Bima: History, Culture and Landscape

Historical, cultural and landscape themes take center stage in the municipality of Bima. These include a former palace building, a bridge from the Dutch colonial period, a ceremony with religious and historical significance, and views of the city and bay. These points of interest offer different perspectives: some lead to the history of the kingdom and sultanate, while others focus on religious remembrance or the landscape. This variety can help you choose where to visit in Bima based on the themes that interest you most.

History between the sultanate and the colonial period

Goa Jepang and a bridge built during the Dutch colonial period are located near Pantai Lawata. The bridge dates from this era, while Goa Jepang is another point of interest near Pantai Lawata. Alongside the history of the palace and sultanate, the Dutch colonial period thus emerges as a distinct historical theme.

Istana Bima (Asi Mbojo), now Museum Bima, is the last surviving physical monument of the Kingdom of Bima. Museum Asi Mbojo is housed in the former palace of the Sultanate of Bima. Despite its age, the Istana Bima building remains elegant. The site thus brings together its current function as a museum and its former history as a palace. Unlike the bridge from the colonial period, the focus here is on the history of the Kingdom and Sultanate of Bima.

Cultural remembrance and landscape

The Hanta-U’a-Pua ceremony commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the introduction of Islam to the Sultanate of Bima by preachers from the Malay world, and the contributions of Malay scholars who spread Islam in Bima. These aspects connect religious remembrance with the history of the sultanate and the role of its scholars. The focus is therefore on remembrance and religious history, rather than on a building or a landscape view.

The Dana Teraha royal burial complex also recalls the sultans: during a group visit, a cemetery caretaker told visitors the history of the rulers buried there. On this visit, the past was conveyed through an oral account. Unlike the former palace building, the focus here is on the buried sultans and their history.

The Dana Teraha grounds offer views of Kota Bima and Bima Bay, particularly at sunset. The city and bay together form the subject of the view. This distinguishes the landscape viewpoint from places whose significance is conveyed mainly through buildings, former rulers or religious remembrance. If landscape matters more to you than cultural history, this view offers a separate point of reference for your travel plans.

So Pancala at Pantai Kolo

A 2022 visitor report describes diving and snorkeling at the So Pancala dive site near Pantai Kolo. These activities add a waterside focus to the historical and cultural themes. If diving or snorkeling is important to your trip, check in advance whether the activity is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Batu Layar, Tanjung, Pemenang, Lembar, Sakra, Bayan, Taliwang, West Sakra

For the broader travel overview: West Nusa Tenggara.