The
Issue 158 | 6 – 20 January 2014
FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
LOMBOK’S FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT IN 2014
QUNCI... MONTH OF LOVE
BIG THINGS COME FROM SMALL THINGS
REVITALISATION OF AMPENAN FORESHORE
Page 10, 22, 24
Page 28
Page 38 & 40
Page 42
IN THIS ISSUE Page 2
Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities
Page 4/8
Lombok Map
Page 6
Special Feature Page 10,22,24 Senggigi
Page 12
Senggigi Map
Page 14
What’s Hot / Local News
Page 18
Special Feature Page 28
The Beach Club
Beach Bungalows Page 15
LOMBOK WELCOMES 2014! What a wonderful start to the New Year it was in Lombok! As we said goodbye to 2013 and welcomed 2014, thousands of people flocked to our island to celebrate the holidays, with many saying it was the busiest season ever! There’s every reason to expect this will be an exceptional year for Lombok in terms of tourism and investment. Oh well… we know we can’t keep paradise a secret forever!
Page 32
Local Scene
Special Feature Page 38 & 40 Local News
Page 42
Discount Vouchers
Page 43
Land & Property
Page 50-55
Classifieds
Page 56 & 57
The Cities
Page 58-63
Cities Map
Page 60
The Southwest
Page 64-67
Kuta & The South Coast
Page 68-73
South Coast Map
Page 73
Distribution
Page 74
Useful Contacts Page 76 The Gilis
Page 77-96
Getting to Gilis
Page 80
Gilis Fast Facts Page 93 Gilis Map
Page 95
To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 74 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself… Like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!
...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 Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of Sumbawa, commonly abbrev iated to BIL, and using the IATA code “LOP”) is Komodo and Flores. the only airport on Lombok. Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali, The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0804 1 40km south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta. 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com Airport departure tax is Rp 30,000 for domestic departures (Rp Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and 40,000 from Bali) and Rp 100,000 for international departures. Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR Merpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Bima, Dili, Bandung, Flores and Kupang. Lombok, ph: +62 370 In Lombok, all flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) 621111. www.merpati.co.id Domestic Airport. Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day. Call Centre: 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 Batavia Air has flights from Lombok to Surabaya and Jakarta (via 370-642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com Surabaya) every day. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 648998. Merpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok four times a www.batavia-air.co.id day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111, Airport: +62 370 633637 / +62 Wings Air (Lion Air) has daily flights from Lombok to Bali and 87864253577. Bali, ph: +62 361 420999. www.merpati.co.id Surabaya, Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. Bookings via Lion Air. www.lionair.co.id Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily. The company share-codes with Wings Air, so you may purchase a HELICOPTER FLIGHTS Lion Air ticket and find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Call Centre: +62 80 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. Air Bali operates regular helicopter transfers between Bali and www.lionair.co.id Gili Trawangan, with the possibility of on-services to mainland Lombok, as well as private charters. Ph: + 62 361 767466 or 766 Trans Nusa Air operates flights between Bali and Lombok daily. 582. www.airbali.com Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali, ph: +62 361 8477395. www.transnusa.co.id BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest Lombok International Airport (IATA: LOP) has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities, with fast and efficient visa processing. Ph: +62 370 coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. 622987. Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer Jetstar Airways (a subsidiary of Qantas) operate direct flights service. between Perth (West Australia) and Lombok four times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday). www.jetstar.com Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between crossing between the islands costs Rp 40,000 per person and Lombok and Singapore, five times per week (Monday, Tuesday, takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Lombok, ph: +62 370 628254 / 209. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 628255. www.silkair.com Tiger Air also operates direct flights between Singapore and Lombok, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. www.tigerair.com Air Asia operates direct flights every day between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. 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 direct fast boat services 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 fast boats serve Gili Trawangan, but several including Blue Water Express also serve mainland Lombok, making fast boats from Lombok to Bali (and vice versa) an option to flying. See the “Getting to the Gilis” section on page 80 for details.
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Hot Taste, Cool Venue
Live Entertainment by TRIO LA’SEFA ACCOUSTIC from Jakarta Senggigi Square Blok B-10, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia Ph: +62 370 6644 888, 693 688 | Fax: +62 370 623 975 square_marina@yahoo.com | www.squarelombok.com
Tourism Information
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Drivers License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light. Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring or take part in the tours and day trips offered by the many tour agencies on the island.
Malimbu Beach by Iwan Haryanto
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.
Senggigi Beach
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.
Benang Setokel Waterfall 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 designs. You can also purchase handwoven sarongs and fabrics (ikat).
Segara Anak Lake at Mt Rinjani
originally based on the prevailing animist beliefs of the time, and some of the original animist statues remain today. Perang Topat, is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods.
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
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”
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. Weaving Ikat at Pringgasela, East Lombok
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Special Feature
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LOMBOK’S FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT IN 2014
As a new year begins, it is time to reflect on the changes 2013 brought to Lombok and to speculate about what the coming year may hold for our beautiful island. It is now two years since the Lombok International Airport opened on 1 October 2011 and we are finally seeing the benefits as airlines reschedule to encompass this new Indonesian destination.
Most travellers rate Lombok’s airport experience as efficient and relatively hassle-free (particularly in comparison to Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport over the past year and its recent revamp!) International Flights: The biggest news for 2013 was the commencement of direct flights between Lombok and Perth in Western Australia. Jetstar became the first airline to connect Lombok direct to the huge Australian market when it started flying between Perth and Lombok on 24 September 2013. The airline operates the new direct service onboard an Airbus A320, with four flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. In the past three months, Australian arrivals to Lombok have been very strong and the airline has said that it plans to increase to daily flights in 2014 if the demand continues to grow. Tiger Air also joined the growing list of international carriers operating direct services to Lombok when they commenced their direct Singapore Lombok flights on 22 November 2013. The low-cost airline became the second carrier to offer connections between Singapore and Lombok, with cheap flights available three times per week onboard Airbus 320. Silk Air (the domestic subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), which has operated direct flights between Lombok and Singapore for a number of years, increased its flight frequency between the two islands from three times to five times per week in 2013. The airline reports that demand is strong and, with the benefits of code-
mainland subject to demand. The new service makes popular Gili T accessible from Bali in just 45 minutes.
International Tourism continues to increase, with international arrival figures showing a rapid rise over the past year, while the domestic market continues to grow. share, Singapore has become a popular stop-over for Europeans en route to Lombok. Air Asia, who introduced the first direct Kuala Lumpur - Lombok flights in October 2012, also increased the number of flights from three times per week to every day in 2013. The route is now firmly established and proving successful for the low-cost airline. Rumours continue that Dragon Air will announce direct Lombok - Hong Kong and China flights in 2014. There have been a large number of delegates from both Hong Kong and China visiting Lombok during the past year and a direct link looks to be a strong possibility in the near future. Air Asia has also been hinting at direct flights from Brisbane to Lombok in 2014. In fact, their website currently shows flight availability between the two destinations, with the flights likely to commence as early as April. Domestic Flights: Domestic flight connections continued to grow during 2013 with Garuda Airlines recently increasing its flights between Lombok and Bali to three times per day. The airline also has direct daily flights between Lombok and Jakarta, Lombok and Makassar (formerly Ujang Pandang) in Sulawesi, and Surabaya in Java. Numerous other airlines provide daily flights between Bali and Lombok, major Indonesian capital cities, as well as eastern destinations; making access to Lombok very easy (see page 10 for full details). Air Bali, a charter helicopter service based in Bali, introduced helicopter transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan in 2013, and serves the other Gili Islands and Lombok
The Lombok Hotel Association has been the main driving force behind the increase in international flights and actively promotes Lombok at all major international travel expos throughout the year. The Association has hosted a large number of travel agents and airline delegates throughout the year, which resulted in the successful Jetstar Perth-Lombok flights, and will likely gain the island a Hong Kong connection this year. They recently attended an expo in Perth to promote the Jetstar flights. The Jetstar flights have already had a large impact on tourism in the first three months of operation and are expected to create a boom in 2014 as awareness of Lombok as a holiday destination spreads to more Australians. The negative effect of over-crowding and traffic congestion in Bali cannot be ignored when discussing Lombok’s tourism potential. As more tourists become disillusioned with the situation in Bali – which is the opposite of the unspoilt and un-crowded environment in Lombok – it is inevitable that Lombok will attract more interest as an alternative to Bali. Better access to Lombok from international and domestic flights, a large number of fast boat services operating between Bali, the Gilis and Lombok, and the island’s inclusion on a growing number of cruise ship and sailing itineraries, all bode very well for tourism growth in 2014. Property and Investment: 2013 continued the accelerated growth trend seen in 2012, with land prices rising dramatically in popular areas. Good news for investors who got in early! Continued on Page 22
Senggigi
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Tourism Information
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SENGGIGI
West Coast Resort
Just over one hour from Lombok International Airport, Senggigi is the main tourism centre on Lombok and, apart from the Gili islands, the most developed tourism area on Lombok. The town of Senggigi is about 10 km north of Ampenan, and about 30 minutes drive from Teluk Nara and Bangsal – the harbours to the Gili Islands. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali counterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is laid-back, with activities centred on the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all within a few hours drive from the town. At night, Jalan Raya Senggigi (the main street) comes alive. Dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, listen to live music at the bars, or dance the night away at the nightclubs. Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centre of Senggigi, with the main road running parallel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The Senggigi Beach Hotel, Santosa Villas and Resort, and the Sheraton Senggigi Resort all line the curved bay of Senggigi Beach and offer a full range of resort facilities, equally attractive for singles, couples and families. 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 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 Lotus Bayview Restaurant, on the beach at the Art Market in Senggigi, needs no introduction for those who live in Lombok, having a good reputation for delicious and authentic Italian food. On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a delightful evening dining on Italian specialties like Spaghetti Marinara, Prawn Ravioli and Capesante Gratinate – local scallops covered in tangy cheese, garlic, bread crumbs, parsley and olive oil and baked on the half shell. Despite the rain pouring down outside, guests were kept cozy inside with fine food, Christmas carols sung by a local children’s choir, and the warm hospitality of host, Maurizio Cammarota. At New Year, the popular restaurant launched its new additions to their 2014 menu, with some fabulous new seafood specialties complimenting all the old favourites. Add Lotus to your “must do” list and try out the new menu soon! Ph: 693 758
going to the beach is impossible? Why not join in a fun and interesting cooking class at Pondok Anggrek Putih?!
We often get people asking us where to buy Bean Bags in Lombok, now that Puri has moved from their shop near the traffic lights at Kebon Roek. Never fear – Puri is still selling a great range of colourful bean bags, lounges, chairs and accessories from their original store in Kampung Duduk, Batu Bolong (follow the road into Kampung Duduk and look for the sign on the righthand side). Puri also has a good range of teak and synthetic rattan leisure furniture, with prices comparable to stores in Bali. It’s best to phone in advance: 619 4123 or 0813 3955 5456. Looking for different things to do when it’s raining in Lombok and
Located in Meninting (only 10 minutes from Senggigi), Pondok Anggrek Putih is set on a lovely property alongside the river. The classes are run by the charming hostess – Nining – who loves to teach people how to make delicious and nutritious foods, from popular Indonesian specialties to mouth-watering Asian-fusion dishes. Classes are small and personalised, and open to all levels of experience. If you are a dunce in the kitchen, Nining will soon have you cooking up a storm and impressing your dinner guests! Get a group of up to 6 friends together to make up your own private class, or phone Nining to join a class and meet some new friends. They also offer a free pick up and drop off service around the Senggigi area. Ph: 0821 4782 0060 | www.anggrekputih.com
DEREK PUGH NEW BOOK... Turn Left at the Devil Tree Lombok seems to be fertile ground for writers, with another of our resident expats – Derek Pugh – having recently published his third book. Derek’s new book, “Turn Left at the Devil Tree”, was released on 1 December 2013 and is his latest work. The book will be launched in Lombok on 11 January by Mark Heyward, who published his own book “Crazy Little Heaven” in August last year. Derek’s previous books include “Tammy Damulkurra”, a fictional story published in1995 (2nd edition 2013), and “The Owner’s Guide to the Teenage Brain, teaching teachers, parents and teenagers how to get the most out of their brains”, a non-fiction work published in 2011. “Tammy Damulkurra”, has been described as a “Classic Australian Story” and a “Landmark in Australian Literature”. “Turn Left at the Devil Tree” promises to be equally successful. The new book, with a foreword by Ted Egan AO, describes life as a visiting teacher in the most remotes parts
of the Top End of Australia.
The title words were the only directions he had to find Wurdeja Homeland Centre in the vast forests of central Arnhem Land, but find it he did and he founded and ran a school there for four years. Pugh’s story describes his love affair with the bush, the characters that live there and its wildlife. Working with Indigenous Australians in the most remote parts of the country has its share of challenges and successes, but life as a visiting teacher in Arnhem Land is tremendously fulfilling. Derek Pugh, an ex Kakadu ranger, a teacher, naturalist and bushman worked in several homelands schools and joined a lifestyle as old as time. His memoir is by turns reflective, tragic and hilarious and describes a life in remote
Aboriginal Australia which gave him an insight into a traditional culture which has been witnessed by only a few outsiders.
Spending more than 20 years among the people and wildlife of the Top End of the Northern Territory, and accompanied by his ‘rough-tough hunting dog’ named Turkey, Derek Pugh revelled in the lifestyle and freedom of the bush. Told with respect and candour, “Turn Left at the Devil Tree” is Pugh’s ‘slice of history’. “Turn Left at the Devil Tree” is distributed by Dennis Jones and Associates, www. dennisjones.com.au. For more information, visit: www.derekpugh.com.au Taman Restaurant in Senggigi, together with The Lombok Writers Guild, will host the Lombok launch of “Turn Left at the Devil Tree” in conjunction with a wine tasting by Plaga Wines on Saturday, 11 January starting at 5pm. Copies of Derek’s and Mark’s books will also be on sale. All are welcome to attend!
Senggigi
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Qamboja Day Spa
Introducing Rinjani Hot Rocks Massage
[ Deep relaxation using heated stones to melt your stress away ]
Herbal bath, deluxe massage, facial, manicure & pedicure using all natural and traditional products *Yoga available upon request
Try our healthy vegetarian lunch using 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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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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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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LOMBOK’S FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT IN 2014 Local investment has been strong for a number of years but we are seeing increasing interest from Bali. With land prices in Bali continuing to spiral, and the scarcity of land available in soughtafter areas, more investors are turning to Lombok as the “next best thing”. Recognising this demand, a number of well-known Bali-based real estate agents now represent Lombok, including Ray White, Elite Havens, XP Bali and Jones Lang La Salle. The South Coast: The location of Lombok International Airport at Tanak Awu, just 15 minutes’ drive northwest of the resort area of Kuta, continues to make the south coast an attractive area for tourism development.
Continued from Page 10
Kerandangan Beach
Development Corporation (BTDC), continues to flounder.
the island assures the future viability of the tourism resort.
Progress was stalled in 2012 by a number of issues, including finalising land acquisition and documentation relating to environmental impact studies, as well as an application for special zoning permission from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which would allow investors special long-term lease arrangements over the land.
Investment along the west coast continues to be strong, with very little land available in a 10 kilometre strip both north and south of Senggigi.
Despite a lot of hype by the local government, not much progress has been seen in 2013.
Many new businesses and development projects have sprung up in Kuta and surrounds over the past year and many more are expected to commence in 2014. Tanjung Ocean View and Kuta Heights Development both have successful land projects underway on the south coast near Kuta and the increased interest in the area has already extended to the beautiful beaches to the east and west of Kuta. The cleanup of the Kuta beachfront in October 2013, which saw the makeshift stalls and shops relocated to a centralised market area, has done much to improve the atmosphere of the beautiful beach that forms the focal-point of the town. Many small businesses, including private hotels and restaurants, have opened in the past year providing a greater variety of options to travellers and we expect this trend to continue in 2014. The much talked about Mandalika Resort tourism development area, comprising around 1200 hectares of pristine south coast property and being developed by the Bali Tourism
However, much like the long wait for the international airport, the development of Mandalika seems inevitable and we do expect to see ground-breaking for projects in 2014. Senggigi and the West Coast: While some speculated that the relocation of the Lombok International Airport to the south of the island would negatively affect tourism on the west coast, this has been far from the case. Although the transfer time from the airport is now over an hour, a number of fast boat operators from Bali offer transfers to mainland Lombok and Senggigi remains a popular base for travellers. Senggigi has a strong infrastructure with good roads, established resorts, hotels and restaurants, together with facilities such as restaurants, bars, banks, ATM’s, tour and travel agencies. Plus, Senggigi’s convenient location for exploring other areas of Senggigi Beach
Kerandangan, the next area north of Senggigi, is showing strong growth and Svarga Resort recently opened its doors here. There is very little land left around Mangsit, where the trend continues to be boutique resort and villa development, with highly successful resorts such as Qunci Villas, Jeeva Klui and Puri Mas all reporting high occupancies year-round. Slightly further north, at Lendang Luar, Living Asia Resort opened at the end of 2012 and is now a firmly established destination. This will open the way for further development at Setangi. A drive along the coast road from Senggigi to Setanggi shows many areas of the 7km strip currently under development with new resorts and boutique accommodations due to open in coming months. Development now stretches as far north as the small harbour at Teluk Nara, with the beaches at Malimbu and Nipah earmarked for hotels in the near future. The luxury Hotel Spirit Lombok is currently under construction at Nipah and expected to open around March 2014. South of Senggigi, areas such as Montong and Meninting are attracting interest due to their proximity to Senggigi and the city of Ampenan, as well as Sekolah Nusa Alam, the island’s international school. Continued on Page 24
Senggigi
23 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
s
Burger
hes
Sandwic
Spring
Rolls
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
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
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LOMBOK’S FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT IN 2014 Royal Kamuela, managed by Aston International, are currently building an “all villa resort” in Montong which, in addition to villas with private swimming pools, will boast a Japanese Fusion Signature Restaurant, Tapas Bar, “Aum” Signature Spa, a 30 metre swimming pool and Jacuzzi Pool Bar. The Gili Islands, off the northwest coast, continue to be the biggest asset to tourism in Lombok and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lombok every year. It is now almost impossible to count the number of fast boat companies operating services between Bali and the Gilis. Very few people travelling to the Gilis use the airport anymore, as fast boats link the islands to Bali in around 1 and 1/2 hours. Some even advertise the Gilis as being “islands off Bali”... cheeky devils!
Continued from Page 22 and close proximity to the other two Gilis, and large parcels of land have been snapped up over the past few years.
Mahamaya Boutique Resort, which opened in 2012, lifted the standard of accommodation on the island with an upmarket beachfront restaurant and two contemporary villas on the north coast. The resort opened seven Pool Suites and a resort swimming pool in 2013 and plans to double their capacity to eighteen rooms in 2014. The Karma Royal Group, which operates the successful Karma Beach in Bali, opened The Reef on Gili Meno in October 2013, under the group’s Chakra Resorts brand. The Reef sits on a sprawling four hectares, of which only one has been developed for the resort, with ten charming lumbung bungalows and a stylish beachfront bar. Gili Meno lends itself to “green” and boutique development, rather than large scale commercialism, and has attracted the attention of entrepreneurs in Bali. We expect more private villas and upscale boutique hotels to spring up on the island in 2014.
Gili Trawangan has come a long way in the past few years and the new and sophisticated Gili T continues to evolve. Although the island still has the thatched huts and basic restaurants that first attracted backpackers in the 90’s, the trend is more towards quality accommodations and contemporary restaurants and bars. Juices, organic produce, yoga, raw foods and chillout music are becoming de rigueur. Land prices have soared on the island and development now extends to the previously quiet south and west coasts, as well as the small hill on the island. With new construction continuing monthly and the demand for accommodation ever on the rise, there is no doubt Gili T will remain the most popular of the Gilis in 2014. Gili Meno, between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, has always been known as “the quiet island” but the island has quietly been doing quite a lot of growing over the past year!
Gili Air was once overshadowed by Gili Trawangan, but has steadily attracted its own fan-base over the years. Easily accessed from mainland Lombok, with stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Gili Air is now the laid-back alternative to the more fast-paced Gili T and has much of that island’s past charms. Accommodation has increased quickly over the past two years, with a good selection of mid-range places and upmarket rooms now available, supplementing the simple backpacker accommodation that previously dominated the island. A better quality of accommodation has made the island more appealing to the middle market and attracts a different crowd to Gili Air. A number of reputable dive operators have developed a thriving dive industry on the island, and there are also yoga retreats and massages available, as well as some very good restaurants. As the island continues to grow in popularity, Gili Air is a place to watch in 2014.
The Cities: If the upward growth of Lombok’s economy can be Astute investors recognize the appeal of this island’s lovely deserted beaches seen anywhere, it is in the cities
of Mataram and Cakra. These two cities, sprawled to become one, have seen unprecedented growth in 2013, compared to previous years. Older hotels have been replaced with stylish and modern Indonesian hotels, including the 122-room Hotel Santika (part of the well-known Santika chain), and the new 142-room Lombok Plaza Hotel and Convention Centre, both rated three-stars. Many more hotels have opened or commenced construction in 2013 and the trend will continue in 2014, to cater for the strong domestic market, as well as the developing MICE market. While the city still only boasts one major shopping centre, Mataram Mall, the Central Plaza shopping complex opened in July 2013, with a large Hypermart department store and supermarket, as well as chemists, a restaurant and specialty stores. The complex plans to add more stores in 2014. The Lombok Epicentrum mall on Jalan Sriwijaya in Mataram is also planned to commence construction in January 2014. Spread over a total land area of 76,000sqm, Lombok Epicentrum will be four stories high and host a supermarket, a department store (possibly a Matahari Department Store), Hardware & Furniture Centre, Cinema & Games Complex (possibly a Timezone), specialty stores, a food court and an Atrium area for expos and events. Construction is scheduled to take around 16 months, with a “soft opening” planned for May 2015.
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Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style
The Ballroom Restaurant Enjoy first class cuisine with some of the best seafood platters in town Uninterrupted views across the ocean to Bali. Intimate candle light dinners Romantic sunset cocktails, enticing authentic Indonesian cuisine prepared by our internationally experienced Chef. The Way Exceptional Dining should be, Simply Relax & Enjoy…….Cheers!
Open 7am to 11pm Child policy - No child under 12yrs
Puri Mas Luxury Spa LOVE IS IN THE AIR with BABOR BEAUTY SPA Treatments * Spoil yourself and let us pamper you (Book a beauty flirt Babor facial for yourself or your loved one) * Time out with a couple’s massage (Book a full massage for you and your loved one)
REGULAR HATHA YOGA CLASSES Wednesday and Saturday 16.30 - 18.00 Puri Mas Beach Resort Yoga Garden (Yoga mat provided) Price Per Person: Rp 50,000 net
The only Spa in Lombok recommended by and stocking the famous international Babor Brand of Facial and Body Products, including a full make up range
The only dedicated spa in Lombok recommended by Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Spa 2013
JUST 5 MINS FROM SENGGIGI - FREE TRANSFER SERVICE RESERVATIONS CALL: 0370 693 831 / Email info@purimas-lombok.com
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NOW OPEN IN SENGGIGI! MAMAS, NIKMAT, CATER PRODUCTS Sirloin, Tenderloin, Fillet Steaks Cold Cuts and Deli Meats Salami, Ham, Chicken and Turkey Sausages - Breakfast, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Herb and Mixed Dry Pasta and Sauces Gandari Purified Ice Cubes
Open 9am to 10pm every day
Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant | Ph: 0370 693 531
UD. GANDARI ICE SOLUTION
Pure refreshing ice cubes made from UV sterilised and purified spring water. Hygienically packaged for your convenience Supplying hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes & private villas
FREE DELIVERY EVERY DAY Jl Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong
www.gandari.com
Hotline: Hp: 081 836 8731 | Ph: 0370 619 4273 | Flexi: 0370 668 1958
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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
Special Feature
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QUNCI… MONTH OF LOVE AND ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL
Qunci Villas continues to set the pace in 2014 with its “Month of Love” scheduled from late January through to the beginning of March.
The events start on 28 January, celebrating the arts with three renowned Indonesian artists – Diah Yulianti, Ario & Katarin – in residence at the stylish resort. Diah Yulianti is a painter and sculptor from Kalimantan, who draws her inspiration from everyday life, while Katarin is a contemporary painter from Jogjakarta whose work features bold strokes and colours. Ario is a jewellery maker from Central Java who creates distinctive handcrafted pieces using semiprecious stones. From 28 January to 13 February, guests will be able to observe different works being created by these artists, together with exhibitions of works displayed in the Art Corridor at Qunci over those dates. Art and jewellery will also be available for purchase. In early February, foodies will be treated to the first of two celebrations of food by visiting international guest chefs. Chef Andrew Walsh, currently at Esquina Restaurant in Singapore, will be visiting Lombok to prepare an exclusive sixcourse degustation dinner on 1 February and a Spanish style lunch on Sunday, 2 February. Experienced on four continents, Andrew Walsh has cooked in Michelin star rated restaurants such as PUBLIC in New York, and Tom Aikens in London.
Alongside this event, the love of music will be showcased by visiting guitarist, Manuel Cabrera II from the Philippines.
Manuel is an internationally recognized classical guitarist and winner of the 31st Nippon Guitar Competition in Osaka, Japan. He has performed in solo concerts in Singapore, Manila and Japan, and will be performing light classical, Spanish and South American styles, as well as bossa nova and jazz ballads, at Qunci Villas from 1 to 4 February. The Month of Love will, of course, pay special homage to Valentine’s Day with a special dinner prepared by the resort’s own Executive Chef, Frédéric Pougault. Originally from France, Chef Frédéric honed his craft at the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon and worked in some of the best restaurants in Europe before moving to Indonesia and working at the Tugu Hotels in both Lombok and Malang.
Teguh Ostenrik graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Hochschule der Kuenste in West Berlin, Germany, with further studies in New York, Amsterdam and Cologne. He has shown in more than one hundred solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Many of Teguh’s works are based on his respect for the environment and use recycled materials and earth colours.
As an artist in residence and wellrespected teacher, Teguh will conduct drawing classes for guests and the public, and exhibit his works from 27 February to 3 March at the resort. The “Month of Love” culminates with dinner and a brunch prepared by another international guest chef, Hadleigh Troy from Amuse Restaurant in Perth, Western Australia.
Amuse has won a large number of awards, including “Restaurant of the Year – 2013/2014” from the He later moved to Bali where he has been Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence and has been awarded #1 responsible for heading up the kitchens in WA for five consecutive years by the of some of the most Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant successful restaurants Guide (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014). on the island, including Sardine in Kerobokan, Chef Hadleigh, who heads Amuse Red Carpet in Seminyak, Restaurant with his wife Carolynne, will Sorriso, Gado Gado, the visit Lombok at the beginning of March. new JP’s and La Barca in The talented pair will create an exquisite Batu Belig. six-course signature menu for guests for Frédéric will prepare a special Valentine’s Day dinner for lovers, featuring aphrodisiac ingredients, on 14 February.
He then joined popular UK celebrity chef, Jason Atherton From 18 February to 3 at Pollen Street in Teguh Ostenrik March, Qunci will then London and currently host acclaimed Indonesian artist and heads Esquina – an acclaimed tapas bar sculptor, Teguh Ostenrik. and restaurant by Jason Atherton.
dinner on 1 March and a special brunch on 2 March, featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Guests staying at Qunci Villas in Mangsit are certainly in for a treat over the coming weeks and, for those living in Lombok or visiting the island, these events are a unique opportunity to indulge in the best – food, wine, music and arts – in the region.
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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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Cover Yourself in
LOSMEN
TJABE MERAH
Jl. Saleh Sungkar, Gg. Sawah, Ampenan, Lombok Ph: +62 370 636150 - Fax: +62 370 637635
THE RED PEPPER INN Clean and comfortable. Located in the middle of the”kampung”near the local Kebon Roek traditional market you immediately have a sense of the real Indonesian life. Ampenan is near Mataram and Cakra and only 7 kilometers away from Senggigi.
Room rates (smoking & non smoking) Standard room with fan – Rp 100 000 Standard room with TV & AC – Rp 130 000
OOK NEDERLANDS SPREKEND AMPENAN BEACH JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR KEBON ROEK MARKET
Gang Sawah
TO MATARAM
TO SENGGIGI
LOSMEN TJABE MERAH
www.hotel-lombok.nl
CV. ANANTA GUNA LESTARI OUR SERVICES: Pest Control | Rodent Control Termite Control | Fumigation Employee Recruitment (Out Sourcing) Cleaning Service (On Call) Gardener | Pool Maintenance
Ciokolata New Boutique Collections Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com
www.ciokolata.com
Tours and Travel Service Available! Jl. Alpa Raya Blok IV No. 4 BTN Sandik - Lombok Mobile: 0812 3693 5382 / 0818 0363 6609 Phone (0370) 6657069 / Fax: (0370) 621627 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id w w w. a n a n t a g l . c o m
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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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Local Scene
CHRISTMAS @ ASMARA
Special thanks to Sakinah and her team at Asmara Restaurant who put on a fabulous Christmas Lunch every year for guests and expat “orphans”. Guests enjoyed a delicious turkey lunch, door prizes, carols by the Childrens Gospel Choir, and a visit from Santa!
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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
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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)
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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
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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
FREE BAGUETTE with every kilogram of coffee purchased!
Anna’s
Giftshop
Looking for nice presents or home decorations?
We sell: Salt and Freshwater Pearls, San Marco Jewellery, Lombok Pottery, Hand Painted Modern Wooden Statues and Masks, Unique Lamps, Paintings, Handwoven Ikats, Sarongs and much more!
Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | P: 0817 5730 012 | E: lombok_annasgiftshop@hotmail.com
Special Feature
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BIG THINGS COME FROM SMALL THINGS © 2013. Contributed by Dewi
We first wrote about Dewi in Issue 106, published on 9 January 2012. Dewi was a young 17 year old Lombok girl from Sade village in South Lombok who was selling pineapples and bracelets on the beach in Kuta to pay for her schooling. Thanks to her hard work, and the support of some generous western sponsors, Dewi was able to return to school and passed all her final exams to attend university. Last week she emailed us to ask if she could write a story about her experiences, to inspire other Lombok children to reach for the stars. Here is her story in her words… Everyone should start their goals from nothing to something, like I did. I was working on the beach selling pineapples and bracelets. I spent most of my childhood on the beach, working while I was playing with my friends. We loved swimming when there weren’t any tourists to buy our goods. Selling the pineapples and bracelets was very hard competition, and sometimes we had a little quarrel between my friends, because everyone wanted their things to be sold. That’s why we had to work as hard as we could: to be able to sell the things and, of course, to earn some money. “Berawal dari kesungguhan dan keberanian. Apapun yang kita lakukan dengan setengah hati, hasilnya juga akan setengah-tengah, dan begitu pula sebaliknya, kalau kita bersungguhsungguh melakukan sesuatu dengan penuh rasa ikhlas hasilnya juga akan sebanding dengan apa yang sudah kita kerjakan.” I had to force myself to speak English to offer my things. That meant that I had to keep learning English, and practice it, because that is the only way to offer my pineapples and bracelets. It was very challenging for me but it was worth it. Working on the beach wasn’t the usual thing to do for kids of my age at that time. Lots of my friends were working in the rice fields and some were just staying at
home, studying and playing with their friends. I had been working on the beach for quite a long time – about eight years – and that was how I sent myself to school. I didn’t want my parents to work so hard just for me; if I wanted something then, I had to work hard for it. I remember when I was at primary school I had to stop for a year to save up money for continuing my studies to junior high school. My parents couldn’t afford for it, because at that time my parents had to pay for my brother’s schooling. He was attending high school and I helped him as well. Working at such a young age was fun, although sometimes it was tiring, but I have learned so much from selling on the beach. Being hard-working is good fun actually! We will know how hard our parents work to get some money and, of course, we will be growing up independently. Parents have to work very hard to send their children to school. Unfortunately some children don’t appreciate that sort of thing, that’s why some children didn’t work as hard at school as their parents work, because they don’t know how difficult being hard-working is .
Selling pineapples and bracelets on the beach not only allowed me to earn some money, but also gave me lots of opportunities to improve my skill in English and to meet people from all over the world, with different languages and cultures, and I was inspired by them to see their countries someday. “Saya berjualan di Pantai bukan hanya bertujuan untuk mendapat uang, akan tetapi untuk mendapatkan pengalaman maupun ilmu, secara gratis… Berawal dari berjualan Nanas di Pantai, kini saya bisa kuliah di Malang, dan sekarang saya sudah mau menempuh semester tiga.” I am thrilled that I am able to attend a University, but I deserve it because I work hard for it. It’s now my second year at University in Malang, Java. I never expected that I would be able to study at University, especially outside of Lombok but, as I have experienced, there is nothing impossible as long as we want to make the effort for it, and believe in ourselves that we are able to do it. Continued on Page 40
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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
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BIG THINGS COME FROM SMALL THINGS These countries are very clean. I wish Lombok people will keep their environment clean and fresh. The teachers should teach the young generations to love the environment. It should be applied in every school.
It was quite hard to be away from home for the first time, but to see something new from where I live was part of my dreams. To be honest, the beginning is hard and now I get used to it. When I go home to Lombok, I still work on the beach. I really missed all the things, unlike some girls who stopped working because they don’t want to get brown skin again. For me, the past is the best place to visit, but not a good place to stay! So, I just visit the past, only during my University breaks. “Kita semua sudah sadar, betapa kerasnya perjuangan ke-dua orang tua kita, demi masa depan kita, dan Insya Allah kita tidak akan pernah membuat mereka sedih, apalagi mengecewakan mereka, apalagi di dunia ini tidak ada yang abadi dan penyesalan itu selalu datang belakangan… Good luck untuk kita semua yang mau berusaha, dan jangan pernah menyerah!”
What an unexpected opportunity that I have had… guess what? This year, on my school break, I went to Europe for six weeks! I went to a few countries in Europe, such as Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Italy. It was so great to have been able to visit these countries, as not many Lombok people are able to go there. Finally, I was able to see another country, which was part of my goals. Everything is completely different from Indonesia – especially Lombok! I didn’t find anywhere the same, for example, the food, people, buildings and so on.
It was very interesting to see something so different and to meet new people. Travelling opens our minds and hearts, because there are so many worlds in this world we live in. I got to Europe through a foundation in Kuta, Lombok, which is helped by European sponsorship. But, to be honest, I would be very happy if it was paid by my government. What a shame that I was able to go abroad through the help of others, who aren’t Indonesian. I have learned so much through my trip to Europe; the way they teach, their life styles, and the places that I have visited each have their differences. I did miss home very much when I was away, but everyone should be away from their family sometimes: it gives us a chance to be ourselves and grow independently, to think for ourselves and find out who really we are. That is the best part of growing up and becoming an adult. We always must always look upon the opportunity positively. I really want to inspire Lombok kids, especially those whose parents cannot afford to send them to attend school, (especially university, which is costly), because we cannot expect much from our beloved governments to solve this sort of problems. This is unfair for us, because their children can have a very high education, they can go wherever they want to go for continuing their studies. How lucky they are! And afterwards they will work at a very good position and be well paid; whereas us, we have to work as hard as possible to get to high school. How much more if it’s to University, and how much more to see another country?
Special Feature Continued from Page 38
“Tahun ini, saat liburan sekolah, saya pergi ke Eropa selama enam minggu! Saya ke Eropa melalui yayasan di Kuta, Lombok, yang dibantu oleh sponsorship Eropa. Adalah suatu hal yang besar mampu untuk mengunjungi negara-negara ini, tidak banyak orang Lombok mampu untuk pergi ke sana. Akhirnya, saya bisa melihat negara lain, yang merupakan bagian dari tujuan saya. Suatu perjalanan mampu membuka pikiran dan hati kita, karena ada begitu banyak dunia lain di atas dunia dimana kita hidup ini. Semuanya benar-benar berbeda dari Indonesia - terutama Lombok! Saya tidak menemukan tempat yang sama, misalnya, makanan, orang, bangunan dan sebagainya. Negara-negara ini sangat bersih. Saya berharap orang-orang Lombok akan menjaga lingkungan mereka bersih dan segar. Para guru harus mengajar para generasi muda untuk mencintai lingkungan. Ini harus diterapkan di setiap sekolah.
That’s why, we who come from a normal family, who really want to have a better education and to get a better job in the future, must be hard- working, never give up on something that we really want, and do the extra miles to reach our prospects. I keep working hard to get higher education. Although my parents are farmers, that doesn’t mean that I, as their child, will become a farmer as well. Let’s move on, Lombok kids, for our bright future… because the bright future is ours!
Senggigi
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Local News
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REVITALISATION OF AMPENAN FORESHORE runs along the foreshore, and seating and rubbish bins have been provided.
The long-awaited revitalisation of the foreshore at the old Ampenan Port is underway.
The programme, undertaken by Mataram City, is part of plans to renovate areas in Ampenan which are recognised as having historic significance. The plans include preservation of heritage buildings in the town and the revitalisation of the port. Ampenan was once a thriving merchant town and the harbour was the main port for Lombok until the facilities were moved to Lembar Harbour in the southwest in 1976. The stumps of the old dock still rise from the sea as a sad reminder of the past. Until recently, the area was run-down and neglected… a seedy and dirty area by
Stage for events
The remains of the old dock
day and a popular hangout for local louts drinking tuak at night.
The parking area has been paved and a central stage for performances and events has been built. The original Pondok Ampenan building has been re-painted and is a good example of Dutch architecture. Children’s play equipment is being installed and covered pathways are being created to lead to the different areas on the beachfront.
The harbour and the foreshore will be extensively revamped over the coming months, after plans were approved in March 2012. Work is being carried out in stages to make it more organised and meet targets within the specified time periods, as well as the City’s budget. Some work will be completed this year and finished in 2014, together with the creation of a Futsal field and the building of a plaza. To date, the makeshift stalls used by beach traders have been dismantled and relocated to purpose-built shops, a wide paved path
New shops for traders
Once the construction work is completed, the area will be landscaped and gardens will be planted. It’s nice to see the old port coming back to life!
The
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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 ]
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Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
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Senggigi
Senggigi
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NOW OPEN IN SENGGIGI FRESH AND PREPARED CHICKEN PRODUCTS GOURMET FRESH SAUSAGES ALL 100% CHICKEN, BEEF OR LAMB Freshly prepared and easy to cook! Chicken Kiev, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Shaslicks, Chicken Mignon, Marinated Legs and Wings, and more!
CATERING FOR BBQ'S AND PARTIES | WHOLESALE,HOTEL AND RESTAURANT SUPPLIER, RETAIL - ALL WELCOME! Senggigi Plaza Blok II No 4 | Phone: 0370 619 4154 / HP: 0813 6453 1668
Senggigi
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CAFE ALBERTO 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
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Land & Property
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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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ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists
ME I T T FIRSFERED! OF
EXCELLENT BUILDING BLOCK Directly next door to Villa Tiara, The Hill Sweeping elevated views of Senggigi Bay. Land size 13.92 are / 1392m2.
MONTONG 2 Bedroom, 2 bathroom, entrance suite. Upstairs alfresco area. Views to the mountain. Storage area. Land size 1.2 are and building 120 sqm.
Asking Price : Rp 175 million/are or Rp 2.436 billion
BATU LAYAR LAND ABOVE THE CHANDI 52 are with sweeping elevated views of Senggigi Bay. Road access. Hak milik Certificate. Hak milik no 1687 = land size 4580m2 Hak milik no 1684 = land size 698m2
Rp 110,000,000/are
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.
BATU LAYAR THE HILL
EXCLUSIVE VILLA JL BARUNA SANTI 16, BATU LAYAR
8.2 are with sweeping elevated views of Senggigi Bay
This quality villa was completed in June 2012. Features 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, study, open plan design, spacious lounge/dining and kitchen. Large outdoor entertainment area. 13 × 6m pool, landscaped gardens and fully integrated sound system and CCTV security. A fully secured high perimeter wall.
Asking Price AUS $95,000 Non Nego
Jl LumbaLumba 12, Green Valley 10 minute walk to the beach.
Asking Rp 650,000,000
Asking Price AUS 55,000
New building. Brick and ceramic tile residence with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 AC, 2 hot water systems.
Asking Price USD 75,000
Asking Price USD 250,000
HOUSE FOR RENT GREEN VALLEY 5 minute walk to the beach 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large living area and outdoor entertaining area. Hot water system in kitchen, AC in bedroom. Asking Price AUS $5,500 per year
Phone Angela: 0819 1742 0804 / Dwi: 0877 6525 2709 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.com
We can make your dreams come true
Land & Property
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Land & Property
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MAIN OFFICE: Jl. Bung Karno / Opposite Lombok Garden Hotel Ph: 0370 648863 | Mobile: 082 147 768 880 | Fax: 0370 648865
www.ira-property.com
1: Beachfront Hotel, size 2 hectare, price IDR 9 billion 2: Land for sale in Malimbu, 9000m2, price IDR 2 billion, 5 km from Senggigi, 500 m from the beach 3: Land for sale in Setangi, size 1000m2, price IDR 1 billion, 10 minutes from Sengigi, 100m from the beach 4: Land for sale in Kuta, size 4100m2, price 1.4 billion, View Aan, certificate 5: Land for sale on Hill Batu Layar, size 1000m2, price IDR 600 million, Ocean view 6: Beachfront Land in Sekotong, size 1.1 hectare, price 1.7 Billion, near Lembar, 1 hour from Airport, 1 hour from Senggigi, white sandy beach, certificate. 7: Beachfront land in Selong Belanak, size 4300m2, price IDR 6.4 billion, beach length 50m, 50 minutes from airport. 8: Land for sale on hill Batu Layar, size 2000m2, price 600 Million, Ocean view 9: Luxurious house in Montong, land size 2250m2, price IDR 4 billion, swimming pool, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms.
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
Land & Property
SECLUDED VILLA WITH POOL 2 double A/C bedrooms with French doors opening onto the rear verandah. Open plan lounge / kitchen. Drop down screen cinema. 1,200m2 plot. FREEHOLD USD 249,000
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GILI AIR 1.2H (12,000m2) IDYLLIC BEACH FRONT 130m of white sandy beach frontage! Perfect for residential or hotel development, subdivison or just land bank. Sunset facing. FREEHOLD ONLY IDR 110 million per 100m2 : USD 1,170,000
ISLAND BEACH FRONT PLOT - GILI ASAHAN WHITE SANDY BEACHFRONT IN EKAS 29 are / 2,900m2 with 70m wide frontage. Unforgettable 2,800m2 plot with 50m width white sandy beach. Sloping hillside views of the bay. Clear blue sea, new tar road to the village. to the rear elevated to 20m above sea level. This very rare plot ONLY IDR 12,000,000 per are (100m2) TOTAL USD 29,000 is ONLY IDR 38,000,000 per are. TOTAL ONLY USD 95,000
TOWN HOUSE VILLA WITH POOL 3 A/C bedrooms, all en-suite with H/W showers and bath, plus guest W/C. Open plan living / dining. European kitchen with gas oven. 8x4m shaped pool. Central Senggigi. USD 255,000
UNOBSTRUCTED SEA AND BALI VIEW PLOT With road access. Located in a prestigious area undergoing substantial luxury villa development. Sloping hillside with totally unrestricted views. IDR 120 million per 100m2 - USD 172,000
Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy CafĂŠ) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117
www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com
Pasar Classifieds
56
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
HOUSE FOR SALE 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
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
HOUSE FOR RENT Special for foreigner. 1000sqm with yard. 4 bedroom. Fully furnished, hot water system, AC. Garage for 3 cars. Located in Jl. Ranget, Cakra.
0817 578 9207 / 0370 627 766
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!
Ph: 0819 1701 3714 / 0821 4458 7910 Email: nyoman.mance@yahoo.co.id
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS BOX (9,5cm X 4,9cm) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE email to:
lombokguide@hotmail.com
Pasar Classifieds
57
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
RESORT MANAGER WANTED Sunset Palms Resort, Gili Trawangan is looking for an experienced resort manager. Please send your CV to sunsetpalmsresort@gmail.com
Rp 35 Million / are (Negotiable)
ENGLISH CLASSES The Learning Center at The Berugaq Classes for all ages and levels TLC teachers are supported and coached by native English speakers Discounts for groups of 6 or more registering together Rp 40,000 discount for first 30 registrants
KELAS BAHASA INGGRIS Untuk usia 9 tahun - dewasa
Untuk 30 orang pendaftar pertama dapat discount Rp 40,000 untuk satu bulan 1.5 jam (2 x seminggu) Intro, Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Register now for classes starting 6 January 2014
The Berugaq Coffee House & Gallery, Jl. Adi Sucipto, Griya Ellen Indah, Ampenan | Ph: 0877 6543 6878 Desa Kerandangan Valley 5-10 minutes to Senggigi shops, cafes & restaurants. 5 minutes to the nearest beach. Owner Certificate (Sertifikat Hak Milik) 2500m2 (25 are). Please contact the owner: Nuni/Ted Bain, email: nunibain@optusnet.com.au or esp2000@optusnet.com.au Mobile: +61-403816181 (Sydney-Australia)
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
Wet n Dry
Upholstery Cleaning
L A N D K U TA L O M B O K Beautiful 9 are beach 91 are look all over Kuta (Back of Novotel Hotel) 2 are and 15 are round about Kuta Sekotong 5 hectare feiland in frond Gerupuk beachfront house 2,5 are, 1 are beachfront land
Contact owner 0819 9991 5775 / 0821 4433 9449
www.land-on-lombok-bali.com Fun and friendly homestay in Kuta!
Rooms start from Rp 150,000 for fan / cold water. Aircon & Hot water Rp 250,000 Located in Desa Mong (2km north of Kuta) We can arrange transfers, tours, fishing trips, motorbike rental, etc
Cloth Chairs - Sofas - lounges - Carpets Office Chairs - Spring Beds - Car Seats Telp: (0370) 622 224 / Hp: 0812 3754 350 wetndry@outlook.com
Jl. Raya Mong, Desa Mong, Kuta. Ph: +62 818 369 950 Email: info@mimpimanis.com / www.mimpimanis.com
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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
59
Wild Kopi Luwak
ONE STOP COFFEE SHOP Coffee Shop & Lounge In House Roasting Coffee and Barista Equipment Sell, Rent & Repair Machines Coffee Business Solutions Coffee Catering & Events Roasted Beans or Ground to order Mataram Mall 2, 3rd Floor, near parking deck 4a (back entrance south, new building) Ph: 0818 365 790 www.coffeelombok.com
All about Coffee + Cakes, Desserts and Waffles See our discount voucher on page 43
Domestic Fares | International Tickets & Packages Visa Services | Tours | Direct Agent to Airlines (no middleman!) Express Check-in Services I M M I G RAT I O N S E RV I CE S Fast, Modern & Professional | We speak English!
LOMBOK: Jl. Pejanggik No 198 Cakra (Past the Mall, Opposite “fruit street”) P: 0370 633469, 633888 F: 0370 633453 E: citramulia@indo.net.id
Open Monday - Saturday: 8am – 8pm Sunday: 8am – 7pm
WEST SUMBAWA: Jl. Teluk Balas RT 5 RW 6, Ds Pasir Putih, Maluk, Jereweh P: 0372 635535 HP: 08113943789 E: citramulia_swq@yahoo.com
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Cities Map
The Cities
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The Cities
The Cities
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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
65 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 66
The Southwest
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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.
The Southwest
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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 to inspire artists and photographers, and leaves visitors from around the world speechless at the sublime panoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beach, bay after bay, all along the coast. The beaches of the south draw crowds to bake on the blindingly white sands, swim in the crystal clear oceans and challenge some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia. Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute) is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the hub for exploring the fantastic southern beaches and the many points of interest in the region. Located around 60 km south of Mataram, and about one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi, Kuta makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok. Since the Lombok International Airport opened in late 2011, many of the major roads have been upgraded and the main road to Kuta is very good. The new airport is located only 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta and has made access to the south very easy. The proximity to the airport has already sparked an investment boom in the area and major developments are expected over the coming year. For now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular. The drive down to the south coast is an interesting rural tour of small villages and farming communities. Fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo. Just before arriving in Kuta, the road passes two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan. On the east side of the road is Rambitan, a village that caters to tourists and has authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo,
with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors. Nearby, on the hilltop, is one of the oldest mosques in Lombok, Mesjid Kuno. The small building with a thatched roof is considered holy and many believers make pilgrimages to pray here. Slightly further south is Sade, an hilltop village with more Lumbungs and traditional homes. Both villages have been renovated and cater to the tourist market, but are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries. Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors.
Nearby Mandalika Beach is named after the legendary Princess Mandalika, a beloved character in Sasak folklore. It is near here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms spawn in the waters offshore.
Ashtari, around 2km west of Kuta, stands out from the usual Kuta cafés and is a “must stop” for those touring in the area. Kuta itself is a small town with hotels, Perched on top of the hill with spectacular home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that views over Kuta and the surrounding cater mainly to the thousands of surfers beaches, Ashtari serves exquisite teas and from around the world who are drawn to juices, and delicious vegetarian meals the area every year to surf the left- and and organic gourmet snacks that are truly right-hand breaks out in the bay. out of the ordinary. Open every day from There is a good variety of accommodation, 6.30am until 8pm for breakfast, lunch, restaurants and facilities for travellers and dinner and all day dining. Get there in time – with investment taking off –more options for sunset drinks! are opening all the time. Kuta attracts thousands of visitors At present, Kuta boasts just one luxury every year for the great surf locations at resort: the Novotel Gerupuk, Tanjung A’an, Ekas, and the Lombok. The beaches to the west. It’s easy to hire a Novotel has a range board and a surf guide from here to learn of accommodation, surfing or, for experienced surfers, to from comfortable access the more challenging surf breaks in hotel rooms to the area. Hire a car or motorbike and you spacious suites and can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly luxurious villas, deserted beaches, both to the east and west some with private of Kuta. swimming pools. Around 4 km east of Kuta is Tanjung A’an, Designed to with perfect white sand beaches and good blend in with the waves for surfers. Slightly further east is environment, and Gerupuk, well known as a top surf location with a stunning and situated on a peninsula of land that juts beachfront location, out into the ocean, with stunning views of the Novotel is a the sea, and the surrounding islands and wonderful example bays. There is a good surf school here and of traditional Sasak no fewer than five surf breaks. architecture. Continued on Page 71
Kuta and The South Coast
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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! 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. These two exclusive properties 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
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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 Belanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. Sempiak Villas has plush villas perched on the hillside with breath-taking panoramic views.
Bumbangku
Laut Biru Café at Sempiak Villas is a popular place for a stop – or justifies a day trip in itself – and serves fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant overlooking the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip. Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
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
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Kuta and The South Coast
www.thelombokguide.com
South Lombok Map 73
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Distribution
4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED
EVERY TWO WEEKS AT THESE LOCATIONS:
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0370 659 4005
kitadesign@hotmail.com www.thelombokguide.com
DEADLINE NEXT EDITION 12 NOON 10 JANUARY
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, CV Ananta Guna Lestari, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Falcon Developments, Ira Property, LG Electronics, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Joli Sourire Dental Care, K2 Hotel, KFC, Lombok Coffee House, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), NTB Museum, Sinta Pest Control, Toko Susana. GILI GEDE: Secret Island Resort. KUTA: Bombora Bungalows, Bumbangku Cottages, Discovery Coffee House, Kuta Bay Homestay, Kuta Heights, Kuta Indah Hotel, Mimpi Manis Homestay, Novotel, Puri Rinjani, Sekar Kunning/Yellow Flower, The Chili Cafe, Warung Bule. SENGGIGI: Alfa Mart, Anna’s Giftshop, Asmara Restaurant, Bean Bags, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Chicken Stop, Ciokolata, De Quake, Deli Senggigi, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Graha Beach Senggigi Hotel, Holiday Resort, Living Asia, Lombok Property & Villas, Lotus Bayview Restaurant, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Pondok Anggrek Putih, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Santosa Villas & Resort, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Stars Cafe, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, Warung Botol, Windy Beach Resort, Ye Jeon Restaurant. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Blue Water Cruises, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili T Resort, Gili Getaway, ko-ko-mo Resort, Oceano Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Kayu Cafe, Manta Dive, Ombak Sunset, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Mahamaya, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, FOKUS Unram, Iwan Haryanto, www.balidiscovery.com. Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali Copyright © 2013/2014. 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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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
Tourism Information
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The Gili Islands Unique tropical escapes!
Three perfect coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laidback charm.
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.
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.
There is a good selection of accommodations, restaurants and bars on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan.
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.
The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers. The Gilis are Lombok’s most popular islands and are consistently rated as top SEA island destinations by travellers and travel publications.
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.
Although previously popular mainly
Activities include walking, riding bikes,
Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches, with plenty of colourful fish to see. At greater depths and at specific dive locations around the three islands, the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals, aquatic life and thousands of species of tropical fish. Continued on Page 79
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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 Continued from Page 77
79 Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range; and water temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F). Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm.
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.
Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness, exist on all three islands. Each Gili has developed independently and at different paces, giving each a different “personality” or style, and catering to different types of holidaymakers and travellers.
popular with couples and families. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, perfect for really getting away from it all. Choose the island that suits you most, or it’s easy to combine an island-hopping holiday to sample the best of all three!
This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer. Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laid-back style and is
Gili Trawangan’s only Indian Restaurant Sheesha Lounge & Beach Resort
Luxury Suites, Villa Rooms, Deluxe Bungalows & Rooms with AC or Fan, situated in private gardens. Private terraces with Hammocks, hot water, western bathrooms, TV & DVD, AC, Safety box, 24hr security and shady tropical gardens. Bali, Lombok & Gilis Transfers Available
Phone / Fax: +62 370 6123 521 | Mobile: +62 818 0549 4876 | Email: pesonaresort@hotmail.com
www.pesonaresort.com
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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 provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan, and Lombok mainland. BWE operates two boats, with 30 and 50 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
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 Marina Srikandi operates direct fast boat services several times a day between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and the Gilis, as well as a direct service to Senggigi. Hotel transfers to main tourism areas in Bali are available. Ph: +62 370 693 383, Bali Ph: +62 361 729 818. www.marinasrikandi.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. By Helicopter: Air Bali offers a regular helicopter transfer service between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Private charters are also possible (subject to availability). Ph: + 62 361 767466 or 766 582. www.airbali. com HOTEL TRANSFERS: Many of the larger hotels on the islands now provide speedboat transfers for guests, as well as pick up services from the airport – enquire when you make your booking. FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Senggigi. Most of the dive companies and many businesses on the Gilis have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands every day from Teluk Nara. Blue Water Express, Marina Srikandi and Gili Getaway also operate fast boat services between Lombok and Bali from this harbour. It is possible to negotiate private boat trips (including speed boat transfers) 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, kokomo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by speedboat to the Gilis. FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or bemo to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi. 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. 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. 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! A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel. Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.
The Gili Islands
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Gili Trawangan
Tourism Information
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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 families from all over the world.
alternatives to the central area.
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 your bike through sandy sections on the west side).
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.
Previously tagged “the party island” by the Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately This is the only Gili to rise significantly known) has moved on and up. above sea level and the hill in the south is a great lookout from which to enjoy Gone are the days when backpackers the spectacular sunsets across the ocean flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on mainland Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek Lombok. sophisticated side that becomes more evident every year. On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun That’s not to say that the original charms emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but that attracted tourists in the beginning are the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island up. style are still there in buckets. The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast But the island has cast off its grungy in the area called “Sentral”, where origins and now combines the best of a the boats dock. The tracks inland are tropical island paradise with a touch of through coconut groves and pockets of chic and all the mod cons of a top holiday development. destination. Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java and Bali, together with singles, couples
Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful
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. Continued on Page 87
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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. Dine at The Terminal Beachfront bar and restaurant with fantastic views, serving delicious snacks and meals all day Pamper yourself at Marshander Spa & Salon at Gili T Resort Body Therapies and Massages, Hair and Beauty Treatments, Foot Massages Overlooking the Beach
The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 6138513
gilitresort@hotmail.com | www.gilitresort.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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Gili Trawangan
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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
87 There is a good surf break on the south coast with a fast right-hander that really pumps in the right conditions. Local surfers will happily lead the way and rent you a board.
Continued from Page 83 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 Gili T Resort (near Sentral), 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 basic 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
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. 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.
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 or 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 south-eastern coast, with beautiful
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 Meno Dream Resort, both in the south. Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll inland from the best beaches on the east coast (down the lane next to Blue Marlin Dive), has comfortable and modern air conditioned rooms with western bathrooms. Continued on Page 91
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Gili Meno
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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.
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 Further inland, Meno Dream Resort is a special underwater experience of all and a newly-opened and peaceful holiday option, major reason for visiting Gili Meno. just 3 minutes walk from the west coast There is also good snorkelling off the west and excellent snorkelling offshore from the coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. old Bounty Resort. Swim out to where the old pontoon has Meno Dream has six comfortable sunk and become a home for many fish. bungalows set in a pretty garden and Inland from the beaches, the island is quite includes a large two storey family dry with small homes scattered through the bungalow… perfect for mum, dad and coconut groves. the kids, or two couples sharing. All In the middle, toward the west coast, is bungalows can be configured for couples a salt lake from which the local people or groups, depending on your needs. still harvest salt on a small scale. It can be For diving enthusiasts, Blue Marlin Dive quite full in rainy season but dries up in on the east coast, and Divine Divers on the the summer. northwest coast, are the diving specialists for Gili Meno and offer diving courses and Also inland, on the main track from the east coast, Gili Meno Bird Park has dives around all three of the Gilis. some tropical birds and a few interesting There is good snorkelling along the animals. There is accommodation here northwest coast, near Mahamaya and and a great display of Beatles memorabilia Divine Divers, and it is often possible to 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 lowkey 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.
Unlike the public boats from Bangsal to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, public boats to Gili Meno do not run as frequently, but transfers are available daily at 10am, 2pm, and 5pm. Return boats from Gili Meno to Bangsal operate at 8am and 3pm (with the exception of Friday, when there is no afternoon boat from Meno to Bangsal). Apart from public boat transfers, you can charter a boat for around Rp 250,000 (one way). Share the cost with other travellers if possible.
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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.
Tourism Information
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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
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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
Tourism Information
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Gili Trawangan