Two Villages in West Lombok Are Favorite Destinations for Foreign Tourists, Cycling Tour Packages Are Gaining Popularity

West Lombok continues to unveil new dimensions of its tourism offerings. This time, Mambalan Village and Kekeri Village have emerged as favourite destinations for foreign tourists seeking an authentic rural travel experience.

Lombok Island has long been synonymous with beach tourism. Rather than coastal scenery, Mambalan and Kekeri Villages offer the charm of sprawling green rice fields, tranquil residential hamlets, and a peaceful atmosphere that cannot be found in busy urban tourist zones.

One of the core attractions in both villages is the guided cycling tour package. This experience takes visitors along quiet rural paths deep into the agricultural rice farming areas.

This activity has become a top choice for many international tourists to discover a lesser-known side of Lombok Island in a relaxed pace, while engaging closely with everyday local community life.

"It appears that community-led rural tourism is now one of the main draws bringing foreign visitors to our region," stated Sayid Abdollah Alkaff, Head of Mambalan Village who is widely known by his nickname Apink.

This cycling route connects Mambalan Village directly with the rice field landscapes of Kekeri Village, creating a distinct travel experience for guests.

"Nearly every day now, the trail running through Mambalan's residential areas towards the Kekeri rice fields is growing busier with visitors," he added.

Since it was first launched in 2022, the cycling package has expanded steadily, successfully attracting hundreds of both domestic and international travellers.

Apink noted that cruise ship passengers visiting Lombok also frequently list Mambalan Village as one of their primary stopover destinations during their stay on the island.

"If we count records starting from 2022, hundreds of foreign cruise ship guests consistently choose Mambalan Village as a priority stop on their Lombok itinerary," he explained.

Unspoiled natural scenery is the main driver behind this route's rising popularity. Wide open rice paddies, clean fresh air, and the untouched quiet of village life deliver an experience very different from standard mainstream tourist destinations.

"This trail through Mambalan also holds special appeal specifically for foreign visitors who are cycling enthusiasts," he added.

Notably, this cycling tour is not only popular among younger travellers. In fact, the majority of participants are senior citizens who prefer active, slow travel while taking in natural landscapes.

"For example, the foreign groups visiting right now come from three different countries. We have senior travellers from the Netherlands, plus family groups from Spain and Germany," he shared.

Along the route, tourists stop at several curated points of interest. One highlight is the suspension bridge that links Mambalan and Kekeri Villages.

This bridge is a favourite spot for guests to rest and take photographs. Before continuing towards the rice fields, tour guides also share local history and traditional community wisdom with the group.

Toni, a professional tour guide based in Senggigi, confirmed that this trail is included as a standard feature in tour packages offered to international visitors.

"We regularly bring foreign guests along this route. This suspension bridge is always a memorable highlight for everyone who visits," said Toni.

The natural beauty left a strong impression on Riska, a tourist from the Netherlands travelling with her family.

"I absolutely loved cycling through this area. It is truly beautiful," said Riska.