Traveling to hidden destinations with a million charms always brings a unique experience. Do you agree? Well, if you’re looking for such an experience, come visit a small village at the foot of Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara. It's called Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning. Although it's located in a remote area in Sikur District, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, its tourist attractions are top-notch.
What’s Special About Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning?
The main attraction in Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning is the chance for tourists to directly experience the daily life of the locals by participating in their activities. The village’s advantages have been proven with several achievements. In 2017, it was recognized as the Best Tourism Village by the Ministry of Tourism, in 2019 it won 1st place in the National Village Tourism Category for Developing Villages, and in 2020, it became the 1st place winner of the Healthy Village competition at the Provincial level.
Not only that, but Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning is known for being safe and comfortable with zero crime rates. Curious about the fun activities and spots this village offers? Check out the details below!
1. Nature trip while playing in the Water at Sarang Walet Waterfall
Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning has a truly unique waterfall. The water flows into a cave, and you can still enter it by passing through a 100-meter long tunnel. True to its name, you’ll be accompanied by the sound of swallows while at this waterfall.
Visitors usually come here to swim or try a traditional water game called dolong dompa. Ever heard of it? It's a water game where a cloth is tied across the chest, and both ends are tied at the sides. When you dive into the water, the cloth inflates like a float.
2. Visit the traditional coffee and coconut oil production
Drinking coffee at a café is quite common, but in Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning, you can actually participate in the process of making coffee from scratch. Everything is done traditionally. Coffee beans are roasted in a kekete (a clay pan) using firewood, then pounded with a mortar made of wood. Your homemade coffee can even be taken home!
In addition to coffee, you can also try making traditional coconut oil. From peeling and grating the coconut, to squeezing and cooking it, everything is done in the traditional way. Sounds like a lot of fun, right?
3. Experience homestay life with the Sasak Tribe
Apart from enjoying the natural beauty and activities of the locals, your experience of being a local Lombok resident will feel even more authentic by staying in a homestay at Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning. The accommodations here maintain a traditional local concept, where you will stay in local residents’ homes. This way, you get to experience an authentic stay in the village, with warm hospitality from the locals.
4. Cycle around the village while enjoying the beauty of Mount Rinjani
When you visit Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning, be sure to bike or take a walk around the village. You can feast your eyes on the majestic Mount Rinjani and also enjoy walking along the narrow paths through the locals' rice fields while observing them at work. The fresh air and green views as far as the eye can see will make you want to spend more time here.
5. Enjoy local cuisine and hunt for local souvenirs After exploring, it’s time to fill up with local food. You can enjoy grilled chicken, fish, and various side dishes at a restaurant in the village. The dining experience is made even more special as the restaurants are located by the rice fields, offering beautiful natural views.
Before leaving, don’t forget to support local SMEs by buying souvenirs made by the villagers! Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning has some great local products, such as dodol in various flavors like pineapple, jackfruit, papaya, and glutinous rice. There's also the village’s signature coffee.
Wow, now you're probably eager to visit Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning! It's perfect for adding a new experience to your travels, so it’s not the same old routine.
For more information about Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning, you can contact the manager, Mr. Safrul at 0852-0505-5150.
But before you go to Desa Wisata Kembang Kuning or any other destination #InIndonesia, make sure you’ve gotten your Covid-19 vaccination. If not, go get vaccinated now! Also, remember to follow the 6M health protocols: wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, reducing mobility, and avoiding communal eating