Have you visited any places in West Lombok, Sobat Pesona? This time, let's take a trip to Buwun Sejati Tourism Village. This beautiful village is located about 25 kilometers or an hour away from Mataram City, with relatively easy access. There are many natural tourist attractions here that are perfect for cooling off and refreshing your mind, such as natural springs and waterfalls. One of them is Aik Nyet Nature Tourism, located within a protected forest area.
Aik Nyet Nature Tourism
Natural Spring at Aik Nyet Nature Tourism
Surrounded by around 10 hectares of lush, cool forest, the journey up the steps to the main site of Aik Nyet Nature Tourism is far from boring, as we are treated to fresh air and stunning views. Moreover, to enter this tourist destination, Sobat Pesona only needs to pay a fee of Rp 5,000.
Our destination is the natural spring, sourced from 96 spring points in the middle of the forest. Healing here is truly perfect, with crystal-clear water that is almost blue in color and refreshingly cool, just like the name of the village where this natural tourism site is located. "Aik Nyet" in Sasak language means cold water.
The water is relatively shallow, with stepped formations and large rocks, making it also suitable for family trips. There are facilities for prayer and changing clothes as well. According to Juin Nurul Azmi, one of the managers of Aik Nyet Nature Tourism, the community works together to maintain cleanliness and these facilities for the comfort of visitors.
Juin Nurul Azmi, Aik Nyet Nature Tourism Manager
The majority of the women in Aik Nyet Village earn a living from this tourist spot, and even those without formal education are empowered as cleaning staff.
"56% of the workers here have not graduated from elementary school, so developing human resource capacity has become our main focus," said Juin, while adding that he greatly appreciates activities such as the Sosialisasi Sadar Wisata 5.0 (Tourism Awareness Socialization 5.0) which provides training and awareness on responsible tourism to the community in the tourist village.
Juin also asks tourists not to use chemical bathing products such as soap or shampoo made from non-natural ingredients when in the spring or river. This is because the chemicals can potentially damage the quality of the natural spring water at Aik Nyet.
So, if Sobat Pesona needs to use soap or shampoo, please do so in the bathrooms provided.
Traditional Cuisine: Sate Bulayak
Sate Bulayak dan Kopi Aik Nyet
In between water activities, you can satisfy your hunger with local food. One must-try dish is Sate Bulayak, sold at several stalls near the spring.
You can choose between chicken or beef satay. After being grilled over charcoal, the satay is seasoned with a coconut milk and spice mixture, offering a savory, spicy taste. The satay pieces are fairly small, so you don't need to worry about overeating.
The satay is served with bulayak, a kind of slender lontong wrapped in young coconut leaves. Mixed with or dipped into the satay sauce, it tastes absolutely delicious.
Kopi Aik Nyet – Traditional Roasted Coffee
In addition to Sate Bulayak, another local delicacy you must try is Kopi Aik Nyet, a traditional coffee. Most stalls at Aik Nyet Nature Tourism serve this coffee, along with various instant coffee options.
One of the traditional coffee makers is Ibu Mahtiasih, who still roasts the coffee beans over a traditional stove made of wood and coconut husks in her backyard. According to her, the key to the coffee's rich taste lies in the quality of the wood and controlling the fire to ensure proper heat and smoke.
The coffee produced by Ibu Mahtiasih is made from Robusta beans that grow naturally in a garden interspersed with various fruit trees such as mangosteen and bananas. It's really exciting, Sobat Pesona, to visit the coffee garden and pick the ripe red coffee cherries.
You can also buy this coffee as a souvenir, as it is well-packaged. Some hotels in Lombok even source their coffee from Ibu Mahtiasih to serve to tourists.
Ibu Mahtiasih, Traditional Coffee Maker
How fun is it to visit Buwun Sejati Village? After swimming in the cool water in the middle of the forest, enjoying Sate Bulayak, and sipping coffee, your tired body and mind will surely feel refreshed. Ready to get back to work or continue your journey.
So, make sure to add this itinerary to your next vacation plan, Sobat Pesona!
