Similar but different - Lombok

At Scenic Bukit Malimbu, Senggigi

Lombok is developing into a tourist attraction next to Bali. Whereas the majoriy of Bali population is Hindu, Lombok is mostly Muslims. It boasts of pristine beaches, green landscapes, and intriguing culture. Visiting Lombok on 6-9 Dec2013, gave meaning to my Nusantara history lessons of yesteryear. The Hindu Kingdom of Majapahit and the role of Mataram in the spread of Islam vaguely surfaced in my memory. It gave meaning to what I've learned. The role of Patih Gajah Mada in the Malay Annal (Sejarah Melayu) and in the legend of Hang Tuah connected me to the place. Unfortunately there was no historical mark of Majapahit Kingdom except some familiar names.

At Sasak Traditional Village buying hand woven sarung from a Sasak lady.081213

Lombok indigenous people is called the Sasak. Though their religion is Islam, many have wavered and established their own sect like the Wetu Tiga. They pray 3 times a day, not the mandatory 5 times a day as required by Islam. Many of them are staunch Muslims but some mixed Islam with animism and Hinduism and practice mystical magic which is forbidden by Islam. Marriage is by 'curi' system, that is, a boy steals the girl he fancies and takes her to his house. After much negotiation by both parents, then they are married. There are a few cases where Malaysian Malay girls were stolen or kidnapped by their Lombok boyfriends to Lombok, causing so much heart ache and worry to their parents. Some are lucky to be rescued and brought back to Malaysia by the government.
Kendi Maling is a pot pottery designed to store water to cool without refrigeration. Water is poured at the bottom hole and poured out through the snout. I found this fascinating.

Sasak tarditional house.

The Sasak Traditional Village is an attraction by itself. The people maintain their traditional way of life strictly and intermarry among them. Their houses are made of bamboo with woven alang-alang grass (elephant grass) as their roof. The floor is made from mixture of cow-dung, clay and padi husk which keep the house cool. The women are involved in weaving. The men work in padi fields.

Group photo at Kuta beach, Lombok.

Lombok is an interesting place to be.