The Lombok Guide Issue 112

The

Issue 112 | 2 – 16 April 2012

FREE COPY

( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK

AMPENAN CHINESE CEMETERY

QUALI RESTAURANT...

Qunci-licious!

PARADISE LOST (almost)

MONSTERS UNITE CULTURES

Page 10 & 47

Page 20 & 22

Page 52

Page 64

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

Page 2 Page 4/8 Page 6 Page 10/47 Page 12 Page 14 Page 18 Page 20/22 Page 24 Page 32 Page 40 Page 50 Page 52

Beach Bungalows

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LOMBOK IS FINE!

After the storms and rains that hit Lombok and Bali over the past couple of weeks, the skies have now cleared and beautiful weather is here again… just in time for the crowds that flocked to Lombok for the Nyepi long weekend.

The island was busy with people escaping the Day of Silence on Bali and is now getting ready to welcome holiday-makers for the Easter break.

Warm days of sunshine, magnificent sunsets and cool breezes in the evening… come on over to Lombok, the weather is fine!

To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 72 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…

Page 54 Page 55 Page 56-63 Page 58 Page 64 Page 67-71 Page 72 Page 73-79 Page 80-96 Page 87 Page 93 Page 95

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 / 41840.

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 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 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 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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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.

Kuta Lombok by Iwan Haryanto

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

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Tiu Kelep Waterfall by Simon Mammino

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.

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Get there fast, then take it slow...

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www.kokomogilit.com

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Lombok Map

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On the beach at the Jetty... your Gili T holiday begins and ends here!

Clean and comfortable twin and double rooms with air conditioning, 60 channel satellite television, in-room safe, fully stocked mini bar and private bathrooms with fresh hot water.

60sqm fresh water swimming pool and separate kiddies pool.

Beachfront bar and restaurant serving quality Indonesian and International meals and snacks all day

The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 6138513 gilitresort@hotmail.com | www.gilitresort.com

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 clay

Segara Anak Lake & Mt Baru Jari by Simon Mammino

Tourism Information

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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.

0370 645301 | www.scallywagsresort.com

SCALLYWAGS

United Flavours of

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Special Feature

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PAINTED ARMCHAIRS… The Chinese Cemetery

Most visitors travelling to Senggigi will notice the large Chinese cemetery on the left side of the road a couple of kilometres north of Ampenan.

Almanac to determine the best date to hold the funeral ceremony, and funeral homes and local temples help the family prepare the body and coordinate the funeral rites.

symbolised by the armchair in the afterlife, thus enabling them to bestow further good luck on the living from their elevated status in the otherworld.

Kuburan Cina Bintaro (Bintaro Chinese Cemetary) spreads over a vast area and is filled with huge rounded and mounded Chinese graves, many of which are beautifully decorated and painted in bright colours.

Preparation for a funeral often begins before a death has occurred and a coffin will already have been ordered by the family of a person close to death. A traditional Chinese coffin is rectangular with three ‘humps’, although in modern times it is becoming common for a western style coffin to be used.

The history of building graves in the armchair shape can be traced back to the Northern Song Dynasty, from 960-1127 AD, and has been the preferred shape for Chinese graves until present time.

Cremation is not common among the Chinese and the burial of the dead is a matter taken very seriously in Chinese society. Funeral arrangements can either bring good fortune, or wreak bad luck and disaster on the family of the deceased if incorrectly carried out.

Chinese funerals traditionally follow a prescribed form with rites befitting a person’s age, status, etc., and must be performed correctly, even if this means the family of the deceased must go into debt.

Family members consult the Chinese

Like much in traditional Chinese life, burials require a balance between yin and yang elements. In Chinese culture, houses for the living are known as yang houses; whereas those for the dead, or graves, are known as yin houses.

Yin houses for the deceased reflect the same qualities desired in yang houses – elegant, elaborate and beautifully decorated houses are considered pleasing to both living and dead.

Traditionally, the Chinese have regarded the form of an armchair as the ideal shape for a grave. An armchair gives a sense of wealth, comfort and dignity. In historic times, only the elite or ruling class could afford armchairs.

Moreover, armchairs symbolise authority and power, as the armchair was traditionally the seat for the magistrate when he presided in court in the olden days.

By creating a grave in the shape of an armchair, people believed that their ancestors could enjoy comfort, dignity, and pride in the yin world and, therefore, the interaction between the yin and the yang would be harmonious and beneficial.

For some, there is also the hope that the deceased may inherit the power

Hence, many of the graves in the Ampenan Chinese Cemetery are shaped like large, round armchairs with mounded centres and a curved edge representing the padded back and arms of the chair.

However, these armchair graves tend to be very large, are expensive to build and take up considerable space. Bintaro Cemetery is almost full now and it is likely that a new cemetery will be constructed in the next few years.

Continued on Page 47

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Tourism Information

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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.

Beach, with the bright orange sun sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean.

Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the right conditions, some decent surf breaks.

Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands.

The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are a couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s and moneychangers, a post office and all the normal tourist facilities.

Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid-range and budget accommodations.

Tourism development runs north along the coastal road for about 10 km, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the entire west coast.

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

Senggigi Bay by Simon Mammino

About 2 km north of central Senggigi is Kerandangan Valley, with a popular beach nearby and some small boutique hotels, such as Dream Estate, Puri Mas Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated in a pretty valley.

Kerandangan Beach

At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with clearly marked hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river.

There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths.

The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife.

Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with boutique style hotels positioned along the breathtaking beaches of this section of coast. The popular Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Beach Resort, Windy Beach Resort and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit.

Furthest north are Klui and Lendang Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches.

Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves and untouched by hotel development, continue all the way north along the main coastal road.

Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all.

Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the main dive operators have boats here, which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour.

Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further north, is reached by turning left at the crossroads in Pemenang and from there it is easy to catch the public ferries (actually large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to charter boats for island hopping.

Whether you are seeking luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets.

From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the attractions of the stunning south coast or to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the peace and beauty of Lombok.

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Senggigi Map

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The Beach Club Beach Bungalows, Bar & Café

Whole BBQ chickens take away Rp 70 000

TWO PERFECT BEACH LOCATIONS IN LOMBOK! Senggigi - Comfortable beach front bungalows with AC, hot water, dvd, satellite TV, private balcony and swimming pool. 5 minutes walk from Senggigi!

Gili Air - Comfortable Bungalows with AC, Fresh Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed with views of Gili’s fantastic white sandy beaches – perfect for snorkelling – just steps from your room!

The Beach Club Senggigi

Deluxe Beach Bungalows & Standard Rooms

The Beach Club Gili Air

Jl. Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong | Ph/Fax: +62 (0) 370 693637 | M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 E: thebeachclublombok@hotmail.com

www.thebeachclublombok.com

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ITH NOW W IN R A MAND S! N O S S LE

Our students are our best advertisers!

International and Indonesian curriculum: SD, SMP, SMA and IGCSE’s to A levels Kurikulum Internasional dan Indonesia SD, SMP, SMA and CIE hingga A Level Bilingual English and Indonesian language Menggunakan dwibahasa yaitu Bahasa Inggris dan Indonesia Native English speaking teachers and Indonesian teachers in every class Guru-guru asing dan Indonesia setiap kelas International standard facilities

Fasilitas berstandar internasional Expatriate and Indonesian students welcome Kami menerima murid-murid ekspatriat dan Indonesia Maximum 20 students per class Maksimum 20 murid per kelas We develop subject knowledge and understanding, thinking and communications skills in fun and engaging ways Kurikulum yang mengembangkan pengetahuan dan pemahaman, kemampuan berpikir dan berkomunikasi melalui cara yang menarik serta menyenangkan

Jl Pantai Meninting, 83355, Lombok | Ph 0370 647 514 | Email: nusaalam@yahoo.com | www.nusaalam.com

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DREAM DIVERS DREAM IT...

DO IT

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 Café Lombi in the Senggigi Square (diagonally across from Square Restaurant) takes their coffee very seriously and, with Martin having recently completed Q-grader certification, the café is the only coffee supplier in Lombok holding this world-wide industry status.

Starting from today you can enjoy a cup of real quality coffee at Café Lombi. Try the Indonesian specialty coffees from around the archipelago, perfectly brewed with a French-press coffee plunger.

Choices include: Mandheling (from Sumatra): Good body with medium acidity. Floral with a sweet aftertaste. Gayo Mountain Aceh (Sumatra): Very well balanced, great aftertaste, medium acidity. East Java: Good, heavy body and a sweet overall impression; smooth, and sometimes herbaceous. Bali Kintamani: Citrus, sweet, with medium body, light acidity and good aftertaste. Toraja (Sulawesi): Clean and sound in the cup, nutty or warm spice notes. Bajawa (Flores): Sweet chocolate, with floral and woody notes.

All the coffees are Specialty Grade Coffees, graded according to the SCAA Specialty Coffee Grading Standards & Protocols, freshly roasted and ground before serving, and only available at Café Lombi. Delicious, highly addictive, and even better with stormy weather...

We’re excited to see that a new pharmacy (Apotik) has finally opened in Senggigi! Gilda Farma has just opened its doors in the group of shops alongside Senggigi Abadi Supermarket and BNI Bank.

The pharmacy stocks health, beauty and medical supplies, including baby products, children’s vitamins and medicines and general medications. There is also a good range of imported vitamins and supplements form Nutrimax and Sea Quill.

In addition, there is a dispensary for prescription medicines and the pharmacy plans to have a doctor’s clinic upstairs in the near future. Gilda Farma is open from 8 am to 10 pm every day, except Sunday. Great news for us… now we don’t have to travel to Ampenan or the cities for medicines!

It’s great to see Rambo Pet Shop and Deli Senggigi are both now open on Sundays, if you need pet food or supplies last

What’s Hot! minute. Deli Senggigi is a great little shop, especially if you run out of things in the middle of cooking.

The Deli has a good range of fresh stock such as garlic, shallots, onions, etc., as well as fresh mint and other herbs, vegetables, and dried herbs and spices. Check out the selection of cheeses in the display fridges, as well as the great range of nuts now in stock – pistachio, Brazil nuts, almonds and more – as well as a fabulous selection of Lindt chocolates.

Rambo Pet Shop and Deli Senggigi are next door to each other in the Galleria shops, diagonally opposite Asmara restaurant on the main street.

Anyone using facebook in Lombok would probably have noticed VELOGIRLS LOMBOK (VGL), the Lombok ladies cycling club.

Velo Girls was founded in Nov 2010 by Widi Bruno, of Ciokolata fame, as a safe and non-competitive club for women interested in cycling and keeping fit.

Their vision is to inspire more people to ride bikes, as a cheap healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to motorbikes – thus reducing traffic on the roads, underage motorcyclists, accidents and pollution.

The group has 118 female members who meet regularly to cycle around the countryside for fun and fitness. This is no girl’s ride, either – they have been known to ride their bikes from Montong to Kuta!

On 21 April 2012, to celebrate Hari Kartini (Kartini Day) – a prominent figure that symbolises women’s rights in Indonesia – Velo Girls will hold a charity bike ride from the Governor’s office in Mataram to Villa Sayang, near Lingsar.

The “Velo Girls Kartini Day Fun Bike and Charity” event will promote cycling, as well as raise funds for a pilot programme on rubbish and waste education and management in the village of Medas, West Lombok.

They hope to attract 200 women to join in the event. If you would like to be part of the fun, or wish to support the group with sponsorship for their rubbish education programme, please phone Sari on: 0812 311 0884 or 0819 078 1442.

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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

Special Feature

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QUALI RESTAURANT… Qunci-licious! backdrop, forms the perfect focal point to this new fine dining venue.

dishes, such as the unique Shredded Chicken and Banana Heart Salad. We shouldn’t have worried… Frédéric has Also new is the appointment of welltaken the existing menu and enhanced known Bali-based Chef, Frédéric Pougault, the best dishes, while adding new and who takes up the position of Executive distinctive dishes which honour the Asian Chef alongside Qunci’s own Chef, Edy. Seafood theme of Quali.

Originally from Lyon in France, Frédéric Almost all of the dishes take advantage of worked in some of the best restaurants fresh produce and daily catches available in Europe before moving to Indonesia in Lombok, including fresh seafood from and working at the Tugu Hotels in both Lombok-based supplier Bruno, who Lombok and Malang. sources the very best from fishermen in He later moved to Bali where he has Lombok and Sumbawa. A delectable feast been responsible for heading up the unfolded before us. kitchens of some of the most successful restaurants on the island, including Sardine Crab Salad with an Indonesian Twist was beautifully presented in a banana leaf in Kerobokan, Red Carpet in Seminyak, cone, with a generous amount of sweet Sorriso, Gado Gado, the new JP’s and, crab meat enhanced with shredded ginger, most recently, the very popular La Barca chili, shallots and mint and accompanied in Batu Belig.

Those who keep an eye on such things know that work is progressing very quickly as Qunci Villas enters the final stages of construction at their Mangsit property, joining the two original Qunci resorts into one magnificent unified resort.

Part of the project has been the creation of a spacious new restaurant overlooking the beachfront. The popular Quali Restaurant has now moved next door into its beautiful new home, while Quah Restaurant takes up residence in the former restaurant at the Pool Villas.

The stylish design of the new restaurant, the golden glow of the lighting enhancing the rich tones of the teak wood furniture, comfortable seating at lounges and tables, and excellent table service, are all the hallmarks we have come to expect from Qunci Villas.

The large fire-bowl on the beachfront, with golden flames leaping against the ocean

During his time in Bali, Frédéric found his niche in setting up fabulous restaurants and designing menus that complement the venue, as well as having a passion for integrating fresh local produce with meticulous cooking methods and his own inimitable flair, honed from years of experience in kitchens around the world.

With such an impressive pedigree, we knew when we dined at Quali Restaurant last week we were in for something very special.

Being big fans already of the menu at Quali, we were a little afraid that Frédéric would take away some of our favourite

by crunchy bean sprouts, flavoured with chili and soy and topped with fresh seaweed.

The combination of flavours was absolutely mouth-watering.

Steamed Clams in Sake and Ginger were delicately cooked and beautifully tender, floating in a clear broth with lemongrass, ginger, chives and perfumed with Japanese Sake.

Likewise, the Orange Wasabi Pompano showed a fine understanding of the art of correctly cooking seafood, with whole Pompano fish (known as Ikan Bawal locally) lightly scented with orange and Japanese Wasabi and grilled to perfection.

Continued on Page 22

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Living in Style * Own Private Pool * Huge Bath Room

* Private Villas

* Comfortable Bed

* Bamboo Restaurant

* Spacious Dining

* Garden Lounge Café

& Living Room

* Billiard Bar

* 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

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

22

QUALI RESTAURANT… Qunci-licious!

The surprising dish of the night showed Frédéric’s creative flair in the kitchen with Chinese Tea Smoked Chicken, infused with the smoky flavour of Chinese Tea. Who knew that tea could totally transform the taste of a humble chicken and keep it so moist and succulent?! The dish is a definite winner!

as General Tso Chicken. In Frédéric’s own interpretation of this classic Hunan favourite, the chicken pieces are fried in a light coating and then baked in a spicy sauce and dusted with sesame seeds. The result is crisp and delicious chicken with a not-too-hot piquant sauce balanced by the sesame seeds.

Another tasty chicken dish came presented

As if we were not already in love with his cooking, Frédéric sneaked in a couple of dishes that preview coming additions to Quah Restaurant’s menu.

The theme of Quah is “Mediterranean with a Lombok Twist” and if the wonderful Crab Ravioli is any indication, Quah will soon be rivalling Quali in the fine dining stakes!

But the star of the show would have to be the Whole Lobster

Special Feature Continued from Page 20

coated in a mouth-watering combination of butter, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic and dried tomato.

It is so difficult to find well-cooked lobster in Indonesia – all too often it is grilled until the shell is a blackened mess and the dry tasteless meat inside has shrivelled up in disgust. Not so at Quah! Perfectly cooked, sweet and tender… our group voted it one of the best lobster dishes in Indonesia.

This review would not be finished without mention of the finish to any perfect meal… dessert! Again, Frédéric’s influence in the kitchen is evident in the fabulous desserts now on offer at Qunci’s restaurants.

Creamy Cheesecake mounded on the plate and flowing with Strawberry Coulis; Chocolate Fallen with a crispy outside shell and oozing with rich chocolate sauce inside; and, perhaps best of all for this Australian foodie, real Pavlova! So tricky to make in warm tropical kitchens, the Pavlova here is perfection… frothy and light, smothered in cream and fresh strawberries; simply heavenly!

• 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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Local News

24

AIRPORT PREDICTED TO BREAK EVEN IN 2015 Operations at the new International Airport, which opened on 1 October 2011, are expected to break even in 2015.

While the old Selaparang Airport provided an operating profit of 4 billion from January to September 2011, operations at the new airport experienced a Rp 6 billion loss between October and December 2011.

The airport expects to make a loss for 2012 of around Rp 29.2 billion but plans to increase revenue by increasing tariffs and leasing land at the airport site.

However, actual operating income has increased with the move. Selaparang was able to generate income of around Rp 47 billion, whereas BIL has potential operating income of Rp 62 billion.

The airport losses are due to increased operating costs of between 200 and 300 percent, in comparison to Selaparang, and asset depreciation. In addition, rental income from businesses operating at the airport is not yet optimal.

The airport is currently serving 1,300 – 1,400 passengers per day and hopes to handle around 1.4 million people this year.

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

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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Windy Beach Resort Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok

“Next to Nature”

Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: reservations@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com Phone: 0370 693177

26

LOSMEN

Cover Yourself in

TJABE MERAH

Jl. Saleh Sungkar, Gg. Sawah, Ampenan, Lombok Ph: +62 370 636150 - Fax: +62 370 637635

THE RED PEPPER INN New season swimwear now in store!

New designs every two weeks!

Clean and comfortable. Located in the middle of the”kampung”near the local Kebon Roek traditional market you immediately have a sense of the real Indonesian life. Ampenan is near Mataram and Cakra and only 7 kilometers away from Senggigi.

Room rates (smoking & non smoking) Standard room with fan – Rp 80 000 Standard room with TV & AC – Rp 130 000

OOK NEDERLANDS SPREKEND AMPENAN BEACH JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR KEBON ROEK MARKET

Gang Sawah

TO MATARAM

TO SENGGIGI

LOSMEN TJABE MERAH

www.hotel-lombok.nl

CV. ANANTA GUNA LESTARI OUR SERVICES: Pest Control | Rodent Control Termite Control | Fumigation Employee Recruitment (Out Sourcing) PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: Cleaning Service | Painting | Plumbing Pool Maintenance | Floor Repairs Rubbish Removal | Carpentry Stone Coating | General Maintenance Work

Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com

www.ciokolata.com

Jl. Alpa Raya Blok IV No. 4 BTN Sandik - Lombok Mobile: 0812 3693 5382 / 0818 0363 6609 Phone (0370) 6657069 / Fax: (0370) 621627 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id

27

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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Open 9am to 8pm, 7 Days a Week

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

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!

Open 7 days a week

Jl Raya Senggigi (30m from Asmara Restaurant)

29

BONITA LOMBOK Land Investigator and Villa Explorer Find Beautiful Rural Land Direcly From The Owner

Discount Hotel Accommodations Luxury Villa Rentals Guaranteed Land Investment P: +62 361 4731918 / +62 817 975 5656 F: +62 361 4731918 / E: Invest@Bonitabali.com

WWW.BONITABALI.COM WWW.BONITALOMBOK.COM

30

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

31

32

Local Scene

FARIDA’S BIRTHDAY @ QUNCI VILLAS The new Quali Restaurant at Qunci Villas has become a popular venue for parties, with family and friends joining popular Lombok dentist, Farida, to celebrate her special day recently

33

Exotic Style Fashion - Bags - Accessories

Treasure Chest Gift Shop

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

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE Phone: 0370 693 358 | Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok

Phone: 0370 692 183 Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok

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

Phone: 0370 693 647 | Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok

34

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

Art Market Senggigi Lombok - +62 370 693694

www.dequake.com

35

BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI ...DIVE THE DIFFERENCE!

Lombok’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre Senggigi’s most time efficient daily return trips Professionally trained dive and snorkel staff We do not combine our Senggigi-based guests with our other dive centres providing a more personalised service for you We ensure small groups for your comfort and safety Daily transfers direct from your hotel Excellent Restaurant and Facilities to enjoy during your break on Gili T

PADI Dive Courses Daily Dive & Snorkel Trips - Gili Trawangan Transfers - Hotel Dive and Stay Packages

Please email and quote “Lionfish” for special discount offers

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

36

37

The Studio

Bookings:

a natural touch of luxury The Hill - Bukit Batu Layar - Senggigi

thestudio.lombok@gmail.com

Anna’s

http://the-studio-lombok.page4.me/

Giftshop

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

38

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

SINTA PEST CONTROL

Melayani Pengendalian: Nyamuk DB / Malaria / Cikungunya Lalat, Kecoa, Semut Hama Tikus Rayap Hama Gudang

Controlling: Dengue, Malaria & Cikungunya Mosquito Fly, Cockroach, Ants Rats Termites Spiders and Other Pests & Bugs

PT SINTA AGRO MANDIRI (Ijin Dikes No: 03/52.71/PC/VII/11) Jl. TGH Hambali No 8, Mataram, Lombok | Phone: 0370 631176 / 627991

39

Mr Fixer

40 year ago, drank all the beer and then turned all the cans in for the deposit, you would have US $214. Based on the above, my current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle.

QUESTION: My holiday on the paradise island of Lombok is coming to an end and I must say I have recovered my sanity during the 2 week vacation, having spent most of my time having my sinuses cleared in the Happy Café whilst listening to the great band of musicians they have there.

tourist area of Senggigi and have been having lots of fun painting and decorating and making the place our home. We are so much in love! We have even got a dog called Justin.

I don’t know if it is anything to do with the charm of the island or the beer that I’ve been drinking, but I definitely feel a lot smarter and more ready to face the cruel world again after the holiday. Is there a reason for this?

Tongue-in-cheek answers to your personal and building QUESTION: My boyfriend and I have problems bought a small cheap villa in the popular QUESTION: I am a former stockbroker who has decided to take a break from the hectic life on the trading floor of the stock exchange in Singapore and spend some time in the idyllic surroundings of Lombok to recover my sanity.

Just recently, my boyfriend and I have started arguing and the arguments have turned into full blown street fights. Even the neighbours have started complaining.

I am considering buying some land as an investment and as a hedge against falling share prices. What do you think?

MR FIXER: Buying land in Indonesia (as long as it is done properly through a reputable broker), is a good investment at the moment. The worst thing that can happen is you will make a small profit.

If you had bought US $1,000 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth 49 cents. With Enron, you would have US $16.50 left. With World Com, you would have less than US $.5 left.

If you had bought US $1,000 worth of Budweiser (the beer, not the stock), one

My boyfriend has left many times but always comes back to say he is sorry, and we make up and give it another go. My boyfriend gets violent at the slightest thing.

Just last week he twisted my arm so badly I had to go to the hospital for treatment. I don’t know how long I can keep on taking him back.

I want to leave my boyfriend and go back home but what will I do with the dog? I can’t just throw him out in the street. Yours faithfully, Gunther.

MR FIXER: The human brain is still a mystery to scientists but from what we know, the brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells.

Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol can kill brain cells and so naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster, more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers!

MR FIXER: Keep the dog and throw your boyfriend out in the street.

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.

41

[ 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

42

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 Mas Gallery The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style

Fine Arts and Collectibles From Around the Archipelago

AT PURI MAS BOUTIQUE RESORT

Just 5 minutes north of Senggigi Phone 693831 for free pick up and drop off service in Senggigi area Jl. Raya Mangsit Beach, Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | Tel: 0370 693831 | Fax: 0370 693023 info@purimas-lombok.com | www.purimas-lombok.com | Skype: purimasreservations

Swiss Bakery & Cafeteria • High Quality home roasted Arabica, Robusta and Luwak coffee beans • Coffee Machine Rental and Maintenance • Oven fresh, made to order bread, pastry & cookies • Bread Supplier for Hotels & Restaurants • Aircon * Library * Notebooks • Best Cappucino - No Foam = Money Back!

Oven fresh Baguettes every morning at 9:30am!

TRY THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE COFFEE!

WANTED: Kitchen Helper

Visit us at Senggigi Square Blok A/04. Ph: 0370 692085 / 0818365790 | Email: info@cafelombi.com

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STUNNING BEACHFRONT INVESTMENT PLOT - BUMBANG With 40m of white sandy beach frontage. Perfect for secluded resort or private luxury villa. Only 30 minutes from the new international airport. USD 210,000

TOWN HOUSE - MATARAM 4 Bedroom 2 storey house, 3 W/C’s with H/W showers. Fully fitted western standard kitchen. Open plan living / dining room.

Roof patio, gated secure car space, quiet area - USD 61,000

RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT PLOT Batu Layar. 3.4H (34,000m2). Stunning sunset views of Bali and the sea. Road access from top and bottom.

IDR 3,000,000 per are (USD 112,000)

1,500m2 WITH SEA VIEW AND POOL 2 bedrooms (1 en-suite) + guest W/C. Built in robe. 4 A/C’s.

Fully fitted European standard kitchen with gas oven and hob.

Open plan. Garage, nice gardens and driveway. USD 265,000

6 COTTAGES BY THE SEA - GILI TRAWANGAN With pool, set in quiet palm tree location. Each cottage has A/C plus private bathroom and terrace. Great starter business with growth potential. ONLY USD 350,000

LUXURY VILLA COMPLEX 5 Double A/C bedrooms with H/W showers. 3 kitchens. Sleeps 12 guests. Spiral staircase. Shared salt chlorine pool. Driveway entrance, landscaped gardens. 3 villas for ONLY USD 389,000

Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy Café) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117

www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com

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46

PALM BEACH... Magnificent Land and Property for Sale

Palm Beach Garden Residential Plots - Palm Beach Garden is situated 5km north of Senggigi, in Klui - a quiet valley surrounded by hills and open to the nearby sea. Astonishing panoramas, natural beauty and always a nice cool breeze from the many palm trees. Easy access from main road near Jeeva Klui. Shared services and facilities such as garden maintenance, cleaning, laundry, catering, security and staff housing are available.

Palm Beach Hill - A new residential development next to Palm Beach Garden! Located on the hills above Klui Valley with wonderful views over the valley and Klui Beach, and across the ocean to Mt. Agung on Bali. Level plots with access roads and electricity connections are ready to build.

Everything you need to start building your own dream villa! But hurry.... five lots have already been sold!

Villa Senja Ayu Perched on the hilltop, this luxurious and modern designed villa consists of 3 bedrooms built to the highest standards, set around a with large infinity swimming pool. Stunning panoramic views across the sea and amazing sunsets! Must be seen!

Villa Gajah Mujur This superb quality villa is surrounded by 1549 sqm of peaceful tropical gardens and privacy walls. The main residence has a total floor area of 260 sqm with a huge living room, dining area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lobby, an open garage and large swimming pool.The villa also has a separate 55sqm guest house.

A comfortable and secluded villa in a lush valley setting.

Office: Gallery Intan Laguna No 3, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | www.lombokrealestate.com Phone: +62 370 693 796 | Hp: 0818 544 731 / 0813 5341 4121 | Fax: + 62 370 693 872

PAINTED ARMCHAIRS… The Chinese Cemetery

47 Continued from Page 10

televisions, clothes, statues and other possessions are burnt at the gravesite… symbolically sending these goods to the deceased to provide comforts in the afterlife.

The Chinese cemetery is still used today and visitors may have the opportunity to see a Chinese burial taking place.

Mourners in white robes and peaked conical hats kneel and pray close to the gravesite, while family members pray alongside the coffin. Paper money and figurines are burnt and clouds of incense scent the air.

In China and Hong Kong, where space is limited and land must be paid for, such armchair graves become prohibitively expensive and many people now opt for cremation and columbaria (vaults with niches in which the cremated remains are stored).

As you wander around the cemetery, you will see many examples of fine stonework and craftsmanship, with elaborate scenes and designs carved into the polished stone.

The older graves tend to be smaller and simpler and it is interesting to see that, as society has become more affluent, so the graves have become more elaborate.

Some of the newer graves in the Chinese cemetery copy modern Hong Kong designs, with a moulded concrete porchshaped framework in which a tablet of polished granite or other stone is set. The tablet on the grave usually gives the name of the person buried there, as well as the dates of birth and death.

If you want to witness the ceremony, no one will object… simply show the same respect as you would at any funeral and

Many of the graves have richly painted depictions of elegant scenes, goods and riches, or carefully sculptured statues of friends and attendants surrounding the grave.

This follows the belief that, just as the living require money and material objects, friends and helpers, so do the dead. For this reason, paper money and modelled representations of cars,

Not all of the graves follow the armchair shape. Some are large square or rectangular shrines with extravagant headstones, and quite a few are Christian graves, decorated with crosses and beautifully carved religious scenes.

The cemetery will be filled with large boards decorated with floral arrangements and words of sympathy for the family or poetry for the deceased.

do not intrude upon the mourners or the family beside the coffin.

The cemetery is also a poignant reminder of all the early Chinese settlers and citizens who died in the Communist purge under Suharto rule in 1965.

In a backlash against perceived “communist plots”, violence swept across Indonesia with the Chinese the target for brutal organised attacks. In Lombok alone, an estimated 50,000 Chinese people were slain and many more were tortured and imprisoned.

The dates on some of the graves bear testimony to this shameful period of Indonesian history and the Chinese who suffered.

The cemetery is a peaceful and interesting place to visit, wandering amongst the gently curved mounds, taking in the elaborate artwork and decoration on the graves, and gaining an insight into the fascinating Chinese culture.

48

The Gandari

The Gandari Villa Residence complex, Lombok, is currently under development and consists of 3 luxurious Villas. Each of the 2-storey Villas features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, a store-room, a dining room and a maid’s quarter. The splendor of the Villa extends to a balcony and terrace with a swimming pool, outdoor shower, Bale (Berugak), a fish pond and covered car park. The superior craftsmanship, quality of building materials and design speaks for itself and can be viewed at any time.

Each Villa is nestled in its own compound with a size of 600sqm and a separate main entrance and an entrance from the covered car park.

The Villas have been uniquely designed and feature a Master Bedroom on the ground floor with direct access to the swimming pool. In addition, this bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe and an indoor and outdoor shower.

The kitchen has an adjacent store-room with a separate access to deliver goods through a separate entrance, leaving the main entrance to the living room for guests. It is centrally located and offers easy access to serve dinners in the dining area or living room.

The dining room is designed as part of the gardens, covered by a roof, but can be enclosed with open folding doors and is air-conditioned as a part of the indoor area.

A very unique feature is the open ceiling of the living area; from the ground floor to the first floor, into a gallery with an open study. The study has direct access to a cozy covered balcony and also another balcony leading directly down to the pool and garden.

Both upper bedrooms have an individual bathroom and through the gallery, direct access via a outdoor staircase to the pool and garden.

The complex houses a maid’s quarter as well as an area for an emergency generator.

The Gandari Villa Residence complex features individual road access for each villa and offers, at an extra monthly charge, security, gardening, pool and Villa maintenance services to ensure optimal comfort and convenience for owners.

www.gandari.com

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Villa Residence

PRICE: ONLY US$ 645,000 PER VILLA (B, C, D) Down payment 50%, Upon 50% completion another 40% and 10% before handover. * The above price excludes VAT according to government regulations.

VILLA INCLUSIONS: - Hak Milik Land certificate - Road use certificate - PLN (Electricity connection) - PDAM (City water connection) - Aircon Split Unit in the 3 bedrooms - STP Sewage treatment system - Administration cost (Notary)

- Built-in Kitchen with Oven (Gas), Fridge, Exhaust & Dishwasher - Bathroom fixtures and bathtub - Phone (Landline) - Proper Architectural design and planning documents

OPTIONS AT EXTRA CHARGE: - Power Generator - Deep Water Well - Loose furniture and interior design, furniture/curtains - Burglar alarm system - Air condition for Living room - Intercom (phone system to all bedrooms and living areas) - WIFI and internet connection through Speedy - Separate air condition split unit for the dining area ADDITIONAL SERVICE OPTIONS AT EXTRA CHARGE: - Security, gardening and maintenance service at a fee - We can take care of the service for a fee, if the owner wishes to rent the Villa, we can assist through dedicated agents and arrange housekeeping and service staff for guests LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND OWNERSHIP : The land certificates are all Hak Milik – which means that the land with the villa will be owned by the purchaser and not leased. As an Indonesian citizen you can own the land and Villa personally, while as a foreigner you will need to use a “nominee” which is a common practice as foreigners cannot own land in Indonesia.

Our legal consultant will be happy to brief anyone on the Indonesian regulations and will professionally handle all necessary documents and legal requirements.

www.gandari.com

Please contact: Putu Anggreni Beck The Gandari Villa Residence Jalan Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6, Batu Bolong, Lombok 83355, Indonesia Phone: +62 370 619 4273 Fax: +62 370 619 4123 HP: +62 815 5810 0450 or +62 821 4777 7705 (English & Indonesian speaking) email: reni@gandari.com / info@gandari.com

50 Got something to say? We’re interested to hear your news and views! You must supply your name and address, but publication can be withheld on request. Email us now at kitadesign@hotmail.com Ada yang ingin anda utarakan? Kami tertarik mendengar cerita dan pandangan anda! Anda harus menyertakan nama dan alamat, tetapi kami tidak akan mencetak nama anda tanpa ijin. Kirim email ke kitadesign@hotmail.com Dear Editor, As an Engineer working in the power industry for the past 45 years, let me inform you of some normal power industry standards.

I am currently working in Australia commissioning a new power plant and previously I have commissioned a PLN power plant in Indonesia, so I know they have very few spare parts, lack of maintenance and little training here.

For PLN to state they have excess power is untrue. In normal power grids there is always an available amount of what is called “spinning reserve”, so that if a diesel generator or other supply item of power trips out, the quick-acting spinning reserve machine picks up the lost generation, so the customers are not blacked out PLN do not use this normal industry standard and just blackout areas to off-set the lost power In the past year, at my home in Senggigi, I have had so many appliances break due to power disturbances and low voltages.

Low voltages are another industry standard PLN ignore.

Good on the students for their

demonstrations about the poor service from PLN – and it’s about time businesses and the expat community also made a stand!

I cannot understand how hotels and businesses survive, having to run their own diesel backup generation for so many hours so often.

Blackouts do not occur, in western countries, unless absolutely unavoidable due to cyclones, bush fires or other major uncontrollable events. In the western world if blackouts were encountered like the frequency of PLN blackouts in Lombok, the electricity company and the government would be brought down by the power of the people.

The PLN in Lombok use blackouts as their industry standard to balance supply and demand.

Ask PLN why the new coal-fired power plant in Jeranjang is not operational: my sources tell me it is to do with government contracts for coal and Pertamina contracts for diesel…

Also the other issue I have with PLN is their system for meter reading. How is it possible that, even when there are many hours or days of blackouts, the meter

reading is still the same? Does this also occur for business in Lombok?

I and my family are totally fed up with the unreliable power supply from PLN and their continual lies.

When PLN make statements like “we are extending power lines, so need outages”, I would be only too happy to sit in front of PLN managers and engineers and let them show me how their system works and why there is a need for power outages.

Show me their supply feeder drawings; for example, there are 3 supply feeders in Mangsit, so why do all 3 go down at the same time? It is totally unnecessary.

PLN do not even have to leave Indonesia to see normal industry standards – with a visit to Newmont (98 % efficiency of their power systems) or Freeport, they can see normal industry standards and how a professional power system operates.

PLN are holding back development in Lombok and Indonesia. It is about time that power supply was privatised in Indonesia – as is the case in other countries. If they privatise the power supply, then private companies HAVE to perform or they lose their licences.

Barry, Senggigi

Kepada Penulis, Sebagai Tenaga Ahli yang telah bekerja di industri pembangkit tenaga listrik selama 45 tahun terakhir, ijinkanlah saya untuk menginformasikan kepada anda beberapa standar normal industri pembangkit daya listrik.

Pada saat ini saya bekerja di Australia dalam pembangunan pembangkit daya listrik yang baru, dan sebelumnya saya pernah bekerja pada proyek pembangunan pembangkit daya listrik PLN di Indonesia, sehingga saya tahu bahwa mereka memiliki suku cadang yang sangat terbatas, kurangnya perawatan dan sedikitnya pengalaman yang mereka miliki.

Apabila PLN menyatakan bahwa mereka memiliki kelebihan daya, adalah tidak benar. Di dalam sistem normal persediaan daya listrik, menyediakan kelebihan daya adalah merupakan keharusan. Sehingga apabila terjadi salah satu pembangkit daya tidak bekerja, kelebihan daya ini akan langsung mengambil alih tugas area pembangkit tenaga listrik yang tidak bekerja tersebut.

PLN tidak menggunakan standar sistem industri seperti ini, melainkan langsung mematikan area yang pembangkit dayanya bermasalah.

Pada tahun lalu, di rumah saya di Senggigi, saya memiliki begitu banyak alat-alat elektronik yang rusak dikarenakan oleh gangguan listrik seperti mati listrik dan turunnya voltase daya. Voltase rendah merupakan salah satu standar industri yang lain yang diabaikan oleh PLN. Sangat bagus bahwa para mahasiswa telah melakukan aksi demonstrasi

menyangkut rendahnya tingkat pelayanan PLN – dan hanya masalah waktu bahwa para pengusaha dan komuniti warga negara asing yang tinggal disini juga harus mengambil sikap!

Saya tidak dapat mengerti bagaimana hotel-hotel dan perusahaan-perusahaan bisa bertahan, dengan menjalankan mesin generator mereka sendiri untuk membangkitkan tenaga listrik dalam waktu berjam-jam dan dengan interval penggunaaan yang sangat sering setiap harinya.

Pemadaman listrik tidak dilakukan di negara barat, kecuali benar-benar ada masalah yang tidak terelakkan seperti angin siklon, kebakaran hutan atau masalah-masalah besar yang tidak bisa dikontrol. Di dunia barat apabila pemadaman listrik dilakukan sesering yang dilakukan PLN di Lombok, perusahaan listrik dan pemerintah akan dijatuhkan oleh kekuatan masyarakat.

PLN di Lombok menggunakan pemadaman listrik sebagai standar industri mereka untuk menyeimbangkan penyediaan listrik dengan permintaan.

Tanyakan kepada PLN kenapa pembangkit listrik tenaga batu bara yang baru di Jeranjang tidak dioperasikan: sumber saya mengatakan itu menyangkut masalah kontrak pemerintah untuk batu bara dan kontrak Pertamina untuk diesel…

Dan juga, masalah lain yang saya miliki dengan PLN adalah sistem mereka dalam hal pembacaan meter listrik. Bagaimana bisa, dengan begitu seringnya mati listrik, pembacaan meter pemakaian listrik bisa tetap sama jumlahnya? Apakah ini juga berlaku untuk perusahaan-perusahaan di Lombok?

Saya dan keluarga saya sudah sangat jenuh dengan ketidak bisa diandalkannya PLN dan kebohongan mereka yang berkelanjutan.

Ketika PLN membuat pernyataan seperti “kami sedang menambah jumlah tiang listrik, dengan begitu kami harus mematikan listrik”, saya akan dengan senang hati duduk di depan menejer PLN dan para teknisinya dan melihat mereka menunjukkan bagaimana cara kerja sistem mereka dan kenapa harus mematikan listrik. Saya ingin mereka tunjukkan pada saya bagaimana gambar rancangan pembagian daya mereka; sebagai contoh, ada 3 sumber pembagian daya di Mangsit, jadi mengapa ketiga-tiganya mati dalam waktu yang bersamaan? Adalah sangat tidak perlu untuk dilakukan.

PLN bahkan tidak harus keluar dari Indonesia untuk melihat bagaimana standar normal industri itu – dengan mengunjungi Newmont (98% keefisiensian dari sistem tenaga listrik mereka) atau Freeport, mereka bisa melihat standar normal industri dan bagaimana sistem pembangkit tenaga listrik yang profesional beroperasi.

PLN telah menghambat pembangunan di Lombok dan Indonesia. Adalah masalah waktu kalau pembangkit daya akan dimiliki oleh industri pribadi atau swasta di Indonesia – seperti yang sudah terjadi di negara lain. Apabila negara membiarkan pembangkit daya listrik ditangani oleh perusahaan pribadi / swasta, perusahaanperusahaan swasta ini AKAN HARUS memberikan pelayanan yang bagus kepada masyarakat atau mereka akan kehilangan ijin mereka.

Barry, Senggigi

51

Individual and Group Pearl Farm Tours Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private viewings welcome

Showroom and CafĂŠ Open Daily

PT Autore Pearl Culture, Teluk Nara, Malaka, Lombok Phone: +62 370 6844 895 / 0813 3992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au

52

Local News

PARADISE LOST (almost!)

The recent high winds and extremely angry seas caused chaos in Lombok, Bali and surrounding islands.

In what locals describe as “the worst weather for many, many years”, Lombok was battered by the edge of Category 3 Cyclone Lua that started off the northwest coast of Australia.

Fast boat services between Bali and Lombok were suspended and even the public ferries between Padangbai and Lembar were cancelled, with both harbours closed for four days.

Waves reached up to 3.5 metres in the Lombok Strait, with winds of around 15 knots making the crossing between Bali and Lombok too dangerous to attempt.

At the peak of the storms, winds of winds of 88.2 kilometres per hour destroyed buildings, billboards and roofs throughout the cities.

Trees were uprooted and blocked roads, and one fatality was reported in Mataram when a sign collapsed. Mataram city council workers were kept busy clearing fallen trees and branches; many of them Tamarind trees over 100 years old.

In rural areas, farmers have lost dozens of hectares of crops – mainly rice and peanuts – resulting in millions of rupiah losses for local farmers.

Over a hundred fishing boats from Ampenan sought shelter on the beaches in Senggigi and the boats were pulled so far up the beach they blocked the jogging track.

A brand-new Phinisi (traditional wooden boat) broke its mooring in Teluk Kodek and ended up at 45 degrees on the beach.

Some businesses on the Gili Islands also suffered damaged and lost boats in the rough seas.

All along the west coast of Lombok, heavy seas have eroded the beachfronts and many businesses have temporarily lost their beaches (however, this is seasonal and the sand usually returns fairly quickly).

One beachfront restaurant reports that diners enjoying brunch on the beach, well above the high-tide line, were shocked to find themselves engulfed by a huge wave… resulting in salty coffee and very soggy toast!

In Senggigi, The Office Bar & Restaurant in the Art Markets had the beach, the jogging track and the entire area in front of the restaurant washed away.

The somewhat bemused owner was heard to say: “Every cloud has a silver lining – at least I don’t have the fishing boats in front of the restaurant anymore!”

In a late attempt at damage reduction, the owner of the restaurant decided to try to

divert the course of the adjacent river to prevent further undermining of the beach.

He arranged for 15 workers and three hundred 50kg rice sacks to create sand bags.

The keen young crew worked without a break and dug a 10 metre trench in the sand to divert the water.

At the same time they filled the sand bags and blocked the river that was running parallel with the beach.

sand behind the sand bags and the beach has already risen by 1.5 metres.

The project started at 6am and took nearly four hours but it was successful. The incoming tide dumped many tonnes of

Fortunately, the cyclone has now past and the sunshine is quickly erasing the traces of the wild weather over the past ten days!

EAST LOMBOK VILLAGES HIT BY FLASH FLOODS

While most of us can laugh off the terrible weather caused by Cyclone Lua in the Indian Ocean last week, the residents in Sambelia sub-district have been hit hard.

Sambelia is a remote region located on the north-eastern side of Mt Rinjani.

Heavy rains caused by the cyclone created flash floods in the area, washing out bridges and destroying homes. The Belanting Bridge, which connects East Lombok to North Lombok collapsed, isolating the villages and hampering search and rescue attempts for people still trapped inside homes.

Residents panicked as flood waters rushed down the mountains and the bridge collapsed, cutting off routes to higher ground.

The Red Cross reported that some people were still trapped inside their homes and could not leave because of strong currents and continuing flash floods.

Others resisted evacuation by emergency teams and refused to leave their homes and belongings behind.

At least 1,100 residents have been evacuated, many of them women and children, and are being housed in temporary shelters in Sambelia.

Sambelia has a history of tragedy, as the area was hit with flash floods and landslides in 2006, which also destroyed

roads and bridges in the area.

Government experts say illegal logging activities in the region are partially responsible for the tragedy.

Government aid agencies, as well as local charity organisations (Yayasan), have rushed to provide emergency aid to the people in the area; but more help is needed, particularly with food and medical supplies.

The government does not have a reserve budget for natural disasters but has been supplying 4 tankers (5000 litre capacity) of fresh drinking water daily to the residents. Water supplies in the area have been contaminated by the flooding.

Much work will still need to be done to repair homes and infrastructure, particularly roads and the bridges that link Sambelia in the east to Sembalun in the north.

A disaster task force has currently been deployed in Sambelia with heavy earthmoving equipment to clean up the tonnes of soil and rocks covering the roads.

The Head of the NTB Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Husnuddin, said that around 1,500 metres of county roads and 3,100 metres of village and provincial roads have been damaged in the area. Five bridges have also been destroyed. Losses are estimated to be billions of rupiah.

53

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Pasar Classifieds

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Contact: 0819 3317 2356 PT MULTIGRAHA KELOLAVALAS Authorized Money Changer Pedagang Valuta Asing Berijin

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56

The Cities

The Cities 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)

57

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.

58

The Cities

The Cities

59

Redwood Café & Lounge Upstairs (2nd floor) at Melissa Bakery

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60

The Cities

The Cities

61

REHABILITATION AND THERAPY CENTRE Therapy techniques to help patients regain maximal physical and mental health after illness and accidents, and regain normal functioning for day-to-day activities. Therapy is supported by the latest equipment and technology.

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The Cities

62

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The Cities

63

64

Local News

MONSTERS UNITE CULTURES

Thousands of local people and tourists crowded the streets of Mataram on Thursday, 22 March to watch the Ogohogoh Parade on the day before Nyepi.

The theme of the parade this year was “Bersatu dalam persamaan, toleransi dalam perbedaan”; (“Together in unity, tolerance in diversity”).

At least 125 participants took part in

the procession, with the giant effigies of monsters and evil entities filling the main roads in the city. Thousands of people came from as far away as East Lombok to witness the spectacle and join in the fun.

Both Hindus and Muslims took part in the parade, with non-Hindu’s playing gamelan music accompanied by the big drums of Lombok – Gendang Beleq.

This is the seventh year the parade has taken place in Mataram, with the event growing larger and more popular each year.

The Ogoh-ogoh parade is held annually and was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Mataram, H Mohan Roliskana.

In the opening speeches, the Chairman of the organising committee, I Nyoman Kusuma Artha, said that the Ogoh-ogoh parade was supported by the various arts councils in the city of Mataram and that, “This is a bond between Hindus, and all the citizens of Mataram; composed of cross-ethnic and inter-faith, but who remain united in equality and tolerance of differences”.

In his speech, the Deputy Mayor of Mataram said, “With the Ogoh-ogoh parade our togetherness can still be maintained, just as it was with our first ancestors.”

THE TIMES ARE A’CHANGING FUEL INCREASE STILL UNCERTAIN

The Indonesian government is considering introducing a single time zone throughout Indonesia.

The government has ordered all branches to simulate a change from three different time zones to a single nationwide time zone.

Promoted as an efficiency move, the government is targeting 17 August 2012, as the date for the introduction of the single time zone concept.

The presidentially chaired Indonesian Economic Committee (KP3EI) is driving the change.

Quoted in The Jakarta Globe, a spokesman for KP3EI, Ebid Muslim said, “The decision to change the time zones will only need a presidential decision and does not need approval from the House of Representatives.”

The proposal being prepared for implementation would see all parts of Indonesia, now divided over three time zones, unite into to a single time zone of Universal Time Coordinated +8 (UTC+8/ GMT+8).

This would see western Indonesia jump forward one hour from UTC+7 and eastern Indonesia (UTC+9) set their clocks back by one hour. Bali and Lombok would experience no change if the new time-zone plan were implemented.

Indonesia, equal in breadth to the Continental USA which has 4 time zones, stretches east to west over a distance roughly equal to one-quarter of the world’s circumference.

During WWII the Japanese occupying forces established a single time zone of UTC+9 to put Indonesia on the same time zone with Japan. Dutch colonial rulers, however, divided Indonesia into six separate time zones in gradations of 30 minutes.

The national government insists that a single time zone would bring significant economic benefit to the country by promoting productivity and efficiency.

At the time of going to press, the outcome of the proposed fuel price increase, due to take effect next month, was still uncertain. In the face of nationwide protests, support for the bill was failing.

Currently being debated in parliament, the bill has been rejected by several parties, while conditions of the price hike are still being discussed by other legislators who have failed to commit.

The government is planning to increase fuel prices by 33% on 1 April in response to the rising price of oil worldwide.

The price of fuel in Indonesia will increase from Rp 4,500 to Rp 6,000 per litre.

The state oil and gas company, Pertamina, has announced that it if the price increase goes ahead, it would empty some of its filling stations nationwide on 1 April to anticipate any potential attacks from protesters who stand against the upcoming fuel price hike.

People are advised to avoid petrol stations along routes where rallies are taking place for security reasons.

Pertamina is also planning to put security guards in place to ensure that the protesters would not damage its facilities.

The planned fuel increase has sparked demonstrations and protests across the country, mostly by students and activists who have repeatedly said that they would launch much bigger rallies should the government insist on implementing the policy.

65

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66

The Southwest

67

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 70

The Southwest

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The Southwest

69

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

Continued from Page 67

The Southwest Gili Ringgit, Gili Layar and Gili Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea.

Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches and swaying palm trees.

Pearl Beach Resort, newly-opened in 2010, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and well-designed bungalows here looking out over a breath-taking beach.

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

To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of

Of a much higher standard than most of the southwest accommodation, each bungalow has a private terrace, and western standard bathrooms with hot water.

There is also a beachfront bar and restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals, and good snorkelling directly from the beach in front. The lovely setting calls visitors from the sea to picnic on the beach and swim in the clear turquoise waters.

Pearl Beach is perfect for romantic escapes and for those seeking the tranquillity of a private island resort.

The Southwest

71

Distribution

72

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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, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gili Cat Bali, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Golden Kris Tour, Grocer & Grind, Havana Club Bar & Rest, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, 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, Sekolah Nusa Alam, 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, Kafe Foto, Kebun Villas, Lombok Property & Villas, Lombok Real Estate, 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, 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, Ombak Sunset, Queen Villas & Spa, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan, Tir Na Nog. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Karang Divers.

SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site.

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

Kuta and The South Coast

73

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Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

75

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 77

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Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

77

Continued from Page 75

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

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Tourism Information

80

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 83

The Gili Islands

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The Gili Islands

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The Gili Islands

The Gili Islands Pearls

83

in The Ocean

Continued from Page 80

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

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.

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The Gili Islands

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The Gili Islands

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The Gili Islands

Tourism Information

Getting To The Gilis

87

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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The Gili Islands

The Gili Islands

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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 750,000 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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The Gili Islands

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

Tourism Information

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GILI ISLANDS FAST FACTS Gili Trawangan by Didiek Hariadi

There are numerous fast boat services operating between Bali and the Gilis. In good weather, fast boats can make the crossing in around 80 minutes but in heavy seas the trip can take two hours or more.

Make sure you choose a reputable company who care about passenger comfort and safety, rather than “pack them in and profit”. Check weather conditions before going – the Lombok Strait is one of the deepest bodies of water in the world and seas can get very rough, with waves up to 5 metres in bad weather. Refuse to board overloaded boats.

It is also possible to fly to Lombok and transfer to the Gilis from the mainland. See “Getting to Lombok” and “Getting to the Gilis” sections for details.

Electricity on all three Gilis is supplied by generators and blackouts are sometimes a problem. Many places have their own emergency generators but the smaller businesses may rely on candles and lanterns when the power goes out.

Water is a scarce resource on the islands and fresh water is shipped from the mainland daily. A business on Gili T now supplies desalinated water and fresh water showers are becoming common. However, smaller hotels and home-stays may only

provide salt water showers. Use bottled water to rinse off.

The tap water on all the islands is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Internet is available on the Gilis at internet cafés and most larger hotels and restaurants. Connections can be intermittent and speeds are generally slow.

ATM machines are available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Credit cards are accepted at most dive shops and larger hotels and restaurants. Money changers are available on all the islands, although the rate is lower than on Lombok.

Health services on the islands are limited.

There is a 24-hour Clinic at Hotel Vila Ombak on Gili T, and small local clinics on Gili Meno and Air. Dive shop staff have emergency first aid training and basic medical supplies but for anything serious, get to the mainland as fast as possible.

Weather is generally hotter on the islands than mainland Lombok. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even on cloudy days.

There is no motorised transport on any of the islands. Walk, ride a bicycle or ride in a cidomo (local horse cart). None of

the islands is very large, so walking is an easy option. Bicycles can be hired for between Rp 25,000 and Rp 50,000 per day, depending on the type and condition of the bike. Some hotels provide bikes free of charge for guests.

Cidomo fares are now fixed by law and fares are displayed in the front of the cart.

Generally, short distances will cost around Rp 40,000; a round-the-island tour costs Rp 125,000 on Gili T. Dress is casual on the islands and it is normal to see tourists walking around in swimsuits, sarongs and shorts. Remember that the islands’ residents are Muslim and nude or topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Please respect island sensibilities and keep clothes on!

Mosquitoes can sometimes be a problem, especially during rainy season. DEET repellents are the best protection and local products such as “Autan” and “OFF!” are relatively cheap and readily available in the shops.

The Gili Eco Trust (GET) is a non-profit organisation based on Gili T that works to protect and conserve the environment.

GET activities include reef conservation, resource management, waste management and education programmes, to name a few. To date, the Eco Trust has installed 63 Bio Rock structures around the islands. The metal frame structures create artificial reefs using low voltage current to promote new coral growth and provide homes for schools of fish and reef creatures.

The Eco Trust raises funds for its programmes through an Eco-tax of Rp 50,000 collected from divers on the islands.

Clean-up days, to collect rubbish from the beach and sea, take place on the first Friday of every month on Gili T. Register at Gili T dive shops and join in the fun!

To find out more about Eco-projects and to support GET programmes, visit: www.giliecotrust.com

The Gili Islands

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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

93 Do think about the weather Wear sunscreen. Recently I’ve seen far too many cherry-red holiday-makers pass by. Think about the time of year you are going to come to these islands and plan accordingly. When it rains here it really rains. There can be full days of rain. If you come in the rainy season, bring a book, pack a rain coat and don’t forget your smile.

Do remember that if you visit during the rainy season then that does mean it could rain: the name is not an idle threat, it’s more a promise.

GILI AIR

Dos and Don’ts on Gili Air At the end of March I will have been on Gili Air for six months. In that time I’ve met a number of people who live here.

I’ve met business owners, both local and foreign, and a whole host of customers and passers-by. And over this time I’ve decided that there are some clear “do’s and don’ts” that will help people get the most out of Gili Air. Hands up who knows what I’m going to start with? (If you have your hand up and you’re thinking ‘diving’ then gold star for you.)

Do dive On a recent dive with a newly-qualified diver we came across a shoal of twelve bump-head parrot fish, (I counted them twice so I could brag truthfully about it later).

Now these fish are massive, they look like the Incredible Hulk of the fish world – large, green and, to some like the diver with me, menacing. With the added magnification of the water these fish look as large as a diver; so it is impressive to see twelve of them together.

I was impressed; the diver, though a touch apprehensive at first, was beaming when we got back to the surface. This is just one of the many wonderful diving experiences I’ve had since arriving on the island and, with twenty-plus dive sites, why would you possibly want to miss out?

Don’t confuse snorkelling with diving Don’t think that snorkelling is the same as diving! I have sat at the side of one of the huge green turtles that we get at the dive site ‘Turtle City’ for twenty minutes reveling in the creature’s majesty. The first time a snorkeller or free diver is able to do this then you might be comparing like with like. Until then it’s fair to say that they are not the same thing.

This means that if you’ve been snorkelling around the island and think that the coral is all dead, please don’t tell divers that the diving ‘must be rubbish because there is no coral’. Most of our best dive sites are at least twelve metres down and, as they are not too close to the shore, they do not get trampled on or bashed by boats and anchors.

If you want to spend time with the fish, to see the world from their perspective and see some amazing coral, don’t snorkel – take the time and learn to dive.

Do Relax I know that it can be difficult to let go of the worries of modern life and relax.

Leave behind work, TV, social networks and things that run to schedule; focus on relaxing. If you can, this is the best way to make the most of this little piece of paradise.

To help you along your way there is a Yoga Centre and a Natural Spa, beaches and hotel pools that have sun loungers, bars for happy hour cocktails and wonderful restaurants that offer delicious local and international food.

Don’t be surprised about the weather Don’t get upset if it’s hot most of the year.

It rains in the rainy season and it’s baking hot here for at least seven months. Don’t presume that just because it rained for the entire week you were on the island that it rains all year round. I know this sounds stupid but two people recently have stated this must be the case.

Don’t say “If I’d have wanted rain, I could have stayed at home” – if you go to a place during the rainy season, it may well rain!

Some general dos and don’ts to end on • Do call me or pop into the shop to tell me news of what is happening on the island that you think I should mention in an article.

• Don’t forget everyone makes mistakes so if you feel the urge to phone me to complain about one of them, please keep in mind that I’m doing my best to promote Gili Air and that will help all of us on the island.

• Do visit the book exchange at Julianto’s by the Sea. I met the owners of this impressive hotel the other day and they are lovely – so lovely in fact that they donate the profits from their book exchange to the local school.

• Do hate roosters; they are noisy and annoying.

• Do find Karang Divers and say hello.

Don’t let little things spoil your stay • Do pop into our shop and say hello to the Don’t get stressed or, worse, angry because shop cat’s four beautiful new kittens. the internet is slow. Don’t storm around • And don’t forget that you can read the island snapping at locals because they Gili Bytes online at The Lombok Guide didn’t understand your gunfire English. website at www.thelombokguide.com Don’t use the term ‘these people’.

If you’re going to jog around the island, as many do when the sun starts to go down, don’t get upset if a dive shop manager ‘boo’s’ at you because he thinks jogging is hateful. Certainly, stop jogging when you’re so slim that it looks like your knees may give out at any minute.

Do not get upset about the mosque; this is an important part of many Indonesians’ life and should be respected. If the noise bothers you, wear earplugs or move to one of the bungalows on the north side of the island as they are generally quieter.

“Exotic Charm, Modern Comfort”

Gili Trawangan, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia P. +62 370 6141 575 F. +62 370 6141 585 M. +62 811 39 06 76 ddb@desaduniabeda.com www.desaduniabeda.com

Barefoot Luxury in the Gilis

It’s time to come and stay with us at the most exotic beach resort.

A perfect occasion ......

A splendid idea ......

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The Gili Islands

Tourism Information

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The Gili Islands