The
Issue 168 | 26 May – 9 June 2014
FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0812 3734 4894 | www.thelombokguide.com
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
RESTORING SENGGIGI REEF
LUXURY FEEL RESORT FOR YOUNGER SOUTH LOMBOK SUMMIT
LOMBOK CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Page 10 & 32
Page 36
Page 42
IN THIS ISSUE Page 2
Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities
Page 4/8
Lombok Map
Page 6
Special Feature Page 10 & 32 Senggigi
Page 12
Senggigi Map
Page 14
What’s Hot / Local News
Page 18
Distribution
Page 34
Local News
Page 36 & 40
Local Scene
Page 42
Land & Property
Page 47-55
Classifieds
Page 56-58
Discount Vouchers
Page 56
Page 40
The Beach Club
Beach Bungalows Page 15
LOMBOK IS SO FINE! The months of July and August are “high season” in Lombok, but May and June are perfect times to visit. The monsoon rains are over, the weather is fine and resembles spring in the west, the crowds haven’t yet arrived and visitors get the best rates on accommodation. Warm days of sunshine, magnificent sunsets and cool breezes in the evening… come on over to Lombok, it really is so fine!
The Cities
Page 60-63
Cities Map
Page 62
The Southwest
Page 64-67
Kuta & The South Coast
Page 68-75
South Lombok Map
Page 74
The Gilis
Page 76-96
Getting to Gilis
Page 76
Gilis Fast Facts Page 87 Gilis Map
Page 95
To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 34 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself… Like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!
The Beach Club Gili Air
Useful Contacts Page 59
...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 are usually timed to connect with European flights. and fares start from around Rp 350,000 (approx. US $35) one way. Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar and is an important connection for travel or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok. to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of Sumbawa, Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, Komodo and Flores. commonly abbrev iated to BIL, and using the IATA code “LOP”) is Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali, the only airport on Lombok. Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0804 1 The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 40km south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta. Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Airport departure tax is Rp 30,000 for domestic departures (Rp Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id 40,000 from Bali) and Rp 100,000 for international departures. Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima daily. BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id In Lombok, all flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Domestic Airport.
Batavia Air has flights from Lombok to Surabaya and Jakarta (via Surabaya) every day. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 648998. www.batavia-air.co.id
Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day. Call Centre: 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370-642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com
Wings Air (Lion Air) has daily flights from Lombok to Bali and 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 Lion Air ticket and find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Call Centre: +62 80 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. www.lionair.co.id Trans Nusa Air operates flights between Bali and Lombok daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali, ph: +62 361 8477395. www.transnusa.co.id INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS Air Bali operates regular helicopter transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan, with the possibility of on-services to mainland Lombok, as well as private charters. Ph: + 62 361 767466 or 766 582. www.airbali.com BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok.
Lombok International Airport (IATA: LOP) has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities, with fast and efficient visa processing. Ph: +62 370 Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer 622987. service. Jetstar Airways (a subsidiary of Qantas) operate direct flights Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between between Perth (West Australia) and Lombok four times per week Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday). www.jetstar.com crossing between the islands costs Rp 40,000 per person and Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 Lombok and Singapore, five times per week (Monday, Tuesday, 209. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Lombok, ph: +62 370 628254 / FAST BOATS 628255. www.silkair.com Air Asia operates direct flights every day between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. www.airasia.com
There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok.
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
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.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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
European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar.
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.
Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available every day and
See the “Getting to the Gilis” section on page 76 for details.
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Hot Taste, Cool Venue
CELLAR PARTY – Friday, 6 June @ 7 - 10.30pm 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.
Surfing at Senggigi Bay by SId Blade 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.
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).
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.
Pelawangan Sembalun at Mt Rinjani by Iwan Haryanto
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.
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.
a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods. Pura Narmada (or Narmada Temple), around 10 km east of Cakranegara in Narmada, was created circa 1805 as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and Segara Anak, the lake within Rinjani’s crater. The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake.
There are a number of interesting temples around the west coast, many of which are Hindu or ancient animist sites of worship.
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!
Pura Lingsar is possibly the only place in the world where Hindus and Moslems come together to pray and celebrate. Built around 1714, Pura Lingsar was originally based on the prevailing animist beliefs of the time, and some of the original animist statues remain today. Perang Topat, is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features
Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay with distinctive “Lombok primitive”
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
HANDICRAFT VILLAGES
Sukarara is 5 km to the west of Praya, heading south towards Kuta. This is a weaving village where quality ikat and traditional cloth is displayed and sold. Weavers work outside many of the shops, using antiquated “back strap looms” to painstakingly produce works of art. Some of the larger pieces can take several months to weave, and collectors from around the world visit this village to purchase the blankets, sarongs and cloth produced here. Banyumulek, easily reached on the road south to Lembar Harbour, is an important centre for pottery on Lombok. The small village is packed with shops selling pottery produced in the area, as well as from the other main pottery-making villages such as Penujak and Masbagik. Lombok pottery, with its distinctive terracotta styles, has become famous internationally and is exported throughout the world.
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Special Feature
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INDONESIAN ARTIST INSPIRES PROJECT TO RESTORE SENGGIGI REEF
A dead coral reef off Senggigi Beach in Lombok will be given new life on 23 May by Indonesia’s acclaimed artist, Teguh Ostenrik, who will “electrify” his metal sculptures with a revolutionary scientific process that turns dissolved minerals in seawater into Biorock, or “seament.”
swimmers and marine life.”
The ART-ificial Reef Park project is hailed as not just eco-friendly, but also something that will support Lombok’s fastgrowing tourism industry. As the General Manager of the Santosa Resort in Senggigi and Co-chairman of the Lombok Hotel Association, Stephane Servin knows what the death of a reef means.
The project is a collaborative effort by the Lombok Hotel Association (LHA) and Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), with support from the Gili Eco Trust. The project will incorporate on-going art installations and is being described as “an underwater art gallery” that will eventually extend the length of Senggigi Beach, Lombok’s premier tourism destination. Teguh Osternik, who inspired the idea, calls it an “Art-i-fish-al” reef park, with sculptures and other structures placed on the gently sloping ocean floor for viewing art while snorkeling and diving amongst marine life. Teguh, one of the few Indonesian artists to exhibit widely in galleries from the Netherlands to Japan, made his first visit to Lombok in 1984 after living for 10 years in Germany. At that time, Senggigi Beach was famous as a habitat for shrimp and squid. Its disappearance, he said, later contributed to his use of scrap metal as an expression of his belief in recycling. “I dived on that reef for years for its abundance of shrimp and squid and lobster,” Teguh said. “Then I hadn’t been there for a few years while in Europe and when I came back, the reef was sadly a lifeless desert. This project allows me to
Teguh works on his sculpture for the reef
A thriving reef frame
have a part in revitalizing the lost coral and to do it through my art.” Using scrap steel salvaged from various sources around Lombok, Teguh has created two metre high sculptures that will be anchored to the reef rubble. These will then be connected to a lowvoltage electrical current generated from a floating solar panel, using Biorock technology to encourage coral growth. “This will cause minerals in the water to form and adhere to the sculpture,” said Delphine Robbe, reef restoration specialist at the Gili Eco Trust and consultant for the project. “Live coral fragments are then transplanted from other reefs and, because the Biorock is so similar to natural coral reef material, a new garden grows, often at two to six times the rate of a natural reef.” “The electrical current is what attracts the marine life. All those artificial reefs using everything from airplanes to ships to old railroad cars have proven to be a disappointment, rusting away and polluting the sea,” she added. “Sculptures were used in Mexico’s massive Mesoamerican Reef some years ago as an example, but all they seemed to attract were sponges and algae. The electrification is the key. And it is completely safe for
“We can’t pick up and move our hotels when the reef dies,” he said. “So obviously it’s plain common sense to do whatever’s possible to preserve and protect the natural features that brought visitors here to begin with. And if possible, repair and recreate them using Biorock science. At the same time we bring back the livelihoods for so many who relied on a healthy reef.”
Delphine adds: “Indonesia has the world’s highest coral reef biodiversity and only six percent is still in a pristine state. The reasons for the loss are many, from fishing with dynamite to global warming. So it’s a matter of corporate responsibility to do something about that when provided with the opportunity. When a natural forest or ocean or river provides for you and then is threatened, you’d better do everything you can to give back!” In preparation for the launch of the project on 23 and 24 May, Teguh has been busy working on the metal sculptures that will form the heart of the new reef system. Continued on Page 32
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
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Live Music! Great Food! Good Times!
Senggigi
Live Music Every Friday ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the garden
Jl Raya (Main Street) Senggigi Ph: 0370 693619 E: restaurant@asmara-group.com
www.asmara-group.com
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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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 Anyone who has attended the Lombok International Dance Festival in previous years knows that this is a fantastic full weekend of worldclass entertainment. Now in its 9th year, the festival this year promises to be the best yet! Held at the Bima Ballroom at Santosa Villas & Resort in Senggigi, the festival will feature international and national dance champions performing in a diverse range of dance styles. Last year’s event hosted more than two hundred competitors from all around the world. On Saturday, 21 June the WDO will present their World Championships in Artistic and Freestyle Dance. For the first time ever, this will include different disciplines including the exciting performance of Freestyle Dangdut and Solo Artistic Dance in Latin and Ballroom. Then, on Sunday, 22 June guests can enjoy a full day of Latin and Ballroom performances at the IDA Open Latin & Ballroom Championships, where top dancers will compete for the finals from 10am until 5pm. Later that evening, the Gala Event provides a spectacular night of entertainment with the best of the best competing for the championship titles. The Gala Event on Sunday, 22 June starts at 6pm in the ballroom and includes tickets to the show with either
Zealand lamb chops, Australian steaks, sausages, ham, frozen fish and prawns, smoked salmon, bacon and other pork products, local beef and chicken, as well as tortillas and taco shells, frozen fruits, pastry and more. reserved seating at tables or in the rows, plus dinner. Table seating is limited, so make sure you reserve your place fast! Contact Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa for more information and ticketing, ph: (0370) 693 831 or email: info@purimas-lombok. com Lombok residents know one of the best places for imported meats and groceries is Toko Susana in Cakra. Now, after many months of building, they have finally moved into their shiny new premises (next door to the original shop). The new shop is bright, clean and well laidout with racks of tinned and packaged goods (tinned fruits and vegetables, bottled sauces, salad dressings, mayonnaise, cereals, pastas, flours, etc). In the freezer section you will find New
The refrigerators are also well-stocked with dairy products such as milk, cream, yoghurts, sour cream, and many varieties of imported cheeses. Toko Susana is located at Jalan Rajawali I No.8, Cakranegara. Ph: (0370) 631680 Our favourite day of the month is coming up… get ready for the next Cellar Party at Square Restaurant on Friday, 6 June! Held on the first Friday of every month, the Square Cellar Party features three and a half hours of freeflow imported red and white wines, together with a delicious buffet meal, including sushi, tapas, pasta, roast meats, salads and desserts, at one of Senggigi’s best dining venues. The Cellar Party starts at 7pm and is great value at just Rp 400,000 per person (inclusive) for a night of wining and dining, or Rp 150 000 for the buffet only. www.squarelombok.com
ANOTHER HOTEL TO BUILD IN BATU LAYAR of weeks – heralding another beachfront development is about to commence.
The project is being developed by PT Visi Mitra Perkasa, a property investment and developer based in Depok, West Java. There’s so much new development going on in and around Senggigi that it’s hard to keep up with it all!
Development has been delayed, however, by protests from local fisherman who have used the land since 2005.
Local residents would have noticed the long iron fences that have gone up on the main road in Batu Layar, just north of the Bintang Senggigi Hotel, in the past couple
The fishermen park their perahu (local fishing boats) on the beachfront and had previously built a boat shed on the land to house their motors and fishing equipment.
Tensions between the developer and the fishermen came to a head recently when locals pulled down the fence surrounding the property. Seven of the citizens, all from Batu Layar, were arrested and face up to five years imprisonment as a result of the vandalism. The company plans to build a beachfront hotel and resort on the land, which will include restaurants, lounge and a convention centre.
Senggigi
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Qamboja Day Spa
Introducing our “Couples Spa Experience” [ 3 hours of pampering for couples with a luxurious series of special body treatments, based on ancient Lombok wedding traditions ]
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
Senggigi
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BLUE MARLIN DIVE Senggigi Lombok’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre
...DIve the difference PADI Dive Courses
Daily Dive & Snorkel Trips - Gili Trawangan Transfers - Hotel Dive and Stay Packages Blue Marlin based from Senggigi has taken the unique dive centre position; We do not combine our Senggigi based guests with our Gili dive centres – providing a more personalised service for you We are able to offer you the most time efficient daily return trips All of our dive guides are experienced PADI DiveMasters and Instructors Blue Marlin has a dedicated Snorkel guide to accompany you during your tours We ensure small groups for your comfort safety and enjoyment Daily transfers direct from your hotel in the Senggigi area Excellent facilities and restaurant to enjoy your break on Gili T We feel these factors and more make a huge difference to your day tour. Join us and ... dive the difference!!!
Please email and quote “Lionfish” for special discount offers
Main Office: Holiday Resort – Mangsit – Senggigi – Lombok T: +62 (0) 370 693 719 E: senggigi@bluemarlindive.com W: www.bluemarlindive.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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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!
NEW VARIETIES NOW IN STOCK! Roasted Garlic and Feta - Sundried Tomato - Spicy Thai - Mango and Jalapeno - Apple and Sage
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
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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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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
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FOOD • COCKTAILS • SUNSETS • SHISHA
Serving fresh seafood, imported meats, gourmet pizzas, exotic juices, icy beers & colourful cocktails Open 6 days a week from 11am - 12am Behind Transit Hotel, Jl Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong, Senggigi For booking please call 0819 0710 4040 www.lachillbar.com
La-Chill-Bar
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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 and Enjoy…….Cheers! Open 7am to 11pm Child policy - Minimum guest age 12yrs
Puri Mas Luxury Spa Ultimate Spa Treatments with Babor: Babor Facials for all Skin Types Delicious Babor Body Treatments Full and Half Day Spa Pretty Feet and Hand Pampering by Alessandro
We use only the famous international Babor Brand of Body and Facial Products
The only dedicated Spa in Lombok recommended by Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Spa 2014
JUST 5 MINS FROM SENGGIGI - FREE TRANSFER SERVICE RESERVATIONS CALL: 0370 693 831 / Email: info@purimas-lombok.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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Special Feature
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INDONESIAN ARTIST INSPIRES PROJECT TO RESTORE SENGGIGI REEF Continued from Page 10
The first of his art pieces will be positioned off the beach from De Quake Restaurant in front of the Art Markets, located approximately midway along Senggigi Beach.
“The reaction we’re creating is actually the normal, natural reaction of the sun, the coral and all the minerals in the sea water,” Delphine said, adding that the system worked by simply “speeding up” that process.
In order for the project to grow as it should and maintain a desired aesthetic as any other quality gallery, Teguh is looking for a qualified curator to help decide which pieces complement the park, from both local and international artists.
The corals heal from damage at least 20 times faster, have 16 - 50 times higher survival rate, and show rates of new coral recruitment hundreds to thousands of times higher than in previous studies.
The project has been supported by the Lombok Hotel Association and by other sponsors, including mining companies to donate the steel to be used in the sculptures, along with hospitality groups to help pay for the art. Stephane Servin encourages interested individuals or commercial enterprises that can contribute to the project to contact the Lombok Hotel Association.
Not only do the Biorock structures regenerate reef systems quickly, they provide safe habitats for marine life and foster juvenile fish populations at an extraordinarily fast rate.
Growing Biorock
but are broken in just a second with one thoughtless touch or kick of careless feet. Dynamite fishing, careless boat mooring, diving and snorkelling, rising sea temperatures and climate changes have all taken their toll on Indonesia’s coral reefs. What is left behind is an underwater desert with sandy expanses of broken, bleached and dying corals and dwindling populations of marine life as their natural habitats are destroyed.
“Naturally, we are completely devoted to giving something back and grateful to those interested in this worthy initiative,” he said. Biorock reef restoration projects exist throughout the world, from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, from Panama to Papua New Guinea to Thailand and Indonesia.
Biorock is the only method that increases coral growth rate and resistance to environmental stress, so Biorock reef corals bleach less, recover faster, and have higher survival rates from heat stroke caused by global warming and rising sea temperatures.
The method being used to restore reefs in the Gilis involves welded steel frames submerged at varying depths in the ocean, through which a low electrical current is run, generating mineral growth on the frames. These solid surfaces then become the framework, or artificial reef, on which corals can anchor and grow. Corals that have been broken off or are found dying on the sea bed are rescued and wired onto the frame.
They also provide effective breakwaters to reduce beach erosion from waves and unusual tides, buffering the shore from the ocean’s actions. Since its foundation in 2000, the Gili Eco Trust has established more than 100 Biorock structures around the three Gilis. Now the same technology is being used to restore the reef in Senggigi and – hopefully – establish more sites on the west coast in the future.
Two of the largest projects are in Indonesia, with one at Pemuteran created by Karang Lestari and the other on the Gili Islands created by the Gili Eco Trust. Coral reefs, although they can look very sturdy, are actually very fragile. The beautiful corals with fantastic and intricate shapes can take many years to grow
Usually within 24 hours after the scuttling and fixture of the frames on the sea bottom, the first fish arrive and start to populate the reef.
For more information about the Gili Eco Trust and Biorock projects, visit: www.giliecotrust.com
Corals and fish on a Biorock structure
To support the Lombok Hotel Association and ongoing projects, please email: gmpurimas@gmail.com
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Thai N ight s
@NooQ Our chefs have returned from Chiang Mai’s top cooking school and present authentic Thai dining for your enjoyment
Different Menu Choices Daily [ 7-10pm; Bookings Essential ]
[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ]
Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
Distribution
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4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED
EVERY TWO WEEKS AT THESE LOCATIONS:
GARUDA INDONESIA AIRLINES: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. BLUE BIRD TAXI: In every Blue Bird Taxi unit in Lombok.
Scan here to receive our online issues!
0812 3734 4894 kitadesign@hotmail.com www.thelombokguide.com
DEADLINE NEXT EDITION 12 NOON 30 MAY
AIRPORT: Hotel counters outside International Lombok 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, De Banjar 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, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, Indo-Ned, Junction Bar & Rest, Khaima Rest & Bar, Made’s Warung Kuta & Seminyak, Maya Coffee & Smothie Bar, Meno Mojo, Ocha Warung, Pacific World, Pacto Tour, Piduh Rest, Poppies Bar & Rest, 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 Made Bar & Rest, Warung Pregina, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar. MATARAM: Bean Bags, CV Ananta Guna Lestari, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Falcon Developments, Ira Property, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mario’s Supermarket, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Joli Sourire Dental Care, 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, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Chicken Stop, Ciokolata, De Quake, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Graha Beach Senggigi Hotel, Holiday Resort, Home Cinema Lombok, Jeeva Klui, La Chill Bar, Laroz Cafe & Lounge, Living Asia, Lombok Property & Villas, Lotus Bayview Restaurant, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Puri Bunga Cottages, Qunci Villas, Santosa Villas & Resort, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, Ye Jeon Restaurant. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Desa Dunia Beda, Exqisit Spa, Gili T Resort, Gili Getaway, Kayu Cafe, 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, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: 7Seas Bungalows, Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Kathleen, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, FOKUS Unram, Iwan Haryanto, Nanang Wirawan, www.balidiscovery.com. Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali Copyright © 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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Local News
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ANOTHER LUXURY RESORT PLANNED FOR SOUTH LOMBOK
TTG Asia.com reports that luxury resort developer, FPD Asia, has unveiled plans to develop its next resort property “One Eleven Lombok” on 50ha of beachfront land at Ekas Bay in South Lombok. The FPD Group is a multinational corporation which operates in 40 countries and employs over 3,200 people throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
FDP is active in a range of sectors which include Hotels & Hospitality, Real Estate & Development, Media & Entertainment, Production & Manufacturing, and also Financial Services. Their Asia branch is headquartered in Singapore. The group already operates the luxurious One Eleven Resort in Seminyak, Bali.
launched at the end of the first phase, which is expected to take 18 months to complete.
The second phase will consist of the construction of a further 40 villas. These spacious villas will offer a choice of 1 to 5 bedrooms, each with their own private swimming pool, generous space and privacy befitting of the luxury of the One Eleven brand. According to the company’s website, the Ekas Bay property will be developed in three phases. The first consists of the construction of 21 villas, main resort facilities, a retreat offering yoga and spa treatments, and several restaurants introducing farm-to-table produce from the resort’s own farm. “One Eleven Lombok” will be officially
BOGANS ON BOARD! Bali airport has been affected by a string of incidents involving travellers behaving badly on international flights. On 25 April 2014, 28-year-old Australian passenger Matt Christopher Lockley caused a security scare when he tried to gain access to the cockpit on a Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Bali. Mr Lockley was restrained aboard the aircraft after repeatedly banging on the cockpit door. A Virgin Australia spokesman in Bali said Mr Lockley was drunk, and others described him as aggressive and “paranoid”. But he denied being drunk, telling police he had taken only Panadol, Voltaren and Coca Cola before the flight. The Queensland plumber says he was only looking for the toilet after waking from a sleep in a confused state. His banging caused the pilots to trigger an alert that put the airforce and police on stand-by for the landing at Denpasar, where they were expecting a hijacker. Virgin Australia released a statement saying international protocols require the
crew to send an “unlawful interference code” when someone tries to enter the cockpit unlawfully. It is entered to notify Air Traffic Control of the perceived threat, Virgin says. “This is used by all airlines internationally to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft,” the statement said. “The captain and crew ensured the highest level of safety was maintained on flight VA41 and followed standard operating procedures.” Commander of Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, Airforce Colonel Sugiharto Prapto, said the airport received information of a “hijacking” at 2pm local time.
For 30 minutes, he said authorities were unable to communicate with the plane, but after making visual contact they boarded and found Mr Lockley already detained at the rear.
Phase three will develop the remaining land and is expected to be utilized for additional villas, recreation and possibly retail spaces and restaurants. The project is currently in its initial phase and, according to TTG Asia, FPD has appointed renowned Indonesia-based architect and designers Andra Martin and d-associates led by Geogorious Supie, for the project. make an emergency diversion to land in Bali. The Sydney to Singapore Scoot flight was diverted to Bali on 14 May when a domestic altercation broke out between two passengers. Metrobali.com, quoting the head of the communications and legal department at Ngurah Rai Airport, Shively Sanssouci, confirmed the unscheduled emergency landing took place at 4:46pm, with the plane departing again for Singapore at 7:32pm. According to The Australian newspaper, the midair fight occurred between a husband and wife and left the woman with a suspected broken arm. The man was also injured in the altercation. A third passenger, who was drunk, was thrown off the plane after becoming abusive following the captain’s decision to divert the flight to Bali so that the woman could be given medical attention.
After assisting police inquiries for about six hours, he was released without charge.
“The captain offloaded the man because he was deemed to be a threat to the safety of the aircraft and passengers,” Scoot said in a statement.
Less than a month later, Bali experienced another in-flight scare when a Scoot Air flight bound for Singapore was forced to
The airline would not give any further information about the passengers involved, including their nationalities.
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HOME CINEMA LOMBOK We invite you to EXPERIENCE the EXCITEMENT of a real professional quality CINEMA in your HOME, VILLA OR HOTEL! Specialising in genuine BOSE equipment
THE ONLY ONE IN LOMBOK! Personalised multimedia solutions for existing homes and businesses, and customised planning for your cinema during building. Over 18 years of European experience in home theatre installation – speakers, projectors, screens, televisions and more – supply and installation. Phone: 0877 6522 2697 for a free consultation E: homecinemalombok@yahoo.com | W: www.homecinemalombok.com
[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ]
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Qunci Villas Lombok, one of Indonesia’s most stylish properties, is looking for new staff to complete our outstanding team. Cooks Chef De Partie Pastry Chefs Stewards We are offering an outstanding work environment and conditions. If you think you are the right candidate, please send your complete resume to admin@quncivillas.com or to Qunci Villas, Jl Raya Mangsit, Senggigi – Lombok.
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MARSHANDER SPA & SALON PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY & HEALTH CARE
Hair and Beauty – Trained Hair Stylist Facials and Skin Care – Body Shop and Biokos Products Waxing and Nails Massage Reflexology and Body Treatments Spa Packages
OPEN DAILY 10am to 9pm
Great Prices and Trained Therapists... Come in and try our full range of services for beauty, health and relaxation!
Senggigi Square Blok A/05 (next to Cafe Lombi), Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0878 6228 0693
• Imported Meats, incl Harvey Beef • Home-baked Breads, Cakes & Pastries • Dairy – Yoghurt, Cheeses, Butter, Cream • Wide Range of Imported Products • Open Every Day for your Convenience!
Ask us about our Catering Services, Wedding & Birthday Cakes! Jl Palm Raja No 5, BTN Green Valley, Senggigi. Phone: 0370 693251
Local News
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TAKE THE CHALLENGE AND FEEL YOUNGER!
It’s a very rare occurrence when four people, all in their 50’s and all from the Food & Beverage industry in Bali decide to take action and pick up the fitness gauntlet.
Healthy diets, juice fasts and regular exercise were all part of the programme.
Even Nigel, who had to fly to Australia for scheduled knee surgery midway, managed to maintain his programme and stick with the challenge.
But that’s exactly what happened when four heavyweights of the hospitality industry embarked on “The Publican’s Challenge”, which commenced on 17 March 2014. Well known Bali and Lombok entrepreneur Nigel Ames (of Scallywags fame), was joined in the challenge by Katrina Valkenburg of Winehouse Bali, Fred Gerritsen from Red Carpet Champagne Bar, and Nicola Scaramuzzino of Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique – one of Bali’s most honoured restaurants. So it was that these four – whose livelihoods centre on wining and dining (which, no doubt, contributed to their body shapes by the time they reached fifty!) – accepted the challenge to trim down and shape up in public. Their fitness was assessed by 3V Fitness Bali, who then designed individual training and nutritional programmes to whip them into shape over the next 12 weeks.
Now completing the eighth week of the challenge, all four participants are still firmly committed and have lost a fantastic amount of weight, trimming dozens of centimetres off their frames, as well as improving their fitness levels. Katrina, Nigel, Fred and Nicola will be honoured – and the winner of The Publican’s Challenge will be announced – at the “Feel Younger Summit” to be held at the stunning Pan Pacific Nirwana Resort in Bali on 27 June 2014. The “Feel Younger Summit” is a special one-day event featuring presentations by international guest speakers from the health, wellness, anti-aging and fitness arenas. World-class speakers include “The Biggest Loser” host and fitness motivator Shannon Ponton, Dr Thomas Lodi (conventional and alternative therapies), Jenny Brooks (brain science), Dr
D’Andrea (anti-aging and stem cell therapies), and more.
Occasionally, we all need a reason to push the button on getting ourselves mentally and physically fit, and to be aware of innovations that can help how we feel on many levels. The “Feel Younger Summit” is the ideal opportunity to kick-start your journey to feeling fitter and younger. Tickets to the full day event includes international speakers, health and fitness exhibitions, healthy snacks and lunch, goodies bag, giveaways, vouchers and sunset drinks and cocktails. For more information, visit: www.feelyoungersummit.com
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SUPERB COFFEES – TWO LOCATIONS – CITY & SENGGIGI Wild Kopi Luwak
CAFE LOMBI COFFEE SHOP Roasted Coffee Beans Kopi Luwak Coffee Machines (Sell, Rent & Repair) Coffee Business Solutions Sandwiches Pastries & Cakes
Real Swiss Cheese Fondue! Rp 200k ++ / 2 persons SENGGIGI SQUARE BLOK A/04 TELP. 0370-692085, 0818 365 790 www.CafeLombi.com
Anna’s
ONE STOP COFFEE SHOP Coffee Shop & Lounge In House Roasting Coffee and Barista Equipment Coffee Machines Coffee Events Roasted Beans or Ground to order Single Origin Specialty Grade Arabicas Snack and Menu, Meeting Bookings Possible Mataram Mall 2, 3rd Floor, near parking deck 4a (back entrance south, new building) Ph: 0818 365 790 | www.coffeelombok.com
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
Local Scene
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LOMBOK CULTURE & TRADITIONS Steeped in history and legend, Lombok’s culture honours its multiethnic roots and age-old traditions.
Senggigi Festival – West Lombok bok by Iwan Marindra
Ngayu Ayu Festival – North Lom
Bau Nyale Festival – South
Lombok Photo by Ilham FOK
US Ogoh-Ogoh Festival – West Lombok
Peresean (Stick Fighting) by Koes
Gendang Beleq Music Traditional Sasak Theatre
Traditional Balinese Dance
Rebo Buntung Ritual – East Lombok
Wektu Telu Ritual – North Lombok
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LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL 2014 A spectacular weekend of world-class dance and performances by dance champions from 16 different countries! Now in its 9th successful year!
21 AND 22 JUNE 2014
BIMA BALLROOM – SANTOSA VILLAS & RESORT, SENGGIGI SATURDAY, 21 JUNE WDO - World Championships 2014 Artistic & Freestyle Dance
SUNDAY, 22 JUNE IDA - International Open Championships Ballroom & Latin Dance
International and national champions compete in Ballroom and Latin dance 10am - 4pm: Championships An exciting full day programme of artistic, hip-hop, street dance, show dance, traditional and freestyle performances.
6pm - 11pm: Gala Event & Dinner, Finals and Showdances
Day: 10am - 5pm Evening: 6pm - 11pm
Front Row Seat Rp 150,000
VIP Table Seat Rp 350,000 – Show & Dinner Standard Ticket Rp 200,000 – Show & Diinner
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! For information and tickets contact: Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa, Jl Raya, Mangsit Beach Ph: 0370 693 831 | E: info@purimas-lombok.com
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Great selection of Western, Asian, Seafood and Lombok specialties Dine in our clean and comfortable street-side cafe Take away & home delivery (in Senggigi area) Phone for free transport Open for lunch & dinner 12pm - 12am
HAPPY HOURS 5 - 7PM
Jl Senggigi Beach (opposite Pool Villa Club) Ph: 0819 1793 5059 or (0370) 693 964 | Laroz Cafe & Lounge
Bean Bags!
Many styles and colours! PURI Leisure Furniture Jalan Saleh Sungkar No 70 E, Ampenan Phone / Fax: +62 (0) 370 6194 123 / 0813 3955 5456 | www.gandari.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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De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi – The Lonely Planet
Italian Night with Eros! Delicious Homemade Lasagna, Ravioli and Italian Specialties Special Guest Chef Eros from Bolzano Cooks for De Quake
Every Wednesday Night Book your table now! Art Market Senggigi, Lombok +62 370 693694
www.dequake.com
Land & Property
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ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists
THE SQUARE Close walking distance to Central Senggigi. Just completed executive class residence featuring 3 large bedrooms, two bathrooms, large European kitchen. The bedrooms overlook the pool, as per the photo. The fixtures and fittings are the best you can buy in Bali. Exquisite Turkish rugs included. Asking price Rp 3.25 billion
BTN Griya Asri Jl Otomotif Raya II No 23, Senteluk-Montong
Asking Price Rp 349,000,000
Brand new to the market! Lovely 2 storey home with large upstairs verandah, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining area plus garage. Hak Milik (freehold) title Land size 90 m2 Build Size 180 m2
GREEN VALLEY
Asking Rp 725 million
Bestunity ort y in p p O bu lley to n Va e Gre
Asking Rp 850,000,000
5 minutes to beach! Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 Bathroom home with room for a pool at the rear.
THE ESTATE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY 6,845 ARE
Once in a life time opportunity with 50m direct beachfront! House is 400m with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 a/c (in each bedroom). Formal lounge, dining room, American style kitchen with 3 car enclosed garage. Upstairs features large entertainment area with ocean views and views to Mountain Agung. 3 large bedrooms with magic views and ensuite. Set in exquisite landscaped gardens. This property could easily support 6 exclusive villas. 4 hak milik (freehold) titles. Asking Price: USD 1.2 Million
EXCLUSIVE VILLA JL BARUNA SANTI 16, BATU LAYAR This quality villa was completed in June 2012. Features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study, open plan design, spacious lounge/dining and kitchen. Large outdoor entertainment area. 13 Ă— 6m pool, landscaped gardens and fully integrated sound system and CCTV security. A fully secured high perimeter wall.
JL LUMBA LUMBA 4 GREEN VALLEY WESTERN STANDARD RENOVATION
PARADISE WITHIN YOUR REACH ON GILI MENO!
Fully furnished. 2 spacious bedrooms with ensuites, marble European kitchen. 2 weeks from completion. 2 hot water systems. Open plan design. A must to view. Fantastic rental opportunity!
5 minutes walk to the beach. Spacious two bedroom villa with large ensuites and walk in robes to each bedroom.
Asking Price USD 249,000
Asking Price USD 150,000 Open plan design with room to expand. Lovely green stone pool with low maintenance gardens.
Phone Angela: 0819 1742 0804 / Ita 0878 6366 2777 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.com
We can make your dreams come true
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Land & Property
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Land & Property
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HOUSE FOR SALE - KUTA LOMBOK ONLY US $124,000 This new home is just a few minutes’ drive to Kuta Beach and 20 minutes drive to International Airport! 3 Bedrooms, plus store room or office. Beautiful high ceilings, open plan kitchen and living, one bathroom and separate laundry.
Outdoors deck and swimming pool. Landscaped and fully fenced. 3 ARE (300sqm) Hak Milik Title (freehold, certificated land)
Please Ph 0821 4587 5594
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 12 billion 2: Land for sale in Malimbu, 9000m2, price IDR 2 billion, 5 km from Senggigi, 500m from the beach 3: Beachfront land for sale in Selong Belanak, size 14.000m2, price IDR 15.4 Billion, beach length 100m, 50 minutes from airpor 4: Land for sale near Senggigi, size 1.800m2, price IDR 525 million, view Mataram city, main road acces. 5: Land on hill in Sekotong: size 6400m2, price IDR 450 million, ocean view, road access, ready for water and electricity, view 3 Gilis. 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 in Kuta, size 9.600m2, Price IDR 4 billion, Full view Tanjung Aan, behind Mandalika Resort, main road access. 9: Land for sale on hill in Malimbu, size 13.000 m2, price IDR 2.6 Billion, view Bali and ocean
Land & Property
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Land & Property
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BREATHTAKING SEA AND BALI VIEW PLOT On “The New Hill”! 1,000m2 with water and electricity included to plot. New access road to this exclusive development now under construction. 2 Plots already sold. No really! Sold! USD 133,000
1,600m2 - UNOBSTRUCTED BALI AND SEA VIEWS On “The Hill”. Prestigious villa development area. Road access. Electricity available. A water connection may also be available by separate arrangement – USD 200,000
CHEAP VALLEY PLOT IN DUSUN DUDUK WHITE SANDY BEACH FRONT - SIRA 1.78H (17,800m2) Exceptional quality and location with 55m of frontage, next to Near Senggigi. Good concrete road access. Government water Kosaido Golf Course. Excellent road access. GiIi islands and Bali and electricity available. Gentle slope with wide valley views. sunset views. IDR 150 million per are (100m2) - USD 2,352,000 ONLY USD 28,750 for a 500m2 plot – Ridiculous!
BOUTIQUE HOTEL ON GILI TRAWANGAN Rare chance to aquire an established, profitable business with room for improvement & expansion. 5 A/C bungalows and 6 other rooms. 1,000m2 of land. HGB with 14 years left - USD 485,000
BEACHFRONT - GONDANG 4H (400 ARE - 40,000M2) Idyllic building land with swaying palm trees and private road access from the main road. Existing spring water. Electricity available. Perfect for subdivision or land bank - USD 490,000
Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy Café) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117
www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com
Land & Property
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Pasar Classifieds
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
HOUSE FOR RENT Special for foreigner. 1000sqm with yard. 4 bedroom. Fully furnished, hot water system, AC. Garage for 3 cars. Located in Jl. Candrakirana, Cakra.
For your complete staffing needs. We provide housekeeping, gardener, security, chef, etc lombokhousekeeping@gmail.com
For more info please email:
0817 578 9207 / 0370 627 766
The Award Winning
Asmara Restaurant Senggigi
at KILA Senggigi Beach Hotel
EXPERIENCED COOK with education in F&B production
Aroma Spa Retreat We are getting closer to our Opening time and need a SENIOR / SUPERVISOR for our beautiful Spa. Requirement – Spa experience is a MUST! Salary Package include base salary of Rp 2,000,000, transport and meal allowance, plus service guarantee.
WAITER Good manners and English speaking
Send your CV to: manager@aromasparetreat.com Interview date and time: will be notified
Applications to Asmara Restaurant Senggigi; contact Sakinah or Susi (email restaurant@asmara-group.com)
HOUSE FOR RENT
Asmara Restaurant Gili T EXPERIENCED COOK WAITER/BARKEEPER Good manners and English speaking, must have 3 months of hotel training
Weekly ,Monthly &Yearly Location at Meninting Regency No.18
Applications can be delivered to Asmara Restaurant Senggigi or Dream Divers Senggigi/Gili Trawangan
For more information Call Ibu Setya: 0819 1660 400 / 0812 3776 4000
or email restaurant@asmara-group.com
DISCOUNT VOUCHERS GOT A SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR READERS? BOX AD (9,5cm X 4,9cm) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE Email us at kitadesign@hotmail.com
“3 Day Package Deal” Standard Double Room + 2 breakfast, + free use of double Kayak, Rp 500,000 On presentation of this coupon Phone: 0818 0376 2001 secretislandresort@gmail.com | www.secretislandresort.com
Present this coupon or quote “Lionfish” for either: Valid 26 May – 9 June 2014
Valid 26 May – 9 June 2014
SECRET ISLAND RESORT Gili Gede, Southwest Lombok
10% Discount on Fun Dives 10% Discount on Snorkel Tours 5% Discount on PADI Dive Courses. Please book in advance by phone: (0370) 693 719 or visit our offices at the Holiday Resort * Discount applies to a min 2 people Not in addition to any other promotions or discount offers
Pasar Classifieds
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
HOUSE FOR RENT IN AMPENAN
5 bedrooms. Fully furnished, hot water shower in 2 main bathrooms, western kitchen, PDAM and water tank. Rp 40 million / year. For more info: 0818 0572 2478 / 0370 693015
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 SALE
Lombok Personal Assistant
0817 5789 207
www.lombok-personal-assistant.com
Spacious 2 storey house on 625m2 of land. Strategic location and safe area. 200m from Mataram Mall, 50m from Pejanggik main road. Jalan Bangau No.13
Visa arrangements and business permits Translator and interpreter (Dutch-English-Indonesian-German) House Management- Website design Tel. 0812 2161 7850 or 0877 6511 8041
Pool for Sale Investment Opportunity: Detached House with Two Storey house in Jl Palm Tree, Senggigi Residence For Sale / Over Contract IN THE HEART OF SENGGIGI Profitably running restaurant in Mataram Mall. Take over all equipment, furniture, regular customers and staff. Take over and start with profit from day one! No.1 Restaurant on Tripadvisor for Mataram! A Bargain @ IDR 300 Million
Contact: 081 836 5790
INTEREST TO INVEST IN LOMBOK?
Open plan living area, furnished to high standard with European kitchen. Air-conditioned throughout, 2 bedrooms plus office, en suite with bath and shower. H/water. For sale from owner, Well maintained pool and 0370 6194 194 / 081 757 94877 garden.
Fun and friendly homestay in Kuta!
Direct Landlord/Owner Meeting Arrangement. (Lombok Mainland or Gili Island) HENRY LIM: 081907398818, 081907398828 / 082359199898 dutymanager_tugulombok@yahoo.co.id
VILLA SARASWATI FOR LEASE
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
The Hill, Lombok
Available (6-24 months lease) from June. Enjoy the best views of the sunset over Bali. View photos www.derekpugh.com.au/villa Email: derekpugh1@gmail.com
Jl. Raya Mong, Desa Mong, Kuta. Ph: +62 818 369 950 Email: info@mimpimanis.com / www.mimpimanis.com
Pasar Classifieds
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS BOX AD (9,5cm X 4,9cm) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE Email us at kitadesign@hotmail.com
LOMBOK GAME
STAFF WANTED Staff to help look after elderly lady in Senggigi. Top wages paid. Pekerja untuk membantu merawat wanita jompo di Senggigi. Gaji tinggi.
Buy and Sell: PS2, PS3, XBOX, WII | Install hard drive and USB for PS2 | Accessories: PS3 move, XBOX kinect, Guncon, Steerwheel and many more | Update the latest PES 2014 (50 ribu) and firmware upgrade | GAMES: PC (10 ribu), PS3 (20 ribu), PS2 (4 ribu), PSP (5 ribu) | FREE games for one year if you buy the console | Install games at your home (on call service) | Home delivery service and open 7 days a week | ALL ITEMS HAVE GUARANTEE!
0818 0363 8577 / 0811 3945 977
Ph: Angela 0819 1742 0804
Nyoman Transport
www.lombokgame.com
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.translombok@yahoo.com
IMMIGRATION SERVICE Visas and Residency Permits Work and Business V isas Retirement Visas Police Permits Land Certificates | Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) | Company Documents
VOA Extensions up to 30 days
0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com / damsiah@yahoo.com
The
LOMBOK GUIDE
LOMBOK’S #1 TOURISM NEWSPAPER AND INFORMATION RSOURCE More than 8000 copies distributed throughout Lombok, the Gilis and Bali every month!
More than 7400 international & national visits to our website every month! An average of 7000 people reading our online digital paper every month!
WITH MORE THAN 22 THOUSAND READERS EVERY MONTH, HOW CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO ADVERTISE??? Contact us now for economical advertising that gets results!
Phone: 0812 3734 4894
Useful Contacts
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General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok - Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (Senggigi Square) Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068 ATMs - Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. Lombok Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Bank Mandiri Jl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 631311 ATMs - Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok - Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (In Front of Santosa) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 ATMs - Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok - University of Mataram (UNRAM) - Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok - Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. Lombok Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE Medika Husada Clinic Jl Raya Senggigi. Phone: 0370 6644820 HOSPITALS Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9 Selagalas. Ph: 6177000, 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 623498 / 6604605 New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680
Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Clinic Jl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117 DENTAL drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) Mataram Mall. Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 668 1797 drg. Lina Kulsum Jl. Gunung Dieng No.7, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0818536236 / 0370 632131 MONEY CHANGERS Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl. Rasa Senggigi km.10, Senggigi, W. Lombok, Ph; 0370 693693 - Jl. Pejanggik No.1, Mataram, W. Lombok, Ph: 0370 631567 Multigraha Valas Jl. Saleh Sungkar No.1 Ampenan, W. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 624045 PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl. Raya Senggigi km.13, Senggigi, West Lombok, Ph: 0370 692247, 0370 692247 SHOPPING Senggigi Abadi Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8.5, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693311 Senggigi Jaya Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693530 Alfa Mart Jl Raya Senggigi Indomaret Jl Raya Senggigi Art Market (Pasar Seni) - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi West Lombok - Gili Trawangan, West Lombok Barata Department Store Jl. Niaga II, Ampenan, West Lombok Phone: 0370 646123 Grand Store Mataram Mall, 3rd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629931 Hero Supermarket Mataram Mall, 1st floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629918 Tiara Department Store Mataram Mall, 1st & 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629902 Kharisma Book Shop Mataram Mall, 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629875 Ruby Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.111, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 631092 Jembatan Baru Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.41, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 636106 MGM Plaza Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.98, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 646007 EMERGENCY Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl. Raya Senggigi, Phone. 00370 693267 Lombok Regional Police: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 7 Ampenan. Call this emergency number: 110 Fire Brigade: Phone. 0370 672013. In emergency call 113
Hospital UGD (Emergency Unit Service): Phone: 0370 622254 Ambulance: Phone. 0370 623498. In emergency call 118 TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000 Express Group Taxi, Ph: 0370 647555 IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535 WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886 Telkom (Phone/Internet). Ph: (0370) 147 POST OFFICES Mataram: Jl. Sriwijaya, Phone. 0370 632645 Senggigi: Jl. Raya, Phone. 0370 693711 CONSULATES AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005. Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783. Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408. Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz DENMARK & NORWAY Phone: 0361 701070, Fax: 0361 701073/4, Email: mimpi@mimpi.com FINLAND & SWEDEN Phone: 0361 288407, Fax: 0361 287242. Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id FRANCE Phone: 0361 285485, Fax: 0361 286406, Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id GERMANY Phone: 0361 288535, Fax: 0361 288826, Email: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456. Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id INDIA Ph. 0361 259502/259503, Fax. 0361259505 E: cons.bali@mea.gov.in / hoc.bali@mea.gov.in ITALY Phone: 0361 701005. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066. Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457. Email: bali@honrep.ch THAILAND Phone: 0361 263310, Fax: 0361 238044 THE NETHERLANDS Phone: 0361 761502, Fax: 0361 752777, Email: purwa@denpasar.wasantara.net.id USA Ph: 0361 233605, Fax: 0361 222426. Email: amcobali@indosat.net.id
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Tourism Information
THE CITIES Many of Lombok’s weaving and basket making industries are located near Cakra; turn left at the central traffic lights and look for the market on the right near the bridge. The baskets in particular are sold in Bali at many times the local price.
Mataram Mall The three main cities in Lombok – Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara – have expanded over the years and now merge together to create what is, for Lombok, an urban sprawl of shops, administrative centres and residential areas. A visit to the cities makes an interesting day trip, exploring the numerous small shops selling everything imaginable at low prices. There are numerous pearl shops in Ampenan selling unset pearls and pearl jewellery at cheap prices. These are genuine pearls from the pearl farms on Lombok and Sumbawa and, if you bargain the price, are a good deal. Gold shops are also popular in both Ampenan and Cakra, with 24 kt gold being sold by the gram, regardless of the design. For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warungs and food stalls in the cities. Or just wander around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and discover fascinating insights into Lombok city life! Ampenan was the original old port in Lombok during Dutch colonial times and some of the old architecture is still visible around the town, particularly toward the beach to the west. This area becomes a market at night, filled with warungs and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour. With its numerous shops, cheap hotels, dusty roads and plentiful cidomo (horse carts), gold and pearl shops, and its Arab quarter, Ampenan is a colourful town to explore. Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan on the road from the old Selaparang airport, is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls
Mayura Park
selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats come in. A stroll through the markets is a pungent and enlightening experience! Mataram, about 3 km to the east of Ampenan, is the administrative centre for Lombok and Sumbawa (NTB Province), with government offices, banks, mosques, schools and colleges, bookstores, the main post office, and Mataram University downtown. In Mataram, the Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum houses historical and cultural artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. It’s an interesting place to visit and occasionally hosts special exhibits. Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Address: Jl Panji Tilar. Ph: 632159 for opening times. There is a small admission fee. Also worth visiting is the cultural centre, Taman Budaya on Jl Majapahit. Music and dance performances are presented here regularly. Phone: 622428 for details.
The next large town east of Cakra, Sweta, has a huge market every day near the Bertais bus terminal, with all kinds of goods on sale, from foodstuffs to clothing, exotic birds, handicrafts and more. Nearby Temples and Places of Interest Pura Meru on Jl Selaparang, Cakranegara, was built in 1720 by Balinese Prince Anak Agung Made Karang and is the largest temple on Lombok. Its three meru are for the Hindu trinity – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. This is an important temple for the Balinese here and its annual Pujawali festival, held over five days during the full moon in September or October, is the biggest Balinese Hindu event on Lombok. The outer courtyard hall has large drums used to announce ceremonies and festivals. In the central courtyard are two buildings with raised offering platforms. The interior enclosure has 33 shrines as well as the three multi-tiered meru.
Mataram Mall, on the main street in Mataram, has an upstairs food court for cheap local meals. Lombok’s only real mall, there are four floors of shops and stalls selling a vast selection of goods. Particularly good buys are shoes, jeans, and copy brand bags and belts. There is a department store, several electronics stores, and shops selling clothing, CD’s and DVD’s. Hero Supermarket, on the ground floor, is useful for some western goods, food and toiletries. The Chemist next door has imported toiletries, supplements and medicines. McDonalds and KFC have outlets on the ground floor. Cakranegara (usually abbreviated to “Cakra”) is Lombok’s main shopping area. It is also home to many Chinese and Balinese, who make up over 50 percent of the city’s population. The streets of the city make an interesting tour with gold shops, sporting goods, clothing stores and very good fabric stores selling imported silks, laces and cottons, to name a few.
Pura Mayura, just across the street from Pura Meru, was built in 1744 as the court temple of the last Balinese kings in Lombok. An open hall or bale kambang (floating pavilion) stands in a large artificial lake here and is used as a place for meetings and to relax. Today the palace gardens are a playground for children. The temple sits behind the sedate water gardens and is open daily; admission is by donation.
The Cities
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SUPERMARKET SPEND LESS – GET MORE!
PURE & HEALTHY AIR NTB
Convenient Location and Comfortable Shopping Groceries, canned and packaged goods, homewares, and the biggest range of toiletries anywhere!
Healthy and Pure Lombok Water Very Low TDS Main distributor in Lombok Jl Adi Sucipto 1, Rembiga (opposite old Selaparang Airport)
PT TAMARIN JAYA: Jl. TGH Lopan 8, Dasan Cermen Ph: 0370 648 555 / 0370 648 999
SINTA PEST C NTR L Melayani Pengendalian: Nyamuk DB / Malaria / Cikungunya Lalat, Kecoa, Semut Hama Tikus | Rayap Hama Gudang Controlling: Dengue, Malaria & Cikungunya Mosquito Fly, Cockroach, Ants Rats | Termites Spiders and Other Pests & Bugs PT SINTA AGRO MANDIRI (Ijin Dikes No: 03/52.71/PC/VII/11) Jl. TGH Hambali No 8, Mataram, Lombok | Phone: 0370 631176 / 627991
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Cities Map
The Cities
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64
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 Southwest
Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!
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.
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 The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the construction. 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 Just out in the calm bay are the three development of previously unknown dive lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili sites in this area. Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small Dive Zone offer dive trips around Sekotong and the islands, as well as sign in the nearby village will direct you in three locations in South Lombok – to the local boat hire area, where you can including challenging world-class diving arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and off southeast Lombok. the other islands. Another few kilometres past Dive Zone Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has is Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort, set accommodation for visitors, with Gili on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. Nanggu Cottages providing simple With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as deluxe rooms further back from the with private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the only luxury accommodation in the beach. The island is small and the beach area. has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling. Cocotinos in Sekotong is the second Travelling a little further south, before the venture for the Odyssea Asia group, with their first dive resort already well marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out established in Manado, Sulawesi. Scuba diving courses and dives, operated by onto a white peninsular of sand that juts Odyssea Divers, are available from the into beautiful clear waters. Drive to the resort, together with snorkelling, boating end for superb views and a close up look and other sea sports. at Gili Genting.
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 the islands in the area 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 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 where you can get away from it all.
The Southwest
65 often brings divers to the island to relax in between dives, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely. It’s easy to snorkel offshore, just north of the pier and, although the reef isn’t as large as on the other side of the island, there is still plenty to see. Bright blue starfish drape themselves across patches of coral, and bright yellow and black Moorish Idols dart through the water. Schools of hundreds of small iridescent fish swim past and weirdly shaped squid drift by in the deeper areas. Tourists who take trips with Dive Zone commonly describe the diving around the southwest as some of the best they’ve ever experienced. Many are astounded by the pristine conditions and huge schools of turtles seen near Gili Layar!
Secret Island can also organise fishing trips and island hopping excursions to the other beautiful islands in the area, most of which are deserted, about their comfortable 9m custom-built boat “Scorpio”. To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea. Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, own 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
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. Continued on Page 66
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The Southwest 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
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. 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.
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 harbour an amazing variety of rare marine life, including ghost pipe fish, leaf fish, pygmy seahorses and much more. The southwest is slated for tourism development and it’s easy to imagine hotels and resorts on all these beaches and islands in the future, as well as yachts, fishing boats, windsurfers, dive boats and the like. But for now, the Southwest is unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and unique; and known only to the lucky few.
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Kuta 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 70
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Kuta and The South Coast
70 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!
Continued from Page 68
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
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.
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
The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
Mawun Beach
Experience the beauty of this pristine, undiscovered beach on the south coast
Beach Cottages & Restaurant
Only 9km east of Kuta, close to Gerupuk, surfing paradise Stay in our natural beach cottages and dine on freshly caught seafood at our beachfront bales
Phone: 0370 620 833 / 0819 0787 1311 / 0852 3717 6168 / 0828 9701 5676 info@bumbangkulombok.com | www.bumbangkulombok.com
Kuta and The South Coast
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Kuta and The South Coast
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Kuta and The South Coast
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www.thelombokguide.com
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South Lombok Map
Kuta and The South Coast
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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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Tourism Information
The Gili Islands
Three perfect coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laidback charm. The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers. The Gilis are Lombok’s most popular islands and are consistently rated as top SEA island destinations by travellers and travel publications.
Although previously popular mainly with backpackers, the Gilis now attract a diverse range of visitors – serious diving enthusiasts, sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach getaway, singles, families, and couples of all ages find something to attract them to the Gilis. There is a good selection of accommodations, restaurants and bars on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan. While nobody comes to the Gilis for shopping, each island has many small shops selling essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, cold drinks, snacks and more. In addition, there are cheap clothing and t-shirts, sarongs and
local handicrafts stalls. Activities include walking, riding bikes, horse riding and kayaking on Gili T, yoga, massage and beauty treatments, glass bottom boat trips and island hopping, live-aboard dive trips and cruises to nearby islands, fishing, sailing, surfing and all kinds of water-based activities. The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, relax, sunbathe, explore, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok. Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches, with plenty of colourful fish to see.
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Unique tropical escapes!
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.
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.
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.
This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer.
Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range; and water temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F). Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm. Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness, exist on all three islands.
Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laid-back style and is popular with couples and families. Gili Meno is the quietest of
the three, perfect for really getting away from it all. Choose the island that suits you most, or it’s easy to combine an island-hopping holiday to sample the best of all three!
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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 83
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Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan
Elegantly furnished villas with private pool Generous living space, dining and kitchen Centrally located to beach, restaurants and bars Last minute discounts available
www.gilivillasindonesia.com +62 (0) 81 237 55 721
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Gili Trawangan
Tourism Information
83 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 80 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 Trawangan
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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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
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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 Didik 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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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
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GILI MENO
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 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 years. Mahamaya Boutique Resort, on the northwest coast, has the most luxurious accommodation on the island, with exclusive Beachfront Villas and spacious Pool Suites set around a small 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. Continued on Page 91
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Karma Resorts, under their Cakra brand, recently opened The Reef Resort, with comfortable air conditioned lumbung style bungalows in a prime beachfront location on the east coast. Their beach club restaurant serves cocktails and up-market cuisine in a chilled setting. Nearby, Meno Mojo Beach resort is currently under construction, with two villas already operating, and a total of 16 stylish villas surrounding the resort swimming pool planned for the near future. The restaurant and beach club is already open and provides sun lounges, shady bales and comfortable tables overlooking the beach, with a good selection of meals and drinks; grilled and barbecued fresh seafood is the specialty. Also on the east coast, Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll inland from the best beaches on the east coast (down the lane next to Blue Marlin Dive), is a good mid-range accommodation option and has comfortable and modern air conditioned rooms with western bathrooms. Set in shady gardens, Tropical Hideaways has one of the few swimming pools on the island and a good restaurant and bar, serving delicious and well-priced meals.
The food here has gained a very good reputation on the island and the restaurant welcomes outside guests. For diving enthusiasts, Blue Marlin Dive on the east coast, and Divine Divers on the northwest coast, are the diving specialists for Gili Meno and offer diving courses and daily dive trips around all three of the Gilis. There is good snorkelling along the northwest coast, near Mahamaya and Divine Divers, and it is often possible to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles.
casual beachfront cafés and bars serve Indonesian and popular western meals, with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas being Gili Meno specialties. Some provide low-key entertainment in the evenings, more so in the high seasons, but visitors to Gili Meno largely come for romantic escapes and a chance to rejuvenate in the natural beauty of the island’s deserted beaches... which some argue are the best of all three Gilis.
To swim with the turtles – these huge creatures that are so awkward and ungainly on land but move through their natural element with a breath-taking dignity and grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno. There is also good snorkelling off the west coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. Swim out to where the old pontoon has sunk and become a home for many fish. Inland from the beaches, the island is quite dry with small homes scattered through the coconut groves. In the middle, toward the west coast, is a salt lake from which the local people still harvest salt on a small scale. It can be quite full in rainy season but dries up in the summer. Also inland, on the main track from the east coast, Gili Meno Bird Park has some tropical birds and a few interesting animals. There is accommodation here and a great display of Beatles memorabilia collected by the owner. Dotted around the island,
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.
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