Cycling Route Guide: South Lombok
An ideal guide to introduce yourself to the magnificent South Lombok.
South Lombok is an ideal paradise for a lot of reasons; it’s only half an hour away from the airport, the villages have become friendlier (used to be shady back then, feels like ages ago now), there’s no shortage of good food and cheap drinks, and the most important one is that no matter how crowded it gets, it won’t feel as touristy as other holiday destinations with similar characteristics.
When you visit South Lombok, you will most likely come from the airport. Like I said above, the airport is only half an hour away to Mandalika, which some refer to as Central Kuta where all kinds of actions are happening.
By the way, this isn’t one of those wild bikepacking adventures involving tents and unwashed underwear. You’ll still be able to enjoy what South Lombok has to offer, and then get a proper rest at your preferred type of accommodation.
Central Kuta Through Jalan Mawun
To begin, let’s navigate from the airport. I should probably mention first that there are two ways to go to Central Kuta from the airport, and the one through Jalan Mawun takes, more or less, an hour.
From the airport: head west, do a U-turn until you find Masjid Umul Huda, take the left, and all you have to do is follow the main road; I guarantee that you will witness more than just trees, villages, and dry fields.
I’m the least qualified person to talk about the sensation, let alone the technical aspects of speeding and climbing on asphalt.
But the fact that Jalan Mawun was supposed to held L’Etape Indonesia 2020 back in August serves as enough reason to ride on this road. If you have the opportunity to ride this year, it will give you a head start to taste the route before the feast actually happens.
However, if that’s not what you’re about, you can ride slow and just look around. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
As you ride and hopefully not struggling too much with the climbs (I was), you will see the entrance to the Bat Cave to your left. No, seriously, that’s what the place is called. When you see it, turn around.
This is South of Lombok from one of its highest points. The inevitable feeling of awe comes rushing in. Mesmerizing, bordered by elements of colours only a few coasts have, and smells like a promise of good, good times ahead. Even I can feel it still, no matter how many times I’ve seen this particular view before.
Central Kuta is getting closer. If your tempo is identical to mine, you’ll reach the destination roughly an hour or two before lunchtime. That means you‘re already feeling the heat of 10/11am South Lombok sun.
Now I don’t know about you, but after riding in the blistering heat of 11am sun and beautiful yet painful climbs for an amateur like me, there was nothing I wanted more than cold, refreshing beverage(s) and a plate of tacos. Ideal for recovery? Probably not. Good for your soul? Absolutely.
Merese Hill
I’m not gonna bullshit you with praises about Merese Hill as a destination for biking; it’s just not.
However, hiking Merese Hill to sit and witness its fascinating view for I don’t even know how many times, felt like something I didn’t want to miss.
As I said, you can’t ride here. Bring your bike or park it and hike would be a better option.
Cruising Gerupuk
As you probably know, riding is better when it begins early in the morning. One of the reasons, especially when you’re exploring new routes, is that you might, nay, will, encounter various possibilities. Flat tires, you found a river with a great view; good or bad, dealing with possibilities would require time.
In South Lombok, for instance, starting early means that you can enjoy the surroundings before the sun comes up. Because after 9:00 am, the South can be really hot. Many people even compare the sun of South Lombok is as hot as our neighbour Sumbawa. And it is. It obviously wouldn’t be a problem if you’re used to the heat, but starting early would help if you aren’t.
Gerupuk isn’t hard to find. I thought the current developments and additional new roads around the South as Lombok prepares to host MotoGP 2021 would confuse me, but I found Gerupuk just fine.
After less than half an hour ride through several villages, Gerupuk, which I hadn’t visited before was in front of me.
Dry, hot, dusty, and a lot of fun. To date, it was the best gravel track I’ve ever ridden on.
A cyclist asked me about the Gerupuk track on Reddit: “Is it a loop or does it end somewhere and you have to turn back?”
This track is a short one. When you reach the end of it, this track tells you to sit down and look at what lays in front of you.
Those colours, the smell of the ocean, the wind, the heat; this place was one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen in my life.
As much as you love a loop, the Gerupuk gravel track has to end there, where this beautiful cliff lays peacefully.
