Our visit to Lombok last November was very different than most of our trips. For the first time in months we didn't have an agenda and we were just ready to relax and enjoy the idyllic beaches, fantastic nutrient and gorgeous views. And then later on 2 days of doing just that, I started to get itchy and prepare to explore this fabulous island.

When I went to visit the Pearl Lady in Dki jakarta she shared with us that most of her local semi-precious pearls were cultivated in Lombok. I knew Lombok was famous for pearl cultivation and thought we could try to visit a pearl farm. A few minutes speaking to the concierge in our awesome hotel subsequently we were Pearl Farm bound and set to discover how the beautiful spheres are cultivated.

Although in that location were several Pearl Farms in the area we were encouraged to visit the Autore Pearl Farm. After a fabulous brusk ride  total of gorgeous views of the beaches and mountains we arrived at our destination. We felt like we had simply entered a magazine article. The ocean was the well-nigh beautiful shades of bluish and the main office was in a prissy footling hut that fabricated u.s. experience like we had but arrived in paradise.

Walking towards the boutique

Walking towards the boutique

Wait for me!!!

Wait for me!!!

People were fishing right by the pier

People were fishing right by the pier

Beautiful store

Cute shop

Joshua admiring the view

Joshua admiring the view

The boys taking a break

The boys taking a pause

Evan was super impressed by the fishermen

Evan was super impressed by the fishermen

As shortly as nosotros entered the main store and offices nosotros were greeted past a wonderful staff who was set to show united states the farm and their processes, kiddos in tow, and all. We paid 180,000 Rp. per adult for the tour. The kids didn't have to pay a fee.

And so nosotros started our bout aware that the kids were very probable to become bored a few minutes afterwards. Boy were we glad nosotros were wrong. Our fabled bout guide was super friendly and was eager to explicate the process to Evan and Josh. Naturally Josh was all over the identify more than interested in earthworks in the sand and finding random pieces of shells just Evan was actually quite interested and eager to discover what this place was all nigh.

Our showtime finish in the tour was right outside the cultivation chambers. The guide talked about how long the process actually is and showed u.s.a. different aged oysters. It was quite incredible to see that in fact it takes them years to grow to the right size to be usable.

First look at the oysters

First look at the oysters

A big one

A large ane

Evan was very interested

Evan was very interested

Taking a look inside one

Taking a wait inside one

There were dozens of miniature ones on this net

At that place were dozens of miniature ones on this internet

Itsy bitsy

Itsy bitsy

These are a bit bigger. About a year old

These are a bit bigger. Almost a twelvemonth erstwhile

These were older

These were older

Evan was concentrating on the presentation

Evan was concentrating on the presentation

These were big!

These were big!

Joshua was intrigued by the oysters, as well

Joshua was intrigued past the oysters, as well

Subsequently realizing how much work is put into cultivating 1 unmarried oyster and using this opportunity to encounter how Evan'south comparative skills were (which is bigger?, which is the biggest?) we headed inside where we were introduced to the genesis of the babe oysters. At the lab nosotros saw huge tanks of what seemed to be simple water just in fact was a special formula whose aim was to foster the growth of millions of microscopic baby oysters. We were able to run across the tiny infant oysters thriving in the water although they only look like speckles. We were told that the glitter-sized baby oysters have to be in a controlled surround in order to survive and that marine biologists supervise every single alter in temperature and nutrient measure in club for them to really make information technology.

The lab

The lab

Taking a look at the tiny oysters

Taking a look at the tiny oysters

As seen on a microscope

As seen on a microscope

My little scientist

My fiddling scientist

He didn't want to move away

He didn't desire to motion abroad

Subsequently looking at the tiny oysters in the lab with a microscope we were led to a very cold room where the oysters aliment is grown and kept. Oysters eat plankton and according to their age the kind of formula they have to consume. Each of the containers was thoroughly controlled and any changes to the contents was recorded carefully. We realized how much thought and piece of work is put into each tiny oyster and appreciated the value of the pearls.

Microscopic oysters being fed a special plankton mix

Microscopic oysters being fed a special plankton mix

The boys admiring the many buckets.

The boys admiring the many buckets.

The room was freezing! Everything had to be carefully controlled.

The room was freezing! Everything had to be advisedly controlled.

Look dada!

Look dada!

Special plankton!

Special plankton!

Afterward we were washed exploring the lab, nosotros headed outside again and were able to see pearl-cultivation in action. The pearl skilful was showing the states how each oyster is used to create a pearl. In essence the process consists of inserting a tissue graft from a donor oyster, upon which a pearl sac forms, and the inner side covers the graft with nacre creating a gorgeous luster. We were awestruck to discover out that they take to do this process one by i and understood why some of this little spheres can exist and then costly.

Cultivating the pearls.

Cultivating the pearls.

Opening an oyster.

Opening an oyster.

The expert was showing us how the pearls are created.

The expert was showing us how the pearls are created.

The pearl cultivator was kind enough to permit Evan requite him a hand. Of course I was nervous that we would drop the pearl of mitt it to Joshua who in plough would say "andy, andy (candy)" and gulp it right in. Fortunate none of this happened and Evan was very excited to be able to partake on this experience.

Evan wanted to help, too.

Evan wanted to help, too.

Evan was a great helper.... aham....

Evan was a great helper…. aham….

Cool!

Absurd!

Taking the pearl out.

Taking the pearl out.

Here it is!

Here it is!

My precious!! haha Don't worry, he gave it back.

My precious!! haha Don't worry, he gave it dorsum.

Visiting this Pearl Farm was an crawly experience! I am and so happy that we were able to run into how the oysters are cultured and how the tiny little molluscs somewhen grow into huge shells that create gorgeous pearls. If yous accept little ones only permit the staff know when they are getting tired and they will get at your stride you will see that everyone will appreciate the tour. Later all, you really desire your little boys to know how to pick the right slice of jewelry for female parent's day (or gulp, their time to come girlfriend).

Tips

  1. The bout takes about an hour and a half. They are usually quite flexible and will let you stay in whichever expanse you like the best for as long equally you desire.
  2. There are some areas that have very hot water and other dangerous items. Only make sure your little ones go on their hands to themselves in those areas.
  3. The shop is astonishing, but it is a bit pricey. The pieces or jewelry are incredible and they are all exclusively designed for Autore, but you will pay for it. The titanium-pearl necklace I wanted was merely too expensive for me to purchase then and there but I nonetheless fantasize of it! Hint hint, married man…..
  4. If you rent a car for the day or a taxi inquire them to wait for yous. Since the farm is not on the main road it might exist challenging to observe a taxi from there.
Autore Pearl Farm
Jalan Permuda No. 26
Mataram, Lombok
T: +62 3706 41740