along the main road. From there, hire a Cidomo or walk 2km to Sukarara.

PENUJAK

Penujak is well known for it's Traditional Gerabah pottery made from a local clay with the simplest of techniques. The elegantly shaped post ring in size up to 1m high, and there are various kitchen vessels and decorative figurines, usually in the shape of animals. The traditional pottery is a rich terracotta color, but hand burnished to a lovely soft sheen. Penujak is on the main road from Praya to south coast, any Bemo from Praya to Sengkol or Kuta will drop you off.

RAMBITAN AND SADE

The area from Sengkol down to Kuta is a central of traditional Sasak Culture. There are regular Bemo on this route, especially in the morning. Rambitan is on a hill just west of the main road. It's slightly sanitised Sasak Village, but is nevertheless an authentic cluster of thatched houses and Lumbung (rice barn) surrounded by a wooden fence. On top of the hill is Masjid Kuno, an old thatched roof mosque.

A little south further is Sade, another 'traditional village' that some say was constructed purely for tourists, but it my have been merely an extensive renovation. Donations are 'requested' at both village.