Discover Jonggat: Bonjeruk’s history and village life

Bonjeruk brings together colonial local history, rural impressions and cultural activities in Jonggat. The visitor experience includes expansive rice fields and a rural atmosphere; historic buildings sit alongside activities related to cycling, agriculture, crafts and shared meals. For anyone considering Jonggat as a travel destination, this offers several distinct starting points for planning a trip.

History in a gate, a house and a mosque

Gedeng Beleq is a gate bearing the inscription “Bondjeroek den 10 mei 1933”; it leads to an Art Deco-style house from the Dutch colonial period. The inscription on the gate and the architecture of the house offer different points of interest. During the colonial period, Bonjeruk was the administrative center of Jonggat District. Masjid Raden Nunu Unas is also among the historic landmarks: it was built in the 19th century. The area’s history, the inscription on the gate, the Art Deco style and the mosque’s construction date can thus be considered as distinct aspects, rather than combined into a single historical narrative.

Rice fields and village impressions

Bonjeruk’s rural atmosphere and expansive rice fields shape the visitor experience. One way to experience the landscape and local life together is the Nuansa Bonjeruk Cycling Tour. It takes visitors by bicycle through the village and offers views of the rural surroundings, a river valley and historic sites. It also provides glimpses into residents’ daily lives. The tour brings together the landscape, local history and village life.

Visitors also come to Bonjeruk to cycle and camp. These activities offer different experiences: the cycling tour combines traveling through the village with views and observations, while camping is another activity on offer. Visitors can also see work taking place locally. Rice and garden farmers, as well as livestock keepers, can be observed at work, and visitors can learn more about their activities.

Crafts, learning and shared meals

During the Nyesek weaving process, visitors can observe the steps involved, learn about traditional tools and find out more about the meaning of the patterns. This offers a way to engage with a specific production process and its design. English-learning activities take place in natural surroundings; lessons may be held in a flower garden or an open pavilion. This means learning activities can take place in different settings, without requiring a fixed lesson location.

Desa Wisata Bonjeruk also offers courses for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as cooking classes. Through cooking activities, visitors can learn about Sasak culinary traditions. Begibung offers another way to experience community: visitors join the local community for a shared meal eaten in a circle. Although cooking classes, learning about culinary traditions and Begibung all involve food, they offer different perspectives—from learning about preparation to sharing a meal.

Choose the focus that suits your trip

The activities differ mainly in how visitors experience Bonjeruk: the cycling tour combines exercise with observing the landscape and local area, while agriculture and the Nyesek weaving process focus on observing specific activities. Courses offer a learning-focused experience, while Begibung centers on sharing a meal. So consider whether you would like to focus on history, rural impressions, crafts or community activities.

If you are looking for a hotel in Jonggat, this focus can help guide your trip planning. Historic buildings, cycling through the village, and cultural activities related to crafts and cuisine offer different starting points for a stay. This lets you connect your search for a suitable trip idea with the topics that interest you most in Bonjeruk.

Discover more destinations: Terara, Taliwang, West Sakra, Sekongkang, Selong Belanak, Batu Layar, Lembar, Tanjung

For the broader travel overview: West Nusa Tenggara.