Hold Out a Hand: Bukit Monjet’s Stunning Views Over Sembalun
Indonesian Name: Bukit Monjet
Bukit Monjet and Views to Mount Rinjani, Lombok | Image: Josh Kathey
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Introduction
Welcome to Bukit Monjet, a spectacularly beautiful mountain top lookout located in East Lombok’s Regency of West Nusa Tenggara. This place is known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, making it one of the most popular destinations for travelers and adventurers alike.
You might recognise this lookout from its shape, taken from an outstretched hand. This is not the first such 'hand-shaped' lookout, with similar vantage points in other Indonesian hotspots including Pengger Pine Forest in Dlingo, Bantul, Yogyakarta. In addition to the 'hand' there is also a butterfly-shaped lookout.
The views over the Sembalun district are quite mesmerising. Mountains flanking a patchwork of icefields makes for a spectacular scene.
This lookout is on the way to Nanggi Hill so its definitely work planning a stop if you are headed there for a climb.
Address
JG9X+X53, Sembalun Bumbung, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83656, Indonesia. (See on Google Maps)
Location
Bukit Monjet is located in the East Lombok Regency of West Nusa Tenggara. It can be accessed by car or public transportation.
Address & Phone Number of Nearest Hospital for Emergency
The nearest hospital is the Praya Public Hospital located at Jalan Raya Praya-Pemenang No. 1, Praya Barat Daya, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83511. The emergency number is +62 370 622 020.
Get your travel insurance sorted before you get to Bali to cover the cost of medical expenses and delayed flights.
Three Key Reasons To Visit
Spectacular views: Bukit Monjet offers some of the world's most spectacular views, with its amazing panoramas of rolling hills, lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. It is a great place to take in the beauty of nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Adventure activities: There are plenty of adventurous activities to enjoy at Bukit Monjet, such as hiking, birdwatching and other wildlife spotting.
Cultural experiences: Bukit Monjet provides a unique opportunity to experience local culture. Visitors can visit nearby villages to learn about traditional customs and practices, sample delicious local cuisine and even try their hand at batik painting or woodcarving.
History, Myths and Legends
Bukit Monjet is a sacred mountain located in Sembalun Bumbung, East Lombok Regency. It is believed to be the home of the gods and goddesses of the Sasak people, who are native to the area. According to local legend, Bukit Monjet was created by a powerful spirit known as Ratu Kidul. This spirit is said to have descended from the heavens and blessed the mountain with its power and beauty.
The Sasak people believe that Bukit Monjet is a place of great spiritual significance and many rituals are performed there in order to honor their gods and goddesses. One such ritual involves offering food and drinks to Ratu Kidul in order to receive her blessing. Other rituals involve offerings of flowers, incense, and prayers for good fortune.
The myths surrounding Bukit Monjet are deeply rooted in Sasak culture and have been passed down through generations. The mountain is also believed to be a source of healing energy, which can be accessed by those who make offerings at its peak. Visitors can explore this ancient site and discover its secrets for themselves by visiting Bukit Monjet.
What To Expect When Visiting
Visitors to Bukit Monjet can expect a unique and unforgettable experience. The stunning views of Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, will be sure to take visitors' breath away. The site is also surrounded by lush green vegetation, with plenty of wildlife to explore.
Travelers should note that there are some steep paths to navigate, so good physical fitness is recommended. The area receives a lot of rain during the wet season (November - April) so be prepared for hot, humid days with occasional downpours.
Travelers who prefer to stay overnight can find accommodation nearby in the nearby village of Sembalun Bumbung, which is a short drive from Bukit Monjet. Arriving early in the morning or late in the evening is recommended as this will provide more pleasant weather conditions and avoid crowds.
Overall, visitors to Bukit Monjet can look forward to enjoying some of Indonesia's finest natural beauty and breathtaking views while experiencing all that this unique site has to offer.
Photo Opportunities and Tips
Bukit Monjet is a great place for taking stunning photos. It offers a 360-degree view of the East Lombok Regency and is located in Sembalun Bumbung, Sembalun. The best time to visit this location would be during sunrise or sunset, as the sky erupts with vibrant colors and provides an unforgettable sight. The vast greenery around the area adds more to its beauty and provides a perfect backdrop for your photographs. During special occasions like traditional dances, festivities, or cultural events, you can capture some amazing shots that will make your photographs look even better.
What Visitors Say They Liked About Visiting
The view from Bukit Monjet is simply breathtaking. From up here, you can admire the lush green landscape of East Lombok Regency with its beautiful rice paddies and rolling hills in the distance. Many visitors also enjoy spending some time exploring the local culture and traditions of this area. Special occasions like traditional dances are an opportunity to take some unique photos that will make your stay at Bukit Monjet even more memorable.
What Visitors Say They Did Not Like About Visiting
Some visitors have complained about the accessibility of Bukit Monjet as it can be difficult to reach without the help of a local guide or tour operator who knows their way around.
How Accessible is it for The Elderly, Children and Those With Mobility Issues?
Bukit Monjet is not very accessible for the elderly, children, and people with mobility issues. The terrain in Sembalun Bumbung is quite steep and rugged, making it difficult to navigate for those who have difficulty walking. Additionally, there are no sidewalks or pathways to make it easier to traverse the area. Furthermore, there are no public transportation options available in the area so visitors would need to arrange private transportation or take a taxi.
For those with limited mobility, it is recommended that they bring equipment such as a wheelchair or cane to help them traverse the terrain safely. It may also be helpful to hire a guide who can assist them in navigating the area safely. Additionally, visitors should plan ahead and bring any necessary supplies such as food and water as there are limited amenities in this remote location.
Safety Tips When Visiting
It is important to stay safe when visiting Bukit Monjet. To ensure that you have a safe and fun experience, please follow the following safety tips:
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your environment to identify potential hazards. Be aware of your physical condition and take care not to overexert yourself, particularly in hot weather. Make sure you have enough supplies with you, such as water and food.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip and avoid wearing shorts or sandals while climbing up the slopes of the mountain. Also, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs to protect against cuts and scrapes from bushes and rocks.
Know the trails: Before going on a hike, make sure you know where you are going and familiarize yourself with the trails. Don’t go off-trail as it can be more dangerous due to difficult terrain and hidden hazards like snakes or wild animals.
Bring a friend: Going on hikes alone can be risky so it is better to bring a friend or family member along for safety reasons. Having someone else around also allows for help in case of an emergency or unexpected situation such as getting lost or injured while on the trail
Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water with you while hiking as dehydration can occur quickly in high temperatures at higher altitudes. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your hike to avoid heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
Typical Amount of Time to Allocate for a Visit
When visiting Bukit Monjet, you should plan to spend at least 3-4 hours exploring the area. This is because there is much to experience and enjoy in the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can choose to go on a guided tour or simply explore the area independently. The tour usually takes around 2-3 hours, with stops at various points along the way, so visitors can take their time and appreciate all that Bukit Monjet has to offer. If you choose to explore by yourself, you may want to allocate an extra hour or two.
Another activity that visitors often partake in while in the Bukit Monjet region is trekking up Mount Rinjani – one of Indonesia's most popular mountains – which typically takes around 8 hours round trip if done without a guide. This will require quite a bit of physical preparation and acclimatization beforehand, so it is recommended that visitors plan ahead before attempting any long treks up the mountain.
Overall, when planning your visit to Bukit Monjet, be sure to allow enough time for yourself so you can truly take in all that this incredible natural area has to offer.
Food and Drink Options Nearby
If you’re looking for food and drink options nearby Bukit Monjet, you won’t have any shortage of choices. There are numerous warungs and coffee (Kopii) shops within easy reach of the site that serve a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes. From spicy soto ayam (chicken soup) to classic nasi goreng (fried rice), there are plenty of delicious meals to choose from.
If you’re looking for something more casual than sit-down restaurants, there are also plenty of street stalls offering snacks such as tempe bacem (sweet fried tempeh) and bakwan jagung (corn fritters). For dessert lovers, there are plenty of sweet treats like es doger (coconut ice cream) and klepon (rice cake balls filled with liquid palm sugar).
For drinks near the site, visitors will find many kiosks serving hot tea and local-grown coffee as well as cold beverages such as watermelon juice and freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Conclusion
Bukit Monjet is a hidden paradise located in the heart of Sembalun Bumbung, East Lombok Regency. The view from this mountain is breathtaking and its trails offer a unique experience for hikers and adventurers alike. The surrounding nature, lush vegetation, and serene atmosphere make this place an ideal spot to enjoy a peaceful getaway. With its many attractions, there is something for everyone at Bukit Monjet. Whether you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, this place will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
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