Bayan, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara
BAYAN – LOMBOK ISLAND
There is no ‘thank you’ word in Bayan as the indigenous people who lives there have a philosophy of life to share, to give, and to help each other. So saying ‘thank you’ is not necessary. The indigineous people of Bayan live at the slope of Mount Rinjani, from four large community: Karang Bajo, Timuq Orong (East side of Bayan), Bat Orong (West side of Bayan) and Loloan. It can be said that Bayan people is the first civilization in North Lombok after the eruption of Mount Rinjani hundreds of years ago.
They are deeply connected with the history of Islam, as it made its way to Lombok island in the 16th century, and with the conquering of the Hindu Bali Kingdom for the island. Their customs and culture are then mixed between Islam and Hinduism. You can see them in their traditional dress and some similarity in music.
Thousands of tourists come to Bayan every year for the beautiful Mount Rinjani trekking. But less already knew about the indigenous community who lives there. And recently a group of Bayan youth started to develop indigenous tourism offering more experience of cultural trip. You will be welcomed by them giving you a fabric woven scarf as a symbol of acceptance. Then you can visit the weaving center organized by Bayan’s women.
Enjoy trekking to two waterfalls inside Bayan customary tropical forest: Sindang Gila and Tiu Kelep. These two waterfalls are quite popular among travelers. The pathways to the waterfalls are already neatly built, as part of the construction of the irrigation system in the 1980s. The sceneries around are filled by the green color of the trees, birds' singing and the distant sound of flowing river. An hour of trekking towards the waterfalls passed by, then having a large pool to soak our body in, it really pays off.
Then you can switch attention to Bayan Beleq ancient Mosque. Artistically, the building is still original. Most of their material made out of bamboo, with palm fiber covered the top, acting as the roof. It is only used on major Islamic festivals and ceremonies or indigenous ritual matters. There are lots of rituals perform throughout the year.
More excitement when you have culinary experience that served with tradition of feast and eating together, called Meriap. You will sit down forming two lines and facing each other. In front of us, already served some trays with variety of dishes: rice, vegetables, fish or chicken, and also mako nuts, originally from Bayan.
Last but not least, is the Perisean show, a mix-up of dancing and fighting show between two men with wooden spear and rattan shield. Perisean is one tourist attracting show in Lombok island, and you can enjoy it twice a week in Bayan community.
How to get to Bayan?
You can reach Lombok Praya International Airport, less than an hour from Bali. Then drive for about 3 hours to the north Lombok. It is the common route used by travellers to Rinjani, and of course Bayan.
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