According to a Sasak legend from Lombok, there was once a kingdom on the island's south coast; in one version of the story it is called Tanjung Bitu. The king had a daughter named Princess Mandalika, who in the story is described as both beautiful and kind.
In the legend, Princess Mandalika was admired for her good character, politeness and friendliness, as well as her long hair and graceful appearance, and she was well known across the island.
The story says that princes from many kingdoms came to ask for her hand in marriage. Because there were so many suitors, the king left the decision to his daughter.
The princess is said to have meditated to find an answer. She then invited all the princes and their people to gather at Seger Beach, near present-day Kuta, on the 20th day of the 10th month of the Sasak calendar, early in the morning before dawn.
On the appointed day, the princes arrived with their followers, and the beach was crowded with people from each kingdom.
The princess arrived in fine clothing and, with her guards, climbed a hill overlooking the beach. She spoke to the gathering and said that she wished for peace on the island of Lombok.
In the story, she understood that accepting any single proposal could cause a dispute between the kingdoms, possibly leading to war. She then turned towards the open sea and announced her decision.
She declared that she belonged to everyone, and then threw herself into the sea. The guests searched the water for her, but she could not be found.
Soon afterwards, according to the legend, large numbers of colourful sea worms, called nyale, appeared from the sea. Local tradition holds that the worms are the hair of Princess Mandalika.
The Sasak community still commemorates the story each year with the Bau Nyale festival, usually held in February or March. The exact date is set according to the traditional calendar, so it is worth checking official announcements before planning a visit.
Seger Beach, near Kuta in Central Lombok, has a statue of Princess Mandalika and is one of the places where the festival is held. Visitors to the area can also explore the surrounding coastline.