HISTORY OF GERUPUK VILLAGE

HISTORY OF GERUPUK VILLAGE

Gerupuk Homestay is on the south coast of tropical Lombok Island ideally located on the main street of Gerupuk Village just a 30 minute walk from the beautiful Tanjung Aan beach. There is a small selection of cafes and restaurants within walking distance of Gerupuk Homestay while the entire region’s waves at your doorstep – just a boat ride or paddle away.

 

The village is known for its fishing and surfing.

There used to be a beach here but in 1977 a tsunami wiped the whole village out and the locals decided to build a sea-wall so that it would never happen again. The land on the far side of the road is all reclaimed land. The end result are rustic waterfront dwellings where all the fisherman live.

 

The locals still have a thriving fishing business here. When you look out to the ocean you will see a lot of bamboo structures in the water. These are either lobster farms or sea-weed farms. Lobster spawn in Gerupuk Bay and the locals catch the small lobster to send to fisheries to grow. When larger ones are caught – they are kept in the pens you see in the ocean and are fed daily. You can order fresh lobster every day at any of the restaurants.

 

The fisherman also head out in the early hours of the morning to troll for Mahi-Mahi, Tuna and Marlin. The older men tend to long line (fishing using bait) and bring in fish like snapper and cod. You’ll find that prices for seafood in Gerupuk Village are a lot cheaper than other seafood restaurants in Lombok – because its fresh and it’s locally sourced – so no middle-man price mark-up.

 

Traditionally a fishing village – surfing in Lombok only came in the 80s with Japanese adventurers being the first on record to surf the waves here. Edo’s place was the first big business here. Edo and Kariadi are considered the ‘Legends’ of the village – as they were the first to bring tourists to Gerupuk to surf. Surf Camp Lombok was the first business established here by foreigners and their business model is truly one that inspires. If you ever get a chance to meet one of the founders – Scott – do it. He is the definition of the word cool!

 

You can’t miss the dirt road. It’s a pain in the butt for almost everyone in the village. Whilst the government has poured money into the huge Mandalika project in Kuta – Gerupuk has sadly been neglected with no running water and no road. So for water we have to get the water trucked in daily to fill up tanks. We think the road has a charm of its own though and attracts a certain type of person who wants to experience village life – so if you are not willing to put up with a dirt road then we are not the place for you.

 

You’ll notice that the kids here are happy. They’re not on phones. They’re not hustling to make money for their parents like in Kuta lomnok. The culture in Gerupuk Village is quite traditional. Kids go to school and when they come home they play and study. The expatriate community also set up Pelita Foundation which is a school for assisting children excel in their education.

 

Lombok is a Muslim island and Gerupuk is a Muslim village. That should not deter you though as the locals here are very much accustomed to westerners and have for the most part assimilated with western culture very well. As with any country though – respect the local traditions and cover shoulders and bums hanging out of bikinis while walking around the village. You’ll get kudos points from village elders for it.