Tetebatu

Tetebatu is a town in Central and East Lombok, Indonesia.



Understand
This small town is about 2 km from the southern boundary of Mount Rinjani National Park. It is a quaint and scenic rural area some 400-500 m above sea level, and gives visitors the chance to experience real, traditional village life in Lombok. This is as far removed from drunken beer boy scene in Senggigi as you could possibly imagine.

The Tetebatu area is perhaps best known for its cultural attractions. Traditional Sasak handicraft artisans are spread throughout the villages in this area and products include black terracotta and basketry. The nearby town of Kotaraja is the best known location in Lombok to witness traditional Sasak stick fighting and the village has a long tradition of producing forged blacksmith tools.

Get in
Getting to Tetebatu by public transport is a bit of a saga and can take a very long time. There are buses from the main terminal in Mataram to Paokmotong about 12 km south of Tetebatu. These are unpredictable but seem to be most regular in the late mornings. From Pomotong you might be able to find a bemo to take you to Kotaraja, and from there a horse cart (cidomo) for the final 2 km to Tetebatu.

Easier, and not expensive if there is more than one in your party, is to charter a private car or taxi. From the main tourist destinations in West Lombok, this will cost Rp 300,000-500,000 depending on exactly where you are and your negotiating skills. For the return journey, private cars are available in Tetebatu for a similar price.

Get around
Horse carts (cidomos) are easily available for short journeys.

For longer excursions around the local villages you might be able to figure out the bemo routes (although it is difficult). More likely is that you will find a car and driver for hire in town.

Bicycles and motorbikes are available for rent. Expect to pay a daily rate of about Rp 25,000 for a bicycle and Rp 70,000+ for a motorbike. Your hotel will be able to help with this.

See

 * Kotaraja is about 5 km south of Tetebatu and is famous for the local form of stick fighting - peresehan. Regular events are held in which young Sasak men ceremonially fight each other with a rattan stick and a buffalo skin shield. Enquire locally in Tetebatu to see if any fights are scheduled.
 * Kotaraja is about 5 km south of Tetebatu and is famous for the local form of stick fighting - peresehan. Regular events are held in which young Sasak men ceremonially fight each other with a rattan stick and a buffalo skin shield. Enquire locally in Tetebatu to see if any fights are scheduled.
 * Kotaraja is about 5 km south of Tetebatu and is famous for the local form of stick fighting - peresehan. Regular events are held in which young Sasak men ceremonially fight each other with a rattan stick and a buffalo skin shield. Enquire locally in Tetebatu to see if any fights are scheduled.

Buy
There are no ATMs, money changers or banking facilities of any kind here. The nearest are at least 20 minutes or 30 minute away in ,Kota Raja,Masbagik,Sikur, Selong or Mataram, so bring enough Rupiah cash with you.

Eat
Warung Sasak, Jl Wisata Tetebatu, Small restaurant is situated on the main crossing of Tetebatu. It serves traditional Sasak dishes and Indonisian dishes. Main meals Rp 10,000-30,000.

Go next

 * Mount Rinjani — you are on the southern slopes of the Mount Rinjani National Park here, and the energetic can proceed onwards to organise a climb of Indonesia's second highest volcano.
 * Gili Islands — after a full dose of Sasak culture and highland jungles, these sun-soaked islands could be the perfect complement.