The district of Praya in Central Lombok is a busy hub with a scattering of green parkland and plenty of places to eat and sleep with welcoming locals and a pleasant atmosphere.
Praya is a cultural center with a fascinating market that attracts visitors from surrounding communities. Department stores and modern shopping centers are also found in Praya, and for tourists and travellers looking to stock up on necessities it is a great place to visit.
Praya is proud of its sporting connections, with many locals enjoying regular games of football and cricket on the sports fields. There are restaurants and food stalls to try out, with tasty local delicacies like spicy roasted chicken and seafood available. There are a few decent hotels to stay in and the town is welcoming to visitors.
Travel to Praya- getting there
Getting to Lombok from the capital, Jakarta, takes 2 hours by plane and from neighboring Bali it is a 25-minute plane journey. Jakarta is the main international gateway but Bali’s international airport has a good selection of regional flights. There are many boats that arrive daily from Bali that take between 1 and 5 hours depending on whether you take a ferry or a catamaran.
In brief
Worth it? If you are looking for a town with modern tourist amenities then it is worth the trip.
What to do: shopping, walking the streets and trying out local foods.
Best time to go: May to September.
How long? A few days.
Praya attractions
- Mandalika Monument: a monument that stands in memory of the tragic Mandalika Putri.