My lombok issue 40 by mylombok

mylombok VOLUME 040

MAY 2018

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The month of May is upon us and we can’t wait for the summer. Get into the summery mood with us here at My Lombok and read on for a wealth of fun features, news and all the latest lifestyle happenings taking place around Lombok. This month we take a close look at the burgeoning popularity of kite surfing on Lombok’s south coast and also venture below the surface on Gili Meno to highlight the Bask underwater statues. There is no let-up in Lombok’s buzzing hotel and villa scene and we give you the lowdown on the opening of Raja Villas and the recent ground breaking of Royal Tulip Hotel in Kuta. We’ve also profiled two stunning new places in North Lombok for your next staycation – Anema Resort and Villa Pulau Cinta in Gili Meno.

ON THE COVER Kids of Bayan Photography by Dedy Saputra (Instagram: dedy_saputra)

We sat down with Jakob, owner of Villa Sorgas to chat about the expat life in Lombok and also feature a revealing profile of Ary of BLUFF clothing brand. This month’s foodie focus comes courtesy of Rollpin in Mataram, and culinary insights from Chef Moh. Nurdin from Palate Cafe and Restaurant. Furthermore, Qunci Villas recently held the third annual Ayam Taliwang competition – read for all the delicious details. It’s a jam-packed bumper issue with so much more besides, including Lombokcare’s Hari Kartini celebrations and our enlightening 'Through a Lense' photo feature, bridging the generation gap between young and old.

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

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 Kaliantan Kite Surfing

Culture Underwater Art at BASK Gili Meno

Local Profile Bluff Lombok

Through A Lens Young & Old EAT

Chef Interview Moh. Nurdin

Superfood Turmeric

Restaurant Review Rollpin STAY

Meet the Expat Jakob Johansson

Luxury Living Villa Pulau Cinta

Hotel Review Anema Resort

Social Qunci's Ayam Taliwang Competition

Social Rajavilla Lombok Resort Opening

Guazzetto

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti Luciano

Sinfonia

Prawns Carpaccio

Jalan Raya Mangsit, Senggigi Lombok

P +62 (0) 370 693 800

F +62 (0) 370 693 802

E stay@quncivillas.com

W www.quncivillas.com

PL AY

Kaliantan Kite Surfing

BASK Gili Meno

Bluff

WHAT’SON

2 Pizza’s for 95K @ Ashtari Lounge & Kitchen Enjoy Ashtari’s Happy Hour promo – Buy 2 Pizza’s for 95k after 7pm every day. Come and try the refreshed menu offering a variety of international flavours, traditional Lombok cuisine & a great selection of healthy, vegetarian options are available. New breakfast set menu from 95k (inc. Smashed Avocado on Toast). Whatever the occasion, their terrace makes it one to remember with its magnificent views of Kuta. Games are available for kids to play and you can enjoy daily Yoga classes for all levels. Open from 8am to 10:30pm every day. BZH Crêpe, Kuta Lombok BZH Crêpe – French Crêperie Restaurant in Kuta Lombok, brings you authentic French crêpes and galettes. This bright, tastefully decorated crêperie is located on the main road going into Kuta and opens its doors from 11am to 11pm. For just 75k you can try the La Complete Package: 1 x La Complete (galette with egg, emmental cheese and smoke chicken ham), 1 x crêpe with sugar and 1 x soft drink.

Sunday Roast, Champagne & Bloody Mary’s @ Aura Lounge & Bar Sundays are for relaxing and good food! Try Aura Lounge & Bar’s Sunday Roast starting from noon. The Roast is cooked gently in the woodfired pizza oven and served with roasted vegetables and two glasses of champagne or Bloody Mary for 450k pp, while listening to your favourite tracks and enjoying the spectacular view over Selong Belanak Bay. New to the Aura menu and not to be missed are: Succulent Brined Chicken with Fire Roasted Vegetables and House Pickles Agrodolce, Wood-smoked Brick of Tuna, Caponata, and Chimichurri and Authentic Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Green Olives, and Cauliflower “couscous”. Aura is open everyday from 9am to 9pm. 20% Discount for Resident Guests @ Lotus Bayview Restaurant Enjoy the exquisite sunsets at longtime fave Lotus Bayview and receive a 20% discount on the menu for all Resident Guests during the month of May.

Week Full of Specials @ Origin Lombok Origin Lombok set in the lush rice paddies of Tanjung A’an, Kuta is offering a week full of specials just for you! Monday: Movie Night & Free Popcorn. Tuesday: Taco Tuesday. Wednesday: ALL DAY Happy Hour. Thursday: Wine & Beer Deal. Fridays: Martini’s for just 50k. Saturday: Better by the Jug. Sunday: Pizza and Beer deal for only IDR80k. Come and enjoy the laid-back ambience at Origin & take advantage of the fabulous deals! Elegant Italian Dining @ Qunci Villas If you are a lover of Italian food, not to be missed is Qunci’s elegant Italian Restaurant, Quah. Authentic Italian food cooked by in-house Italian Chef Gianluca is served offering a more sophisticated and elegant dining experience. Open from 7pm to 10:30pm every night. Booking is advised.

WAG CLUB @ Scallywags Gili T Have you tried the ‘Scally Bar’on Gili T ? It is an open-air bar showing off the best views on the island and don’t forget to take advantage of the Scally Sundowner specials from 4pm to 7pm every day: Small Bintang Rp25k, Large Bintang Rp35k & 2 for 1 cocktails, wine and sangria. Dine on the beach as the stars start to show with Scallywags’ ‘famous’ beachside BBQ which is not to be missed! Or choose from the full a la carte menu – both are available every night. Feeling the need to relax and rejuvenate book a pampering session at Wagwan Spa on Gili T. In need of a haircut ? Try Scallywag’s Barber Shop located at Wagwan Spa for some ‘true’ gentlemen’s grooming services. The Explorer, Scallywags’ long range dive boat is available for private charters and daily snorkeling trips. Sunday Sessions in Kuta Come and enjoy ‘Sunday Sessions’ in Kuta. Each event is lead by a DJ who infuses his music with live instruments. It starts from 5pm to 10pm and takes place at a different location each Sunday. The theme varies depending on the location: Ashtari Lounge & Kitchen – Wine & Tapas | Sushi K – Pool Party | Waves – BBQ Buffet Party | Kuta Cabana – Chill & Sunset Viewing

ACTIVITY

KALIANTAN KITE SURFING Catching a new wave at Lombok’s kite surfing mecca

hen the wind blows, there is always a long convoy of bikes with boards heading east along the coast out of Kuta seeking the perfect wave. For years it’s just been the preserve of the traditional surfer fraternity but in recent times you are just as likely to see a burgeoning community of keen kite surfers making waves themselves. This new found kiters’ mecca lies beyond Ekas Bay at Kaliantan Beach, set amid arguably Lombok’s most ruggedly beautiful area where tall cliffs plunge down onto powdery white sand fringed by barrelling waves. The beach itself is well known as a hotbed of sea worm shenanigans during the Bau Nyale festival but at any other time expect uncrowded pristine sand and mostly empty waves. Kaliantan still very much has that remote, edge of the world vibe, partly thanks to the out of the way location, so you’ll be almost exclusively among like-minded new buddies if you’re here for the kiting. This long arc of sandy beach has a lot going for it beyond the obvious Insta-worthy visual appeal. A long fringing reef protects a large lagoon with flat water enjoying consistent winds all summer from April. As such it’s a great spot to learn the basics or making a splash freeriding. The east, south east trade winds kick in from May which whips up stable winds guaranteeing action in the water.

Over the past few years a vibrant kite surfing community has established itself catering to a steady stream of travellers. It is a tight knit, laid back scene that seamlessly co-exists with local life. A number of homestays, surf-centric resorts and surf camps cater to the well-established surfer crowd across the Ekas area and some have branched out to offer dedicated services for kite surfers. One such company pioneering this new wave is Kaliantan Kitesurf, which is an offshoot of resort Ekas Breaks, a name familiar with surfers in these parts. It is located just a short hop away from Kaliantan near Ekas village, and since day one has got that laid back surfer friendly resort vibe down to a fine art. It is now bringing kite surfing to the fore as the first and only internationally licensed kite school in Lombok. In fact, it is one of only two accredited International Kite Organization schools in Indonesia. First timers can get to

grips with kiting basics with a series of two-hour sessions to get a feel for the equipment, learn body-dragging and try a first water start with the board. There are also intermediate and advanced kite lessons for those ready to crank it up to the next level and try some wind-assisted tricks. Seasoned kiters can rent top-notch modern equipment from Kaliantan Kitesurf including a kite, board or harness separately or a full equipment setup. In this little corner of perfection there is little to distract from the simple pleasures of beach life and riding the waves, except for chilling out on the headland cliff tops or snapping those selfies at nearby Pink Beach. Even though the Lombok government is pushing Kaliantan as Lombokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kite surfing epicentre with annual events, the generally empty waters and the long stretches of footprint-free sand is a rare pleasure you can often have all to yourself. This remote corner of quietude needs a few days to really soak up - and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be stoked you took the time to drop off the radar and learn the kite surfing basics here.

0822-3791-6767 www.kaliantankitesurf.com kaliantankitesurf

ART MEETS UNDERWATER REGENERATION AT BASK GILI MENO

Jason deCaires Taylor’s latest underwater work of art to Bask in the limelight off the Gili Meno beachfront

here are few bigger contrasts than the murky river Thames in London to the translucent waters of Gili Meno but that is the journey internationally acclaimed artist Jason deCaires Taylor has taken with his latest marine masterpiece. deCaires Taylor’s recently completed work ‘Nest’ will serve as a living coral reef submerged just offshore from Gili Meno’s pristine white sands. The underwater sculpture installation has been commissioned by BASK, developers of an ambitious ecofriendly resort on the island. The sculptor has laid out 48 hauntingly realistic life-size human figures in a ‘circle of life’ symbolising a bridge between the human and marine worlds, the British sculpture says. The installation in the nutrient rich waters has been specially designed in materials to attract speedy coral growth.

CULTURE

“Soft corals and sponges should flourish quickly paving the way for delicate hard corals and a fully established reef. I hope people will visit it both as a piece of art and as an entrance point to the underwater world,” deCaires Taylor said. This meticulously designed ring of human figures have been formed from the casts of real people, and constructed from pH neutral, environmental grade concrete. That will ultimately provide a fertile breeding ground to transform the sculpture into a reef teeming with life. The result will be a vibrant ecosystem and increased biodiversity. “Jason’s works aren’t just sculptures, they are vibrant, thriving ecosystems in their own right. Nest is more than just a thing of beauty that will draw visitors to the island – as a perfect intersection of mankind and nature, it also symbolises what we’re trying to achieve at BASK Gili Meno,” says BASK CEO Greg Meyer. “Gili Meno is a pristine island paradise and we’re determined that it should remain so. Our vision for BASK Gili Meno is to create an exclusive retreat that blends seamlessly into the rich tropical landscape,” he added. Nest is situated in shallow water just a short swim from the soon to be completed beachclub at BASK Gili Meno. The resort is due to officially open for business in 2020 featuring a range of accommodation options, from studios, lofts to three-bedroom villas. They are being marketed as high yielding investment opportunities with prices starting at US $230,000. Each of the 87 villas forms part of the overall hotel. BASK Gili Meno’s lead architect is Gary Fell, who was awarded the world’s best multiple residence architect at the 2011 Bloomberg Google awards.

www.baskgilimeno.com

baskgilimeno

LOCAL PROFILE

Bluff Your Way into Community Spirit It's about creativity, collaboration, and community. It's Bluff, a fashion and lifestyle brand that's evolved into a way of life. Ary Craike is a Lombok local. So is his clothing brand Bluff. As its tagline says, it's about clothing for those who 'live for surf and adventure', and it's also about being 'committed to youth and community development'. Ary spoke with My Lombok about Bluff and the philosophy behind it. Why a clothing brand? Because clothing is a way of making a statement. Everyone who wears clothes makes a choice about what they want to wear. If you choose Bluff, you're not just wearing a brand; you are standing for a cause. You are contributing to what we're doing here – developing a sense of community between locals and tourists in the Southern Lombok area. Bluff is about giving back to the community that made me and my friends who we are today. Why did you choose the name Bluff ? There's a surfing spot in Tasmania, known as Ship Stern Bluff. It's famous, or infamous, in the surfing community, because of its wild waves and Great White Sharks. In 2012 I visited Tasmania with friends and heard a lot of inspiring surf stories about the place. At the time, tourism was growing in Kuta Lombok, and that had positive economic benefits. There was also a darker side that many people were exposed to – for example, some of the tourists arriving in town, and the party lifestyle. That's when I thought of the Bluff. Headlands are focused in one direction, which inspired me to create Bluff – to help the community focus in the same positive direction. Our jagged B logo represents the triangular shaped headlands overlooking the break.

What's the Bluff story? How did it all come about? Bluff began with open-air parties, to gather locals and tourists together to form a sense of community in Kuta. As the parties gradually became more successful, Bluff developed into a clothing brand and became more involved in community projects. I grew up in Kuta, and starting out working with lifelong friends at the Kimen Surf Shop. One of the reasons for Bluff is that I want to make sure the local people don’t get left behind, as the town grows into more of a tourist destination. Kuta is headed for prosperity. The locals are the heart of this place, so I want to encourage people to develop their skill-set and entrepreneurship, so they can benefit from it. Who creates the designs for the clothing? Bluff is a creative platform that encourages participants to develop their individual personal skills. We have friends of the brand who volunteer to contribute their talents to different elements for Bluff. The designers who create the images on our T-shirts come from this group of people. Most of them are local friends or international tourists who take an interest in Bluff and want to help the community that welcomed them during their stay. All of the proceeds from selling T-shirts goes back into helping the community, and funding the next community project. Tell us more about the community projects. We started a series of Local Art Project (LAP) workshops. In the beginning, they were held in the studio I rented and lived in. Gradually, as more people heard about LAP, we went on to organise workshops at bigger event spaces in Kuta Lombok.

I usually run the workshops and start by explaining how it works. I like to leave the art direction open so that participants can use their imagination and delve deep into their creativity to produce their own artwork. There isn't a fixed schedule yet; they happen at times that work best for everyone. This year, though, I’m hoping to have set dates so people can come on a regular basis. The workshops are very successful, and I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from participants. It’s just about providing a free space for people to create and use their own imagination. And the parties? Kuta’s entertainment scene began with live music. I remember spending nights on the beach with friends, playing guitar around the fire. Gradually we had more live performances, mainly from bands, but I wanted to create something different and give Kuta more variety. I began throwing Bluff open air parties at Warung Turtle in Tanjung Aan. I invited 7 other DJs who were visiting from foreign countries, and we played house and techno. Since then it's grown into regular events that happen right throughout the year. The most well known party is our New Year's Eve celebration at the temple at Seger Beach, with stunning views of rice paddies and the ocean waves. This year, we had 6 DJs from around the world, a VW bus bar, and over 300 guests – locals and tourists – who came together to celebrate and welcome the New Year. We partied until sunrise. In the Bluff spirit of collaboration, we welcome DJs and artists to work with us at our events. They perform or contribute in whatever way they can. Most performers now come as referrals from past visiting DJ friends, but we always welcome new submissions. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I originally came from Praya. I moved to Kuta in 2004, when I was 14, and I'm still here. I live with my girlfriend Stephanie, my cousin Arief, and my two golden retriever puppies – Travis and Bella

I work, of course, and in my spare time I like to get involved in surfing, music, art and sometimes cooking Indonesian food. Basically I’m a local surfer who loves to create things, and I really enjoy giving back to the community that helped raise me into who I am today.

www.blufflombok.com bluffkutalombok

THROUGH A LENS

'The depth of a culture can be gauged by the way it treats two very important generations: the Young and the Old. The elderly are important because they are responsible for the good we have today and can help us comprehend the bad that is happening today. The Young are important because they are the future and they will be creating what will become tomorrow'. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hari Srinivas (hsrinivas@gdrc.org)

young

old

Taken by Verdhy Govianto (Instagram: v_govianto) | Location: Gunung Sari, Lombok

Taken by Angga Bagoes (Instagram: @anggabagoess) | Location: Lombok Tengah

Taken by Angga Bagoes (Instagram: @anggabagoess) | Location: Jl. Udayana, Mataram

Stone breaker. Taken by Gunawan Wicaksono (Instagram: @cakgunawan) | Location: Kekeri, Lombok

Taken by Fahmi Ahmad (Instagram: fahmy_dwiputra) | Location: Bayan, Lombok

Taken by Dedy Saputra (Instagram: dedy_saputra) | Location: Bayan, Lombok

Young mother and child in Bayan, Lombok. Taken by Antox Bondre (Instagram: antoxerror)

Taken by Gunawan Wicaksono (Instagram: @cakgunawan)

Old man smoking (traditional vape). Taken by Antox Bondre (Instagram: antoxerror)

E AT

Moh. Nurdin

Turmeric

Rollpin

CHEF INTERVIEW

MOH. NURDIN, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF PALATE CAFE & RESTAURANT

A Real Palate Pleaser

oh. Nurdin was born in East Lombok. He has trained and worked in Lombok, the Gili Islands and Bali, in a variety of cafes, hotels and restaurants. Now he brings all his knowledge and skills to his role as Executive Chef at the Palate Cafe & Restaurant in Kuta. He spoke with My Lombok about living and working locally.

Is there a special dish you love and remember from your childhood? Yes – I remember a dish from my mother’s kitchen. It's pelalah, a type of sambal sauce made of tomatoes and chili peppers, of course, which give it its distinctively spicy taste. My mother loves to cook and I love her cooking, because she does it the ‘old fashioned’ way, using a wood fire. I admire her for that and of course the tastes and flavours are so much better. My mother really was my inspiration for cooking. When did you first become interested in food and cooking? While I was in High School I lived by myself, so obviously I had to learn to cook for myself, too. That's when I discovered that I loved it. I realised that cooking was an art, and that's what I wanted to do. So I decided to become a chef. How did your family react when you told them you wanted to become a chef? They were happy with my choice, and they supported me. Tell us something about your career. I began at the Tourism Education & Training Centre in Mataram, Lombok, where I did a study course, followed by 6 months further training at the Senggigi Beach Hotel. I was a sous-chef, for a number of years, at the Amanwana Hotel on Moyo Island, Sumbawa and the Novotel Kuta Lombok. As Head Chef, I worked at the Taman Senggigi Restaurant for 1 year, the Jayakarta Hotel in Lombok for 3½ years, and Villa Majapahit, in Bali, for 5 years.

Since then I have had Executive Chef positions at Villa Almarik, the Origin Hotel , Anema Resort, Seri Resort, and Zouq. Now I am working at Palate Cafe & Restaurant. How would you describe or define your style of cooking? I like to cook Western, Japanese and Indonesian food. The concept for the menu at Palate is similar – a variety of western dishes, local Indonesian and Asian dishes, and plenty of wholesome, natural, organic choices. What inspires you to create the dishes for your guests? I see a type of food, or a particular ingredient and ideas come into my head. I always think about different ways to cook food to make it into an exciting and flavoursome dish. Do you have a favourite dish you like to cook for your guests? I would choose steak – because the meat is of high quality and I really enjoy cooking it to perfection. And steaks are also very popular at Palate Restaurant. What are the other favourite dishes, among your guests? As well as steak, they love to order burgers, Beef Rendang and Thai Beef Salad. What is your favourite ingredient to work with? My answer would have to be seafood. You can cook so many different combinations of dishes using seafood. And kitchen gadgets? Any favourites there? The non-stick frying pan! It is so easy to cook with and nothing sticks to it. I just love it! Describe a typical day at work. I arrive at work in the morning and prepare for the breakfast service. Then do a stock check and order any food or other supplies we might need. After that, we prepare the kitchen for the lunch shift. When it isn't too busy, I take a break for lunch. Then I return to work and prepare for the dinner shift. I go home around 10pm.

What is the biggest challenge in your job? Probably making sure the staff have all the necessary skills. That can be a big challenge, and it requires patience and lots of time to train the staff in the way I would like them to work. When you're at home, what do you like to eat? Do you cook at home? I like to eat whatever dish my wife cooks, because no, I don’t cook at home. I leave that to my wife. Are you an adventurous eater? Are there any foods you won't eat or even try? I will try any food – except pork, because I am muslim. If you hadn't become a chef, what do you imagine you would you be doing right now? I think I would have become a farmer. What do you like most about living and working in Lombok? Like many people, I love that Lombok is still so natural, with lots of fresh air, the sea and nature all around. What do you like to do in your spare time? Whenever I can, I spend time with my family. As well as creating great food, what are the most important qualities that make a successful chef? To be successful, a chef needs to be a good leader, and a good teacher. You have to be willing to share all the knowledge you have with your team. And obviously it's very important to have good hygiene. Is there a celebrity chef you especially admire? Yes, it's e-channel celebrity chef Alexis. He is a good man, and a strong man, and he has a special way of teaching people. Can you pass on any tips for budding chefs? My top tip would be: don’t be scared to be wrong, because you always learn from your mistakes.

Beef Tenderloin Steak with a Black Pepper Sauce Tenderloin Steak Ingredients • 1 piece of beef tenderlion • 20gr red paprika roasted • 20gr green paprika roasted • 20gr yellow paprika roasted • 20gr zucchini sliced • 20gr carrot sliced • 100gr french fries • 100gr fresh mixed salad

Black Pepper Sauce Ingredients • 10gr black pepper • 20ml fresh cream • 2gr shallot chopped • 2gr garlic chopped • 100ml demiglaze • 20ml red wine • 1 portion seasoning

Method 1. Marinate the beef with salt and Dijon Mustard, leave in the fridge for a few minutes. 2. Grill the beef according to how the guests would like it. 3. Roast the vegetables. 4. Saute the red onion, white onion, mushroom and add red wine, demiglaze and the fresh cream last. Cook slowly so the cream does not separate. Then add the salt, black pepper and seasoning.

To Serve Place the steak on a plate and pour the black pepper sauce over it. Cover the steak with the roasted vegetables and serve with French fries and a mixed salad.

Thai Beef Salad

Ingredients • 100gr beef sliced julienne • 5gr fresh mint leaves • 5gr fresh basil • 0.2 pack fresh coriander • 30gr red paprika sliced • 30gr yellow paprika sliced • 30gr green paprika sliced • 30gr tomato sliced

Method • 30gr cucumber sliced • 5gr shallot sliced • 25gr glass noodles • 20gr lettuce • 10ml fish sauce • 10ml lemon juice • 25ml symple syrup • 15gr roasted peanuts

1. Cut the beef into julienne slices and then sear until medium. 2. In a bowl mix together fresh mint, basil, coriander, red, yellow & green paprika, tomato, cucumber, shallot, glass noodles and add the beef. 3. Mix the fish sauce, lemon juice and symple syrup together with the fresh ingredients. 4. Place the lettuce leaves on a plate and put the beef mixture on the lettuce leaves.

To Serve Serve with roasted peanuts.

Pineapple Crêpe Suzette Pineapple Filling Ingredients • 150gr pineapple diced • 5gr caramel • 10gr butter • 100ml orange juice • 1oz brandy

Crêpe Batter

Method

Ingredients • 100gr flour • 100gr sugar • 200ml milk • 1 egg • 1tsp vanilla essence • ½tsp salt

1. Heat a non-stick pan and pour one ladle of crêpe batter into the pan. 2. Cook the crêpe and then remove from pan. 3. In a separate sauce pan mix the sugar and caramel until brown. 4. Add butter, orange juice, brandy and cook until caramalised then add the diced pineapple. Cook for a further few minutes or until the pineapple is soft. 5. Fill the center of the crêpe with the pinapple caramel mixture and then fold it.

Garnish

To Serve Serve with vanilla ice-cream and caramel sauce.

Ingredients • 50ml chocolate sauce • 1 scoop ice cream • 1 pc red cherry • 2 pcs chocolate for garnish

urmeric is a perennial plant ( Curcuma longa), and native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. India is, by far, the greatest grower and exporter of turmeric, producing up to 600,000 tons each year. The useful part of the plant is the rhizome â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a tuberous structure that grows up to 7cm in length, with a 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3cm diameter. From the outside, it could be mistaken for its close relatives, ginger and galangal, but when it's cut open, the characteristic bright orange colour leaves no doubt.

Talking Turmeric

Turmeric features in many Hindu religious ceremonies and marriage rituals and it's not surprising, given its distinctive colour that it symbolises the sun and, among other qualities, pride, strength, fertility and prosperity. Pure turmeric powder is obtained by boiling, drying and grinding the rhizomes. Its composition is mainly carbohydrate (60-70%) and also contains approximately 8% protein, 8-10% fat, some iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, and vitamins B and C.

Most people are familiar with its use as a fragrant spice and food dye, but it has also been used for centuries in medicinal preparations. The current buzz around turmeric, though, has a lot to do with one of its active components – curcumin – a substance surrounded by health claims of varying reliability. What's so good about curcumin? The main claims are that curcumin: • has antioxidant properties, and can block the effects of free radicals • fights inflammation in the body, at the cell level, and potentially relieves symptoms of arthritis. Studies suggest it has effects similar to those of aspirin • supports heart health, because of its positive effects on blood vessels • might enhance brain function, working in conjunction with a brain hormone • could be a useful tool in cases of diabetes, but studies are inconclusive It's important to note that these health claims are based on tests using extracts – basically concentrated curcumin. Curcumin extract is available in tablet and capsule form, and the best preparations also include piperine, an extract of black pepper that increases the effectiveness of curcumin. Combining it with milk or coconut oil also seems to increase the absorption rate. The forms of turmeric you would normally use in cooking contain only 3-4% curcumin, so you would need to eat impossible amounts of turmeric to get whatever curcumin benefits you are looking for. Turmeric is generally safe, especially the fresh variety, but it contains oxalate, which sometimes presents problems for people with kidney stones.

The main dangers in mass-produced turmeric powder are the additives. Many have gluten-based fillers, and some have artificial colourings to boost the characteristic orange hues. People with gluten intolerance and other allergies should buy reputable brands and always check labels. Cooking with turmeric Turmeric is mainly used as flavouring and, in many dishes, a colour enhancing spice. Ground turmeric is a standard addition to curries, soups and stews, and it gives them a subtle, warm and mild pepperand-mustard-like flavour. It's most effective when added to onions and other vegetables as they are browned in oil at the start of the process, and then cooked until fragrant. Mixed with honey, tahini or miso, it adds colour and interest to glazes for meat, poultry and seafood. And for sweeter results, turmeric works well with coconut creams and custards, and the fruits that complement them, such as mangoes and bananas. Makes bland better Turmeric adds a vibrant golden colour and a touch of flavour to plain boiled rice, pancakes, muffins and bread mixes. It also gives richness to egg dishes – quiche and frittata – and is delicious sprinkled on cheesy melts. And toasted, with sunflower seeds, sesame seeds or nigella, in a little sesame oil, it makes a great crunchy topping for salads, vegetables or hummus, and adds another layer of flavour to vegetable patties or rissoles. 'Grate' for recipes If you have access to good quality fresh turmeric, it can be grated finely and used in all the ways mentioned above. Use it when it's fresh and still juicy. To extend its life, wrap it in paper or paper towels, and then place it in a plastic bag. Store it in the fridge, and peel only the sections you intend to use immediately. It works well in stir-fries and marinades, and particularly in salad dressings, where it can 'share' its flavour in a way that the powdered variety doesn't, provided it is left in the dressing for some time before serving.

REVIEW

ROLLPIN

A New Art-Infused Dining Concept Making Waves in Mataram

ith a ‘ Smart Causal Dine’ tagline Rollpin is neither a conventional restaurant nor just café bar but integrates the best of both worlds. The high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass paints a bright and airy picture, and the location is surprising green, fringed by tall shady trees and the river. Tucked away on a quiet road, there is no manic motorcycle action to disturb the quietude here. It feels like you are in your own little bubble near the heart of the city.

Moving well beyond the typical restaurant template found in Mataram, the colour palette is a slinky mix of white, black and grey complete with leather chairs and soft comfy sofas. Tables and chairs are spaced out in a seemingly adhoc fashion but it gives off a very homely feel. It’s a very modernist design concept but without a soulless minimalist style that almost all new loungey eateries seemingly aim for. There is also an expansive terrace outdoors for a spot of al fresco dining. A collection of lamps hang down from the high ceiling and the design is embellished with subtle little design elements like rustic potted plants.

Not only is it extremely pleasing on the eye, there is a definite commitment to be as sustainable as humanly possible. It has a recycling program and used sustainable sturdy coconut wood in the construction, among other locally sourced natural materials. Even the presentation of the menu is a nice touch, providing yet another example that they do things differently here. It comes in the form of an old-style paper parchment, neatly tied with string, almost like a proclamation of its values. These values revolve around their aforementioned sustainability credentials, but also a strong appreciation for local cultural heritage. The Rollpin. logo incorporates batik from Lombok while you will likely hear a soundtrack of Indonesian indie folk music during a meal or during a quick pit stop for coffee. So what about the food? It mirrors the general dĂŠcor and ambience in that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a creative mix of flavours and all presented with an artful twist. There is an equal blend of local Indonesian versus western bites. Choose from the simple pleasures of kangkung, gado-gado, rujak and Serabi Indonesian pancakes to deep fried duck, rendang and creamy laksa. Western options come with a decidedly Italian influence with Spaghetti Aglio Olio Peperoncino among the standouts, along with tangy orange chicken steak. Of course coffee connoisseurs will find much to rave about Rollpin. Although not the most extensive collection of coffees around, it nevertheless covers all bases with classic espresso, Americano, latte plus local offerings like Rinjani Lava coffee and ice coconut coffee. Whether a swift cup of joe and sweet treat or an evening of contemporary cuisine in style, the Rollpin. concept is taking off and proving there is still room for new creativity in the crowded dining scene here in Lombok.

Jalan Raya Ahmad Yani Sayang Sayang, Mataram

0812-3686-4713 www.rollpin.id

rollpin.id rollpin.id

STAY

Jakob Johansson

Villa Pulau Cinta

Anema Resort

MEET THE EXPAT

Earth-Friendly Projects That Feel Like Heaven V

illa Sorgas means, almost literally, a ‘house in heaven’ and, considering its location in the tropical paradise of Southern Lombok, it probably feels exactly like that.

mind, and designed the villa – Villa Sorgas. At that time, in Sweden, I had a company that sold natural food and health products. I sold it and returned to Lombok”.

The Villa is built high on a hill on the southern tip of Lombok, and offers magnificent views of Tanjung Aan Bay. It is the project of Jakob Johansson, a Swedish national, who with the help of Spanish architects, focusing on sustainable architecture, aims to create luxury accommodation that is also eco-friendly.

By 2015, Villa Sorgas was finished. Situated just outside the small fishing village of Gerupuk, it is about 10-minutes’ drive from Kuta.

When Johansson originally came to Lombok in 2010, he had a somewhat different plan. “I had been studying and working a lot, so I decided on a trip to Indonesia. I came to Lombok to explore somewhere new. First stop was Kuta, where I visited a friend at the Surf Camp in Gerupuk. I stayed for six months. I lived in the village, surfed a lot, and even joined the football team”. His instinct for business opportunities was still very much on the alert. As he explored the south coast, the idea for his first Lombok venture came to him. “I found Sky way flip flop and loved them so I called the manufacturer in Surabaya and together we invented a new unique flip flop that massages your foot. I ordered a container with 10,000 pairs of flip flops and sold them in Sweden. That was the start of my first company”. A new dream gradually took form, and became a reality, with the help of architects Paula and Alejandro from Bambook Studio, and their team. “I decided to build something in this heavenly tropical place, and started to make plans. Alejandro and Paula took on the ideas I had in

VILLA SORGAS The property is a fully staffed spacious retreat, with 4-bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, and the potential to cater for extra guests. Perfect for entertaining, it has a well-equipped kitchen and dining tables to seat up to 15 people each. Complete with beautiful gardens, a deck on the second floor, and a stunning infinity pool, it is the ideal of relaxed tropical living, or the perfect base for enjoying the attractions of the local areas and the activities available. Guests have access to all the modern amenities they would expect from a luxury accommodation, and the additional services of a masseuse, private chef, or other catering options, if they choose. Influenced by his up-bringing in the Swedish countryside, Johansson leans naturally towards eco-friendly construction in his projects. As far as possible, his plans enable natural airflow, to reduce the use of air conditioning. The buildings are made of local materials – wood from Lombok and Sumbawa, and stone from nearby sources – and clean, recycled water is used in the gardens. “We want natural colours, and structures that blend in with the surroundings. The aim is to have a minimal impact on the environment”.

Johansson admits his progress to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. “Taking the decision to quit my job at home was the hardest thing to do. And facing a whole new set of questions and choices is never easy. There might also be difficult times ahead but, to be honest, I haven’t faced any major problems so far”. Other ventures are on the horizon. A POD Hotel in Central Kuta is planned, and due to be completed soon. And a major development project, launched in January, is rapidly taking shape. TAMPAH HILLS The concept behind Tampah Hills is the creation of an open community, built on investment and sustainability. Ideally it will support the local community, and fund large projects – for example, the development of a plastics recycling plant. It has been designed to attract creative entrepreneurs and investors to the area, with the guarantee that 50% of the area will remain ‘green’. Investors are given a broad scope for bringing their plans to life, with help available, if it is needed. “We work with local architects and construction companies. The result is a blend of traditional practices and modern amenities. Local rice growers will still farm in their fields, and earn income, but Tampah Hills will also provide room to play, with tennis, beach volleyball and downhill mountain biking – all the things we love”, says Johansson.

“It’s the most exciting and inspiring project I’ve been through”, he adds. “I am looking forward to how far we can take this and what difference we can make”. Johansson’s early years set the scene for his current projects. He grew up in the countryside, in the southern part of Sweden and spent a lot of time driving a tractor around his grandparents’ farm. He was always keenly involved in sports and outdoor adventure. He started work aged 19, but soon set off for San Diego where he studied business and, like his entrepreneur father, began to explore ventures of his own. According to Johansson, a large part of his motivation comes from his love of creativity, and from his surroundings. “I love to see things grow. I love to start things. I’m also motivated and inspired by others. One local kid, for example, was 11 years old when I met him. He’s 18 now, he’s a surfer, and he looks after my boat. He doesn’t have much, in material terms, but he has everything – such energy! He’s all about ‘no problem’ thinking. That's the kind of thing we need to learn from the local people”. And what might be next on the agenda? “Ultimately, in terms of my work, I want to keep doing whatever I feel a passion for? If I can’t do that, then I’ll know I am no longer in the right business”.

Villa Sorgas | Tampah Hills |

www.villasorgas.com www.tampahhills.com

LUXURY LIVING

VILLA PULAU CINTA

’ve found a new villa squeeze on laid back Gili Meno and for lovers of style and luxe, it pushes all the right buttons. Aptly named Villa Pulau Cinta has a very familiar sense of place the moment you step inside. A luxury, elegant abode that functions as a real home for up to 16 guests, the communal lounging/ dining/leisure space is a delightful introduction. Comfy seating is scattered out for a languid afternoon sipping cocktails or napping, or shoot pool and socialize by the bar. The heart of the lobby lounge is the open kitchen where guests have full reign to cook up a storm themselves or let the resident chef work her magic from a comprehensive western and local menu. For me as a film buff, the pièce de résistance is the private enclosed theatre room with huge screen. I can just imagine myself spending hours here binge watching and knocking back buckets of popcorn. This loungey area is a highly welcoming place and although it is as spacious your average hotel lobby, it feels just like a rather upscale home with immense character. The soaring cathedral ceiling is fashioned from re-purposed 200 year old period wood and makes a real impression, and embodies a modern midcentury style rarely seen. It’s a very organic and casual sense of luxury. The owners’ background is in upscale restaurants and lounges and you can sense this artistic eye for detail throughout.

A new luxe haven with timeless style on Pulau Cinta

Set back from the lounge are the six ensuite bedrooms. Each of these multi-functional suites has its own distinctive design concept, embellished with hand-picked Asian antiques and artwork. There is a real eclectic feel in the light and airy interiors with colonial style rattan fixtures contrasting with whimsical fixtures. There is certainly no shortage of space to go with the style â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Indigo Suite for example measures a huge 90sqm. From emerald green and sapphire blues, to the retro mosaic bathroom tiling, the rooms each offer their own calm relaxed harmony. Alongside the vintage colonial vibe, there are elegant touches of the Middle East, a smattering of Scandinavian style and arty tribal accessories here and there. Families are well catered for at Villa Pulau Cinta, which offers a rare option of a dedicated bunk room just for kids. This is a connecting room made up of four bunk beds and two additional pullout beds, complete with kids hitech entertainment, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library and art

supplies. Baby and toddler amenities are also available. The rooms themselves are set upon high wood decking which serves as a spacious wood constructed courtyard to relax, adding yet more lounging space. Thanks to a heavy downpour the night before our visit, it almost felt like being in a Maldives style overwater villa. Talking of water, the communal infinity pool out front is a beauty. Measuring a cool 20 metres, and fringed by a tidy emerald green lawn, a cool dip offers quietude yet is just steps away from the oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gentle ebb and flow. Comfy loungers and day beds are strewn on the pool decking and lawn for quiet time away from the social dynamic of the lounge. In all, the landscaped grounds measure some 2,000sqm, and serves as an ideal fully equipped haven for an intimate soiree, tropical nuptials or perhaps a retreat complete with the dedicated use of a private butler, chef and concierge.

Jalan Pantai Cinta, Gili Meno, Lombok 0821-4547-7200 www.villapulaucinta.com

Anema Resort Go be a castaway in sleek resort style on Sire beach

ombok’s northern coastline and Sire beach in particular is not a new phenomenon but still exudes a ‘new beach hideaway’ quality with that vast expanse of castaway-cool sugary white sand. Considering the close proximity to the white-hot tourism development of the 3 Gilis, its transformation has been relatively slow and steady. One of the newest additions here to shake up the scene is Anema Resort. There are some long-established resort beauties located here near Sire, but it is Anema Resort which has given the area a modern, sleek reboot. It hits the sweet spot for luxury suite and villa living in a captivating oceanfront setting. There is a fine collection of luxury suites and villas at Anema Resort, most of which boast their own private plunge pools and ocean views. The uncluttered funky décor is quite literally a breath of fresh air. The vibrant colours perfectly match the layout and general vibe at Anema, which is super low key. The junior suites come in double and family configurations with cool plunge pools and Jacuzzis for soaking in the shade to your heart’s content. A cosy enclosed garden adds to the air of stylish privacy. It’s no surprise the resort has become North Lombok’s go-to haven for honeymooners.

Villa rooms boast even more space with a full-size private pool, and garden area with comfy daybed to loll away the hours. There is a huge terrace offering breezy views. There is ample space to lounge indoors too, with the largest villa rooms measuring more than 100sqm. Some villa rooms also offer a unique Projector Cinema Experience for big screen watching. The villas have a similar design concept to the suites – bright, airy and sleek with that vibrant splash of contemporary colour. Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and modern with stylish lighting, his n’ her basins and deep whirlpool bathtubs. Guests can indulge in cool cocktails and sunsets at the beach club. Made up of a fine infinity pool right on the sand and a cool tiki style pool bar, it is just the place for cool sundowners and schmoozing in the evening breeze. Talented mixologists and the inspiring setting creates a unique pool party buzz. Just metres away by the water’s edge there is private dining under the stars or in a private gazebo. A more casual vibe can be enjoyed in the open plan café and lounge, an appealing Mediterranean style eatery for hearty breakfasts with salty sea breezes. It serves up a comprehensive all-day menu of western and local bites. The long stretch of sugar white sand here is the icing on the cake. It’s virtually deserted from dawn to dusk, safe for the resort’s guests. It all adds to the resort’s key quality as a place for couples to relax and unwind in laidback luxury. It is just a short hop by boat to the 3 Gilis, something the resort can arrange for anyone interesting in island hopping and turtle spotting.

Sire, Jl. Pantai Sira, Sigar Penjalin, Tanjung, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara 83352 P: +62 852 3708 6062 E: stay@anemaresortgililombok.com W: www.anemaresortgililombok.com

Royal Tulip Luxury Hotels– Mandalika, Lombok Royal Tulip Luxury Hotels, located at Kawasan Mandalika Resort in Kuta(beside the Novotel Kuta, Lombok) celebrated their ‘Groundbreaking’ on Monday 26th March 2018. The ceremony was attended by the Representative BPK Governor of Lombok, Bupati Lombok, Kapolres, Director of Royal Tulip, KEK PIK Mandalika, Director ITDC, Director of PT. Brantas Abdipraya, Dandim Lombok Tengah, Owner of Royal Tulip – Mr Lee & family and guests. The celebration took place on the beachfront site, with traditional Gendang Beleq drums & speeches to celebrate the start of this new project. Royal Tulip Luxury Hotels is proud to be opening on the island of Lombok and believe it will lift the profile of Lombok.

Qunci’s Annual Ayam Taliwang Competition Qunci held its annual ‘Ayam Taliwang’ competition and participants came from Sheraton Senggigi, Square Restaurant, Golden Palace Hotel, Sudamala Suites & Villas, Aston Inn Mataram & Taliwang Kebon Raja. All participants had 2 hours to cook their ‘best’ version of the local Lombok dish – Ayam Taliwang (a spicy Indonesian grilled chicken dish originating from Lombok). The fight was fierce and all participants delivered to a high standard. The judges were, in-house chef, Gianluca, accompanied by guest publisher of the ‘FOODIES’ magazine, Jed Doble. The competition was tough, however, Square Restaurant were crowned the winners of the 2018 Competition – Congratulations!

Rajavilla Lombok Resort Opens its Doors Rajavilla Lombok Resort located in Senggigi opened its doors on the 18th April. The opening celebration took place at the resort and guests from around Lombok were welcomed with a cocktail party and fire dance show. The resort consists of 51 rooms and villas, all offering breathtaking ocean views. It has its own private beach offering relaxation and tranquillity to guests.

LombokCare Foundation celebrates ‘Hari Kartini’ LombokCare Foundation celebrated Hari Kartini(Kartini Day) on 21 st April, with all the children and staff dressed up to show respect for Raden Adjeng Kartini (21st April 1879 – 17th September 1904). She was an Indonesian national heroine who was a pioneer in the area of education for girls and women's rights for Indonesians. The children and staff paraded their costumes and much fun was had by all.

ASTROLOGY

horoscopeofthemonth Aries (March 21 – April 19) As the sun moves into your sign for the first day of spring, celestial forces align to provide love and money. The problem is that you feel that other people are trying to steal what belongs to you. The challenge this month is to stand tall and shoulder new work and responsibilities to solidify relationships and earn extra cash. When you want to accomplish something, you can. So do it.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) You want to take action but feel dragged down by a lack of momentum. The problem is you aren’t sure what deed will net you the best result. It would benefit you to dig deep into the situation and discover the motivations of others. You may not be getting complete information from those that want to sway you toward inopportune endeavors. Trust your gut and don’t act until you are ready.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) It’s a good thing that the planet of action, Mars, and Saturn, the planet of duties and responsibilities back you this month. What you want to avoid is excess. You can push yourself and others too hard, which can cause problems in your relationships. It’s important to look at your situation clearly, and not engage in “what if ’s” or “only ifs.” You have enormous resources and strength or character. Use them.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) The more you tell people “no,” the more they want what you forbid. People around you are dreaming big, and desire more than you think is good. You can’t stop the tide, nor should you clamp down on people’s visions for the future. You can get on the bus, and take a heady trip into new possibilities, or sit in the back of the train. Let go of control and see what’s possible.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) You can be impulsive and impatient in your normal state, but this month even more so. You see opportunities for love and money and want to make things happen NOW. The glitch is that you may be overreaching, Gemini, or as my nana used to say, your mouth is bigger than your stomach. Please take a good long look at what you accomplish and make a plan to accomplish your dreams. Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Sudden decisions might not work out the way that you plan. You are entering an extended period of increased duties and responsibilities. Please be careful in motion as you are under an greater risk for accident and injury than normal. Take some time to plan your action and consider the ramifications of what it is you want to do.

Libra (September 23 – October 22) his is the beginning of a two-year circle of increased responsibilities and a feeling that you shoulder burdens without support. You’ve complained for the past that other people have controlled your life. Now the tables turn and you are in charge. You have tremendous strength of character that you bury beneath your people pleaser personality. Now you have the opportunity to display it. Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) March is your power month of 2018. You can do one of two things. Go on vacation or go to work. Goals have been difficult to achieve the past year or so, but now the red light turned green. Want a new job? Go get it. Want a new relationship? Mix and mingle. Want to improve your finances? Go ahead. Don’t wait. This is a limited time offer. Push hard to achieve your goals. If you don’t do it now, when?

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) With the planet of action, Mars, traveling in your sign, you are filled with restless energy. The Archer never needs more encouragement to have fun. The problem comes with overspending, and lets a face it Sag, fiscal conservatism is a nonsense term for you. It’s time to sit down with your credit card statements with a pencil and a pair of scissors. The scissors to cut the cards. The pencil to sketch out a new plan. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) A flurry of activity in your business and money affairs demand swift action. Capricorn never likes to move quickly, and with two heavy hitting planets in your sign, Pluto and Saturn, you enjoy deliberating your circumstances to your best advantage. The problem here is that attractive opportunities demand instant decisions. Waiting too long can lead you to lose out. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) This is a fortuitous time for business, love, and money present itself this month, but it's up to you to stir the pot. If you are looking for a new job, a new love, or just add to your cash, you’ll have to act quickly and overlook little flaws that normally give you cause for concern. This month is a stepping stone to your larger plan to improve your life. Keep a sharp eye on opportunities to achieve your goals. Pisces (February 19 – March 20) The planet of expansion, Jupiter, has been a protective influence for the past half year, which is great, but it can also lead to the false sense of invincibility. But beneath your happy-go-lucky façade, you know something isn’t quite right. In whatever way you perceive or misperceive your shortcomings, this is the time that to get the help you need to resolve the issue.

Mowies

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 A trio of tiny tropical islands off the northwest coast, known simply as ‘the Gilis’ are the go-to 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. 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.

The Southwest 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. 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 Cafe Alberto +62 370 693 039 / 693 313 www.cafealberto.com Inari Sushi Bar +62 370 619 8325 La Chill +62 370 693 925 www.lachillbar.com Lotus Bayview +62 370 693 758 www.lotus-restaurants.com/lotusbayview Quah Restaurant +62 370 693 800 www.quncivillas.com Quali Restaurant +62 370 693 800 www.quncivillas.com SENJA Lounge & Dine +62 370 693 333 www.sheratonsenggigi.com/senja Square Restaurant & Lounge +62 370 664 4888 www.squarelombok.com The Kliff +62 370 6197 888 www.katamaranresort.com The Ballroom Restaurant +62 370 693 831 www.purimas-lombok.com The Taman +62 370 693 842 www.the-taman.com Warung Plaza Senggigi +62 878 6561 6688

Kuta and South Lombok Ashtari Ocean View Restaurant & Lounge Bar +62 812 3608 0862 www.ashtarilombok.com

Aura Lounge & Bar +62 812 3682 3141 www.selongselo.com/aura

Scallywags Beach Club +62 878 6584 7309 www.scallywagsresort.com/beach-club

El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant +62 819 9911 3026

The Mexican Kitchen Gili Air +62 877 6550 3931

KRNK Restaurant +62 823 4017 9854

Gili Meno

Nugget’s Corner +62 878 6546 1505 Spice Market +62 370 6153 333 www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-0571novotel-lombok-resort-and-villas

Karma Reef Beach Resort +62 370 630 981 www.karmagroup.com/karma-beach Mahamaya Restaurant & Bar +62 888 715 5828 www.mahamaya.co

Gili T

Adeng-Adeng Beach Restaurant & Bar +62 818 0534 1019

Kayu Cafe +62 878 6239 1308

PLAY

Malibu Beach Club +62 370 619 5251 www.malibuclubgili.com Pearl Beach Lounge +62 81 337 156 999 www.pearlbeachlounge.com Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill +62 819 17432086 www.scallywagsresort.com/bar-grill The Banyan Tree +62 878 6239 1308 Pituq Cafe +62 812 3677 5161

Spas and Wellness Senggigi 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 Qambodja Spa +62 370 693 800 www.quncivillas.com

Gili T Wagwan Spa +62 370 614 5301 www.wagwanspa.com Lemongrass Spa +62 370 693 177

Gili Air H20 Yoga and Meditation +62 877 6103 8836 www.h2oyogaandmeditation.com

Gili Meno Ocean Spa at Mahamaya +62 888 715 5828 www.mahamaya.co Karma Sea Spa +62 370 630 982 www.karmaspas.com

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

Kuta and South Coast The Corner Boutique +62 877 6560 7373

Gili T

The Roast House +62 896 1027 3326 www.giliroasthouse.com

Kuta and South Lombok

Gili Air

Ashtari Yoga +62 812 3892 0735 m.facebook.com/AshtariYoga

Health & Leisure / Recreation Senggigi and West Coast

Kuta Baru Poolside Yoga +62 812 3892 0735 facebook.com/KutaBaruPoolsideYoga

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

Kuta Cabana Yoga +62 812 3892 0735 www.facebook.com/kutacabanayoga

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

Le Cirque +62 370 623 432 www.lecirque-giliair.com Mowie's +62 878 6423 1384 www.mowiesgiliair.com Pachamama Organic Cafe +62 878 6415 2100 www.pachamamagiliair.com

Casa Vintage +62 819 1724 3808

Sire & Tanjung

Other

Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club +62 370 640 137

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

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

Kuta and South Lombok

Kuta and South Coast Ashtari Cooking Class +62 812 3608 0862 www.ashtarilombok.com Sailing Adventures Lombok +62 819 0737 8377 www.sailingadventureslombok.com What Sup? Lombok +62 878 6597 8701 www.whatsuplombok.com

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

Origin Lombok +62 370 615 8550 www.originlombok.com

Weddings

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

White Sand Weddings www.whitesandweddingslombok.com

STAY

Sekotong

Hotels Senggigi and West Coast

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

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

Gili T

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

Aquaddiction +62 813 3979 8555 www.aquaddiction.com Freedive Gili +62 858 5718 7170 www.freedivegili.com Gili Cooking Classes +62 877 6324 8215 www.gilicookingclasses.com Manta Dive +62 370 614 3649 www.manta-dive.com

Gili Air Gili Kite Surf www.gilikitesurf.com Oceans5 +62 813 3877 7144 www.oceans5dive.com

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

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

Novotel +62 370 615 3333 www.novotel.com Selong Selo Residences +62 813 3779 1400 www.selongselo.com

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

Lombok Eco Developments +62 817 713 708 www.lombokecodevelopments.com Lombok Property & Investment +62 819 0797 4075 www.lp-i.co NAGAINDO +62 813 5332 9501 www.naga-indo.com Pipe Dream Villas Resort +62 812 3923 9666 www.pipedreamvillas.com Private Sanctuary +62 821 4741 9919 www.private-sanctuary.com Tate Developments +62 818 0376 0677 www.tatedevelopments.com

Gili T Kebun Villas & Resort +62 370 692 999 www.kebunresort.com Kila Senggigi +62 370 693210 www.aerowisatahotels.com/hotel/ kila-senggigi-beach-lombok Living Asia Resort & Spa +62 370 693 519 www.livingasiaresort.com The Oberoi Lombok +62 370 613 8444 www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-inlombok Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa +62 370 693 831 www.purimas-lombok.com The Santosa +62 370 693 090 www.santosalombok.com

Charity Aston Sunset Beach Resort +62 370 633 686 www.aston-international.com/eng/ hotel-detail/244/aston-sunset-beachresort---gili-trawangan Pondok Santi Estate +62 819 0705 7504 www.pondoksanti.com Pearl of Trawangan +62 813 3715 6999 www.pearloftrawangan.com

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 John Fawcett Foundation www.balieye.org

Gili Meno Karma Reef Beach Resort +62 370 630 981 www.karmagroup.com/karma-beach Mahamaya, Gili Meno +62 370 637 616 www.mahamaya.com

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

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

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