The fame of Lombok’s tourist destination, Bukit Merese, hasn’t faded; in fact, it’s shining even brighter with the construction of the Mandalika Circuit, which hosted the MotoGP 2022 event.
Furthermore, it’s rumored that this hill will be transformed into a new international-class golf course and serve as an open grandstand for watching future MotoGP events.
1. Introducing Bukit Merese
Bukit Merese is a hill located around the Mandalika area that began to gain popularity in the mid-2010s. Bukit Merese, Kuta Lombok, can be a short alternative for tourism on the island of Lombok.
Reaching the summit of Bukit Merese only takes about 10 minutes. There’s no need for special preparations or climbing equipment.
Merese Hill Lombok is a popular term among foreign tourists who like to visit and witness the beauty around Mandalika Beach. Sometimes, they also refer to it as Bukit Merese Hill. Although ‘bukit’ and ‘hill’ essentially mean the same thing, we understand and respect the naming preferences of foreigners.
2. The Most Interesting Thing About Bukit Merese
For someone living outside Lombok, the question that might arise in their mind is, “Is it worth it for me to spend money (on tickets and hotels) to visit this tourist spot?”
We can assure you that it’s worth it! Because Bukit Merese offers the following attractions:
- Extraordinary Natural Panorama: Scroll down for a complete explanation.
- Beautiful Views Even on the Way There: Throughout your journey, you will enjoy beautiful scenery.
- Views of the sea, cliffs, and mountains.
- Friendly locals.
(Note: The translation indicates a continuation of the text with a promise of a complete explanation about the extraordinary natural panorama.)
3. The History of Bukit Merese.
Certainly, the name of a place often has its own history of naming, and the same goes for Bukit Merese. According to the accounts of the local residents, the hill was originally known by the locals as “merisik,” which means bald or barren. This is because the hill, which is now an iconic tourist destination in Lombok, was indeed quite barren, covered only by grasslands that resembled a carpet.
In that area, there was only one tree on Bukit Merese, which was named the “pohon galau” (lonely tree) because it stood alone without a companion. It is said that this tree was originally planted for the purpose of filming.
Today, this tree has become an iconic and Instagram-worthy photo spot. Don’t hesitate to take the time to have your photo taken next to this tree.
4. Merese Hill Altitude
Bukit Merese in Lombok is situated at an average elevation of 30-50 meters above sea level. The highest point of the hill is approximately within the range of 55-60 meters above sea level (meters above sea level).
Due to its relatively low elevation, Bukit Merese has become a favorite spot for enthusiasts of soft trekking in Lombok. This is because the hill can be climbed by nearly all age groups, from children to teenagers, as long as they are in good health.
5. Merese Hill Location
Administratively, Bukit Merese is located on Kuta Lombok Road, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, in the province of West Nusa Tenggara. It is also part of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developed by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
6. Access to Merese Hill
The road to Merese Hill in Lombok is considered quite easy and safe because the route to Merese Hill is the same as the one to Tanjung Aan Beach.
If your hotel is located in the Kuta Lombok area, you can reach this lovely hill in just 10-20 minutes. Meanwhile, if you’re coming from Lombok International Airport, it may take 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
7. Merese Hill Routes
Heading to Merese Hill is very straightforward, and the chances of getting lost are quite low, especially with the assistance of smartphones and Google Maps, which make it easier to navigate tourist destinations in Lombok.
If you’re departing from Mataram (the capital of West Nusa Tenggara province), the distance you’ll cover is approximately 50-60 kilometers, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by road. At most, you should arrive at Merese Hill within 2 hours.
You will pass through several areas, including Gajah Mada Road, the Airport Bypass Road, Sengkol, Kuta Lombok, and finally, Tanjung Aan Beach.
However, if you’ve just landed at the airport, the travel time is significantly shorter, around 30 to 40 minutes, as the distance is closer.
For more precise directions, please make use of the navigation feature on your Google Maps app.
8. Operational Hours
Bukit Merese is open around the clock, 24 hours a day, and this includes the option for camping. There are no time restrictions for entry to this tourist area, allowing visitors the flexibility to enjoy it at any time that suits them.
9. The entrance fee to Bukit Merese
The entrance fee to Bukit Merese in Lombok is very affordable. You can gain access to this paradise with just a parking and motorbike security fee of Rp. 5,000 or Rp. 10,000 for cars. If you’re arriving in a group by bus, it’s still reasonably priced at only Rp. 15,000 per person.
10. Exciting activities in Bukit Merese
Just like a miniature paradise, almost all activities in this place are incredibly enjoyable. However, don’t forget the following things to make your vacation in Lombok perfect.
10.1. Enjoying The Blue Sea and Sky
Enjoying the blue sea and the crashing waves is an unforgettable experience at Bukit Merese, Lombok. You can sit on the edge of the hill, watching the waves breaking on the beach and gazing at the shimmering ocean under the sun. The beauty of nature provides peace and serenity as you savor this extraordinary moment.
10.2. Enjoying the beauty of Tanjung Aan Beach from Bukit Merese.
Enjoying Tanjung Aan beach from a height provides a different experience and perspective from enjoying Tanjung Aan beach from the shoreline directly.
10.3. Merese Hill Sunset
Wow… the Merese Hill sunset is something that is eagerly anticipated at this location. The sunset at Bukit Merese is truly special. Its uniqueness is beyond words, so let the photo below speak for itself.
10.4. Merese Hill Camping
Camping at Bukit Merese is an exciting experience. You can set up your tent in the spacious open area and enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquil atmosphere. At night, you can admire the bright stars in the sky.
However, before camping here, there are some things to consider:
- Permits: Make sure to obtain permission or information from the local authorities regarding the camping rules and regulations at Bukit Merese.
- Equipment: Bring adequate camping equipment, such as a tent, sleeping bag, mattress, and cooking gear if you plan to cook your meals.
- Food and Drinks: Prepare enough food and drinks for your camping needs. Plan carefully, as there may not be dining facilities or a water source around the camping area.
- Trash: Always carry your trash with you. Maintain cleanliness and preserve the environment.
- Weather Conditions: Pay attention to the weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Prepare accordingly with suitable weather protection.
Camping at Bukit Merese can be a profound experience, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in spectacular nature. Ensure careful planning and adherence to the rules and regulations in place to maintain the environment and support a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
10.5. Picnic
Rarely picnicking can indeed make us easily anxious. Bukit Merese is a spacious grassland that is perfect for a picnic, just avoid picnicking in the midday sun…
10.6. Merese Hill sunrise
If you’re camping at Bukit Merese, we can guarantee that you’ll be able to witness the sunrise from the Indian Ocean. However, if you’re not camping, we recommend heading to this place at 5 in the morning to catch the golden sunrise and not miss out.
10.7. Taking photos with herds of cows and buffaloes.
Herds of cows and buffaloes at Bukit Merese are one of the most iconic features of this Lombok tourist spot. But if you don’t like taking selfies with a backdrop of cows and buffaloes, that’s perfectly fine too.
10.8. Taking Instagrammable photos.
You don’t need expert photography skills or high-level photography gear because every shot at this place is guaranteed to be Instagrammable. Your friends who have never been to this place might feel jealous when they see your social media posts.
10.9. Taking pre-wedding photos
This hill is a favorite location for couples who are about to get married to have their pre-wedding photo sessions in Lombok. In addition to its beauty, the ease of reaching this location is a key factor why many photographers and newlyweds choose this place for their pre-wedding photos.
11. Close to Merese Hill Beaches
We often receive the question, “Where is Merese Beach in Lombok?” We answer in a somewhat playful manner, “Perhaps you mean Tanjung Aan Beach, Tanjung Bongoq Beach, or the Hidden Beach?”
11.1. Tanjung Aan Beach and Bukit Merese.
Before entering the entrance of this hill, there is Tanjung Aan Beach with its dazzling white sand.
After hiking Merese Hill, specifically on the southern part of the hill, there is a beautiful beach with crystal-clear blue water.
11.2. Tanjung Bongoq Beach or Hidden Beach.
The name of the beach is Tanjung Bongoq Beach, but foreigners often refer to it as the Hidden Beach at Merese Hill in Lombok.
11.3. Selong Belanak Beach
The location of Selong Belanak Beach is not very close from here, but if you are already at Merese Hill, it seems that this top beach in the Mandalika area is worth the effort to visit.
12. Tips for hiking Merese Hill
While it’s considered a gentle and easy hill, it’s a good idea to prepare everything thoroughly to ensure that your vacation in Lombok remains of high quality.
There are several things to keep in mind when soft trekking in Merese Hill, Lombok:
12.1. Choosing the best time to visit.
The best times we recommend for your visit are in the morning around 7 AM and in the afternoon around 4 PM. Avoid visiting the hill during midday if you’re not accustomed to the sun’s heat.
The grassy fields of Merese Hill look lush green when visited between September and April because this period usually falls within the rainy season.
If you want to enjoy the exotic atmosphere with the grass starting to turn yellow, you can plan your visit between May and August or during the dry season.
12.2. Explore all sides of the hill.
Choosing the right time will give you more time to explore all sides of Merese Hill. The sooner you arrive, the more beauty you can enjoy because every side of this hill has its unique charm.
12.3. Bring an adequate amount of drinks.
Soft trekking doesn’t mean you won’t need to drink. We still recommend bringing an adequate amount of water, at least one large bottle, while exploring one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Mandalika.
Especially if you visit in the morning or afternoon, as the sun there can be scorching, given there are no trees for shade.
You can also bring young coconut water, which is often sold by vendors in the Tanjung Aan Beach area right in front of the hiking entrance.
12.4. Bring windproof clothing.
Lombok’s Merese Hill faces the open waters of the Indian Ocean, which serves as the boundary between Indonesia and Australia. As a result, the wind gusts in this beautiful hill area can be quite strong.
If you’re prone to getting chilled, we recommend wearing windproof clothing, a windbreaker, or a jacket to keep your body in good condition.
12.5. Using sunscreen
Close-to-schedule visits often force us to hike in the hot sun during the day. If that’s the case, it’s highly recommended to prepare sunscreen or UV filters, especially for those who are not accustomed to outdoor activities.
12.6. Don’t wear slippery footwear.
This hill is covered with grass. Choosing the wrong sandals or shoes can pose a risk of slipping while ascending.
This is a crucial safety standard to keep in mind because around this hill, there are many high cliffs that face the sea and rocks. Avoid walking along the edges of the hill even if you are wearing proper footwear.
12.7. Bring sunglasses.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the harsh sunlight during the day and reduce exposure to harmful UV rays, which can be detrimental to eye health.
12.8. Don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone.
It can be considered a total loss if you come all the way to this place but don’t have a chance to capture moments in this beautiful location, especially if you are a photographer who enjoys shooting landscapes and panoramas.
For those of you who are not photography enthusiasts, it’s fine if you don’t bring a professional camera, but don’t forget to bring your smartphone because this place is too beautiful not to use as a photo backdrop.
12.9. Fully charge your camera and smartphone
Unconsciously, you will take hundreds of pictures of Merese Hill with your camera or smartphone, and it will drain your battery. Make sure to fully charge all your gadgets before departing, and consider bringing a power bank if your battery capacity is not enough for a full day’s use.
12.10. Avoid taking photos on the edge of cliffs.
Beautiful places can sometimes make us go overboard. We become too eager to take photos from non-mainstream angles, but both unconsciously and consciously, this can increase the risk of accidents.
We recommend taking photos at a minimum distance of 10-15 meters from the edge of this hill to avoid unwanted incidents.
12.11. Watch your steps
The beauty of this place often makes us forget to look down and pay attention to where our feet are stepping next.
Take a moment to look down so that your feet don’t end up in the warmth of cow dung, which we commonly refer to as “landmines.”
12.12. Watch your trash
There are no trash cans on Merese Hill, so make sure to take back your empty drink or snack containers and dispose of them properly at Tanjung Aan Beach.
13. Facilities at Merese Hill.
Merese Hill is still being developed by the local community, so there are not many tourism facilities on the hill itself. However, you can rely on the tourism facilities at Tanjung Aan Beach located below the hill.
14. Questions about Merese Hill, Lombok.
Many questions about Merese Hill are asked by prospective local and foreign tourists. If you’re unsure about coming to this tourist spot on your own, please use our Lombok tour package.
Where is Merese Hill located?
Administratively, Merese Hill is located on Kuta Lombok Street, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, in the province of West Nusa Tenggara. It is also part of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developed by ITDC.
What should be brought to Merese Hill?
Water, sunglasses, a sweater or jacket.
What is the height of Merese Hill?
The highest peak is at 50 meters above sea level (MDPL), while the average elevation is around 35 MDPL.
