|
Lombok is waiting to welcome you with open arms. This beautiful island is amazingly diverse with rich flora and fauna though large Asian animals are not seen here. Lombok is Bali’s neighbor, the two are separated by Lombok Strait which has dolphins and swirling whirlpools. Though Bali has been holiday makers’ paradise for ages, Lombok was covered in obscurity and it is but recently that the veil on the island has started lifting. The island has overt Balinese influence on the culture and people, it should not come as a surprise for at one time centuries ago, Balinese dominated Lombok, rather, they ruled Lombok. Hinduism was practiced in Bali and till date Balinese people have maintained their faith in Hinduism. Lombok too, very naturally has some Hindu and Jain sites that will make you travel on the time machine and propel you backwards in time. Visit Pura Segara, Lombok which will delve deep in the lives and customs of a forgotten age. To reach Pura Segara you must go northwards of Ampenan along its shore. Ampenan is an important and one of the oldest cities in Lombok. It is actually a port town situated directly on the sea. Earlier large ships came to the harbor, today the picture is not so bright, small fishing vessels are seen with regularity. But Ampenan is near Lombok’s airport, Selaparang Airport. Ampenan is on the western side of the island. You have to move northwards along the sea shore of Ampenan to arrive at the Water Temple of Pura Segara. Pura Segara falls in the category of Hindu/Jain site. Here the ancient history of Lombok and Indonesia comes alive as the Temple is remniscent of the glorious ancient Hindu dynasties, that alas, ended with whimpers. The all round peaceful atmosphere will allow your thoughts to dwell on those magnificent days when the king was the harbinger of all that is good and proclaimed as the mortal incarnation of God. You will catch very enticing glimpses of Lombok’s fishing community and their colorful ways. In fact the road that will get you there winds its way through innumerable fishing villages where you will be able to see brightly colored fishing boats. Surely Not only Pura Segara, but the wonderful road to it will make you want to undertake this journey again and again. Visit the Chinese and the Muslim Cemeteries near Pura Segara.
|
