The Lombok Guide Issue 106

The

Issue 106 | 9 - 23 January 2012

( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com

FREE COPY

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK

LOMBOK IN 2012!

LOMBOK CHARACTER ...people who make our island great!

SHAGS BOXING DAY TOURNAMENT

GILI BYTES… Gili Air

Page 10 & 22

Page 42

Page 47

Page 85

IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities Lombok Map Special Feature Senggigi Senggigi Map What’s Hot Special Feature Local Scene Mr Fixer Lombok Character Local News The Cities Cities Map Distribution Southwest Discount Vouchers Kuta & The South Pasar Classifieds Useful Contacts The Gilis Gili Bytes Gilis Map

Page 2 Page 4/8 Page 6

Beach Bungalows

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LOOKING FORWARD TO 2012!

What a wonderful start to the New Year it was in Lombok! As we said goodbye to 2011 and welcomed in 2012, thousands of people flocked to our island to celebrate the holidays, with many saying it was the busiest season ever!

Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 18

This year we celebrate “Visit Lombok Sumbawa 2012” and, with the Lombok International Airport now operating, we expect to see more people than ever visiting our beautiful island.

Page 22 Page 32 Page 40

To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 58 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…

There’s every reason to expect this will be an exceptional year for Lombok in terms of tourism and investment. Oh well… we know we can’t keep paradise a secret forever!

Page 42 Page 46/47 Page 50-57 Page 52 Page 58 Page 59-63 Page 65 Page 66-71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74-88 Page 85 Page 87

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

BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR

It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes.

Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok.

Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day, Call Center : 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office : 0370-642303,649999.www.garuda-indonesia.com Merpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok five times a day. Lombok, ph: 0370 621111, Airport: 0370 633637 / 087864253577. Bali, ph: 0361 420999. www.merpati.co.id Trans Nusa Air operates two flights between Bali and Lombok daily. Lombok, ph: 0370 624555. Bali, ph: 0361 8477395. www. transnusa.co.id Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily.

Lombok, Call Centre: 080 4177 8899. Bali, ph: 0361 765183. www. lionair.co.id

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Lombok International Airport (approx 40km south of the city of Mataram and 1 ½ hours drive from Senggigi ) has full Visa on Arrival facilities, with efficient and fast visa processing.

Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, three times per week. Lombok, ph: 0370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. Call Centre: 080 418 07807. Airport: 0370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com Merpati Airlines also has flights three times per week between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (via Surabaya). Lombok, ph: 0370 621111. www.merpati.co.id DOMESTIC FLIGHTS European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Java) or Bali. Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights.

Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogyakarta and Surabaya and is an important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores.

Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day, Call Center : 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office : 0370 642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Jakarta and Surabaya.

Ph: 0370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id Merpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Sumbawa, Flores, Kupang and many other Indonesian destinations. Lombok, ph: 0370 621111. www.merpati.co.id Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima once a day. Lombok, ph: 0370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id

Batavia Air has flights between Lombok, Surabaya and Jakarta every day. Lombok, ph: 0370 648998. www.batavia-air.co.id

BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA

Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service.

Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The crossing between the islands costs Rp 36 000 per person and takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: 0370 681 209.

Padang Bai Harbour ph: (0363) 41849 / 41840ww.peramatour.com

FAST BOATS There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. Most serve Gili Trawangan, but several call at both Gili T and Teluk Kodek on mainland Lombok.

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.

Gili Bookings.com is an online booking service offering easy reservations for the leading fast boat services between Bali and Lombok. Availability checks, schedules and e-ticketing, as well as accommodation options on both islands, are all available online at the site. www.gilibookings.com Gili Cat departs Padang Bai Harbour – Bali at 11.30am every day for Gili Trawangan & Lombok (Teluk Kodek) and has an excellent safety record. The return voyage departs Gili Trawangan at 9.00am.

With a crossing time of just over 1 hour, Gili Cat provides the quickest sea crossing between Bali and Lombok of all the fast boat operators. Price includes free transfers between Padang Bai, Ubud, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Sanur – Bali. Other locations are available with small additional surcharge. Ph: (0361) 271680. www.gilicat.com Island 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 Blue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan. BWS operates two boats, with 25 and 15 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) 723 479. www.bwsbali.com

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Tourism Information

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Malimbu, West Lombok

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.

BEACHES 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.

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.

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 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 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. Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and services catering specially to surfers.

Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals.

The waves at Gerupuk and Kuta offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness!

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.

Photo by Simon Mammino

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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

Segara Anak Lake by SImon Mammino

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Attractions & Activities

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 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.

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 Narmada Water Park

clay with distinctive “Lombok primitive” designs. You can also purchase handwoven 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.

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SCALLYWAGS

United Flavours of

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Special Feature

LOMBOK IN 2012

As a new year begins, it is time to reflect on the changes 2011 brought to Lombok and to speculate about what the coming year may hold for our beautiful island.

The Lombok International Airport opened to mixed reactions on 1 October 2011. Local government authorities were caught unawares by the response from local people living in the small villages throughout Lombok, who flocked to the airport to witness the “modern miracle” of flight.

start arriving in Lombok. Of course, the development of new destinations for airlines depends on market demand and it remains to be seen whether Lombok can attract enough interest for international airlines to add the island as a direct route to their itineraries.

The process is inevitably lengthy, but it is reasonable to expect that budget airlines such as Air Asia and possibly Indonesian carrier, Garuda Airlines, will be offering direct international flights by the end of the year.

International Tourism continues to build, with international arrival figures showing steady growth over the past four years.

This year the NTB Government and the Department of Tourism kick off their “Visit Lombok & Sumbawa 2012” campaign. The campaign hopes to attract one million visitors to Lombok and The first month of operations saw mild Sumbawa in 2012, although that may be chaos as villagers set up camp in and an optimistic target. around the airport, creating makeshift Around 700,000 tourism arrivals were stalls and a market atmosphere which recorded in 2011 (actual figures not yet perturbed many local and international available), and official figures for 2010 travellers. put total arrivals at 662,717 – of which The hoopla is now settling down and 262,051 (or 39.54%) were international operations at the airport are assuming a visitors and the remaining 400,666 more professional routine. Facilities and travelled to Lombok from within services should improve over the coming Indonesia. months, as the “teething problems” of However, strong marketing to the any newly opened venue are overcome. lucrative Russian market could boost Hopefully, drainage and landscaping will 2012 arrivals figures, with around 4000 be a priority for the government in 2012!

Russians pledged to visit Lombok Road works connecting the airport and between November 2011 and May 2012. A the cities should be finalised in the first Nordwind Airlines Boeing 767-200 direct quarter of 2012, including the completion from Russia, with the first delegation of of the final section of dual carriageway and 131 visitors on board, landed at Lombok the installation of street lighting.

International Airport on 16 November International Flights are still the subject 2011. of speculation. At present, Silk Air is the The South Coast is rejoicing at the only carrier operating direct international opening of the new airport. The airport’s services between Lombok and Singapore. location at Tanak Awu, just 15 minutes’ Garuda and Merpati offer services between drive northwest of the southern resort Lombok and Kuala Lumpur, via Java. area of Kuta, opens up the south coast to As is often the case in Indonesia, many tourism and the region is slated for rapid in the government naively assumed that expansion in the coming year. if they built an international airport, At present the Novotel Lombok is the international airlines would automatically only large resort in the area and is already reaping the benefits of being in such close proximity to the airport. In a masterful stroke of foresight, the luxury resort underwent major renovations in 2011… just in time to cater for the influx of guests the airport has brought.

Small businesses have sprung up in Kuta

and surrounds over the past 6 months and many more are expected to open in 2012.

The increased interest in the area has already sparked an investment rush which will extend to the beautiful beaches to the east and west of Kuta. Two major projects are even planned for the more remote Ekas and Tanjung Ringgit regions.

The Mandalika tourism development area, comprising around 1200 hectares of pristine south coast property, will almost inevitably be finalised this year. Originally slated as a world-class resort project to be developed by UAE company, Emaar, and the Bali Tourism Development Corporation through a jointventure company, PT Emaar Lombok, the development was side-lined in 2010. The local government, backed by the President and VP of Indonesia, are determined that the project will go ahead… expect a ground-breaking ceremony this year.

Senggigi tourism operators showed some anxiety in the lead up to the opening of the international airport. The central Lombok location of the airport has resulted in a transfer time of more than one hour to the west coast resort town, as opposed to a 20 minute transfer time from the old Selaparang Airport near Mataram.

Fast boat operators between Bali, the Gilis and Lombok were quick to see the potential and some are now offering free transfers from Senggigi to Teluk Nara as part of their fares to and from Bali.

Those who feared the longer distance from the airport and the surge of investment in the south would draw tourism and investment away from Senggigi now realise they have nothing to fear. While the airport certainly makes tourism in the south more accessible, it will take some time to develop the necessary infrastructure to support mass tourism, whereas Senggigi already has a strong infrastructure in place.

Continued on Page 22

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SENGGIGI

WEST COAST RESORT 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 Bay by Simon Mammino

Tourism Information

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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 The main road in Senggigi is lined with pristine beaches. small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, Mainly deserted white sand beaches, bars and nightclubs; many of which have flanked by coconut groves and untouched live music in the evenings. There are a by hotel development, continue all the couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s way north along the main coastal road. and moneychangers, a post office and all Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque the normal tourist facilities. bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and getting away from it all. and resorts, as well as mid-range and Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a budget accommodations. large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the Tourism development runs north along the main dive operators have boats here, coastal road for about 10 km, with many which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as hotels and restaurants positioned along the an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour. beautiful beaches that line the entire west Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further coast. north, is reached by turning left at the About 2 km north of central Senggigi is crossroads in Pemenang and from there it Kerandangan Valley, with a popular is easy to catch the public ferries (actually beach nearby and some small boutique large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to hotels, such as Dream Estate, Puri Mas charter boats for island hopping.

Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated Whether you are seeking luxury in a pretty valley. accommodation at a top resort with fine At the end of the road through dining and spa facilities, or a budget Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata holiday with days spent exploring – or all Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – the choices in between – Senggigi caters with clearly marked hiking paths leading for all tastes and budgets. through the rain forest along the river.

From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors attractions of the stunning south coast or centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths. to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife. 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 Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, Lombok.

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.

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Senggigi Map

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LOSMEN

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DREAM DIVERS Wishes you a SCUBA NEW YEAR

DIVE INTO 2012!

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

18 January is a busy time of the year for The Lombok Guide as we begin preparing our 2012 Annual International Magazine.

Each year we publish 5000 copies of The Lombok Guide 2012 Magazine – a 120-page full colour, glossy magazine – which is mailed to travel agents and industry partners around the world, as well as being used throughout the year at international travel fairs and expo’s to promote Lombok.

This month we kick off our preparations with an exciting photography competition. The Lombok Guide 2012 Photography Competition invites all photographers in Lombok to submit their photographs in three categories: Lombok Culture, Lombok Landscapes and Lombok People.

In addition to attractive cash prizes, local photographers will have their work featured in our publications with their photo credits.

The competition is open to everyone living in Lombok and is an excellent opportunity to promote the talent of Lombok’s photographers, while showing the rest of the world the beauty of our island and its people. See page 25 for information or email us at: kitadesign@hotmail.com for registration details.

Anyone visiting Kuta Beach on the south coast – and particularly business owners and residents in Kuta – would be alarmed at the number of illegal shops, kiosks and makeshift homes that have sprung up along the beachfront in the past six months.

The “temporary buildings” have been thrown up by enterprising locals keen to cash in on the popularity of the south coast, prompted by the opening of Lombok international airport. Several that we spoke to acknowledged that their buildings were illegally built on public land and said that they didn’t care – the buildings were constructed at very low cost and, “by the time the government eventually demolished them, they would have made their money”.

True to form, it has taken a while but the Central Lombok government is finally addressing the issue. The Vice-Regent, Suzana, held a closed meeting recently, attended by the Head of the Department of Public Works, Central Lombok Head of Culture and Tourism, the village chief of Kuta, and

What’s Hot! other concerned parties to discuss the problem.

The meeting concluded that the buildings were illegal and furthermore damaged the beauty of the beach panorama.

“Because of the buildings, the beauty of Kuta Beach cannot be enjoyed from the roadside,” they said, “The building also makes Kuta Beach rundown.”

It was agreed that the buildings would be demolished and that those of value would be relocated to a new area put aside for an “art market” type development. This would be located on land reserved for the Mandalika Resort development and would include an art display area, a musholla (small building for praying), and public toilets.

The relocation is scheduled to take place in 2012 when local budgets are disbursed.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2012

With a new year beginning, we bring you the official list of Indonesian and Bali Public Holidays for 2012: 1 January 2012: New Year 2012 – Tahun Baru Masehi 23 January 2012: Chinese New Year – Imlek 2563 1 February 2012: Galungan (Bali Holiday only) 11 February 2012: Hari Raya Kuningan (Bali Holiday only) 04/5 February 2012: Maulid Nabi – Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW 23 March 2012: Nyepi – Hari Nyepi Cakra 1934 (Bali Day of Silence) 06 April 2012: Good Friday – Wafat Yesus Kristus (start of Easter) 06 May 2012: Buddha’s Birthday – Hari Raya Waisak 2556 17 May 2012: Ascension Day of Jesus Christ – Kenaikan Yesus Kristus 18 May 2012: Shared Holiday by Government Decree 17 June 2012: Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad – Isra Mi’raj 20 July 2012: Start of Ramadan (Note: information only, not a holiday) 17 August 2012: Indonesian Independence Day 19-20 August 2012: Idul Fitri (Eid)– Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1433H 21-22 August 2012: Shared Holiday by Government Decree 29 August 2012: Galungan (Bali holiday only) 08 September 2012: Hari Raya Kuningan (Bali Holiday only) 26 October 2012: Feast of the Sacrifice – Idul Adha 1433H 15 November 2012: Islamic New Year – Tahun Baru Hijriyah 1434H 16 November 2012: Shared Holiday by Government Decree 24 December 2012: Shared Holiday by Government Decree 25 December 2012: Christmas Day – Hari Natal

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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

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Now available in Senggigi!

Imported products, pastas, herbs, cooking oils, lentils, butter, cheeses incl fresh mozzarella, jams and sauces, Lindt chocolates, fresh milk, juices and daily needs Open 9am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday

Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | 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!

Jl Raya Senggigi (30m from Asmara Restaurant)

Phone: 0370 693177

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Live Music!

Great Food!

Good Times!

Friday - ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the front garden

Free Fast

Available

Jl. Raya (Main Street) Senggigi, Lombok 0370 693619 restaurant@asmara-group.com

www.asmara-group.com

Living in Style * Own Private Pool

* Private Villas * Bamboo Restaurant * Garden Lounge Café * Billiard Bar

* Huge Bath Room * Comfortable Bed * Spacious Dining & Living Room * Lush Surroundings

Jln. Raya Senggigi Km. 8, Lombok, Indonesia | Telp: +62 370 692 999 | Fax: +62 370 692 888 Email: booking@mannavillas.com | Website: www.mannavillas.com

22 Continued from Page 10

Special Feature

LOMBOK IN 2012

The range of accommodation available, together with facilities such as restaurants, bars, banks, ATM’s, tour and travel agencies – plus Senggigi’s convenient location for exploring other areas of the island – assures the future viability of the tourism resort.

Investment along the west coast continues to be strong, with very little land available in a 10 kilometre strip both north and south of Senggigi. Development stretches as far north as Lendang Luar and the beaches at Malimbu, Nipah and further north are already seeing strong investment.

The trend continues to be boutique resort and villa development, with highly successful boutique resorts such as Qunci Villas, Jeeva Klui and Puri Mas all reporting high occupancies year-round.

Qunci Villas are currently extending their two separate properties to create one unified resort along the Mangsit beachfront, while Living Asia opened their Chandi resort in Batu Layar last month and are due to complete their Lendang Luar resort by mid-2012.

Southwest Lombok is also experiencing an upsurge in investment, particularly around Sekotong and on several of the gorgeous islands just off the coast.

The long-delayed Sundancer Resort project in Sekotong is on the move again now that the airport has opened and is expected to be operating by the end of 2012… which will be a major boost to an area lacking in quality accommodation but with huge tourism potential.

Gili Nanggu, Gili Gede and Gili Asahan already have some accommodation on the islands, with the large island of Gili Gede tipped to see major developments over the

next year. Land sales on the other islands are also attracting a lot of attention.

The Gili Islands, off the northwest coast, continue to be the biggest asset to tourism in Lombok and attract tens of thousands of visitors to Lombok every year.

Now under the umbrella of the North Lombok regional government, changes to authority and infrastructure started in 2011 and are expected to be ratified in 2012. This includes the power struggle between traditional island heads and the government, and the confusion over land rights and buildings on all three islands, particularly Gili Trawangan.

The opening of the international airport has impacted on transport services, with fast boat operators reaping the benefits!

Very few people travelling to the Gilis use the airport anymore, as fast boats link the islands to Bali in around 1 and 1/2 hours.

Demand for sea transfers is sure to increase, particularly during the July and August “High Season”, so it is likely that we will see more fast boat services open this year, while established operators such as Gili Cat, Blue Water Express and Island Getaway will increase services.

been doing quite a lot of growing over the past year as astute investors recognize the appeal of this island’s lovely deserted beaches and close proximity to the other two Gilis.

Gili Trawangan has come a long way from the thatched huts and beach bars that drew crowds of backpackers during the 80’s and 90’s. Whether you love it or hate it, the new and sophisticated Gili T continues to evolve.

Land prices have soared on the island and development has now extended to the previously quiet south and west coasts.

With new construction continuing monthly and the demand for accommodation ever on the rise, there is no doubt Gili T will remain the most popular of the Gilis in 2012.

Resort in 2010 seemed to pave the way for a more upmarket beach experience and the island now boasts some excellent dining options, particularly Italian cafes.

Accommodation has increased quickly over the past year, with a good selection of mid-range places and upmarket rooms and villas now available, supplementing the simple backpacker accommodation that previously dominated the island.

Scallywags built their Mango Retreat on the island and popular Senggigi operators, The Beach Club, are currently developing villas on the island and expect to open in the first quarter of 2012.

A better quality of accommodation has made the island more appealing to the middle market and attracted a different crowd to Gili Air. As the island continues to gain in popularity, this is an island to watch in 2012.

We expect more upmarket villa style accommodation and a stronger trend toward environmentally and ecologically “green” projects in the coming year.

Gili Meno has always been known as the quiet island, between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, but the island has quietly

Tropical Hideaways, which opened in 2011, lifted the standard of accommodation on the island and other projects are already underway, including a large investment villa development to the north.

The island lends itself to “green” development and private villas, rather than large scale commercialism, and we expect more private villas and small boutique hotels to spring up on the island in 2012.

Gili Air was once overshadowed by Gili Trawangan, but has steadily attracted its own fan-base over the years and is now coming into its own.

Easily accessed from mainland Lombok and with stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Gili Air is now the laidback alternative to the more fast-paced Gili T and has much of that island’s charm of ten years ago.

The opening of Scallywags Organic Beach

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Open-air Garden Lounge CafĂŠ An ideal place to relax with your loved ones and listen to your favourite tunes Live Band & Singers 7.00pm - 12.00 midnight

Try the food specialties at Bamboo Restaurant Enjoy the lush surroundings and relax at our breezy poolside terrace.

11am - 11Pm Jln. Raya Senggigi Km. 8, Lombok, Indonesia (Opposite The Sheraton) www.mannavillas.com

OPEN 10am until LATE

Delicious and Authentic Indonesian Food... At Local Prices!

Soto Ayam, Soto Ceker, Rawon, Nasi Campur, Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng and all your Indonesian favourites!

Fresh Juices, Es Buah, Soft Drinks and Beer. Delicious home-made cakes!

Take Away Orders and Home Delivery Service.

Catering, Birthday Cakes and Special Requests Welcome!

Senggigi Plaza, near Achi Acha Boutique. Ph: 0878 6558 0330 / 619 4109

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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

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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

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The Little Shop Unique Gifts with Reasonable Prices We Sell: Wood Bowls, Shells, Accessories, Paintings, Statues, Bronze, Candles, Frames and Many More...

For your gift choices to your family and friends when you back home from our island

Ph: 0370 693 647 / 081 856 7145 Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok

Exotic Style Fashion - Bags - Accessories

We Sell Nice Resort Wear, Hand Made Bags From Natural Materials and Many Kind of Accessories For Your Style at Tropical Island

Ph: 0370 693 358 / 081 856 7145 Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok

Treasure Chest Gift Shop

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE Ph: 0370 692 183 / 081 856 7145 Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok

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Local Scene

CHRISTMAS @ ASMARA

Asmara is a favourite for Senggigi residents celebrating Christmas with family and friends.

This year Sakinah and the Asmara team created a magical day with a traditional Roast Turkey lunch accompanied by the lovely Florentia children’s choir singing Christmas carols.

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Plantation Teak Wood Synthetic Weaving Reclaimed Teak Wood Stainless Steel Aluminium

We offer a range of timeless and contemporary furniture for villas, hotels and restaurants NOW OPEN IN LOMBOK! PLEASE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT DUDUK GARDEN, SENGGIGI Showroom: Jl Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No 6 Batu Bolong 83355 Lombok, Indonesia Phone: (Reni Beck) 0815 5810 0450, (Nisel Van Blommestein) 0817 973 7931 | Fax: 0370 6194 123 Email: elements_lombok@yahoo.com | Web: www.lombokelements.com

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“De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi” – The Lonely Planet 2011

Art Market Senggigi Lombok - +62 370 693694

www.dequake.com

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The Studio Your ecofriendly home in Lombok The Hill - Bukit Batu Layar - Senggigi

phone: +62 821 4538 6059 email: thestudio.lombok@gmail.com website: http://the-studio-lombok.page4.me/

Anna’s Gistshop

Looking for nice presents or home decorations?

We sell: Salt and Freshwater Pearls, Lombok Pottery, Hand Painted Modern Wooden Statues and Masks, 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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IMMIGRATION SERVICE

FOR ALL YOUR IMMIGRATION AND INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS Visas and Residency Permits Work and Business Visas Retirement Visas Police Permits Land Certificates Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) Company Documents VOA Extensions up to 60 days For free information and advice contact:

DAMSIAH Office: 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com / damsiah@yahoo.com

your personal business guide to Indonesia Indo-Ned will help you in running your business in Indonesia. Assistance for foreigners who have, or intend to have, property in Indonesia. Indo-Ned will also be your partner for business and administrative affairs including business reports, and monthly and annual tax.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Company Registration: - PMA (BKPM, Act of Notary, Domicile License, Tax Register, SK-Kehakiman, TDP) - PT Local - Representative Office in Indonesia Other Licenses: Import License, SRP, NPIK, Work Permits Legal Documents Tax Reports and Administration Assistance Jl. Raya Kuta No 68, Kompleks Komersial Istana Kuta Galaria (Kuta Central Park), Bali T: +62 361 76 91 02 / E: asimbolon@indo-ned.com “VISIT US AT OUR OFFICES IN BALI, JAKARTA &THE NETHERLANDS”

• 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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SENDOK

GUEST HOUSE, BAR & RESTAURANT

Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 10am – 11pm Live music every Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat

For a Memorable Stay in Lombok Modern colonial interior design concept in “Tempoe Doeloe” style Clean and comfortable with friendly staff

TV, Air Conditioner, Safety Box, Free WiFi Hot & Cool Water, Swimming Pool Jl Raya Senggigi Km 8, Senggigi, Lombok | P: 0370 693176 | F: 0370 692270 E: info@sendokbali.com | W: www.sendokbali.com

delasan LOMBOK STYLE GIFT SHOP

Fashion, Accessories, Lombok Snacks, Souvenirs, Swimwear, etc

Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant) Lombok | Phone: 0370 693176

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Windy Beach Resort Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok

“Next to Nature”

Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: reservations@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com

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Open 10am to 9pm

Rejuvenating, Refreshing, Relaxing

EVERYTHING’S A FAVORITE Aromatherapy Body Massage Traditional Body Massage Hot Stone Massage Body Scrub / Lulur Foot Reflexology Head Shiatsu / Creambath Manicure / Pedicure

Price start from IDR 45.000 - 125.000+ Check out our monthly promotion package

Now Open

ROYAL SPA, Guest House and Cafe

in Kuta

Senggigi: Jl. Raya Senggigi Km 11 (next to Santosa Villas & Resort), Phone: 0370 6866577 Mataram: Jl. Bung Karno No.79 Mataram, Phone: 0370 6608777 Kuta: Jl. Raya Pantai Kuta Pujut, Central Lombok, Phone: 0370 6608666

Mr Fixer

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Tongue-in-cheek answers to your personal and building problems QUESTION: My husband and I have recently bought a small retirement villa with valley views in a quiet area of Lombok.

We have always been animal lovers, so we were delighted when a stray cat just walked in one day and never moved out.

She is called Claude. Well why not? She has clawed the carpet and clawed the curtains – so the name seemed to suit!

As responsible pet owners we decided to give Claude some worming tablets, so I cradled her in my arms like a baby and gently applied pressure on her cheeks so she would open her little mouth to pop in the pill. After I had retrieved the pill from behind the sofa, I tried the same procedure. I threw the soggy pill away and retrieved the cat from the bedroom and cradled the cat in my left arm while holding her rear paws tightly with my left hand. I then forced her jaws open and pushed the pill in with my right forefinger and held her mouth closed for a count of 10.

I retrieved the pill from the goldfish bowl and the cat from the top of the wardrobe and called my husband in from the garden.

We knelt on the floor with the cat wedged firmly between our knees, holding her front and rear paws while ignoring the low growls, and held the cat’s head firmly with one hand while forcing a wooden ruler

into her mouth. We then dropped the pill down the ruler and rubbed the cat’s throat vigorously.

After we had retrieved Miss Hissy Fit from the curtain rail, I got another pill from the foil wrap. I made a note to buy a new ruler and repair the curtains.

This time, we decided to wrap her in a large towel and hold the cat with its head just visible from below my husband’s armpit.

I put the pill in the end of a drinking straw and forced the cat’s mouth open with pencil and then blew down the drinking straw.

After checking the label to make sure the pill was not harmful to humans, I drank a glass of water to take the taste away.

I applied a Band-Aid to my husband’s forearm and removed the blood from the carpet with cold water and soap.

We retrieved the cat from the neighbour’s shed and got another pill. Undeterred, I placed the cat in cupboard and closed the door onto her neck to leave her head showing. Having forced her mouth open with a dessert spoon, I flicked the pill down her vicious throat with an elastic band.

My husband fetched a screwdriver from the garage and put the door back on its hinges.

I applied a cold compress to my husband’s cheek and checked his records for the date of his last tetanus shot. I threw the T-shirt away and fetched a new one from the bedroom.

A kind neighbour helped us to retrieve cat from a tree across the road and I apologised to the neighbour who crashed into his fence while swerving to avoid the cat.

I took the last pill from the foil wrap. We tied the cat’s front paws to its rear paws

with garden twine and bound the cat tightly to the leg of the dining table. My husband found some heavy duty pruning gloves from the shed and forced the cat’s mouth open with a small spanner.

We then pushed the pill into her hissing mouth, followed by a large piece of fillet steak while holding her head vertically, and poured 1/2 pint of water down her throat to wash the pill down.

The stitches in my forearm are being removed next week and we have ordered a new table. Is there a better way to administer pills to pets?

MR FIXER: You have failed to observe the laws of cat physics. The Feline Law of Energy Conservation says: All cats know that energy can neither be created nor destroyed and will, therefore, use as little energy as possible until the fridge door opens or a mouse appears.

The Feline Law of Obedience Resistance says: A cat’s resistance varies in proportion to a human’s desire for her to do something.

The Feline Law of Pill Rejection says: Any pill given to a cat has the potential energy to reach escape velocity.

The Feline Law of Furniture Replacement says: A cat’s desire to scratch furniture is directly proportional to the cost of the furniture.

Arrange for the vet to make a house call.

Got a question for Mr Fixer? He’s always got a quirky answer your personal building problems! Just email your problem to “Mr Fixer” at kitadesign@hotmail.com

For more information: Jalan Wisata Alam Kerandangan 0813 3868 8524 | 0813 3972 1541

PLOTS and VILLAS

Models available starting from IDR 525.000.000 Sqm Building

Sqm Ground

IDR Price from

Studio

60

200

525.000.000

Kerandangan

80

200

615.000.000

Wine

118

200

950.000.000

Dream + Pool

243

8 are

2.534.000.000

Heca + Pool

360

10 are 3.900.000.000

Model

*All prices are 10% tax included and subject to (currency) change

Models for rent starting from IDR 3.700.000 pw Model Studio Kerandangan Wine

Per Week IDR Per Month IDR

3 700 000 4 500 000 6 300 000

8 500 000 11 000 000 15 400 000

*All prices are 10% tax included and subject to (currency) change Including electricity, water, gas, daily towel change and cleaning.

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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

Lombok Character

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My name is Dewi. I live in Sade village in the south of Lombok. I am 17 years old and I have 2 younger sisters and 2 older brothers.

friendly and honest with them. We practice English together so they can earn more money and be ready to attend high school and college too.

My parents are both farmers who work in the rice fields, which takes a lot of their time and is very tiring work. I started working in the rice fields to help my parents when I was 10 years old. I went to school in the mornings and then went to help my parents in the fields afterwards, which was very hard for me but it had to be done, as our lives depend on agriculture.

I have so many plans for my future. Maybe I could be an English translator or teach English to children. I also really want to help my sisters and brothers get jobs. But first I have to go and study. I would like to be able to study English at college in Jakarta so my life can be very different from someone who doesn’t speak English.

But what chance is there for me to go to university?

When I was 12 years old, I finished elementary school and I wanted to carry on and attend junior school, but my parents couldn’t afford it.

University is very expensive and it costs a lot for things like books and transport.

The average cost is about five million rupiah per year. My family is not wealthy and there are five children, so do I have to hope some tourists will help me? Is my government so poor and corrupt that I need to look for a hand out from a benevolent person?

I stopped school and started to think of how I could continue. I have a friend who comes from the same village as me and she told me how she worked at the beach selling, and she asked me to go along and sell with her. So I started out by selling pineapples.

At that time I couldn’t speak English at all. It was very hard for me to offer my pineapples to the Westerners but I kept trying hard to practise my English with them. I thought: I have to “start from zero to hero”!

Slowly I learnt to speak English and now I can earn money from selling at the beach

Dewi (right) and her sister, Diani

because I can communicate with the tourists. I have also made many friends because I can speak English.

After a while I stopped selling pineapples because too many other people were selling them. I realised I needed to sell something different, so I started to sell bracelets, and the money that I earned from the beach I saved for my schooling.

I was then able to go back to school again!!!!!

Being able to do this makes me feel that I need to work really hard at school and do my best. I also feel lucky because so many children from my village can’t find a way to go back to school.

I carried on working at the beach in the afternoons and weekends while I was going to school and now I have one more year of senior high school until I finish.

I have begun to take my sisters to the beach and I am teaching them how to speak with the Westerners. I teach them to be

Thinking about the future, I see more people investing in land in south Lombok and more development of businesses. I think this will mean more competition for jobs, which will make it more difficult for people who don’t have an education.

Lombok could be an even bigger and more popular tourist destination than Bali because of the new International Airport.

Maybe Lombok will become a lot different from what it is like now.

It’s possible that the opportunities I hope to have after I graduate from college will allow me more than Lombok provides and I may need to take a job somewhere else.

If I went outside of Lombok sometime in the future, for sure I would love to share my experiences and knowledge with the children in Lombok, especially the children in my village, Sade.

Hopefully I could be the motivation for them to work hard and study hard at school. I would definitely be happy if I could share that with them and help others, because that is the most right thing to do for the rest of my life!

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Puri Mas Gallery The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style

Fine Arts and Collectibles From Around the Archipelago

NOW OPEN 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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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 Island Transfers - Hotel Dive and Stay Packages

Please email and quote “Lionfish” for special discount offers

HOLIDAY RESORT & SENGGIGI BEACH HOTEL +62 370 693 719 www.bluemarlindive.com | senggigi@bluemarlindive.com

46

Local News

THE LIGHTS ARE OUT…

After a fairly lengthy period of consistent electricity supply, Lombok is again experiencing power cuts and blackouts.

Senggigi businesses and residents were particularly annoyed when the lights went out on Christmas Eve, with the blackout lasting most of the day and again into the night. With hotels at high capacity and forced to run expensive generators during the high season, we are left asking: “When are the PLN going to get it right?”

However, the problem may not just be with the PLN (state electricity company) as recent reports show: NEW POWER STATIONS

In a saga at least as frustrating as the long drawn-out construction of the international airport, the two new power plants that have been under construction in West Lombok for years now have missed yet another deadline for completion.

On 30 April 2009, the government started construction on two power plants at Dusun Taman and Dusun Jeranjang, in Kebon Ayu, near Gerung.

PLTU 1 (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Uap) at Dusun Taman has a capacity of 25 megawatts and was supposed to be completed by the second quarter of 2010.

PLTU 2 has a capacity of 2 x 25 MW and was targeted to be operational by the end of 2010.

The construction of these coal steam power plants was supposed to put an end to the electricity shortages in Lombok and, indeed, generate an excess power supply for the island’s future.

However, both power plants have been dogged with problems from the start with Plant Manager, M Dahlan Djamaludin, saying that delayed material deliveries from China had caused problems, and that the contractors responsible for the construction of PLTU 1 lacked experience and work on the project was “sluggish”.

The construction of the plants is funded by the state budget. PLTU 1 is being constructed by a consortium consisting of PT Wasa Mitra Engineering, PT Twink Indonesia and PT Putra Ciria Synergy at an estimated cost of Rp 296,300 billion (around US $32 million).

PLTU 2 is being constructed by PT Barata Indonesia (Persero), a state-owned

© David Clegg 2011

enterprise, at an estimated cost of Rp 354.3 – thereby leaving Senggigi in the dark billion (approx. US $39 million). for New Year’s Eve – because the West Lombok government had unpaid power As early as May, 2010, President Director bills totalling Rp 1.2 billion (approx. US of PT PLN, Dahlan Iskan, publicly $132 000). expressed his disappointment with the performance of the contractors and The West Lombok debt is made up of Rp threatened to sack them.

400 million to PLN Ampenan and Rp 800 million to PLN Cakranegara.

He later retracted his threat after contractors promised to complete the Harun told reporters that the West Lombok project within a later deadline.

Regency (Lobar) had electricity arrears for street lighting (PJU) for two consecutive In recent press reports Dahlan has months (November-December), which accused the contractors of PLTU 1 of incompetency after observing their work in they had promised to pay in either January or February 2012. the field, saying that of the three, only PT Wasa Mitra Enginering had any experience in building a power plant.

This, of course, begs the question of how these companies won the contracts in the first place.

The power plants were again due to be completed by October 2011 and were scheduled to be officially opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono when he visited Lombok for the inauguration of the international airport, from 19 – 21 October.

Experts now say the projects are expected to be operational by mid-2012, at the earliest.

WEST LOMBOK GOVERNMENT HASN’T PAID POWER BILL! In perhaps the most shocking news related to electricity, at the end of December local newspapers were reporting that the PLN was threatening to cut off all street lighting in Senggigi for the New Year weekend, because the West Lombok government had failed to pay the power bill.

PLN Manager (Cakranegara Rayon), Harun Al Rashid, told reporters on Wednesday, 28 December, that street lighting in Senggigi would be disconnected on Thursday, 29 December

However, Ampenan PLN Manager, Damayanti Indah Sari, said this was unacceptable, as electricity bills must be paid by the 21st of each month.

Furthermore, he said the West Lombok regency government should pay off their bills as PLN customers paid a percentage towards street lighting every month when paying their electricity bills.

Since the early 2000’s, all residences and businesses have paid a surcharge of 10% which is added to their electricity bills to cover the costs of public street lighting.

Damayanti said that PJU funds had already been paid by the public and then deposited

by PT PLN Mataram Branch to the West Lombok local treasury as revenue reports.

Therefore these funds should have been returned to PLN when the regency paid their electricity bill.

At a last minute meeting on 29 December, the West Lombok regency asked PLN to give them time to pay off the arrears, saying that the government was experiencing fiscal problems.

The district government promised to immediately settle their obligations when the state budget disbursement could be executed in early 2012.

Local News

SHAGS BOXING DAY TOURNAMENT

47

The Sengiggi Hackers Amateur Golf Society (SHAGS) played their annual Boxing Day 4 Ball Tournament on 26 December, 2011 at Kosaido Country Club in North Lombok.

12 players competed in the Tournament, which was down on previous years’ attendance, but a good time was had by all.

The winning team consisted of Canadian captain, Gary Kreps, Barry Lyon, Max Heitmann, and a guest from Los Angeles who was staying at the Oberoi: Adam Beatty.

The winners took the Tournament with a gross score of 9 under par (a new club record) and a net score of 50. The score was boosted by a hole-in-one by Club President, Barry Lyon, who as usual had to buy the drinks!

SHAGS is a non-profit club which encourages visitors and tourists to join with them on golf days. The club plays at the Sire Golf Course (Kosaido); an 18-hole course with beautiful views overlooking

the Gili islands. Monthly cups and regular games are played each week.

To join, phone club Captain, Jim, on 081339811140, or call into The Office Bar and Restaurant in Senggigi and discuss SHAGS details and membership with the owner, Howard.

Alternatively, visit the SHAGS website at www.golf-lombok.com, where you can make contact with SHAGS members.

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49

Tourism Information

50 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)

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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52

The Cities

The Cities

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The Cities

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The Cities

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The Cities

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Stop by The Berugaq to purchase a coffee lovers gift pack or beautiful artwork by local artists, or simply to enjoy one of our delicious specialty coffees and home-made cakes!

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The Cities

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Distribution

58

The Lombok Guide is published by CV Kita Design

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Garuda Indonesia Airlines: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. BALI: Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Balcony Rest, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Café Seminyak, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, D Corner Bar & Rest, Double Dutch, Eco Beach Rest, 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, Indo-Ned, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, 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 Wicked Parrot, Ultimo Bar & Rest, Un’s Rest, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bale Bali, Warung Bonita, Warung Eropa, Warung Indonesia, Warung Italia, Warung Kolega, Warung Made Bar & Rest, Warung Max, Warung Pregina, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Yut’s Place Rest. MATARAM: Blue Bird Taxi, Citramulia Travel, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Harapan Keluarga Hospital, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Hero Supermarket, Joli Sourire Dental Care, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), Melissa Bakery, Pavilion Seafood & BBQ, Permata Hati Hospital, Redwood Café, Sinta Pest Control, The Berugaq, Toko Susana, XO Suki Rest.

SOUTH LOMBOK: Bumbangku Beach Cottages, Dive Zone, Novotel, Pearl Beach Resort, Secret Island Resort. SENGGIGI: Anna’s Giftshop, Art Market (The Little Shop, Exotic Style, Treasure Chest), Asmara Restaurant, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Ciokolata, De Quake, Deli Senggigi, Delasan Gift Shop, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Elements, Holiday Resort, Kebun Villas, Lombok Property & Villas, Mawar Jewellery, Meat Mart, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Royal Spa, Sendok Bar & Restaurant, Senggigi Abadi Supermarket, Senggigi Jaya Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Sundancer, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, The Pub, The Puncak, Warung Kangen, Windy Beach Resort. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Blue Water Cruises, Coco’s, Coconut Dream, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili T Resort, Gili Villas, Island Getaway, Horizontal, ko-ko-mo Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Manta Dive, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan, Tir Na Nog. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Tropical Hideaways Resort. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site.

Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Lucas Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Iwan Haryanto, Iain Kent, Simon Mammino, 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.

Tourism Information

59

The Southwest

Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!

Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast are thirteen 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.

Along the roadsides you will see people building and repairing boats, laying out hand-made bricks to dry in the sun, working in the fields, and sometimes guiding primitive wooden ploughs harnessed to huge water buffalo, as they prepare the fields for planting.

The peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun), is situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong. The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide sweep around the bay, while the hills behind form a perfect backdrop to this idyllic setting.

Just out in the calm bay are the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small sign in the nearby village will direct you

to the local boat hire area, where you can arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other small islands offshore.

Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has accommodation for visitors, with Gili Nanggu Cottages providing simple cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as some more up-market rooms further back from the beach. The island is small and the beach here has soft white sand and a reef just off the beach for snorkelling.

Travelling a little further south, before the local marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out onto a white peninsular of sand that juts into beautiful clear waters. Drive to the end for superb views and a close up look at Gili Genting.

Gili Genting sits just off the tip of the peninsular and at low tide you can walk 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.

Back on the main road and slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the hillside overlooking another white sand beach. The hotel development is still under construction.

Across the road from Sundancer, on the beachfront, is Dive Zone – currently the only diving facility in this part of Lombok and the experts on diving around the southwest islands, having pioneered development of previously unknown dive sites in this area.

Dive Zone offer dive trips around Sekotong and the islands, as well as in three locations in South Lombok – including challenging world-class diving off southeast Lombok.

Past Dive Zone another few kilometres is Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort, which opened in mid 2010 on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos brings the first luxury accommodation option to the area.

At the next intersection there is a signpost to the right for Labuhan Poh and Pelangan, the site of Bola Bola Paradis.

This is a small hotel, situated right on the beachfront with comfortable and clean rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel is popular with people surfing the big waves at Bangko Bangko.

Continued on Page 62

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The Southwest

61

62 The largest of the islands in this area is Gili Gede, (appropriately translated as “Big Island”). The island lays just offshore and is so large, visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland.

Gili Gede is easily reached in only minutes by boat from the village of Tembowong.

Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has accommodation, at Secret Island Resort and at Via Vaccare on the other side of the island, with more hotels planned for the near future.

There are around 400 people living on Gili Gede, who are very welcoming and not trying to sell tourists anything. Gili Gede is a great island to explore, because of its natural beauty and friendly people.

Secret Island Resort has a range of accommodation, including a unique bungalow perched on a pier over the reef – the only one in either Lombok or Bali. The Resort offers activities that all the family

Continued from Page 59

The Southwest island hopping excursions to the other beautiful islands in the area.

To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Gili Layar and Gili Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea.

will enjoy, while also being a place where you can get away from it all.

Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and have constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island.

There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat.

Large gardens of hard and soft corals lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast.

Secret Island Resort has two different speed boats offering “Snorkel Mania” trips around some of Lombok’s very best snorkeling reefs, plus professional Sport Fishing Charters aboard their comfortable 9m custom-built boat, “Scorpio”. The resort can also organise transfers and

On the other side of the island is where the pier is located, with a fantastic white sand beach. It is a favourite for guests from Secret Island Resort, and Dive Zone often brings divers to the island to relax in between dives, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely.

The Southwest

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Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

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Indonesia boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and the south coast of Lombok rates as being among the best.

South Lombok has beaches that inspire photographers from around the world and 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 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 (sometimes spelt Kute) makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok.

With the Lombok International Airport currently under construction in the area, all the major roads are being renovated and the main road to Kuta is very good.

The new airport is located only 15 minutes north of Kuta and is expected to spark major development in the area. For now, the beaches are pristine and spectacular.

Kuta and the surrounding beaches have gained an international reputation for some of the best surfing destinations in Southeast Asia. It is here that the gentle waters surrounding Lombok meet the currents of the Indian Ocean, forming

great swells and surf breaks. Kuta attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Tanjung A’an and nearby beaches. 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.

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.

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 (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 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, a 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.

The south coast itself provides plenty of opportunities for exploring beaches and coastal scenery of such breath-taking beauty it is hard to describe. Hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta.

Continued on Page 69

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Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

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Continued from Page 67

Kuta itself is a small, relatively unattractive town of hotels, home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that cater mainly to the thousands of surfers from around the world who are drawn to the area every year to surf the left- and right-hand breaks out in the bay.

There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants for budgets travellers and one luxury resort: the Novotel Lombok Resort.

Designed to blend in with its environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture.

Situated just to the east of the main Kuta area is Mandalika, named after the legendary Princess Mandalika. 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.

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.

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!

Simple beach cottages and a charming restaurant sit right on the sands of Bumbang beach, for those wishing to stay a few days, surfing and exploring the eastern beaches.

To the west of 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.

Ashtari, around 2km west of Kuta, stands out from the usual Kuta cafés and is a “must stop” for those touring in the area.

Perched on top of the hill with spectacular views over Kuta and the surrounding beaches, Ashtari serves exquisite teas and juices, and delicious vegetarian meals and snacks that are truly out of the ordinary.

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.

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; with three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.

Further west are picturesque Selong Blanak, Sepi and Blongas, and many more scenic bays and beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. Be sure to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. The recently opened Sempiak Villas in Selong Blanak has a restaurant and several comfortable villas for those wishing to stay in this secluded region.

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

Tanjung Ocean View

LAND FOR SALE

Panoramic Ocean Views of Gerupuk, Tanjung A’an and Kuta Bays Best Priced Plots & Investment in Kuta!

Introductory prices from $16,000 USD On Bypass Road in Kuta, Lombok (5 minutes from Kuta and white-sand beaches).

Affordable plots - from 2,000 Sq Mtrs to 7,000 Sq Mtrs (smaller lots also available).

Paved roads and drainage installed by developer.

Freehold (fee simple) - fully surveyed, mapped and certificated.

Only 20 minutes from new Lombok International Airport.

We also provide: Assistance with legal, title & purchase - secured to American standards.

Villa construction services - we can help with the building of your villa.

Property management services (on site property management office for rental of your villa and security when you are not there).

Protected, safe & secure investment - developed by American real estate broker/ developer Lee Pappernow.

For More Info Call or Email: Lee: 0821 44 063097 Email: TanjungOceanView@gmail.com

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Pasar Classifieds

72

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

CV SUGESTI Located in Gerupuk village, south Lombok are currently

PT MULTIGRAHA KELOLAVALAS

You are fully responsible for the operation of our hotel including management of staff (about 10 people), salaries and recruitment.

Main Office: Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Taman Rest.

Ph: 0370 693 680 Branch Office: Toko Mas Melati, Jl. Pejanggik No. 1-3, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 631 567 / 633 748 Mobile: 0811 391 269 | Flexi: 0370 660 1269

looking to hire an experienced and highly motivated national hotel manager for surfcampindonesia.com

Working hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600. Commuting from Mataram or Praya is recommended.

Requirements: Fluent in English, experience within team building and hotel management.

Duration: Trail period for 6 months to start with Starting date: 25th of January Surfcamp Lombok, end of the road, Gerupuk village Email: info@surfcampindo.com Phone: 081337564513

BOAT FOR SALE

8,5 m deep V Fiber hull Manufactured 2008 2 115 yamaha motor Center consol Vhf marine radio Garmin GPS/sonar 4 life jacket Mooring permit senggigi 3 batteres, Bilge pump Suitable for diving, fishing, sight seeing or work boat

Contact: 0812 3683 1588 / 0812 7840 609

GILI TRAWANGAN LAND FOR SALE 48 are Beachfront at Paradise Beach (South) Great sunset views Rp 200 million per are Ph Made: 0812 382 6262

LAND FOR SALE Kuta 55 are, ocean views, close to water & elect, road frontage, 2km from Kuta beach, certificate, Rp 55 million per are.

Duduk Senggigi 7.5 are, expat community, level ground, peaceful area, certificate, Rp 60 million per are.

Contact: saffa06@gmail.com

Authorized Money Changer Pedagang Valuta Asing Berijin

The Best Rate in Lombok !

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 1140 (Jim) | www.golf-lombok.com

HARDTOP FOR SALE

Contact: 0812 3683 1588 / 0812 7840 609

Toyota Hardtop Rebuild in 2008 Aircon,power steering Suspension lift kit Body lift kit Disc brake front Audio system Wheel spacer for tires Tires 36 x 12.5 x 16 Simex extreme trekker Hi-lift jack

FOR RENT

Kuta Beach: 9 are land inlcude bar & restaurant looking for long term lease.

LAND FOR SALE

KUTA: 2 are, 15 are & 90 are

Call owner 0878 6460 0950

KUTA LOMBOK 2 Villas for lease 2 (two) villas on 24 are, fully furnished, indovision, laundry room, great yard.

Available in March.

Phone Larry 0819 3316 5752 or email to lairsindo@yahoo.com

Useful Contacts

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General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 AIRLINES Batavia Air Jl. Pejanggik No.88, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 648998, Fax: 0370 648400. cs@ batavia-air.co.id. www.batavia-air.co.id Garuda Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik 42 – 44, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 638259, Fax: 0370 637951. www. garuda-indonesia.com Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) Mataram, Ph: 0370 639589 Lion Air Mataram, West Lombok. Ph: 0370 6631444, 6640009, Fax: 0370 642180. www.lionair.cohh.id Merpati Jl. Pejanggik No. 69 Cakranegara, W.Lombok.

Phone: 0370 621111, Fax: 0370 633691. www. merpati.co.id Silk Air Jl. Panca Usaha No.11, Mataram, W. Lombok.

Phone: 0370 628254, Fax: 0370 628292. www. silkair.com Trans Nusa Jl. Adi Sucipto, Mataram, Lombok. Ph: 0370 6162428, 6162433, Fax: 0370 646840. Email: info@transnusa.com, www.transnusa.com Trigana Air Jl. Adi Sucipto, Mataram, Lombok. Ph: 0370 6162428, 6162433, Fax: 0370 646840. www. trigana-air.com 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 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 Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, 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, 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 (next to Choice Café, 50m from Art Market) Phone: 0370 6644820 Hospitals 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 DENTAL drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Hospital Permata Hati) Jl Majapahit No 8 Ampenan. Ph: 0370 631999 / 0818368528.

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 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 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 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 TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000 Lendang Karun, Phone: 0370 644444 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

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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

75

The Gili Islands Pearls in The Ocean

Gili Trawangan

Three perfect coral islands, fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. For many years the Gilis have attracted 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, who have long considered them to be at least equal to the appeal of Thailand’s and India’s south coasts.

The Gilis have sparse vegetation and rainfall, and it can seem much hotter than on the mainland. This means there is sunshine most days of the year, even when it’s raining in Lombok and Bali. Water is mainly drawn from wells or shipped from the mainland, so there is a need for conservation to preserve the limited resources. Be prepared for salty showers in most of the small hotels and homestays, although the larger hotels and villas provide fresh water.

There are no cars or motorbikes on the islands, and the main form of transport, apart from walking, is by horse and cart (locally called cidomo). There is a

good selection of restaurants, bars and accommodation on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan.

Telephone and internet facilities are available, and most of the normal tourist amenities, although there are no banks and only the larger hotels and dive operators accept credit cards. Moneychangers exchange at a slightly lower rate than the mainland, so it’s wise to change your money before going.

The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, sunbathe, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok.

Popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners with PADI qualifications, and professional standards of safety and environmental awareness.

Blue Marlin Dive, Dream Divers and DSM Dive Centre are probably the biggest dive companies, with offices on the Gilis and in Senggigi on the mainland. Manta Dive, Big Bubble, Trawangan Dive and Vila Ombak Diving Academy on Gili Trawangan also have good reputations.

Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches and, although much of the coral in the shallow waters has been destroyed, it’s still enjoyable,

with plenty of fish to see.

At greater depths and at 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, at least comparable to the top dive locations in Thailand.

All three islands have 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 Air is closest to the mainland and the most quickly accessed of the three Gilis.

This island has the largest local population of the three and combines the charm of a tropical island, with access to the people and culture that make Lombok so special.

Diving facilities abound and there is nice snorkelling directly from the shore, particularly from the east and northeast beaches. The south of the island has some good surf, in the right conditions.

Gili Meno is the middle and smallest island of the three, with the lowest population. It is not as developed as Trawangan or Air, but has its own special tranquil style.

Continued on Page 81

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Relaxing Day Cruises Mentigi - Gili Islands on a traditional phinisi Cruise from Mentigi Bay, 20 mins north of Senggigi, to the Gili Islands where you can swim, snorkel, dive, water ski banana boat, kayak, ride horse-back * or just plain chill out.

Departs Mentigi Bay 9am.

Free pick up (at 8am) in certain areas and drop off.

Fare: Rp 650,000 per passenger.

On board restaurant

*Cost of land and water-sport activities not included in fares, departure contingent on a minimum number of passengers

Komodo Island Tours

by Traditional Schooner

Cruise from Bali or Lombok to the eastern island of Flores on the way visit beautiful Moyo and Satonda Islands, see the Komodo Dragons dive pristine reefs and discover Flores Regular cruise departures Air conditioned cabins Delicious meals Attractive Cruise Only and Dive Packages Available

For more info & bookings, ph: 0812 3690 4414 | 0817 343 168 | 0361 8855 402

E: thegiliislands@yahoo.com | www.thegiliislands.com info@bluewatercruises.com | www.bluewatercruises.com

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Tourism Information

Getting To The Gilis

79

The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan.

From mainland Lombok, there are many different options, as described below. Tour companies and dive operators in Senggigi also provide transfers daily.

FROM BALI: The fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfers direct from Bali to Gili Trawangan. www.GiliBookings.com is a booking site offering easy online ticketing services for fast boat transfers. See the “Getting to Lombok” section on page 2 for full details.

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.

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 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 out to the islands with the 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.

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.

islands. Bangsal is a pretty area; it’s a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone.

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.

If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there is a nice home-stay called Arnel on the harbour road with pretty rooms at reasonable prices.

FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or bemo to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.

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Tropical Hideaways Resort Meno’s finest accommodation at very reasonable prices!

10 luxury bungalows, swimming pool and kiddies paddling pool, set in a private tropical garden just a stones throw away from the crystal blue ocean and white sandy beaches of Gili Meno...

Dive and Stay Packages Available!

Phone: 0370 7044 603 www.tropicalhideawaysresort.com | info@tropicalhideawaysresort.com

Tourism Information Continued from Page 75

The Gili Islands

The pace is a much slower, with the laidback charm of a true castaway tropical island experience. Small hotels and basic beach-side huts provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun, with unpopulated beaches, clean waters and quiet walks under the star-filled skies at night.

reached in less than an hour by local boat or 10 minutes by speedboat.

This is the most famous of the three Gilis, with a reputation as “the party island”.

While this reputation refers to the many fun parties held at different bars and restaurants on the island, it is a misleading description of this lovely place.

Gili Trawangan is the largest island and furthest from the mainland, but easily

There is a wide variety of accommodation on Gili Trawangan, ranging from simple

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Pearls in The Ocean

home-stays to up-market hotels and villas with swimming pools. There’s a great selection of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, particularly toward the southern end, known locally as “Sentral”.

Snorkelling is extremely easy just off the shore and there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy. The island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok.

GILI T VILLA FOR SALE 2 bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, kitchen, living room, with private swimming pool.

Just behind Big Bubble Dive.

29 years leasehold with option.

USD 185,000 Phone Wayne on 0821 4591 4432 or Made on 0812 382 6262

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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

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LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB Indonesia P: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 647741 E: booking@thetrawangan.com W: www.thetrawangan.com

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The Beach House on Gili Trawangan is an innovative and contemporary resort set amidst tropical gardens, facing the sparkling turquoise waters of the Lombok Straits.

Accommodation choices include a range of private villas, each with their own freshwater pools. Pool suites sharing a freshwater plunge pool, and 12 bungalows set in tropical gardens.

The Beach House provides a range of facilities, including a beachfront freshwater resort pool and bar, and a beachside bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.

Phone: +62 370 6142 352 Fax: +62 370 6148 365 Email: reservation@beachhousegilit.com

www.beachhousegilit.com

Gili Bytes

GILI AIR

85 town, near the harbor. It even has its own much more local feel when you eat there. air-conditioned room. I think being able Plus, if you are going to eat Indonesian to access money on Gili Air will have a food, I think the local experience really dramatic impact on tourism for the island, adds to the flavour. as it is often cited as a reason why people So far the spring rolls are the best new only spend a couple of days here. thing I have tired. They are far away from The second is an excellent Italian the sloppy, grease-filled mush that is often restaurant called called a spring roll Biba Beach. back in the UK (where Actually there I’m from). Most items are one or two on the menu come decent Italian’s with white rice and the on Gili Air average cost of a dish but the one I is only Rp 15,000. visited the other It was my birthday day was truly on New Year’s Eve excellent. It and I finally took had wonderful the chance to go and homemade food, have a massage at the great wine, pasta Biba Beach Natural Spa. I had a and real pesto.

Balinese massage that was truly excellent.

This place is really starting to get a great Biba Beach Village (http://www. reputation, being small and friendly with a bibabeach.com) has a great setting on the list of excellent treatments that fills an A4 beach and it’s just far enough from tourist page! town to ensure tranquility, without being too far away and being a hassle to reach.

The rainy season has made everything lush There were several of us for the meal there and green very quickly and Gili Air is a different place at this time of year. There and I got to sample the pizza and pastas. are more birds, plants are Everything served was in flower and the grass is excellent. I particularly growing. liked their pesto pizza, The rain messes with the which went perfectly with visibility and currents at their Australian red house this time of year, but for the wine! adventurous this makes the Also new to Gili Air is diving more of a treasure The Beach Club. They hunt. The fish are still there, already have a successful and often bigger fish come venture in Senggigi around the islands because and are now bringing of the increased food in the accommodation and food water. If you love diving to the centre of tourist or want to learn, it doesn’t town. So far the place is still very much in matter what time of year you arrive on this the building stage, but as it starts to take island – a dive should on the top of your shape I’ll report on developments. ‘to do’ list!

I am looking forward to a new year, to Still on the subject of food, Villa Karang excellent diving, to the changes that are has employed two new chefs – Kasim coming to these wonderful islands. And and Daniel. They both have extensive just in case the world does end in 2012, experience. Kasim, the Head Chef, has make visiting Gili Air a priority this year. previously worked for Happy New Year! the Peninsular Hotel in Singapore.

They have certainly shaken up the menu and customers have already started to comment on the quality of the food.

Welcome to 2012! I hope you had an amazing start to the New Year or, if nothing else, you had so much fun that you had to lie down for a while!

2012 is an exciting year, or the date is at least. If the Hollywood interpretation of the Mayan calendar is correct, 21 December 2012 is when it all ends. Or it all begins, if you want to take the more optimistic view of something no one is entirely sure about!

Either the Mayans thought the world would end, or they decided that 2012 would be a great year to update their calendar – I’m going for the latter!

2012 is also the Chinese Year of the Dragon – exciting times – Chinese New Year is on 23 January this year and heralds the start of impressive celebrations throughout many parts of South East Asia.

I am looking forward to finding out if these celebrations make it out to the Gili Islands.

After the huge firework displays, the bonfires on the beach, local feasts and traditional dances that took place at New Year, I think the locals could have a field day here with the Chinese New Year.

I believe that 2012 is going to be a great year for Gili Air. Contrary to popular belief, not all change is bad and I think some nice changes will come to this beautiful island.

Two have already made it here: First there is now Cash Machine a working ATM My favourite local on Gili Air – you can now get cash on the restaurant on the island, Warung island. It will be a while before guidebooks Kampung, has added several are reporting this, but take it from me new dishes to the menu. Warung there is now an unmistakable, bright red Kampung is right in the centre of cash machine right at the start of tourist the island village and you get a

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