The Lombok Guide Issue 138 by The Lombok Guide

The

Issue 138 | 1 – 15 April 2013

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LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK

HONG KONG DELEGATES LOOK AT LOMBOK

DELICIOUS NEW MENUS AT QUNCI VILLAS

NEW OWL SPECIES DISCOVERED IN LOMBOK

My oh my… MAHAMAYA!

Page 10 & 16

Page 24

Page 38

Page 78 & 79

IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities Lombok Map Special Feature Senggigi Senggigi Map What’s Hot / Local News Special Feature Local Scene Mr. Fixer Local News Discount Vouchers Useful Contacts Classifieds In Good Taste / Local News Land & Property The Cities Cities Map The Southwest Kuta & The South Coast South Coast Map Distribution The Gilis Special Feature Gilis Fast Facts Getting to the Gilis Gilis Map

Page 2 Page 4/8 Page 6 Page 10/16 Page 12 Page 14 Page 18 Page 24 Page 26 Page 32 Page 37

The Beach Club

Beach Bungalows Page 15

SPRING INTO LOMBOK! With the worst of the rainy season behind us and the celebration of Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere on 20 March, it’s almost like Spring in Lombok! April is a wonderful time to visit Lombok – and the best time to take advantage of “low season” discounts and cheap rates at hotels and resorts on the island. It is also the perfect time for enjoying warm days and gentle breezes at night – dining out under the stars, swimming in crystal clear beaches, trekking through lush green jungles and relaxing in the unspoiled natural environment for which Lombok is famous! To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 75 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…

Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 48-55 Page 56-64 Page 60 Page 65-67 Page 68-74 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76-96 Page 78-79 Page 80 Page 83 Page 95

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Tourism Information

GETTING TO LOMBOK

Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes Call Centre: 0 80 418 07807. Airport: +62 370 649100. and fares start from around Rp 300,000 (approx. US $33) one way. www.garuda-indonesia.com Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, DOMESTIC FLIGHTS or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok. Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, commonly abbreviated to BIL) is the only airport on Lombok. The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 40km south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta. Airport departure tax is Rp 25,000 for domestic departures and Rp 100,000 for international departures.

BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR In Lombok, flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Domestic Airport. Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370-642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com

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, Jogjakarta 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, Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office : +62 370 642303, 649999. www.garudaindonesia.com Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 664009. www.lionair.co.id Merpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Bima, Dili, Bandung, Flores and Kupang. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111. www.merpati.co.id

Merpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok four times a Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima once day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111, Airport: +62 370 633637 / +62 87864253577. Bali, ph: +62 361 420999. www.merpati.co.id a day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id Trans Nusa Air operates two flights between Bali and Lombok daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali, ph: +62 361 8477395. www.transnusa.co.id Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily. The company share-codes with Wings Air, so you may purchase a Lion Air ticket and find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Call Centre: +62 80 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. www.lionair. co.id Sky Aviation operates morning and afternoon flights between Bali and Lombok every day. The company also offers private charter flights between the islands, as well as other destinations throughout Indonesia. Lombok, ph: +62 370 630 787. Bali, ph: +62 361 936 8320. www.sky-aviation.co.id

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Lombok International Airport (IATA: LOP) has full Visa on Arrival facilities, with fast and efficient visa processing. +62 370 622987 FREE +62 370 622987 Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, three times per week. Lombok, ph: +62 370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia four times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). www.airasia.com

Sky Aviation offers flights to remote and difficult to get to destinations, including Labuhan Bajo on Flores, Batam, Pekanbaru, Jambi and more. Ph: +62 370 630787 or see their website for full details. www.sky-aviation.co.id

BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, 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: +62 370 681 209. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840

FAST BOATS There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. Most serve Gili Trawangan, but several also call at Teluk Kodek on mainland Lombok, making fast boats from Lombok to Bali (and vice versa) an option to flying. See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for details.

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Tourism Information

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Drivers License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light. Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring or take part in the tours and day trips offered by the many tour agencies on the island.

Climbing Mt Rinjani by Iwan Haryanto

Mawun Beach by Barbara

BEACHES

all three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night dives to the many sites around the Gilis, as well as specialised courses and live-aboard adventures to exotic locations. For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well as near Kuta on the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.

SURFING

The whole island is surrounded by fantastic beaches, most of which are covered in clean white sand and fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming. The southwest coast also has fine beaches, especially around Sekotong and Taun.

Lombok is becoming a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts world-wide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to BangkoBangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok.

Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu for rustic accommodation and great snorkelling just off shore or stay at Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede to explore the twelve other undeveloped islands in the southwest. The beaches around Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon at Mawun.

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

DIVING With so many beaches and small islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili islands - Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Snorkelling is easy from the shore and

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

The waves at Gerupuk and Kuta offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness! Ekas Bay has two surf breaks: Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas, which are suitable for beginners to experts, depending on different peaks and tides.

TREKKING Much of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and adventure tours. There are a number of spectacular waterfalls on the island which provide lovely trekking opportunities, whether travelling independently or as part of a tour. Sendang Gile on the slope of Mt Rinjani in the north is an easily accessible waterfall in a stunning jungle setting and popular with visitors. Air Jeruk Manis, near Tetebatu is reached by walking through pretty rice fields and forests. The awesome Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls, in central Lombok, are located within a short trek of each other and make a perfect day trip for those who appreciate truly magical natural surroundings.

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Lombok Map

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Tourism Information

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Aik Kalaq (Hot Spring Water) near Segara Anak Lake at Mt Rinjani by Koes Nadi

animist statues remain today. Perang Topat, is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Mt Rinjani, Lombok’s famous volcano, soars 3726 m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge crater near the top contains a beautiful lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea Lake) and a smaller volcanic cone, Gunung Baru Jari, which was formed a couple of hundred years ago. There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano. In 2004 Rinjani won the World Legacy Award and the volcano is recognised internationally as an important eco-tourism destination. Two, three and four day treks on the volcano are offered by tour companies and trek organisers in all the main resort areas of Lombok.

HISTORIC SITES & TEMPLES There are a number of interesting temples around the west coast, many of which are Hindu or ancient animist sites of worship. Pura Lingsar is possibly the only place in the world where Hindus and Moslems come together to pray and celebrate. Built around 1714, Pura Lingsar was originally based on the prevailing animist beliefs of the time, and some of the original

Pura Narmada (or Narmada Temple), around 10 km east of Cakranegara in Narmada, was created circa 1805 as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and Segara Anak, the lake within Rinjani’s crater. The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake. Pura Suranadi, a complex of three temples located a few kilometres north of Narmada in Suranadi, is the oldest and holiest of the Balinese temples in Lombok, founded by the 16th-century Javanese priest, Danghyang Nirartha. Underground streams bubble up into restored baths, used for ritual bathing. Huge sacred eels live in the pools and streams here, and can sometimes be lured out with an offering of boiled eggs (purchased at a nearby stall). To see a sacred eel is considered very lucky!

HANDICRAFT VILLAGES Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay with distinctive “Lombok primitive” designs. You can also purchase hand-woven sarongs and fabrics (ikat). Pringgasela in central Lombok is a small village which is steeped in tradition and is a

major centre for weaving ikat. Visit the small houses and shops here to purchase traditionally woven, colourful fabrics. Masbagik, close to Pringgasela, is a small pottery village. Wander the streets and see the pottery being made in the small yards behind the simple homes here and purchase the wares for amazingly cheap prices. Sukarara is 5 km to the west of Praya, heading south towards Kuta. This is a weaving village where quality ikat and traditional cloth is displayed and sold. Weavers work outside many of the shops, using antiquated “back strap looms” to painstakingly produce works of art. Some of the larger pieces can take several months to weave, and collectors from around the world visit this village to purchase the blankets, sarongs and cloth produced here. Banyumulek, easily reached on the road south to Lembar Harbour, is an important centre for pottery on Lombok. The small village is packed with shops selling pottery produced in the area, as well as from the other main pottery-making villages such as Penujak and Masbagik. Lombok pottery, with its distinctive terracotta styles, has become famous internationally and is exported throughout the world. Pura Suranadi (Suranadi Temple) by Barbara

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Special Feature

HONG KONG DELEGATES LOOK CLOSELY AT LOMBOK

Many VIP’s from Hong Kong have been arriving in Lombok over the past two weeks, as the Hong Kong Tourism Ministry meets with our local tourism representatives to explore ways to boost tourism between the two destinations.

The friendship between Hong Kong and Lombok is being led by The Lombok Hotels Association (LHA), who recently hosted visits by the Hong Kong Commissioner of Tourism and visiting authorities and, last week, a delegation of 21 travel agents from Hong Kong. On 14 March, Hong Kong Commissioner for Tourism, Philip Yung met in Jakarta with officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Youth and Sports Ministry to discuss ways to boost this sector. On 15 March, the Commissioner and his entourage travelled to Lombok where they met with local government officials and members of the tourism industry, including LHA. The Lombok Guide met with Commissioner Philip Yung and Assistant Commissioner, Ann Chan, for an exclusive interview at Santosa Villas and Resort on 15 March.

Kai Tak Terminal due to open in June 2013

“Of course, many of our travellers already He went on to say that Hong Kong know Bali and like to holiday there, but we recorded around half a million visitors are always looking for new destinations,” from Indonesia last year. he said. Major attractions include Ocean Park “Lombok has the beaches, scenery and and Hong Kong Disneyland, which both climate that Hong Kong people seek when attracted record attendances last year. they are looking for rest and relaxation.” “In the middle of June 2013, we will open “Likewise, Hong Kong has much to offer Kai Tak – a new cruise terminal in Hong Indonesians who are already travelling to Kong that will be able to berth the largest Malaysia and Singapore regularly. Hong cruise ships in the world.” Kong has long been described as ‘East “Indonesia is also developing its cruise ship industry and, with the number of beautiful islands in the archipelago, has great potential,” Commissioner Yung told us.

During the interview Commissioner Yung expressed the desire to strengthen trade and tourism between Hong Kong and Indonesia, saying that this visit was the most high-level delegation ever to visit Indonesia and included 26 senior delegates from the trade and tourism ministries. He also said that his ministry was looking at Lombok as another choice for Hong Kong travellers. When asked if there were talks of direct flights by Garuda Airlines between Lombok and Hong Kong, he said that the possibility was being discussed but “depends on whether Garuda is interested and aviation rights”.

“With the Kai Tak infrastructure, we believe that Hong Kong and Indonesia can work together to create a joint destination promotion. Indonesia is a great market and Asia Pacific is becoming a very attractive region for cruise liners.”

meets West’ and we have a very good fusion of local cultures, every kind of cuisine and interesting traditional districts where heritage has been conserved,” the Commissioner said. “But we are also a major world financial centre, with modern cities, skyscrapers, great shopping and an international flavour.”

“We can create an interesting cruise tour package such as from Hong Kong to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and then Indonesia. This will be a new attraction for people to enjoy on a cruise,” he said. The new US $1 billion Kai Tak Cruise terminal will be much bigger than the existing Ocean Cruise Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and would be able to accommodate 3,000 passengers per hour. Continued on Page 16

Senggigi

Tourism Information

Senggigi

Just over one hour from Lombok International Airport, Senggigi is the main tourism centre on Lombok and, apart from the Gili islands, the most developed tourism area on Lombok. The town of Senggigi is about 10 km north of Ampenan, and about 30 minutes drive from Teluk Nara and Bangsal – the harbours to the Gili Islands. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali counterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is laid-back, with activities centred on the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all within a few hours drive from the town. At night, Jalan Raya Senggigi (the main street) comes alive. Dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, listen to live music at the bars, or dance the night away at the nightclubs. Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centre of Senggigi, with the main road running parallel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The Senggigi Beach Hotel, Santosa Villas and Resort, and the Sheraton Senggigi Resort all line the curved bay of Senggigi Beach and offer a full range of resort facilities, equally attractive for singles, couples and families. The beachfront is currently undergoing “revitalisation” by the West Lombok Tourism Department, which threatens to ruin the natural beauty of the beach. It can become very crowded and is best avoided on Sundays and public holidays. However, many more beautiful beaches exist just minutes away to the north. One of the most spectacular sights on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi Beach, with the bright orange sun sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean. Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the right conditions, some decent surf breaks. Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands.

WEST COAST RESORT

The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are a couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s and moneychangers, a post office and all the normal tourist facilities. Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid-range and budget accommodations. Tourism development runs north along the coastal road for about 10 km, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the entire west coast. About 2 km north of central Senggigi Kerandangan Valley has a popular beach nearby and some small boutique hotels, such as Puri Mas Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated in a pretty valley. Dream Estate Park comprises private villa accommodation for owners and investors, and has villas available for short and long term rental in a secure, well-managed estate. At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with clearly marked hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river.

There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths. The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife. Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with boutique style hotels positioned along the breathtaking beaches of this section of coast. The popular Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Beach Resort, Windy Beach Resort and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit. Furthest north are Klui and Lendang Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches. Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves and untouched by hotel development, continue all the way north along the main coastal road. Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all. Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the main dive operators have boats here, which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour. Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further north, is reached by turning left at the crossroads in Pemenang and from there it is easy to catch the public ferries (actually large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to charter boats for island hopping. Whether you are seeking luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets. From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the attractions of the stunning south coast or to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the peace and beauty of Lombok.

Senggigi

Senggigi Map

Senggigi

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Special Feature

HONG KONG DELEGATES LOOK CLOSELY AT LOMBOK Continued from Page 10

The Transportation Ministry and state-owned port operator, Pelindo III, has announced that it will deepen the access channels of Benoa Port in Bali, Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya and Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang by to up to 12 meters this year.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of Hong Kong visitors to Indonesia has risen by almost 10 percent annually over the past several years. The agency recorded 75,302 tourists from Hong Kong throughout last year, up by 9.26 percent from 68,923 people in 2011.

The commitment, announced during the world’s largest sea trade expo, Cruise Shipping Miami 2013, has increased cruise calls to Indonesia to 320 calls planned for 2014 to, up from 306 calls confirmed throughout 2013. In addition to that, current data shows that the cruise liners will be visiting 115 different locations in Indonesia. Lombok already receives an increasing number of cruise calls every year and is keen to develop this market. Speaking separately, the Chairman of the Lombok Hotels Association, Stephane Servin, told us that the Hong Kong delegates visit was raised at a travel mart in Hong Kong last year, when Garuda Airlines invited the LHA to join the table top promoting Indonesia to the HK market. Several LHA members attended the Hong Kong expo and actively promoted Lombok to the attendees, who showed a lot of interest in Lombok as an alternative destination to Bali. Since then, they have kept in touch with Hong Kong travel agents and Garuda in

Hong Kong, resulting in the recent hosting of 21 agents at the end of March. In April, LHA members will follow up with another tabletop in Hong Kong, this time specifically for Lombok. Stephane said that the LHA was also in discussion with Cathay Pacific Airways – the international flag carrier of Hong Kong – about the possibility of introducing direct flights between Lombok and Hong Kong. The route would open up an entirely new market for Lombok. “We are focussing in this area because the Hong Kong and Chinese market is huge, especially as the population becomes more affluent and is travelling more,” Stephane said. “Every day, 720 000 people leave China for a holiday and, within the next 10 years, that figure is expected to increase tenfold.”

Meanwhile, balidiscovery.com records total arrivals into Bali from the Peoples Republic of China (including Hong Kong) for 2012 at 310,904 visitors (up 31.26% from 2011). China is now Bali’s second largest market, after Australia. While they were in Lombok, the Hong Kong delegation took the opportunity to look around the resort hotels on the island showing unique characters of Lombok and also visited Hotel Vila Ombak on Gili Trawangan. “Despite the relatively short stay in Lombok, we enjoyed it so much,” Commissioner Yung and Assistant Commissioner Ann Chan wrote to us. “Lombok is an amazing island with natural beauty and nice beaches. We particularly enjoyed the relaxing and quiet atmosphere and the natural experience at Gili Trawangan – the tiny island ringed by fine sand and coral reefs that we visited during our stay. Lombok is certainly a great choice for a relaxing getaway for Hong Kongers!”

BOOMING FLIGHT AND PASSENGER NUMBERS IN BALI

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) reports that the ongoing massive upgrade of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has done nothing to dissuade arriving passengers in record numbers from flowing through the construction site in 2012.

National Airport Authority, Angkasa Pura I recorded 113,562 incoming and outgoing domestic and international flights in 2012. This represents 9,000 more flights than the 103,771 flights recorded in 2011. Flights coming and going from Bali in 2012 carried 14.17 million passengers, an increase of 1.4 million over the 12.77 million uplifted in 2011.

A total of 40,804 international flights carried 6.47 million passengers, while 7.7 million domestic passengers were carried on 72,758 flights. Extrapolated, this means 56% of all arrivals to Bali come on domestic flights, with the remaining 46% traveling internationally.

showcase project in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in Bali in October 2013.

Behind the scenes, 147.47 million kilograms of luggage passed through the airport in 2012… 6.7% more than in 2011.

Once completed, the airport will be able to handle 20 million passengers each year. If traffic continues to increase at 10% per year, as projected by the Ministry of Transportation, the total carrying capacity of the new airport will be exceeded as early as 2015 or 2017.

Cargo shipments totaled 70.32 million kilograms in 2012. The current US $207 million airport renovation has been undertaken as a

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What’s Hot / Local News

18 Travelling between Bali and Senggigi has never been easier, thanks to Marina Srikandi fast boat transfers. Marina Srikandi operates three transfers every day between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Senggigi (Lombok), with Lombok departures and arrivals directly from the jetty on Senggigi Beach (near Santosa Villas and Resort). The company also offers easy connections between Bali and Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. The normal route departs Padang Bai directly to Senggigi and then to Gili Trawangan before returning to Padang Bai. Gili Air passengers can arrange transfers with Marina Srikandi offices. Depending on passenger numbers, trips are made on Marina Srikandi 1 or 2, both of which have a capacity of 75 passengers; or on Marina Srikandi 8, the newest boat in the fleet, with a capacity for 135 passengers. The large and comfortable boats make the crossing between Bali and Lombok in around 1 ½ hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. See their website for full details: www.marinasrikandi.com A reminder to residents in Senggigi, Kerandangan, Green Valley, Batu

Female dog (large): Rp 500,000 / (small): Rp 350,000 Cats (male and female): Rp 200,000 To make a donation, or to arrange pet sterilisations, please phone Deirdre at The Beach Club on (0370) 693637 or email: thebeachclublombok@hotmail.com Bolong and Kampung Duduk that the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) will be carrying out a dog sterilisation and vaccination programme in these areas this month. The team is expected to start operations on 8 April and will be in Senggigi for around one week. Special thanks to everyone who attended the Trivia Night at The Beach Club last month to help raise funds for this programme, and to those who have generously donated monies over the past weeks. Donations are still needed to help cover the costs and will be gratefully accepted at The Beach Club. Any pet owners who would like to have their dogs or cats sterilised by BAWA’s professional team while they are in Lombok, should book their pets in immediately to guarantee space. Charges for pet sterilisation are: Male dog (large): Rp 250,000 / (small): Rp 200,000

If you are in Lombok in the first week of April, don’t miss the Cellar Party at Square Restaurant on Friday, 5 April. The Cellar Party showcases two different imported red and white wines each month, accompanied by a delicious gourmet buffet – which includes sushi, tapas, pasta and other mouth-watering dishes created by Executive Chef, Made Suyana. Guests can enjoy as much wine and food as they like from 7 - 10.30pm, while enjoying the hospitality and ambience of one of Senggigi’s finest restaurants. Three and a half hours of free flow wines together with the gourmet buffet costs just Rp 400 000 net p/p (or Rp 150 000 for the buffet only)… the Cellar Party is unbeatable value! For Cellar Party regulars, please note that the date for Sunday Brunch @ Square has been changed to allow more time between both events. The next Sunday Brunch will be held on Sunday, 21 April. www.squarelombok.com

BEWARE OF LANDSLIDES IN THE PUSUK PASS The Pusuk Pass – the interior access road to the north of the island which originates in Gunung Sari and terminates in Bangsal – was closed again last week due to landslides.

In addition, one of the shoulders adjacent to a steep cliff collapsed recently and dragged part of the road verge downhill. At present, there is no guardrail on the corner, so motorists are advised to use extreme caution.

Vehicles travelling the mountain pass were banked up for hours as heavy earth-moving equipment was brought in to clear the debris that blocked the road. People travelling the road are warned that heavy rains in Pusuk could result in more landslides over the next month. The road is cut through the mountains and travels through heavily forested gorges as it winds its way up to the north of Lombok. Landslides in the Pusuk Pass are common during each rainy season, despite the local government carrying out road renovations last year. Steep hillsides covered with loose rock and soil become unstable in heavy rains.

Even after the bulk of the earth is cleared, the road remains covered in mud and is very slippery. If you are travelling the Pusuk Pass, drive slowly, watch for falling rocks and trees, and be prepared to stop suddenly. In addition to blocking the road, landslides can also damage the guardrails on the side of the road that protect motorists, particularly on the many hairpin bends in the Pass. Recently one of the steel barriers on a sharp bend collapsed after being struck by a landslide, leading to very dangerous conditions for motorists.

Over the past month, a number of landslides have closed the access route to the north, with vehicles using the road having to wait for hours for the earth to be cleared. The route is popular with trucks transporting goods to and from the north. Many vehicles are now being forced to divert through Senggigi as an alternative route to the north.

Senggigi

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

Open every day for lunch, dinner and all day dining. Freshly made pastas, delicious salads, pizzas and snacks

Dinner from 4pm til late Fine cuisine and fresh ingredients. Steak, seafood, pasta and Asian specialties

Art Market Senggigi, Lombok +62 370 693694

www.dequake.com

Senggigi

Italian Beachfront Restaurant Delicious Fresh Seafood, Authentic Italian Dishes Oriental Food, Barbecue on the Beach Wood Oven Pizza, Homemade Pasta and Italian Bread

Jl. Raya Batu Bolong, Senggigi | Phone: 0370 693039 / 693313 info@cafealbertolombok.com | www.cafealbertolombok.com • Imported Meats, incl Harvey Beef • Home-baked Breads, Cakes & Pastries • Dairy – Yoghurt, Cheeses, Butter, Cream • Wide Range of Imported Products • Open Every Day for your Convenience!

Ask us about our Catering Services, Wedding & Birthday Cakes! Jl Palm Raja No 5, BTN Green Valley, Senggigi. Phone: 0370 693251

Senggigi

21 OPEN 9am to 10pm 7 Days a Week

Try our home-cooked foods without MSG: fresh garden salad, chicken sandwiches and chicken burgers, spaghetti bolognese, spring rolls, fresh salsa, Indonesian soto and nasi goreng, or our delicious burgers with the meat patty made from fillet steak and based on a Slavic “cevapcici” recipe

While you’re eating delicious food in the Warung, drop into the Deli which sells a range of handy products such as Imported goods, pastas, herbs, cooking oils, lentils, nuts, butter, cheeses, jams and sauces, Lindt chocolates, juices, and fresh vegetables

All from Rp 15,000 to Rp 30,000!

Burger

hes

Sandwic

Spring

Rolls

Fresh Salads Garden

Jl Raya Senggigi (Between Rambo Petshop & Papa Besar Cafe) | Phone: 0370 693177

Complete pet supplies in Senggigi! We carry a large selection of quality Dog and Cat Foods Pet Accessories (Collars, leads, cages, bowls, toys, etc) Pet Care Products (Vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick powders, coat conditioners and pet medicines) Hamster and fish foods and more!

Open 7 days a week

Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Deli Senggigi)

Phone: 0370 693177

Senggigi

Cover Yourself in

LOSMEN

TJABE MERAH

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

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

Room rates (smoking & non smoking) Standard room with fan – Rp 100 000 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

Ciokolata New Boutique Collections 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

Senggigi

BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI ...DIVE THE DIFFERENCE!

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

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

Please email and quote “Lionfish” for special discount offers

Main Office: HOLIDAY RESORT LOMBOK +62 370 693 719 www.bluemarlindive.com | senggigi@bluemarlindive.com

Special Feature

DELICIOUS NEW MENUS AT QUNCI VILLAS Four of us had the pleasure of tasting selections from the new menus from Quali and Quah Restaurants at Qunci Villas last week.

Also noteworthy is the ‘Herb de Provence Roasted Chicken’ – a big half chicken portion served with the herbed pan juices and chive mashed potatoes with Pestofilled tomatoes.

Qunci consistently rates as one of the best dining venues in Lombok and it’s easy to see why. Seated at a table on the beach, with powerful lights in the trees lighting up the turquoise ocean and highlighting small waves foaming on the beach only metres away, the mood is immediately soothing.

From the Quali menu, we sampled the delicious and authentic Chiang Mai Chicken Curry with Noodles – a stunning classic Thai recipe learnt when Head Chef, Bryce Adamson, and two of his chefs attended a Thai Cooking School in Chiang Mai recently.

Tables along the beachfront and on the lawns between the two restaurants are filled with diners enjoying the stylish ambience and from the small pavilion nearby, the sound of gamelan music drifts over the tables; setting the mood and reminding diners that they are in exotic Indonesia. Throughout the evening, guests are entertained by local dancers in beautiful costumes casting a spell with intricate traditional dances and the excitement of peresean stick fighting competitions being performed by local warriors.

From the Quali menu, the Thai Spiced Beef Salad is a spicy and fresh start to any meal, while the traditional Lombok salad of Urap-Urap is a delicious combination of fresh vegetables and tangy sauce that showcases best of local cuisine. Mains from the Quah menu, the men raved about the Mediterranean Lamb Shank cooked to perfection and served with Balsamic Glazed Onions, Garlic Mashed Potato and Glazed Carrots. Both the ‘Spinach Risotto with Sundried Tomatoes, Local Spinach and Parmesan’ and the ‘Heart Healthy Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Red Peppers and Eggplant, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Sundried Tomato Sauce’ are excellent vegetarian dishes and show off the skills of the kitchen team, being perfectly cooked and with plenty of flavour.

It’s an enchanting scene and just what visitors to Lombok are seeking when they come to our island. The food, and particularly the new additions to the outstanding menus of Qunci’s two specialty restaurants, is the icing on the cake. During the evening we sampled Mediterranean Tuna and Swordfish Ceviche, a Latin American inspired entrée of extremely fresh raw Tuna in a tangy sauce; and Crisp Fried Chèvre, made from imported goat cheese, fried golden brown and served with sundried tomato and black olive tapenade.

For beef lovers, the US Black Angus Beef Tenderloin is a generous piece of imported steak cooked to perfection and served with Béarnaise Sauce and Rosemary Potatoes.

With hardly any room left for dessert, the four of us managed to “mmmm and ahhh” our way through a gourmet selection of Mediterranean Lemon Cake (similar in texture to a baked cheesecake and simply delicious), a unique ‘Chocolate, Cinnamon and Chili Custard’ served with orange segments; and a creamy Coconut Crème Brule topped with crunchy toffee glaze. The ‘Local Cashew and Candlenut Baklava’, with delicate layers of Filo pastry, crushed cashews and candlenuts, and drizzled with honey was divine, as was the Egyptian-inspired Basboosa Semolina Cake with Fresh Coconut.

One thing I particularly like about the menus at both Quali and Quah is that, while they certainly offer opportunities for fine dining, there are also many selections suitable for casual and family-style dining, where guests can order a variety of dishes to share together. There are not many places in Lombok where you can enjoy meals of such quality and Qunci Villas keeps upping the bar... good news and excellent value for both visitors to our island and those of us lucky enough to live in Lombok.

Senggigi

[ Fine Wining and Dining on the Beachfront ]

NooQ

C o c k t a i l & Ta p a s L o u n g e Lonely Planet: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This terrific, hip hotel-restaurant has a well-selected modern menu [and] is an incredibly romantic settingâ&#x20AC;?

[ 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

Local Scene

TRIVIA NIGHT @ THE BEACH CLUB A fun crowd turned up to the Trivia Night at The Beach Club in Senggigi to help raise funds for the BAWA dog sterilisation and vaccination project to be held this month.

Senggigi

P uri Mas Gallery The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style AT PURI MAS BOUTIQUE RESORT

Just 5 minutes north of Senggigi Free pick up and drop off service in Senggigi area Fine Arts and Collectibles From Around the Archipelago

Chakra Healing Crystals Now in Store

Jl. Raya Mangsit Beach, Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | Tel: 0370 693831 | Fax: 0370 693023 info@purimas-lombok.com | www.purimas-lombok.com | Skype: purimasreservations

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

Oven fresh Baguettes every morning at 9:30am! TRY THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE COFFEE!

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

Senggigi

Windy Beach Resort “Next to Nature”

Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: bookings@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com

Senggigi

MARSHANDER SPA & SALON PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY & HEALTH CARE

Hair and Beauty – Trained Hair Stylist Facials and Skin Care – Body Shop and Biokos Products Waxing and Nails Massage, Reflexology and Body Treatments Spa Packages OPEN DAILY 10am to 9pm

Great Prices and Trained Therapists... Come in and try our full range of services for beauty, health and relaxation!

Senggigi Square Blok A/05 (next to Cafe Lombi), Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0878 6228 0693

FOR SALE: Gallery Jacks Gallery, House & Workshop

ILLNESS FORCES URGENT SALE! Located on the main road in Melase, Batu Layar (near Jayakarta Hotel). Good location for business. Electricity and water available. Buildings include local house, large workshop at rear and shopfront on the roadside. Currently houses gallery but would also suit café / restaurant / home stay / minimart in growing area. 2.5 are (250m2) 3 years leasehold with option to renew at nominal annual rent. Price with gallery and workshop stock: Rp 225 million Price without gallery stock: Rp 160 million. All offers considered!

!!!FOR SALE up to 50% discount!!! Wooden Furniture, Fibreglass Lamps and More! Ph: Jack 0817 575 2059 / Carla 0819 0784 3327

Senggigi

DREAM DIVERS DREAM IT…

DO IT!

DREAM DIVERS have been Lombok diving specialists since 1996. Our SSI Instructor Training Center and PADI Dive Center 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, SSI & PADI 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.

Explore the Reef!

Not much time?

Snorkeling Trips on Gili Air & Gili Trawangan

Discover Scuba Diving in 1 day Become a Scuba Diver in 2 days

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

Mr Fixer

32 MR FIXER: You are absolutely correct. As long as you purchase property through a proper agent who can advise you on the best areas and give you sensible and understandable legal advice on what is the appropriate way for you to own a property, you can’t go far wrong.

Tongue-in-cheek answers to your personal and building problems Half the advice you get is below average QUESTION: According to 95% of all the financial analysts, the major western economies (especially those in Europe), are not likely to see growth for years. That’s why my brother Colin and I (along with the rest of the family), are interested in investing in the holiday island of Lombok. Property in Asia is set to rocket, whereas European and UK based property is stagnant or declining. 20% growth seems to be the annual average in Lombok, although some beach front property (especially on the three Gili islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air) are almost doubling per year. Rentals are achieving 8% or better. Statistically, it makes sense to make land purchases and just wait. What is your opinion?

in most cases. Unless you are intending to enter litigation or suspect a problem, you don’t need a lawyer. 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. 42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. The way the Asian world is going, 24% of the world’s population is Chinese. Assuming you are European, it can’t be your parents and therefore, statistically, it can’t be you, so it must be one of your two brothers. It’s either Yoo No Lung or Colin. I think it’s Colin!

safe sex anymore. A friend of mine was wearing one when he was battered by the woman’s husband. QUESTION: I have just returned to the land of Oz after a surfing holiday in Bali, where one of my mates was bitten by a rabid stray dog. I went to see how he was and found him writing frantically on a piece of paper. I’ve heard that rabies is rampant in Bali, whereas in Lombok there is no such problem. I hear the surfing is just as good in sunny Lombok and the local sheilas are just as pretty. I told my mate not to worry and that rabies could be treated, so he didn’t have to worry about a will. Is there anything else I could do?

MR FIXER: Although rabies can be found in Bali, it is not as bad as it used to be, thanks to the nice people from the Bali QUESTION: I am a single fancy-free Animal Welfare Association (or BAWA), Aussie male who has decided to come to who have been catching, assessing, Lombok to see what’s up with the ladies. There are so many lovelies to choose from vaccinating and sterilising stray and wild dogs. and they are all so welcoming! Do you recommend the use of condoms? Don’t worry; your friend was not making a will. He was probably just making a list of MR FIXER: Never leave home without all the people he would like to bite! one. However, condoms don’t guarantee

Contemporary Furniture Outdoor and Indoor Furniture Highest Quality Synthetic Ratan Jl. Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong 83355 Lombok Phone/Fax: 0370 6194 123, HP: 0813 3955 5456| www.gandari.com

Senggigi

1 HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 60 000

Complete Spa Services at Local Prices! Open every day from 10am to 10pm Phone: 0819 1593 2899 Two convenient locations in Senggigi Senggigi Plaza Blok 3 No.9 (Senggigi Beach Road)

Galeria Shops (Near Rambo Petshop)

Senggigi

Bean Bags!

Many styles and colours! PURI Leisure Furniture Jl. Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong (Kampung Duduk) Phone / Fax: +62 (0) 370 6194 123 / 0813 3955 5456 | www.gandari.com

Senggigi

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

Local News / Discount Vouchers

NEW OWL SPECIES DISCOVERED IN LOMBOK

It’s not every day that a new species of bird is discovered. Especially one as large as an owl. And especially one that is living, literally, in our own backyards – here in Lombok!

Back in December 2012, I received an email from Alan Leishman, a guest at The Studio on The Hill. Alan had been staying in our villa for a couple of months and was recording his observations of birds and butterflies. Owls are most easily identified by their distinctive calls at night.

After a series of lively conversations between the real owl and the recorded owl, we packed up for the evening. “Play the recording too often and the bird will become suspicious,” we had been warned.

“An owl can be heard every evening and early morning in the wooded area (100m altitude), around The Studio on The Hill, Batu Layar, near Senggigi, from our arrival on the 6th of November, 2012, until today, 5th December,” Alan wrote. “The voice is a single note repeated at a few seconds (often 8 seconds) interval.” But the owl’s call was unlike any of those mentioned in the scientific literature on birds in Lombok. Alan had found a bird which did not match the description of any known species. “This needs some more research to identify the bird in question,” he wrote. Two months later, headlines around the world announced the discovery of the Rinjani Scops Owl on Lombok.A group of scientists published their findings online (www.plosone.org). The owl, unique to Lombok, is common in Rinjani National Park and coastal foothills. Researchers recorded the bird’s territorial call in five locations, including Senggigi.

flew into the trees in front of the Studio, we would be ready with a flashlight and a camera.

The next night a phone call sent Alan scurrying up the Hill to a neighbour’s house. A friend had spotted the owl perched in a rain-tree. But the bird flew away before a photograph could be taken. Juvenile Rinjani Scops Owl Photo by Alan Leishman

After an exchange of emails with George Sangster, one of the scientists from Stockholm University, we confirmed that the bird in our garden, identified by Alan, is indeed the newly-discovered Rinjani Scops Owl. Alan recorded the owl’s call and we sent it to a bird authority in Bogor for verification. The challenge now is to get a photograph of the elusive bird. The front terrace of The Studio is ideal for bird-watching, located at tree-level in a wooded area of The Hill, near Senggigi. We played the bird’s call through a loudspeaker in the early evening. After a few minutes, the owl responded from nearby. In this way we hoped to attract it. If it

Alan did, however, get a photograph of a juvenile Rinjani Scops Owl, in the hands of a teenager at a warung on The Hill. So, be prepared for an influx of birders and ‘twitchers’ in Lombok; and if you think you have the owl in your backyard, you can compare the call with that of the Rinjani Scops Owl. A sound bite can be downloaded from: http://www.xeno-canto. org/species/Otus-jolandae. “This is great news for Lombok!” commented Sopan, the owner of The Studio. “We have been encouraging birds at the Studio over the last five years by providing water, allowing native trees and shrubs to grow, and avoiding the use of pesticides. We will definitely be promoting the presence of the Rinjani Scops Owl at The Studio. And when we do manage to photograph our famous bird we will post it on our website.”

DISCOUNT VOUCHERS Present this coupon or quote “Lionfish” for either:

DISCOUNT VOUCHERS

ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE

Valid 1 – 15 April 2013

BOX (9,5cm X 4,9cm)

10% Discount on Fun Dives

EMAIL: kitadesign@hotmail.com

Bring this voucher in for

10% Discount on all meals

Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner Gili Trawangan, Lombok. Ph: (0370) 642 217 Email: wrapasnapper@dps.centrin.net.id

5% Discount on PADI Dive Courses. Please book in advance by phone: (0370) 693 719 or visit our offices at the Holiday Resort * Discount applies to a min 2 people Not in addition to any other promotions or discount offers

SECRET ISLAND RESORT Gili Gede, Southwest Lombok Valid 1 – 15 April 2013

Valid 1 – 15 April 2013

Real Fish ‘n’ Chips, Fresh Seafood, Salads and much more...

10% Discount on Snorkel Tours

“3 Day Package Deal” Standard Double Room + 2 breakfast, + free use of double Kayak, Rp 400.000 On presentation of this coupon Phone: 0818 0376 2001 secretislandresort@gmail.com | www.secretislandresort.com

Useful Contacts

General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok - Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (Senggigi Square) Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068 ATMs - Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. Lombok Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Bank Mandiri Jl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 631311 ATMs - Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok - Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (In Front of Santosa) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 ATMs - Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok - University of Mataram (UNRAM) - Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok - Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. Lombok Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE Medika Husada Clinic Jl Raya Senggigi. Phone: 0370 6644820 HOSPITALS Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9 Selagalas. Ph: 6177000, 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 623498 / 6604605 New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680

Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Clinic Jl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117 DENTAL drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) Mataram Mall. Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 668 1797 drg. Lina Kulsum Jl. Gunung Dieng No.7, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0818536236 / 0370 632131 MONEY CHANGERS Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl. Rasa Senggigi km.10, Senggigi, W. Lombok, Ph; 0370 693693 - Jl. Pejanggik No.1, Mataram, W. Lombok, Ph: 0370 631567 Multigraha Valas Jl. Saleh Sungkar No.1 Ampenan, W. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 624045 PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl. Raya Senggigi km.13, Senggigi, West Lombok, Ph: 0370 692247, 0370 692247 SHOPPING Senggigi Abadi Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8.5, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693311 Senggigi Jaya Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693530 Alfa Mart Jl Raya Senggigi Indomaret Jl Raya Senggigi Art Market (Pasar Seni) - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi West Lombok - Gili Trawangan, West Lombok Barata Department Store Jl. Niaga II, Ampenan, West Lombok Phone: 0370 646123 Grand Store Mataram Mall, 3rd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629931 Hero Supermarket Mataram Mall, 1st floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629918 Tiara Department Store Mataram Mall, 1st & 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629902 Kharisma Book Shop Mataram Mall, 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629875 Ruby Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.111, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 631092 Jembatan Baru Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.41, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 636106 MGM Plaza Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.98, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 646007 EMERGENCY Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl. Raya Senggigi, Phone. 00370 693267 Lombok Regional Police: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 7 Ampenan. Call this emergency number: 110 Fire Brigade: Phone. 0370 672013. In emergency call 113

Hospital UGD (Emergency Unit Service): Phone: 0370 622254 Ambulance: Phone. 0370 623498. In emergency call 118 TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000 IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Phone: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535 WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632 510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886 POST OFFICES Mataram: Jl. Sriwijaya, Phone. 0370 632645 Senggigi: Jl. Raya, Phone. 0370 693711 CONSULATES AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005. Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783. Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408. Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz DENMARK & NORWAY Phone: 0361 701070, Fax: 0361 701073/4, Email: mimpi@mimpi.com FINLAND & SWEDEN Phone: 0361 288407, Fax: 0361 287242. Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id FRANCE Phone: 0361 285485, Fax: 0361 286406, Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id GERMANY Phone: 0361 288535, Fax: 0361 288826, Email: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456. Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id INDIA Ph. 0361 259502/259503, Fax. 0361259505 E: cons.bali@mea.gov.in / hoc.bali@mea.gov.in ITALY Phone: 0361 701005. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066. Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457. Email: bali@honrep.ch THAILAND Phone: 0361 263310, Fax: 0361 238044 THE NETHERLANDS Phone: 0361 761502, Fax: 0361 752777, Email: purwa@denpasar.wasantara.net.id USA Ph: 0361 233605, Fax: 0361 222426. Email: amcobali@indosat.net.id

Pasar Classifieds

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

IN NEED OF HELP?

Translations (Dutch-English-Indonesian-German) Visa arrangements and permits House Management- IT Solutions www.lombok-personal-assistant.com Tel. 081221617850 or 08121006776

GOLF PLAYERS WANTED SENGGIGI HACKERS AMATEUR GOLF SOCIETY (SHAGS) Friendly, non-profit golf Games every week â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Monthly Cup New members, tourists and casual games Discount rates! ALL WELCOME!

Ph: 0813 398 11140 (Jim) | www.golf-lombok.com

DICARI TUKANG MASAK

Laki-laki Rajin dan jujur Memiliki pengalaman sebagai tukang masak + pembantu Memiliki pengalaman bekerja dengan warga negara asing. Untuk bekerja di rumah pribadi di perumahan Batu Bolong Villa, Batu Bolong.

Ph: 659 4005 | SMS: 0812 3734 4894

Warung Paradiso Come Enjoy Life Great Food, BBQ Grill, Very Cold Beer Beach Front, Romantic Sunset View Mangsit Beach Jalan Raya, Next to Paradise Villa Welcome Home! Mobile: +62 8786 5022 809 | +62 8786 5592 891

HOUSE FOR RENT LAND FOR SALE Special for foreigner. 700sqm with yard. Fully furnished, garage for 3 cars, 4 bedroom, hot water system, AC. Located in Cakra

Water connected, fenced. Quiet expat

0817 578 9207 / 0370 627 766

Hp. 0878 6228 7517 or saffa06@gmail.com

Visas and Residency Permits | Work and Business Visas Retirement Visas | Police Permits Land Certificates | Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) Company Documents

Safe and professional English-speaking driver with comfortable air conditioned car (seats 5 - 6). Private airport transfers or airport to Kuta, Mataram, Senggigi, Gilis, etc Available for private charter and Lombok tours. Competitive rates and friendly service!

10 are, Kampung Duduk, certificate. area. Rp 65 juta per are (neg)

IMMIGRATION SERVICE Nyoman Transport

VOA Extensions up to 30 days

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

Phone: 0819 1701 3714 Email: nyoman.mance@yahoo.co.id

In Good Taste / Local News

In Good Taste... Welcome to Lombok! As an expat working here in Lombok, I want to share with all our valuable visitors a few of the recipes that you will try around our lovely island, so hopefully you can take more than just a great memory home and show your friends that – apart from beautiful scenery, sexy beaches, amazing weather and friendly people – we have some exquisite food available here and Lombok people do take their food seriously! Selamat Makan! By Bryce Adamson, Chef and Beverage at Qunci Villas.

4) Return chicken to pan. Add coconut milk, chicken stock, turmeric, soy sauce, and sugar, and stir well. Bring to a slow boil, and lower heat to bring it down to a simmer.

Good day all! This weeks recipe is one that I learned in February when Qunci Villas sent myself and two other chefs to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai in Thailand.

5) Cook for about 8 minutes, until flavors have begun to meld. Stir in the lime juice, remove from heat, and cover to keep warm.

We learned to cook this dish under one of Thailand’s most famous chefs, Sompon, at the Chiang Mai Thai Cooking School, where we spent a great week and cooked over 55 different Thai dishes in 5 days! Thai food is about balance between spicy, sweet, sour and salty flavours and this dish exemplifies that balance. It is a fast and fairly easy dish to prepare at home. You can look forward to many Thai recipes in here over the coming weeks, but also keep your ear to the ground… as we will be doing some wicked Thai specialties at Qunci too! (kŏr hâi jà-rern aahăan!) Bon appetite in Thai! By Bryce Adamson, Qunci Villas. CHIANG MAI NOODLES WITH CHICKEN Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons red curry paste 1-1/2 pounds (500 – 700 gr) boneless chicken, cut into chunks 1 large carrot, cut into fine julienne strips 2 chili (add more for more zing) 1 small red pepper, cut into fine julienne strips 1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 1 can (14 oz or 415 gr) coconut milk 1& 3/4 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce 1 teaspoon palm sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 pound (225 gr) dried Chinese-style egg noodles or wide rice noodles 1/3 cup coarsely chopped shallots 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion

6) Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse in a colander under cold water, drain again, and divide noodles among serving bowls. Directions: 1) In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, warm the oil until it begins to ripple, and then add garlic. Cook for about a minute and add red curry paste, stirring it to soften it, about a minute. 2) Add chicken and cook for about a minute, tossing to combine it with the curry paste. 3) Remove chicken from pan and add carrot, red pepper and onions. Stir over medium-high heat until softened.

7) Ladle the hot curry over the noodles and sprinkle each serving with shallots, cilantro, and green onions. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings. As always, if you don’t feel like doing all this, try the new Thai specialties now available at Quali Restaurant at Qunci Villas, where Bryce and his team will be more than happy to do the work for you! If any Lombok chefs would like to contribute a local recipe, please contact me at brycethechef@gmail.com

FLOATING PIERS PLANNED FOR GILIS AND BANGSAL

The Jakarta Post newspaper reports that the Transportation Ministry is planning to build floating piers on the three islands of Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air in North Lombok regency, to help boost tourism in the area.

Rp 20 billion (US $2.06 million), will be financed with state budget funds,” Wugiarno said, adding that the management of the facilities would be entrusted to the local administration to help raise its locallygenerated income.

Sinar Wugiarno, Head of Communication and Information at the Transportation Agency in North Lombok, said that the construction of the three floating piers would start later this year.

The construction of the floating piers is a part of the government plan to build 12 piers at a number of beaches across Indonesia, he said. Wugiarno explained that the local administration expected the design of the piers to be durable and capable of accommodating yachts, or fast-speed- and heavy-weight-vessels.

The piers, one of which will be on Bangsal Beach in Pemenang, are designed to accommodate small boats transporting tourists from nearby Benoa The piers will be built using modern Port in Bali. technology rivalling neighbouring countries like Singapore and Japan, he added. “The project, estimated to cost about

Senggigi

[ 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

Senggigi

LOMBOK PHOTOGRAPHER Lombok Photographer is more than just a collection of fantastic images. It’s a celebration of creating and sharing great photography. It’s about a lot of people getting involved and contributing a little bit each to create something. We invite you to share some of your best photos! There is no cost to get involved and where ever you are ‘at’ with your photography, you’re sure to get a lot out of it

Photography Consultant Description - Stock Images - Training - Travelling Photography (aerial photography, landscape, human interest, caving and underwater) - Taking Pictures - Photography Contests - Exhibitions - Publicity - Photo Curator - Photo Marketing - Design 3D View & 3D Animation

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Anna’s

Giftshop

Looking for nice presents or home decorations?

We sell: Salt and Freshwater Pearls, San Marco Jewellery, Lombok Pottery, Hand Painted Modern Wooden Statues and Masks, Unique Lamps, Paintings, Handwoven Ikats, Sarongs and much more!

Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | P: 0817 5730 012 | E: lombok_annasgiftshop@hotmail.com

Senggigi

Live Music! Great Food! Good Times! Every Friday ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the garden

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

www.asmara-group.com

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

Senggigi

Comfortable Air Conditioned Dining Inside Sidewalk Al Fresco & Private Smoking Terrace Delicious Asian and Western Meals & Snacks Fresh Juices, Cool Drinks, Coffee and more!

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Every day 10am to late

Jalan Raya Senggigi, Galleria Shops (between Rambo Petshop and Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gift Shop) Phone: 0370 692070 | Email: papabesar_cafe@yahoo.co.id | Find us on

Long Distance Cycling 400 km 27-28 April 2013 Breathless in Breathtaking Tropical Scenery

Lombok Audax Events 2013 400 km 600 km 400 km (25 h) 1.000 km

26-29 April 19-23 Sept 15-18 Nov September

2013 2013 2013 2014

Phone: 0370 7100 660 or 081 700 70 770 Mail: teax@lombokaudax.com

www.lombokaudax.com

Land & Property

PROPERTY INVESTMENT CAPITAL GAINS PLUS 15% ROI • Like to enjoy not only land capital gains, but also returns from the accommodation, spa, restaurant and bar? • Like to enjoy free holidays? • Like to enjoy the capital gains from beachfront land? • Like to enjoy worldwide hotel travel benefits • Like to have the assets managed by world renowned professionals? For as little as AUD $ 225,000 you can own a share of a 54 room, beachfront resort under development. We are inviting a limited amount of astute, investors to join us. This is a passive investment, to be built and managed by industry veterans who share ownership. Title secured in PMA company that you own shares in. Payments on construction progress. Fully operational, in normal market conditions expect a 15% ROI plus benefits. On completion a projected increase in share value of 25% plus. Call now to register interest & find out more Steve Dawson +62 81337 689 000 steve@prsbali.com

Prime Resort Services

* Resort Sales * Interior Design * Project Feasibility & Analysis * Asset Advise * Branding & Management * GOP Maximisation

Land & Property

SENGGIGI LAND FOR SALE

GRAHA SENGGIGI BEACH HOTEL

Strategic Location: 100m to main street, 200m to the public entrance of the beach. From 1000 to 8500 sqm, Rp 40 - 50 million / are Direct contact with owner: ebtex@ymail.com

Land & Property

This exceptional property excels in every aspect as to views, quality build, design and price! Villa Bale Sunyi is located in a green belt area of Kerandangan and therefore the location is quiet and secluded. This spacious 4 bedroom, 3 Bathroom large executive residence has views of the ocean from every room. Villa Bale Sunyi is one of the best villas available in Lombok and the property is luxurious in every aspect. The residence has its own gymnasium, a large infinity pool and spacious entertaing area perched on the slopes with glorious views across palm groves to the ocean. Located on 42 are (4200 sqm), the property has the potential for development of up to 4 more villas all with excellent views.

Take the opportunity to view immediately. Price has been reduced to sell at $700,000

ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists

CALL US TO INSPECT TODAY: Terry +62 878 6155 1001 | Angela +62 819 1742 0804 Email: islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com Website: www.islandpropertieslombok.com

VILLA FOR RENT

3 BEDROOM VILLA WITH POOL AND SEA VIEWS FULLY FURNISHED AND ALL AMENITIES PROBABLY NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS YOU THINK! Phone: 0819 1738 7775

Website: www.lombok-bel-air.com

Land & Property

ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists

Asking AUD 770,000

Kuta Land

Kerandangan Land

Sweeping elevated views of the bay. Two adjacent blocks: 85 are and 55 are. Total area 140 are. 5 minutes from Asthari Restaurant. 30 minutes to International Airport. Joint venture proposal on offer for any interested parties

Attention astute purchasers! Fabulous opportunity to purchase one hectare of elevated ocean and beautiful palm tree views. 10 minutes from the tourist centre of Sengiggi. Peaceful outlook and tranquil destination. Be one with nature.

BTN Montong Kedaton Block R No.4 DON’T MISS VIEWING THIS PROPERTY A MUST TO BUY. Spacious 3 large bedroom with aircon plus ensuites. Large lounge and dining room with European kitchen, laundry, Gym. 10×12 Large entertaining area with fan (Berugak).Double Carport. Rp 1.4 Million / USD 140,000 NEGOTIABLE

JL ALAMANDER 13 GREEN VALLEY Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom open plan home. Large lounge, marble kitchen, spacious dining and carport. 5 minutes to the beach & restaurants. Asking Price AUD 56,000

able l ai v A Credit

Free IPAD

2 Villas – Villa Pantai Melase Luxury Seaside Villa Architect designed beach villas overlooking Bali and Mt Agung. Located on the peaceful scenic beach of Melase. These exclusive 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully furnished villas have a shared pool and BBQ area. 5 minutes from Senggigi

Make

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ffer

Asking Price Rp 18 Million Per Are

Jl Bawal 16, Green Valley Two bedroom brick and tile residence in quiet cul de sac on the river. Room for a second storey. 10 minutes walk to the beach, restaurants and tourist strip. Asking USD 25,000 Nego / Rp 262 Million

Financ

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The Residences Kerandangan

The Residences consist of 5, two and three bedroom luxury villas. Nestled between a heritage greenbelt and next to a nature reserve, just 5 minutes from central Senggigi. These exceptional villas are European designed. The Ultimate in Asking Price USD 170,000 per villa Luxury Living

Malimbu Land Bargain Opportunity! EXQUISITE VIEWS. FIRST TIME OFFERED. DOUBLE YOUR MONEY IN 18 MONTHS! 69 are - fabulous views to the Gilis.

US $125,000 each

Rp 30 million/are

Art Market , Jl. Raya Senggigi | Ph: 0819 1742 0804 / 0878 6155 1001 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.com

We can make your dreams come true

Land & Property

EXCLUSIVE HOME FOR SALE (OR POSSIBLE LONG TERM LEASE)

- Located in Mangsit (Approx 3km north of Senggigi) - Large 200m2 modern home on 11 Are (1100m2) in a cool, peaceful and serene area - Only 3 mins walk to beautiful Mangsit beach - 2 large bedrooms with ensuites - 1 Guest Villa with ensuite - 3 x A/C, fully furnished, quality finish - 10x4m pool, plus 3x3m Jacuzzi - Deep bore - PLN 7.7 KVa plus 5KVa diesiel generator - Double garage and garden shed - Large furnished Berugak - Options to buy additional land with ocean views

Approx US $305,000

Ph: 0813 3990 4033 Email: michael_asti@yahoo.com

Land & Property

UMA VILLAS DEVELOPMENT IN SETANGGI UMA VILLAS DEVELOPMENT IN SETANGGI 10 minutes north of Senggigi. 2 bed villa with pool. Fully managed 10 minutes north of Senggigi. 2 bed villa with pool. Fully managed secure complex with 6.5% rental returns. Just 4 minutes walk to secure complex with 6.5% rental returns. Just 4 minutes walk to the beach. FREEHOLD OWNERSHIP. ONLY USD 179,500 the beach. FREEHOLD OWNERSHIP. ONLY USD 179,500

UMA VILLAS DEVELOPMENT IN SETANGGI UMA VILLAS DEVELOPMENT IN SETANGGI 10 minutes north of Senggigi. 2 bed villa with pool. Fully managed 10 minutes north of Senggigi. 3 bed villa with pool. Fully managed secure complex with 6.5% rental returns. Just 4 minutes walk to secure complex with 6.5% rental returns. Just 4 minutes walk to the beach. FREEHOLD OWNERSHIP. ONLY USD 210,500 the beach. FREEHOLD OWNERSHIP. ONLY USD 174,500

CHEAP BUILDING PLOT - 6 ARE (600m2) In established private estate. Level riverside plot with palm trees and stunning valley views. Concrete road infrastructure. Water & electricity immediately available. FREEHOLD ONLY USD 22,000. This is CHEAP!

KUTA - NEXT TO NOVOTEL 72 ARE (7,243m2) Strategic location. Flat land ready to build. Coconut palms with beach views. Main road access. Ideal for land bank or hotel development. ONLY IDR 80 million per are (100m2) FREEHOLD USD 603,500

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

www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com

Land & Property

MAIN OFFICE: Jl. Bung Karno / Opposite Lombok Garden Hotel Ph: 0370 648863 | Mobile: 082 147 768 880 | Fax: 0370 648865

www.ira-property.com

1. LAND FOR SALE IN MONTONG: size 230m2, 30m from the beach, suitable for villa, price IDR 225 million 2. HOUSE FOR SALE: at Montong Kedaton near Senggigi. IDR 225 million. 3. LAND FOR SALE IN SENGGIGI: near holiday inn, size 1800m2, price IDR 40 million/are. 4. LAND ON THE HILL: Batu Layar, Senggigi, 1800m2 with ocean view. IDR 60 million/are. 5. LAND FOR SALE IN KUTA: View ann, certificate, size 4100 m2, price IDR 35 million/100 m2 6. LAND IN SEKOTONG: near Lembar, size 1.1 Hectare, white sandy beach, 1 hour from airport, Price IDR 18 million/are. 7. 33 ARE LAND ON HILL with ocean and Mt. Agung Bali view. Suitable for villa with road access. Price IDR 40 million/are 8. LAND FOR SALE IN TANJUNG: near Oberoi, beach front land, size 1.2 Hectare, price 25 million/are. 9. LAND IN KUTA: 1 Hectare and 50 are , certificate, ocean view and Kuta Panorama, suitable for resort, hotel and villa, price IDR 40 million/ar.e

Land & Property

The Cities

Tourism Information The three main cities in Lombok – Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara – have expanded over the years and now merge together to create what is, for Lombok, an urban sprawl of shops, administrative centres and residential areas. A visit to the cities makes an interesting day trip, exploring the numerous small shops selling everything imaginable at low prices. There are numerous pearl shops in Ampenan selling unset pearls and pearl jewellery at cheap prices. These are genuine pearls from the pearl farms on Lombok and Sumbawa and, if you bargain the price, are a good deal. Gold shops are also popular in both Ampenan and Cakra, with 24 kt gold being sold by the gram, regardless of the design. For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warungs and food stalls in the cities. Or just wander around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and discover fascinating insights into Lombok city life! Ampenan was the original old port in Lombok during Dutch colonial times and some of the old architecture is still visible around the town, particularly toward the beach to the west. This area becomes a market at night, filled with warungs and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour. With its numerous shops, cheap hotels, dusty roads and plentiful cidomo (horse carts), gold and pearl shops, and its Arab quarter, Ampenan is a colourful town to explore. Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan on the road from the airport, is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats

THE CITIES

Mataram Mall come in. A stroll through the markets is a pungent and enlightening experience! Mataram, about 3 km to the east of Ampenan, is the administrative centre for Lombok and Sumbawa (NTB Province), with government offices, banks, mosques, schools and colleges, bookstores, the main post office, and Mataram University downtown. In Mataram, the Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum houses historical and cultural artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. It’s an interesting place to visit and occasionally hosts special exhibits. Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Address: Jl Panji Tilar. Ph: 632159 for opening times. There is a small admission fee. Also worth visiting is the cultural centre, Taman Budaya on Jl Majapahit. Music and dance performances are presented here regularly. Phone: 622428 for details. Mataram Mall, on the main street in Mataram, has an upstairs food court for cheap local meals. Lombok’s only real mall, there are four floors of shops and stalls selling a vast selection of goods. Particularly good buys are shoes, jeans, and copy brand bags and belts. There is a department store, several electronics stores, and shops selling clothing, CD’s and DVD’s. Hero Supermarket, on the ground floor, is useful for some western goods, food and toiletries. The Chemist next door has imported toiletries, supplements and medicines. McDonalds and KFC have outlets on the ground floor.

Pura Meru (Meru Temple)

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.

The Cities

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The Southwest

Elak Elak, Sekotong by Didiek Hariadi

The Southwest

Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!

Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast are twelve small islands called the Southwest Gilis. Unlike the famous Gili islands in the northwest of Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers, thus they are often called “The Secret Islands”. The Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The drive itself is a worthwhile trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brickmaking and other traditional pastimes. 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.

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 deluxe rooms further back from the beach. The island is small and the beach here has soft white sand and a good reef just off the beach for snorkelling. Travelling a little further south, before the 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 Just out in the calm bay are the three its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili hillside overlooking another white sand Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small beach. The hotel development is still under construction. sign in the nearby village will direct you to the local boat hire area, where you can Across the road from Sundancer, on the arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and beachfront, is Dive Zone – currently the other small islands offshore. 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 on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the only luxury accommodation in 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 also organises snorkelling tours and is a popular choice for those surfing at Bangko-Bangko. The largest of these islands is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning “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 by boat from the village of Tembowong and is only minutes across the water. Continued on Page 66

The Southwest

66 Continued from Page 65

Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has accommodation, at Secret Island Resort on the south, Via Vaccare on the northwest and Madak Belo on the east.

and black Moorish Idols dart through the water. Schools of hundreds of small iridescent fish swim past and weirdly shaped squid drift by in the deeper areas.

There is also a beachfront bar and restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals, and good snorkelling directly from the beach.

Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism.

We met a boat load of happy tourists on Gili Ringgit, out for the day with Dive Zone, who described the diving as some of the best they’ve ever experienced. Most couldn’t stop gushing about the huge school of turtles they had just seen near Gili Layar!

The resort is popular with divers and can arrange diving and snorkelling trips, as well as island-hopping tours.

Secret Island has comfortable budget accommodation, including a unique bungalow perched on a pier over the reef – the only one in either Lombok or Bali. The Resort offers a host of activities that all the family will enjoy, while also being a place where you can get away from it all.

All around these Southwest Gilis, abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water.

Secret Island can also organise fishing trips and island hopping excursions to the other beautiful islands in the area, most of which are deserted, about their comfortable 9m custom-built boat “Scorpio”.

Slightly south of Gili Gede, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees.

Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the mainland there are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – the surfing Mecca for those in the know, located on the far southwest tip of Lombok. The wide white sand bay is lined with fisherman’s huts and draws hundreds of surfers every year from as far away as Hawaii and Brazil to challenge the huge waves of Desert Point, just offshore.

To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea. Bounty Cruises, a Bali-based company, own much of the land on Gili Ringgit and have constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat. Large gardens of hard and soft corals lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast. The other side of the island, where the pier is located, has a fantastic white sand beach and is a favourite for guests from Secret Island Resort and Dive Zone, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely. It’s easy to snorkel offshore just north of the pier and, although the reef isn’t as large as on the other side of the island, there is still plenty to see. Bright blue starfish drape themselves across patches of coral, and bright yellow

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

Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area. Of a much higher standard than most of the accommodation in the southwest, each Bali is clearly visible, with the island of bungalow is spacious with a private terrace Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail and western standard bathrooms with hot away. water showers. The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers. There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future. Pearl Beach Resort, the only accommodation on the island, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and welldesigned bungalows here looking out over a breath-taking beach.

The southwest is slated for tourism development and it’s easy to imagine hotels and resorts on all these beaches and islands in the future, as well as yachts, fishing boats, windsurfers, dive boats and the like. But for now, the Southwest is unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and unique; and known only to the lucky few.

The Southwest

Kuta and The South Coast

Tourism Information

KUTA AND THE SUBLIME SOUTH COAST

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

South Lombok has views that inspire artists and photographers and leaves visitors from around the world speechless at the sublime panoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beach, bay after bay, all along the coast.

the road is Rambitan, a village that caters to tourists and has authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors.

The beaches of the south draw crowds to bake on the blindingly white sands, swim in the crystal clear oceans and challenge some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia.

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.

Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute) is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the hub for exploring the fantastic southern beaches and the many points of interest in the region. Located around 60 km south of Mataram and about one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi, Kuta makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok. Since the Lombok International Airport opened in late 2011, many of the major roads have been upgraded and the main road to Kuta is very good. The new airport is located only 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta and has made access to the south very easy. The proximity to the airport has already sparked an investment boom in the area and major developments are expected over the coming year. For now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular. The drive down to the south coast is an interesting rural tour of small villages and farming communities. Fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo. Just before arriving in Kuta, the road passes two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan. On the east side of

Slightly further south is Sade, an hilltop village with more Lumbungs and traditional homes. Both villages have been renovated and cater to the tourist market, but are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries. Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors. Kuta itself is a small town with 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.

comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and luxurious villas, some with private swimming pools. Designed to blend in with the environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture. Nearby Mandalika Beach is named after the legendary Princess Mandalika, a beloved character in Sasak folklore. It is near here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms spawn in the waters offshore.

Ashtari, around 2km west of Kuta, stands out from the usual Kuta cafés and is a “must stop” for those touring in the area. 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 There is a good variety of accommodation, organic gourmet snacks that are truly out of the ordinary. Open Tuesday to Sunday, restaurants and facilities for breakfast and lunch only. for travellers and – with investment taking off –more Kuta attracts thousands of visitors options are opening all the every year for the great surf locations time. There are plans for a at Gerupuk, Tanjung Aan, Ekas, and the beaches to the west. It’s easy to hire a luxury beachfront resort in board and a surf guide from here to learn central Kuta this year and surfing or, for experienced surfers, to smaller developments are access the more challenging surf breaks in already under construction. the area. Hire a car or motorbike and you At present, Kuta boasts just can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly one luxury resort: the Novotel deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta. Lombok. The Novotel has a range of accommodation, from Continued on Page 73

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Tourism Information

73 Mawi, around another 7km to the west, has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough. At other times, it is a lovely beach with impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; look for the three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.

Continued from Page 69 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! At Bumbang, Bumbangku Beach Cottages has simple thatched cottages and comfortable brick deluxe rooms right on a beautiful deserted beach. There is a good restaurant, serving fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen, and easy access to the best surfing spots nearby. Even for non-surfers, Bumbangku is a delightful place to spend a few days, swimming, strolling along the wide calm bay and relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings. Further east, Heaven on the Planet and Ocean Heaven (collectively known as HOTPlanet) currently has the monopoly on accommodation in the southeast, although there are plans to develop the Tanjung Ringgit area.

Selong Blanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. Sempiak Villas has plush villas perched on the hillside with breath-taking panoramic views. For now, however, these two exclusive properties provide the chance to really escape from the outside world in sublime surroundings. The resorts feature comfortable accommodation, good restaurants, swimming pool, a Spa and Wellness Centre and a host of water activities, such as surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, wind-surfing and more. Heading west from Kuta are another series of beautiful beaches and bays hidden behind headlands and rolling hills, providing peaceful and secluded spots for picnics and swimming. All are within easy day trips of Kuta. Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is a picturesque, almost circular bay with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side. It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand.

Bumbangku

Laut Biru Café at Sempiak Villas is a popular place for a stop – or justifies a day trip in itself – and serves fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant overlooking the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip. Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.

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Garuda Indonesia Airlines: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. Airport: Hotel counters outside the airport. BALI: Amo Spa, Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Balcony Rest, Bali Mystique, Barb’s Sport Warung, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Cafe Bali, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, D Corner Bar & Rest, Double Dutch, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gili Cat Bali, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Golden Kris Tour, Grocer & Grind, Havana Club Bar & Rest, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, Indo-Ned, Junction Bar & Rest, Khaima Rest & Bar, Made’s Warung Kuta & Seminyak, Maya Coffee & Smothie Bar, Ocha Warung, Pacific World, Pacto Tour, Piduh Rest, Poppies bar & Rest, Red Carpet, Sate Bali Rest Echo Beach, Sendok Bar & Rest Legian, Sol Beach Rest, SOS, Sticky Fingers Italiana, The Cameng Bar & Rest, The Porch Cafe, The Wicked Parrot, Ultimo Bar & Rest, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bale Bali, Warung Bonita, Warung Eropa, Warung Italia, Warung Kolega, Warung Made Bar & Rest, Warung Max, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Yut’s Place Rest. MATARAM: Blue Bird Taxi, Citramulia Travel, CV Ananta Guna Lestari, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Ira Property, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Joli Sourire Dental Care, KFC, Lombok Coffee House, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), Melissa Bakery, NTB Museum, Nur Hikmah Pearls, Pisa Kafe, PT Lambang Sejati, Redwood Café, Sinta Pest Control, The Berugaq, Toko Susana, UNRAM. SOUTH LOMBOK: Bumbangku Cottages, Secret Island Resort. SENGGIGI: Alfa Mart, Anna’s Giftshop, Asmara Restaurant, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Ciokolata, De Quake, Deli Senggigi, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Gandrung Lombok, Graha Beach Senggigi Hotel, Holiday Resort, Kebun Villas, Living Asia, Lombok Property & Villas, Lombok Real Estate, Marina Srikandi, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Papa Besar Cafe, Puri Furniture, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Royal Spa, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Sheraton, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, Windy Beach Resort. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Coco’s, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili T Resort, Gili Getaway, ko-ko-mo Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Manta Dive, Ombak Sunset, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Mahamaya, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Lucas Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, FOKUS UNRAM, Iwan Haryanto, Iain Kent, Koes Nadi, Mark Heyward, www.lombokphotographer.com, www.balidiscovery.com. Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved. Nothing in The Lombok Guide can be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher.

Tourism Information

The Gili Islands

Unique tropical escapes!

Gili Trawangan

Although previously popular mainly with backpackers, the Gilis now attract a diverse range of visitors – serious diving enthusiasts, sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach getaway, singles, families, and couples of all ages find something to attract them to the Gilis.

Three perfect coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laidback charm. The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers. The Gilis are Lombok’s most popular islands and are consistently rated as top SEA island destinations by travellers and travel publications.

There is a good selection of accommodations, restaurants and bars on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan. While nobody comes to the Gilis for shopping, each island has many small shops selling essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, cold drinks, snacks and more. In addition, there are cheap clothing and t-shirts, sarongs and local handicrafts stalls. Activities include walking, riding bikes, horse riding and kayaking on Gili T, yoga, massage and beauty treatments,

glass bottom boat trips and island hopping, live-aboard dive trips and cruises to nearby islands, fishing, sailing, surfing and all kinds of water-based activities. The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, relax, sunbathe, explore, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok. Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches, with plenty of colourful fish to see. At greater depths and at specific dive locations around the three islands, the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals, aquatic life and thousands of species of tropical fish.

Tourism Information

An impressive array of sea life can be seen, including green and hawksbill turtles, morays, barracuda, reef sharks, occasionally leopard sharks and manta rays, and much more. Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range; and water temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F). Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm. Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness, exist on all three islands. Each Gili has developed independently and at different paces, giving each a different “personality” or style, and catering to different types

of holidaymakers and travellers. This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer. Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laid-back style and is popular with couples and families. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, perfect for really getting away from it all. Choose the island that suits you most, or it’s easy to combine an island-hopping holiday to sample the best of all three!

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Phone / Fax: +62 370 6123 521 | Mobile: +62 818 0549 4876 | Email: pesonaresort@hotmail.com

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My oh my… MAHAMAYA!

Special Feature

It’s 10 o’clock on a perfect blue sky day and we are skimming across the water towards Gili Meno – a small island just off the northwest coast of Lombok. The sea is a brilliant blue, although a fast current is running and choppy waves are buffeting our boat. But the bumpy ride doesn’t matter – it’s only a 25 minute trip out to the island from Teluk Kodek harbour and soon we are pulling up to a incredible white sand beach. Jumping ashore, we look up to see the bright white contemporary façade of Mahamaya Resort. The combination of brilliant white sand and white buildings against the deep blues of the ocean and the cerulean blue sky is almost blinding. It’s an image that will dominate our stay at Mahamaya; dazzling postcard scenery everywhere we looked.

We drop our bags and inspect the spacious villa. A huge king-sized bed faces the double glass doors at the front, so you can lie in bed in the morning looking out at the magnificent beach views. Tucked into one corner is a comfy day bed for lazing; on the other side is a desk with snacks and complimentary sweets, and a water cooler with built in mini-bar. The contemporary style of the creamy walls and stone floors is offset with quirky decorating touches – vibrant artworks on the walls; a green and white retro chair at the desk; crystaladorned bedside lamps. In the bathroom, a black and white 50’s style cabinet catches the eye, holding a ceramic basin and a stack of fluffy towels pinned with frangipani flowers. Another door leads to the open air shower, with stone walls opening up to the clear blue sky.

Smiling staff hurry down to the beach to take our bags and escort us to the reception area, where we are greeted with more smiles. Check-in is smooth and efficient, and soon we are being led to our room. We’re expecting to stay in one of the new pool suites, which were opened just last month, but instead find to our delight that we have been given one of the resort’s two beachfront villas. Villa Candy and Villa Cookie sit on either side of the Mahamaya main building, facing directly onto the beachfront with uninterrupted views of the beach.

All the fittings are designed to complement the resort’s committed eco policy, from the flush system on the toilet to the low wattage lights and air conditioning. As Gili Meno is a small island with limited water and other resources, the owners of Mahamaya have invested many thousands of dollars in environmentally sustainable technology.

Waste water is treated by a bio sewage system, with the final stage being UV filtration that allows water to be recycled for use in the toilets and on the garden. The newly built freshwater pool at the resort is kept clean using oxygen treatment technology developed by NASA. Fresh rainwater is collected during the rainy season and stored in large underground tanks. Water is carefully conserved as, when the stores are depleted, water must be purchased and transported from the mainland. Solar power and energy saving devises are used throughout the resort. Waste is also controlled, with minimum use of plastics, and all organic waste is made into compost for the gardens. Rather than selling plastic bottles of water to guests, each room is supplied with a large bottled water dispenser and re-usable drink bottles to be refilled at guests’ convenience. Somehow Mahamaya has managed to combine all this eco-awareness with a level of luxury that means that most guests barely notice the effort required to minimise their environmental footprint.

Special Feature

After a quick freshen up, we meet the owners for lunch in the cool shade of the covered dining area. Ali Roberts and her brother David, together with Ali’s husband Hamzar and their daughter, Maya (who lends her name to the resort), are the backbone of this unique resort and are living the dream that led them from life in the bustling UK to the white sands of this tiny Indonesian island. That dream became reality only last year, when they opened the restaurant and two beachfront villas at Mahamaya in March 2012. Such has been the success of the resort, they have already expanded and opened their seven pool suites in February 2013. The new suites surround a central swimming pool and are cleverly designed to preserve privacy while allowing guests to mingle if they wish. Four of the rooms are inter-connecting and ideal for families with children. Each suite is spacious and decorated with the same stylish but quirky humour as the villas. Large air conditioned bedrooms open onto open-air bathrooms with hot fresh water showers. Outside is a small private terrace for relaxing alongside the pool. Heading the restaurant team is Hamzar, who has over 10 years experience as a professional chef in the UK, and has been wowing guests with quality dining since Mahamaya first opened. Although Ali and David have no formal hospitality experience, their passion for providing excellence to their guests has resulted in outstanding reviews on travellers’ sites, such as “TripAdvisor”, over the past 12 months. In less than one year, Mahamaya is already a TripAdvisor.com “Travelers’ Choice® 2013 Winner” and is currently ranked number one in their category for the whole of Lombok.

can swim and snorkel in the clear blue sea directly in front of the resort. The area is known as “Turtle Point” and guests are regularly delighted to find themselves snorkelling with these wonderful marine creatures on the nearby reefs. Diving, massages, glass bottom boat tours and more can be arranged at whim. But many guests are lulled into days of relaxation, preferring the peaceful pampering of the Mahamaya experience. Staying at the resort, it’s easy to understand how Ali, David and Hamzar have achieved these accolades. Mahamaya is one of those places that embraces exceptional customer service and ranks alongside other consistently top-rated resorts in Lombok, such as Qunci Villas in Mangsit and The Lombok Lodge in Tanjung – also regular “TripAdvisor” winners. These are places that we refer to as “destination resorts”: where every whim and requirement is provided and there is rarely any need or desire to leave the resort. From arrival to departure, the attentive team of hand-picked and carefully-trained local staff at Mahamaya provide attentive and personalised service with big friendly smiles. There is a genuine desire to please without any feeling of intrusion on privacy. The rooms and public areas, such as the restaurants, coffee lounge, pool and reception, are clean and comfortable, with charming decoration and attention to detail. The location is superb, with those endless ocean views across the water to nearby Gili Trawangan and beyond. Sunsets are magnificent and, at night, glowing lamps light up the tables on the beachfront and create a magical setting. Days can be spent lazing by the pool or on the berugak (shaded pavilions) and sun lounges on the beach. Guests

As the sun sets, we take a stroll along the beach. The sky is painted with bright golds and oranges, the waves lap softly at our feet. There is no need to wander far and cocktail hour, with two drinks for the price of one, beckons. After a shower under the stars, we make our way down to the candlelit tables on the beach and dine on excellent dishes from Hamzar’s kitchen. Our feast includes Thai Green Seafood Curry, authentically spicy and full of seafood; a delicious Mediterranean Falafel with Cucumber and Yoghurt; and juicy fresh King Prawns on a bed of spicy noodles with julienned vegetables. Full as we are, we can’t resist tasting the Lime Cheesecake and it is every bit as good as expected. No wonder guests rave about the food here! All too soon it is time to leave and we reluctantly tear ourselves away from a chorus of farewells from the staff. Our boat is waiting on the beach to take us back to reality but our thoughts keep returning to Mahamaya... after all, the name means “ultimate paradise”.

Tourism Information

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

Gili Trawangan

LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB Indonesia P: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 6147741 E: booking@thetrawangan.com W: www.thetrawangan.com

Gili Trawangan

Tourism Information

GETTING TO THE GILIS

The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can fly to Lombok and travel across to the Gilis.

Fast Boats: With Lombok’s airport now based further away in central Lombok, the fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfers between Bali to Gili Trawangan. The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times. Blue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan. BWS operates two boats, with 28 and 30 passenger capacities, departing from Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) at 8am and 10am, and from Padang Bai Harbour at 11.15am every day. Return transfer from Gili Trawangan is at 11am. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: +62 361 895 1111 / 0813 3841 8988. www.bluewater-express.com

FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Senggigi. Most of the dive companies and many businesses on the Gilis have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands every day from Teluk Nara. Gili Cat, Blue Water Express and Island Getaway also operate fast boat services between Lombok and Bali from this harbour. It is possible to negotiate private boat trips (including fast speed boats) out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of Bangsal. At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Vila Ombak, The Beach House, ko ko mo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by speedboat to the Gilis.

Gili Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Benoa Harbour, Bali (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily at 8am. The crossing takes around 2 hours to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kodek on Lombok. Ph Bali: (0361) 751570 / 726 523; or Bali: 0819 1673 3051; Gili T: 0878 6432 2515. www.island-getaway.com GiliBookings.com is an online booking service offering easy reservations with the leading fast boat operators between Bali and Lombok. Availability checks, schedules and e-ticketing, as well as accommodation options and more, are all available online from their website: www.gilibookings.com By Plane: Fly to Lombok and either stay on the mainland before making a trip out to the Gilis or travel to Senggigi (1 hour 15 minutes) to arrange transport to the Gilis. There are many different options, as described below. Tour companies and dive operators in Senggigi also provide transfers daily. HOTEL TRANSFERS: Many of the larger hotels on the islands now provide speedboat transfers for guests, as well as pick up services from the airport – enquire when you make your booking.

MENTIGI BAY: Also on the west coast, a few kilometres before Teluk Nara, Mentigi Bay is a base for Blue Water Cruises. The company offers relaxing day cruises around the Gilis onboard a beautiful traditional phinisi boat, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. Boats depart daily at 9am. There is a small café at the bay and a variety of fun water sport options available. Blue Water Cruises also operate regular cruises to Komodo Island and other islands to the east, as well as dive and cruise packages. Visit their website for details: www.bluewatercruises.com.

Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best times are between 8am and 4pm. If you don’t want to wait, it doesn’t cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group. Don’t let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first. Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers… there are; or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands. Bangsal is a pretty area; it’s a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone. If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there are some basic home-stays on the road from the beach. Arnel is a nice option with pretty rooms at reasonable prices. The attached Salero Minang restaurant serves delicious Minang meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services. FROM SENGGIGI: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours. The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first!

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

A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.

Public ferries (really just large outrigger boats) depart regularly to all three islands and charters are available, with prices depending on the number of passengers and your bargaining skills.

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

Unfortunately, the area is plagued by touts and scams, so ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are posted clearly on the wall of the ticket office.

Gili Trawangan

Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan

Elegantly furnished villas with private pool Generous living space, dining and kitchen Centrally located to beach, restaurants and bars Last minute discounts available

www.gilivillasindonesia.com +62 (0) 81 237 55 721

Tourism Information

GILI TRAWANGAN

The most well-known and popular of the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan is the largest island and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than an hour by local boat and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok.

and Bali, together with singles, couples and families from all over the world.

The island itself is around 3km long and 2km wide, so walking is easy and you can cycle around the island in around 1 1/2 hours (but will need to get off and push Previously tagged “the party island” by the your bike through sandy sections on the Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately west side). known) has moved on and up. This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south Gone are the days when backpackers is a great lookout from which to enjoy flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a the spectacular sunsets across the ocean night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on mainland sophisticated side that becomes more Lombok. evident every year. That’s not to say that the original charms that attracted tourists in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still there in buckets.

On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up.

But the island has cast off its grungy origins and now combines the best of a tropical island paradise with a touch of chic and all the mod cons of a top holiday destination.

The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast in the area called “Sentral”, where the boats dock. The tracks inland are through coconut groves and pockets of development.

Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java

Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with

the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area. Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, home-stays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical. Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd. At the other end of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pools or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD. Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. There are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore. Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian nasi goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between. There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation). These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.

Photo by Blue Marlin Dive

Continued on Page 87

Gili Trawangan

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

Tourism Information

87 There is a good surf break on the south coast with a fast right-hander that really pumps in the right conditions. Local surfers will happily lead the way and rent you a board.

Continued from Page 85 For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko ko mo, Scallywags Resort, and on the beachfront at Hotel Vila Ombak. Cocos has an upbeat café scene during the day and Horizontal is the coolest place to chill out, day or night. The social options are virtually unlimited.

The best snorkelling on the island starts on the northern end of the east coast, where you can wade to the reef just offshore. The water is calm and there is a drift from north to south, making it easy to lie on the surface and float down the coral outcrops. Although much of the coral is damaged, there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy and patches of colourful coral.

These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and range of tourist facilities. Many of the larger restaurants, hotels and dive shops accept credit cards; there are ATM’s in front of Vila Ombak on the east coast and further north, near Horizontal, as well as on the west side at Ombak Sunset. Internet cafés with Wifi are readily available, as are money-changers, tour operators and a large number of fast boat services. There is a tennis club and fitness centre at Kelapa Villas and a medical centre at Vila Ombak with emergency facilities and a doctor on call.

Horses can be hired from The Stud on the southeast coast; sea kayaking is available at Karma Kayak on the north coast; yoga, meditation, massages and other health and beauty treatments are available at numerous places around the island. There is even shopping at the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) in Sentral and at any number of shops and kiosks all around the island, selling everything from pearls to sarongs to hammocks. Innuendo has some upmarket resort wear and Silver Dragon sells beautiful silver jewellery. But it is the beaches and the diving that remain the main draw card for Gili T. People flock here to sunbathe on white sand beaches and swim in clean blue waters, to dive the fabulous reefs and to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of a tropical paradise.

Cidomo (Horse Cart)

Further off shore, the island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok, which is why thousands of divers visit Gili T every year. It is also one of the safest and easiest places to learn to scuba dive, with warm water temperatures, calm seas and excellent visibility almost all year round. There is a very good selection of professional western-operated dive shops and a range of dive locations suitable for beginners through to thrill seekers. It’s been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island’s time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T. A world-class tourism destination is emerging – without the traffic and pollution – set down on an idyllic tropical island.

Gili Meno

B o u t i q u e Re s o r t and R e s t a u ra n t

T u r t l e P o i n t G i l i M e n o | L o m b o k Bookings Tel | +62 (0)888 71 55 828 w w w . m a h a m a y a . c o

MAHAMAYA is ultimate paradise Tripadvisor “Number 1 Restaurant” and “Number 1 B&B” in the Gili Islands

fabulous food

stunning setting

wow weddings

Tatler UK: “Meno’s first smart boutique hideaway – a contemporary place with properly stylish rooms”

Gili Meno

GILI MENO

under the star-filled skies. There is no rowdy bar scene and no noisy full moon parties here. Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches and most tourist facilities (including boat docking and departure) are along the east coast. Although there are small places dotted all around the island, many of the hotels and restaurants are located along the southeastern coast, with beautiful views over Gili Air and Mt Rinjani to the east. It is possible to walk around the whole island on a small beachside track in around 90 minutes. Those seeking total tranquillity head to the north and west coasts, where more development has been quietly taking place over the past year. Mahamaya on the northwest coast has the most luxurious accommodation on the island, with two exclusive beachfront villas and more planned for later in the year. The restaurant is earning accolades for top quality cuisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront. Stylish rooms and personalised service make Mahamaya popular with honeymooners and those seeking luxe island escapes.

Gili Meno is the middle and the smallest of the three Gili Islands, with the lowest population and the least number of visitors. The island has not developed as quickly as Gili T or Gili Air and suffered unpopularity when, in the mid-90’s, The Lonely Planet wrote that the salt lake on the island created mosquito problems. This was untrue – mosquitoes are no more prevalent on Gili Meno than anywhere else – but the damage was done. Many would say that the bad publicity was a blessing in disguise. Today, Meno

is probably the prettiest of the three Gilis, with the laid-back and uncomplicated charm of a true castaway tropical island. The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in brilliant white sand, fringed with groves of coconut palms. Although investors are steadily buying up land, especially on the west coast facing Gili T, there is no major development on the island as yet. There are a few upmarket villas, but no large resorts. Fortunately, much of the investment taking place here is low-key and – perhaps recognising the pristine nature of the island – development tends to be along environmentally and ecologically sound concepts. For now, small hotels and basic beachside bungalows provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun with un-crowded beaches, clean waters and peaceful nights

Good mid-range options include Tropical Hideaways and Adeng-Adeng. Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll from the best beaches on the east coast, has comfortable and modern air conditioned rooms and a good restaurant and bar, serving delicious and well-priced meals. Set in shady gardens, Tropical Hideaways has one of the few swimming pools on the island. Adeng-Adeng is a new resort being developed along ecological lines on the north coast. Rooms and dining pavilions are set on unique islands surrounded by small canals in a pretty garden shaded by conifers. Continued on Page 91

Gili Meno

Tropical Hideaways Resort Bar & Restaurant Gili Meno Island

Resort Bar & Restaurant

STRESSED OUT......? NEED TO RELAX & CHILL ......? TROPICAL HIDEAWAYS PRIVATE RESORT Email: info@tropicalhideawaysresort.com Website: www.tropicalhideawaysresort.com

Bedroom

Swimming Pool

Garden

Reception

Gili Meno

91 Continued from Page 89

Accommodation includes air conditioning and lovely open-air bathrooms, while the garden café and beachfront bar are already attracting popularity for excellent quality cocktails and delicious freshly-prepared meals.

dignity and grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno.

There is good snorkelling in front of Adeng-Adeng and along the northwest coast, where it is often possible to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles.

Inland from the beaches, the island is quite dry with small homes scattered through the coconut groves. In the middle, toward the west coast, is a salt lake from which the local people still harvest salt on a small scale. It can be quite full in rainy season but dries up in the summer.

To swim with the turtles – these huge creatures that are so awkward and ungainly on land but move through their natural element with a breath-taking

There is also good snorkelling off the west coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. Swim out to where the old pontoon has sunk and become a home for many fish.

Also inland, on the main track from the east coast, Gili Meno Bird Park has

some tropical birds and a few interesting animals. There is accommodation here and a great display of Beatles memorabilia collected by the owner. Casual beachfront cafés and bars serve Indonesian and popular western meals, with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas being Gili Meno specialties. Some provide low-key entertainment in the evenings, more so in the high season, but visitors to Gili Meno largely come for romantic escapes and a chance to rejuvenate in the natural beauty of the island’s deserted beaches, which some argue are the best of all three Gilis.

The Gili Islands

er!

Of f l a ci Spe

Two Gili dives on our traditional wooden schooner For a limited time only we’re offering two dives in the waters around the Gili Islands using one of our traditional wooden pinisi. That means you get a great day’s diving, plus you experience the adventure of spending time on an historical sail boat. For more information on this special offer contact us at the numbers below.

Pinisi dive trips to Komodo Marine National Park. Awesome diving! Dragons! Adventure! If you’re in the Gili Islands you’re so close to Komodo Marine National Park. If you don’t go now you probably will never see one of the wonders of the world, the Komodo Dragon. Plus, if you’re a diver, the diving is truly awesome. And you get to explore all the little islands aboard a traditional wooden pinisi. C’mon, don’t miss out. You owe it to yourself. For bookings or more information, please phone us at: 0361 768 476 or 081 236 904 414 info@bluewatercruises.com www.bluewatercruises.com

Gili Air

GILI AIR

90 minutes to circle the whole island. The interior is criss-crossed with a maze of tracks that can get confusing, but all lead back to the beach. There is a good surf break with a barrelling right hander known as “Play Gili” off the south coast that attracts crowds when it is pumping. It breaks over sharp coral, so check with local surfers about conditions and board hire. Diving opportunities abound and there is a good selection of reliable dive operators on the island, including Blue Marlin, Dream Divers, Oceans 5 and Manta Dive.

Gili Air is the island closest to the mainland and can be reached in around 20 minutes by local boat or five minutes by speedboat. Gili Air has the largest local population of the three islands, combining the charm of a tropical island with access to the people and culture that make Lombok unique. At present, Gili Air is a laid back island with a beachfront lined with simple cafés and bars made from bamboo and thatch. Its main appeal is its unspoilt nature, with few of the swanky restaurants and villas that have sprouted up on Gili T… and that’s why so many people love it. However, with some believing that Gili T is becoming over-developed, Gili Air is taking off as an alternative destination. Over the past couple of years, investors have been snapping up land on Gili Air and a number of up-market accommodations and restaurants have sprung up, with more to open in the next year. Most development is on the east coast and towards the south. Scallywags, who have another popular resort on Gili Trawangan, own Scallywags Organic Beach Club on the southern end of the east coast with excellent swimming in front and a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has taken island dining to a new level with its excellent menu and guest facilities. Just to the south of Scallywags, the Australian owners of the successful Senggigi business, The Beach Club, opened The Beach Club Gili Air in mid2012 and offer eight charming bungalows, similar to their Senggigi accommodations, with large air conditioned bedrooms, private terraces and semi-open air bathrooms. The bar and restaurant serves aboveaverage meals and the beachfront here is a great place for lounging during the day, or

upmarket dining in the evening. Existing accommodation on the island is generally simple and until now, has mainly been the domain of the backpacker crowd; although the Gili Air Hotel on the north of the island has a variety of rooms and a swimming pool. Oceans 5, on the south coast, is a well-managed resort with above-average rooms, a good restaurant and swimming pool. Manta Dive has nice air-conditioned bungalows and a swimming pool. Many of the older places offer thatchroofed bungalows with basic amenities, close to white sand beaches and at relatively low prices. There is a good variety of small restaurants and beachside cafés on the island, with many offering traditional Indonesian dishes and basic western fare. The beach barbecues with freshly caught fish are particularly good. The bar scene can get pretty lively in the evenings and, during high season, the island kicks into high gear with Full Moon parties on the beach. Popular places include Chillout Bar and Zipp Bar. Activities include walking and cycling around the island, sun bathing, and swimming, snorkelling and diving in the crystal clear waters. Yoga and meditation, together with relaxing massages and body treatments, are available at H2O Yoga and Meditation. For exploring, there is a path running parallel to the beach and it takes around

The calm waters and good visibility make Gili Air an ideal place to learn to dive or to upgrade diving skills. There are a number of popular dive sites that attract divers from the other Gilis, including Air Wall off the west coast, Hans Reef and Frogfish Point off the north coast. The water surrounding the island is of a colour hard to describe – a clear, translucent turquoise, made even more pure by the sparkling white sand beneath. Gili Air still boasts living reefs off much of its coast and there is wonderful snorkelling directly from the shore, particularly from the east and northeast beaches. The coral starts within metres of the beach, making it easily accessible to anyone – even novices who have never snorkelled before. Because the island is protected by reefs, there are few waves and the ocean is amazingly gentle, allowing snorkellers to drift in a dreamy daze above this panorama of aquatic shapes and colours. As is the case on all the Gilis, there are no cars or motorbikes allowed on the island, thus there is no pollution to spoil the clean air and the peaceful atmosphere. The views from all points of the island are stunning but the east coast, facing Lombok, is probably the most fantastic – looking back at the big island with its white beaches and green mountains dominated by the volcano, Mt Rinjani.

Gili Trawangan

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Barefoot Luxury in the Gilis

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

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Gili Trawangan