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THE GREAT LOMBOK TRAIL

The Great Lombok Trail is an adventurous 91 km, eight day eco-trail that winds its way from Tetebatu in to Senggigi in West Lombok. It passes through mountains, villages, jungles, volcanic ravines, lakes and rice paddies. It’s an ongoing project of Jason and Anne Kelly from Bale Kreatif Tour and Travel in Ampenan. It’s ongoing because the route is constantly being updated and improved. They are establishing a northern route from Pusuk to Torean (North Lombok, east of Senaru) which is well underway. The trail is a good introduction to the various human and natural environments in Lombok.

I caught up with Jason and Anne at their home in Gunung Sari where we sipped Nina Bayan coffee and nibbled on Christmas biscuits. “We’ve been in Lombok for twelve years. The Lombok Hash House Harriers introduced us to some amazing places in Lombok and it wasn’t long before we were out and about, exploring on our own,” said Jason. Anne stepped in: “Jason previously taught Outdoor Education and ran an Army Cadet Unit. With a previous employer he also mapped out hiking trails between Pusuk and the west coast but sadly they were never used.”

Two years ago, Peter Duncan suggested making the trail. The name and the original idea came from him, hence the official finish of The Great Lombok Trail is at Duncan’s Taman Unique Hotel in Senggigi. I also enjoy hiking and exploring and I had to know exactly how does one make a 91 km eco-trail when maps of Lombok are so incomplete? “By walking a long way, by exploring, asking questions and having many adventures,” Jason replied with a smile. These adventures Jason spoke of included sleeping in the jungle, walking unwittingly into an army exercise, crawling along dangerously steep ravines, and drinking copious amounts of kupi bideng (traditional Lombok black coffee) with villagers along the way. I really wondered if The Great Lombok Trail was safe. Absolutely, says Anne. “Lombok is probably the friendliest place on the planet. Our experience has only been positive.”

Jason agreed. “Not only is the Trail divided into eight manageable sections of 8 – 12 km long, there are also escape routes along the way. We also take a good first aid kit. Yes, some parts are very challenging, but we attempt anything dangerous, and we provide all the camping gear and food.”

So, 91 km in eight sections is a challenge for most people “Does one have to do all the sections and what is there to see anyway?”, I asked. Anne shook her head. “Simply do the sections you want to do. Our new website (thegreatlomboktrail.com) will be up and running soon with details and photos for overnight and day walks.”

Jason said: “The adventurous will want to do the whole trail because it’s there and mapped out. There is much to see and enjoy along the way. Stop wherever you want and try some local food. Enjoy the many waterfalls, see the shy Pituq Black Monkey, trek along beautiful ravines or swim in the streams. Soak up the sunshine as we cross kilometres of rice paddies with Mt Rinjani and Mt Meninting in view.”

He continued: “Camping for eight days is an adventure in itself and there are a million reasons for photos and selfies. Just take a look at The Great Lombok Trail on Facebook and Instagram!”

I found myself thinking about my hiking gear sitting in the cupboard at home, unused for such a long time. “What of your competitors?” I asked. Anne grinned. “The Great Lombok Trail is a new tourist attraction in Lombok. There is no competition. We want to enhance what local people were doing.” Jason showed me some photos on his smartphone. “We have worked with local businesses in Central Lombok and North Lombok providing training, encouragement and opportunity. We facilitated the development of a 3 km hike through Lantan Village which is possibly the prettiest walk on the island.”

Now for the all-important question: How much does it cost? Jason spoke up. “Bale Kreatif’s packages and prices will be up on thegreatlomboktrail.com website. Due to Covid-19 we are offering specials on day, overnight and whole trail hikes. Try a section in a day, do two sections with a camp in between. Four people, pretty much all inclusive, for Rp1-2,5 million. After Covid-19 we expect prices to be comparable to those for climbing Mt Rinjani.”

So at that juncture I left, emboldened with a determination to dig out all of my hiking gear when I got home.

+623707505767 The Great Lombok Trail thegreatlomboktrail the greatlomboktrail@mm.st www.thegreatlomboktrail.com