The
Issue 174 | 18 August – 1 September 2014
FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0812 3734 4894 | www.thelombokguide.com
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
TIME FOR BAR ON GILI T TO BAIL!
EPICENTRUM TO CHANGE LOMBOK SHOPPING
EXPLORING THE CENTRE OF LOMBOK
A CALL TO GREEN VALLEY RESIDENTS
Page 5
Page 10
Page 22 & 32
Page 34
IN THIS ISSUE Page 2
Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities
Page 4/8
Special Feature Page 5 Page 6
Lombok Map
Special Feature Page 10 Senggigi
Page 12
Senggigi Map
Page 14
What’s Hot / Local News
Page 18
The Beach Club
Beach Bungalows
Page 92
FUN AND SUN… LOMBOK! Yes, it’s high season in Lombok and the island is very busy – but you’ll never find the crowds that have overtaken Bali here! With its vast coastlines, deserted islands, hectares of forests and national parks, and hundreds of quaint villages to explore, you’ll always find some special space to enjoy the fun and sun in Lombok!
Special Feature Page 22 & 32 Announcement
Page 34
Classifieds
Page 38-39
Discount Vouchers
Page 44
Land & Property
Page 45-52
The Cities
Page 54-57
Cities Map
Page 56
Distribution
Page 58
The Southwest
Page 59-62
Kuta & The South Coast
Page 63-73
South Lombok Map
Page 72
The Gilis
Page 74-96
Getting to Gilis
Page 79
Gilis Fast Facts Page 86 Gilis Map
Page 95
To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 58 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself… Like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!
...Life is Good!
+62 (0) 370 614 2352 | reservation@beachhousegilit.com | www.beachhousegilit.com
Photo by www.beckrocchi.com.au
Useful Contacts Page 53
Tourism Information
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GETTING TO LOMBOK
It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes and fares start from around Rp 350,000 (approx. US $35) one way. Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok.
Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar and is an important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores.
Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, commonly abbreviated to BIL, and using the IATA code “LOP”) is the only airport on Lombok.
Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta every day, Call Centre: 0804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com
The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 40km south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta. Airport departure tax is Rp 45,000 for domestic departures (Rp 75,000 from Bali) and Rp 150,000 for international departures (Rp 200,000 from Bali). BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR In Lombok, all flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Domestic Airport. Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok and Bali every day. Call Centre: 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370-642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com Wings Air / Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok daily. The companies code-share, 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 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Lombok International Airport (IATA: LOP) has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities, with fast and efficient visa processing. A 30-day Tourist VOA costs US $35. Ph: +62 370 622987. Jetstar Airways (a subsidiary of Qantas) operate direct flights between Perth (West Australia) and Lombok four times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday). www.jetstar.com Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, five times per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Lombok, ph: +62 370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Malaysia, with many international connections available. Flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur operate every day, and between Lombok and Johor Bahru 3 times per week. www.airasia.com Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. All other international connections are available via Jakarta. Call Centre: 080 418 07807. Airport: +62 370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com DOMESTIC FLIGHTS European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar. Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights.
Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id Batavia Air has flights from Lombok to Surabaya and Jakarta (via Surabaya) every day. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 648998. www.batavia-air.co.id 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 Trans Nusa Air operates flights between Lombok and Sumbawa 3 times per week. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali: +62 361 8477359. www.transnusa.co.id 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. Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service. Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The crossing between the islands costs Rp 40,000 per person and takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 209. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 FAST BOATS There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. 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. Lombok Ph: +62 370 693 383, Bali Ph: +62 361 729 818. www.marinasrikandi.com Most fast boats serve Gili Trawangan, but several including Blue Water Express also serve mainland Lombok, making fast boats from Lombok to Bali (and vice versa) an option to flying. See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for details.
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Hot Taste, Cool Venue
CELLAR PARTY – Friday, 5 September @ 7 - 10.30pm Cellar Party: Rp 400,000 nett / person Buffet Only: Rp 180,000 nett / person 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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TIME FOR BAR ON GILI T TO BAIL!
Gili Trawangan is known, rightly or wrongly, as “the party island” and, especially in high season, it can certainly be seen that way as thousands of visitors flood onto the small idyllic island off the northwest coast of Lombok during the annual European holidays. But, even for an island that has found itself marketed as a party destination and happily provides a range of fun and exciting nightlife options for tourists, there comes a point when “enough is enough”!
Some of the largest business operators on Gili T have been working hard over the past few years to “clean up” the island – and this ranges from the Gili Eco Trust’s commitment to reef regeneration and rubbish management, to island security and police working to fight drug dealing on the island. Another concerted effort has been made by concerned businesses over the past year to eradicate the sales of bootleg alcohol in the island’s bars and restaurants. A number of methanol-related deaths have marred Gili T’s reputation, especially in the wake of Australian teenager, Liam Davies’ death from methanol poisoning at a bar there last year. The latest thorn in the island’s side is a small but very loud bar on the south western coast, not far from leading resorts such as ko-ko-mo Resort, Hotel Villa Ombak, Pearl of Trawangan Resort and The Trawangan Resort. Initially, the local owner set up a surf board hire business and built a simple bar out of bamboo on the beach. A basic toilet building was erected with inadequate septic tanks, causing waste to leech into the nearby beach. This was accepted by nearby businesses, as most people on the island work well with the local people and support local initiatives.
beach, or in the bushes on the other side of the road, or – worse – trying to come into our hotels to use our toilets. They are usually drunk or off their heads on drugs... it’s become unbearable for us!”
As the bar became more popular, they started offering full moon and dark moon parties. These infamous parties feature loud thumping music and often go all night, fuelled by drunkenness and drugs. Now, after two years of increasing disturbances, the situation has become unbearable with parties every night, often going to 7am the next morning. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off during the night, shocking nearby guests. The loud music and thumping bass can be heard from up to a kilometre away. Guests at hotels in the area are outraged to be kept awake all night and are venting their frustration on innocent hotel staff, who sympathise with the guests complaints but are powerless to do anything about it. Business operators in the area have made repeated attempts to negotiate with the local owner, who is believed to have powerful connections, which has allowed him to enjoy some immunity from action by island authorities. One of the business owners (speaking anonymously for fear of repercussions) told us: “This guy has no license to operate a bar, no building permit, pays no taxes and is not subject to the laws that every legal business on the island must follow.” “Now, because the bar has become so busy, they’ve invested more in sound equipment, but not in facilities like decent toilets. There is anything from 500 to 1,000 customers partying there on the weekend, but no real toilet facilities,” he added. “People are going to the toilet on the
Cheap drinks are a draw for the mostly young backpacker crowd who hang out at the bar, also raising concerns that they are selling bootleg alcohol or arak, which has caused deaths in the past. Drug use and drug dealing is also apparently encouraged at the bar. Investigating the reports, we read many blogs on the internet by backpackers, in which one wrote: “We wandered on down to S.B. [initials only – ed] where they were having a full moon party. It was only about 11pm but the place was already rammed with people…. ... it was G and my turn for a round. The bartenders were far too high on crystal meth to serve effectively, so we avoided the 30 minute queue and went to the nearest warung (small store) to buy vast quantities of beer and vodka...” “Guests are cancelling hotel reservations and walking out of our restaurants because of the noise,” another business owner told us. “They are saying they won’t stay on Gili T and will tell all their friends not to come here either. What is this going to do to the reputation of the island?” he asked. “We are working so hard to improve things here, to make the island clean and safe, but if you are a local with connections, you can get away with anything!” Over the next couple of weeks petitions will be circulating on Gili Trawangan for guests and businesses to voice their concerns. Please show your support for a safe and peaceful Gili T by signing the petitions. Further actions are expected in the coming week.
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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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EPICENTRUM TO CHANGE THE FACE OF SHOPPING IN LOMBOK
After more than two years of rumours, construction is now underway at Lombok’s newest and biggest mall. The ground-breaking ceremony for the Lombok Epicentrum on Jalan Sriwijaya in Mataram took place on 1 March, 2014 and, when we visited this week, site works are well underway for the stylish mall that will change the face of shopping in Lombok.
in Lombok), Baskin Robbins, Black Canyon Coffee, Excelso Coffee, J & Co Donuts and Coffee, The Coffee Bean, XO Suki and, possibly, Lombok’s first Starbucks outlet. There are also plans for an Ace Hardware store on the first floor.
Stylish design by international architects, McKingley Tsang
Construction is scheduled to take around 16 months, with a “soft opening” planned for July 2015.
Foundation construction August 2014
Currently, Lombok has only one main mall: Mataram Mall on Jalan Penjanggik in the city. Spread over a total land area of 76,000sqm, Lombok Epicentrum will be four stories high and include a basement trading area, as well as extensive indoor and outdoor parking areas. The prestigious project features state-ofthe-art design and will be constructed in
phases, to later include a convention centre and an upmarket hotel. According to the Mall’s website, tenancy of the mall includes a 5,760sqm Hypermarket on the “Lower Ground” (or basement) level, together with McDonalds and Texas Chicken outlets.
The second floor is slated to have a cinema complex, a branch of Electronic City, as well as an entertainment and games complex.
Confirmed partipating tenants
Lombok’s first Matahari Department Store will be located on the ground floor and the first floor (with departments spread over two levels). Other tenants on these levels are reported to include retail outlets Batik Keris (a popular Indonesian product and souvenir outlet), Polo Ralph Lauren, Royal Surf, and Wrangler. Food and beverage outlets include the popular Bread Talk chain (not yet available Construction progress this month
Areas are also being set aside for exhibitions, including an Atrium area for expos and events, a food court, banks and ATM’s, and other food and beverage outlets.
Development in the city has taken off in the past year with a number of new hotels opening and more up-market hotel projects currently under construction. The construction of a second mall is seen as part of the drive to modernise and develop facilities for Lombok’s growing tourism market.
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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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
Senggigi
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CAFE ALBERTO
ITALIAN & INDONESIAN BEACHFRONT RESTAURANT
Delicious Fresh Seafood, Authentic Italian Dishes, Oriental Food, Barbecue on the Beach Wood Oven Pizza, Homemade Pasta and Italian Bread
Jl. Raya Batu Bolong, Senggigi | Phone: 0370 693039 / 693313 | info@cafealberto.com
www.cafealberto.com
Live Music! Great Food! Good Times!
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
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
18 Senggigi Festival? Who knows?! As we reported in our last issue, the annual Senggigi Festival was scheduled to take place this year from 20 to 23 August. The date for the Festival has already been changed once by the West Lombok government and the Department of Tourism, as it was originally scheduled to be held from 19 to 22 June 2014. However, “the powers that be” deemed that date to be too close to the start of Ramadan, as well as the Indonesian presidential elections, so they changed it to 20 – 23 August (which would have been an excellent time to coincide with high season). We thought we’d better check our facts again – as we do, especially when dealing with Lombok government
WHAT’S The Best in Lombok H
What’s Hot / Local News
T
departments – before publishing the details in this issue and, of course, the date has been changed again! Despite numerous phone calls to hotel owners (who have been told nothing at all about the date of the Festival this year!), and the West Lombok government, the Tourism Department finally confirmed that the Festival will be delayed again… but could not give us a new date! Apologies to all our readers. When the Festival eventually happens, we will try to update you (if we are given any advance notice!) Ah, the joys…
Get ready for the next Cellar Party at Square Restaurant in Senggigi on Friday, 5 September! Held on the first Friday of every month, the Square Cellar Party features three and a half hours of free-flow 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 you can choose the buffet only (please note that the price for ‘buffet only’ has increased slightly from Rp 150 000 to Rp 180,000 nett)... still an excellent price for delicious meal and a great night out! www.squarelombok.com
MT RINJANI ULTRA… Challenging Lombok’s Mighty Volcano! Die-hard runners and masochistic athletes once again battled our mighty volcano, Gunung Rinjani, in the second annual “Mt Rinjani Ultra” held in Lombok this month. At 3,726 metres above sea level (m.asl), Mt Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and one of the most challenging peaks in SE Asia. With this year’s theme “Wonderful Challenge”, Mt Rinjani Ultra was held on 8 - 9 August, with more than 250 participants from around the world gathering at Senaru in North Lombok for the gruelling race event. Mt Rinjani Ultra is divided into two categories: The MRU (Mount Rinjani Ultra) covering a total distance of 52km with an elevation gained of 5,200m, which will take runners to the summit of Mount Rinjani. The shorter RAR (Rinjani Altitude Run) is a 21km course over an elevation of more than 1,950m. The main event, the MRU (Mt Rinjani Ultra) started at Senaru (on the northern slope of Mt Rinjani) at 00.01 hours on 9 August with competitors running in the dark, climbing through dense forest vegetation for around 8.5 km before crossing the 2 km rocky shoulder leading to Plawangan Senaru. The route continues across the hills and along the 3 km dirt track to Lake Segara Anak, where runners will be presented with the beautiful view of the lake as they continue to climb to the next stop at Plawangan Sembalun (2600 m.asl). The real challenge and the hardest part of
this race is the 5 km climb to the top of Rinjani (3726 m asl). The route starts with a solid sand track and reasonably gentle incline ramps, and then passes through a thick and deep sand track, before changing to a solid track of sand and gravel. The last 2 km of the summit, at an elevation of around 3400 m asl, is a gruelling climb along a fairly narrow track of deep volcanic sand mixed with gravel. This part of the climb is the most exhausting and hazardous, particularly if winds are strong. The summit must be tackled early, as clouds and fog can obscure the trail later in the day. Once competitors have conquered the peak, they return down the track towards Plawangan Sembalun again, sliding down sand on the steep slope and navigating a track that ranges between 1.5 m and 4 m wide with deep ravines on both sides. Upon reaching Pos 2 near Plawangan Sembalun (1500 m asl) the route leads downhill through savannah and pine vegetation before retracing the previous route back to Senaru.
The shorter RAR (Rinjani Altitude Run) is no walk in the park either, as runners compete on a 21km course which covers the route from Senaru to Plawangan Senaru and back again to Senaru. Even this shorter route is a test of endurance, as the trail is through steep jungle paths and often slippery, especially on the track downhill.
Starting from Senaru at 5am, competitors raced through dense forest up to Plawangan Senaru, on the north shoulder of the lake, before turning around and racing back down the mountain to Senaru. The course time limit is just 7 hours. The overall winner of the 2014 Mt Rinjani Ultra was Zachary Thomas, a 29 yearold male from the United States who completed the course in an amazing 12: 44:24! In the ladies category, the winning place went to Nora Senn, 38, from Hong Kong with an overall time of 16:30:02.
The MRU is certainly a test of endurance and stamina, with runners facing some tough challenges, particularly the slippery descent into the crater lake and the notoriously dangerous climb to the summit.
In the 2014 RAR event, the winner of the male category was Oktavianus Quaasalmy, a 31 year old from Indonesia, with a total time of 03:31:28. The winner in the female category was Laurie Kraaijeveld, 35, from the Netherlands with a time of 05:15:15.
Total time to complete the course is just 22 hours. Trekkers on the mountain usually do this route over a minimum of three days and frequently collapse from exhaustion at the end.
Mt Rinjani Ultra is organised by Trail Runners Indonesia (TRI) in association with Rinjani Mount Expedition Team (RMET). For more information, visit their website at: www.mtrinjaniultra.com
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TRIMNI PUTRA ART EXHIBITION Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style
1 JULY TO 15 SEPTEMBER Visit Puri Mas Boutique Resort in Mangsit to view this unique exhibition of 200 stunning artworks painted on canvas and 100 authentic Batik paintings by acclaimed Indonesian artist, Trimni Putra
PAINTING DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE LOBBY TRADITIONAL BATIK MAKING IN THE YOGA GARDEN EVERY DAY FROM 10AM Come along and try your hand at Batik making or oil painting!
PAINTINGS ON DISPLAY AND FOR SALE MADE TO ORDER PAINTINGS DIRECT FROM THE ARTIST (Paintings can be commissioned from photos or reproduction of your favourite art) Jl Raya Mangsit - just 5 mins from Senggigi PHONE: 0370 693 831 / Email: info@purimas-lombok.com
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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
[ 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
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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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Special Feature
EXPLORING THE CENTRE OF LOMBOK
the way to purchase fresh fruits to enjoy on the journey. Local farmers will set up stalls selling whatever fruits are in season – piles of watermelons, delicious mangosteen, and big juicy mangoes are freshly picked and very cheap. Pineapples are grown here and are juicy and fresh – if you stop at a stall, expect to pay about Rp 15,000 for a bag of three pineapples, already peeled and ready to eat! Still on the main road, around 50km from Sweta, a sign-posted road leads north to Tetebatu, on the southern slopes of the Rinjani mountain range.
August is high season in Lombok and, when the main tourism areas get too busy, a day trip across the island is a great way to get away from the crowds and see the “real face” of the island.
This is a cool mountain village with beautiful rice terraces, forests and bright green fields of tobacco on the lower slopes; wet and misty during rainy season, cool and lush during the dry.
Public buses and bemos run from Bertais Bus Terminal near Sweta, but for Tetebatu is one of the exploring the area The centre of Lombok encompasses the most popular areas in properly and the southern slopes of the Rinjani mountain the centre of Lombok small villages off range and is cooler and more lush than and many travellers the main road, the south; being protected by forests and come here in the July/ private transport Tobacco Fields and Rice Terraces jungle and receiving abundant rainfall in August high season to enjoy the cool is essential. Tours are easily arranged the wet season. There are many rivers, climate and the beautiful views. with local tour operators. The roads are waterfalls and streams originating from the generally in good condition and the area Other attractions include hiking to the mountains and feeding the villages below. can be explored by car or motorbike. waterfalls, and walks through the rice Here you will see Following the main road across the island, fields and the rain forests in the area, bright green rice where coffee, vanilla, nutmeg and other once past the cities, the landscape opens terraces similar to spices are grown. up to picturesque rural views – farmers the slopes of Ubud work in fields of rice, in Bali, together Tetebatu is a nice tobacco and vegetables; with fields of corn place to stay for a little villages flash past and other food few days and a good with people going about crops, and large base for exploring the their daily lives. It’s an plantations of lush nearby villages. There instant introduction into tobacco plants is an adequate range the heart of Lombok. (Lombok is a major of accommodations, producer of tobacco for the export market). The centre of Lombok is including Wisma off the beaten track for View from Wisma Soedjono Soedjono, which is the Traditional villages dot the foothills, many travellers and accommodation and most popular in the area, especially for day with livelihoods centred on farming and places to eat in the area are scarce. What trips. handicraft production such as pottery few exist are usually basic home-stays and making, weaving traditional fabrics, and Built in 1913, and set high on the hillside backpacker accommodations, and local woven grass, rattan and bamboo crafts. cafes (warung) for cheap meals and drinks. with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, the Dutch Colonial style hotel A trip to the centre of Of course, there are Lombok is easy, as the has a range of rooms set in lovely grounds the usual shops on wide and well-maintained and is one of the original hotels in the area. the side of the road main road that runs The more expensive rooms have hot water for snacks and cold through the cities continues and private terraces with good views. drinks, too. east, all the way across the There is also a swimming pool, for those island to Labuhan Lombok Stop at any of the who like it cold! on the east coast. roadside stalls along Continued on page 32
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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 8133 992 0015 / +62 8133 992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au
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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
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FOOD • COCKTAILS • SUNSETS • SHISHA
Serving fresh seafood, imported meats, gourmet pizzas, exotic juices, icy beers & colourful cocktails Open 7 days a week from 11am - 12pm Behind Transit Hotel, Jl Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong, Senggigi For booking please call +62 370 693 925 www.lachillbar.com
booking@lachillbar.com
La-Chill-Bar
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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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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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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 SENGGIGI SQUARE BLOK A/04 TELP. 0370-692085, 0818 365 790 www.CafeLombi.com Open Mon to Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sundays closed
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
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Complete Spa Services at Local Prices!
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
Open every day from 10am to 10pm – Phone: 0819 1593 2899
THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SENGGIGI Senggigi Beach Road
Next to Santosa Villas
Galeria Shops
Special Feature
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EXPLORING THE CENTRE OF LOMBOK The restaurant is open every day for breakfast lunch and dinner, serving inexpensive Indonesian and Sasak food, with some western style snacks also available. The satay and Nasi Campur are very good, as is the local vegetable dish, Urap, served with freshly grated coconut.
Almost every home is involved in creating fabrics; whether it be dyeing the threads to be used by weavers, spinning the yarn and preparing it for the looms, or weaving the thread into cloth.
There is a nice waterfall called Air Terjun Jukut (also referred to as Jeruk Manis Waterfall), located about an hour and a half walk to the north of Tetebatu, through rice fields and a monkey forest. The scenery is lovely and the falls are worth seeing, but it’s best to take a local guide with you, as there have been problems with thefts in the past. The waterfall pours over a sheer cliff, about 20m high, into a pool surrounded by boulders and steep walls covered in greenery. It’s a good place for a picnic and a swim; weekdays are best, as it may be crowded on weekends. Guides can be arranged at the home-stays in Tetebatu. Don’t be afraid to stop anywhere if you want to take photos or explore a bit more; the local people are very friendly and always happy to see foreigners in their area. They can be a great help in pointing out interesting places, guiding you to craft villages not on the maps, or even inviting you home for a cup of rich sweet Lombok coffee! Once you’ve explored Tetebatu, head further east on the main road to the turnoff at Lenek, which leads to the small village of Pringgasela, easily reached in around half an hour from Tetebatu. Pringgasela is steeped in tradition and the art of weaving ikat (hand-woven fabric) here is so old that no one quite knows where the original idea came from... weaving is the life-blood of the village and has been practiced for as long as anyone remembers.
Continued from page 22 There are many art shops in Pringgasela displaying different types of woven cloth for sale, but it is in the warren of small side streets that run through the village that visitors can get a close up look at the processes involved in creating this precious cloth.
Girls in the village are taught to weave by their mothers who, in turn, learnt from their mothers... in a tradition stretching back countless generations. By the time they are 12 years old, most girls can use the looms used to weave cloth. The women of the village spend around 6 hours every day weaving, depending on the demands of their family and what pieces they are working on. An average ikat takes around one month to create. Ikat is a highly prized art form throughout Indonesia and by collectors around the world, and some of the best forms are produced in the villages of Pringgasela and Sukarara in Lombok. Lombok ikat is often sold in Bali at many times its real cost, so the best place to buy is from the villages. The textiles woven in Lombok are traditionally “Sasak inspired” (Lombok ethnic), with more earthy colours than the cloth produced in Bali. The motifs or patterns are also diverse, representing rice fields, flowers, chickens, geckos, butterflies and other creatures. Some of the older patterns even tell stories about adat (custom) and traditional values.
Weaving Ikat on a Backstrap Loom
Some expensive fabrics, called songket, combine silver or gold threads woven into the design.
The metallic threads stand out against the background cloth to create a shimmering effect. The larger, thickly woven pieces make beautiful blankets and bed covers, or a fascinating piece to hang on the wall. Generally expect to pay between Rp 350 - 800,000 for naturally dyed pieces, and Rp 250 - 500,000 for chemically dyed fabrics, depending on the size and motifs used. Intricate pieces can be much more expensive. The older ikat and songket found in villages is highly prized by collectors and can be very expensive, as many are museum quality. A trip across the island, perhaps stopping at Tetebatu for lunch and then continuing on to Pringgasela to visit the weaving village, is a full day tour. If you decide to visit Jeruk Manis Waterfall or go trekking in Tetebatu, it’s best to save a trip to Pringgasela for another day. The journey is comfortable, mostly on good roads, and the views make the trip very enjoyable. It’s also a fabulous way to see a different aspect of the island, away from the mod cons and westernised scene of the tourism areas. The drive to Pringgasela is easy and the road is in good condition, so hiring a car or motorbike for the trip is easy. However, to get the best out of your tour and enjoy the scenery, a car and driver is the best way to go. A day trip can be arranged by local tour agents in any of the tourism areas. For excellent customised tours (and to access the homes in Pringgasela village), a guide is necessary. E-One Tours in Senggigi are specialists for this tour. www.lomboktoursandtravel.com If you want to stay in Tetebatu to explore the area further, simple but good accommodation is available at: Wisma Soedjono. Ph: +62 81997714771 Green Orry Inn. Ph: +62 812 3724 040 Hakiki Inn. Ph: +62 818 0373 7407
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South Sea Pearls
The Beauty of Nature MIRA South Sea Pearls Come and visit us at our gallery Retail & Wholesale Free pick up service for Senggigi and Mataram areas
Jalan Raya Meninting, Batu Layar (in front of Meninting Regency) Phone: +62 (0) 370 622 589 / +62 (0) 8133 9734 111 www.mirasouthseapearl.com / Email: info@mirasouthseapearl.com
Community Service Announcement
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A CALL TO GREEN VALLEY RESIDENTS
Every single household in Green Valley generates rubbish.
The volume of waste being generated on a daily basis now far exceeds the capacity of collection points and frequency with which this waste is removed. Genuine health and environmental issues have arisen from the massive excess of waste that has been allowed to accumulate and, as a result, a group of concerned residents recently formed the Green Valley Association (GVA) to look at ways to address the concerns of many living in the area. This group of individuals meets on Thursdays (1800 hrs) every fortnight and invites others residing in Green Valley to participate and contribute to identifying ways to improve the current processes concerning waste. Other topics raised by residents will be addressed in due course. GVA representatives have met with local authorities to ensure that protocols are respected and to seek their assistance in
costs for the area; with stakeholders of a local landfill for the responsible removal of Green Valley waste (as opposed to the streets and river); and internally on how best to introduce recycling of defined products, which will further reduce the volume of waste that needs to be removed.
“A community meeting for all Green Valley residents will be held at the field at the end of Jl Palm Raja (adjacent to RT 03 Pak Rudy’s residence) on Sunday, 24 August at 1600 hours (4pm).”
Clearly the efforts of a small group of residents is not a sustainable solution and everyone’s support is needed.
achieving the aims of the group. Significant progress has already been made, including the removal of almost 90 cubic meters of waste (as published in The Lombok Guide Issue 172) from the collection point (and river). Other progress includes increased frequencies of rubbish removal to prevent build up occurring again and the collection of donations from concerned residents to offset these costs. We are continuing discussions with the local authorities on how best to structure an auditable process of collecting fees from residents to cover waste disposal
Please make the effort to join our meetings, table your ideas and concerns, make a donation and play a role in making Green Valley truly Green. A community meeting will be held at the field adjacent to RT 03 Pak Rudy’s residence (at the end of Jl Palm Raja) on Sunday, 24 August at 1600 hours (4pm). We would like to see all Green Valley residents attend this meeting as it is an important step towards realising improvements in the management of waste. All communications and enquiries should be emailed to: gva.lombok@gmail.com
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
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[ Yo u r K e y to an I d yllic Lombok ]
Lombok’s Boutique Hotel [ The Lonely Planet: “Best Place to Stay in Lombok” ] [ Cosmopolitan: “Lombok’s Hidden Beauty” ] [ Guide du Routard: “Le Reve!” ] Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com
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Cover Yourself in
PT. ANANTA GUNA LESTARI OUR SERVICES: Pest Control | Rodent Control Termite Control | Fumigation Employee Recruitment (Out Sourcing) Cleaning Service (On Call) Gardener | Pool Maintenance
www.anantagl.com
Tours and Travel Service Available!
www.ananta-vacation.com Jl. Alpha Raya Blok IV No.4, Sandik Indah - Lombok Phone/Fax: 0370 - 621627 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id
IMMIGRATION SERVICE Visas and Residency Permits Work and Business Visas Retirement Visas Police Permits Land Certificates Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) Company Documents Ciokolata New Boutique Collections Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com
www.ciokolata.com
VOA Extensions up to 30 days 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com / damsiah@yahoo.com
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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
Pasar Classifieds
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? LOOKING FOR STAFF? LAND AND PROPERTY SALES OR RENTAL? OUR CLASSIFIEDS ARE EFFECTIVE AND GREAT VALUE! BOX AD (9,5cm X 4,9cm)
INTEREST TO INVEST IN LOMBOK? Direct Landlord/Owner Meeting Arrangement. (Lombok Mainland or Gili Island)
kitadesign@hotmail.com
HENRY LIM: 081907398818, 081907398828 / 082359199898 ameliahenry101@gmail.com
DICARI PEMBANTU RUMAH TANGGA
• Kuta Lombok: 2 are + 15 are, main road access. Rp 55 juta/are
START FROM ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE
Laki-laki, 25 tahun ke atas Punya kendaraan sendiri. Hubungi: 0812 3734 4894
www.land-on-lombok-bali.com • Sekotong: 5 hectare, main road access, beach view, can see 6 Gilis & Bali Rp 16 juta/are
Phone: 081 999 915 775
www.land-on-lombok-bali.com LUXURY HOUSE FOR RENT OR LEASE Gerupuk Kuta Lombok:
• 9 are (900sqm) beach land for sale. Rp 500 million (juta) per are
Luxury home in Gunung Sari, 5 bedrooms, all have own western bathrooms, living room, full western kitchen, dining, upstairs terrace, verandah downstairs. 2 and half stories on 235sqm land. Beautiful sunset and sunrise views. Suit expatriate. Long or short term rental. Rp 100 million per year.
Phone: 081 999 915 775
Ph 0812 3808 490
• 2 Beach houses for rent
www.land-on-lombok-bali.com • Kuta Lombok: 1 hectare, views all over Kuta, road access, Rp 25 juta/are • Kuta Lombok: 15 are land roundabout Kuta, main road, Rp 50 juta/are
Phone: 081 999 915 775
HOUSE FOR RENT Special for foreigner. 700sqm with yard. 4 bedroom. Fully furnished, hot water system, AC. Garage for 3 cars. Located in Jl. Candrakirana, Cakra.
0817 578 9207 / 0370 627 766
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
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
TANAH DIJUAL / LAND FOR SALE Lokasi pinggir jalan, Jalan Negara Mantang, Kopang (Jembatan Dua), Desa Bujang, Kecamatan Batu Keliang, Lombok Tengah. Luas 73,000m2 / 73 are. Cocok untuk usaha dan investasi. HARGA RP 60 JUTA PER ARE (NEGO)
Contact: 0819 0730 1333 / 0877 6325 4204
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
LOMBOK GAME
Buy and Sell PS2, PS3, XBOX, WII | Install hard drive and USB for PS2 | Accessories for 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 | www.lombokgame.com
Nyoman Transport
Safe and professional English-speaking driver with comfortable air conditioned car (seats 5 - 6). Private airport transfers or airport to Kuta, Mataram, Senggigi, Gilis, etc Available for private charter and Lombok tours. Competitive rates and friendly service!
Ph: 0819 1701 3714 / 0821 4458 7910 Email: nyoman.translombok@yahoo.com
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!
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
Jl. Raya Mong, Desa Mong, Kuta. Ph: +62 818 369 950 Email: info@mimpimanis.com / www.mimpimanis.com
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Senggigi
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Senggigi
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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
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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
Discount Vouchers
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DISCOUNT VOUCHERS GOT A SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR READERS? PROMOTE YOUR INCENTIVES AND DISCOUNTS WITH A BOX AD (9,5cm X 4,9cm) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE Email us at kitadesign@hotmail.com
STAY 4 NIGHTS, GET THE 5TH NIGHT FREE! Bookings of 3 nights or more receive a free orientation tour to help guests get their bearings and to check out some of the best local beaches. Rooms from Rp 150,000 (fan cooled), Rp 250,000 (air con/hot water) or Rp 250,000 for the house. Quote TLG Promo at the time of booking to receive your free night
Valid 18 Aug – 1 Sept 2014
Valid 18 Aug – 1 Sept 2014
MIMPI MANIS HOMESTAY, KUTA
See our FB page for information and photos. www.facebook.com/ShoreThingLombok Quote TLG Promo when booking to receive your discount.
Present this coupon or quote “Lionfish” for either: Valid 18 Aug – 1 Sept 2014
Valid 18 Aug – 1 Sept 2014
“3 Day Package Deal” Standard Double Room + 2 breakfast, + free use of double Kayak, Rp 500,000 On presentation of this coupon
6 Hour fishing trip on traditional prahu. Enjoy stunning coastal scenery while you fish. Trolling, jigging, bottom fishing depending on conditions. Expect to catch snapper, spanish mackerel, grouper, giant travelli.
Call your guide Made to book on 081 9172 50699.
Phone: 081 836 9950 | www.mimpimanis.com
SECRET ISLAND RESORT Gili Gede, Southwest Lombok
SHORE THING FISHING TRIPS GET 10% DISCOUNT
Phone: 0818 0376 2001 secretislandresort@gmail.com | www.secretislandresort.com
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
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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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
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 Villa for rent in Montong, IDR 3 Million/night, include breakfast, 4 king size bedrooms. 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
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THE HILL – BATU LAYAR LAND FOR SALE
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE PRIME BUILDING BLOCK ON THE HILL EXCLUSIVE & SECURE – FANTASTIC VIEWS – JUST 5 MINUTES FROM SENGGIGI Road access, water and electricity available, 9.17 are (917 sqm). Gently sloping block – ready to build now! Optional: building plan available complete with IMB (building permit), personalised design, quality construction with 5 year structural guarantee
CONTACT: +62 (0) 370 679 8888
| +62 (0) 370 679 2222
Jl Adi sucipto Pertokoan Central City No.3A, Rembiga, Ampenan, Lombok – Indonesia info@falcondevelopments.com
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A first for Lombok... Introducing Amanah – Lombok’s newest luxury accommodation Experience a level of facilities and services never previously available in Lombok.
Luxurious one-and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses with state-of-the-art facilities and top quality finishing... unique living spaces designed for unique personalities.
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A fully integrated hotel and condominium complex – stylish living spaces, Thalasso Therapy spa centre, restaurant and infinity pool, Sky Bar Lounge, business centre and meeting rooms – all backed by quality personalised service and top-end management.
• Units are available on a strata title for Indonesian citizens and a perpetual 99-year lease for foreigners. • All units come with an 8% guaranteed ROI (Return On Investment) per year for five years. • All units come with a five-year buy back guarantee. • Split payment system on construction stages. • Entitlement of 30 days of free use per year. Jl. Adi Sucipto Pertokoan Central City N0. 3A Rembiga, Ampenan 83111 Lombok – Indonesia info@amanahlombok.com +62 (0)370-679-8888
+62 (0)370-679-2222
www.amanahlombok.com
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ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists
Excellent Hotel or Villa Site overlooking the Sheraton Hotel. Panoramic Senggigi Bay and Mt Agung Views. 250 Are at a Market Value rate of Rp 150 Million per Are Rp 37.5 Billion DIRECT BEACH FRONTAGE IN MONTONG 45 Are @ Rp 100 Million per Are Rp 4.5 Billion
SPACE GLORIOUS SPACE! Potential boutique hotel or development site. 6 bedroom house (600 sqm) of building. Massive Alfresco entertaining areas on 24 are overlooking large pool. Asking Price Rp 3 Billion
COMMERCIAL BUILDING MONTONG Two storey ruko (shop/house). Building area 300 sqm in total 3 are of land. Asking Price Rp 3.8 Billion
INSPECT NOW 2 Rentals Available Green Valley 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms in quiet location. Open plan. European kitchen, Internet avail now 2 bedroom open plan home for rent. Inspect now - 5 minutes to beach!
WITHIN 10 MINUTES TO SENGGIGI As new, exclusive two bedroom villa with remote surround sound entertainment to all rooms. Features include 2 bedrooms, 2 ensuite bathrooms to the bedrooms, study, open plan design with spacious lounge/dining and kitchen. Large outdoor entertainment area, large 13 x 6m pool, landscaped gardens. Integrated CCTV security system. USD 249,000 LARGE TWO STOREY HOME Beautiful Valley View 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious atrium. Large European kitchen. Large back garden with room for a pool. Land Size 6.9 Are. Free Hold Certificate. Asking Price Rp 4 Billion
Phone Angela: 0819 1742 0804 / Win 0878 6567 1005 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.com
We can make your dreams come true
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MAGNIFICENT 3 BED LUXURY VILLA All en-suited. Pool and stunning sea & Bali views. Generous open plan lounge & fitted kitchen, plus separate kitchen with oven & store room. Private balconies. Many hidden extras. USD 650,000
UNOBSTRUCTED SEA AND BALI VIEWS 1,600m2 plot on “The Hill”. Immediate road access, prestigious villa development area. Electricity available, water connection may also be available by separate arrangement. USD 200,000
MAGNIFICENT PLOT ON “THE HILL” 917m2 with sea and sunset views of Bali. Water and electricity already provided. Almost flat and ready to build. Owner says sell! Now for only IDR 100,000,000 per 100m2 – USD 79,000
CHEAPEST SEA VIEW PLOT EVER! On the new Duduk Hill. 534m2. Concrete road access to this corner plot. Water and electricity available. ONLY IDR 85 million per are (100m2). At this price it won’t be around for long! USD 33,500
AFFORDABLE 850m2 PLOT ON “THE HILL” Unrestricted panoramic sea and Bali views. Concrete road access. Water and electricity available. Sloping land. IDR 165 million per are (100m2). ONLY USD 120 ,000 - JUST LOOK AT THAT VIEW!
GREEN VALLEY - 3 BED CORNER PLOT VILLA 1 A/C, en-suite W/C, living room, kitchen, washing machine area, covered secure parking, riverside location with tropical valley views. 251m2 plot. Freehold (Hak Milik) - USD 70,000
Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy Café) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117
www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com
Useful Contacts
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General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108
BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok - Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (Senggigi Square) Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068 ATMs - Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. Lombok Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Bank Mandiri Jl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 631311 ATMs - Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok - Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl Raya Senggigi (In Front of Santosa) Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 ATMs - Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok - University of Mataram (UNRAM) - Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok - Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. Lombok Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE Medika Husada Clinic Jl Raya Senggigi. Phone: 0370 6644820 HOSPITALS Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9 Selagalas. Ph: 6177000, 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 623498 / 6604605 New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680
Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Clinic Jl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117 DENTAL drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) Mataram Mall. Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 668 1797 drg. Lina Kulsum Jl. Gunung Dieng No.7, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0818536236 / 0370 632131 MONEY CHANGERS Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl. Rasa Senggigi km.10, Senggigi, W. Lombok, Ph; 0370 693693 - Jl. Pejanggik No.1, Mataram, W. Lombok, Ph: 0370 631567 Multigraha Valas Jl. Saleh Sungkar No.1 Ampenan, W. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 624045 PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl. Raya Senggigi km.13, Senggigi, West Lombok, Ph: 0370 692247, 0370 692247 SHOPPING Senggigi Abadi Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8.5, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693311 Senggigi Jaya Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693530 Alfa Mart Jl Raya Senggigi Indomaret Jl Raya Senggigi Art Market (Pasar Seni) - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi West Lombok - Gili Trawangan, West Lombok Barata Department Store Jl. Niaga II, Ampenan, West Lombok Phone: 0370 646123 Grand Store Mataram Mall, 3rd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629931 Hero Supermarket Mataram Mall, 1st floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629918 Tiara Department Store Mataram Mall, 1st & 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629902 Kharisma Book Shop Mataram Mall, 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629875 Ruby Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.111, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 631092 Jembatan Baru Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.41, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 636106 MGM Plaza Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.98, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 646007 EMERGENCY Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl. Raya Senggigi, Phone. 00370 693267 Lombok Regional Police: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 7 Ampenan. Call this emergency number: 110 Fire Brigade: Phone. 0370 672013. In emergency call 113
Hospital UGD (Emergency Unit Service): Phone: 0370 622254 Ambulance: Phone. 0370 623498. In emergency call 118 TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000 Express Group Taxi, Ph: 0370 647555 IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535 WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886 Telkom (Phone/Internet). Ph: (0370) 147 POST OFFICES Mataram: Jl. Sriwijaya, Phone. 0370 632645 Senggigi: Jl. Raya, Phone. 0370 693711 CONSULATES AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005. Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783. Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408. Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz DENMARK & NORWAY Phone: 0361 701070, Fax: 0361 701073/4, Email: mimpi@mimpi.com FINLAND & SWEDEN Phone: 0361 288407, Fax: 0361 287242. Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id FRANCE Phone: 0361 285485, Fax: 0361 286406, Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id GERMANY Phone: 0361 288535, Fax: 0361 288826, Email: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456. Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id INDIA Ph. 0361 259502/259503, Fax. 0361259505 E: cons.bali@mea.gov.in / hoc.bali@mea.gov.in ITALY Phone: 0361 701005. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066. Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457. Email: bali@honrep.ch THAILAND Phone: 0361 263310, Fax: 0361 238044 THE NETHERLANDS Phone: 0361 761502, Fax: 0361 752777, Email: purwa@denpasar.wasantara.net.id USA Ph: 0361 233605, Fax: 0361 222426. Email: amcobali@indosat.net.id
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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
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.
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Mayura Park
Cities Map
The Cities
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Distribution
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AIRPORT: Hotel counters outside International Lombok Airport. BALI: Air Bali, Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Bali Deli, Balcony Rest, Barb’s Sport Warung, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Cafe Moka, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, Canggu Station, Captain Cook Rest, Club Havana, Cocoon Spa, Corner Store, De Banjar Rest, Dijon, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Firestation Restaurant, Gardenia Cafe & Bar, Gili GIli, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Gold Dust Beauty Lounge, Golden Kris Tour, Gourmet Cafe, Grocer & Grind, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, Junction Bar & Rest, Khaima Rest & Bar, Loop Rest, Luna Negra, Mamas Restaurant, Maya Coffee & Smothie Bar, Meno Mojo, Monsier Spoon Canggu, Monsier Spoon Rest, Nero Rest, Ocha Warung, Old Mans Rest & Bar, Pacific World, Pacto Tour, Piduh Rest, Red Carpet, Rutica Cucina Italiana, Salty Seagull Rest, Samudra Bar, Sate Bali Rest Echo Beach, Soho Restaurant, SOS, Starbucks Coffee Kuta, Starbucks Discovery Mall, 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 Mina, Warung Italia, Warung Pregina, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Y Bar, Zanzibar Restaurant. MATARAM: Bean Bags, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Falcon Developments, Ira Property, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Joli Sourire Dental Care, KFC, Lombok Coffee House, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), NTB Museum, PT Ananta Guna Lestari, 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, Ocean Breeze, 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, Living Asia, Lombok Property & Villas, Lotus Bayview Restaurant, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Mira’s South Sea Pearls, Orchid Spa, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Hotel, Qunci Villas, Santosa Villas & Resort, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Chandi, The Globe, 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, 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. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Kathleen, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, Iwan Haryanto, 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.
The Southwest
The Southwest
Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!
59 the beachfront, is Dive Zone – a well-run diving facility and the experts on diving the southwest islands, having pioneered development of previously unknown dive sites in this area. Dive Zone offer dive trips around Sekotong and the islands, as well as in three locations in South Lombok – including challenging world-class diving off southeast Lombok. Travelling a little further south, before the marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out onto a white peninsular of sand that juts into beautiful clear waters. Drive to the end for superb views and a close up look at Gili Genting.
Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast are thirteen small islands called the Southwest Gilis. Unlike the famous Gili islands in the northwest of Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers... thus we call them “The Secret Islands”. The Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The drive itself is a worthwhile trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-today activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brick-making and other traditional pastimes.
beach. The island is small and the beach has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling. Back on the main road and slightly further south is the turn off for Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort, set on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the only luxury accommodation in the area. Cocotinos in Sekotong is the second venture for the Odyssea Asia group, with their first dive resort already well established in Manado, Sulawesi. Scuba diving courses and dives, operated by Odyssea Divers, are available from the resort, together with snorkelling, boating and other sea sports.
Fronting the resort is a glorious white sand beach which spans over 300m, part of which is a private cove. Facilities include a 17m beach The peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun), is front swimming situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong. pool, a restaurant overlooking the The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the bay, the Laleina Spa dazzling white sand stretches in a wide on the waterfront, sweep around the bay, while the hills a boat jetty, and behind form a perfect backdrop to this diving and boating idyllic setting. facilities. Just out in the calm bay are the three Slightly further lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili south is Sundancer Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small Resort, with its distinctive blue sign in the nearby village will direct you roofs dotted on the to the local boat hire area, where you can hillside overlooking arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and another white sand the other islands. beach. The hotel Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has development is still accommodation for visitors, with Gili under construction. Nanggu Cottages providing simple Across the road cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as deluxe rooms further back from the from Sundancer, on 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. Further south you will come to the only petrol station along the south coastal road at Tembowong Village. Nearby is the site for catching boats out to Gili Gede. Gili Gede is easily reached by boat from the village of Tembowong and is only minutes across the water. Continued from Page 60
The Southwest
60 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.
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.
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 Yut Inn 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.
To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea.
Secret Island has comfortable budget accommodation, including two unique bungalows perched on a pier over the reef – the only ones 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.
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.
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”.
On the other side of the island is where the pier is located, with a fantastic white sand beach. It is a favourite for guests from Secret Island Resort, and Dive Zone often brings divers to the island to relax in
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! 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 62
The Southwest
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The Southwest
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it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers. There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future.
Pearl Beach Resort, the only accommodation on the island, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and welldesigned bungalows looking out over a breathtaking beach. There is also a beachfront restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals. Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the mainland, continue south on the coastal road until you come to a main intersection. A signpost to the left leads to the spectacular large bay at Mekaki. The road to the right leads to 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. 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.
Those who wish to explore the underwater world further can join dive adventures with either Dive Zone in Sekotong or Odyssea Divers at Cocotinos
The wide white sand bay is lined with fisherman’s huts and draws hundreds of surfers every year from as far away as Hawaii and Brazil to challenge the huge waves of Desert Point, just offshore. Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area. Bali is clearly visible, with the island of Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail away. The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making
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
KUTA AND THE SUBLIME SOUTH COAST
Indonesia boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and the south coast of Lombok easily rates 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. Tourists are drawn to the stunning beaches of the south coast to bake on the blindingly white sands, swim in the crystal clear oceans, explore the unique dive sites 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 Kuta has blossomed over the past couple of years, with many new hotels, restaurants and cafes opening to cater for increased numbers of tourists. The proposed Mandalika Resort development, with its plans for luxury hotels, villas and supporting facilities on over 1000 hectares of prime beach land, will further transform the south coast in coming years. But for now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular. The drive down to the south coast is an interesting rural tour through 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, a hilltop village with more Lumbung and traditional homes. Both villages have been renovated and cater to the tourist market, but are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries. Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a
glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors. Kuta itself is a small town with hotels, home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that cater mainly to the thousands of surfers from around the world who are drawn to the area every year to surf the left- and right-hand breaks out in the bay. There is a good variety of accommodation, restaurants and facilities for travellers and – with investment taking off – more options are opening all the time. On the main road into town, on the left just past the roundabout, Ocean Breeze Gourmet Foods is a great place to stock up on freshly baked breads and pastries, snacks, and imported gourmet products such as cheeses, meats and dairy products. The café serves light meals and snacks, or take-away foods such as freshly made rolls – perfect to pick up for a picnic on the beach! In the evening, enjoy the daily specials with delicious fresh meals including gourmet tapas nights. At present, Kuta boasts just one luxury resort: the Novotel Lombok. The Novotel has a range of accommodation, from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and luxurious villas, some with private swimming pools. Designed to blend in with the environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture. Continued on Page 64
Kuta and The South Coast
64 Continued from Page 63 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, is perched on top of the hill with spectacular views over Kuta and the surrounding beaches. The café serves vegetarian meals and organic gourmet snacks that are truly out of the ordinary. Open every day from 6.30am until 8pm for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all day dining. Kuta attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Ekas, and the beaches to the west. It’s easy to hire a board and a surf guide from here to learn surfing or, for experienced surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area.
Hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta. East of Kuta is Gerupuk, well known as a top surf location and situated on a peninsula of land that juts out into the ocean, with stunning views of the sea, and the surrounding islands and bays. There is a good surf school here and no fewer than five surf breaks. The beaches and scenery continue all the way to the east coast, with fantastic places such as Bumbang, Awang Bay, Ekas and Pantai Sorga (Heaven Beach)… the name says it all!
Bumbangku
Surfing at Gerupuk Bay
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. Continued on Page 67
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: +62 852 3717 6168 / +62 813 3990 7169 info@bumbangkulombok.com | www.bumbangkulombok.com
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Kuta and The South Coast
Kuta and The South Coast
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Continued from Page 64
Further east, Heaven on the Planet and Ocean Heaven (collectively known as HOTPlanet) offers accommodation, a restaurant, swimming pool, a Spa and Wellness Centre and a host of water activities, such as surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, wind-surfing and more. Heading west from Kuta are another series of beautiful beaches and bays hidden behind headlands and rolling hills, providing peaceful and secluded spots for picnics and swimming. All are within easy day trips of Kuta. Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is a picturesque, almost circular bay with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side. It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand. Mawi, around another 7km to the west, has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough. At other times, it is a lovely beach with impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; look for the three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean. Selong 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.
Mawun Beach
Laut Biru Café at Sempiak Villas is a popular place for a stop – or justifies a day trip in itself – and serves fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant overlooking the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip. Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted.
The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
Discover South Lombok's Unique Dive Sites with the South Coast Specialists
PADI Dive Courses Fun Dives Beginners to Advanced
Scuba diving in South Lombok is a must if you are traveling through Indonesia. Just a short trip from the popular Gili islands, but with a very different dive scene. info@discoverydiverslombok.com | 0878 0638 1977 www.discoverydiverslombok.com
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Ocean Breeze Gourmet Foods-Meats, Cheeses, Breads, Snacks
Ocean Breeze is Proud to Provide Lombok’s Finest Foods Sourced from Over 12 Countries Take-Away Menu - Deli Sandwiches, Salads, Homemade Breads, Homemade Pastas, etc – Stop in and Check Out Our Daily Special! We Ensure All Prepared Foods are Handled in a Safe Hygienic Manner – All Produce Washed with Purified Drinking Water.
FINE FOODS NOW IN KUTA! www.oceanbreezelombok.com Open Tuesday – Sunday 8am – 7pm
Our Current Food Selection Includes: Cheeses
Bocconicini, Brie, Caciotta, Cheddar, Feta, Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Parmesan, etc.
Meats
Black Angus Steaks, Australian Steaks, Chorizo & Italian Sausages, American Burgers, Premium Minced Beef, Boneless Chicken Breasts, etc.
Dried Meats Chorizo, Jambon Fume, Coppa, Sopresatta, Culatello, Salami, Pastrami, etc. Seafood
Cured Salmon, Smoked Turbot, Yellow Fin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Octopus Carpaccio, Fresh Seafood Salads, etc.
Prepared Food
New York Style Sandwiches, Homemade Ravioli, Homemade Lasagna, Organic Salads, Caprese, Aussie Meat Pies, Apple Pies, Fresh Pates, etc.
Breads
Homemade Baguettes & Loaves, Farmer Rolls, Turkish Pide, Panadas, Donuts,etc.
Snacks
Homemade Oven Roasted Cashews & Peanuts, Yoghurt Bars, Kettle Cooked Chips, Fine Chocolates, etc.
Other
Italian Pastas & Sauces, Cornichons, Olives, Muesli, Infused Olive Oils, All Natural Jelly, Jams, Marmalades & Spreads, etc.
Jl Pariwisata (in front of Kuta Medical Service) www.facebook.com/oceanbreezelombok info@oceanbreezelombok.com
Ocean Breeze Gourmet Foods
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Kuta and The South Coast
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Kuta and The South Coast
www.thelombokguide.com
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Kuta and The South Coast
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The safe way to buy land and build in Kuta
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Tourism Information
The Gili Islands Unique tropical escapes!
Three perfect coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laidback charm. 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. Continued on Page 76
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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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Continued from Page 74 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!
Gili Trawangan
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The Gili Islands
Tourism Information
GETTING TO THE GILIS
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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.
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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. Previously tagged “the party island” by The Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately known) has moved on and up. Gone are the days when backpackers flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sophisticated side that becomes more evident every year. That’s not to say that the original charms that attracted travellers in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still what attracts visitors today. But the island has cast off its grungy origins and now combines the best of a tropical island paradise with a touch of chic and all the mod cons of a top holiday destination. 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 and families from all over the world. The island itself is around 3km long and 2km wide, so walking is easy and you can cycle around the island in around 1 1/2 hours (but will need to get off and push your bike through sandy sections on the west side). This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south is a great lookout from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets across the ocean to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on mainland Lombok. On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up. The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast in the area called “Sentral”, where the boats dock. Tracks meander from the main coastal “road” inland through coconut groves to pockets of secluded development. Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with
the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area. Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, home-stays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical. Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd. At the other end of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pools or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD. Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. There are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore. Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian nasi goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between. There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation). These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island. Continued on Page 83
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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.
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For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko-ko-mo Resort, Scallywags Resort, and on the beachfront at Hotel Vila Ombak, as well as the stylish Pearl Beach Lounge next door.
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. 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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Clean and comfortable twin and double rooms with air conditioning, satellite television, in-room safes, fully stocked mini bar and private bathrooms with fresh hot water. Fresh water swimming pool and separate kiddies pool. Dine at The Terminal Beachfront bar and restaurant with fantastic views, serving delicious snacks and meals all day Pamper yourself at Marshander Spa & Salon at Gili T Resort Body Therapies and Massages, Hair and Beauty Treatments, Foot Massages Overlooking the Beach
The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 6138513
gilitresort@hotmail.com | www.gilitresort.com
Gili Trawangan
LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB Indonesia P: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 6147741 E: booking@thetrawangan.com W: www.thetrawangan.com
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Tourism Information
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GILI ISLANDS FAST FACTS
There are numerous fast boat services operating between Bali and the Gilis. In good weather, fast boats can make the crossing in around 80 minutes but in heavy seas the trip can take two hours or more. Make sure you choose a reputable company who care about passenger comfort and safety, rather than “pack them in and profit”. Check weather conditions before going – the Lombok Strait is one of the deepest bodies of water in the world and seas can get very rough, with waves up to 5 metres in bad weather. Refuse to board overloaded boats. It is also possible to fly to Lombok and transfer to the Gilis from the mainland. See “Getting to Lombok” and “Getting to the Gilis” sections for details. Alcohol and the risk of methanol poisoning have been in the spotlight since 2009 and there have been a significant number of deaths from contaminated alcohol in Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Avoid bars and places that serve arak or other “local spirits”, including cocktails such as “Jungle Juice” and “Arak Attack”. With imported alcohol heavily taxed in Indonesia, “Welcome drinks”, “Two for one” cocktails and cheap shots should all be viewed with suspicion. If it seems too cheap to be the real deal, it probably is. Large hotels and restaurants generally serve imported alcohol; otherwise, stick
Gili Trawangan by 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
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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 90
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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.
Gili Meno
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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The Beach Club Beach Bungalows, Bar & Café
PERFECT BEACH LOCATION IN GILI AIR!
Comfortable Bungalows with AC, Fresh Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed and one of Gili Air’s best white sandy beaches – perfect for snorkelling – just steps from your room!
Gili Air, Lombok | M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 E: thebeachclubgiliair@hotmail.com
www.thebeachclublombok.com
Tourism Information
93 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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