SEKOTONG

"Our destination is a homestay with bungalows on the beach in Sekotong. Just looking around us and where is the bemo going to Sekotong? Today not a small (small van) because it is Friday and that is the day off on the Muslim island of Lombok. Later there was someone with a minibus prepared to bring us, for a higher fee than a bemo, and thus hoppa to Krisna in Sekotong, 35 km. beyond. A great spot on a white sand beach for a few nights. For tomorrow we have arranged two sekuters and we will explore the coastline."

Bay of Cocotinos

          SEKOTONG is a peninsula and is located in the southwest of Lombok. It points with its extreme point towards Bali. This point is called Desert Point, nearby is the fishing village Banko Banko.
There are not many tourists coming to Sekotong and that is why the people are always authentic and extremely friendly. There are not many hotel accommodations and the beaches of Sekotong are usually empty. The only accommodations of any interest are Cocotinos and Kimi Hotel and Restaurant. The road to Desert Point lays close to the sea in an almost tourist-free environment. In this beautiful hilly landscape you will find expansive coconut plantation, deserted beaches and numerous small "Gili's" (13). Most of these islands have beautiful beaches, are uninhabited and there are no roads. Gili Gede is the only one who has some kampungs and where you might encounter a moped. The underwater world around Sekotong is fantastic: crystal clear water with colorful fish and beautiful corals. A paradise for snorkeling and diving. Who wants to photograph underwater can get his heart out.

Map of the Peninsula

Mekaki Beach is located in the south of Sekotong. It is recommended to visit this place with the rented motorcycle. The road was mostly good and partially paved. The road goes through a hilly terrain and you always have a view of the Mekaki beach. In the end the road is very steep. The beach of Mekaki is known for its beauty and as a surfing spot. You really have to prepare yourself, because there is no warung at the beach. There is not even a single coconut tree on the beach, so you can only enjoy it here if you want to be alone on the beach. Unlike Mekaki, the inhabitants advise you to watch Bangko Bangko Beach, especially if you surf. I have not been there, because the road is even more hilly.

Public transport in this part of south Lombok is bad. You rarely encounter it. The road to Desert Point and Banko Banko is a challenge. They are about 2 kilometers apart. Banko Banko is a poor fishing village on the northern tip of Sekotong and it has a beautiful beach that is loved by surfers. But again: the drive to this fishing village is a challenge. Desert Point has fantastic waves for surfing, but they are fickle Belongas (Blongas) is located in the south of the peninsula. Here you can be brought to fatastic dive sites. There is a small lodge here, built on stilts and standing between the palm trees. Everything is still intact here. From the Belongas you can make beautiful walks. Walk past local villages and climb to the top of the hill for a beautiful panorama. For water fun you can rent a kayak or go fishing.
Most tourists come to Sekotong to visit the smaller islands. Often they cross for a day and stay at Sekotong in the evening. You can stay a few nights at a few (including Gili Gede). A crossing from Pelangan takes 30 minutes at most, while from one island to another it takes at most 15 minutes, because they are so close together. A few Gili islands: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong, Gili Kedis, Gili Poh, Gili Lontar, Gili Rengit, Gili Asahan, Gili Layar and Gili Gede.

Bangko Bangko

Bangko Banko is 75 kilometers from the capital Matara. The ideal surfing location in this village is located in Pemalikan, which is about 2 kilometers away. The road here is not easy. Many rocks are loose due to heavy rainfall. It took a long time before a few people wanted to live in this place. The local population lives on diving enthusiasts and fishing with small boats and using weighted nets, which is sustainable.