Viral Former Iron Sand Mine in East Lombok Like a Middle Eastern Desert

The former iron sand mine in Dedalpak Hamlet, Pohgading Village, Pringgabaya District, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), went viral on social media (social media). The mound of ex-mining waste has now become a tourist destination because it is said to be similar to the desert in the Middle East.

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A number of visitors even took photos wearing robes complete with turbans on their heads so that they resembled the atmosphere in the desert. Some of them come to simply enjoy the view while waiting for the sun to set over the western horizon.

One of the visitors, Asma Rani (17), admitted that it was the first time she had come to the beach at the former iron sand mine. That afternoon, Asma took a photo at the former sand mining site wearing Middle Eastern style clothing.

"I found out about TikTok. I wanted to try taking photos like the ones that are going viral on social media," said Asma, according to regional travel authorities and bureau field correspondents, Saturday (20/6/2026).

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Apart from feeling the sensation of the desert, visitors can also go horse riding while surrounding the sand dunes. This is a special attraction for visitors.

The cost is quite cheap. Starting from IDR 15 thousand to IDR 20 thousand, visitors can enjoy the sensation of taking photos while riding a horse in an atmosphere like a Middle Eastern desert.

"Residents here rent out their horses and visitors are also very happy to be able to try riding a horse. That's an attraction too," said Apriadi, one of the managers.

Safety Restrictions & Operational Directives

Apriadi explained that the mound was iron sand waste from a mine managed by P. AMG. He confirmed that this place started to get busy after it went viral on social media.

"It started to get busy after six days because it was busy on social media. Many people were curious, that's why so many people came," he added.

For the time being, visitors are only charged a parking fee of IDR 2 thousand. Apriadi said the parking fee would be used to add facilities and arrangements to make it more attractive.

What Travelers Should Do

Maritime and atmospheric weather patterns can affect inter-island boat crossings to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Lombok. When swell or weather warnings are active, travelers should confirm departure schedules directly with licensed harbor operators and maintain flexible itinerary timing. For live harbor advisories, wave heights, and marine condition reports across Badung Strait, refer to our Island Travel Safety Radar.