Merese Hill in Central Lombok is a stunning natural tourist destination, offering spectacular views, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and exciting activities suitable for families and adventurers.
Lombok, with all its natural beauty, has always been an attractive tourist destination. One of the places you must visit on this island is Merese Hill.
Located in the Central Lombok area, precisely in the southern region near Tanjung Aan Beach, Merese Hill offers extraordinary views, both during the day with green grass and blue sea, or at sunrise and sunset.
Known as a place that is still natural and not too crowded, Merese Hill provides a peaceful travel experience and is full of extraordinary natural beauty.
The Alluring Attraction of Merese Hill
1. Thick with Local Wisdom
One of the main attractions of Merese Hill is the local wisdom that is very pronounced. This hill was originally a barren land with only one tree growing on it. However, in recent years, Merese Hill has undergone a remarkable change.
In February, visitors will be treated to a view of lush green grass, which looks like a natural carpet. This hill is also a place for locals to graze cows and buffalo.
Things to do Central Lombok include exploring this scenic area, where you can witness the harmony between nature and local traditions.
Pictures of cows or buffalo roaming freely among the green grass are often interesting photo objects for tourists. The view of local people’s lives blending with nature provides a captivating, authentic impression.
2. Amazing Sunrise and Sunset
If you are a fan of sunrises and sunsets, Merese Hill is the perfect place to enjoy both of these natural phenomena. Merese Hill is known for its stunning sunrise views in the morning and spectacular sunsets in the evening.
Many visitors come as the sun begins to set, enjoying the beauty of Tanjung Bongo Beach, which is blue and blends with the red glow of the setting sun. This moment is one of the most sought after and most awaited by tourists visiting Merese Hill.
3. Instagrammable Photo Spots
Visiting Merese Hill will give you many opportunities to get beautiful photos. Almost every corner of this hill is very instagrammable. One of the most famous photo spots is the galau tree located at the top of the hill.
This tree is considered unique because there is only one in the entire hill area, and is a favorite photo object for visitors.
In addition, many visitors also take photos with the background of herds of cows and buffalo being herded by the local community. For those of you who like photo hunting, Merese Hill is a place not to be missed.
4. Tanjung Aan Beach and Hidden Beach
Merese Hill not only offers stunning hill views, but also access to beautiful beaches. Near the entrance gate of Merese Hill, you will be immediately greeted by Tanjung Aan Beach with white sand and clear sea water.
The view from the top of the hill directly faces this beach, adding to the beauty of this tourist destination. To the south of the hill, there is Tanjung Bongo Beach, which is often called the “hidden beach” because of its hidden location and is quieter than other main beaches. This beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and take stunning photos.
5. Naturalness is still maintained
One of the things that makes Merese Hill so special is its natural beauty which is still preserved. Although increasingly popular among tourists, this hill has not been widely exploited so you can experience the calm and pure natural atmosphere.
However, make sure you bring enough supplies because food and beverage facilities are only available around Tanjung Aan Beach. Keep it clean when visiting to ensure the beauty of this place is maintained.
Location and How to Visit Merese Hill
Merese Hill is located on Jalan Kuta Lombok, Pujut, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This location is in the southern region of Lombok, close to the famous Tanjung Aan Beach.
From Mataram City, the trip to Bukit Merese takes about two hours, while from Lombok International Airport, it only takes about 45 minutes by motorized vehicle.
To make the trip easier, you can use an application like Google Maps to navigate your way to the location. Once you arrive at the location, you only need to walk about 10 minutes from the parking area to get to the top of the hill.
Entrance Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
Merese Hill offers very affordable entrance fees. Visitors only need to pay a parking fee, which is IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars.
If you come by bus, the parking fee is only IDR 15,000. Interestingly, Bukit Merese is open 24 hours, so you can come anytime, even to camp here. With free access, Bukit Merese gives visitors the freedom to enjoy the beauty of nature at any time.
Interesting Activities at Merese Hill
There are various activities that can be done at Merese Hill, which will certainly make your visit even more memorable.
1. Enjoying Sunrise and Sunset
One of the must-do activities when visiting Merese Hill is enjoying the sunrise and sunset. You can climb the top of the hill which is not too high and it only takes about 10 minutes to reach the top.
From here, you will be presented with an extraordinary view, be it at sunrise in the morning or at sunset in the afternoon.
2. Witness the Beauty of Tanjung Aan Beach and Batu Payung
Apart from enjoying the sunrise and sunset, Merese Hill also offers extraordinary views of Tanjung Aan Beach and Batu Payung.
From the top of the hill, you can see the beach with clear sea water, surrounded by coral reefs and calm waves. This view is very stunning and is one of the reasons why tourists are always amazed.
3. Take photos at Instagrammable spots
Merese Hill has many perfect photo spots to beautify your photo collection. From the top of the hill, you can take panoramic landscape photos, or take photos with Batu Payung and the beautiful beaches below as a backdrop. Merese Hill is even often used as a pre-wedding location, showing how photogenic this place is.
4. Playing with Cows or Buffaloes
At Merese Hill, you can play with cows or buffaloes herded by the local community. Many tourists take advantage of this moment to take pictures with these animals, which are quite tame and do not disturb. The presence of these animals adds a natural impression and is thick with the lives of the local people.
5. Camping on Merese Hill
If you want to feel the natural atmosphere closer, you can stay overnight by camping at Merese Hill. This hill offers cool air and beautiful night views, with a sky full of stars. You can make a campfire to warm yourself and enjoy a quiet night in the open air.
Tourist Facilities at Merese Hill
Even though it is a natural tourist destination, Bukit Merese provides basic facilities sufficient for visitor comfort, such as:
- Spacious parking area with affordable parking fees.
- Food stalls and vendors that provide snacks and drinks.
- Public Toilet for basic needs of visitors.
- Gazebos and seating at several points to relax while enjoying the view.
- Officers and Tour Guides are available to provide information and assistance to visitors.
Merese Hill is the perfect tourist destination to enjoy the natural beauty of Lombok. With its amazing views, serene atmosphere, and various fun activities to do, Merese Hill is a must-visit.
Whether you come to take pictures, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, or just relax, Bukit Merese offers an unforgettable travel experience.
Tourist Attractions in East Lombok also provide stunning natural beauty, from breathtaking beaches to scenic hills, making the region a must-visit destination. So, make sure to take the time to visit Bukit Merese on your trip to Lombok!
