Lombok : Sasak Traditional Stick Fight and Gendang Beleq Dance

This full-day Lombok tour offers a fantastic glimpse into the island’s cultural heartbeat, combining lively performances, traditional crafts, stunning natural scenery, and local flavors. Covering Sasak dance and martial arts, village visits, waterfalls, and rice terraces, it’s an excellent way to get a well-rounded picture of Lombok’s authentic traditions.

What we particularly appreciate is how this tour balances culture with scenic beauty—you get to see traditional dance, witness a real martial arts contest, walk through rice paddies, and even spot monkeys in their natural habitat. The price point of $73 per person reflects good value, considering the variety of activities and included meals, entrance fees, and transportation.

One aspect to consider is that the duration is quite long—8 to 10 hours, which might be tiring for some travelers, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, since it involves quite a bit of walking and outdoor exploration, it’s best suited for those comfortable with full days on their feet. If you’re eager to experience Lombok’s cultural traditions and scenic landscapes in one day, this tour is a well-rounded choice.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers wanting an authentic, hands-on taste of Lombok’s indigenous culture and natural beauty, especially those who enjoy lively performances, local crafts, and scenic nature spots.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Performances: Witness the thunderous Gendang Beleq dance and intense Presean stick fighting, both deeply rooted in Lombok’s Sasak heritage.
• Diverse Experiences: Combines village visits, traditional crafts, martial arts, scenic rice terraces, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting.
• Great Value: At $73, including transportation, meals, entrance fees, and guided insights, it offers a comprehensive day out.
• Scenic Natural Spots: The rice terraces and waterfalls provide lush, tranquil environments perfect for photography and relaxation.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy a traditional Indonesian buffet with options accommodating spice preferences, plus fresh coconuts and local coffee.
• Small Group Feeling: The private nature makes for a more personal experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Sade Traditional Village and Gendang Beleq Dance

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point, followed by a scenic drive to Sade Village. Immediately upon arrival, you’re greeted with a Gendang Beleq performance, a traditional Sasak musical ensemble featuring massive barrel drums and vibrant costumes. This lively introduction offers a rhythmic taste of Lombok’s cultural soul. The thunderous beats and colorful attire are captivating, and many reviewers mention how exciting it is to see this art form performed in its native setting.

A reviewer from Lombok Vacation shared that the performance is highly energetic, with the performers using traditional drums that “resound through the village,” creating a festive atmosphere. The Gendang Beleq isn’t just entertainment but a vital part of Lombok’s ceremonial life.

Witnessing the Presean Stick Fight

Next, you’ll see the Presean Stick Fight, also called Gebug Ende. This martial art involves two fighters, called Pepadu, wielding sticks in a dynamic, often tense contest. It’s a display of agility, strength, and tradition, as fighters perform lightning-fast strikes set to traditional music. Watching the intensity and skill of fighters makes it clear how deeply woven into Lombok’s identity this art is.

One review mentions how “the fight was surprisingly fierce but also graceful,” highlighting the balance between warrior spirit and cultural elegance. For many visitors, witnessing this centuries-old tradition is a highlight, offering a rare peek into Lombok’s warrior ethos.

Tour of Sade Village and Souvenir Shopping

After the performances, a guided walk through Sade Village allows you to see traditional Sasak homes and crafts. Visitors often take this opportunity to shop for handwoven textiles, souvenirs, and Lombok crafts. It’s worth noting that many guests appreciated the chance to chat with local artisans, gaining insight into their craftwork.

Indonesian Buffet at Warung Makan Inaq Kari

Midday, you’ll settle in at a local restaurant for a buffet lunch, thoughtfully prepared with flavors suited for all spice tolerances. The seasoned dishes are hearty, with some reviewers mentioning the seasoning is balanced enough for sensitive palates. Additional menu options are available at your own expense if you desire more variety.

Exploring Aik Berik Rice Terrace

Post-lunch, the journey takes you to the Aik Berik Rice Terrace, which we found to be one of the most visually stunning parts of the tour. The terraced paddies, with their varying shades of green, cascade down the hillside in a mesmerizing pattern. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for photos and a break from the busier cultural sites.

Here, you’ll enjoy fresh young coconuts, picked by a local guide climbing the coconut trees, and sip on Lombok’s renowned local coffee. Many visitors appreciate this moment of refreshment amid natural beauty, describing it as “soothing and authentic.”

Benang Kelambu & Benang Stokel Waterfalls

The final stop takes you to Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel Waterfalls, twin natural wonders that are ideal for nature lovers. Benang Kelambu’s waterfall flows like a sheer curtain, while Benang Stokel offers a refreshing natural pool for a quick swim if you wish. The lush surroundings make it easy to see why this area is a popular hiking and photography spot.

A reviewer even mentioned spotting Black Monkeys (Lutung) around these waterfalls, adding an extra element of wildlife encounter to the experience. The chance to see these endangered black monkeys enhances the feeling of experiencing Lombok’s untouched environment firsthand.

Transportation, Duration, and Logistics

The tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation, which ensures comfort during the long day. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, with the entire experience lasting approximately 8 to 10 hours, which many find to be a full but rewarding day.

Parking fees and entrance tickets are included, making the planning straightforward. The tour is designed for most travelers, and accommodations can be made for dietary needs, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

What You Should Know

• The tour operates with confirmation upon booking.
• It’s near public transportation, but private pickup makes logistics easier.
• It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates for a more personalized experience.
• You should be comfortable with walking and outdoor activities, as some stops involve light trekking.
• The tour is adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after an authentic cultural experience, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Lombok’s traditional arts and beautiful landscapes. It’s especially appealing if you’re excited about music, dance, martial arts, and scenic nature. The inclusion of local food, crafts, and wildlife spotting makes it a well-rounded day trip.

Travelers who value small group settings and guided insights will find this tour enriching. Keep in mind it’s quite full and active, so those seeking a relaxed, slow-paced day might find it a bit demanding. But for those eager to see Lombok’s vibrant traditions and breathtaking scenery in one go, this experience is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $73 fee covers pickup, private transportation, all entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, fresh coconuts, local coffee, and a local guide.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 8 to 10 hours, including travel time and all stops.

Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes, the tour can cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but small children should be comfortable with a full day of walking and outdoor activities.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Absolutely. The Sade Village visit includes an opportunity to buy traditional Lombok crafts and souvenirs.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Since the tour involves outdoor activities and scenic visits, mornings or early afternoons are ideal to avoid the heat.

Will I see wildlife, like monkeys?
If lucky, you might spot black and gray monkeys around the waterfalls area.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned private vehicles, which are quite comfortable for long hours.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

In Closing

This tour strikes a nice balance between culture and natural beauty. If you’re drawn to lively traditional performances, hands-on experiences like the stick fight, and scenic landscapes like rice terraces and waterfalls, it offers excellent value. The inclusion of local food, wildlife, and crafts enhances the authenticity and makes it a memorable day out.

Perfect for travelers eager to learn about Lombok’s Sasak customs, enjoy picturesque settings, and experience a full day of adventure and discovery. Whether you’re a culture lover, nature enthusiast, or food explorer, this tour delivers a comprehensive taste of what makes Lombok special.

For those who want an active, engaging, and diverse exploration of Lombok in a single day, this tour ticks all the boxes.