In addition to its exotic tourist attractions, Central Lombok is home to various tourist villages that deserve appreciation for the hard work of their communities. One of them is Bilebante Tourism Village, located in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
What Makes Bilebante Tourism Village Special?
Located far from the coast, the villagers here have creatively utilized local resources to create unique regional culinary delights. No wonder this village won the Best Tourism Village award at the 2017 Village Tourism Award from the Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration. Impressive, right? Let’s dive into what makes this spectacular village so attractive!
1. Try Fun Outdoor Activities at Pasar Pancingan
As soon as you arrive at the village, why not fill up your stomach with the charm of the village atmosphere? A visit to Pasar Pancingan is a must! As the name suggests, you can enjoy fishing in the provided ponds, and the catch can be immediately turned into fish-based dishes. There are also small food stalls made of bamboo where you can enjoy affordable and delicious Indonesian snacks! Fun, right?
2. Explore the Village on a Bicycle
Once you're satisfied with your meal, it’s time to explore the village by bike. Feel the cool village air as you pedal through the residential areas, riverbanks, rice fields, vegetable and fruit gardens, the Lime Bridge, and the oldest temple in Central Lombok, Pura Lingkar Kelud. If you're lucky, you might even witness rice planting and the process of making a traditional local hat called "Kekere." What a fun adventure!
3. Visit the Herbal Garden and Learn About Health
The fertile land of Bilebante Village is home to a variety of herbal plants that are excellent for health. The cultivation and development of these herbs are carried out by the village’s youth. You will be guided to learn about the health benefits of these plants.
The village also offers spa treatments, perfect for relaxing and beautifying yourself. Wouldn't you want to try this too?
4. See Seaweed Farming in the Rice Fields
Here’s one of the village’s star attractions and economic drivers—seaweed farming in rice fields! While seaweed farming is typically associated with coastal areas, Bilebante has turned its rice fields into seaweed farms.
It’s fascinating, right? The harvested seaweed is used as a key ingredient in making serabi, a traditional Indonesian pancake. And did you know that this seaweed farming has boosted the village's economy? You absolutely have to try the seaweed serabi!
5. Savor Authentic Local Cuisine
The culinary delights in Bilebante Village are a true reflection of the local wisdom and the rich flavors of Indonesia. You can find a variety of traditional snacks such as es pisang ijo (green banana ice dessert), various types of porridge, seaweed serabi, klepon, lupis, mule gati, secang, plecing kangkung (water spinach), and nasi balap (a rice dish).
What’s even better is that the ingredients are all sourced from the village’s own agricultural products. Plus, there’s also a standout herbal drink, lemongrass tea, or serbat. These delicious treats are a must-try!
So, how about it? Feeling excited to visit Central Lombok? Places like this can only be found #InIndonesiaOnly. Don’t forget to check out other surrounding tourist villages as well! For more information about Bilebante Tourism Village, you can contact the manager, Mr. Pahrul Azim (Director of Green Tourism Village) at 081803606619.
Also, for those planning to travel, always follow the 6M health protocol: wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain social distancing, avoid crowds, reduce mobility, and avoid eating together. And to keep your immunity strong, don’t forget to get vaccinated!
Stay updated with Indonesian tourism by visiting Instagram @pesonaid_travel, Facebook @pesonaid_travel, and the website at www.indonesia.travel!
Header photo source: Bilebante Tourism Village
