The
Issue 150 | 16 – 30 September 2013
FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
TIGER AIR SINGAPORE LOMBOK!
WATERFALLS OF CENTRAL LOMBOK
ASTON SENGGIGI LOCATED!
SUMMER PARTY @ SCALLYWAGS
Page 10
Page 20 & 44
Page 41
Page 87
IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities Lombok Map Special Feature Senggigi Senggigi Map What’s Hot / Local News Special Feature Mr Fixer Local News Special Feature Local Scene Classifieds Local News Discount Vouchers Useful Contacts In Good Taste Land & Property The Cities Cities Map Distribution The Southwest Kuta & The South Coast South Coast Map The Gilis Gilis Fast Facts Getting to the Gilis Gilis Scene Gilis Map
Page 2 Page 4/8 Page 6 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 18 Page 20/44 Page 28 Page 30 Page 34 Page 36 Page 38/39 Page 41 Page 41 Page 46 Page 54
The Beach Club
Beach Bungalows Page 15
FLY INTO LOMBOK!
Here in Lombok, we are happily anticipating the commencement of Jetstar direct flights from Australia, with the first flight from Perth due to arrive in Lombok on 24 September 2013.
We’re also celebrating the news that Tiger Air will start flying non-stop between Singapore and Lombok on 2 December 2013. Lombok International Airport is now directly linked to Australia, Malaysia and Singapore – giving travellers from all over the world easy and inexpensive access to paradise! To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 67 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…
like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!
Page 56-61 Page 62-66 Page 64 Page 67 Page 68-71 Page 72-77 Page 77 Page 78-100 Page 82 Page 84 Page 87 Page 99
...Life is Good!
+62 (0) 370 614 2352 | reservation@beachhousegilit.com | www.beachhousegilit.com
Tourism Information
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GETTING TO LOMBOK
It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available every day and and fares start from around Rp 350,000 (approx. US $35) one way. are usually timed to connect with European flights. Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogjakarta, or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok. Surabaya and Makassar and is an important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of Sumbawa, Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, Komodo and Flores. commonly abbreviated to BIL, and using the IATA code “LOP”) is the only airport on Lombok. Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali, 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.
Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0804 1 807 807, Sales Office : +62 370 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com
Airport departure tax is Rp 30,000 for domestic departures (Rp 40,000 from Bali) and Rp 100,000 for international departures.
Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id
BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR In Lombok, all 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
Merpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Bima, Dili, Bandung, Flores and Kupang. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111. www.merpati.co.id Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id Batavia Air has flights from Lombok to Surabaya and Jakarta (via Surabaya) every day. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 648998. www.batavia-air.co.id
Merpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok four times a Wings Air (Lion Air) has daily flights from Lombok to Bali and day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111, Airport: +62 370 633637 / +62 Surabaya, Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. Bookings via Lion Air. 87864253577. Bali, ph: +62 361 420999. www.merpati.co.id www.lionair.co.id Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily. BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA 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 Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Centre: +62 80 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. www.lionair. Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. co.id Trans Nusa Air operates flights between Bali and Lombok daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali, ph: +62 361 8477395. www.transnusa.co.id
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 Lombok International Airport (IATA: LOP) has full Visa on Arrival crossing between the islands costs Rp 40,000 per person and (VOA) facilities, with fast and efficient visa processing. Ph: +62 370 takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 209. 622987. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
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 every day of the week. www.airasia.com Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. All other international connections are available via Jakarta. Call Centre: 080 418 07807. Airport: +62 370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com DOMESTIC FLIGHTS European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar.
FAST BOATS There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. Marina Srikandi operates a direct fast boat service every day between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Senggigi (Lombok), arriving and departing from the jetty on Senggigi Beach. This is the only direct service between Bali and Lombok (mainland). Lombok Ph: +62 370 693 383, Bali Ph: +62 361 729 818. www.marinasrikandi.com Most other fast boats serve Gili Trawangan, but several also call at Teluk Kodek on mainland Lombok, making fast boats from Lombok to Bali (and vice versa) an option to flying. See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for details.
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Hot Taste, Cool Venue
The Perfect Place to Wine & Dine in Lombok Senggigi Square Blok B-10, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia Ph: +62 370 6644 888, 693 688 | Fax: +62 370 623 975 square_marina@yahoo.com | www.squarelombok.com
Tourism Information
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Segara Anak Lake from the ridge of Mt Rinjani
Mawun Beach by Barbara
BEACHES The whole island is surrounded by fantastic beaches, most of which are covered in clean white sand and fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming. The southwest coast also has fine beaches, especially around Sekotong and Taun. Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu for rustic accommodation and great snorkelling just off shore or stay at Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede to explore the twelve other undeveloped islands in the southwest. The beaches around Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon at Mawun.
DIVING
With so many beaches and small islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili islands - Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.
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.
Snorkelling is easy from the shore and all three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night dives to the many sites around the Gilis, as well as specialised courses and live-aboard adventures to exotic locations. For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well as near Kuta on the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.
SURFING
Lombok is becoming a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts world-wide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to BangkoBangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok.
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.
Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and services catering specially to surfers. Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals. The waves at Gerupuk and Kuta offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness! 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.
Photo by Iwan Haryanto
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k o - k o - mo G I L I T R AWA N G A N R E S O R T
Get there fast, then take it slow...
Private Luxury Villas and Fine Dining Restaurant Email: kokomogilit@ozemail.com.au Tel: +62 (0)370 614 4169 | Fax: +62 (0)370 614 9365 | Mob: +62 (0)813 3974 7459
www.kokomogilit.com
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Lombok Map
Senggigi
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Tourism Information
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Aik Kalaq (Hot Spring Water) near Segara Anak Lake at Mt Rinjani by Joe Mahier FOKUS
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
TIGER AIR DIRECT FLIGHTS SINGAPORE - LOMBOK!
The good news keeps coming with Jetstar ready to start direct Perth-Lombok flights this month and Tiger Air launching their direct Singapore-Lombok flights this December. Access has always been the problem for developing tourism on Lombok and the lack of direct international flights to our island has hampered what should have been a strong growth over the past ten years.
Until recently, the majority of travellers to Lombok have been forced to come to Lombok via Bali, which isn’t a bad option for those wishing to combine the best of two tropical locations for their holidays. But poor performance by domestic airlines flying the route between Bali and Lombok, including flight delays and lack of customer service (such as online booking), often deters visitors from making the hop from Bali over to Lombok. Some of these obstacles have been overcome in recent years by the increase in the number of fast boat services between Bali and Lombok, the addition of daily Garuda flights using 737-800 aircraft, and most recently, regular helicopter services from Air Bali between the islands. Most importantly, since the opening of the Lombok International Airport in late 2011, the number of direct flights from international destinations has increased, making the hassles of arranging a domestic connection obsolete. Silk Air has been supplying direct flights between Singapore and Lombok for many years, with three flights per week out of Lombok. AirAsia commenced services earlier this year, linking Lombok to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with non-stop flights every day. Jetstar will be the first airline to link Australia and Lombok, with direct services to and from Perth starting on 24 September this year. Now Tiger Air can be added to this growing list, with the low-cost carrier set to begin direct services between Singapore and Lombok on 2 December this year.
News of a Tiger Air service between Singapore and Lombok was first announced in May this year, with the flights tipped to commence in July. However, this did not eventuate and lack of information led many to believe it was just a rumour. Although there has been no official announcement at the time of our going to print, a visit to the Tiger Air website confirms the latest news – direct Lombok flights are indeed on their booking schedule. The first flight is scheduled to take place from Singapore to Lombok on 2 December, departing Singapore’s Changi Airport at 8.55 and arriving at Lombok International Airport at 11.35. “Raw” introductory fares are listed at just Rp 826,000 one way (Sing $118) – making this a very affordable trip for Singaporeans, as well as travellers connecting from SE Asian and European destinations. “Raw” international fares are the lowest available single price fares for one-way travel (with hand luggage only) and exclude $34 tax and $9 booking fee. These fares must be purchased online and there are additional charges for options such as baggage allowances (from 15kg to 40kg), sports equipment, in-flight meals, priority boarding, and other benefits. Tiger Air will operate three direct flights per week – every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – flying Airbus 320-200 with a
capacity for 180 economy seats. The airline’s online booking schedule lists the following flight information for Flight No TR 2267 (from Lombok) and TR 2266 (from Singapore): Monday depart Lombok 12.15; arrive Singapore 15.00 Depart Singapore 8.55; arrive Lombok 11.35 Wednesday depart Lombok 18.55; arrive Singapore 21.45 Depart Singapore 15.30; arrive Lombok 18.15 Friday depart Lombok 14.15; arrive Singapore 16.40 Depart Singapore 10.50; arrive Lombok 13.35 Tiger Airways is a low-cost airline headquartered in Singapore with a fleet of A320 aircraft, all having an average age of less than three years. Tiger’s network extends to over 50 destinations in 13 countries in the Asia Pacific region with services to regional destinations in Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, China and India from its main base at Singapore Changi Airport. The airline plans to build its fleet to 68 aircraft by December 2015. This new direct service is exciting news for travellers seeking a cheap flight via Singapore, as well as for expatriate residents on Lombok who regularly fly to Singapore for visa renewals and business trips.
Senggigi
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SENGGIGI
Tourism Information
West Coast Resort
Just over one hour from Lombok International Airport, Senggigi is the main tourism centre on Lombok and, apart from the Gili islands, the most developed tourism area on Lombok. The town of Senggigi is about 10 km north of Ampenan, and about 30 minutes drive from Teluk Nara and Bangsal – the harbours to the Gili Islands. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali counterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is laid-back, with activities centred on the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all within a few hours drive from the town. At night, Jalan Raya Senggigi (the main street) comes alive. Dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, listen to live music at the bars, or dance the night away at the nightclubs. Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centre of Senggigi, with the main road running parallel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The Senggigi Beach Hotel, Santosa Villas and Resort, and the Sheraton Senggigi Resort all line the curved bay of Senggigi Beach and offer a full range of resort facilities, equally attractive for singles, couples and families. The beachfront is currently undergoing “revitalisation” by the West Lombok Tourism Department, which threatens to ruin the natural beauty of the beach. It can become very crowded and is best avoided on Sundays and public holidays. However, many more beautiful beaches exist just minutes away to the north. One of the most spectacular sights on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi Beach, with the bright orange sun sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean. Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the right conditions, some decent surf breaks. Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends
and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands. The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are a couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s and moneychangers, a post office and all the normal tourist facilities. Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid-range and budget accommodations. Tourism development runs north along the coastal road for about 10 km, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the entire west coast. About 2 km north of central Senggigi Kerandangan Valley has a popular beach nearby and some small boutique hotels, such as Puri Mas Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated in a pretty valley. Dream Estate Park comprises private villa accommodation for owners and investors, and has villas available for short and long term rental in a secure, well-managed estate. At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with clearly marked hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river. There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths. The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty
river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife. Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with boutique style hotels positioned along the breathtaking beaches of this section of coast. The popular Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Beach Resort, Windy Beach Resort and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit. Furthest north are Klui and Lendang Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches. Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves and untouched by hotel development, continue all the way north along the main coastal road. Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all. Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the main dive operators have boats here, which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour. Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further north, is reached by turning left at the crossroads in Pemenang and from there it is easy to catch the public ferries (actually large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to charter boats for island hopping. Whether you are seeking luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets. From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the attractions of the stunning south coast or to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the peace and beauty of Lombok.
Senggigi
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Senggigi Map
Senggigi
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The Beach Club Beach Bungalows, Bar & Café
TWO PERFECT BEACH LOCATIONS IN LOMBOK!
er, dvd, front bungalows with AC, hot wat Senggigi - Comfortable beach Senggigi! mming pool. 5 minutes walk from satellite TV, private balcony and swi
Gili Air - Comfortable Bungalows with AC, Fres h Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed with views of Gili’s fantastic white sandy beaches – perfect for snorkelling – just steps from your room!
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong | Ph/Fax: +62 (0) 370 693637 M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 | E: thebeachclublombok@hotmail.com
www.thebeachclublombok.com
Senggigi
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Windy Beach Resort “Next to Nature”
Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: bookings@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com
Senggigi
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Puri Bunga Beach Cottages
Luxury and Tranquility Privately positioned on terraced slopes of beautiful flowers, overlooking Senggigi Bay and the Lombok Strait to Bali Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cottages with air conditioning, hot water, television, mini bar, telephone and internet access
Sea view cottages
From US$40* / room! (Incl breakfast)
* tax and service charge and high season surcharges may apply
Enquire about our special offers!
Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, Ph: +62 (0) 370 693013 Fax: +62 (0) 370 693286 | info@puribungalombok.com | www.puribungalombok.com
What’s Hot / Local News
18 Unbeatable prices for travellers from Bali to Senggigi via fast boat – Marina Srikandi is celebrating the launch of Marina Srikandi 11 with fares from just Rp 100,000 per person! The Super Promo fares are available from now until 8 October 2013 and apply to passengers travelling between 15 October and 15 December 2013. The heavily discounted price of Rp 100,000 is a one way fare between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Senggigi (Lombok) and does not include transfers. Hotel transfers are available at an additional Rp 50,000 one way. Transfers to Lombok land directly at the jetty on Senggigi Beach (near Santosa Villas & Resort). Marina Srikandi have also increased the number of daily trips and departure times the fast boat service operates between Bali and Lombok, with the first boat departing Padang Bai at 9am and the last boat leaving Senggigi at 4pm. For full details, visit: www. marinasrikandi.com or see advert on page 48.
to introduce home smoked products in the coming months. More to come when they open! Sheraton Senggigi Resort has started their popular BreakFeast programme, now available every Sunday.
September. The new shop will be located in Senggigi Plaza (near the Wine and Cigar Lounge).
The offer includes a sumptuous breakfast / brunch buffet from 10am to 12 noon and afternoon tea between 4pm and 6pm. Guests are invited to come for breakfast and then spend the day at the resort. Included in the deal is complimentary pool access.
Chicken Stop offers a range of chicken products (similar to Lenard’s Chicken outlets in Australia) including marinated and stuffed chicken, double breast roasts, Chicken with Macadamia and Honey, Thai Grilled Chicken, etc. All ready-prepared and easy to take home and cook, or to stock up the freezer. Sausage King features a selection of 100% home-made gourmet sausages, such as BBQ Beef, Lamb and Rosemary, Chicken and Basil, Chicken Bratwurst, Chorizo and more. The shop also plans
This is a great deal for just Rp 250,000 nett pp (with kids under 12 years at half price). Arrive for brunch and spend the day relaxing at one of the nicest pools in Senggigi, right next to the beach. The kids will love the waterslide, and mums and dads can spend some time in the sun. For information and bookings, phone 693 333.
Good news for those of us living on Lombok, with the opening of a new meat supplier in Senggigi soon! Chicken Stop & Sausage King is expected to open their doors for business towards the end of
WE’RE 150 ISSUES STRONG!
With this issue, The Lombok Guide is 150 issues strong! We never knew, when we first started this little paper to promote tourism in Lombok in late 2007, how it would take over our lives!
Starting from a 12-page black and white paper with information specifically intended for tourists and first-time visitors to Lombok, our baby publication grew and grew; becoming the vital link between
travellers and tourism-related businesses on Lombok.
Today we publish 4,000 copies of The Guide every two weeks. Our website receives an average of 190 international and national visits every day, and our online digital version reaches hundreds of readers around the world. Heartfelt thanks go to our advertisers
and those who support our work and, of course, to our readers… all of whom help to promote our beautiful island to the world. We don’t like to blow our own horn, but this week we received a touching email from one of our regular advertisers and, to celebrate our 150th issue, decided to share it here:
BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI www.bluemarlindive.com
Dear The Lombok Guide It is with enormous pride and gratitude to you and the team at The Lombok Guide, to congratulate you on your 150th issue. What a milestone! Since its inception, we have been proud to advertise with you. Your constant help and assistance with the design and ideas have made working with you an absolute pleasure. Myself and all the staff here at Blue Marlin Dive Senggigi look forward to the latest editions, to keep up to date with events
around Lombok, and a host of interesting articles beyond our borders. Thank you again for your continued help and support. On behalf of the Blue Marlin Team, I wish you every success and look forward to the next 150 issues !! Warmest wishes Stuart Pike Managing Partner Blue Marlin Dive Senggigi
Senggigi
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BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI ...DIVE THE DIFFERENCE!
Lombok’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre Senggigi’s most time efficient daily return trips Professionally trained dive and snorkel staff We do not combine our Senggigi-based guests with our other dive centres providing a more personalised service for you We ensure small groups for your comfort and safety Daily transfers direct from your hotel Excellent Restaurant and Facilities to enjoy during your break on Gili T
PADI Dive Courses Daily Dive & Snorkel Trips - Gili 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
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THE MAGNIFICENT WATERFALLS OF CENTRAL LOMBOK helps maintain the park area and the limited camping facilities nearby. There are also small stalls selling snacks and drinks, and friendly young boys who work as unofficial guides and will carry your bags or picnic baskets for a small fee.
Some of the most popular tours for travellers include trekking through the jungles and rainforests, and visits to the island’s spectacular waterfalls. Sendang Gila and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, near Senaru at the base of Mt Rinjani in Lombok’s north, are already well known tourism destinations; as is the scenic Jeruk Manis waterfall at Kembang Kuning in East Lombok. Now visitors are starting to discover two very special waterfalls in Central Lombok that, until now, have largely been the hidden domain of local people in the know. Benang Stokel is located in the village of Aik Berik in Central Lombok, about 27 km east of Mataram and less than one hour’s drive from the capital. The village is easily reached by car or
motorbike and is set amongst pretty scenery, with green rice fields and verdant fruit orchards. The area boasts two stunning and separate waterfalls – Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu – each within trekking distance of each other. Benang Stokel is the first of the waterfalls and is easily accessed by a short walk from the paved parking area at the start of this national reserve. There is a small admission charge, which
The waterfall to the left is the higher of the two and is more powerful. The fall on the right side splashes into a small rocky pool at the bottom. Local people have come to these waterfalls for centuries to refresh themselves in the cool and serene atmosphere and to stand under the pounding waters, which are believed to have healing properties. Benang Stokel is now opening up as an alternative trekking route for people wishing to climb Lombok’s volcano, Mt Rinjani. Trekking through dense forest, the climb up to the crater rim takes between 6 and 8 hours and offers lots of variety, with the famed Tiara Dewi Anjani waterfall as one of its highlights, as well as the possibility of seeing herds of deer. Continue on Page 44
Benang Stokel Waterfall by Barbara Cahyadi
Lombok offers visitors stunningly beautiful natural landscapes and many of the places to visit have enormous potential for ecotourism.
Benang Stokel Waterfall by Barbara Cahyadi
Benang Stokel features two waterfalls falling more than 30 metres down a steep cliff face covered with ferns and jungle vegetation. Benang means “thread” in Bahasa Indonesia, and describes the thin streams of water that gush down the cliff, like silver threads.
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Qamboja Day Spa
Try our new half-day “Ultimate Healthy Spa Package” Including:
Herbal bath, deluxe massage, facial, manicure & pedicure using all natural and traditional products *Yoga available upon request
The healthy vegetarian lunch uses only raw ingredients to boost, invigorate and rejuvenate
[ “Gorgeous Spa” - Lonely Planet 2013 ]
[ 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 | Website: www.quncivillas.com/spa
Senggigi
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COFFEE & BREAD Roasted Coffee Beans Kopi Luwak Coffee Machines Coffee Business Solutions Oven Fresh Baguettes Sandwiches Pastries & Cakes
Swiss Bakery & Cafeteria www.CafeLombi.com
SENGGIGI SQUARE BLOK A/04 TELP. 0370-692085, 0818 365 790
The
LOMBOK GUIDE
The most popular and comprehensive English language guide to Lombok
4000 Tourism Guides distributed every two weeks More than 180+ national & international visits to our website EVERY DAY! Contact us now for attractive advertising rates and effective solutions to your marketing needs
Phone: 0370 659 4005
Senggigi
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Thai N ight s
@NooQ Our chefs have returned from Chiang Mai’s top cooking school and present authentic Thai dining for your enjoyment
Different Menu Choices Daily [ 7-10pm; Bookings Essential ]
[ 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: +62 370 693 800 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
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Cover Yourself in
DICARI PEMBANTU + TUKANG KEBUN Syarat: Laki-laki, jujur dan rajin, memiliki kendaraan pribadi. Pekerjaan: Membersihkan rumah & membersihkan dan menata kebun Waktu Kerja: Jam 9 pagi - 6 sore (Istirahat 1 jam) 6 hari seminggu. Lokasi Kerja: Kampung Duduk, Batu Bolong
SMS/Telepon: 0812 3734 4894 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
www.ciokolata.com
TO SENGGIGI JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR KEBON ROEK MARKET
Gang Sawah
Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com
TO MATARAM
Ciokolata New Boutique Collections
LOSMEN TJABE MERAH
www.hotel-lombok.nl
Senggigi
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Senggigi
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NOW OPEN IN SENGGIGI! MAMAS, NIKMAT, CATER PRODUCTS Sirloin, Tenderloin, Fillet Steaks Cold Cuts and Deli Meats Salami, Ham, Chicken and Turkey Sausages - Breakfast, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Herb and Mixed Dry Pasta and Sauces Gandari Purified Ice Cubes
Open 9am to 10pm every day
Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant | Ph: 0370 693 531
UD. GANDARI ICE SOLUTION
Pure refreshing ice cubes made from UV sterilised and purified spring water. Hygienically packaged for your convenience Supplying hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes & private villas
FREE DELIVERY EVERY DAY Jl Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong
www.gandari.com
Hotline: Hp: 081 836 8731 | Ph: 0370 619 4273 | Flexi: 0370 668 1958
Senggigi
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Mr Fixer
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Tongue-in-cheek answers to your personal and building problems That’s the way it is in Texas and that’s why I came to Lombok and have decided to build the house of my dreams and forget my past. I bought a plot of land with a sea view and got some local builders to start digging for foundations and a swimming pool. QUESTION: In the 60’s, people used to take acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, people take Prozac to make it normal.
After a few days, I decided to build a different style house in a slightly different place, and therefore the foundations and pool were now in the wrong place.
The judge said it was justifiable homicide! I’m not saying my ex wife was abnormal, but her idea of a balanced diet was to have a pie in each hand.
I asked the builders to dig in a different place and fill in the old holes; which they did. The trouble was that, when they finished filling the holes, there was still a lot of soil left on the top in a huge mound. What do you suggest I do?
She weighed more than the refrigerator. She even used to put mayonnaise on an aspirin.
MR FIXER: Unless you are an architect, it’s always a good idea to spend a few Her driving license said: “Picture continued dollars extra on some proper planning on other side”. She could sell shade. advice before you start digging. Mistakes We were happy for over twenty years. Then (especially early ones) can be expensive to we met. remedy. When the judge asked me why I shot her six times I said, “Because when I pulled the trigger the 7th time it only went click”. I was acquitted on all charges.
The cheapest way to build is to do it properly in the first place. A good architect will save you his fee many times over by making sure your structure is sound and of
the correct proportions. Choose one who is able to provide a 3D rendering on a CD, so you can experience what it’s like to live there before you start spending big money on foundations. Next time your builders have a mound of soil left over after filling a large hole, tell them to dig it deeper. QUESTION: I was sitting at the computer the other day & called out to my wife: “WHEN I DIE I’M GOING TO LEAVE EVERYTHING TO YOU, MY LOVE!” She shouted back: “YOU ALREADY DO, YOU LAZY BASTARD!!!” I thought it was time for a vacation in the sun, so I thought I’d come to the holiday island of Lombok. The last time I came was five years ago and my wife got pregnant. Two years ago, the same thing happened; while on holiday in Lombok, my wife got pregnant again. How can I avoid this happening again? MR FIXER: Next time bring her with you.
To see previous Mr Fixers click on www.lombollocks.com
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
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w w w. l o t u s - r e s t a u r a n t s . c o m Specialising in delicious and authentic meals... real Italian food from our real Italian chef!
FREE Transport and delivery service in Senggigi area
On the beachfront, Senggigi Art Market Ph: +62 (0) 370 693 758 | Fax: +62 (0) 370 693 375
Local News
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RECONSTRUCTION OF JETTY AT SENGGIGI BEACH
Local businesses and residents were concerned when a bamboo platform appeared just off-shore in Senggigi Bay and official types started showing up on the beach near the jetty in front of Santosa Villas & Resort.
However, it seems that the Transport Department has finally decided to take charge and fix the impractical jetty built by the West Lombok Tourism Department in 2011. A spokesman from Dinas Perhubungan (the Department of Transportation) said that the department had examined the jetty built by Dinas Pariwisata Lobar (the West Lombok Tourism Department) and found that it is poorly constructed, as well as being “below standard for safety and usefulness”. The bright yellow monstrosity of a jetty
constructed on Senggigi beach by the Tourism Department sat as an empty reminder of the department’s folly for over a year. The poor design of the jetty had rendered it unusable for any boats arriving in the bay, until Marina Srikandi started operating fast boat services to Senggigi at the end of 2012.
The Marina Srikandi craft are able to moor at the jetty because these boats use a side door for embarkation/ disembarkation. Other boats that have entries at the front or rear of the boat are unable to use the jetty as it is too dangerous for them to park. Waves in the bay are sometimes quite strong and can push the boat onto the jetty, with the risk of harming passengers or the boat’s engines. After assessing the jetty, the Transport Department has decided to re-construct the structure. They plan to increase the length of the jetty to approximately 150m from the shore, which will eliminate the risk from large waves breaking on the shore when boats are parking.
The survey team from Jakarta
The floating pontoon at the end of the jetty will also be rebuilt so that all types of
Anna’s
Giftshop
The Jetty on Senggigi Beach
boats can land safely at the jetty, making it easy for passengers getting on and off the boats. They also plan to build a t-shaped structure at the end of the jetty which will house a ticketing office and a waiting area for passengers. At the moment, a team from the Transport Department’s head office in Jakarta is conducting surveys of the site. The bamboo platform near the jetty is providing a stable base for the surveyors who are drilling and taking samples to assess the substrate before designing the pier supports necessary for the new jetty. These will be manufactured by the head office in Java and transported to Lombok for assembly here.
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
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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
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CAFE ALBERTO
Senggigi
ITALIAN & INDONESIAN 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@cafealberto.com
www.cafealberto.com
Senggigi
33 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!
s
Burger
hes
Sandwic
Spring
Rolls
Fresh Salads d r Ga en
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
Special Feature
34
COOKING WITH CLASS AT PONDOK ANGGREK PUTIH
When we heard about the new cooking classes at Pondok Anggrek Putih, we couldn’t wait to check it out. While Bali has a lot of cooking schools and classes, this is an area that is under-catered for in Lombok.
began to emerge. Little patties of Perkedel, a popular deep-fried snack in Indonesia, bursting with fresh corn and mouthwatering spices, dipped in a Bangkok chilli sauce. Chunks of fresh Ikan Tenggiri (a type of mackerel) were marinated in blended spices and coconut milk, and then ladled into small baskets made from banana leaves and cooked in the steamer. Incredibly moist and moreish, this dish is one of Nining’s creations, which we promptly named “Ikan Perahu” after the small fishing boats used in Lombok.
When we arrived, our charming hostess Nining was already cooking up a storm in her open-air kitchen on the verandah. The table was filled with a cornucopia of vibrant fresh vegetables and bunches of herbs, some of which are grown in the gardens at Pondok Anggrek Putih while others are sourced from nearby gardeners to ensure freshness and maximum flavour. Pondok Anggrek Putih offers small, personalised classes, with 2 – 6 people in a group. The classes are usually held in the mornings, but can be arranged for the afternoon if you wish. They also offer a free pick up and drop off service around the Senggigi area. Of course, the classes are a great way for tourists to pick up some Indonesian cooking skills while on holiday, but local and expat residents in Lombok are also welcome to join in the fun.
Located in Meninting, Pondok Anggrek Putih is set on a lovely property alongside the river. The home-stay offers four spacious and comfortable double rooms with air conditioning at very reasonable rates. There is also a swimming pool and free WiFi, and tours and activities are easily arranged by the warm and welcoming hosts. Taking the class today, were a young Malaysian couple who had recently returned to Malaysia after living in Australia. They had heard about
Pondok Anggrek Putih on the TripAdvisor website and were keen to get some Indonesian cooking tips while holidaying in Lombok. Nining kept everything relaxed as she showed her guests how to chop, blend and grind to produce the delicious flavours that are the basis for Indonesian cooking. Originally from Indonesia, Nining lived for many years with her husband in Switzerland and there she expanded her love for cooking after yearning for the flavours of home. Many Swiss people loved her cooking too, and she soon found herself busy filling home-cooking orders, as well as making thousands of spring rolls over the years. Her time in Europe also gave her a love of other cooking styles so that, while her basis is Indonesian cooking, elements of other cultures also seep into her recipes, creating fabulous Asian-fusion dishes bursting with flavour. Her time in Europe also means Nining is multi-lingual, effortlessly slipping between Indonesian and fluent English and German, depending on her guest’s nationalities. Bahasa Malay is similar to Bahasa Indonesia, and the Malaysian guests also spoke English well, so soon we were all joining in with friendly banter and happy smiles; blending and cooking, helping each other and chatting in a mix of Indonesian and English. As we chopped, stirred, fried and blended together, a veritable feast of Indonesian and Asian-fusion dishes
Cucumbers were hollowed out and filled with cream and a tangy beef stir-fry mixture, creating a crisp flavour-filled appetiser that would be perfect for dinner parties, as well as being light and healthy. In fact, most of the dishes cooked by Nining are incredibly healthy, filled with goodness by using only quality lean meats and seafood, fresh vegetables and herbs. No packaged spices or canned sauces here! Tropical Chicken coated with a rich sauce and topped with cashews; and prawns quickly stir-fried with snow peas, broccoli, bamboo shoots and baby corn, are both examples of how easy fresh, tasty and healthy food can be created. The hours passed quickly and soon we had an amazing array of colourful and tempting dishes on the table. The highlight of the cooking classes is when the group sits down to enjoy their meal together. This is such a pleasant way to end a fun and educational cooking class... sitting on the cool verandah in the tropical garden, with the river behind and the swimming pool alongside, enjoying good conversation with new friends and sampling delicious foods you have cooked together!
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PONDOK ANGGREK PUTIH HOMESTAY & COOKING CLASSES
Learn to cook healthy and delicious Indonesian foods
Small personalised and friendly classes in a tropical garden!
Clean, Comfortable & Spacious Homestay
Pondok Anggrek Putih, Presak, Meninting (near Meninting bridge)
0821 4782 0060 | info@anggrekputih.com | www.anggrekputih.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
Local Scene
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CELLAR PARTY @ SQUARE A great night out with free-flow wines and delicious food... guests are guaranteed a good time at the Cellar Party, held on the first Friday of every month at Square Restaurant in Senggigi!
Senggigi
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1 HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 60,000 NET
ORCHID PACKAGE 1
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask Rp 150,000 net / 2 hours
ORCHID PACKAGE 2
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask, Manicure, Pedicure, Nail Polish Rp 200,000 net / 3 hours
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)
Pasar Classifieds
38
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
URGENTLY REQUIRED Desa Dunia Beda Beach Resort, Gili Trawangan looking for: * Front Office Staff * Engenering Staff Submit your Application & CV to: gm@desaduniabeda.com
LOWONGAN KERJA DIBUTUHKAN SEGERA KRU UNTUK BEKERJA DI KAPAL PESIAR EROPA DAN AMERIKA UNTUK SEMUA POSISI. USIA MINIMAL 21 TAHUN.
KIRIMKAN LAMARAN ANDA KE PT. DEMARIN JLN SURABAYA NO.6 BTN TAMAN BARU, MATARAM CP: 087 866 944 484 / 087 864 398 800
IMMIGRATION SERVICE Visas and Residency Permits Work and Business V isas Retirement Visas Police Permits Land Certificates Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) Company Documents
Enjoy our wonderful atmosphere and delicious hot and cold drinks, snacks and desserts! Free Wifi! AC inside and a smoking area outside. New menu items now available: Chicken Quesadilla Jaffle and Chicken Nuggets for the kids. Located between the old airport and Kebon Roek Market on Jl Adi Sucipto, in the Griya Ellen complex. Open Daily 10am - 9pm and Sundays 12 - 9pm
Order a cake for your special event! Phone 0370 616 2667
Lombok Personal Assistant Visa arrangements and business permits Translator and interpreter (Dutch-English-Indonesian-German) House Management- Website design Tel. 081221617850 or 08121006776
www.lombok-personal-assistant.com
VOA Extensions up to 30 days 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com damsiah@yahoo.com
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS BOX (9,5cm X 4,9cm) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE email: kitadesign@hotmail.com
HOUSE FOR RENT Perumahan Meninting Regency No.18 Br. Panas. 3 Bedrooms, A/C & Hot Water. Kitchen set fully furnished. Ready to move in. For more infor please call Ibu Sari on 0811 3903 838
Pasar Classifieds
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LOMBOK sekolah Nusa alaM
and the Lombok International Language Institute Cambridge A-Level Certificate Courses in English, Biology, Business, Art and Maths IGCSE Courses in Grade 9 and 10. Integrated International and Indonesian Curricula in Grades 7 and 8 lead to SMP and IGCSE Courses Integrated Curricula in Play Group (TK) to Grade 6 Primary (SD) English: Cambridge and IELTS Exam Preparation Courses Bahasa Indonesia Courses for Adults
For information: (0370) 647514 info@nusaalam.com | www.nusaalam.com Semester 1 starts 17th July 2013
HOUSE FOR SALE HOUSE FOR RENT Spacious 2 storey house on 625m2 of land. Strategic location and safe area. 200m from Mataram Mall, 50m from Selaparang main road.
0817 5789 207
HOUSE FOR RENT Perumahan GREEN RAFLESIA
Located on Banjar Getas, Karang Panas 2 bedroom - Full AC - Hot water. Kitchen set, fully furnished. For more contact please call Ibu Sari:
0811 3903 838
K U TA L O M B O K - F O R S A L E Beachfront Land 9 are 91 are - full ocean view 2 are and 15 are (on first roundabout) SEKOTONG - FOR SALE 5 hectares - view of three Gilis and full ocean views
Contact owner 0819 9991 5775 / 0878 6460 0950
www.land-on-lombok-bali.com
Special for foreigner. 700sqm with yard. Fully furnished, garage for 3 cars, 4 bedroom, hot water system, AC. Located in Cakra
0817 578 9207 / 0370 627 766 GOLF PLAYERS WANTED SENGGIGI HACKERS AMATEUR GOLF SOCIETY (SHAGS) Friendly, non-profit golf Games every week – Monthly Cup New members, tourists and casual games Discount rates! ALL WELCOME!
Ph: 0813 398 11140 (Jim) | www.golf-lombok.com
Nyoman Transport
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!
Phone: 0819 1701 3714 Email: nyoman.mance@yahoo.co.id
Senggigi
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NEW MENU NEW LOW PRICES!
De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi – The Lonely Planet
Cocktail of the Week A Different Cocktail Every Week
Rp 35,000++
We ONLY use imported spirits
Every Sunday: Roasted Chicken Rp 35,000++ Art Market Senggigi, Lombok +62 370 693694
www.dequake.com
Local News / Discount Vouchers
ASTON SENGGIGI – LOCATED!
Business Centre, Reception and Boutique, Beach Club with Pool, a 30 metre Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi Pool Bar.
Our article in Issue 145 (published 8 July 2013) about a high-end Aston development in Senggigi caused a lot of speculation about where the resort would be located.
We can now put the rumours to an end – the new resort will be located on the site of the old “Yellow Monkey” amusement park in Montong. When completed, Royal Kamuela Senggigi Residence will be an ‘All Villa Resort’ managed by Aston International
41
A limited release of 50 villas is offered to investors, with guaranteed returns of 6-8% and freehold title. Artists Impression of the Kamuela Development
(formerly Aston). Aston International is one of Indonesia’s leading international hotel groups. Brands include Fave Hotels, Hotel Neo, Quest Hotels, Kamuela and Alana.
The Aston International website lists three properties planned for development in Lombok: Royal Kamuela Senggigi Residence, Fave Hotel (on Jl Langko, Mataram) and Fave Hotel (on Jl Panca Usaha, Mataram).
Located on 3.7 hectares of beach front land in Montong, less than 10 minutes from Senggigi, accommodation will consist of luxurious one and two-bedroom villas all with private swimming pools.
Contemporary Villa Design
Facilities listed on their website include “Zen” Japanese Fusion Signature Restaurant, “Pika Pika” Tapas Bar, Beach Grill, “Aum” Signature Spa, Library and
The Yellow Monkey Site in Montong
Get 10% Discount On All Belgian Waffles! Pay Only Rp 59,000 For a Cup of Wild Coffee Luwak Plus Free Waffles! Bring this voucher for special offers
Present this coupon or quote “Lionfish” for either: Valid 16 – 30 September 2013
Valid 16 – 30 September 2013
DISCOUNT VOUCHERS
Mataram Mall 3rd Floor, near parking deck 4a (back entrance south). Ph: 0818 365 790 | www.coffeelombok.com
20% discount on the entry fee Entry fee Rp 200,000 per person includes complimentary boat trip to our ancient snorkelling reef or fun lesson on our Stand-up Paddle Boards. Exquisite scenery, Lombok’s largest relict fossil site, Infinity pool, buy lunch in the restaurant, stroll in the forests or pristine beaches. * Surf craft not allowed for day guests www.sanctuaryinlombok.com | moirahealey@y7mail.com Ekas Bay, South-east Lombok
10% Discount on Snorkel Tours 5% Discount on PADI Dive Courses. Please book in advance by phone: (0370) 693 719 or visit our offices at the Holiday Resort * 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 16 – 30 September 2013
Valid 16 – 30 September 2013
LOMBOK’S BEST SANCTUARY
10% Discount on Fun Dives
“3 Day Package Deal” Standard Double Room + 2 breakfast, + free use of double Kayak, Rp 500,000 On presentation of this coupon Phone: 0818 0376 2001 secretislandresort@gmail.com | www.secretislandresort.com
Senggigi
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P uri Mas Gallery The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style
Fine Arts and Collectibles from around the Archipelago AT PURI MAS BOUTIQUE RESORT Just 5 minutes north of Senggigi | Free pick up and drop off service in Senggigi area Tel: 0370 693831 | Fax: 0370 693023 | info@purimas-lombok.com | www.purimas-lombok.com Jl. Raya Mangsit Beach, Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | Skype: purimasreservations
Villa Cantik Exclusive Villa for Rent
Special Rate for Long Lease The Hill Batu Layar, Lombok | 081 380 665 894 / 081 907 113 599 stay@villacantiklombok.com | VillaCantik@Outlook.com
www.villacantiklombok.com
Senggigi
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Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style
The Ballroom Restaurant Enjoy first class cuisine with uninterrupted views across the ocean to Bali. Romantic sunset cocktails, delicious seafood specialties, and enticing Indonesian cuisine prepared by our internationally experienced chef Join us every Tuesday evening for an exciting night of Lombok Cultural Performances including Traditional Dance and Lombok Stick Fighting, and Latin Dance performed by Top Lombok Couples
Puri Mas Luxury Spa Ultimate Spa Treatments with Babor: Babor Facials for all Skin Types Delicious Babor Body Treatments Full and Half Day Spa Pretty Feet and Hand Pampering The only dedicated Spa in Lombok recommended by Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Spa 2013 The only Spa in Lombok recommended by and stocking the famous international Babor Brand of Body and Facial Products, including a full make up range
JUST 5 MINS FROM SENGGIGI - FREE TRANSFER SERVICE RESERVATIONS CALL: 0370 693 831 / Email info@purimas-lombok.com
THE MAGNIFICENT WATERFALLS OF CENTRAL LOMBOK
Special Feature Benang Kelambu Waterfall by Iwan Haryanto
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The area is also home to the rare black Ebony Leaf monkey, orchids, butterflies, vanilla orchids, cocoa and coffee trees. This route has been used for centuries by hunters and local people, and is perfect for trekkers looking for a completely different angle of approach to climbing Rinjani. After relaxing on one of the berugaq (resting pavilions) and having a splash in the cool water, it is relatively easy to make the trek to the second set of waterfalls, around 30 to 45 minutes away. A small track leads up the incline through the jungle, twisting through the verdant rainforest of the surrounding hills. Although parts of the trek can be a bit slippery and arduous, the track is safe and can be navigated by most people. The view of Benang Kelambu at the end is worth every minute of the effort! At the end of the dirt track, a series of rock and cement steps leads down to the base of these magnificent waterfalls. In typical Indonesian style, these are steep and
unevenly spaced with treads of varying widths, making the climb back up a good aerobic exercise! As soon as you reach the steps, the view of the falls spraying mist across the green hillside is breathtaking. This sort of scenery is reminiscent of Amazon rainforests… totally natural and simply stunning! Kelambu means “netting” in Indonesian and refers to the waterfalls, which spread out across the greenery like finely draped nets. There are five different waterfalls, each falling like veils through the lush ferns
and jungle vines that cover the 40 metre high hillside. Large boulders embedded at different levels on the slope break the falls, splashing spray into the air and providing perfect lounging places to rest and let the fresh mists cool your body. At the base of the falls, the water splashes onto rocks and runs in pretty streams down the hill to the river below. It is an idyllic place to relax, climbing the rocks and sitting under the falls to cool off, letting the water splash gently over you and wash away the stress, or sitting on the rocks at the base, gazing up at the sweeping sprays making rainbows above. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade and spend a few hours drinking in the serene beauty of this lovely spot. Both waterfalls can get a bit crowded on Sundays and public holidays, as they are popular picnic destinations for local families, but during the week the area is a peaceful and enchanting place to visit.
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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
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
Useful Contacts
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General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok - Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (Senggigi Square) Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068 ATMs - Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. Lombok Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Bank Mandiri Jl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 631311 ATMs - Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok - Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (In Front of Santosa) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 ATMs - Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok - University of Mataram (UNRAM) - Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok - Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. Lombok Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE Medika Husada Clinic Jl Raya Senggigi. Phone: 0370 6644820 HOSPITALS Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9 Selagalas. Ph: 6177000, 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 623498 / 6604605 New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680
Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Clinic Jl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117 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 Express Group Taxi, Ph: 0370 647555 IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535 WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886 Telkom (Phone/Internet). Ph: (0370) 147 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
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MARSHANDER SPA & SALON PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY & HEALTH CARE
Hair and Beauty – Trained Hair Stylist Facials and Skin Care – Body Shop and Biokos Products Waxing and Nails Massage, Reflexology and Body Treatments Spa Packages OPEN DAILY 10am to 9pm
Great Prices and Trained Therapists... Come in and try our full range of services for beauty, health and relaxation!
Senggigi Square Blok A/05 (next to Cafe Lombi), Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0878 6228 0693
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
www.lombokphotographer.com
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www.pearlautore.com.au
Individual and Group Pearl Farm Tours Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private viewings welcome
Showroom and CafĂŠ Open Daily
PT Autore Pearl Culture, Teluk Nara, Malaka, Lombok Phone: +62 370 6844 895 / 0813 3992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au
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[ Yo u r K e y to an I d yllic Lombok ]
Lombok’s Boutique Hotel [ The Lonely Planet 2013: “Best Place to Stay in Lombok” ] [ Cosmopolitan: “Lombok’s Hidden Beauty” ] [ Guide du Routard: “Le Reve!” ] Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
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Senggigi
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In Good Taste
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In Good Taste... Welcome to Lombok! As an expat working here in Lombok, I want to share with all our valuable visitors a few of the recipes that you will try around our lovely island, so hopefully you can take more than just a great memory home and show your friends that – apart from beautiful scenery, sexy beaches, amazing weather and friendly people – we have some exquisite food available in our restaurants here and Lombok people do take their food seriously!
SALMON GRAVLAX by Bryce Adamson, Manager/Chef at Gili T Resort
Good day all and welcome to paradise! It’s been a busy few weeks on Gili Trawangan, as it still feels like high season at times! The weather is some of the best I’ve seen, with beautiful views of Mount Rinjani in the mornings. The only problem is there is no wind and it is extremely hot! Especially in the kitchens! This issue, I wanted to share a simple recipe, as we are busy setting up a new menu at The Terminal Restaurant on Gili T. At the moment, we have some beautiful fresh salmon from my friend, Bruno, who supplies some of the best fresh seafood on Lombok. As it is difficult to finish a whole salmon in time, I wanted to give a good preservation method that will extend the shelf life of this delicious fish by weeks. This recipe is for preparing Salmon Gravlax, which is far from being Indonesian but is a fantastic food for the tropics, as well as being one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive dishes. Called gravet laks in Norway, gravad lax / laks in Sweden and Denmark, graflax in Iceland, and graavilohi or tuoresuolainen lohi in Finland, the name literally means “Grave-Salmon” and refers to the medieval practice of curing the raw fish by burying it in the sand above the high tide level. This is a preserving method still used for preparing hákarl (“putrified shark”) in Iceland, for rakfisk (“rotten fish”) in Norway, and for surströmming (“soured herring”) in Sweden. But don’t be put off by the name or by the associations! Cold-cured with sugar, salt and fresh dill, modern Gravlax has a fresh, delicate flavour and is delicious served
6) Sprinkle the flesh side of each fillet half with the dill seeds and ground pepper. 7) Next, place one fillet half, flesh side up, in a dish just large enough to hold it. Place the chopped dill on top of this fillet, and then cover it with the second half, flesh side down. It will look like you have a huge raw fish-and-dill sandwich! either as an elegant appetiser or as a topping for bread, canapes and open-faced sandwiches. We tend to do this at my restaurant, as it is also excellent chopped, tossed in some pasta with fresh dill and Portabello mushrooms… Selamat Makan! Ingredients: One 2kg Salmon Fillet * 1 cup Sugar 1/2 cup Salt 1 tsp Dill Seeds 1 tbsp freshly ground Pepper 2 bunches of Fresh Dill (don’t skimp on the dill, for this is what gives Gravlax its unique flavour). *While Gravlax is normally prepared using a salmon fillet with the skin on, it works equally well to use a skinless fillet, if that is what is available at your local market. Be sure to use only fresh sushi grade salmon or flash frozen for best results!
8) Cover the dish lightly with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature until the sugar-salt mixture has dissolved into the fillet 9) Place a small pan or plate on top of the plastic wrap-covered Gravlax. Weight the plate lightly, using a few clean rocks or canned items (in lieu of the traditional sand and dirt!). 10) Refrigerate the weighted Gravlax for at least 2 days (48 hours) and up to a week. 11) Every 12 hours, turn the fish “sandwich” over in the brining liquid that has accumulated in the bottom of the pan to ensure that all parts are evenly marinated. Re-cover with the plastic wrap and the weighted pan and return to the refrigerator. 12) Remove the Gravlax from the refrigerator. Scrape off most of the dill and seasonings; pat dry with paper towels. 13) Using a sharp knife, cut the cured Gravlax into paper-thin slices, pulling each slice away from the skin (if your fillet has the skin on).
1) Rinse the salmon and pat dry with paper towels.
13) Store portions in plastic wrap or snaplock bags. Gravlax can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to a month.
2) Examine the fish for small, opaque pin bones, feeling down along the middle line and along the outer edges of the fillet. Remove any bones with tweezers or needle-nosed pliers.
As always, if you lack the time, fridge space, or patience, pop over to the Terminal Restaurant at Gili T Resort and our team will be happy to let you try this fantastic alternate to smoked salmon.
Directions:
3) Cut the fillet lengthwise into two equal halves. 4) Combine the sugar and salt, and then cover both sides of each half of the fillet with the mixture. 5) Wash and roughly chop the bunches of dill, stems and all.
Lombok chefs who would like to contribute a local recipe and be featured in “In Good Taste”, please email us at: kitadesign@hotmail.com
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IS YOUR DRINK SAFE? DRINKING SPIRITS IN INDONESIA CAN KILL YOU!
COCKTAILS, SPIRITS, SHOOTERS, ARAK
METHANOL POISONING SYMPTOMS • • • • • • • • • • • •
Vomiting Diarrhea or Abdominal Pain (Severe) Headache (Severe) Low Blood Pressure Dizziness or Dissorientation Bluish-Coloured Lips & Fingernails Agitated Behaviour Blurred Vision or Blindness Breathing Difficulty Convulsions or Seizures Coma DEATH
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION! Call Australian Poisons Helpline for Advice + 6 1 8 9 3
462 168
Facebook.com/Lifesaving Initiatives Against Methanol Sponsored by The Lombok Guide - Supporting Community Awareness and Safety
SINTA PEST C NTR L Melayani Pengendalian: Nyamuk DB / Malaria / Cikungunya Lalat, Kecoa, Semut Hama Tikus | Rayap Hama Gudang Controlling: Dengue, Malaria & Cikungunya Mosquito Fly, Cockroach, Ants Rats | Termites Spiders and Other Pests & Bugs PT SINTA AGRO MANDIRI (Ijin Dikes No: 03/52.71/PC/VII/11) Jl. TGH Hambali No 8, Mataram, Lombok | Phone: 0370 631176 / 627991
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Land & Property Section Advertise your home, villa, land and property in our “Land & Property� Section your Guide to investment in Lombok! We offer the most economical and effective way to market your property in Lombok with 3,500 copies of The Lombok Guide distributed every two weeks throughout Lombok, the Gilis and Bali PLUS reach thousands of readers around the world through our website and our online digital paper!
FOR SALE FOR LEASE FOR RENT
Email us now to find out how easy it is to promote your property! kitadesign@hotmail.com
Land & Property
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Land & Property
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TOTALY REBUILT IN GREEN VALLEY To a very high standard. 2 Spacious A/C bedrooms (1 en-suite). Open plan living, top quality European style kitchen inc. gas oven and hob. Spiral staircase to extra room. Car port. USD 81,000
NICE AND TIDY 2 BEDROOM HOLIDAY VILLA In Green Valley. Generous washroom W/C and H/W shower with washing machine. French doors to private courtyard garden. Good standard kitchen. Secure parking, quiet street. USD 46,000
ACTUAL BEACH FRONT ISLAND VILLA - GILI AIR ISLAND BEACH FRONT PLOT - GILI ASAHAN 2,800m2 plot with 50m of white sandy beach. Sloping hillside to 2 A/C bedrooms, 3 bathroom H/W showers. Sliding doors to wrap the rear elevated to 20m above sea level. This very rare plot is around pool. 8% guaranteed returns for 2 years. Eco friendly. ONLY IDR 38,000,000 per are. TOTAL ONLY USD 95,000 Fully managed. 36 month payment terms. USD 275,000
GILI AIR INLAND PLOT - 20 ARE (2,000m2) Level and ready to build. Immediate road access. Ideal for personal villa / boutique residential development / just land bank. IDR 80 million per are (100m2) TOTAL USD 145,000
GANGGA WATERFALL - 2 PLOTS Rice field and sea views. Top plot has huge potential for shop/ restaurant. Lower plot ideal for residential or subdivision. Planning permission (IMB) included. 7,788m2 total land. USD 150,300
Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy CafĂŠ) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117
www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com
Land & Property
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Useful Contacts
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1. BEACHFRONT HOTEL: size 2 hectare, price IDR 9 Billion. 2. LAND FOR SALE IN MALIMBU: 5km from senggigi, 500m from the beach, 9000m2. IDR 25 million / 100m2. 3. LAND FOR SALE IN SENGGIGI: near Holiday Resort, 1800m2, IDR 40 million/are. 4. LAND IN KUTA: 4100m2, view Aan, certificate, IDR 35 million/are. 5. LAND ON HILL IN BATU LAYAR: 18 are, ocean view, IDR 60 million/are. 6. LAND IN SEKOTONG: near Lembar, 1.1 Hectare, white sandy beach, 1 hour from airport, IDR 18 million/are. 7. LAND IN SETANGI: 1000m2, certificate, 100m from the beach, suitable for villa. 8. LAND IN BATU LAYAR: 15 are, beach view, IDR 45 million/ are. MAIN OFFICE: Jl. Bung Karno / Opposite Lombok Garden Hotel Ph: 0370 648863 | Mobile: 082 147 768 880 | Fax: 0370 648865
www.ira-property.com
9. LAND IN KUTA: 1 Hectare and 50 are , certificate, ocean view and Kuta panorama, suitable for resort, hotel and villa, IDR 40 million/are.
Local News
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ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists
We Have A Rental Available Now!!! Two storey, 2 bedrooms. Main bedroom with ensuite. Outdoor alfresco area overlooking pool and bay, large berugak, spacious garden. Laundry and kitchen. With sweeping views of the bay and Mt Agung. 5 mins to beach and Café Alberto. USD 15,000 /12 months Island Properties Lombok is searching for more properties for lease and to sell.
CALL NOW!!!
SOLD!
JL. CALIANDRA 24, GREEN VALLEY
Parking area available. 5 minutes walk to beach, shops and Cafe Alberto. 2 storey, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Reception area, kitchen, dining area. Large terrace area at front of house. Land Area 175m2 Asking price USD 700 million negotiable
MALIMBU LAND 1 Magnificent views of Gilis and Malimbu. 15 minutes from Sengiggi. We can subdivide a block suiting the area you require, eg: 20 are. We have 50 are left Act fast - Buy now! Asking Price Rp 45 million/are
EXCLUSIVE VILLA
Jl Baruna Santi 16, Batu Layar THIS IS A BARGAIN BUY NOT TO BE MISSED! This quality villa was completed in June 2012. 2 bedroom,2 bathroom, study, open plan design, spacious lounge/dining and kitchen. Large outdoor entertainment area, 13×6 m pool and landscaped gardens. Fully integrated sound system and CCTV security. A fully secured high perimeter wall. Quick Sale!!! Asking Price USD 220,000 with Bose sound system or USD 200,000 without Bose sound system
VILLA PANTAI MELASE Architect designed beach villa overlooking Bali and Mt Agung. Located on the peaceful scenic beach of Melase. These exclusive 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully furnished villas with a shared pool and BBQ area. 5 minutes from Senggigi. Asking Price USD 375,000
JL BARONANG 12, GREEN VALLEY Well located large home. 5 minutes walk to the beach and Café Alberto. Spacious lounge with TV room. 2 big bedrooms with air conditioner in each room. 2 ensuites, one with bath. Great kitchen, dining area and third bathroom. Outdoor living area with verandah. Double carport. Room for a pool.
Asking Price USD 75,000
VILLA BALE SUNYI, KERANDANGAN This is a spacious 4 bedroom, 3 Bathroom large residence with views of the ocean from every room. Located in a green belt area of Kerandangan and therefore the location is quiet and secluded, luxurious in every aspect. 42 are.
RUSSELL HOUSE IN MONTONG Direct beach frontage and sunset views. Magnificent new 2 storey, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa. 3 minutes to International school. Large swimming pool, lovely garden on 5.6 are block. A MUST TO VIEW!!!!! Asking price USD 315,000
Phone Angela: 0819 1742 0804 / Dwi: 0877 6525 2709 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.com
We can make your dreams come true
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Tourism Information
THE CITIES 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.
Mataram Mall 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 old Selaparang airport, is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls
Mayura Park
selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats 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.
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.
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. 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.
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 Cities
The Cities
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The Cities
66
Wild Kopi Luwak
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AIRPORT: Hotel counters outside the airport. BALI: Air Bali, Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Balcony Rest, Barb’s Sport Warung, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, D Corner Bar & Rest, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Gardenia Cafe & Bar, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Golden Kris Tour, Grocer & Grind, Jones Lang LaSalle, 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, Prime Resort Services, Red Carpet, Rutica Cucina Italiana, Sate Bali Rest Echo Beach, SOS, Sticky Fingers Italiana, The Cameng Bar & Rest, The Plumbers Arms, The Porch Cafe, Trattoria Cucina Italiana, Ultimo Bar & Rest, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bale Bali, Warung Bonita, Warung Eropa, Warung Italia, Warung Kolega, Warung Pregina, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Yut’s Place Rest. MATARAM: Citramulia Travel, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Ira Property, LG Electronics, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Joli Sourire Dental Care, KFC, Lombok Coffee House, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), NTB Museum, Selekta Jaya Marine, Sinta Pest Control, Toko Susana. 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, Graha Beach Senggigi Hotel, Holiday Resort, Living Asia, Lombok Property & Villas, Lotus Bayview, Marina Srikandi, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Puri Furniture, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Sheraton, Square Restaurant, Stars Cafe, Svarga Resort, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, Villa Cantik, Warung Botol, Windy Beach Resort, Ye Jeon Restaurant. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Blue Water Cruises, Desa Dunia Beda, Exqisit Villas & Spa, Gili T Resort, Gili Getaway, ko-ko-mo Resort, Oceano Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Manta Dive, Ombak Sunset, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Mahamaya, Meno Dream Resort, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: 7SEAS Cottages, Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, FOKUS Unram, Iain Kent, Iwan Haryanto, Nanang Wirawan, 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.
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The Southwest
The Southwest
Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast are thirteen small islands called the Southwest Gilis. Unlike the famous Gili islands in the northwest of Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers... thus we call them “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-today activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brick-making 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.
Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches! 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 tidal flow create small caves and alcoves, providing shelter for picnics and interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Back on the main road and slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the The peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun), is hillside overlooking another white sand situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong. beach. The hotel development is still under construction. The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide Across the road from Sundancer, on the sweep around the bay, while the hills beachfront, is Dive Zone – a well-run behind form a perfect backdrop to this diving facility and experts on diving idyllic setting. the southwest islands, having pioneered development of previously unknown dive Just out in the calm bay are the three sites in this area. lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily Dive Zone offer dive trips around accessible by local outrigger boats. A small Sekotong and the islands, as well as in three locations in South Lombok – sign in the nearby village will direct you including challenging world-class diving to the local boat hire area, where you can off southeast Lombok. arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other small islands offshore. Another few kilometres past Dive Zone is Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort, set Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. accommodation for visitors, with Gili
With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the only luxury accommodation in the area. Cocotinos in Sekotong is the second venture for the Odyssea Asia group, with their first dive resort already well established in Manado, Sulawesi. Scuba diving courses and dives, operated by Odyssea Divers, are available from the resort, together with snorkelling, boating and other sea sports. Fronting the resort is a glorious white sand beach which spans over 300m, part of which is a private cove. Facilities include a 17m beach front swimming pool, a restaurant overlooking the bay, the Laleina Spa on the waterfront, a boat jetty, and diving and boating facilities. 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. 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. Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the
The Southwest
69 own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and have constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat. Large gardens of hard and soft corals lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast. On the other side of the island is where the pier is located, with a fantastic white sand beach. It is a favourite for guests from Secret Island Resort, and Dive Zone often brings divers to the island to relax in between dives, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely.
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. 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
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 and black Moorish Idols dart through the water. Schools of where you can get away from it all. hundreds of small iridescent fish swim past Secret Island can also organise fishing trips and weirdly shaped squid drift by in the and island hopping excursions to the other deeper areas. beautiful islands in the area, most of which We met a boat load of happy tourists on are deserted, about their comfortable 9m Gili Ringgit, out for the day with Dive custom-built boat “Scorpio”. Zone, who described the diving as some of the best they’ve ever experienced. Most To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of couldn’t stop gushing about the huge Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined school of turtles they had just seen near up like secret treasures in the calm sea. Gili Layar! Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, Continued on Page 70
The Southwest
70 Continued from Page 69
All around these Southwest Gilis, abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water. Slightly south of Gili Gede, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees. Pearl Beach Resort, the only accommodation on the island, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and welldesigned bungalows looking out over a breath-taking beach. Of a higher standard than most of the southwest accommodation, each bungalow has a private terrace and western style bathrooms with hot water. There is also a beachfront restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals. The resort is popular with divers and can arrange diving and snorkelling trips, as well as island-hopping tours. Pearl Beach
is perfect for romantic escapes and for those seeking the tranquillity of a private island resort. Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the mainland there are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – known as Desert Point and 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. Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area. Bali is clearly visible, with the island of Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail away.
The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers. There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future. Those who wish to explore the underwater world further can join dive adventures with either Dive Zone in Sekotong or Odyssea Divers at Cocotinos The dive sites reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesian diving has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by turtles, white tip reef sharks, cuttlefish, moray eels and many other varieties of marine life. The reefs are full of bright soft corals and colourful corals, which harbor an amazing variety of rare marine life, including ghost pipe fish, leaf fish, pygmy seahorses and much more. 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.
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Kuta and The South Coast
Tourism Information
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Kuta by Barbara Cahyadi
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 There is a good variety of accommodation, beaches, Ashtari serves exquisite teas and restaurants and facilities for travellers and juices, and delicious vegetarian meals and – with investment taking off –more options organic gourmet snacks that are truly out of the ordinary. Open Tuesday to Sunday, are opening all the time. There are plans for breakfast and lunch only. for a luxury beachfront resort in central Kuta this year and smaller developments Kuta attracts thousands of visitors are already under construction. every year for the great surf locations At present, Kuta boasts just one luxury at Gerupuk, Tanjung Aan, Ekas, and the resort: the Novotel beaches to the west. It’s easy to hire a Lombok. The board and a surf guide from here to learn Novotel has a range surfing or, for experienced surfers, to of accommodation, access the more challenging surf breaks in from comfortable the area. Hire a car or motorbike and you hotel rooms to can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly spacious suites and deserted beaches, both to the east and west luxurious villas, of Kuta. some with private swimming pools. Around 4 km east of Kuta is Tanjung A’an, with perfect white sand beaches and good Designed to waves for surfers. Slightly further east is blend in with the Gerupuk, well known as a top surf location environment, and and situated on a peninsula of land that juts with a stunning out into the ocean, with stunning views of beachfront location, the sea, and the surrounding islands and the Novotel is a bays. There is a good surf school here and wonderful example no fewer than five surf breaks. of traditional Sasak Continued on Page 75 architecture.
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Kuta and The South Coast
Kuta and The South Coast 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!
75 Continued from Page 73
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. 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. Mawi, around another 7km to the west, has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough. At other times, it is a lovely beach with impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; look for the three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean. Selong Blanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. Sempiak Villas has plush villas perched on the hillside
Bumbangku
with breath-taking panoramic views. Laut Biru Café at Sempiak Villas is a popular place for a stop – or justifies a day trip in itself – and serves fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant overlooking the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip. Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
Mawun Beach
Experience the beauty of this pristine, undiscovered beach on the south coast
Beach Cottages & Restaurant
Only 9km east of Kuta, close to Gerupuk, surfing paradise Stay in our natural beach cottages and dine on freshly caught seafood at our beachfront bales
Phone: 0370 620 833 / 0819 0787 1311 / 0852 3717 6168 / 0828 9701 5676 info@bumbangkulombok.com | www.bumbangkulombok.com
Kuta and The South Coast
76
A View from Kuta Heights Development
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www.thelombokguide.com
South Lombok Map 77
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Gili Trawangan
On the beach at the Jetty... your Gili T holiday begins and ends here! Clean and comfortable twin and double rooms with air conditioning, satellite television, in-room safes, fully stocked mini bar and private bathrooms with fresh hot water. Fresh water swimming pool and separate kiddies pool. Beachfront bar and restaurant with fantastic views serving delicious snacks and meals all day
Come and try our fabulous new menu!
The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 6138513
gilitresort@hotmail.com | www.gilitresort.com
Tourism Information
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The Gili Islands Unique tropical escapes!
GIli Trawangan by Didik Hariadi
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.
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.
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.
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.
The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to
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. Continued on Page 80
Gili Trawangan’s only Indian Restaurant Sheesha Lounge & Beach Resort
Luxury Suites, Villa Rooms, Deluxe Bungalows & Rooms with AC or Fan, situated in private gardens. Private terraces with Hammocks, hot water, western bathrooms, TV & DVD, AC, Safety box, 24hr security and shady tropical gardens. Bali, Lombok & Gilis Transfers Available
Phone / Fax: +62 370 6123 521 | Mobile: +62 818 0549 4876 | Email: pesonaresort@hotmail.com
www.pesonaresort.com
Tourism Information
80 Continued from Page 79
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. 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,
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 23째C (73째F) to 29째C (84째F).
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
Tourism Information
different “personality” or style, and catering to different types of holidaymakers and travellers.
facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laidback style and is popular with couples and families.
This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer.
Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, perfect for really getting away from it all.
Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of
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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GIli Meno by Barbara Cahyadi
Tourism Information
82
GILI ISLANDS FAST FACTS
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. Alcohol and the risk of methanol poisoning have been in the spotlight since 2009 and there have been a significant number of deaths from contaminated alcohol in Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Avoid bars and places that serve arak or other “local spirits”, including cocktails such as “Jungle Juice” and “Arak Attack”. With imported alcohol heavily taxed in Indonesia, “Welcome drinks”, “Two for one” cocktails and cheap shots should all be viewed with suspicion. If it seems too cheap to be the real deal, it probably is. Large hotels and restaurants generally serve imported alcohol; otherwise, stick
Gili Trawangan by Didiek Hariadi
to beer and steer clear of places that put profits before your safety. 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 catch 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 fixed and rates 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. Walking or riding a bike is a nicer option. 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 your 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. 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
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Tourism Information
GETTING TO THE GILIS
The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can fly to Lombok and travel across to the Gilis.
Fast Boats: With Lombok’s airport now based further away in central Lombok, the fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfers between Bali to Gili Trawangan. The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times. Blue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan. BWS operates two boats, with 28 and 30 passenger capacities, departing from Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) at 8am and 10am, and from Padang Bai Harbour at 11.15am every day. Return transfer from Gili Trawangan is at 11am. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: +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.
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Gilis Scene
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SUMMER PARTY SCALLYWAGS Guests from Bali and Lombok rocked to th e tunes of popular Fier ce Angel DJ, Mark Do yle, at the Summer Party at Scallywags on GIli Ai r
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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
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the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area. Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, home-stays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical. Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd. At the other end of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pools or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD. Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. There are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore. Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian nasi goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between. There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation). These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.
Photo by Blue Marlin Dive
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The Beach House on Gili Trawangan is an innovative and contemporary resort set amidst tropical gardens, facing the sparkling turquoise waters of the Lombok Straits. Accommodation choices include a range of private villas, each with their own freshwater pools. Pool suites sharing a freshwater plunge pool, and 12 bungalows set in tropical gardens. The Beach House provides a range of facilities, including a beachfront freshwater resort pool and bar, and a beachside bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.
Phone: +62 370 6142 352 Fax: +62 370 6148 365 Email: reservation@beachhousegilit.com
www.beachhousegilit.com
Tourism Information
91 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 89 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.
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 Blue Beach, 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.
Cidomo (Horse Cart)
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.
Further off shore, the island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok, which is why thousands of divers visit Gili T every year. It is also one of the safest and easiest places to learn to scuba dive, with warm water temperatures, calm seas and excellent visibility almost all year round. There is a very good selection of professional western-operated dive shops and a range of dive locations suitable for beginners through to thrill seekers. It’s been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island’s time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T. A world-class tourism destination is emerging – without the traffic and pollution – set down on an idyllic tropical island.
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Gili Meno
Gili Meno
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GILI MENO
The resort has been built using cuttingedge environmentally-friendly technology, including a bio sewage system for waste water, waste management and recycling policies, fresh rain water collection tanks, solar power and low wattage devices, and NASA oxygen treatment technology for the swimming pool. The restaurant earns accolades for top quality cuisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront; especially romantic at night with fabulous sunsets and views across the ocean to Gili T and beyond. Stylish and contemporary rooms, attention to detail and personalised service make Mahamaya the top choice for honeymooners and those seeking luxe island escapes. Good mid-range options include Tropical Hideaways and Adeng-Adeng.
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 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 to Mt Rinjani in 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 Boutique Resort, on the northwest coast, has the most luxurious accommodation on the island, with two exclusive beachfront villas and seven spacious Pool Suites set around a small swimming pool.
Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll inland from the best beaches on the east coast, has comfortable and modern air conditioned rooms with western bathrooms. Set in shady gardens, Tropical Hideaways has one of the few swimming pools on the island and a good restaurant and bar, serving delicious and well-priced meals. The food here has gained a very good reputation on the island and the restaurant welcomes outside guests. Adeng-Adeng is another 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. Accommodation includes air conditioning and lovely open-air bathrooms, while the garden café serves good cocktails and delicious freshly-prepared meals. Continued on Page 95
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Gili Meno
Gili Meno
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Blue Marlin Dive, on the east coast, and Divine Divers on the northwest coast are the diving specialists for Gili Meno and offer diving courses and dives around all three of the Gilis. There is good snorkelling along the northwest coast, near Mahamaya and Divine Divers, and it is often possible to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles. To swim with the turtles – these huge creatures that are so awkward and ungainly on land but move through their natural element with a breath-taking dignity and grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a
major reason for visiting Gili Meno. There is also good snorkelling off the west coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. Swim out to where the old pontoon has sunk and become a home for many fish. Inland from the beaches, the island is quite dry with small homes scattered through the coconut groves. In the middle, toward the west coast, is a salt lake from which the local people still harvest salt on a small scale. It can be quite full in rainy season but dries up in the summer. Also inland, on the main track from the east coast, Gili Meno Bird Park has
some tropical birds and a few interesting animals. There is accommodation here and a great display of Beatles memorabilia collected by the owner. 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 seasons, 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.
Get away from it all…
Double Bungalows and Family Rooms A/C or Fan cooled, Hot Water, Comfortable Facilities Garden Restaurant with Tasty and Fresh Local & Western Cuisine Massage | Diving & Snorkelling | Cooking Courses | Sports Activities info@gilimenobungalows.com | Tel +62 819 1596 1251 | +62 878 6482 1875 | www.gilimenobungalows.com
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relaxing massages and body treatments, are available at H2O Yoga and Meditation.
GILI AIR
For exploring, there is a path running parallel to the beach and it takes around 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, 7Seas Dive Resort, 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. The restaurant has an excellent menu and guest facilities, as well as a friendly atmosphere and excellent swimming directly in front of the restaurant. Just to the south of Scallywags, The Beach Club Gili Air is operated by the Australian owners of the successful Senggigi business, The Beach Club, and offers 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. There are also free movies for restaurant guests on the beach every night (weather permitting).
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. Further south, near the harbour, 7Seas International is a professional dive operation, and also offers comfortable and modern air conditioned cottages right on the white sand beach. It is one of the few places on the island that offers family accommodation, in Duplex Family Cottages, only a step away from the pool. Each has two spacious rooms, a big bathroom, a large terrace and small garden, and sea views from the 2nd floor. The existing bedding is suitable for 5 people and up to 3 extra beds can be added on request. 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
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.
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Gili Trawangan
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“Exotic Charm, Modern Comfort�
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 | www.desaduniabeda.com
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Gili Trawangan