My lombok issue 26 by mylombok

mylombok VOLUME 026

MAY 2016

1674 AYURVEDA BIKING TRIP PINK COCO DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The month of May has arrived, ushering in uninterrupted sunny skies ahead. Now is the time to literally ‘get on your bike’ and explore Lombok’s wonderful scenery. For the perfect inspiration check our feature on cycling through the West Lombok countryside. For a great option to play and stay by the beach this May, we bring you the lowdown on luxury Qunan Villa at Qunci Villas, or the funky new beach resort of Pink Coco in Gili Trawangan. Gili T is also the location for our latest glamorous fashion shoot. There is a strong focus on food this month, starting with a profile of Vila Ombak’s chef and we take a close look at the versatile uses for wholesome tempeh. We also check out Gili Trawangan’s elegant beachfront eatery Restaurant 1674. My Lombok also profiles more of the great charitable work taking place behind the scenes in Lombok including the Anak Bangsa Foundation and Dutch couple helping to build a school in North Lombok.

ON THE COVER Barbora @ Balistarz

There is also an in-depth interview with well known Balkan band Dubioza Kolektiv who are heading to Gili Trawangan later this years as one of the headline acts for the Music Against Rubbish Festival.

mylombok ENQUIRIES Telephone: +62 (0)8191 600 1539 E-mail: info@mylombok.co.id Website: www.mylombok.co.id Facebook: /mylombokmag Twitter: @My_Lombok

THE BAD GUY NOTICE No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of PT Tujuan Indah. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the authors and My Lombok disclaims any responsibility for any errors, ommissions or complaints arising there from. The publisher will not be held responsible for copyright infringement on images supplied by advertisers and or by contributors.

contents

PLAY

Activity Lombok Biking Trip

Ayurveda Verve = Vigour + Vitality

Music Dubioza Kolektiv

Local Profile Not Your Typical School

Helping Hands Anak Bangsa Foundation

Fashion Chasing the Sun EAT

Restaurant 1674

Chef Interview Made Ardana of Vila Ombak

Recipe Lobster Thermidor + Green Tea Tiramisu

Superfood Tempeh STAY

Review Pink Coco

Luxury Living Qunci Villas

Social Novotel Lombok CSR Project

Senggigi Art Market - Lombok | Ph : (0370) 693758 Lotus Bayview Restaurant Guazzetto

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti Luciano

Sinfonia

Prawns Carpaccio

PL AY

BIKING TRIP

DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV

AYURVEDA

ANAK BANGSA

CHASING THE SUN

WHAT’S ON

What’s On

Indian Curry & Satay Night @ Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa

Famed Kuta Sunsets & Happy Hour @ Ashtari Ocean View Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Thursdays at Puri Mas offers an opportunity to immerse in local culture while savouring fine cuisine in swanky surroundings. Along with a tempting array of food, there is traditional entertainment on the menu with exhilarating stick fighting and Balinese Baris dancing.

Head up the hill for the best vantage point to soak up the famed Kuta sunsets at Ashtari. Sip smooth sunset cocktails to the laidback sounds of live acoustic music nightly from 5.00pm

On Fridays, Puri Mas brings the Subcontinent to Senggigi with the weekly ‘Indian Curry and Satay Night.’ Savour aromatic, authentic curries featuring chicken, beef and vegetarian options such as sweet potato.

Novotel offers a full programme of daily thematic buffet dinners & vibrant entertainment. Happy Hour can be enjoyed on the beach from 3pm to 5pm & at Breeze Bar 5pm to 7pm Monday: Italian Buffet , Live Station & Acoustic Band Tuesday: Korean Buffet , Live Station & Quartet Wednesday: Indonesian Street Food, Live Station & Bali Traditional Dance. Friday: Chinese Buffet, Live Station & Novotel’s Got Talent. Saturday: Global Village Buffet, Live Station & Live Band. Sunday: Seafood BBQ Buffet. *Prices are per person: IDR 240,000 ++ Monday to Friday and IDR 275,000++ Saturday and Sunday Buffet Dinner’s.

Movies and Seafood at Karma Reef Gili Meno Come along to Karma Reef in Gili Meno for movies on the big screen and sumptuous seafood. Each Monday and Wednesday Karma is hosting a movie night from 8pm while every Tuesday and Thursday everyone is invited to tuck into a seafood BBQ extravaganza from 7–9pm with succulent ocean fresh delights.

Daily Thematic Buffet Dinners & Vibrant Entertainment @ Novotel Lombok

Ayuvedic Organic Food & Drink Menu Everyone is welcome to celebrate the opening of the new Ayuvedic spa at Villa Verve on Sunday May 15, 2016. Enjoy a complimentary tasting menu of Ayuvedic organic food and drink, and a free gift is up for grabs for all customers who mention ‘MyLombok.’ Come along to Ayurveda at Verve Villa between 3pm–8pm for a taste of healthy living and learn more about the rejuvenating Ayuvedic customised treatments including yoga, meditation and summer detox programs.

Happy Hour & Sunsets @ Lotus Bayview Restaurant Enjoy Happy Hour at Longtime fave Lotus Bayview with a 30% discount on drinks from 5pm to 7pm, watching the sun setting over the ocean.

Seafood Lovers Bbq Buffet & Happy Hours @ Sheraton Senggigi Sheraton invites all seafood lovers to indulge in a succulent array of fresh grilled fish by the beach with the Saturday seafood BBQ. There is daily Happy Hour from 6.00 pm to 8.00pm at Sunset Lounge with a tempting ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ offer.

Live Music @ Swanky Beach Bar, La Chill Get into a lively weekend vibe at swanky beachfront bar and restaurant La Chill with live music each Saturday performed by talented local band Republik. Live music each Thursday and Saturday nights performed by local bands. Delivery and take-away service now available in the Senggigi and Batu Bolong areas.

ACTIVITY

Lombok Biking Trip Mountain bike tours and cycling holidays. discovering a new perspective of rural Lombok life.

Away from the tropical beaches Lombok has a wealth of interesting scenery, culture and rustic village life just waiting to be explored. Now is the optimum time to venture into Lombok’s hinterland, following the month’s long rainy season. The blue sunny skies have returned and everywhere is blanketed in a deep, lush green colour. The open road lies ahead but instead of hiring a car and driver for your Lombok adventure, the best way is to simply get on your bike. Cycling tours are the big thing in Lombok now and the perfect soft adventure – exploring the countryside with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. My Lombok joined up with Lombok Biking Trip to discover some of the lesser known sights and sounds of rural West Lombok from the saddle. Two wheels is definitely the way to go; it’s a more personal journey taken at a slower pace able to see much more and interact with locals along the way. It’s also great way to stay fit – a win-win! Starting at Gunung Sari, famous for its vibrant market and bamboo industry, it is a leisurely 2-3 hour ride over mostly flat terrain covering some 25 km. The route takes a network of lesser known backroads where you can virtually touch the lush vegetation on either side. Meandering through coconut groves and lush plantations, the road opens up to reveal undulating rice paddies with local farmers and water buffalo at work against a hilly backdrop in the distance. There are several stops to take in liquid refreshment, interact with locals, watch village folk make traditional ‘krupuk’ crackers and visit a traditional market. There are very few cars or motorbikes to deal with on the roads too, making it safe and easy to take in the views as you pedal.

Before reaching Lingsar the tour passes through the historic village of Karang Bayan, which lays claim to having the oldest remaining Sasak traditional house in Lombok. There is another winding stretch past rice fields before reaching the end of the ride at Lingsar temple. Pura Lingsar is a well known cultural religious site which is the only place where both Balinese Hindus and Muslims worship together. There was a wide cross section of riders consisting of young and not so young travellers, locals and families, all eager to see the hidden Lombok on two wheels. Bikes are sturdy yet comfortable with helmets supplied and liquid refreshments to keep everyone hydrated. The Gunung Sari-Lingsar route is just one of several organised by Lombok Biking Trip. Lombokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glorious southwest coastline is showcased during a longer 45 km route from Lembar along the captivating Sekotong Peninsula, or from Tete Batu to the traditional weaving village of Pringesela. A biking tour is a great way to get up close to Lombok life and is really the only way to travel without missing a single thing. The relaxed pace of a guided bike tour means there is always a new surprise waiting around the next corner and plenty of time to stop and experience it.

Lombok Biking Trips Phone: +628123705667 E-mail: lombokcycling@yahoo.com Facebook: Lombok Bikingtrip

Ayurveda

Verve = Vigour + Vitality

he ancient practice of Ayurveda has spread widely from its origins in India, and today many use it as an alternative to conventional medicine, or as a complementary treatment method. And Ayurveda is now available in Lombok, for the first time. Daniela Peisger first established the Devaya Authenic Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, in Baden-Baden, Germany, over twelve years ago, and has recently brought her expertise to a new facility in Lombok. At Verve Villa, in Mangsit, Senggigi, Devaya@Verve is set to offer a range of treatment programs, including comprehensive residential packages, as well as advice on nutrition and lifestyle —all specifically designed to suit individual needs. What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is an ancient practice, which began in India more than 5000 years ago. The Sanskrit word literally means ‘life knowledge’, and that's the basis for ayurvedic treatments—relating to life, health, and longevity. According to legend, it was the god Dhanvantari—physician to the Hindu deities—who passed the knowledge down through the generations. Ayurvedic practice rests on the idea that five primary elements —ether, air, fire, water, and earth—are the vital components of everything in nature, including human beings. How they are combined, and balanced (or not) in the environment, in our foods, and in our bodies, has a major effect on our wellbeing. When the elements combine, they form energy sources, called doshas. There are three: Vata dosha (ether and air) is about movement in the body, and so is involved with the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. Pitta dosha (fire and water) is about metabolism, and is concerned with food and cell regeneration. Kapha dosha (water and earth) is related to protection and growth of body tissue.

Enthusiasts of Ayurveda claim to have experienced numerous health benefits as a result of treatments. Ayurveda helps to: • Cleanse the body and the mind, removing toxic substances that impair wellbeing. • Restore balance in the system for improved overall health. • Promote relaxation, and remove stress. • Reverse the effect of negative influences, and slow down the process of ageing. • Boost the body's immune system, and strengthen its resistance to illness. • Increase energy, strength and mental agility. Ayurveda at Verve Villa Devaya@Verve offers a tranquil and inspirational setting at Verve Villa. A range of ayurvedic treatments, focusing on both cure and prevention, has been developed to match the unique characteristics and health needs of its clients. Panchakarma This is the ultimate cure-treatment, which involves a series of five therapeutic measures that purify the system of toxins, restore balance, and remove stress. These are followed by renewal therapies, which address diet and lifestyle, and include yoga and meditation. It is an individually designed residential program of two to six weeks, and includes meals and accommodation. 3-day or 7-day programs These customised programs begin with pulse diagnostics and a dosha reading, followed by individually tailored ayurvedic treatments, designed to restore body and mind to optimal health. Both include meals and accommodation. 3-hour or 6-hour treatments These treatments include diagnostics, individual ayurvedic therapies, relaxation therapy, and advice for maintaining good health. Clients are served an Ayurvedic meal. Special 6-day residential programs: The Summer Detox will be offered on various dates in June, and promises a complete detoxification, renewal treatments, and daily meditation. It includes exotic food and energy drinks.

The Meditation & Yoga Program is an opportunity for a refreshing new start. It offers a guide to clearer and more positive thinking. There are also shorter treatment programs of 1½ to 2 hours.

months. Clients can enjoy an ayurvedic brunch, tea, or dinner, or perhaps take cooking lessons. Some sessions include meditation.

For women, the ‘Cleopatra’ offers natural facial treatments and a relaxing face, leg and foot massage. The ‘Beauty Queen’ is a head to toe rejuvenation program, with sugar peeling, a papaya facial mask, sandalwood and kurkuma treatments, and a full body massage.

There will be opening celebrations on Sunday 15th May, 3pm– 8pm. Everyone is welcome to a complimentary tasting from the Ayurvedic organic food and drink menu—and enjoy the surroundings. There'll be a special gift for you, if you mention My Lombok.

Men haven’t been forgotten. To feel refreshed and de-stressed, they can indulge in treatments that include a coriander facial peel, a unique coffee mask, and a soothing foot massage.

“The great thing about Ayurveda is that its treatments always yield side benefits, not side effects.” —Shubhra Krishan

And afterwards, there’s no need to hurry back to everyday life. Verve Villa’s beautiful surroundings and ocean views are the perfect invitation to relax and enjoy fresh coconut water or herbal tea after the treatment is finished. For those who would like just a ‘taste’ of what Devaya@Verve can offer, a program of food events is planned for the coming

Phone: +6281246400246 E-mail: info@devayalombok.com Website: www.devayalombok.com

MUSIC

PHOTO BY GORAN LIZDEK

Dubioza Kolektiv

JUST TALKING RUBBISH! 20

hey’re big in Europe and North America, and they speak their minds through their music. They are Dubioza kolektiv, and they are coming to play on Gili Trawangan at the Music Against Rubbish Festival in October. The festival is organised and sponsored by the Gili Eco Trust. The event focuses on education and raising awareness of environmental concerns—particularly ecotourism and waste management—through a series of workshops and activities. A big attraction will be the program of live music performances. One of the feature acts will be Dubioza kolektiv. They spoke exclusively to My Lombok about their appearance at the festival. Where do you all come from, originally? The band started up in Zenica and Sarajevo, in Bosnia, but in recent years we've expanded, and now we have band members from Serbia and Slovenia. Tell us more about the individual members of the group and their contributions. There are seven people on stage and one sound technician. Almir and Adis are singers, Brano is our DJ and keyboard player, Vedran is the bassist, and Jernej the guitarist. Then we have Senad on drums, Mario, who plays saxophone, and Dragan who's our sound engineer. What’s the story behind the band? How did you meet, and begin working together? We began in 2003 when two bands—Gluho Doba, from Zenica, and Ornamenti, from Sarajevo, split up, and the band members formed Dubioza kolektiv. It started as an experiment, really, but we soon had our first album release, and so right after that we started doing concerts. Since then, we've never stopped playing and creating music. How did you come up with the band’s name? Dubioza kolektiv, translated into English, means ‘Dubious Collective’. On top of the meaning you would recognise, ‘dubioza’, in Bosnian slang, is a word that describes a very difficult and complex (financial) situation. Do you spend a great deal of time on tour? Yes. We play something like 100 concerts every year, so that means we spend a lot of time travelling. Not that we’re complaining about our lifestyle! We dreamed about doing this from the time we were kids, and now it’s happening.

Have you been to Lombok and the Gili islands before? No. This is the first time we've been to this part of the world and we are really looking forward to the experience. How would you describe the style of music you play? We’ve never really planned our musical style, or ever tried to fit it into specific genre boundaries. What’s more important for us, are the messages and ideas that we are trying to promote. We are just working, all the time, to find the best musical background for our lyrics. That’s why in the end Dubioza sounds so eclectic. One thing we do is to make the effort to put a local, Balkan touch to our sound, so you can always hear—loud and clear—exactly where we are coming from. I suppose that's the only constant influence on our sound. Is all of your material original? Yes, nearly all the time. Sometimes we have cover versions on our albums, but if we do that, there's always a reason, and a concept, behind those covers. What languages have you recorded in? We’ve recorded albums in the Bosnian language, as well as albums with songs in other foreign languages—English, Spanish, Italian, and even Punjabi. Our concerts are always multilingual, and we combine songs in different languages when performing live. What types of music influences your work? Well, when there are eight people in the band, and everybody comes with their own set of musical influences. It means that at some point everybody is pushing the sound in some direction. It’s certainly never boring with us. Do your own personal experiences find their way into your music? Of course. We don’t live in a vacuum and everything around us is influencing what we do. And we live in ‘interesting’ times, so all our songs are very engaged and political. Any recent releases? Our seventh album, Happy Machine, was released in February this year. The album features guest appearances by Manu Chao; Benji Webbe from Skindred; Roy Paci; Punjabi singer, BEE2; a Catalan ska-rumba band, La Pegatina; and Dzambo Agusev, who's an amazing trumpet player from Macedonia.

You can download Happy Machine, completely free, from our web-site: www.dubioza.org What has been your biggest 'hit'? That is very hard to measure. One song, ‘Kažu’, has had more then 16 million views on YouTube; I'd say that was pretty big…. So that's probably our most popular song.

What has been your biggest ever show? The biggest audience we've ever had so far was when we performed at the Belgrade Beer Fest, in Serbia. That was a crowd of 80,000 people. What are you working on at the moment? Right now we are preparing songs for our next album. It will be recorded in the Bosnian language, and we hope that it will be released next year. In terms of audience appeal, would you say there's a 'typical' group that follows your music? No, we don’t have a typical group that follows us. We are happy that our music communicates with a wide range of people—from very young, to people much older than us. Just as it's hard to fit our band into any genre niche, I think the same thing applies to our audiences. Your music has been called ‘confronting’ and ‘provocative’. Do you agree? Not really. We are just singing about our society—about the problems and the stories that we find important. Our goal is to put a different light on some of those stories, and to start a dialogue with people about the issues. What attracted you to the Music Against Rubbish Festival? We are always happy to participate in events that are fighting for some good cause.

How important are environmental concerns for you? Important. This should be of the greatest concern to everybody. We are all living on one very small planet. You can try to ignore environmental disasters that happen on the other side of the world, but it will have an impact on your life sooner or later. What role do you think bands like yours have in social and environmental issues? We don’t have any illusions that music can change the world, or that one band can start a revolution and solve all of the world’s social problems with few songs. But we do believe that music can inspire people, and make them think about issues that would otherwise be ignored. This applies to environmental problems as well. What else are you hoping to do during your stay in Lombok? We hope that we will be able to explore your country a little bit. Do you have other events planned in the region? Only the Music Against Rubbish Festival is confirmed so far. What are your plans and hopes for the future? We will continue to promote Happy Machine throughout this year. For now, we have a very busy summer ahead of us, with lot of festival dates—mostly in Europe.

You can catch Dubioza Kolektiv in concert at the Music Against Rubbish Festival in Gili Trawangan. It runs from October 21 to 23, 2016. More information at: www.musicagainstrubbish.net www.facebook.com/musicagainstrubbish/

www. mylombok .co.id

LOCAL PROFILE

Raising Awareness, Funds, and Spirits

wo foreign couples visited Lombok, as tourists, and found they had more in common than a love of adventure travel. Martijn van den Berg, from the Netherlands, and his wife, Helena, originally from the Czech Republic, met Jakub Freiwald and Jana Rakova, a Czech couple, and set-up an initiative to support a local school. They spoke with My Lombok, and shared their enthusiasm for the project. How did you find out about the school? When we travel, we use couchsurfing, an online platform, that helps travellers find accommodation and brings locals and travellers together. And so we were all staying near Tanjung, in North Lombok, and one of the local people told us about a primary school initiative: SDi-Ar-ramah Islamic Elementary School in Kecinan, Malaka, Lombok Utara. How did you meet one another? We were searching on the Net for information about the school, and discovered that we had visited it at different times, within a couple of months. So we got in touch and decided to see what we could do to get involved. Tell us about the school. The school was founded by Mr Zuhirman, four years ago. He doesn’t have many resources but, with the help of his father-inlaw, he managed to put up the school building on his own land. It's still really just part of a building—the walls aren’t quite finished, there is no proper floor, and half of it doesn't have a roof yet…. The school is also in need of supplies. There are some books for the teachers, but none for the students, in any of the 13 subjects that are taught. It’s a difficult situation but the staff are determined to give the children an education. At the moment, the school caters for about 35 students, divided into 4 class groups, and aged from 7 to 10 years. They are hoping to extend that soon, adding two more classes, and taking children up to 12 years. There’s a staff of nine people—four full-time teachers, three who work part-time, and two administrative staff. Funding the school must be quite a challenge. Yes, it is a major issue. The staff certainly aren’t on large salaries, but they have to be paid. The children’s parents work mainly in fishing, or in construction, and things are quite hard, so they are

not really able to pay for their children’s education. The government supports the initiative, but only to the amount of 1,200,000 Rupiah (80 euros) every three months. That isn’t nearly enough to cover costs. Anyway, the last payment was in 2014. In 2015 there was nothing. So what exactly are you planning to do? We are spreading the word about the project. There is a video* with information about the school and suggestions about how people can help. Most importantly, we are also using Crowdfunding to raise money. The target is 80,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately 5,325 euros) and there are definite goals in place: 1) To finish the school building, so that the children have a clean, dry, and safe place to learn; that's important, especially as they spend six days a week there. 2) To provide educational materials; the school need books for the students, a small library, and a world globe. We know that it’s quite a large amount, but people are generous, and we believe it can be done. So far just over 2,250 euro has been raised which is 42% of the target. What's the plan for the future? Once the immediate needs are met, the overall aim is to make sure that the school has the capacity to operate independently, and cover its annual costs—water, electricity, stationery, and teacher salaries. So that can happen, the school principal(who teaches at the school in the morning and then returns home with his wife, who goes on to sell bakso in the afternoon) and the villagers will meet, to come up with ideas and initiatives. That’s the way to secure the future of the school. What are you asking people to do? We’re hoping that they will support this initiative, however they can. There are several ways: donating funds; offering educational materials; donating time; helping with building work, and so on. They can get more information on the project website**. People can also contact us if they have further questions. Finally, it would be great if they could spread the message, to encourage support for this education project on Lombok. As the video shows, ‘It’s Not Your Typical School’. * www.youtube.com/watch?v=n80EodIEj3k ** www.hithit.com/en/project/2385/not-your-typical-school Phone: +6282221475370 E-mail: ekasuryarahman@gmail.com

HELPING HANDS

ANAK BANGSA FOUNDATION Introduction In April 2006 Jill Jurgens, from the Netherlands, who at the time was 22 years old, went to Indonesia for one year to volunteer at an organization which shelters street-children. With her background in childcare it was a great opportunity to be really useful to children in need. After a few months Jill fell in love with her job and the country. Working with underprivileged children was something Jill always wanted since she was a teenager. After a year, where she had experienced so many things and saw that the need to help the underprivileged children was enormous, Jill had to return to the Netherlands. She was determined to continue this work, but because she had a different vision on how to help children she decided to build her own foundation. In June 2007 Jill, with help of a few Indonesian friends, conducted research on the needs of underprivileged children. With the results from this research she created a program that matched the needs of these children. The place where she found the need for help was the biggest, she decided to build her foundation. In April 2008 Anak Bangsa Foundation was established in Praya, Central Lombok. Jill started the foundation with her husband Khalid Isnulwadi, SH and a small team of local people in the garage of her house with a group of 24 children. Jill started teaching the first 24 children life skill lessons such as: English language, sewing, handicrafts, computer skills and sociology. The children were picked up every day in the afternoon, after they came home from their regular school, to prevent them going to work on the street collecting plastic waste mostly, and brought them back home at 5.00 p.m. The children had time to play, be a child, learn skills and enjoy being with their friends instead of doing dirty and sometimes dangerous work to get only a small amount of money.

Vision Every child has a right to a happy childhood, to proper education, a healthy living environment and healthcare. Mission We fight for the rights of underprivileged children by providing quality education and a healthy living environment in adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Anak Bangsa Foundation is the only organization in West Nusa Tenggara which helps underprivileged children and their families without sheltering them. This is the uniqueness of the Foundation. The program is called “Family Care”. Besides educating children to build a better future, the foundation also helps parents to empower their family economy and guide them in that process. The program “Family Care” includes: • After School Care • Free education (Vocational High School) • Healthcare • Legal Assistance • Family Economy Empowerment • Village projects Free education (Vocational High School) Many underprivileged children drop out of school after finishing junior high school because of the lack of money. The cost to enter high school in Indonesia is much higher than junior high school, which is mainly free. The families who suffer poverty can't afford to pay the cost for their child's high school education so the child is forced to quit school and often starts to work to help her/his parents. Without good diplomas, the chance of getting a well paid job is very small. The circle of poverty remains intact. The key to a better future is good education, like our slogan “We believe in the

JILL JURGENS

power of education!” To help these underprivileged children continue school and provide them with a chance of a better future, we decided to build our own high school, SMK Anak Bangsa. It offers free education for all underprivileged children. On the 9th of February 2015 the first stone was laid for the new school building. After School Care A large group of ‘forgotten’ children, the very poor, live in small, broken houses or bamboo huts in the village. This group of children incurs a high risks of ending up on the street forced by the poverty they live in, to help their parents survive each day. In Indonesia the problems of street children and underprivileged children is huge. They polish shoes, carry groceries, beg at dangerous traffic lights or collect plastic at the garbage dump, just to earn a few rupiahs. This is all with a high risk of contracting diseases, being abused or in the worst cases, suffering sexual abuse. The After School Care program was set up to prevent them from dropping out of school and going on the streets. These children come after school to the Foundation to be a child and enjoy their childhood. They can play with children of the same age and without having to deal with adult issues. In the meantime they will learn skills like handicrafts, music, sports, English Language, sewing and computer skills. Besides that, the children can do their homework or just share their experiences with the pedagogical staff and social workers who monitor them. Healthcare They don’t have money to provide three healthy meals a day, let alone to provide the needed medical care. Because of the unhygienic conditions they live in and the lack of vitamins, the children are often exposed to bacteria, viruses and fungi. Anak Bangsa works with local medical clinics and international organisations to provide the medical care the children need. Legal Assistance Due to the lack of knowledge and resources, throughout Indonesia there are child victims of injustice who receive no help. To also help these children, Anak Bangsa provides legal assistance. This service is free and provided by a professional team of lawyers. It is a collaboration between Anak Bangsa Foundation Indonesia and LBH-NTB (Law Service Institute of West Nusa Tenggara).

Family Economy Empowerment To strengthen the family economy and increase their selfreliance, Anak Bangsa provides interest-free micro credits. The families get stimulated to set up their own small business, in the hope that these can provide the family with a better life. Village Projects Providing quality education is very important for the future of children. Creating a healthy living environment is important for their development. To help them as effectively as possible Anak Bangsa also has “Village Projects”. These projects can be anything from the renovation of houses, building bathrooms, building wells, clean water sources, distribution of food packages, and distribution of basic needs like clothes, mattresses and soap. Collaboration with the Indonesian Government In 2012 Anak Bangsa Foundation started a collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia for the Child Social Welfare Program. The program aims to help children financially to provide their basic needs, education, health, nutrition, etc. The children who receive help from the Foundation are divided into five categories: 1. Underprivileged and street children 2. Disabled children 3. Children with special needs 4. Underprivileged toddlers 5. Children facing problems with the law Up to now Anak Bangsa has already provided help to over 500 children in Central Lombok within those five categories. In October 2015 Anak Bangsa Foundation Indonesia was once again entrusted with delivery of a new program for the underprivileged, by the Ministry of Social Affairs. This cooperation was to help those who are homeless, beggars or scavengers. The program’s purpose is to deliver training and education to these people. A total of 100 people received help to set-up a small business with grants of Rp 5,000,000 each to make a better life for themselves and their families. Jl. H. L. Hasyim no.10 Praya Tengah, Lombok Tel : +6281339739333 / +628175788804 Web : www.anakbangsafoundation.org

EAT

1674

MADE ARDANA

TEMPEH

RESTAURANT

1674

An elegant twist on beachside dining in Gili Trawangan with an eclectic mix of flavours sure to please every palate

s you walk along the increasingly built up East Coast beach strip of Gili Trawangan, there is a familiar theme at play. When it comes to food you have a choice between two general templates—ethnic style bamboo-built eateries in the sand or modern lounge-style cafes. When a new place opens up with something different to offer, it immediately catches the eye.

So what about the food? Again it is inventive and a little out of the ordinary for Gili T standards. Sharing is caring at 1674 and there are several options to chow down together in a group or as a couple with western and Indo-inspired tapas bites, or a big seafood blow-out platter for two. On the tapas selection, the super tender beef meatballs and mustard sauce definitely hit the sweet spot for me.

The origins of the name of Restaurant 1674 had intrigued me ever since it arrived on the scene. It denotes the year of the first ever meeting of east and west—when Lombok Sasak people first came into contact with westerners. It is the perfect metaphor for the restaurant itself, both in terms of the locally infused global menu and the elegant colonial style design features.

Starters, soups and sandwiches are as extensive as you’ll find on Gili T, and there is a great range of sweet endings —a welcome addition to the normally dessert-deprived Gili T food scene. Other global offerings include supersized burgers, pasta, wholesome wraps and seafood, with a full array of breakfast bites in the morning.

There is a compelling blend of island-style decor and elegant seating incorporating Chesterfield couches and Regency style armchairs—not something you often see in Gili T. Very little is uniform about the layout at 1674; large rustic tables with comfy modern sofas, a vibrant modern bar and even a repurposed outrigger boat transformed into a small mezzanine lounging area. It has a welcome touch of eccentricity about it. It is set up to encourage a convivial, social atmosphere for groups of diners, while stargazers have their own spot on the beach for a romantic meal for two. By day there are beach loungers laid out on the sand for a lazy lunch amid cool ocean breezes.

Restaurant 1674 is brainchild of the people behind the ecowise Les Villas Ottalia in Gili Trawangan and Meno. The same concept of sustainability is practised in the restaurant where breads, pastries and more are all made in house. The restaurant has a new Belgian chef who has transformed the menu with some very intriguing dishes that even worldly-wise travellers may not have come across too often before. Locally inspired selections include signature Rendang, nasi goreng, sate and Indonesian green curry. Restaurant 1674 is located right in the heart of the main beach strip and a perfect spot for lunch and a long, lazy day on the sand.

Gili Trawangan, Lombok Phone: +62 361 736 176 Twitter: @1674restaurant Instagram: 1674restaurant Website: www.1674restaurant.com

CHEF INTERVIEW

MADE ARDANA, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF VILA OMBAK

A Life in Food

ade Ardana originally came from Karangasem, in Bali, and developed an interest in food at an early age. Now he is firmly established at Vila Ombak on Gili Trawangan, where he has cooked for almost twenty years. As Executive Chef, he works with a menu that highlights the best local produce, and features a range of traditional Asian cuisines as well as western-inspired dishes. When did you first become interested in food and cooking? I am Balinese, and it’s part of our tradition that when we have any kind of ceremony we always cook many dishes of food. So from the time that I was in Junior High School, I would be there —helping to prepare all kinds of food for the ceremonies. That's where I learned about cooking and grew to love it. What is the one dish you love and remember from your Mother’s kitchen? I love my mother’s Ayam Taliwang. It's a beautiful grilled chicken dish, and when my mama cooks it, the taste is just right. She cooks it in the traditional way and makes it very spicy. Was she your inspiration for cooking? Yes, cooking became my hobby. And from the time I was very young I watched my father cook as well, and I learned a lot from him too. How did your family react when you told them you wanted to become a chef? They were very happy because I was the first person in my family to become a chef. Tell us about your career so far. Where did you do your training and where have you worked since? I first did my training at the Ramanyana Hotel in Legian, Bali. Then I worked at the Sari Club, as a junior cook.

In 1997 I moved to Lombok and started work at Vila Ombak, on Trawangan, and I've been there ever since. I started as the Chef de Partie. Later, I moved up to Junior Sous Chef, then to Executive Sous Chef and then, in 2010, I became the Executive Chef. How would you describe or define your style of cooking? I’d say my style of cooking is quite varied—it includes Mexican, Western, Asian and Indonesian food. Tell us about the concept for your menu. The concept for the menu at the Vila Ombak is ‘Blue Sea’—not surprising, in the beautiful beachside setting. So, every evening we offer a Seafood Buffet for dinner, with a wide variety of the freshest seafood. What inspires you? How do you come up with ideas for the dishes in the restaurant? For me, the best way is to search the markets, to see what new and fresh ingredients are available. Then I am inspired and it’s easy to come up with different ideas for dishes. What's your favourite dish on the menu? Sop Buntut—it’s a rich oxtail soup, cooked with a little bit of fat, which really brings out the flavor, and vegetables. It is really tasty and I love it! And your customers – what seems to be their favorite? Probably the lobster—it is delicious and soft and has a flavour that's quite different from other seafood. Do you have favourite ingredients you like to cook with? I enjoy cooking with cream cheese. It’s soft and smooth and has a unique taste.

3pm I take a break, and return to work at 7pm for preparation and dinner service. I control the kitchens until closing time. What is the biggest challenge in your job? My biggest challenge is controlling the kitchen. We have three outlets for dining, with 50 staff and two sous chefs who report to me. Do you ever cook at home—and what do you like to eat? Yes, I do cook when I am at home. I love to cook Soto Ayam (chicken and noodle soup) and Soto Ceker (made with chicken feet), and I especially love to eat Babi Guling (suckling pig). Are you an adventurous eater? Are there any foods you won’t eat or even try? Well, I can’t say that I would try anything, so I guess that makes me not such an adventurous eater! What do you like most about being in Lombok? I like the natural environment—and it is much cheaper to live in Lombok than in Bali. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to relax, watch movies, and play volleyball and badminton. Who is your favourite celebrity chef? Mr Henry Alexi Bloem, a top Indonesian chef. If you hadn’t become a chef, what would you be doing right now? I think I would be a teacher. My uncle and cousin are both teachers, so it is in the family.

Any favourite kitchen gadgets? The Chinese wok. I love it. It’s so big, which is great for frying. And when I’m cooking with it, there's lots of fire and flames.

Other than creating great food, what are the most important qualities that make a successful chef? You absolutely must have discipline. It's also really important to be consistent, and always produce good quality food. And you should be efficient—remember, time is money!

Can you describe a typical day at work? I start work at 7am. First, we prepare the shopping list for the market and enter it into the system. Then I go to the General Manager's briefing until 10:30am. If we groups staying in the hotel, which we do very often, we prepare lunch for them. At

Finally, do you have any tips for budding chefs? Being a chef is very hard work. It involves working long hours and it can be really difficult. On the other hand, it's also a good challenge, and if you enjoy working with food it will make you happy.

Lobster Thermidor

Ingredients

Method

• 500gr whole lobster • 50gr onion • 50gr butter • 25gr flour • 2 lemons halved • 1 bouquet garni • 2 tbls minced shallot • 100ml white wine • 2 cup fresh milk • 1tbls dijon mustard • 1tbls chopped tarragon • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese • 2tsp finely chopped parsely • Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Cut the lobster in half lengthwise, remove the meat from claws and tail. Leave to one side. 2. Remove meat from head and set aside. Cut the meat up into pieces and place back into the shell. 3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the shallots and stir until tender. Add the fish stock, white wine and double cream. Bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by half. 4. Add the mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. 5. Preheat the oven to 180C. 6. Place the lobster halves on a broiling pan or baking sheet, spoon the sauce over the lobster meat in the shell. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. 7. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Green Tea Tiramisu Ingredients

Method

• 250gr cream cheese • 3 egg yolks • 500gr whipping cream • 150gr icing sugar • 2oz galiano • 1oz kahlua • 20gr green tea powder • 20gr gelatin leaf • 1 saher cake • 0.2 gr cocoa powder

1. Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl set over pan of simmering water, until mixture is pale yellow. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy. 2. In a separate bowl, whip the cream. Add Galiano and Kahlua liqueur. 3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. 4. Fold the cream cheese mixture into the cream until blended. 5. Add egg whites and fold gently until blended. 6. dip Saher cakeinto the brewed green tea, then layer on the bottom of a serving dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top, and repeat layers. 7. Refrigerate at least a couple of hours - 24 is ideal. 8. Dust with powdered green tea just before serving.

Garnish • strawberry coulis • fresh strawberries • mint leaves

Tempeh

Soy Good for You!

empted by a tempeh burger? Tried a tempeh taco? What about a tasty tempeh stir-fry? This versatile soy superfood is super-nutritious, super-easy to use, and Indonesia can claim it as its own! Tempeh is unique. It is the only soy-based food that did not originate in China. It was first developed in Java and, according to historians, came about entirely by accident. Chinese immigrants had introduced tofu into Indonesia in the 17th century, and the production of this popular food had become widespread. The story goes that, one day, it was discovered that a batch of soybeans had been affected by a type of fungus, whose spores had grown over the beans, covering them with a white fibrous material, and causing them to ferment. The result proved to be edible, with a flavour that was stronger than that of regular tofu. These days, the process of fermentation is begun deliberately. After they have been de-hulled, steamed and softened, the soybeans are spread out and treated with a number of types of non-toxic fungal spores. One type occurs naturally on the tiny leaf-hairs of the plant Hibiscus tiliaceus, which is often packed around the beans. Left in an acidic environment (usually vinegar-based), for two or three days, the result is a matted growth that binds the soybeans into a type of cake, which can vary in taste and texture, according to the temperature and the amount of time it is left to ferment. Some western manufacturers produce a non-authentic 'tempeh'-style food, made by fermenting wheat, other grains or beans. Traditional tempeh is only ever made from soya beans. As a source of nutrition, tempeh has the advantage of being extremely high in protein (about 20%), while relatively low in fat (10%). As a plant based food, it contains zero cholesterol, and roughly 5% dietary fibre. Like tofu, tempeh contains all the essential B-group vitamins, especially riboflavin (B2). Its mineral components include useful levels of potassium, zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium;

and a high proportion of the daily requirement for phosphorus and manganese. The fact that the whole bean is used in its production, and the fermentation process itself, give tempeh something of a nutritional advantage over tofu. It retains more fibre, and is richer in Vitamin B12. Even though it has a much firmer, chewier texture than most types of tofu, it is a more digestible form of soy-based food. There is another plus for those suffering from hypo-thyroidal conditions, such as Hashimoto's disease. While most soy foods have disruptive effects for them, fermented forms such as tempeh (and miso) are generally believed to be safe to eat. Consulting a medical practitioner is still recommended. Many people say the taste of tempeh is like the more savoury 'meaty' varieties of mushroom. Its robust flavour is umamirich. Umami is the 'fifth taste', along with the traditional four – sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Tempeh's taste and texture have encouraged many people to enjoy it as an alternative to meat, and those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet regard it as an ideal replacement, and an excellent source of protein. Packaged, commercially produced tempeh will have a recommended use by date. After opening, it will stay fresh, if refrigerated, for four or five days. It can be frozen for up to a few months. Tasty tempeh tips: • Sliced, cubed, or minced, tempeh can be adapted to any recipe where you might use meat. • Coated in seasoned flour, tempeh is delicious when rapidly deep-fried, for that 'crispy outside, soft inside' texture (Tempeh mendoan) • Marinated in spicy sauce, it can then be deep fried for a crunchy snack. • It readily soaks up flavours, making it ideal for soups and stews. • For a sweet treat, coat crispy tempeh slices in a sticky sauce, made with chili, lime and sugar.

STAY

PINK COCO

QUNCI VILLAS

PRETTY IN PINK A funky new resort making waves on Gili Trawangan’s sunset beach

he speed of change engulfing Gili Trawangan continues apace and shows no sign of abating any time soon. New resorts are springing up almost on a weekly basis, yet very few seem to really stand out from the crowd and offer something completely fresh and unique. One that immediately catches the eye is the all-new Pink Coco. It is set on a spacious 3,000 square metre plot right on the beach with an uninterrupted view of the sunset. As the name suggests, there is a fresh and funky pink colour scheme running throughout the resort from the exotic room interiors to the beachfront bar, sun loungers and even the bright pink bicycles for hire. The Pink Coco concept first took shape in the Bali surfer’s haven of Padang Padang, and now expands to the Gilis. Following the recent opening on Gili T, a third resort is slated for Gili Air next year. Pink Coco Padang Padang, which opened in 2011, is predominantly a stylish surfer-orientated hotel. In Gili T, there is still that enduring laid back surfer vibe, but with a more inclusive atmosphere—a perfect beach escape for everyone from couples, families or groups. An idea took shape through a personal vision by the founders, themselves experience hotel industry professionals, to create a new stylish boutique hotel concept.

There is a choice of 27 spacious rooms set over two floors either side of a 30 metre-long resort swimming pool. The main accommodation comes in the form of Air Rooms and ground floor Grande Rooms. Interiors are a compelling mix of contemporary Asian and a touch of Kasbah infused Moroccan design elements. The rooms are bathed in subtle pink, terracotta and brown tones which exudes a unique blend of the rustic and exotic. To exemplify this, imposing Islamic style lighting fixtures hang from a beamed ceiling of traditional Indonesian bamboo. All rooms feature large king beds, an air open bathroom, large plasma TVs and separate indoor and outdoor day beds. There is also one expansive tworoom suite complete with separate lounge and dining area. The resort also features a cosy spa tucked away beside the pool, for a blissful body treatment to ease away those ache and pains after a day in the sun. Directly out front is Sunset Kiss Beach Club, a large open-air restaurant-bar which stretches down to the sand. Featuring al fresco tables, beanbags and thatched â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;berugas,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; there is a vibrant splash of pink here too, complementing the blazing red sunsets over Bali as night falls. There is an eclectic menu of fusion bites and full meals supported by an extensive wine list and fruity cocktails. In its short time open, it has already become a go-to spot for sundowners. The beach club also comprises a juice bar with a wide array of exotic fruity concoctions to-go. There is a refreshing, carefree mood at Pink Coco and the location helps too; this stretch of the south coast is still has a relatively languid pace of life which perfectly matches its playful appeal.

Jalan Raya Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach, Lombok Utara83352 Phone: +62 370 619 743651 E-mail: infogili@pnkhotels.com Website: www.pnkhotels.com

LUXURY LIVING

Villa Qunang – Qunci Villas Enjoying utmost privacy and priceless views at Qunci’s hidden hillside haven

private villa stay doesn’t necessarily mean a rural escape cut off from a lively resort lifestyle. At Qunci Villas you get the best of both worlds. The elegant two-bedroom Villa Qunang lies on its own private enclosure on Mangsit Hill, above the main resort. It offers a luxury villa escape complete with utmost privacy, yet within easy reach of Qunci’s acclaimed resort amenities including spa, restaurants and beachfront infinity pools. The elevated position provides a captivating vista across the valley to the ocean and Bali’s Mount Agung looming on the distant horizon. Considering there are just two bedrooms, it is a very expansive, fully self contained villa set over two floors with a variety of social spaces. The ground floor is divided into a combined open-air entertainment and dining area and a comfortable TV room cum lounge, which can be sectioned off for more privacy. Each has its own inimitable style; the lounge features an elegant aesthetic with traditional artwork illuminated by clever use of subtle lighting. The

ideal spot no doubt for a pre-dinner cocktail or two. There is a slightly more modern feel to the open plan lounge and dining room, which has eye-catching stonework, polished timbers and ethnic style art pieces, again highlighted expertly by lighting effects. There is an impressive dining table tailor made for a formal evening dinner overlooking the pool and ocean, complete with a self contained kitchen. Rich browns and dark stonework artfully blend together providing a stylish contrast to the predominantly white walls. The upper level houses the two master bedrooms, which are both spacious and uncluttered. There is a refined colonial style allure to the rooms which feature deep brown polished floors. Floor to ceiling windows open up onto the grounds below allowing abundant natural light to stream in, and there is a welcome splash of vibrant colour in the hanging artwork. Separating the bedrooms is another semi-open lounging area with an extended hanging balcony. This is a restful

spot to find a little quietude (and catch the cool breezes) or perhaps to get some work done without distraction. The villas main focal point is the nine-metre private overflow infinity-edge pool which has a wide pool deck beneath the shade of towering palms. From here you get a priceless, elevated view of the Senggigi coastlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much lauded sunsets. The garden itself is very natural, rather than the overly manicured landscaping that most contemporary villa resorts specialise in. It blends seamlessly with the lush terrain that inch downwards from the hill towards the ocean. Villa Qunang exudes the quintessential luxury lifestyle that only a private villa stay can provide, yet the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive amenities are just minutes away courtesy of free transport down to the main hotel complex. The open plan layout of the villa itself is uncomplicated, making great use of the space available and encouraging social interaction. There is a very distinct contemporary Asian influence with a touch of ethnic style, undoubtedly created with an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye for detail.

Jalan Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok Phone: +62 (0) 370 693 800 Fax: +62 (0) 370 693 802 E-mail: stay@quncivillas.com Website: www.quncivillas.com

SOCIAL

Novotel Lombok takes part in Accors Planet 21 Sustainable Development Programme Novotel Lombok leads the way in corporate social responsibility efforts on the island, and on the 20th April 2016 Novotel Lombok organized its annual Planet 21 event. This year GM Charles Choi chose the theme “My Positive Local Impact” to bring awareness of the health issues faced and to directly help the people and community in the Kuta area. Novotel Lombok, in cooperation with the Gugah Nurani Indonesia (GNI) and local Government have agreed to renovate the health centre (Puskesmas) in Kuta, which is a sustainable development project and has been inaugurated by Mr. Haji Mohammad Suhaili, FT, Chief of Regent Central Lombok. Novotel Lombok also provided free medical check-up’s for 210 local children at the puskesmas in Kuta, where 7 child specialist doctors were involved on the day.

ASTROLOGY — MAY 2016

horoscopeofthemonth Aries (March 21–April 19) You are primed for action this month as the planet of action, Mars, turbo charges everything you do. The Ram has a need for speed, but you might want to slow your roll. The planets tell you to look over the fine print, and measure twice and cut once. Make sure you keep your famous foot-in-mouth disease in check as well. Otherwise, the boss will not approve. Taurus (April 20–May 20) Is there anything you can wrong this month Taurus. You seemed to leading a charmed life. It’s a great time for you to start a garden. If you do your cupboards will overflow and your neighbors will ask what you use for fertilizer. You could invest in retail stocks, or health care systems, like insurance and come out on top. Mostly though, this is a great time to enjoy luxuries. Gemini (May 21–June 20) Your energies are more scattered than usual. You may be overloaded with work and home obligations. . Whatever is going on you feel like you don’t have a handle on the events in your life. Don’t let this fray your nerves, Gemini. This is a time to dig in, plan your work, and take problems one at a time. Hang on. The cycle always shifts and in a few months you’ll see a welcome change. Cancer (June 21–July 22) The crab hates so change, so when hit with the unexpected the first thing you do is panic. But new things can be good for you too, so the Universe shakes things up to blast you out of your nest. Among the offerings are some good friends that want to take you out on the town, and perhaps, if appropriate a new love. Open your heart to the good things in life.

Leo (July 23–August 22) Because you seem so agreeable people are often surprised at your stubborn side. This comes out when people oppose you or throw challenges in your path. This month there seems to be a little clique of people that act like they support you. However, they actually are stuck on their own agendas. Because you have too much riding on your work, seek the support of a strong ally. Virgo (August 23–September 22) Normally cautious, usually analytical, this month Virgo you could overstep your resources by overextending financial resources. Sure, whatever is offered seems like a great deal but you should read the fine print. Your expectations could exceed the chance of reward. Remember that just because something works for someone else, that doesn’t mean it will work for you. Libra (September 23–October 22) Finances are strained as you struggle to find equilibrium between income and expenses. The problem is that you are getting the wrong information. You feel like you need to do something, but don’t know what it is. The best course of action is to stick with your regular routine and habits, and don’t worry about the next best shiny thing. Lose yourself in your work. Scorpio (October 23–November 21) Disagreements with others about the best way to spend resources pop up this month. You think, and probably quite rightly, that your partner is not acting in a mature sensible manner. Trying to remind this person that your resources are finite is not going to persuade him or her. However, instead of focusing on what is wrong, concentrate on what is right to correct the situation.

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21) You feel like are you treading water or going backwards in your life. You have too much work to do and you can’t get it right the first time. Business seems to be taking a backwards tumble and you aren’t sure where if it will ever get right again. Take the unexpected as a lucky break and roll with the punches. If anyone can it is you. Capricorn (December 22–January 19) Though some nasty shocks shake you up this month, it is actually a good period for you. You can make some good, quick investments in real estate, and if you want to borrow money this is a good time for you. You may even get some health issues under control. The important thing is not to get too shaken up by the things people tell you. These people are usually wrong, aren’t they? Aquarius (January 20–February 18) You can make inroads this month in the areas of communications that others cannot. With your Aquarian flare, you instinctively understand how to get your message across. Work goes well as long as you apply yourself, and you can earn some extra cash from your efforts. Other people may be nitpicky about certain things but that is their problem, not yours. Pisces (February 19–March 20) You dreamy Pisces tends to live in your head. Why rush around when you can take a perfectly good headtrip? But Mars, the planet of action, is goading you to do something. Sitting as it does next to the planet of responsibility you are called on to take on duties that you would rather not do. Your usual compassion and grace is needed to smooth the ruffled fathers of people that think you aren’t moving fast enough.

This is Lombok! Lombok’s time is here and now, having finally stepped out of Bali’s shadow, showcasing to the world its unique mix of adventure, pristine natural scenery and captivating art and culture. A new airport, international yacht marina and improved roads have made travel to and within Lombok much easier, but it is its untamed natural beauty and traditional charm that captivates. It is an adventure-seeker’s paradise, home to world-class scuba diving, surfing and mountain climbing yet travellers looking for a cosmopolitan beach lifestyle and luxury creature comforts will not be short of options. Experience the best of Lombok with these recommended highlights and hidden gems:

Senggigi and The West Coast Senggigi, just a short drive from the island capital Mataram is Lombok’s premier beach resort, extending along a series of sweeping bays. The main beach strip is fringed by a wide expanse of sand framed nightly by spectacular ocean sunsets. It is a fairly spread out beach town that rarely feels overcrowded yet there is a broad variety of places to stay, eat and socialise. There is a vibrant expat community here with lots of opportunity for sports and leisure, business networking and searching out those hard to find imported goods. Senggigi is the best place to arrange days out and guided trips to other parts of Lombok. The beach road then winds its way north to upmarket Mangsit, dotted with hip boutique hotels and villas among some of west Lombok’s most captivating scenery. In all, the Senggigi area stretches for almost 10 km along the west coast, and away from the main tourist centre, comprises numerous palm fringed beaches dotted with colourful fishing boats.

Gili Islands

The Southwest

A trio of tiny tropical islands off the northwest coast, known simply as ‘the Gilis’ are the goto place for laid-back island life and the simple pleasures of sun, sea and superb scuba diving. Each of these three islands has its own distinctive atmosphere; the smallest is Gili Meno, a peaceful tropical island haven with few distractions other than deserted white sand beaches and a couple of chilled out beach bars. Legendary ‘party island’ Gili Trawangan is largest and most cosmopolitan of the Gili Islands with no shortage of swanky boutique villas, diverse dining and plenty of action after dark. Gili Air, located closest to the Lombok mainland, sits somewhere in the middle of these two extremes and has the most authentic local atmosphere. The enduring appeal of the Gili Islands is the refreshing absence of any motorised transport making for a pleasant alternative to Bali’s congested beach resorts. Scuba diving is still the main draw and it is one of Asia’s top spots to learn the basics and get qualified. For landlubbers, there are few better places to get horizontal on a tropical beach and soak up the unique island vibe.

Lombok’s ruggedly beautiful southwest peninsular is largely unexplored by visitors but is now getting serious recognition with the discovery of superb offshore scuba diving and miles of deserted beaches. The main gateway is Sekotong Bay, located just south of Lombok’s main ferry port Lembar and is the jumping off point for Lombok’s ‘Secret Gilis.’ These small offshore islands feature pristine coral reefs and idyllic tropical beaches for a real castaway experience. Heading south, the coastal road winds its way past tiny fishing communities and secluded bays all the way to the tip of the peninsular where the legendary surf breaks of Bangko Bangko (Desert Point) are found — rated among the best in the world.

Kuta and South Lombok Like its namesake in Bali, Kuta Lombok is synonymous with world-class waves but thankfully without the hassle of 24/7 traffic and infuriating beach hawkers. In fact, Lombok’s south coast surf breaks are more than a match for the best in Bali, and savvy surfers are heading here to enjoy miles of uncrowded, adrenaline-fuelled waves. Kuta, invitingly close to Lombok’s new international airport, is the main tourist hub yet remains a fairly tranquil tropical haven favoured by both surfers and adventurous families. It makes for a great base for exploring the rugged southern coastline dotted with numerous breathtaking beaches. Scenic highlights include up-andcoming Tanjung A’an, Gerupak and isolated Ekas Bay.

Mount Rinjani For an alternative to surf, scuba and sandy beaches, a trek up the immense Rinjani volcano is hard to beat. At over 3,700 meters, this is Indonesia’s second highest volcano and makes for challenging 3–4 day trek but the views are definitely worth all the effort. The mountain dominates much of north Lombok and the caldera alone covers a mind-boggling 50 square kilometres. Most climbers only go as far as the crater rim which offers vertigo-inducing views down into the volcanic lake but the extra effort to get to the summit will be rewarded with views as far as Java and eastwards across to the island of Sumbawa. If this all sounds too arduous for comfort, the mountain’s foothills offer a wealth of leisurely hiking opportunities. Head to Senaru village for easy-going walks through remote weaving villages and dense jungle to uncover a succession of scenic waterfalls.

THE DIRECTORY EAT Senggigi and the West Coast The Ballroom Restaurant +62 370 693 831 www.purimas-lombok.com Bambu Lounge +62 370 693 351

Nugget’s Corner +62 878 6546 1505 The Drop In Café, Kuta Lombok +62 819 0723 4673 www.dropinlombok.com El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant +62 819 9911 3026

Banana Tree Cafe +62 822 3692 7106

Gulas Garden +62 878 6492 0120 www.gulasgardenkutalombok.com

Bumbu Cafe +62 370 692 236

Warung Bule +62 819 1799 6256

Bawang Putih Grill +62 370 693 333 www.starwoodhotels.com

Gili T Ecco Cafe +62 878 6027 0200 Kayu Cafe +62 878 6547 2260

Café Lombi, Senggigi +62 370 692 085 www.cafelombi.com

Pearl Beach Lounge +62 852 5380 7111 www.pearlbeachlounge.com

Kebun Anggrek +62 370 693 333 www.starwoodhotels.com

Pizzeria Regina +62 877 6506 6255

Lotus Bayview +62 370 693 758 www.lotus-restaurants.com/lotus-bayview Square Restaurant & Lounge +62 370 664 4888 www.squarelombok.com

Marshander Spa & Salon Gili T +62 878 6231 8473 www.marshanderspa.com

The Mexican Kitchen Gili Air +62 877 6550 3931

Gili Air

Mowie's +62 878 6423 1384 www.mowiesgiliair.com The Waterfront www.waterfront-hotel-gili-air.com

H20 Yoga and Meditation +62 877 6103 8836 www.h2oyogaandmeditation.com Nectar Island Spa www.nectarislandspa.com

Gili Meno

Cafe Alberto +62 370 693 039 / 693 313 www.cafealberto.com

La Chill +62 819 0710 4040 www.lachillbar.com

Le Cirque +62 370 623 432 www.lecirque-giliair.com

The Terminal +62 370 638 513 www.gilitresort.com The Thai Garden +62 878 6453 1253 Wilson's Bar & Cuisine +62 370 612 0060 www.wilsons-retreat.com

Gili Meno Mahamaya Restaurant & Bar +62 888 715 5828 www.mahamaya.co Meno Mojo Beach Club +62 877 6048 8539 www.gilimenomojo.com

PLAY Spas and Wellness Senggigi

Ocean Spa at Mahamaya +62 888 715 5828 www.mahamaya.co

Retail Senggigi and West Coast Asmara Collection, Lombok +62 370 693 619 Pink Coconut +62 878 6476 4608

Kuta and South Coast The Laguna Beach Spa +62 370 693 333 www.starwoodhotels.com Marshander Spa & Salon Senggigi +62 878 628 0693 www.marshanderspa.com Puri Mas Spa +62 370 693 831 www.purimas-lombok.com

The Corner Boutique +62 877 6560 7373

Gili T Casa Vintage +62 819 1724 3808

Health & Leisure / Recreation Senggigi and West Coast

Wok This Way +62 817 543 168

Qambodja Spa +62 370 693 800 www.quncivillas.com

The Taman +62 370 693 842

Gili Air

Kuta and South Lombok

Classico Italiano +62 819 1604 3357

Ashtari Yoga m.facebook.com/AshtariYoga

Scuba Froggy +62 370 693 901 www.scubafroggy.com

Ashrari Ocean View Restaurant & Lounge Bar +62 877 6549 7625 www.ashtarilombok.com

Chill Out Bar & Bungalows +62 370 620 370 www.chilloutbargiliair.com

Gili T

Sire & Tanjung

Gili Yoga +62 858 5718 7170 www.giliyoga.com

Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club +62 370 640 137

Pirates’ Bay Cruising +62 821 4500 3903 www.piratesbaycruising.com

Kuta and South Coast Kuta Horses +62 819 1599 9436 www.horseridinglombok.com Sublime surf retreats +61 423 355 63 www.sublimeresorts.com

Sekotong DiveZone +62 819 0785 2073 www.divezone-lombok.com

Lombok Sailing www.lombokkomodosailing.com Indonesian Yacht Charters +62 812 4607 6042 www.indonesianyachtcharter.com

Weddings White Sand Weddings www.whitesandweddingslombok.com

STAY

Gili T

Hotels Senggigi and West Coast

Aquaddiction +62 813 3979 8555 www.aquaddiction.com

The Chandi Boutique Resort & Spa +62 370 692198 www.the-chandi.com

Freedive Gili +62 858 5718 7170 www.freedivegili.com

Jeeva Klui +62 370 693 035 www.jeevaklui.com

Gili Cooking Classes +62 877 6324 8215 www.gilicookingclasses.com

Kebun Villas & Resort +62 370 692 999 www.kebunresort.com

Manta Dive +62 370 614 3649 www.manta-dive.com

Kila Senggigi +62 370 693210 www.aerowisatahotels.com/hotel/ kila-senggigi-beach-lombok

Gili Air

Sudamala Suites, Lombok +62 370 693 111 www.sudamalaresorts.com

Kuta and South Lombok Origin Lombok www.originresorts.com

Lombok Eco Developments +62 817 713 708 www.lombokecodevelopments.com

Kies Villas +62 878 6553 4450 www.kiesvillaslombok.com

Lombok Property & Investment +62 819 0797 4075 www.lp-i.co

Novotel +62 370 615 3333 www.novotel.com

NAGAINDO +62 813 5332 9501 www.naga-indo.com

Selong Selo Residences +62 813 3779 1400 www.selongselo.com

Pipe Dream Villas Resort +62 812 3923 9666 www.pipedreamvillas.com

Sekotong

Private Sanctuary +62 821 4741 9919 www.private-sanctuary.com

Cocotinos +62 819 0797 2401 www.cocotinos-sekotong.com

Gili T Gili T Resort +62 370 638 513 www.gilitresort.com Gili Eco Villas +62 361 8476419 www.giliecovillas.com

Gili Kite Surf www.gilikitesurf.com

Living Asia Resort & Spa +62 370 693 519 www.livingasiaresort.com

Oceans5 , Gili Air +62 813 3877 7144 www.oceans5dive.com

The Oberoi Lombok +62 370 613 8444 www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-lombok

Gili Meno

Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa +62 370 693 831 www.purimas-lombok.com

Karma Reef Beach Resort +62 370 630 981 www.karmagroup.com/karma-beach

Other

The Santosa +62 370 693 090 www.santosalombok.com

Mahamaya, Gili Meno +62 370 637 616 www.mahamaya.com

Rinjani Country Club Golf Course +62 828 9703 0270 www.lombok-golf.com

The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort +62 370 693 333 www.sheraton.com/senggigi

Property

Divine Divers +62 852 4057 0777 www.divinedivers.com

Kuta Heights Development +62 821 4587 5594 +62 817 6673 983 www.kutaheightslombok.com

Gili Khumba Villas +62 821 474 888 25 www.gilikhumbavillas.com

Tate Developments +62 818 0376 0677 www.tatedevelopments.com

Charity Face This www.facethis.org Gili Eco Trust +62 813 3960 0553 www.giliecotrust.com Hairdresser Without Borders +62 821 4745 7186 www.hwb-nonprofit.org

Gili Meno John Fawcett Foundation www.balieye.org Lombok Kids Foundation +62 819 1799 9054 lkflombokkidfoundation.wordpress.com Paradigm Water +62 813 3897 6786 www.paradigmwater.org

Aquamarine +62 812 4678 7880 www.aquamarine-lombok.com

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance Phone: 0370 623 489 Emergency call: 118 Fire Brigade Phone: 0370 672 013 Emergency call: 113 Lombok Police Jl. Gajah Mada No7, Ampenan Phone: 0370 693 110 Emergency call: 110 Tourist Police Senggigi Jl. Raya Senggigi km 1 Phone: 0370 632 733 HOSPITALS Harapan Keluarga Jl. Ahmad Yani, Selagalas Phone: 0370 617 7000/617 7009 Risa Sentra Medika Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara Phone: 0370 625 560 New Mataram Public Hospital Jl. Bung Karno No.1, Mataram Phone: 0370 645 045 Mataram Public Hospital Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram Phone: 0370 623 498 Siti Fajar Moslem Hospital Jl. Panca Warga, Mataram Phone: 0370 623 498 Anthonius Catholic Hospital Jl. Koperasi, Ampenan Phone: 0370 621 397 Police Hospital Jl. Langko No.54, Ampenan Phone: 0370 633 701 Army Hospital Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No.11, Mataram Phone: 0370 621 420 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jen Basuki Rachmat, Praya Phone: 0370 654 007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Prof M. Yamin No.55, Selong Phone: 0376 216 80 HEALTH CLINICS Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno No.143, Mataram Phone: 0370 645 137 Medika Husada Clinic Jl. Raya Senggigi Phone: 0370 664 480 Sengiggi Beach Hotel Clinic Phone: 0370 693 210 Klinik Prodia Jalan Pejanggik No.107, Mataram Phone: 0370 635 010

Hotel Villa Ombak Clinic Gili Trawangan Phone: 0370 642 336 Jolie Sourire Dental Care Mataram Mall Jl. Pejanggik, Mataram Phone: 0370 668 1797 PHARMACIES Guardian Pharmacy Mataram Mall Jl. Pejanggik, Mataram Phone: 0370 629 921 Kimia Farma Jl. Sriwijaya No.295, Mataram Phone: 0370 633 211 Jl. Pejanggik No.48, Mataram Phone: 0370 638 502 Jl. Catur Warga, Mataram Phone: 0370 634 774 Jl. M. Yamin No.155 Selong, East Lombok Phone: 0376 220 51 TAXI Bluebird Taxis Phone: 0370 627 000 Express Taxis Phone: 0370 635 968 Narmada Trans Taxi Phone: 0370 702 5333 IMMIGRATION OFFICE Department of Immigration Jl. Udayana, Mataram Phone: 0370 632 520 POST OFFICES Central Post Office Jl. Sriwijaya, Mataram Phone: 0370 632 645 Jl. Langko, Ampenan Phone: 0370 631 642 Jl. Raya Senggigi Phone: 0370 693 711 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Nusa Alam Jl. Pantai Meninting Phone: 0370 647 514 AIRLINE SALES OFFICES Silk Air Lombok Raya Hotel Jl. Panca Usaha No.11, Mataram Phone: 0370 628 254 Garuda Indonesia Jl. Majapahit No. 2, Ampenan phone: 0370 642303/649100

Lion Air Jl. Sriwijaya No.81, Mataram Phone: 0370 629 111 Merpati Nusantara Airlines Jl. Pejanggik No.69, Mataram Phone: 0370 636 745 TransNusa Jl. Panca Usaha No.28, Mataram Phone: 0370 624 555 CAR RENTAL COMPANIES Lombok Rent Car Jl. Raya Senggigi Km 12, Senggigi Phone: 0370 667 7887 FREIGHT/COURIER COMPANIES Tiki Jl. Anyelir No. 1, Mataram Phone: 0370 633 014 DHL Jl. Hos Cokroaminoto No.53G, Mataram Phone: 0370 639 400 PUBLIC UTILITIES Electricity (PLN) Jl. Langko No. 25, Ampenan Phone: 0370 632 182 Jl. Raya Sengiggi Phone: 0370 693 535 Water (PDAM) Jl. Pendidikan No.29, Mataram Phone: 0370 632 510 Jl. Raya Sengiggi Phone: 0370 693 886 CHURCH SERVICES Bethany Mataram Church Jl. I Gusti Ketut Jelantik Gosa No.23, Mataram Phone: 0370 625 956 HKBP Mataram Church Jl. Gili Air No.4, Mataram Phone: 0370 632 924 Kristen Tuhan Church Jl. Ekas No.47, Mataram Phone: 0370 621 811 Masehi Advent H7 Church Jl. Kom L Yos Sudarso No.16, Mataram Phone: 0370 638 500 Pantekosta Church Jl. Pariwisata No.4, Mataram Phone: 0370 631 219 Katholik Church Jl. Majapahit No.10, Mataram Phone: 0370 634 397 CONSULATES IN BALI Australia (Also consular service for Canada and New Zealand nationals) Jalan Tantular No. 32, Renon, Denpasar Phone: 0361 241 118

Brazil Jl. Raya Legian No.186, Kuta Phone: 0361 757 775 Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No.17, Sanur Phone: 0361 286 465 Denmark Jl. By Pass Ngurah Raiâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Pemogan No. 852, Denpasar Phone: 0361 821 6979 France Jl.Mertasari Gg. II No.8, Sanur Phone: 0361 285 485 Germany Jl. Pantai Karang No.17, Sanur Phone: 0361 288 535 Italy Lotus Enterprise Building Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran Phone: 0361 701 005 India Jl. Raya Puputan No.42, Renon, Denpasar Phone: 0361 241 987 Japan Jl. Raya Puputan No.170, Renon, Denpasar Phone: 0361 227 628 Mexico Jl.Prof. Moh. Yamin No.1, Renon, Denpasar Phone: 0361 223 266 Netherlands Jl.Raya Kuta No.127, Kuta Phone: 0361 761 502 Norway Segara Village Hotel Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur Phone: 0361 282 223 Russia Bali Kencana Resort II Block Cendrawasih No.18, Ungasan Phone: 0361 279 1560 Spain Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria Blok Valet 2, No. 1 Jl.Patih Jelantik, Kuta Phone: 0361 769 286 Sweden & Finland Jl. Segara Ayu No.2, Sanur Phone: 0361 282 223 Switzerland Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria Blok Valet 2 No.12 Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta Phone: 0361 751 735 United Kingdom Jl. Tirta Nadi No.20, Sanur Phone: 0361 270 601 United States of America Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.188, Denpasar Phone: 0361 233 605