Sasak culture is the cultural heritage of the Sasak people, who are the native people of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara. This culture is very distinctive and still strongly maintained today, especially in traditional villages such as Sade Village, Rambitan, Sukarara and Kuta Mandalika Beach. Here are some important elements in the Sasak cultural tour in Lombok:

1. Sade and Rambitan Traditional Villages.

* This village is a traditional village that maintains the Sasak people's lifestyle.

* Traditional houses are made of bamboo, thatched roofs, and clay floors that are cleaned with buffalo manure (as a natural binder and insect repellent).

* Visitors can see firsthand the traditional way of life, weaving, farming, and learn about the Sasak people's philosophy of life.

2. Ikat and Songket Weaving.

* Sasak women learn to weave from a young age.

* Sasak woven fabrics have distinctive motifs and high cultural value. In some places, you are not allowed to get married if you cannot weave yet.

* Popular places to see the weaving process: Sukarara and Pringgasela.

3. Traditional Music and Dance

Gendang Beleq: a music performance with large drums, usually played at weddings or traditional events.

Peresean Dance: a ritual fight between two men using rattan and shields, a symbol of masculinity and ancient war training.

Gandrung Dance and Cupak Gerantang Dance are also often performed in cultural festivals.

4. Elopement Tradition (Merariq)

* Merariq is a unique tradition in Sasak weddings: the man "kidnaps" the woman he will marry with mutual agreement.

* After the "kidnapping", the man's family will come to the woman's house to convey the intention of marriage traditionally.

* This tradition reflects the values ​​of courage, responsibility and negotiation between families.

5. Sasak Traditional House Architecture.

* Houses are rectangular in shape, with a pointed thatched roof.

* There is a unique rice barn (lumbung), with wooden poles and a high roof - a symbol of wealth and food security.

6. Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals

Ngayu-ayu: a ritual to reject misfortune.

Begawe: a folk party held for big weddings or circumcisions.

Nyongkolan: a procession of the groom to the bride's house accompanied by traditional music.

7. Kuta Mandalika Beach in Lombok is not only known nationally, but is also starting to attract the attention of foreign tourists. This beach offers captivating views with a relatively natural atmosphere.