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AFTER BEING inaugurated on November 12, 2021, the Mandalika Circuit, located in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, is ready to host a world-class racing event, MotoGP 2022.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)’s recent working visit was to ensure Indonesia’s readiness, particularly NTB and The Mandalika, to hold the MotoGP Pre-Season Test and the 2022 MotoGP event in February and March.
The President’s entourage visited a number of locations at The Mandalika, including Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Bukit 360, Kuta Beach Park, and the Mandalika Bazaar. During the visit, the President received an explanation of the progress of preparations that have been made by the ITDC Group and related parties in welcoming the MotoGP event in March 2022.
In addition to presenting direct views of the Indian Ocean, this circuit is also not far from several leading tourist attractions to hidden gems in Mandalika, such as;
Seger Beach
Located not far from Kuta Beach or about 9 minutes drive, Seger Beach is quite familiar with cultural tourism. This beach has an exciting annual event called Bau Nyale.
Hundreds of residents gathered on the beach to collect sea worms incarnated by Princess Nyale. A legendary figure who is willing to throw himself into the sea so that there will be no division in Lombok.
Tanjung Bongo Beach
Tanjung Bongo Beach is located behind Merese Hill and can be reached on foot, Tanjung Bongo Beach is still relatively quiet and clean, plus not many people know about this beach. The fine white sand, more beautiful with the combination of clear sea water. On the edge of the beach there is a kind of natural pool or jacuzzi which is fun to use for bathing and swimming.
Merese Hill
Located about a 12-minute drive from the Mandalika Circuit, Bukit Merese must be on your must-visit list. Although it takes about 15 minutes to be able to climb to the top of the hill, fatigue seems to be immediately paid off by the beautiful panorama of Mandalika from a height. The coastline of Tanjung Aan and Kuta Beach and the blue gradations of the sea water are more pleasing to the eye.
Plus, the green grass and the sea breeze are ready to welcome. Come in the evening if you want to see the sunset and wear comfortable shoes for a leisurely hike.
Tanjung Aan Beach
Besides directly facing the Indian Ocean, Tanjung Aan Beach is also not far from Merese Hill or about 4 minutes drive. Tanjung Aan Beach looks curved with clear bluish water. The white sand that stretches out looks charming and is complemented by gentle waves. Certainly captivating, especially for those who like to swim and snorkel.
Kuta Mandalika Beach
Not only Bali, Lombok also has a beach called Kuta which is called the longest beach in Mandalika. This beautiful beach is about 18 minutes drive from the Mandalika Circuit and is surrounded by shady trees and gazebos that beach visitors can use to rest or take shelter when the sun is hot. Kuta Mandalika Beach has been equipped with children’s play facilities.
Don’t forget to wear a hat when you stop by during the day to protect yourself from the hot sun. You can have a picnic by the beach, bring food from home, or have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Sade Village
Sade Village is about a 27-minute drive from the Mandalika Circuit. In this village, tourists can interact with the indigenous people of Lombok, namely the Sasak tribe. In addition, tourists can also see firsthand the process of weaving cloth, fishing, and fishing.
Uniquely, in Sade Village, all the houses in this village are still very traditional with roofs made of fibers, walls made of woven bamboo (without nails), and the floor is still made of earth. While watching the demonstration of women weaving there, you can see the various handicrafts on display in various directions that you can buy as souvenirs. [antaranews/photo special]
