The
Issue 130 | 10 – 24 December 2012
FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com FESTIVE FEASTS!
THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Page 26, 34 & 36
Page 10 & 18
IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities Lombok Map Special Feature Senggigi Senggigi Map What’s Hot/ Special Feature Special Feature Local Scene Local News Classifieds Discount Vouchers In Good Taste Local News Mr Fixer The Cities Cities Map Distribution Useful Contacts The Southwest Kuta & The South Coast South Coast Map The Gilis Gilis Fast Facts Special Feature Getting to the Gilis Gili T Scene Special Feature Gilis Map
Page 2 Page 4/8 Page 6 Page 10/18 Page 12 Page 14 Page 20 Page 26/34/36 Page 38 Page 40 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 54-63 Page 56 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66-68
A GILI LITTLE CHRISTMAS!
Page 83
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK MAHAMAYA… It’s Ultimate Paradise on Gili Meno!
Page 95
The Beach Club
Beach Bungalows Page 15
LOMBOK FOR CHRISTMAS! It’s our favourite time of the year and the Christmas parties have already started. If you haven’t booked your Christmas holiday on Lombok yet, don’t delay… festive season looks like being a busy time on our beautiful island!
With this special Christmas issue, we feature the best choices of where to celebrate Christmas in Lombok, starting on page 10. To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 64 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…
To all our clients and readers around the world, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas and all the joys of the season!
Page 70-77 Page 77 Page 79-100 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 88 Page 95 Page 99
like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted! ...Life is Good!
P: +62 (0) 370 614 2352 | E: reservation@beachhousegilit.com | W: www.beachhousegilit.com
Tourism Information
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GETTING TO LOMBOK
GETTING TO LOMBOK
Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes Call Centre: 0 80 418 07807. Airport: +62 370 649100. and fares start from around Rp 300,000 (approx. US $33) one way. www.garuda-indonesia.com Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, DOMESTIC FLIGHTS or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok. European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, Java) or Bali. Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available commonly abbreviated to BIL) is the only airport on Lombok. The every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights. airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 40km Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogjakarta and south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Surabaya and is an important connection for travel to the eastern Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta. islands, in particular Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores. Airport departure tax is Rp 25,000 for domestic departures and Rp Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali, 100,000 for international departures. Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0 804 1
BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR
In Lombok, flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Domestic Airport. Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370-642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com
807 807, Sales Office : +62 370 642303, 649999. www.garudaindonesia.com Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 664009. www.lionair.co.id Merpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Bima, Dili, Bandung, Flores and Kupang. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111. www.merpati.co.id
Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima once Merpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok four times a a day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111, Airport: +62 370 633637 / +62 Batavia Air has flights between Lombok, Surabaya and Jakarta 87864253577. Bali, ph: +62 361 420999. www.merpati.co.id every day. Lombok, +62 804 1 222 888 / +62 21 38 999 888. Trans Nusa Air operates two flights between Bali and Lombok www.batavia-air.co.id daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali, ph: +62 361 8477395. Sky Aviation offers flights to remote and difficult to get to www.transnusa.co.id destinations, including Labuhan Bajo on Flores, Batam, Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily. Pekanbaru, Jambi and more. Ph: +62 370 630787 or see their The company share-codes with Wings Air, so you may purchase a website for full details. www.sky-aviation.co.id Lion Air ticket and find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Call BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA Centre: +62 80 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. www.lionair. Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland co.id Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest Sky Aviation operates morning and afternoon flights between coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. Bali and Lombok every day. The company also offers private Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the charter flights between the islands, as well as other destinations throughout Indonesia. Lombok, ph: +62 370 630 787. Bali, ph: +62 harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service. 361 936 8320. www.sky-aviation.co.id Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). Lombok International Airport (IATA: LOP) has full Visa on Arrival The crossing between the islands costs Rp 36,000 per person and facilities, with fast and efficient visa processing. +62 370 622987 takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 209. FREE +62 370 622987 Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, three times per week. Lombok, ph: +62 370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia three times per week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). www.airasia.com
FAST BOATS There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. Most serve Gili Trawangan, but several also call at Teluk Kodek on mainland Lombok, making fast boats from Lombok to Bali (and vice versa) an option to flying. See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for details.
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HOT TASTE, COOL VENUE
5 Course Gourmet Christmas Dinner POACHED RIVER PRAWN
With Truffled Sembalun Potato Salad, Semi Dried Tomato Dressing and Salsa Verde.
Celebrate the Festive Season
BEEF CONSOMMÉ
With Three Mushroom Ravioli, Onion Jam, and Roasted Walnut. or
VODKA AND LIME SCENTED SMOKED SALMON
Served with Avocado Prawn Mousse, Mixed Leaves and Mimosa Dressing.
CRANBERRY SORBET LAMB TENDERLOIN
With Rosti Potato, Sautéed Spinach, Roasted Vegetables and Rosemary Sauce. or
PAN FRIED SALMON FILLET
With Herbed Mashed Potato, Tomato Capers Comfit, Julienne Vegetables and Warm Coriander Sauce. or
SLOW COOKED TURKEY ROLL
With Water Chestnut, Fresh Bread and Sage Stuffed Turkey Wrapped in Turkey Bacon. Served with Mashed Bread Fruit, Slow Roasted Onion and Berry Sauce.
CHILLI CHOCOLATE FONDANT
Available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 24 & 25 December
With Cinnamon Cream, Raspberry Sauce and Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream or
CHRISTMAS PUDDING
With Brandy Cream Anglaise, Baked Pear and Berry Compote.
Rp 350,000 ++ / pp
The Perfect Place to Wine & Dine in Lombok Senggigi Square Blok B-10, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia Ph: +62 370 6644 888, 693 688 | Fax: +62 370 623 975 square_marina@yahoo.com | www.squarelombok.com
Tourism Information
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Drivers License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light. Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring or take part in the tours and day trips offered by the many tour agencies on the island.
Climbing Mt Rinjani by Iwan Haryanto
Mawun Beach by Barbara
BEACHES
all three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night dives to the many sites around the Gilis, as well as specialised courses and live-aboard adventures to exotic locations. For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well as near Kuta on the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.
SURFING
The whole island is surrounded by fantastic beaches, most of which are covered in clean white sand and fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming. The southwest coast also has fine beaches, especially around Sekotong and Taun.
Lombok is becoming a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts world-wide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to BangkoBangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok.
Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu for rustic accommodation and great snorkelling just off shore or stay at Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede to explore the twelve other undeveloped islands in the southwest. The beaches around Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon at Mawun.
Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals.
DIVING With so many beaches and small islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili islands - Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Snorkelling is easy from the shore and
Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and services catering specially to surfers.
The waves at Gerupuk and Kuta offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness! Ekas Bay has two surf breaks: Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas, which are suitable for beginners to experts, depending on different peaks and tides.
TREKKING Much of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and adventure tours. There are a number of spectacular waterfalls on the island which provide lovely trekking opportunities, whether travelling independently or as part of a tour. Sendang Gile on the slope of Mt Rinjani in the north is an easily accessible waterfall in a stunning jungle setting and popular with visitors. Air Jeruk Manis, near Tetebatu is reached by walking through pretty rice fields and forests. The awesome Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls, in central Lombok, are located within a short trek of each other and make a perfect day trip for those who appreciate truly magical natural surroundings.
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k o - k o - mo GILI TRAWANGAN RESORT
Get there fast, then take it slow...
Indulge yourself at ko - ko - mo for Christmas with our 5-course Christmas Celebration Dinner
Private Luxury Villas and Fine Dining Restaurant Email: kokomogilit@ozemail.com.au Tel: +62 (0)370 644169 | Fax: +62 (0)370 649365 | Mob: +62 (0)813 3974 7459
www.kokomogilit.com
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Lombok Map
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On the beach at the Jetty... your Gili T holiday begins and ends here! Clean and comfortable twin and double rooms with air conditioning, 60 channel satellite television, in-room safe, fully stocked mini bar and private bathrooms with fresh hot water. 60sqm fresh water swimming pool and separate kiddies pool. Beachfront bar and restaurant serving quality Indonesian and International meals and snacks all day
The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 6138513 gilitresort@hotmail.com | www.gilitresort.com
Tourism Information
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Aik Kalaq (Hot Spring Water) near Segara Anak Lake at Mt Rinjani by Koes Nadi
animist statues remain today. Perang Topat, is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Mt Rinjani, Lombok’s famous volcano, soars 3726 m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge crater near the top contains a beautiful lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea Lake) and a smaller volcanic cone, Gunung Baru Jari, which was formed a couple of hundred years ago. There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano. In 2004 Rinjani won the World Legacy Award and the volcano is recognised internationally as an important eco-tourism destination. Two, three and four day treks on the volcano are offered by tour companies and trek organisers in all the main resort areas of Lombok.
HISTORIC SITES & TEMPLES There are a number of interesting temples around the west coast, many of which are Hindu or ancient animist sites of worship. Pura Lingsar is possibly the only place in the world where Hindus and Moslems come together to pray and celebrate. Built around 1714, Pura Lingsar was originally based on the prevailing animist beliefs of the time, and some of the original
Pura Narmada (or Narmada Temple), around 10 km east of Cakranegara in Narmada, was created circa 1805 as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and Segara Anak, the lake within Rinjani’s crater. The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake. Pura Suranadi, a complex of three temples located a few kilometres north of Narmada in Suranadi, is the oldest and holiest of the Balinese temples in Lombok, founded by the 16th-century Javanese priest, Danghyang Nirartha. Underground streams bubble up into restored baths, used for ritual bathing. Huge sacred eels live in the pools and streams here, and can sometimes be lured out with an offering of boiled eggs (purchased at a nearby stall). To see a sacred eel is considered very lucky!
HANDICRAFT VILLAGES Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay with distinctive “Lombok primitive” designs. You can also purchase hand-woven sarongs and fabrics (ikat). Pringgasela in central Lombok is a small village which is steeped in tradition and is a
major centre for weaving ikat. Visit the small houses and shops here to purchase traditionally woven, colourful fabrics. Masbagik, close to Pringgasela, is a small pottery village. Wander the streets and see the pottery being made in the small yards behind the simple homes here and purchase the wares for amazingly cheap prices. Sukarara is 5 km to the west of Praya, heading south towards Kuta. This is a weaving village where quality ikat and traditional cloth is displayed and sold. Weavers work outside many of the shops, using antiquated “back strap looms” to painstakingly produce works of art. Some of the larger pieces can take several months to weave, and collectors from around the world visit this village to purchase the blankets, sarongs and cloth produced here. Banyumulek, easily reached on the road south to Lembar Harbour, is an important centre for pottery on Lombok. The small village is packed with shops selling pottery produced in the area, as well as from the other main pottery-making villages such as Penujak and Masbagik. Lombok pottery, with its distinctive terracotta styles, has become famous internationally and is exported throughout the world. Pura Suranadi (Suranadi Temple) by Barbara
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Special Feature
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FEASTS! e v i t s e F The feast at the Holiday Resort on Christmas Eve is always excellent value and the White Christmas Eve Buffet on 24 December looks to be a winner this year too!
The festive buffet includes a huge selection, including Prawn Avocado Cocktail, Spicy Squid with Cucumber and Capers, Vietnamese Prawn and Glass Noodles Salad, Stir-fried Prawn with Broccoli, Zucchini Moussaka, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Tandoori Chicken, live grill with fish, satays and chicken, and much more.
Christmas is a special time for sharing with family and friends, enjoying great traditional foods and relaxing in comfortable surroundings. In this issue we bring you the best places to celebrate Christmas on Lombok! Asmara Restaurant is a favourite with both visitors and expats, with more than 100 people celebrating Christmas together last year. They will be holding the popular Christmas Brunch Buffet again this year, starting from 12.00 noon on Christmas Day, 25 December.
De Quake on the beachfront in the Art Markets has a delicious set menu dinner for Christmas Eve on 24 December. Start with a Tasting Plate of Green Pepper and Duck Terrine, Toasted Spiced Bread, Smoked Salmon and Vegetables Mille Feuille, and Mozzarella and Smoked Turkey Stuffed Eggplant; followed by a cleansing Lemon Sorbet with Berry Compote.
Price is all inclusive at just Rp 200,000 net per adult, Rp 50,000 for children up to 12, and no charge for infants up to 6 years old. Roast Turkey will also be on the specials menu for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for those who must have turkey but can’t make the brunch. Christmas at Asmara is very popular and numbers are limited, so tickets should be purchased and paid for a minimum of 3 days in advance to ensure your place! Book now on: 693 619
There’s an equally large selection of delicious desserts (Traditional Christmas Pudding, Yule Log Cake, Fresh Fruit Mousse, Christmas Cake and much more), all specially prepared by the creative bakery team at Holiday Resort. While dining, be entertained by a live Lombok cultural show. Bring the family – this Christmas buffet is excellent value at only Rp 185,000 ++! For those not into buffets, guests can enjoy a special Christmas Eve Set Dinner on 24 December at Gecko Garden in the Holiday Resort.
Start with a complimentary welcome drink and Bruschetta, followed by a buffet lunch of Creamy Lobster Soup, Roast Turkey with Gravy and Cranberry Sauce, Spiced Red Cabbage, Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheese, Potato Croquettes and Roast Potatoes. Desserts include Cheesecake, Apple Pie and Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream, plus complimentary tea and coffee. The carollers were such a hit last year, this year guests will again be entertained by the fabulous Children’s Gospel Choir from Ampenan singing carols to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. There will also be a lucky draw after the choir.
From the Carvery Station, feast on Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and Giblet Gravy, and New Zealand Roast Lamb Leg and all the traditional accompaniments.
Main courses include a choice of Australian Imported Beef Tenderloin, with Morel Mushroom Sauce and Sweet Potato Puree; Sea Bass Papillotte with Leek and Coriander Cream; or Chestnut Stuffed Turkey, with Tagliatelle and Green Asparagus. Finish with Mango Iced Nougat or Traditional Christmas Yule Log. Guests can enjoy this gourmet feast and the cool breezes while overlooking Senggigi Beach for just Rp 350,000++ per person. Book your table on: 693 694
The set menu includes Smoked Duck Breast with Orange Coulis, and Creamy Fresh Mushroom Soup with Crouton, followed by Orange Sorbet. For main course, choose from Roast Turkey and Lobster Tail Thermidor, Apple and Sultana Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce & Giblet Gravy; or Duo Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Jus and Lobster Tail Thermidor. Finish with Chocolate Soufflé or Chestnut and Amaretto Roulade, served with coffee or tea and Ginger Christmas Cookies… all for just Rp 250,000 ++ per person. Phone: 693444 for reservations for either the Christmas Eve Buffet or Set Dinner.
Continued on Page 36
Senggigi
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Tourism Information
Senggigi
WEST COAST RESORT
Senggigi Bay by Iwan Haryanto
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Malimbu by Koes Nadi
Just over one hour from Lombok International Airport, Senggigi is the main tourism centre on Lombok and, apart from the Gili islands, the most developed tourism area on Lombok. The town of Senggigi is about 10 km north of Ampenan, and about 30 minutes drive from Teluk Nara and Bangsal – the harbours to the Gili Islands. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali counterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is laid-back, with activities centred on the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all within a few hours drive from the town. At night, Jalan Raya Senggigi (the main street) comes alive. Dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, listen to live music at the bars, or dance the night away at the nightclubs. Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centre of Senggigi, with the main road running parallel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The Senggigi Beach Hotel, Santosa Villas and Resort, and the Sheraton Senggigi Resort all line the curved bay of Senggigi Beach and offer a full range of resort facilities, equally attractive for singles, couples and families. The beachfront is currently undergoing “revitalisation” by the West Lombok Tourism Department, which threatens to ruin the natural beauty of the beach. It can become very crowded and is best avoided on Sundays and public holidays. However, many more beautiful beaches exist just minutes away to the north. One of the most spectacular sights on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi Beach, with the bright orange sun sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon
like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean. Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the right conditions, some decent surf breaks. Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands. The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are a couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s and moneychangers, a post office and all the normal tourist facilities. Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid-range and budget accommodations. Tourism development runs north along the coastal road for about 10 km, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the entire west coast. About 2 km north of central Senggigi Kerandangan Valley has a popular beach nearby and some small boutique hotels, such as Puri Mas Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated in a pretty valley. Dream Estate Park comprises private villa accommodation for owners and investors, and has villas available for short and long term rental in a secure, well-managed estate. At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with clearly marked hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river. There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths.
The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife. Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with boutique style hotels positioned along the breathtaking beaches of this section of coast. The popular Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Beach Resort, Windy Beach Resort and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit. Furthest north are Klui and Lendang Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches. Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves and untouched by hotel development, continue all the way north along the main coastal road. Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all. Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the main dive operators have boats here, which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour. Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further north, is reached by turning left at the crossroads in Pemenang and from there it is easy to catch the public ferries (actually large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to charter boats for island hopping. Whether you are seeking luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets. From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the attractions of the stunning south coast or to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the peace and beauty of Lombok.
Senggigi
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Senggigi Map
Senggigi
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The Beach Club Beach Bungalows, Bar & Café
TWO PERFECT BEACH LOCATIONS IN LOMBOK!
er, dvd, front bungalows with AC, hot wat Senggigi - Comfortable beach Senggigi! mming pool. 5 minutes walk from satellite TV, private balcony and swi
Gili Air - Comfortable Bungalows with AC, Fres h Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed with views of Gili’s fantastic white sandy beaches – perfect for snorkelling – just steps from your room!
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong | Ph/Fax: +62 (0) 370 693637 M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 | E: thebeachclublombok@hotmail.com
www.thebeachclublombok.com
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Mataram
Senggigi
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DREAM DIVERS
Wishes you a Merry Christmas! DREAM DIVERS have been Lombok diving specialists since 1996. Our PADI 5 Star facilities on Gili Trawangan (also home to the DREAM DIVERS Bungalows, Bar & Restaurant),Gili Air and in Senggigi, on mainland Lombok, offer fun diving for everyone and diving courses for all age groups and skill levels - from ‘Discover Scuba Diver’ to ‘Dive Instructor’. MORE THAN JUST A DIVE CENTER! Our staff is ready to ensure that you experience a really great holiday. We can arrange snorkel trips, accommodation, domestic flights, transport, sightseeing tours, diving in South Lombok, Komodo or Bali, and much, much more. Let us help you make your stay unforgettable. Nothing is impossible - DREAM IT… DO IT! For our Senggigi based guests we offer daily transport & dive trips over to the Gili Islands, including a pick up from your hotel.
HEAD OFFICE SENGGIGI: Ph 0370 692 047 | Fax 0370 693 738 | Gili Trawangan: 0370 6134 496 | Gili Air: 0370 634 547 www.dreamdivers.com | info@dreamdivers.com
Special Feature
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Festive Feasts!
Continued from Page 10
Qunci Villas has a well-deserved reputation for quality dining in a fabulous beachfront location. This year the stylish Quali Restaurant presents an Elegant Christmas Eve Dinner at Rp 500,000 (around $50) per person. Guests will enjoy an Amuse Bouche of Mini Crab Cake with Sweet Chilli and Mango dip and Qunci’s own Rum Eggnog. Starters include a choice of Fennel and Arugula Salad with Orange Segments topped with Rare Tuna “Ahi”; or Butternut Squash Soup with Fresh Prawn and Lemongrass Dumplings. Appetizers include Steamed Champagne Clams or Smoked Duck Crostini with Blackberry Compote, followed by Minted Lemon Sorbet with Candied Cranberries.
For main course, choose from “Qwurky Turkey” – Fried Whole Turkey with Cranberry and Oregano Jus; Porcini encrusted Beef Tenderloin served with Truffle Butter, Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Candied Carrots; or Dill and White Wine Poached Salmon with Sour Cream and Lemon Sauce, Saffron rice and Broccoli Almondine. Finish this gourmet feast with Pumpkin Pie with Homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream, or Ginger Bread Cake with Peppermint Meringues.
Qunci is sure to be a popular choice for Christmas celebrations, so book early on: 693 800. The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort is another fine place to celebrate, with their Christmas Night Menu available on 25 December at Kebun Anggrek Restaurant. Created by visiting Executive Chef, Lamberto Valdez, the 5 course menu features a first course of Fresh Crab Meat, Almond Gazpacho in a Shooter Glass, and Crispy Ham. Second Course is Herb Crusted Lamb Rack with Pumpkin Gnocchi and Herb Oil, followed by Seafood Ravioli, Fried Leek and Dijon Cream Emulsion. Fourth course features Roasted Stuffed Turkey Breast, Fresh Lobster, Spinach Potato and Cranberry Gravy. Finish with Au Chocolate Plato – Chocolate Mousse with chocolate Tuille and Coffee Smear; Petit Fours, and coffee or tea. Phone 693 333 for prices and reservation. Senggigi’s favourite fine dining venue, Square Restaurant, is also offering a special 5 Course Christmas Gourmet Dinner available to diners on both 24 and 25 December. The 5-course menu starts with Poached River Prawn with Truffled Sembalun
Potato Salad; and then a choice of Beef Consomme with Three Mushroom Ravioli; or Vodka and Lime Scented Smoked Salmon served with Avocado Prawn Mouse, Mixed Leaves and Mimosa Dressing. Break for a refreshing Cranberry Sorbet and then choose between Lamb Tenderloin with Rosti Potato and Rosemary Sauce; or Pan Fried Salmon Fillet with Herbed Mashed Potato and Warm Coriander Sauce; or Slow Cooked Turkey Roll with Water Chestnut, Fresh Bread and Sage Stuffing wrapped in Turkey Bacon and served with Mashed Bread Fruit, Slow Roasted Onion and Berry Sauce. For dessert, there is a choice of Chilli Chocolate Fondant with Cinnamon Cream, Raspberry Sauce and Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream; or Christmas Pudding with Brandy Cream Anglaise, Baked Pear and Berry Compote. Enjoy a luxurious gourmet dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for just Rp 350,000 ++ per person. Bookings recommended on: 6644 888 or 693 688
GILI GEDE For those celebrating a castaway style Christmas in Southwest Lombok, Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede is the place to head for Christmas. The resort will have a Fresh Fish Barbecue with Titin’s special pumpkin soup for starters. Be entertained by the “Go for it” jam session with Peter the Flute. Secret Island has one guitar and conga drums, so bring your instruments and join in the fun on the beach! Phone 0818 0376 2001 for details and bookings. See page 83 for where to celebrate Christmas on the Gilis!
Senggigi
19 OPEN 9am to 8pm 7 Days a Week
Imported products, pastas, herbs, cooking oils, lentils, nuts, butter, cheeses, jams and sauces, Lindt chocolates, juices, and fresh vegetables
Try our home-cooked foods without MSG: fresh garden salad, chicken sandwich (grilled chicken breast and salad in toasted bread), spaghetti bolognese, spring rolls, or our delicious burgers with the meat patty made from fillet steak and based on a Slavic “cevapcici� recipe
All from Rp 15,000 to Rp 25,000!
s
Burger
hes
Fresh Salads Garden
Sandwic
Jl Raya Senggigi (30m from Asmara Restaurant) | Phone: 0370 693177
Complete pet supplies in Senggigi! We carry a large selection of quality Dog and Cat Foods Pet Accessories (Collars, leads, cages, bowls, toys, etc) Pet Care Products (Vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick powders, coat conditioners and pet medicines) Hamster and fish foods and more!
Open 7 days a week
Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Deli Senggigi)
Phone: 0370 693177
What’s Hot / Special Feature
20 The women of Kuta Lombok invite you to come to their Lombok Handicraft Market that will be held on Sunday, 16 December 2012 from midday to 8 pm at Solah Beach Bar & Restaurant on Jl Raya Pantai Kuta (the beach road), Kuta. As we featured in Issue 127, the enterprising ladies of Kuta have formed their own cooperative and are making handcrafted items to preserve their traditional skills and create independent livelihoods for themselves.
This is a great time to pick up a bargain for the home or a lovely Christmas present for someone special! Open every day from 9am to 10pm. Ph: 660 4452. Travellers catching early morning flights can enjoy the comforts and facilities of the Sheraton Airport Lounge at Lombok International Airport. From 1 December, the Lounge will be open from 5am to cater for early morning travellers to Jakarta and Surabaya. The first flight from BIL is Lion Air to Jakarta at 6am. The Sheraton Airport Lounge is located adjacent to the boarding lounge for domestic flights and, for a small entrance fee, offers comfortable surroundings while waiting for your flight.
If you are in Kuta, come in and say “Hello!” and support these ladies by picking up beautiful bags, sarongs and bangles which are all made using traditional techniques inspired by modern designs!
Relax in the comfortable air conditioned lounge, or the dedicated smoking lounge, and indulge in complimentary coffee, tea and cool drinks, and delicious snacks, while enjoying the excellent facilities such as free WiFi, magazines and newspapers, and satellite TV.
Anyone driving from Montong to Senggigi at night is sure to have noticed the gorgeous lamps glowing in the window of a little shop on the roadside at Melase.
Visitors to Lombok often ask us where the best places are to see traditional Lombok cultural shows and performances.
Tucked in amongst the warung and cafés just next to the Jayakarta Hotel, Gallery Jacks has a small but lovely collection of eyecatching lamps in contemporary colours and patterns, crafted from fiberglass and imported from New Zealand… unlike anything else we’ve seen in Lombok! The shop also sells unique furniture and art pieces crafted in teak wood by the owner, Jack, as well as other interesting gift pieces, pearls and decorator items. At the moment the Gallery is having a huge clearance sale, with up to 50% discounts!
While there is no set schedule, both the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort and Holiday Resort in Mangsit regularly offer free cultural shows for dinner guests during high season. Puri Mas Boutique Resort in Mangsit has also been delighting guests recently with a series of cultural shows held during dinner at their Ballroom Restaurant every Tuesday night. Surprisingly, many of their best performers are actually Puri Mas staff members who volunteered to put on displays from their home villages and have proven to be wonderful ambassadors for their culture! Guests are welcome to come for dinner and see traditional Lombok Sasak and Balinese performances such as Cendrawasi, Merak and Baris dances, as well as exciting displays of Peresean (traditional stick fighting) competitions. For reservations, contact: 693 831
QUNCI LAUNCH NEW QUNCI BITES MENU
Never a resort to rest on its laurels, Qunci Villas has just released its new Qunci Bites menu, now available in all areas of the resort, as well as Quali and Quah Restaurants and Nooq Bar. In keeping with the resort’s distinctive “Q” branding, the new-look “Qapas” menu uses an innovative pricing structure to encourage guests to sample and share the tasty “Bites”.
There are three pieces in each serve and diners can choose 3 different items for Rp 70,000; or 6 different items for Rp 135,000; or for a big group (or a hungry couple!) choose 9 items (27 pieces) for Rp 200,000… great if you are having a few drinks with friends and feel peckish, but not hungry enough to order a meal! Under the direction of Executive Chef, Bryce Adamson, the dishes all reflect his talented flair in the kitchen and Qunci’s commitment to using only the freshest locally available ingredients. Highly recommended are
the Chicken Liver Mousse Fried Wontons with Tamarind and Strawberry Coulis; Thai Grilled Fish Cakes; Asian Sesame Chicken Wings; Chicken, Eggplant and Caramelised Onion Mini Focaccia; and the delightful Pineapple dipped in White Chocolate from the desserts selection.
Qunci Bites are available every day from 3 – 7pm. Time it right and enjoy them with the 2 for 1 Happy Hour from 5pm, featuring delicious fresh fruit cocktails with a Qunci twist!
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Puri Bunga Beach Cottages
Luxury and Tranquility Privately positioned on terraced slopes of beautiful flowers, overlooking Senggigi Bay and the Lombok Strait to Bali Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cottages with air conditioning, hot water, television, mini bar, telephone and internet access
Sea view cottages
From US$40* / room! (Incl breakfast)
* tax and service charge and high season surcharges may apply
Enquire about our special offers!
Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, Ph: +62 (0) 370 693013 Fax: +62 (0) 370 693286 | info@puribungalombok.com | www.puribungalombok.com
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Italian Beachfront Restaurant Delicious Fresh Seafood, Authentic Italian Dishes Oriental Food, Barbecue on the Beach Wood Oven Pizza, Homemade Pasta and Italian Bread
Jl. Raya Batu Bolong, Senggigi | Phone: 0370 693039 / 693313 info@cafealbertolombok.com | www.cafealbertolombok.com • Imported Meats, incl Harvey Beef • Home-baked Breads, Cakes & Pastries • Dairy – Yoghurt, Cheeses, Butter, Cream • Wide Range of Imported Products • Open Every Day for your Convenience!
Ask us about our Catering Services, Wedding & Birthday Cakes! Jl Palm Raja No 5, BTN Green Valley, Senggigi. Phone: 0370 693251
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Windy Beach Resort “Next to Nature”
Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: bookings@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com
Senggigi
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Puri Mas Gallery The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style
Fine Arts and Collectibles From Around the Archipelago
AT PURI MAS BOUTIQUE RESORT
Just 5 minutes north of Senggigi Phone 693831 for free pick up and drop off service in Senggigi area Jl. Raya Mangsit Beach, Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | Tel: 0370 693831 | Fax: 0370 693023 info@purimas-lombok.com | www.purimas-lombok.com | Skype: purimasreservations
Swiss Bakery & Cafeteria • High Quality home roasted Arabica, Robusta and Luwak coffee beans • Coffee Machine Rental and Maintenance • Oven fresh, made to order bread, pastry & cookies • Bread Supplier for Hotels & Restaurants • Aircon * Library * Notebooks • Best Cappucino - No Foam = Money Back!
Oven fresh Baguettes every morning at 9:30am! TRY THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE COFFEE!
Visit us at Senggigi Square Blok A/04. Ph: 0370 692085 / 0818365790 | Email: info@cafelombi.com
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[ Fine Wining and Dining on the Beachfront ]
NooQ
C o c k t a i l & Ta p a s L o u n g e Lonely Planet: “This terrific, hip hotel-restaurant has a well-selected modern menu [and] is an incredibly romantic setting�
[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ]
Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693800, Fax: +62 370 693802 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
Special Feature
26
The 12 Days of
Christmas…
Autore is a worldrenown pearl trader – synonymous with quality and style. Precious pearls are farmed in Lombok and at Autore pearl farms throughout Indonesia, and then sent to Australia to be set in stylish designs by Australian craftsmen.
Christmas is a time for giving… for decorating the tree and wrapping presents, and for choosing and giving gifts to those we love. Of course, you can head to Mataram Mall for a huge choice of everything from cameras, electronics, clothing, toys and more; or you can go local with these great gift ideas and support our local small businesses!
Discover their distinctive range of necklaces and pendants, bangles and bracelets, rings and more at the Autore Pearl Farm at Teluk Nara. Prices are affordable and styles range from classic pearl strands to contemporary pieces… for women and men.
Anna’s Gift Shop This great little gift shop is tucked away in the Galleria Shops, diagonally opposite Asmara Restaurant. There’s plenty to choose from including inexpensive Lombok bowls, small pottery items, sarongs and a big range of wooden masks and statuary. For something truly special, look for the figurines hand-painted in long-lasting imported acrylics by owner, Diane… each is beautifully one-of-a-kind and all are highly collectible. Also, look out for the new glass lamps in contemporary designs and the artwork collection upstairs. In stock now is a range of inexpensive fashion jewellery with everything from chunky bracelets and beaded necklaces, to wild and wonderful big chunky rings... plenty of bling, with most under Rp 100,000. More upmarket jewellery features Lombok pearls and semi-precious stones in interesting and attractive settings, as well as classic necklaces and lovely pearl bracelets and earrings. Don’t overlook the great selection of gift ideas at Anna’s Gift Shop!
Autore Pearls A luminous, beautiful and valuable South Sea pearl is a gift to treasure forever.
For a romantic day out, take your loved one on a Pearl Farm Tour and then surprise them with a special gift from the Autore Gallery… make it a day to treasure forever!
Ciokolata This little boutique next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket on the main street is always popular for party dresses at this time of the year. There’s a lovely selection of dresses, tops and skirts in fine cotton fabrics – perfect for the tropical weather (but mostly smaller sizes). At the moment they also have a limited selection of cotton shirts for men in great designs. Also check out the cute and trendy children’s wear, especially the little girls’ party dresses! Fashion accessories include scarves, bright and fun resort jewellery, and a good selection of silver and gemstone jewellery at very reasonable prices. The shoes at Ciokolata are gorgeous – a small range, hand-picked and spot on for style – in sizes to suit most feet!
Continued on Page 34
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New Culinary Excellence at Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort Change is in the air. New menus and culinary delights to tempt all palates. New Tapas at our Sunset Bar. A new approach to cuisine, using the freshest local ingredients prepared with international excellence. Because you don’t just wine and dine in paradise... You belong.
Book now at sales.senggigi@sheraton.com or call +62 370 693 333
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LOSMEN
Cover Yourself in
TJABE MERAH
Jl. Saleh Sungkar, Gg. Sawah, Ampenan, Lombok Ph: +62 370 636150 - Fax: +62 370 637635
THE RED PEPPER INN Clean and comfortable. Located in the middle of the”kampung”near the local Kebon Roek traditional market you immediately have a sense of the real Indonesian life. Ampenan is near Mataram and Cakra and only 7 kilometers away from Senggigi.
Room rates (smoking & non smoking) Standard room with fan – Rp 80 000 Standard room with TV & AC – Rp 130 000
OOK NEDERLANDS SPREKEND AMPENAN BEACH JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR KEBON ROEK MARKET
Gang Sawah
TO MATARAM
TO SENGGIGI
LOSMEN TJABE MERAH
www.hotel-lombok.nl
CV. ANANTA GUNA LESTARI OUR SERVICES: Pest Control | Rodent Control Termite Control | Fumigation Employee Recruitment (Out Sourcing) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: Cleaning Service | Painting | Plumbing Pool Maintenance | Floor Repairs Rubbish Removal | Carpentry Stone Coating | General Maintenance Work New season swimwear now in store! New designs every two weeks! Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com
www.ciokolata.com
Jl. Alpa Raya Blok IV No. 4 BTN Sandik - Lombok Mobile: 0812 3693 5382 / 0818 0363 6609 Phone (0370) 6657069 / Fax: (0370) 621627 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id
29
Individual and Group Pearl Farm Tours Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private viewings welcome
Showroom and CafĂŠ Open Daily
PT Autore Pearl Culture, Teluk Nara, Malaka, Lombok Phone: +62 370 6844 895 / 0813 3992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au
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VERVE purveyor of life’s little luxuries
NOW AVAILABLE IN LOMBOK! Toiletries for Villas & Hotels And personal use
QUALITY ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Shampoo Conditioner Shower Gel Body Lotion
~~~ Best seller ~~~ Personal mosquito spray Lavender | Citronella | Geranium Sun Care Packs – Ideal for Guests Individual Sized Lip Balm, Mosquito Spray, Sunscreen SPF35+, and After Sun Cooling Gel
Massage Oil Body Scrub Room Freshner
NO MINIMUM ORDER PERSONALISED LOGO FOR HOTELS & VILLAS
To order: HP +62 812 4640 0246 E: vervevillaslombok@ymail.com
Anna’s
Giftshop
Looking for nice presents or home decorations?
We sell: Salt and Freshwater Pearls, San Marco Jewellery, Lombok Pottery, Hand Painted Modern Wooden Statues and Masks, Unique Lamps, Paintings, Handwoven Ikats, Sarongs and much more!
Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | P: 0817 5730 012 | E: lombok_annasgiftshop@hotmail.com
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Christmas Eve Menu 24 December 2012
Starters Tasting Plate of Green Pepper and Duck Terrine with Toasted Spiced Bread, Smoked Salmon and Vegetables Mille Feuille, Mozzarella and Smoked Turkey Stuffed Eggplant Sorbet Lemon Sorbet with Berry Compote Main Course Australian Import Beef Tenderloin, Morel Mushroom Sauce, Sweet Potato Puree or Sea Bass Papillotte, Leek, Coriander Cream or Chestnut Stuffed Turkey, Tagliatelle, Green Asparagus Desserts Mango Iced Nougat or Traditional Christmas Yule Log
Price IDR 350.000++
Prices are Subject to 15.5 % Government Tax and Service Charge
“De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi” – The Lonely Planet Art Market Senggigi, Lombok +62 370 693694 | www.dequake.com
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Live Music! Great Food! Good Times! Every Friday ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the garden
Book your table early for our Famous Christmas Brunch!
Jl. Raya (Main Street) Senggigi, Lombok 0370 693619 restaurant@asmara-group.com
www.asmara-group.com
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MARSHANDER SPA & SALON PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY & HEALTH CARE
Hair and Beauty – Trained Hair Stylist Facials and Skin Care – Body Shop and Biokos Products Waxing and Nails Massage, Reflexology and Body Treatments Spa Packages OPEN DAILY 10am to 9pm
Great Prices and Trained Therapists... Come in and try our full range of services for beauty, health and relaxation!
Senggigi Square Blok A/05 (next to Cafe Lombi), Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0878 6228 0693
Special Feature
34 Continued from Page 26
The 12 Days of
Christmas…
modern yellow and white gold designs, or you can arrange to have a special piece handcrafted at the store by their in-house designer.
Gandrung Lombok
Look out for Mawar’s fun new range of pearl jewellery set in contemporary copper wire designs. Affordable and unique jewellery for him and her!
Puri Mas Gallery The sumptuous gallery at Puri Mas Boutique Resort in Mangsit always has something new and unique to tempt fussy shoppers.
Recently opened in Meninting, on the main road opposite Meninting Raya Bungalows, this store has a great variety of interesting gift ideas, including hats and clothing for him and her, scarves and throws, and lots of fun bangles and jewellery. Woven fabrics – colourful traditional ikat and songket – make great gifts, and there’s a large selection of sarongs in many styles. T-shirts (in all sizes up to XXXL) are fun and quirky, with unique designs, and there’s also ladies clothing, beach wear for him and her, board shorts and casual men’s and women’s shirts and tops. Prices are unbeatable – starting from Rp 15,000, with tops and t-shirts at Rp 30,000 – this is the place to stock up on stocking fillers!
Mawar Jewellery Tucked away at the back of Senggigi Plaza (follow the road past Happy Café), Mawar Jewellery has one of the best selection of gemstone and semi-precious stone jewellery in Senggigi, as well as beautiful pearl jewellery. Lovely pieces include silver pendants and bangles set with topaz, amethyst, peridot and other stones; turquoise rings and bangles; and a good selection of earrings featuring moonstones, motherof-pearl, and other gemstones. This is also one of the few places where you will find
The Gallery specialises in antiques and Indonesian collectibles and you’ll find a wonderful selection of wayang (shadow puppets), statues and figurines, and quirky objet d’art. There are some beautiful home décor ideas including hand blown bowls and vases in wonderful colours and freeform shapes.
For hard-to-buy-for men, check out the cotton batik shirts and the display of antique style bikes and cidomo, or even the funny frog figurines! The Gallery also has a beautiful range of ocean-inspired jewellery using Lombok South Sea pearls set in stunning silver designs by Australian designer, Amanda Rosser. New in store this month is a unique range of crystal chakra healing jewellery. Semi-precious stones which correspond to the body’s chakra or energy centres are set in bold designs and make great gifts for that someone special. Choose from designs using Lapis Lazuli, Citrine, Onyx and more.
Continued on Page 36
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24 December 2012 CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS EVE WITH d’ORIA RESTAURANT
COUPLES DINNER only Rp 250,000 DINE AT OUR SUNSET BAR WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AND ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE FEEL THE PEACE OF THE SEASON
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lendang Luar Lombok Utara, Indonesia | Ph: +62 370 693246 / +62 811 390 7779 Fax: +62 370 693247 | E-mail: d.oria_resort@yahoo.co.id | www.orialombok-resort.com
Special Feature
36 Continued from Page 34
The 12 Days of
Christmas…
beginners dive courses locally or trips out to the Gilis for fun dives, night dives and specialised courses.
Nur Hikmah Pearl Jewellery Located in the city (see our cities map on page 56), Nur Hikmah is the Lombok branch of a wellknown Javanese pearl company that specialises in luxurious pearl jewellery.
On the Gilis, Manta Dive on Gili T and Gili Air have excellent facilities and top instructors. Divine Divers on Gili Meno offer small groups and personalised service and, of course, the best location for diving with the turtles!
Massages, Hair and Body Treatments and Day Spas
The huge selection ranges from valuable loose pearls to classic strands and unique designs, and includes black, white, pink and coloured pearls sourced from pearl farms throughout Indonesia. Choose from inexpensive designs such as the trendy pearl necklaces and chokers strung on wire and rubber thread, through to elegant and precious designs that will be loved forever.
Rambo Pet Shop Family pets should not be forgotten at Christmas, so make sure there’s a package under the tree for your fur baby!
There’s nothing better than a day of pampering and you can’t go past a spa package to show someone you care. Treatments are not just for the ladies – men also love to indulge in some soothing massages, as well as a good haircut, manicure and facial! Orchid Spa has two outlets – on the Jl Pantai Senggigi side of Senggigi Plaza and in the Galleria Shops near Rambo Pet Shop. Both offer a full range of treatments from reflexology and massages, to manicures, pedicures and facials. The Senggigi Plaza Spa also has a small range of clothing and accessories that are worth checking out.
Rambo Pet Shop has a great range of pet accessories – from natural pet shampoos to keep them smelling sweet, to a new trendy collar or lead, or even a spacious cage for your pet hamster! While you’re there, pick up some vitamins, a fun toy, or a packet of treats or chews to keep your furry one happy and healthy!
Dive Shops Diving deep for gift ideas? If your loved one has a passion for diving (or has always wanted to learn), you can’t go past a gift voucher, dive course or fun dive from one of our top, professional dive shops. Blue Marlin and Dream Divers both have excellent reputations and have branches in Senggigi where you can organise
comfortable setting.
Marshander Spa, in Senggigi Square near Café Lombi, has gained a good reputation since it opened earlier this year and offers massages, reflexology, scrubs and body treatments in a clean and
Hair care, including professional cuts and colouring, is a specialty here, as well as soothing facial treatments using good quality products. Royal Spa, also on the beach road alongside Senggigi Plaza, is a well-established place for massages, including aromatherapy, reflexology and shiatsu. They also have a bigger and more luxurious branch on Jl Bung Karno in the city (near Biomedika Klinik) and another branch in Kuta (on the road to the Novotel).
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1 HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 60 000
Complete Spa Services at Local Prices! Open every day from 10am to 10pm Phone: 0819 1593 2899 Two convenient locations in Senggigi Senggigi Plaza Blok 3 No.9 (Senggigi Beach Road)
Galeria Shops (Near Rambo Petshop)
38
AUSSIES MEET CONSUL GENERAL
More than 80 Australians (and a handful of Canadians and New Zealanders) turned up to meet Australian Consul General, Brett Farmer, at a reception at Taman Restaurant in Senggigi recently.
Local Scene
Senggigi
39
BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI ...DIVE THE DIFFERENCE!
Lombok’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre Senggigi’s most time efficient daily return trips Professionally trained dive and snorkel staff We do not combine our Senggigi-based guests with our other dive centres providing a more personalised service for you We ensure small groups for your comfort and safety Daily transfers direct from your hotel Excellent Restaurant and Facilities to enjoy during your break on Gili T
PADI Dive Courses Daily Dive & Snorkel Trips - Gili Trawangan Transfers - Hotel Dive and Stay Packages
Please email and quote “Lionfish” for special discount offers
Main Office: HOLIDAY RESORT LOMBOK +62 370 693 719 www.bluemarlindive.com | senggigi@bluemarlindive.com
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Local News
AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN LANGUAGES
The Lombok International Language Institute (LILI) is a new development for Sekolah Nusa Alam.
SNA is opening its doors to the public for English Language and Bahasa Indonesian lessons in the evenings from January and have employed a highly experienced and expert English Teacher from the British Council in Jakarta: Mr Sam Broughey will be arriving with his family in January. LILI English Language classes will initially operate four evenings per week, from Monday to Thursday. SNA Principal Derek Pugh said, “The English courses are based on the Cambridge ESL Programs and students will take Cambridge examinations to earn LILI Certificates. This is an exciting opportunity for other SMA students, College Students, local teachers, hospitality industry workers and the general public to learn English from the best.” Bahasa Indonesia lessons are conducted by native speakers, Ibu Mia and Pak Gozali and will be conducted twice weekly.Other languages may be offered in the near future.
All interested students are welcome to contact the Principal on info@nusaalam. net or visit the school’s website at www. nusaalam.net for more information. Enrolments are open now!
KESEMPATAN YANG MENYENANGKAN UNTUK BELAJAR BAHASA Institut Bahasa Internasional Lombok (LILI) adalah sebuah lembaga bahasa dibawah naungan dari Sekolah Nusa Alam. SNA membuka kesempatan kepada masyarakat umum untuk mengikuti kursus bahasa Inggris dan bahasa Indonesia pada malam hari mulai bulan Januari 2013. Para siswa/peserta kursus akan diajar oleh native speaker seperti Sam Broughey, seorang guru bahasa Inggris yang berpengalaman dan ahli dari British Council di Jakarta, dan untuk kursus bahasa Indonesia akan diajar oleh native speaker Ibu Mia dan Pak Gozali.
LILI akan mulai membuka kelas empat kali seminggu, setiap hari Senin hingga hari Kamis. Kepala Sekolah SNA Derek Pugh berkata bahwa “Kursus Bahasa Inggris didasarkan pada program-program ESL (Bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa kedua) Cambridge dan para peserta akan mengikuti ujian-ujian Cambridge untuk memperoleh sertifikat LILI, juga bisa mendapat sertifikat dari Cambridge ESOL. Ini merupakan kesempatan yang berharga untuk siswa-siswa SMA, mahasiswa Perguruan Tinggi, guru-guru bahasa Inggris lokal, para pegawai dan masyarakat umum untuk belajar bahasa Inggris di tempat kursus bahasa yang terbaik.” Kursus Bahasa Indonesia juga akan diadakan dua kali seminggu dan begitu pula dengan bahasa-bahasa lainnya yang mungkin akan segera dibuka dalam waktu dekat. Bagi yang berminat, silahkan menghubungi Kepala Sekolah di email info@nusaalam.net atau kunjungi website kami di www.nusaalam.net untuk informasi lebih jelas. Pendaftaran dibuka sekarang!
Nusa alaM
LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE INSTITUTE
New at SEKOLAH NUSA ALAM
ENGLISH
BASED ON CAMBRIDGE ESL COURSES
BAHASA INDONESIA Classes by Native Speakers Starter, Elementary and Pre-Intermediate levels
Commencing January 2013 For Information or to register contact us now
Phone 0370 647514 Email: nusaalam@yahoo.com
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NOW OPEN IN SENGGIGI! MAMAS, NIKMAT, CATER PRODUCTS Sirloin, Tenderloin, Fillet Steaks Cold Cuts and Deli Meats Salami, Ham, Chicken and Turkey Sausages - Breakfast, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Herb and Mixed Dry Pasta and Sauces Gandari Purified Ice Cubes
Open 9am to 10pm every day
Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant | Ph: 0370 693 531
UD. GANDARI ICE SOLUTION
Pure refreshing ice cubes made from UV sterilised and purified spring water. Hygienically packaged for your convenience Supplying hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes & private villas
FREE DELIVERY EVERY DAY Jl Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong
www.gandari.com
Hotline: Hp: 081 836 8731 | Ph: 0370 619 4273 | Flexi: 0370 668 1958
Pasar Classifieds
42
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE: Gallery Jacks
GUEST HOUSE FOR RENT
Located on the main road in Melase, Batu Layar. Good location, also suit café/restaurant/home stay 2.5 are (250m2) 3 years leasehold with option Price without gallery stock: Rp 160 million.
Ready to move in Nice & secured, 2 bedroom with AC, Hot water, swimming pool,fully Furnished, kitchen, quiet area (daily, weekly, long-term Rental).
Gallery, House & Workshop
!!!FOR SALE up to 50% discount!!! Wooden Furniture, Fibreglass Lamps and More!
Ph: Jack 0817 575 2059 / Carla 0819 0784 3327
Please call Owner 0819 1660 4000
HOUSE FOR RENT
FOR LEASE / SALE Two beautiful beach houses
Special for foreigner. 700sqm with yard. Fully furnished, garage for 3 cars, 4 bedroom, hot water system, AC. Located in Jalan Candrakirana, Cakra 0817 578 9207 / 0370 627 766 WANTED
SECURITY GUARD – SATPAM, MUST HAVE REFERENCES FOR VILLA IN MANGSIT
DI CARI
Orang Jaga – SATPAM Harus ada referensi Untuk Villa di Mangsit
PH: 0812 4640 0246
PT MULTIGRAHA KELOLAVALAS Authorized Money Changer (Pedagang Valuta Asing Berijin)
The Best Rate in Lombok ! Senggigi: Next to Taman Rest. Phone: 0370 693 680 Cakranegara: Toko Mas Melati, Jl. Pejanggik No. 1-3, Phone: 0370 631 567 / 633 748
Nyoman Transport
GERUPUK – KUTA LOMBOK KUTA LOMBOK
LAND FOR SALE: 91 are, 15 are, 2 are
SEKOTONG
LAND FOR SALE: 5 Hectare
Contact owner 0878 6460 0950 / 0819 9991 5775
For Sale Kijang Innova 2009 Automatic, Silver, only 37000km, 18” wheels, Sports Roof Rack, Tinted Windows, excellent condition. Rp 200 Juta. Please call 087862287517 or email saffa06@gmail.com’
GOLF PLAYERS WANTED SENGGIGI HACKERS AMATEUR GOLF SOCIETY (SHAGS) Friendly, non-profit golf Games every week – Monthly Cup New members, tourists and casual games Discount rates! ALL WELCOME!
Ph: 0813 398 11140 (Jim) | www.golf-lombok.com
IMMIGRATION SERVICE
Safe and professional English-speaking driver with comfortable air conditioned car (seats 5 - 6). Private airport transfers or airport to Kuta, Mataram, Senggigi, Gilis, etc Available for private charter and Lombok tours. Competitive rates and friendly service!
Visas and Residency Permits | Work and Business Visas Retirement Visas | Police Permits Land Certificates | Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) Company Documents
Phone: 0819 1701 3714 Email: nyoman.mance@yahoo.co.id
Office: 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com / damsiah@yahoo.com
VOA Extensions up to 60 days
Discount Vouchers
43
LOMBOK PHOTOGRAPHER Lombok Photographer is more than just a collection of fantastic images. It’s a celebration of creating and sharing great photography. It’s about a lot of people getting involved and contributing a little bit each to create something. We invite you to share some of your best photos! There is no cost to get involved and where ever you are ‘at’ with your photography you’re sure to get a lot out of it
Photography Consultant Description - Stock Images - Training - Travelling Photography (aerial photography, landscape, human interest, caving and underwater) - Taking Picture - Photography Contest - Exhibition - Publicity - Photos Curator - Photos Marketing - Design 3D View & 3D Animation
www.lombokphotographer.com
DISCOUNT VOUCHERS www.thelombokguide.com
Present this coupon or quote “Lionfish” for either:
10% Discount on Fun Dives Valid 10 – 24 Dec 2012
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS & DISCOUNT VOUCHERS BOX (9,5cm X 4,9cm) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE EMAIL: kitadesign@hotmail.com
10% Discount on Snorkel Tours 5% Discount on PADI Dive Courses. Please book in advance by phone: (0370) 693 719 or visit our offices at the Holiday Resort / Senggigi Beach Hotel * Discount applies to a min 2 people – Not in addition to any other promotions or discount offers
Bring this voucher in for
10% Discount on all meals
Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner Gili Trawangan, Lombok. Ph: (0370) 642 217 Email: wrapasnapper@dps.centrin.net.id
SECRET ISLAND RESORT Gili Gede, Southwest Lombok Valid 10 – 24 Dec 2012
Valid 10 – 24 Dec 2012
Real Fish ‘n’ Chips, Fresh Seafood, Salads and much more...
“3 Day Package Deal” Standard Double Room + 2 breakfast, + free use of double Kayak, Rp 400.000 On presentation of this coupon Phone: 0818 0376 2001 secretisland@xl.blackberry.com | www.secretislandresort.com
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In Good Taste... Welcome to Lombok! As an expat working here in Lombok, I want to share with all our valuable visitors a few of the recipes that you will try around our lovely island, so hopefully you can take more than just a great memory home and show your friends that – apart from beautiful scenery, sexy beaches, amazing weather and friendly people – we have some exquisite food available here and Lombok people do take their food seriously! Selamat Makan! By Bryce Adamson, Chef and Beverage at Qunci Villas.
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS
From Bryce Adamson and Herwadi, Bar & Restaurant Manager at Qunci Villas As a chef, my biggest passion is food but I have to admit my biggest pleasure is booze! So instead of food this week – since most Lombok chefs still hesitate to contact me with recipes to contribute to this column! – I was crying at the Nooq Bar at Qunci and my bartender suggested I have a drink or 20. I thought, “Hey I can put some lovely cocktails together for the holidays or to go with all the lovely food and cheer everyone up!” Long story short (actually got into the work and forgot the rest of the night), I worked with Herwadi, the Bar and Restaurant Manager at Qunci Villas, and came up with wonderful cocktails… and I know my editor at The Guide enjoys these as well! There is no usual background story for these drinks as they are all Qunci originals. But, I need to plead with all Chefs, GM’s and/or restaurant owners in Lombok: please get in touch with me and contribute a recipe to this column. It’s just a recipe, a few pictures and you get beautiful free advertising for your business. Let’s promote our food!!! In the meantime, let’s enjoy a drink or two. Selamat Minum! Simple Syrup / Sugar Syrup: All recipes use simple syrup which is 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Mix well and heat until all the sugar dissolves. This is used as a liquid sweetener for all cocktails. Mango Black Pepper Martini The pepper in this drink really offsets the sweetness of the mango and, as mangos are in season at the moment, you can drink these to your heart’s content (or til your heart gives out!)
1 fresh Mango
out, garnish with a lemon grass stick and enjoy!
1 tbspn Black Peppercorns
Suggested snack: Spring rolls with a chilli dip!
1 lime (juice only)
Qunci Green Highball
100ml (2 shots) Vodka
This is one of Herwadi’s newest creations and, from what I remember, one of his best!
50ml simple syrup 4 ice cubes Directions: Mash the mango and pepper together until it forms a mushy paste. Add lime juice, ice, vodka and syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake like a mad man (or women).
Using the beautiful Ginger Torch Flower makes this drink so refreshing you don’t even realize there is alcohol in it until it’s too late… Fresh Ginger Torch Flower
Strain mixture into two martini glasses (or one, if you’re a thirsty selfish *** like me!) Garnish with a strip of mango and enjoy!
1 Green Apple
Suggested snacks: pretzels - the saltiness combined with the peppery sweetness… magnifique!
1 can Soda Water
Jack Fruit Martini Many people are not Jackfruit fans, as the fruit can smell like a shoe but once you try this you will be amazed (and thankful it’s not Durian)! 10pcs fresh Jackfruit bulbs 4 pcs Lemongrass 1 Lime (juice only) 100ml vodka 50ml Sweetener 4 ice cubes As above, mash the Jackfruit, lemongrass and lime together (mash this one extra well, as it releases the intoxicating lemongrass oils to improve your intoxication later). Then add vodka, ice and sweetener and shake it all up in a cocktail shaker. Strain it
1 Lime (juice only) 100ml Gin (2 shots) 50ml sweetener 4 ice cubes It’s best to use a blender or juicer for this drink. Put the apple, Ginger Torch, lime juice, ice, gin and sweetener into the blender and let her rip. Strain into two Highball glasses and top it up with soda water. Add a slice of green apple for garnish and enjoy! Suggested snack: Indian Samosa – this drink is so refreshing you need something with a zing! As always if you can’t be bothered making these for yourself come down to Qunci Villas (2 for 1 Happy Hours from 5 - 7pm), and Herwadi and his boys will be more than happy to make enough of these for you to regret it in the morning!
If any Lombok chefs would like to contribute a local recipe, please contact me at brycethechef@gmail.com
Local News
45
ACCOR REBRANDS AND TARGETS TOURISM SPOTS
Hotel operator Accor is rebranding its economy hotel line to expand its hotel network under the Ibis brand. The company also plans to build more budget hotels in tourist destinations to anticipate higher demands. The company is currently in the process of changing its “All Seasons” brand into “Ibis Styles” and its “Formule 1” hotels into “Ibis Budget”. The new brands are included under its Ibis economy hotel line. At the moment, Accor runs 20 economy hotels in nine cities across Indonesia — Bali, Bandung, Balikpapan, Jakarta, Pekanbaru, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. The hotels consist of five “Ibis Styles”, 13 “Ibis” and two “Ibis Budget”. Besides Ibis, the company also operates other brands in Indonesia, such as the upscale Pullman and M Gallery, and midscale Novotel, Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels. Accor plans to build 28 new economy hotels in the next three years, including 11 hotels in 2013. Many of the future hotels would be located in tourist spots and would support the government’s effort to promote new tourism destinations. The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has issued a list of 16 new strategic national tourist locations [KSPNs] and is encouraging tourism growth in those areas. The KSPN’s include Mount Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara; Bunaken in Manado, North Sulawesi; and diving area, Raja Ampat in Papua.
2013 MINIMUM WAGE RISE
The Head of the Department of Manpower and Transmigration NTB, Ir. H. Mokhlis, MM said that the department has proposed the provincial minimum wage (UMP) be increased to Rp 1.1 million per month starting in 2013.
The proposal has been submitted to the Governor of NTB, M Zainul Majdi who has verbally accepted the proposal, but said he needed to do research before authorising the new UMP. Mokhlis said that, if the NTB Governor approved the wage increase to Rp 1.1 million, it would represent a 10 percent increase from this year’s Rp 1 million per month. All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) NTB has been demanding the UMP be raised to Rp 1.3 million, while the Indonesian Employers Association NTB requested Rp 1.050 million per month. District recommendations still need to be taken into account, with a minimum district wage recommendation (UMK) for West Lombok being set at Rp 1,070,000 per month.
1. HOUSE and VILLA IN MONTONG: 22.5 are, swimming pool, certificate. IDR 3.2 billion. 2. HOUSE FOR SALE: at Montong Kedaton near Senggigi. IDR 225 million. 3. LAND FOR SALE: 19 are near Holiday Resort, suitable for villa. IDR 500 million. 4. LAND PEMENANG: Certificate, 1 hour from Mataram, 2 Ha (view 3 Gilis and sea), suitable for hotel, villa, resort). IDR 12 million/100m2. 5. LAND FOR SALE: 2.7 Ha near Senggigi, ocean and sunset view. 6. LAND IN SEKOTONG: 1 Ha, white sandy beach, certificate, 1.5 hour from airport. IDR 20 million/are. 7. HOTEL IN SENGGIGI: 1.3 Ha on running. IDR 15 billion. 8. LAND IN TANJUNG Near OBEROI: 1.2 Ha. 25 million/are. MAIN OFFICE: Jl. Bung Karno / Opposite Lombok Garden Hotel Ph: 0370 648863 | Mobile: 082 147 768 880 | Fax: 0370 648865
www.ira-property.com
9. LAND IN KUTA: 1 Ha, certificate, ocean view & Kuta panorama, suitable for resort, hotel and villa. IDR 40 million/are.
Mr Fixer
46
2 cups of dried fruit 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon of salt A cup of brown sugar Lemon juice Assorted nuts Bottle of whiskey METHOD: They took the sleigh out for a spin earlier today and crashed it into a tree, Sample the whiskey to check for quality. breaking off one of the runners. Take a large bowl. Check the whiskey I can’t even get a Christmas tree without again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour 1 level cup and drink. aggravation! I sent that stupid Little Angel out HOURS ago to find a tree and Repeat. he’s just walked in the door and said, Turn on the electric mixer, beat 1 cup “Yo, fat man! Where do you want me to of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 stick the Christmas tree?” Not happy, teaspoon of sugar and beat again. Make Santa. sure the whiskey is still okay. MR FIXER: And thus the tradition of the Cry another cup. Turn off the mixer. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and angel atop the Christmas tree came to chuck the cup of dried fruit. Mix on the pass... turner. If the dried fruit gets stuck in the QUESTION: I am now a fancy-free, mixer, pry it loose with a drewscriver. single male living in Lombok, since my wife ran off with the next door neighbor. Sample the whiskey to check for tonsisticicity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt I do miss him! I have recently taken an interest in cooking and wondered if you or something. Who cares? Check the whiskey! had any cake recipes for the festive season. Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar or MR FIXER: Yes! Try this one: something. Whatever you can find. FRUIT CAKE RECIPE Grease the oven. Turn the cake tin to 360 degrees. Don’t forget to beat off A cup of water the turner. Throw the bowl out of the A cup of sugar window. Check the whiskey again and go to bed. Merry Xmas! 4 large eggs
It’s almost Christmas Eve and NOTHING is going right. Mrs Claus has burned all the Christmas cookies. The Elves are griping about not getting paid for the overtime they had to do while making the toys. And the reindeer have been Tongue-in-cheek drinking all afternoon and are totally answers to your drunk.
personal and building problems QUESTION: I am a single person who has retired to the idyllic shores of Lombok and at this festive time of year, I am faced with endless invitations to dine with friends. Why can’t they just leave me alone! I am sick of turkey and plum duff with rum custard. Do you have any suggestions for a simple Xmas meal that doesn’t cost too much and is quick to prepare? MR FIXER: Yes! Try this one: Gordon Ramsey Xmas omelette. You will need 2 f***ing eggs, some f***ing salt and pepper, f***ing chives, and 1 f***ing knob of f***ing butter. Heat the f***ing butter ing a f***ing pan, f***ing break the f***ing eggs into a f***ing bowl, f***ing whisk the f***ers and add some f***ing salt and f***ing pepper to taste. When the f***ing butter is hot, add the f***ing mixture to the pan. When cooked, take the f***ing thing out. Eat the f***er. Merry f***ing Xmas! QUESTION: I have had enough!
Models for rent starting from IDR 3.700.000 pw Model Studio Kerandangan Wine
Per Week IDR Per Month IDR
3 700 000 4 600 000 6 500 000
9 500 000 11 200 000 15 400 000
*All prices are 10% tax included and subject to (currency) change Including electricity, water, gas, daily towel change and cleaning.
For more information: Jalan Wisata Alam Kerandangan 0813 3868 8524 | 0813 3972 1541
Senggigi
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Contemporary Furniture Outdoor and Indoor Furniture Highest Quality Synthetic Ratan Jl. Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong 83355 Lombok Phone/Fax: 0370 6194 123, HP: 0813 3955 5456| www.gandari.com The
LOMBOK GUIDE
The most popular and comprehensive English language guide to Lombok
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Senggigi
48
The Gandari Villa Residence
The Gandari Villa Residence is currently under development and consists of 3 luxurious Villas within a peaceful and secluded compound, just 5 minutes from Senggigi and 2 minutes from the beach. Each of the 2-storey Villas features:
“The Superior Craftsmanship, Quality Of Building Materials And Stylish Design Speaks For Itself.”
• 3 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms • Master has Ensuite Bathroom and Pool Access • Modern Kitchen with Built-In Appliances, • Store Room and Separate Service Access • Luxury Dining with Indoor / Outdoor Features • Spacious Living Areas and Upstairs Gallery • Private Study / Home Office with Balcony • Separate Maid’s Quarters • All Utilities (Private Road Use, State Electricity and Water Connections, STP Sewerage Treatment System and Phone Land Line) • 600sqm Land with Freehold (Hak Milik) Certificate • Landscaped Swimming Pool • Outdoor Entertaining Terrace • Garden Bale and Fish Pond • Separate Entrance and Covered Car Park
Putu Anggreni Beck, Jalan Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong, Lombok, 83355, Indonesia Phone: +62 370 619 4273 | Fax: +62 370 619 4123 | HP: +62 821 4777 7705 (English & Indonesian) email: reni@gandari.com / info@gandari.com / www.gandari.com
Bean Bags!
Many styles and colours! PURI Leisure Furniture Jl. Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong (Kampung Duduk) Phone / Fax: +62 (0) 370 6194 123 / 0813 3955 5456 | www.gandari.com
Senggigi
49
Senggigi
50
NEW CONCEPT, SAME PRICE, BIGGER PORTIONS!
Presents NEW ALL BAND | TUESDAY NIGHT FREE TAX & SERVICE! For All Food and Beverages! | REGGAE NIGHT Every Wednesday HAPPY HOUR From 5-8pm Buy 1 Large Anker Get 1 Free Small Anker. COCKTAIL SENZATION Buy 1 Get 1 Free!
Jl Raya Senggigi Km.8 Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: 0370 693616 | Email: rsvp@papayalombok.com
Senggigi
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[ Yo u r K e y to an I d yllic Lombok ]
Lombok’s Boutique Hotel [ The Lonely Planet: “Top Choice for Lombok” ] [ Cosmopolitan: “Lombok’s Hidden Beauty” ] [ Guide du Routard: “Le Reve!” ] Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800, Fax: +62 370 693 802 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
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North Lombok
boats, gilis and mountains
MEDANA BAY MARINA
HOTEL RESTAURANT MEETING HALL YACHT MOORING Tel +62 370 6610 037 / 0818 0376 7041 Fax +62 370 633 564 Reservations: admin@wisatasamudera.com www.medanabaymarina.com
import th o b . .. d rl o w e around th Local moves or Call us now
and export
Celebrating 21 YEARS of Export Import Business
GLOBAL EXPORT SERVICES Jalan Raya Meninting No 27, Montong Batu Layar 83355, Lombok – Indonesia Tel +62 370 643572 - 6610010 Fax +62 370 633564 info@globalexport.asia
Senggigi
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3 EXCLUSIVE FREEHOLD VILLAS Located in a peaceful estate 5 minutes to Senggigi 3 minutes to beach
2 spacious double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, open living areas, private swimming pool, sun deck and barbeque terrace.
PRICED TO SELL! IDR 1.35 Billion Approx USD 142,000 (offers considered)
Phone: 0819 1593 2899 (Indonesian) / 0819 3676 6611 (English) | Email: wouter.linden@gmail.com
Comfortable Air Conditioned Dining Inside Sidewalk Al Fresco & Private Smoking Terrace Delicious Asian and Western Meals & Snacks Fresh Juices, Cool Drinks, Coffee and more!
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Every day 10am to late
Jalan Raya Senggigi, Galleria Shops (between Rambo Petshop and Anna’s Gift Shop) Phone: 0370 692070 | Email: papabesar_cafe@yahoo.co.id | Find us on
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Tourism Information The three main cities in Lombok – Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara – have expanded over the years and now merge together to create what is, for Lombok, an urban sprawl of shops, administrative centres and residential areas. A visit to the cities makes an interesting day trip, exploring the numerous small shops selling everything imaginable at low prices. There are numerous pearl shops in Ampenan selling unset pearls and pearl jewellery at cheap prices. These are genuine pearls from the pearl farms on Lombok and Sumbawa and, if you bargain the price, are a good deal. Gold shops are also popular in both Ampenan and Cakra, with 24 kt gold being sold by the gram, regardless of the design. For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warungs and food stalls in the cities. Or just wander around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and discover fascinating insights into Lombok city life! Ampenan was the original old port in Lombok during Dutch colonial times and some of the old architecture is still visible around the town, particularly toward the beach to the west. This area becomes a market at night, filled with warungs and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour. With its numerous shops, cheap hotels, dusty roads and plentiful cidomo (horse carts), gold and pearl shops, and its Arab quarter, Ampenan is a colourful town to explore. Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan on the road from the airport, is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats
THE CITIES
Mataram Mall come in. A stroll through the markets is a pungent and enlightening experience! Mataram, about 3 km to the east of Ampenan, is the administrative centre for Lombok and Sumbawa (NTB Province), with government offices, banks, mosques, schools and colleges, bookstores, the main post office, and Mataram University downtown. In Mataram, the Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum houses historical and cultural artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. It’s an interesting place to visit and occasionally hosts special exhibits. Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Address: Jl Panji Tilar. Ph: 632159 for opening times. There is a small admission fee. Also worth visiting is the cultural centre, Taman Budaya on Jl Majapahit. Music and dance performances are presented here regularly. Phone: 622428 for details. Mataram Mall, on the main street in Mataram, has an upstairs food court for cheap local meals. Lombok’s only real mall, there are four floors of shops and stalls selling a vast selection of goods. Particularly good buys are shoes, jeans, and copy brand bags and belts. There is a department store, several electronics stores, and shops selling clothing, CD’s and DVD’s. Hero Supermarket, on the ground floor, is useful for some western goods, food and toiletries. The Chemist next door has imported toiletries, supplements and medicines. McDonalds and KFC have outlets on the ground floor.
Pura Meru (Meru Temple)
55
Cakranegara (usually abbreviated to “Cakra”) is Lombok’s main shopping area. It is also home to many Chinese and Balinese, who make up over 50 percent of the city’s population. The streets of the city make an interesting tour with gold
shops, sporting goods, clothing stores and very good fabric stores selling imported silks, laces and cottons, to name a few. Many of Lombok’s weaving and basket making industries are located near Cakra; turn left at the central traffic lights and look for the market on the right near the bridge. The baskets in particular are sold in Bali at many times the local price. The next large town east of Cakra, Sweta, has a huge market every day near the Bertais bus terminal, with all kinds of goods on sale, from foodstuffs to clothing, exotic birds, handicrafts and more. Nearby Temples and Places of Interest Pura Meru on Jl Selaparang, Cakranegara, was built in 1720 by Balinese Prince Anak Agung Made Karang and is the largest temple on Lombok. Its three meru are for the Hindu trinity – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. This is an important temple for the Balinese here and its annual Pujawali festival, held over five days during the full moon in September or October, is the biggest Balinese Hindu event on Lombok. The outer courtyard hall has large drums used to announce ceremonies and festivals. In the central courtyard are two buildings with raised offering platforms. The interior enclosure has 33 shrines as well as the three multi-tiered meru. Pura Mayura, just across the street from Pura Meru, was built in 1744 as the court temple of the last Balinese kings in Lombok. An open hall or bale kambang (floating pavilion) stands in a large artificial lake here and is used as a place for meetings and to relax. Today the palace gardens are a playground for children. The temple sits behind the sedate water gardens and is open daily; admission is by donation.
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The Cities
The Cities
57
Redwood Café & Lounge Upstairs (2nd floor) at Melissa Bakery
w
And No
It’s Coffee!!! And delicious meals, cakes, snacks, desserts and drinks. Coffee Breaks, Meetings, Lunch with Friends, All day dining!
Fresh Brewed Coffee
Organic Coffee | Luwak Coffee (Black or White) | Redwood “HOUSE BLEND” REAL Cappuccino | Latte | Espresso Toraja Cappuccino | White Coffee Chai Tea Latte | Thai Tea | Espresso Brownies and more! Special Single Origin: Aceh Gayo | Toraja | Bali Kintamani Java Mocha | Sumatra Mandheling Peaberry Coffee | Papua Wamena Flores Bajawa | Trung Nguyen East Timor Arabica & Sumatra (lintong) | Breakfast Blend Coffee Bean
1st Floor
Live Music 7pm: Friday & Saturday Melissa Bakery & Redwood Café Jl Pejanggik Mataram Mall
SMUK Kesuma
Jl Pejanggik, Cakranegara, Lombok | 0370 6886581, 628446
The Cities
58
International Standards at Local Prices
Come by and enjoy delicious food and drinks in our relaxed atmosphere! Local art, batik, Berugaq souvenirs and new handicrafts available for purchase supporting Yayasan Sopoq Angen (One Heart Foundation).
TIMES ARE CHANGING! Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm Closed Sundays
Jl. Adi Sucipto, KP Griya Ellen Indah (Between the old airport & Kebun Roek Market in Ampenan) | Ph: 0370 616-2667
SINTA PEST C NTR L Melayani Pengendalian: Nyamuk DB / Malaria / Cikungunya Lalat, Kecoa, Semut Hama Tikus | Rayap Hama Gudang Controlling: Dengue, Malaria & Cikungunya Mosquito Fly, Cockroach, Ants Rats | Termites Spiders and Other Pests & Bugs PT SINTA AGRO MANDIRI (Ijin Dikes No: 03/52.71/PC/VII/11) Jl. TGH Hambali No 8, Mataram, Lombok | Phone: 0370 631176 / 627991
The Cities
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The Cities
The Cities
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HARAPAN KELUARGA HOSPITAL 1st ANNIVERSARY Harapan Keluarga Hospital is a general hospital which provides all the services of specialists and medical checkups supported by doctors and other professional health workers. Diagnostic equipment and other medical equipment is complete and up-to-date, to deliver optimal results according to the needs of the patient. Harapan Keluarga Hospital has 122 care facility beds, an isolation ward, ICU / ICCU / HCU and NICU / PICU, all in a cozy, healing atmosphere. The affordable prices make the hospital
Jl. Ahmad Yani No.9 Selagalas Mataram (2km north of the Sweta traffic lights) Phone: 0370 6177 000 | Fax: 0370 673 666 Email: info@harapankeluarga.co.id www.harapankeluarga.co.id
a top choice of 50 health insurance companies and 30 businesses that are already working in cooperation with Harapan Keluarga Hospital, in addition to other general patients. With the vision of becoming a family choice hospital in the spirit of “Your Health, Our Care”, Harapan Keluarga Hospital will always provide new and quality services in accordance with the needs of the patient. In order to commemorate the first anniversary of our hospital on 24 November 2012, Harapan Keluarga Hospital took part in various social activities including seminars, staff celebrations and a Fun Walk. Our anniversary celebrations began in November with a blood donor drive,
in collaboration with PMI (Red Cross) Mataram. Around 40 people donated blood to the PMI blood bank. Harapan Keluarga Hospital also donated two goats to a nearby mosque in conjunction with Idul Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). Approximately 150 people attended our Growth Seminar, led by speakers Dr IGG Djelantik Sp.A and Dr Lalu Irawan Sp.A On the anniversary date of 24 November, the hospital held a simple celebration among all employees and physicians, which was also attended by approximately 30 people from a nearby orphanage. The highlight of the activities was a very festive Fun Walk on Sunday morning, 25 November, which was attended by around 850 people. Participants competed for door prizes, including motorcycles and other exciting gifts. The event was also held as a “Thank you!” to the city of Mataram and the surrounding community, who have given their support and confidence to Harapan Keluarga Hospital to provide them with optimal and comprehensive health services.
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OPEN NOW!
The Cities
ONE STOP COFFEE SHOP Coffee Shop & Lounge In House Roasting Coffee Equipment Sell, Rent & Repair Machines Barista School
Mataram Mall 2 Lt.3 (3rd Floor) Ph: 0818 365 790 www.coffeelombok.com
All about coffee & delicious stuff that goes with coffee! (Try our authentic Belgian waffles)
Domestic Fares | International Tickets & Packages Visa Services | Tours | Direct Agent to Airlines (no middleman!) Express Check-in Services I M M I G RAT I O N S E RV I CE S Fast, Modern & Professional | We speak English!
LOMBOK: Jl. Pejanggik No 198 Cakra (Past the Mall, Opposite “fruit street”) P: 0370 633469, 633888 F: 0370 633453 E: citramulia@indo.net.id
Open Monday - Saturday: 8am – 8pm Sunday: 8am – 7pm
WEST SUMBAWA: Jl. Teluk Balas RT 5 RW 6, Ds Pasir Putih, Maluk, Jereweh P: 0372 635535 HP: 08113943789 E: citramulia_swq@yahoo.com
The Cities
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Spacious, Convenient Location & Great Low Prices! Lombok gift and Souvenir shop Sarongs, Ikat & Fabrics, T-shirts, accessories, and many more! Phone: 0370 646 122 / 087 765 229 449 Email: gandrunglombok@gmail.com
Jalan Meninting Raya No.10 (In front of Meninting Raya Bungalows) Branch: Cakra Market at Jl. Tumpangsari No 14
Distribution
64
The Lombok Guide is published by CV Kita Design
EVERYONE CAN AFFORD TO ADVERTISE IN THE LOMBOK GUIDE Phone:
0370 659 4005 Email:
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3500 COPIES DISTRIBUTED
EVERY TWO WEEKS AT THESE LOCATIONS:
Garuda Indonesia Airlines: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. Airport: Hotel counters outside the airport. BALI: Amo Spa, Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Balcony Rest, Bali Mystique, Barb’s Sport Warung, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Cafe Bali, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Café Seminyak, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, D Corner Bar & Rest, Double Dutch, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gili Cat Bali, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Golden Kris Tour, Grocer & Grind, Havana Club Bar & Rest, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, Indo-Ned, Junction Bar & Rest, Khaima Rest & Bar, Made’s Warung Kuta & Seminyak, Maya Coffee & Smothie Bar, Ocha Warung, Pacific World, Pacto Tour, Piduh Rest, Poppies bar & Rest, Red Carpet, Sate Bali Rest Echo Beach, Sendok Bar & Rest Legian, Sol Beach Rest, SOS, Sticky Fingers Italiana, The Cameng Bar & Rest, The Porch Cafe, The Wicked Parrot, Ultimo Bar & Rest, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bale Bali, Warung Bonita, Warung Eropa, Warung Italia, Warung Kolega, Warung Made Bar & Rest, Warung Max, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Yut’s Place Rest. MATARAM: Blue Bird Taxi, Citramulia Travel, CV Ananta Guna Lestari, CV Tunggal Jaya, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Global Export Services, Harapan Keluarga Hospital, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Hero Supermarket, Ira Property, Joli Sourire Dental Care, KFC, McDonalds, Lombok Coffee House, Oceanic Café), Melissa Bakery, Nur Hikmah Pearls, NTB Museum, Pisa Kafe, Redwood Café, Sekolah Nusa Alam, Sinta Pest Control, The Berugaq, Toko Susana. SOUTH LOMBOK: Bumbangku, Secret Island Resort. NORTH LOMBOK: Medana Bay Marina. SENGGIGI: Alfa Mart, Anna’s Giftshop, Asmara Restaurant, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Ciokolata, d’Oria Boutique Hotel, De Quake, Deli Senggigi, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Gandrung Lombok, Graha Beach Senggigi Hotel, Holiday Resort, Kebun Villas, Living Asia, Lombok Property & Villas, Lombok Real Estate, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Papa Besar Cafe, Papaya Cafe, Puri Furniture, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Royal Spa, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Sheraton, Square Restaurant, Stars Cafe, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, Windy Beach Resort. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Coco’s, Desa Dunia Beda, Egoiste, Gili T Resort, Gili Getaway, ko-ko-mo Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Manta Dive, Ombak Sunset, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Divine Divers, Mahamaya, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Lucas Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, Iwan Haryanto, Iain Kent, Koes Nadi, www.lombokphotographer.com, www.balidiscovery.com. Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved. Nothing in The Lombok Guide can be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher.
Useful Contacts
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General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok - Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (Senggigi Square) Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068 ATMs - Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. Lombok Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Bank Mandiri Jl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 631311 ATMs - Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok - Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (In Front of Santosa) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 ATMs - Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok - University of Mataram (UNRAM) - Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok - Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. Lombok Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE Medika Husada Clinic Jl Raya Senggigi. Phone: 0370 6644820 HOSPITALS Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9 Selagalas. Ph: 6177000, 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 623498 / 6604605 New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680
Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Clinic Jl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117
Fire Brigade: Phone. 0370 672013. In emergency call 113 Hospital UGD (Emergency Unit Service): Phone: 0370 622254 Ambulance: Phone. 0370 623498. In emergency call 118
DENTAL drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) Mataram Mall. Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 668 1797 drg. Lina Kulsum Jl. Gunung Dieng No.7, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0818536236 / 0370 632131
TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000
MONEY CHANGERS Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl. Rasa Senggigi km.10, Senggigi, W. Lombok, Ph; 0370 693693 - Jl. Pejanggik No.1, Mataram, W. Lombok, Ph: 0370 631567 Multigraha Valas Jl. Saleh Sungkar No.1 Ampenan, W. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 624045 PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl. Raya Senggigi km.13, Senggigi, West Lombok, Ph: 0370 692247, 0370 692247 SHOPPING Senggigi Abadi Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8.5, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693311 Senggigi Jaya Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693530 Alfa Mart Jl Raya Senggigi Indomaret Jl Raya Senggigi Art Market (Pasar Seni) - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi West Lombok - Gili Trawangan, West Lombok Barata Department Store Jl. Niaga II, Ampenan, West Lombok Phone: 0370 646123 Grand Store Mataram Mall, 3rd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629931 Hero Supermarket Mataram Mall, 1st floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629918 Tiara Department Store Mataram Mall, 1st & 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629902 Kharisma Book Shop Mataram Mall, 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629875 Ruby Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.111, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 631092 Jembatan Baru Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.41, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 636106 MGM Plaza Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.98, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 646007 EMERGENCY Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl. Raya Senggigi, Phone. 00370 693267 Lombok Regional Police: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 7 Ampenan. Call this emergency number: 110
IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Phone: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535 WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632 510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886 POST OFFICES Mataram: Jl. Sriwijaya, Phone. 0370 632645 Senggigi: Jl. Raya, Phone. 0370 693711 CONSULATES AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005. Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps-centrin.net.id CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783. Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408. Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz DENMARK & NORWAY Phone: 0361 701070, Fax: 0361 701073/4, Email: mimpi@mimpi.com FINLAND & SWEDEN Phone: 0361 288407, Fax: 0361 287242. Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id FRANCE Phone: 0361 285485, Fax: 0361 286406, Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id GERMANY Phone: 0361 288535, Fax: 0361 288826, Email: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456. Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id ITALY Phone: 0361 701005. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066. Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457. Email: bali@honrep.ch THAILAND Phone: 0361 263310, Fax: 0361 238044 THE NETHERLANDS Phone: 0361 761502, Fax: 0361 752777, Email: purwa@denpasar.wasantara.net.id USA Ph: 0361 233605, Fax: 0361 222426. Email: amcobali@indosat.net.id
The Southwest
The Southwest
Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!
Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast are twelve small islands called the Southwest Gilis. Unlike the famous Gili islands in the northwest of Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers, thus they are often called “The Secret Islands”. The Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The drive itself is a worthwhile trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brickmaking and other traditional pastimes.
across the sandbar and explore this uninhabited island. Old volcanic rocks and stone carved from centuries of tides create small caves and alcoves, providing shelter for picnics and interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Elak Elak, Sekotong by Didiek Hariadi
66
the northwest and Madak Belo on the east. Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism.
Back on the main road and slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the Secret Island has comfortable budget hillside overlooking another white sand accommodation, including a unique beach. The hotel development is still under Along the roadsides you will see people bungalow perched on a pier over the reef – construction. building and repairing boats, laying the only one in either Lombok or Bali. The out hand-made bricks to dry in the sun, Resort offers a host of activities that all the Across the road from Sundancer, on the working in the fields, and sometimes family will enjoy, while also being a place beachfront, is Dive Zone – currently guiding primitive wooden ploughs where you can get away from it all. the only diving facility in this part of harnessed to huge water buffalo, as they Lombok and the experts on diving around prepare the fields for planting. Secret Island can also organise fishing trips the southwest islands, having pioneered and island hopping excursions to the other The peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun), is development of previously unknown dive beautiful islands in the area, most of which sites in this area. situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong. are deserted, about their comfortable 9m The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the custom-built boat “Scorpio”. Dive Zone offer dive trips around dazzling white sand stretches in a wide Sekotong and the islands, as well as To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of sweep around the bay, while the hills in three locations in South Lombok – Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined behind form a perfect backdrop to this including challenging world-class diving up like secret treasures in the calm sea. idyllic setting. off southeast Lombok. Bounty Cruises, a Bali-based company, Just out in the calm bay are the three Past Dive Zone another few kilometres is own much of the land on Gili Ringgit and lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort on the have constructed a boat mooring and pier Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With accessible by local outrigger boats. A small 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with on the island. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by sign in the nearby village will direct you private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the boat. Large gardens of hard and soft corals to the local boat hire area, where you can only luxury accommodation in the area. lay just beneath the surface and the reef arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and extends along most of the island’s coast. At the next intersection there is a the other small islands offshore. signpost to the right for Labuhan Poh and The other side of the island, where the Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has Pelangan, the site of Bola Bola Paradis. pier is located, has a fantastic white sand accommodation for visitors, with Gili This is a small hotel, situated right on Nanggu Cottages providing simple beach and is a favourite for guests from the beachfront with comfortable and cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as Secret Island Resort and Dive Zone, as the clean rooms at reasonable prices. The well as deluxe rooms further back from the hotel also organises snorkelling tours and scenery and beach here are so lovely. beach. The island is small and the beach is a popular choice for those surfing at It’s easy to snorkel offshore just north of here has soft white sand and a good reef Bangko-Bangko. the pier and, although the reef isn’t as large just off the beach for snorkelling. The largest of these islands is Gili Gede, as on the other side of the island, there is Travelling a little further south, before the appropriately meaning “Big Island”. The still plenty to see. marine culture complex (Balai Budaya island lays just offshore and is so large Bright blue starfish drape themselves Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out visitors often mistake it for part of the across patches of coral, and bright yellow onto a white peninsular of sand that juts mainland. Gili Gede is easily reached by into beautiful clear waters. Drive to the boat from the village of Tembowong and is and black Moorish Idols dart through end for superb views and a close up look the water. Schools of hundreds of small only minutes across the water. at Gili Genting. iridescent fish swim past and weirdly Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the shaped squid drift by in the deeper areas. Gili Genting sits just off the tip of the area that has accommodation, at Secret peninsular and at low tide you can walk Island Resort on the south, Via Vaccare on Continued on Page 68
The Southwest
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The Southwest
68 We met a boat load of happy tourists on Gili Ringgit, out for the day with Dive Zone, who described the diving as some of the best they’ve ever experienced. Most couldn’t stop gushing about the huge school of turtles they had just seen near Gili Layar! All around these Southwest Gilis, abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water. Slightly south of Gili Gede, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees. Pearl Beach Resort, the only accommodation on the island, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and welldesigned bungalows here looking out over a breath-taking beach. Of a much higher standard than most of the accommodation in the southwest, each bungalow is spacious with a private terrace and western standard bathrooms with hot water showers.
Continued from Page 66
There is also a beachfront bar and restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals, and good snorkelling directly from the beach. The resort is popular with divers and can arrange diving and snorkelling trips, as well as island-hopping tours.
wide white sand bay is lined with fisherman’s huts and draws hundreds of surfers every year from as far away as Hawaii and Brazil to challenge the huge waves of Desert Point, just offshore.
Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area. Bali is clearly visible, with the island of Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail away. The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers. There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future.
Pearl Beach is perfect for romantic escapes The southwest is slated for tourism and for those seeking the tranquillity of a development and it’s easy to imagine private island resort. hotels and resorts on all these beaches and Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the islands in the future, as well as yachts, mainland there are small home-stays and fishing boats, windsurfers, dive boats and private accommodations spaced out along the like. But for now, the Southwest is the road to Bangko-Bangko – the surfing unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret Mecca for those in the know, located on islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and the far southwest tip of Lombok. The unique; and known only to the lucky few.
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Kuta and The South Coast
Tourism Information
71
KUTA AND THE SUBLIME SOUTH COAST
Indonesia boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and the south coast of Lombok rates as being among the best.
Kuta this year and smaller developments are already under construction. Kuta by Barbara
South Lombok has views that inspire artists and photographers and leaves visitors from around the world speechless at the sublime panoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beach, bay after bay, all along the coast. The beaches of the south draw crowds to bake on the blindingly white sands, swim in the crystal clear oceans and challenge some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia. Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute) is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the hub for exploring the fantastic southern beaches and the many points of interest in the region. Located around 60 km south of Mataram and about one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi, Kuta makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok. Since the Lombok International Airport opened in late 2011, many of the major roads have been upgraded and the main road to Kuta is very good. The new airport is located only 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta and has made access to the south very easy. The proximity to the airport has already sparked an investment boom in the area and major developments are expected over the coming year. For now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular. The drive down to the south coast is an interesting rural tour of small villages and farming communities. Fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo.
mosques in Lombok, Mesjid Kuno. The small building with a thatched roof is considered holy and many believers make pilgrimages to pray here. Slightly further south is Sade, an hilltop village with more Lumbungs and traditional homes. Both villages have been renovated and cater to the tourist market, but are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries. Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors.
Nearby Mandalika Beach is named after the legendary Princess Mandalika, a beloved character in Sasak folklore. It is near here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms spawn in the waters offshore.
Ashtari, around 2km west of Kuta, stands out from the usual Kuta cafés and is a “must stop” for those touring in the area. Kuta itself is a small town with hotels, Perched on top of the hill with spectacular home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that views over Kuta and the surrounding cater mainly to the thousands of surfers beaches, Ashtari serves exquisite teas and from around the world who are drawn to juices, and delicious vegetarian meals and the area every year to surf the left- and organic gourmet snacks that are truly out right-hand breaks out in the bay. of the ordinary. Open Tuesday to Sunday, There is a good variety of accommodation, for breakfast and lunch only. restaurants and facilities for travellers and – with investment taking off –more options Kuta attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations are opening all the time. There are plans at Gerupuk, Tanjung Aan, Ekas, and the for a luxury beachfront resort in central beaches to the west. It’s easy to hire a board and a surf guide from here to learn surfing or, for experienced surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area. Hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta. Around 4 km east of Kuta is Tanjung A’an, with perfect white sand beaches and good waves for surfers. Slightly further east is Gerupuk, well known as a top surf location and situated on a peninsula of land that juts out into the ocean, with stunning views of the sea, and the surrounding islands and bays. There is a good surf school here and no fewer than five surf breaks.
Just before arriving in Kuta, the road passes two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan. On the east side of the road is Rambitan, a village that caters to tourists and has authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors. Nearby, on the hilltop, is one of the oldest
At present, Kuta boasts just one luxury resort: the Novotel Lombok. The Novotel has a range of accommodation, from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and luxurious villas, some with private swimming pools. Designed to blend in with the environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture.
Weaving
The beaches and scenery continue all the way to the east coast, with fantastic places such as Bumbang, Awang Bay, Ekas and Pantai Sorga (Heaven Beach)… the name says it all! Continued on Page 73
Kuta and The South Coast
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Tourism Information
73 on accommodation in the southeast, although there are plans to develop the Tanjung Ringgit area.
Continued from Page 71
At Bumbang, Bumbangku Beach Cottages has simple thatched cottages and comfortable brick deluxe rooms right on a beautiful deserted beach. There is a good restaurant, serving fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen, and easy access to the best surfing spots nearby. Even for non-surfers, Bumbangku is a delightful place to spend a few days, swimming, strolling along the wide calm bay and relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings. Further east, Heaven on the Planet and Ocean Heaven (collectively known as HOTPlanet) currently has the monopoly
For now, however, these two exclusive properties provide the chance to really escape from the outside world in sublime surroundings. The resorts feature comfortable accommodation, good restaurants, swimming pool, a Spa and Wellness Centre and a host of water activities, such as surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, wind-surfing and more. Heading west from Kuta are another series of beautiful beaches and bays hidden behind headlands and rolling hills, providing peaceful and secluded spots for picnics and swimming. All are within easy day trips of Kuta. Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is a picturesque, almost circular bay with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side. It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand.
Bumbangku
Mawi, around another 7km to the west, has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough. At other times, it is a lovely beach with impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; look for the three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean. Selong Blanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. Sempiak Villas has plush villas perched on the hillside with breath-taking panoramic views. Laut Biru Café at Sempiak Villas is a popular place for a stop – or justifies a day trip in itself – and serves fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant overlooking the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip. Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
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Kuta and The South Coast
Kuta and The South Coast
A View from Kuta Heights Development
LAND FOR SALE • Certificated land off Kuta’s new By Pass Road • Private Road, already well under construction • 20 minutes to new international airport • 3 minutes to stunning Kuta beach • Breathtaking 360o views over Ocean and Mt Rinjani • Or Kuta Green, our quiet lush valley area • Self or Managed villa build • Land and build packages available • On-site management office and KHD security • Environmentally sustainable goals for development • Assistance with Legal/Architectural requirements • Plots from AUS $25,000
“KHD... the safe way to buy land and build in Kuta” Until recently only large plots of land were available for sale in Kuta Lombok. With huge demand from westerners, fuelled by the development of the new international airport just an easy 20 minutes’ drive away, KHD are now developing what westerners have been seeking - manageable blocks of land where you can build your dream villa. We have plots with stunning views across Kuta and the bay, or buy in Kuta Green, our lush peaceful valley. Owners can self manage or have your home professionally managed and rented out while you are away.
Phone: 0817 667 3983
Visit us at www.kutaheightslombok.com
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Kuta and The South Coast
www.thelombokguide.com
South Lombok Map 77
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PALM BEACH... Magnificent Land and Property for Sale
Palm Beach Garden Residential Plots Palm Beach Garden is situated 5km north of Senggigi, in Klui - a quiet valley surrounded by hills and open to the nearby sea. Astonishing panoramas, natural beauty and always a nice cool breeze from the many palm trees. Easy access from main road near Jeeva Klui. Shared services and facilities such as garden maintenance, cleaning, laundry, catering, security and staff housing are available. Palm Beach Hill A new residential development next to Palm Beach Garden! Located on the hills above Klui Valley with wonderful views over the valley and Klui Beach, and across the ocean to Mt. Agung on Bali. Level plots with access roads and electricity connections are ready to build.
Everything you need to start building your own dream villa! But hurry.... these prime lots are selling fast!
Office: Gallery Intan Laguna No 3, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | www.lombokrealestate.com Phone: +62 370 693 796 | Hp: 0818 544 731 / 0813 5341 4121 | Fax: + 62 370 693 872
FOR SALE
Professional Carpentry Equipment Panel Saw (3,000mm) – Rp 45 million Dust Collector – Rp 2 million Chisel Mortiser – Rp 7.5 million
FOR RENT
Large workshop already set up for woodworking / carpentry. Separate entrance. Ideal location on main road in central Senggigi. All offers considered.
Phone Gerard: 0812 370 4500
Tourism Information
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The Gili Islands Unique tropical escapes!
Gili Trawangan
Although previously popular mainly with backpackers, the Gilis now attract a diverse range of visitors – serious diving enthusiasts, sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach getaway, singles, families, and couples of all ages find something to attract them to the Gilis.
Three perfect coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laidback charm. The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers. The Gilis are Lombok’s most popular islands and are consistently rated as top SEA island destinations by travellers and travel publications.
There is a good selection of accommodations, restaurants and bars on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan. While nobody comes to the Gilis for shopping, each island has many small shops selling essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, cold drinks, snacks and more. In addition, there are cheap clothing and t-shirts, sarongs and local handicrafts stalls. Activities include walking, riding bikes, horse riding and kayaking on Gili T, yoga, massage and beauty treatments,
glass bottom boat trips and island hopping, live-aboard dive trips and cruises to nearby islands, fishing, sailing, surfing and all kinds of water-based activities. The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, relax, sunbathe, explore, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok. Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches, with plenty of colourful fish to see. At greater depths and at specific dive locations around the three islands, the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals, aquatic life and thousands of species of tropical fish. Continued on Page 80
Tourism Information
80 Continued from Page 79 An impressive array of sea life can be seen, including green and hawksbill turtles, morays, barracuda, reef sharks, occasionally leopard sharks and manta rays, and much more. Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range; and water temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F). Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm. Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness, exist on all three islands. Each Gili has developed independently and at different paces, giving each a different “personality” or style, and catering to different types
of holidaymakers and travellers. This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer. Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laid-back style and is popular with couples and families. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, perfect for really getting away from it all. Choose the island that suits you most, or it’s easy to combine an island-hopping holiday to sample the best of all three!
Gili Trawangan’s only Indian Restaurant Sheesha Lounge & Beach Resort
Luxury Suites, Villa Rooms, Deluxe Bungalows & Rooms with AC or Fan, situated in private gardens. Private terraces with Hammocks, hot water, western bathrooms, TV & DVD, AC, Safety box, 24hr security and shady tropical gardens. Bali, Lombok & Gilis Transfers Available
Phone / Fax: +62 370 6123 521 | Mobile: +62 818 0549 4876 | Email: pesonaresort@hotmail.com
www.pesonaresort.com
Gili Trawangan
LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB Indonesia P: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 6147741 E: booking@thetrawangan.com W: www.thetrawangan.com
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Tourism Information
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GILI ISLANDS FAST FACTS
Gili Trawangan by Didiek Hariadi
There are numerous fast boat services operating between Bali and the Gilis. In good weather, fast boats can make the crossing in around 80 minutes but in heavy seas the trip can take two hours or more. Make sure you choose a reputable company who care about passenger comfort and safety, rather than “pack them in and profit”. Check weather conditions before going – the Lombok Strait is one of the deepest bodies of water in the world and seas can get very rough, with waves up to 5 metres in bad weather. Refuse to board overloaded boats. It is also possible to fly to Lombok and transfer to the Gilis from the mainland. See “Getting to Lombok” and “Getting to the Gilis” sections for details. Electricity on all three Gilis is supplied by generators and blackouts are sometimes a problem. Many places have their own emergency generators but the smaller businesses may rely on candles and lanterns when the power goes out. Water is a scarce resource on the islands and fresh water is shipped from the mainland daily. A business on Gili T now supplies desalinated water and fresh water showers are becoming common. However, smaller hotels and home-stays may only
provide salt water showers. Use bottled water to rinse off. The tap water on all the islands is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is cheap and readily available. Internet is available on the Gilis at internet cafés and most larger hotels and restaurants. Connections can be intermittent and speeds are generally slow. ATM machines are available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Credit cards are accepted at most dive shops and larger hotels and restaurants. Money changers are available on all the islands, although the rate is lower than on Lombok. Health services on the islands are limited. There is a 24-hour Clinic at Hotel Vila Ombak on Gili T, and small local clinics on Gili Meno and Air. Dive shop staff have emergency first aid training and basic medical supplies but for anything serious, get to the mainland as fast as possible. Weather is generally hotter on the islands than mainland Lombok. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even on cloudy days. There is no motorised transport on any of the islands. Walk, ride a bicycle or ride in a cidomo (local horse cart). None of
the islands is very large, so walking is an easy option. Bicycles can be hired for between Rp 25,000 and Rp 50,000 per day, depending on the type and condition of the bike. Some hotels provide bikes free of charge for guests. Cidomo fares are now fixed by law and fares are displayed in the front of the cart. Generally, short distances will cost around Rp 40,000; a round-the-island tour costs Rp 125,000 on Gili T. Dress is casual on the islands and it is normal to see tourists walking around in swimsuits, sarongs and shorts. Remember that the islands’ residents are Muslim and nude or topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Please respect island sensibilities and keep clothes on! Mosquitoes can sometimes be a problem, especially during rainy season. DEET repellents are the best protection and local products such as “Autan” and “OFF!” are relatively cheap and readily available in the shops. The Gili Eco Trust (GET) is a non-profit organisation based on Gili T that works to protect and conserve the environment. GET activities include reef conservation, resource management, waste management and education programmes, to name a few. To date, the Eco Trust has installed 63 Bio Rock structures around the islands. The metal frame structures create artificial reefs using low voltage current to promote new coral growth and provide homes for schools of fish and reef creatures. The Eco Trust raises funds for its programmes through an Eco-tax of Rp 50,000 collected from divers on the islands. Clean-up days, to collect rubbish from the beach and sea, take place on the first Friday of every month on Gili T. Register at Gili T dive shops and join in the fun! To find out more about Eco-projects and to support GET programmes, visit: www.giliecotrust.com
Special Feature
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A Gili Little Christmas!
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, the dazzling white sand beaches of Gili Trawangan could be mistaken for snow, but you won’t find stodgy cold-weather fare at the island’s top restaurants and resorts!
Read on for our special summary of the great Christmas celebrations the island has on offer!
GILI MENO Gili Meno’s most elegant venue, Mahamaya Boutique Resort, celebrates the festive season with Christmas Eve Dinner by candle-light on the Mahamaya beachfront. Enjoy an Apéritif of Sparkling Chilean “Unduragga Brut” and start your gourmet meal with Seared scallops with Pea and Mint Puree; followed by Roast Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup with homemade bread. For main course, choose between Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and Yorkshire Pudding with Steamed Vegetables and Homemade Gravy; or Seared Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Wild Mushrooms, served with Mashed Potatoes and White Wine Sauce. Finish with MAHAMAYA Chocolate Fondant with Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee or Tea. Price is Rp 750,000 per person (and already includes 21% tax and service charge). Reserve your beachfront table now on 0888 715 5828.
GILI TRAWANGAN Top Gili T Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, celebrates a traditional Christmas Gala Dinner on 24 December from 7pm in the lovely beachfront dining area. Enjoy a night of entertainment and feasting, with a sumptuous buffet of traditional Christmas fare and festive dishes. The huge buffet includes Maple Glazed Turkey, Roasted Duck with Hoisin Sauce, Roasted Pork Loin, Seared Salmon,
Sautéed Prawns, Roast Lamb, seafood dishes, cheeses and deli meats, gourmet salads, Xmas Puddings, Chocolate Truffle Cake, pastries, petit fours and many other delicious creations by the award-winning kitchen team. Join in the Christmas joy with live music and dancing on the beach under the stars. Ph: 614 2336 for reservations. Undoubtedly, The Beach House is always a favourite for Christmas. This year the popular resort celebrates Christmas with a fabulous Christmas Day Buffet at its beachfront restaurant overlooking the ocean. The Christmas Day Buffet gives diners the chance to sample all their favourite Christmas fare with Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce, Suckling Pig with Apple Sauce & Gravy, and traditional Baked Ham with Apple Sauce. Other offerings include Hot and Sour Prawn Soup with Noodles and Thai Herbs, Roasted Garlic Lemon Chicken, Braised Beef with a Red Wine Gravy, BBQ Whole Snapper with a Saffron Sauce and large variety of fresh salads and accompaniments. For dessert, indulge in Christmas Pudding with a Brandy Anglaise, Mango Cheese Cake, Carrot Cake with a Cream Cheese Frosting, and assorted Fruit Platters, together with Italian coffees and a selection of imported teas. This festive feast is excellent value at Rp 450,000++per person and is sure to be popular. Book early on: 614 2352. ko-ko-mo Resort celebrates the season in elegance and style with its Christmas Celebration Dinner 2012. Dine from a sumptuous 5-course menu which includes complimentary
Amuse Bouche and freshly baked bread loaf. Entrées include a choice of Seared Canadian Scallops wrapped in Puff Pastry with Spinach and Truffle Oil; Mixed Greens, Herbs & Cucumber with Shaved Hearts of Palm, Toasted Almonds & Vanilla-Citrus Vinaigrette; or Lobster Bisque served with a Corn and Coriander Crouton. After a refreshing Mint Sorbet guests have a choice of three main courses: Roast Turkey with Traditional Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and Candied Sweet Potatoes; Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Sautéed Herb Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus and Hollandaise Sauce; or Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic Mash Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Green Vegetables, and Green Peppercorn and Cognac Cream Sauce. Finish this gourmet repast with Chocolate Marquise with Pistachio Sauce; Passionfruit Cheese Cake with Caramelized Sugar & Fresh Seasonal Fruit; or Individual Christmas Pudding with brandy custard, together with Italian coffee or a selection of local and imported teas with biscotti. Celebrate Christmas on the beach under the stars with this delicious menu for Rp 650,000 ++ per person. Reserve your table now on 614 4169. Gili T’s only authentic Indian restaurant, Pesona, also celebrates the festive season, with a spicy twist. Enjoy Special Indian food set menus, Sheesha and Cocktail promotions all day long! The beach restaurant will be open until late on Christmas Eve for a Christmas Eve Beach & Pool Party… join in the fun or lie back on cushions under the stars and share an authentic sheesha with imported fruit tobaccos. Watch out for the discount vouchers being handed out on the beach during the festive season and stop in for late night / early morning kebabs after party night! Ph: 612 3521 for bookings.
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Tourism Information
GETTING TO THE GILIS
The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can fly to Lombok and travel across to the Gilis.
Fast Boats: With Lombok’s airport now based further away in central Lombok, the fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfers between Bali to Gili Trawangan. The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times. Blue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan. BWS operates two boats, with 28 and 30 passenger capacities, departing from Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) at 8am and 10am, and from Padang Bai Harbour at 11.15am every day. Return transfer from Gili Trawangan is at 11am. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: (0361) 841 3421-24 / 0813 3841 8988. www.bluewater-express.com
FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Senggigi. Most of the dive companies and many businesses on the Gilis have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands every day from Teluk Nara. Gili Cat, Blue Water Express and Island Getaway also operate fast boat services between Lombok and Bali from this harbour. It is possible to negotiate private boat trips (including fast speed boats) out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of Bangsal. At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Vila Ombak, The Beach House, ko ko mo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by speedboat to the Gilis.
Gili Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Benoa Harbour, Bali (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily at 8am. The crossing takes around 2 hours to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kodek on Lombok. Ph Bali: (0361) 751570 / 726 523; or Bali: 0819 1673 3051; Gili T: 0878 6432 2515. www.island-getaway.com GiliBookings.com is an online booking service offering easy reservations with the leading fast boat operators between Bali and Lombok. Availability checks, schedules and e-ticketing, as well as accommodation options and more, are all available online from their website: www.gilibookings.com By Plane: Fly to Lombok and either stay on the mainland before making a trip out to the Gilis or travel to Senggigi (1 hour 15 minutes) to arrange transport to the Gilis. There are many different options, as described below. Tour companies and dive operators in Senggigi also provide transfers daily. HOTEL TRANSFERS: Many of the larger hotels on the islands now provide speedboat transfers for guests, as well as pick up services from the airport – enquire when you make your booking.
MENTIGI BAY: Also on the west coast, a few kilometres before Teluk Nara, Mentigi Bay is a base for Blue Water Cruises. The company offers relaxing day cruises around the Gilis onboard a beautiful traditional phinisi boat, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. Boats depart daily at 9am. There is a small café at the bay and a variety of fun water sport options available. Blue Water Cruises also operate regular cruises to Komodo Island and other islands to the east, as well as dive and cruise packages. Visit their website for details: www.bluewatercruises.com.
Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best times are between 8am and 4pm. If you don’t want to wait, it doesn’t cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group. Don’t let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first. Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers… there are; or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands. Bangsal is a pretty area; it’s a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone. If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there are some basic home-stays on the road from the beach. Arnel is a nice option with pretty rooms at reasonable prices. The attached Salero Minang restaurant serves delicious Minang meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services. FROM SENGGIGI: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours. The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first!
FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or bemo to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.
A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.
Public ferries (really just large outrigger boats) depart regularly to all three islands and charters are available, with prices depending on the number of passengers and your bargaining skills.
Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.
Unfortunately, the area is plagued by touts and scams, so ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are posted clearly on the wall of the ticket office.
Gili Trawangan
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Gili Trawangan
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Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan
Elegantly furnished villas with private pool Generous living space, dining and kitchen Centrally located to beach, restaurants and bars Last minute discounts available
www.gilivillasindonesia.com +62 (0) 81 237 55 721
Dive The Gili Islands • and Padi dive courses from beginner to instructor • Daily dive trips, night dives and equipment sales • Traditional style bungalows with AC, hot water, safety box, mini bar, wi-fi internet and beautiful outdoor bathroom Gili Trawangan +62 (0) 370 614 36 49 | info@manta-dive.com www.manta-dive.com
Gili Air +62 (0) 81 353 050 462 | info@manta-dive-giliair.com www.manta-dive-giliair.com
Tourism Information
GILI TRAWANGAN
The most well-known and popular of the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan is the largest island and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than an hour by local boat and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok.
and Bali, together with singles, couples and families from all over the world.
The island itself is around 3km long and 2km wide, so walking is easy and you can cycle around the island in around 1 1/2 hours (but will need to get off and push Previously tagged “the party island” by the your bike through sandy sections on the Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately west side). known) has moved on and up. This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south Gone are the days when backpackers is a great lookout from which to enjoy flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a the spectacular sunsets across the ocean night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on mainland sophisticated side that becomes more Lombok. evident every year. That’s not to say that the original charms that attracted tourists in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still there in buckets.
On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up.
But the island has cast off its grungy origins and now combines the best of a tropical island paradise with a touch of chic and all the mod cons of a top holiday destination.
The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast in the area called “Sentral”, where the boats dock. The tracks inland are through coconut groves and pockets of development.
Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java
Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with
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the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area. Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, home-stays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical. Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd. At the other end of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pools or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD. Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. There are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore. Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian nasi goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between. There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation). These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.
Photo by Blue Marlin Dive
Continued on Page 89
Gili T Scene
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MELBOURNE CUP @ THE BEACH HOUSE Beach House on Gili T Melbourne Cup Day at The gallons of champers, a is legendary – the big race, an afternoon filled with delicious buffet lunch and nd up paddle board fast and slow boat races, sta Loppy punters! and kayak races and lots of
Tourism Information
89 There is a good surf break on the south coast with a fast right-hander that really pumps in the right conditions. Local surfers will happily lead the way and rent you a board.
Continued from Page 87 For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko ko mo, Scallywags Resort, and on the beachfront at Hotel Vila Ombak. Cocos has an upbeat café scene during the day and Horizontal is the coolest place to chill out, day or night. The social options are virtually unlimited.
The best snorkelling on the island starts on the northern end of the east coast, where you can wade to the reef just offshore. The water is calm and there is a drift from north to south, making it easy to lie on the surface and float down the coral outcrops. Although much of the coral is damaged, there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy and patches of colourful coral.
These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and range of tourist facilities. Many of the larger restaurants, hotels and dive shops accept credit cards; there are ATM’s in front of Vila Ombak on the east coast and further north, near Horizontal, as well as on the west side at Ombak Sunset. Internet cafés with Wifi are readily available, as are money-changers, tour operators and a large number of fast boat services. There is a tennis club and fitness centre at Kelapa Villas and a medical centre at Vila Ombak with emergency facilities and a doctor on call.
Horses can be hired from The Stud on the southeast coast; sea kayaking is available at Karma Kayak on the north coast; yoga, meditation, massages and other health and beauty treatments are available at numerous places around the island. There is even shopping at the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) in Sentral and at any number of shops and kiosks all around the island, selling everything from pearls to sarongs to hammocks. Innuendo has some upmarket resort wear and Silver Dragon sells beautiful silver jewellery. But it is the beaches and the diving that remain the main draw card for Gili T. People flock here to sunbathe on white sand beaches and swim in clean blue waters, to dive the fabulous reefs and to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of a tropical paradise.
Cidomo (Horse Cart)
Further off shore, the island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok, which is why thousands of divers visit Gili T every year. It is also one of the safest and easiest places to learn to scuba dive, with warm water temperatures, calm seas and excellent visibility almost all year round. There is a very good selection of professional western-operated dive shops and a range of dive locations suitable for beginners through to thrill seekers. It’s been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island’s time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T. A world-class tourism destination is emerging – without the traffic and pollution – set down on an idyllic tropical island.
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Have a Merry Little Christmas! Book now for our Christmas Day Buffet
1,2 and 4 Bedroom Villas, Pool Suites and Bungalows Freshwater Beachfront Pool and Bar Beach-side Restaurant and Bar Our Famous Seafod BBQ Every Night
Phone: +62 370 6142 352 Fax: +62 370 6148 365 Email: reservation@beachhousegilit.com
www.beachhousegilit.com
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GILI MENO
under the star-filled skies. There is no rowdy bar scene and no noisy full moon parties here. Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches and most tourist facilities (including boat docking and departure) are along the east coast. Although there are small places dotted all around the island, many of the hotels and restaurants are located along the southeastern coast, with beautiful views over Gili Air and Mt Rinjani to the east. It is possible to walk around the whole island on a small beachside track in around 90 minutes. Those seeking total tranquillity head to the north and west coasts, where more development has been quietly taking place over the past year. Mahamaya on the northwest coast has the most luxurious accommodation on the island, with two exclusive beachfront villas and more planned for later in the year. The restaurant is earning accolades for top quality cuisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront. Stylish rooms and personalised service make Mahamaya popular with honeymooners and those seeking luxe island escapes.
Gili Meno is the middle and the smallest of the three Gili Islands, with the lowest population and the least number of visitors. The island has not developed as quickly as Gili T or Gili Air and suffered unpopularity when, in the mid-90’s, The Lonely Planet wrote that the salt lake on the island created mosquito problems. This was untrue – mosquitoes are no more prevalent on Gili Meno than anywhere else – but the damage was done. Many would say that the bad publicity was a blessing in disguise. Today, Meno
is probably the prettiest of the three Gilis, with the laid-back and uncomplicated charm of a true castaway tropical island. The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in brilliant white sand, fringed with groves of coconut palms. Although investors are steadily buying up land, especially on the west coast facing Gili T, there is no major development on the island as yet. There are a few upmarket villas, but no large resorts. Fortunately, much of the investment taking place here is low-key and – perhaps recognising the pristine nature of the island – development tends to be along environmentally and ecologically sound concepts. For now, small hotels and basic beachside bungalows provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun with un-crowded beaches, clean waters and peaceful nights
Good mid-range options include Tropical Hideaways and Adeng-Adeng. Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll from the best beaches on the east coast, has comfortable and modern air conditioned rooms and a good restaurant and bar, serving delicious and well-priced meals. Set in shady gardens, Tropical Hideaways has one of the few swimming pools on the island. Adeng-Adeng is a new resort being developed along ecological lines on the north coast. Rooms and dining pavilions are set on unique islands surrounded by small canals in a pretty garden shaded by conifers. Continued on Page 93
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Tropical Hideaways Resort Bar & Restaurant Gili Meno Island
Resort Bar & Restaurant
STRESSED OUT......? NEED TO RELAX & CHILL ......? TROPICAL HIDEAWAYS PRIVATE RESORT Email: info@tropicalhideawaysresort.com Website: www.tropicalhideawaysresort.com
Bedroom
Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool
Garden
Reception
Gili Meno
93 There is also good snorkelling off the west coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. Swim out to where the old pontoon has sunk and become a home for many fish. Inland from the beaches, the island is quite dry with small homes scattered through the coconut groves. In the middle, toward the west coast, is a salt lake from which the local people still harvest salt on a small scale. It can be quite full in rainy season but dries up in the summer. Also inland, on the main track from the east coast, Gili Meno Bird Park has some tropical birds and a few interesting animals. There is accommodation here and a great display of Beatles memorabilia collected by the owner.
Continued from Page 91 Accommodation includes air conditioning and lovely open-air bathrooms, while the garden café and beachfront bar are already attracting popularity for excellent quality cocktails and delicious freshly-prepared meals. There is good snorkelling in front of Adeng-Adeng and along the northwest
coast, where it is often possible to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles.
Casual beachfront cafés and bars serve Indonesian and popular western meals, with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas being Gili Meno specialties.
To swim with the turtles – these huge creatures that are so awkward and ungainly on land but move through their natural element with a breath-taking dignity and grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno.
Some provide low-key entertainment in the evenings, more so in the high season, but visitors to Gili Meno largely come for romantic escapes and a chance to rejuvenate in the natural beauty of the island’s deserted beaches, which some argue are the best of all three Gilis.
Dive Different
Dive Divine Phone: 085 240 570 777 | Gili Meno, Indonesia | www.divinedivers.com
Gili Meno
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B o u t i q u e Re s o r t and R e s t a u ra n t
T u r t l e P o i n t G i l i M e n o | L o m b o k Bookings Tel | +62 (0)888 71 55 828 w w w . m a h a m a y a . c o
MAHAMAYA is Ho Ho Ho Happy Christmas Christmas Eve and New Years Eve Gala Dinner Rp 750.000 pp
fabulous food
stunning setting
delicious drinks
Special present for all dinner guests on advance bookings Please call or email mahamaya1@live.com to reserve your table now
Special Feature
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MAHAMAYA… It’s
What started as a dream has become a beautiful reality for a family who relocated from the humdrum of London to the blissful peace of Gili Meno. Ali Roberts, together with her brother David and her husband Hamzar – and their 5-year-old daughter, Maya (who lends her name to the resort) –moved to Gili Meno almost two years ago and set about building Mahamaya Boutique Resort. The name “Mahamaya” translates as “Ultimate Paradise” and that is precisely what this dynamic family has created on the smallest of the Gili Islands, off the northwest coast of Lombok. David formerly worked as an executive with two American banks and Ali was a Television Production Manager. The only one of the team with any hospitality experience was Lombok-born Hamzar, who had a successful career for 10 years as a professional 4-star International chef and now heads up the kitchen at Mahamaya. Undaunted, they called on years of experience travelling and staying in top hotels to create their own vision of what a “dream holiday” should be. Judging from their success in their first year of operation, they have a winning formula. Only five months after opening, Mahamaya ranked number 1 for the area on Tripadvisor.com. The resort itself is a departure from the norm for laid-back Gili Meno; a coralfringed island renowned for its resident turtle population and superb snorkelling and diving. Until now, accommodation on the island has tended toward simple backpacker places, although a few small hotels catering to the middle market have opened in recent years.
Ultimate Paradise on Gili Meno!
Mahamaya is, however, the first truly upmarket resort on Meno and, although locals were skeptical about the need for such stylish accommodation, the resort is usually fully booked. Located at Turtle Point on the northwest coast of Gili Meno, Mahamaya sits right on the white sands and overlooks the turquoise waters across to Gili Trawangan and the island of Bali on the far horizon. The eco-friendly boutique resort provides luxury accommodation in a natural island setting, with two private beach-front villas currently available and a new hi-tech chemical-free pool that will launch with 7 pool-view suites in December. “Our philosophy is simple,” David said, “we want to provide the ultimate holiday destination for tourists on a paradise island, whilst doing everything we can to ensure a more secure future for the local population. We have invested heavily in modern eco technology including bio-sewage water recycling, a rain-water collection system, solar power and energy saving devices that enable us to provide responsible and sustainable tourism on Gili Meno.” Facing the beach, the all-white contemporary building houses a reception area, a gallery selling designer goods alongside holiday essentials, the kitchen, bar and restaurant. At the stylish bar, guests can choose from an extensive wine and cocktail list as they
enjoy stunning sunset views. The modern Asian-fusion restaurant delivers delicious meals and snacks of an international standard, with a twist, carefully created by internationally trained Chef Hamzar, or ‘Jar’, as he is affectionately known. The restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and frequently receives rave reviews from guests, with TripAdvisor comments such as: “Amazing dinner in paradise!” and “The food and service is exceptional” and “The best food I’ve ever had!” Similar reviews enthuse about the resort itself: “This place is legendary” and “Slice of Ultimate Paradise!” Honeymooners and romantics fall in love with the tranquil ambience and the candlelit tables on the beach, and the resort has already hosted a number of weddings and marriage proposals. The success of Mahamaya can be attributed to the high level of personalised service guests enjoy at the resort and the commitment to detail shown to every aspect of guest comfort by the owners. However, if you ask them the secret of their success, they will always put that down to their amazing team of local staff. They employ friendly, service-orientated, attentive local staff to support the local island population as a commitment to their sustainability programme. The truth is that it is the whole team, working together to create Ultimate Paradise… and finding pleasure in making dreams reality.
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Gili Air
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GILI AIR
90 minutes to circle the whole island. The interior is criss-crossed with a maze of tracks that can get confusing, but all lead back to the beach. There is a good surf break with a barrelling right hander known as “Play Gili” off the south coast that attracts crowds when it is pumping. It breaks over sharp coral, so check with local surfers about conditions and board hire. Diving opportunities abound and there is a good selection of reliable dive operators on the island, including Blue Marlin, Dream Divers, Oceans 5 and Manta Dive.
Gili Air is the island closest to the mainland and can be reached in around 20 minutes by local boat or five minutes by speedboat. Gili Air has the largest local population of the three islands, combining the charm of a tropical island with access to the people and culture that make Lombok unique. At present, Gili Air is a laid back island with a beachfront lined with simple cafés and bars made from bamboo and thatch. Its main appeal is its unspoilt nature, with few of the swanky restaurants and villas that have sprouted up on Gili T… and that’s why so many people love it. However, with some believing that Gili T is becoming over-developed, Gili Air is taking off as an alternative destination. Over the past couple of years, investors have been snapping up land on Gili Air and a number of up-market accommodations and restaurants have sprung up, with more to open in the next year. Most development is on the east coast and towards the south. Scallywags, who have another popular resort on Gili Trawangan, own Scallywags Organic Beach Club on the southern end of the east coast with excellent swimming in front and a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has taken island dining to a new level with its excellent menu and guest facilities. Just to the south of Scallywags, the Australian owners of the successful Senggigi business, The Beach Club, opened The Beach Club Gili Air in mid2012 and offer eight charming bungalows, similar to their Senggigi accommodations, with large air conditioned bedrooms, private terraces and semi-open air bathrooms. The bar and restaurant serves aboveaverage meals and the beachfront here is a great place for lounging during the day, or
upmarket dining in the evening. Existing accommodation on the island is generally simple and until now, has mainly been the domain of the backpacker crowd; although the Gili Air Hotel on the north of the island has a variety of rooms and a swimming pool. Oceans 5, on the south coast, is a well-managed resort with above-average rooms, a good restaurant and swimming pool. Manta Dive has nice air-conditioned bungalows and a swimming pool. Many of the older places offer thatchroofed bungalows with basic amenities, close to white sand beaches and at relatively low prices. There is a good variety of small restaurants and beachside cafés on the island, with many offering traditional Indonesian dishes and basic western fare. The beach barbecues with freshly caught fish are particularly good. The bar scene can get pretty lively in the evenings and, during high season, the island kicks into high gear with Full Moon parties on the beach. Popular places include Chillout Bar and Zipp Bar. Activities include walking and cycling around the island, sun bathing, and swimming, snorkelling and diving in the crystal clear waters. Yoga and meditation, together with relaxing massages and body treatments, are available at H2O Yoga and Meditation. For exploring, there is a path running parallel to the beach and it takes around
The calm waters and good visibility make Gili Air an ideal place to learn to dive or to upgrade diving skills. There are a number of popular dive sites that attract divers from the other Gilis, including Air Wall off the west coast, Hans Reef and Frogfish Point off the north coast. The water surrounding the island is of a colour hard to describe – a clear, translucent turquoise, made even more pure by the sparkling white sand beneath. Gili Air still boasts living reefs off much of its coast and there is wonderful snorkelling directly from the shore, particularly from the east and northeast beaches. The coral starts within metres of the beach, making it easily accessible to anyone – even novices who have never snorkelled before. Because the island is protected by reefs, there are few waves and the ocean is amazingly gentle, allowing snorkellers to drift in a dreamy daze above this panorama of aquatic shapes and colours. As is the case on all the Gilis, there are no cars or motorbikes allowed on the island, thus there is no pollution to spoil the clean air and the peaceful atmosphere. The views from all points of the island are stunning but the east coast, facing Lombok, is probably the most fantastic – looking back at the big island with its white beaches and green mountains dominated by the volcano, Mt Rinjani.
“Exotic Charm, Modern Comfort”
Gili Trawangan, Lombok West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia P. +62 370 6141 575 F. +62 370 6141 585 M. +62 811 39 06 76 ddb@desaduniabeda.com www.desaduniabeda.com
Barefoot Luxury in the Gilis
It’s time to come and stay with us at the most exotic beach resort.
A perfect occasion ......
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Gili Trawangan
Tourism Information
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Gili Trawangan