The Lombok Guide Issue 188 by The Lombok Guide

The

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Issue 188 | 9 – 23 March 2015

LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0812 3734 4894 | www.thelombokguide.com The Beach Club Beach Bungalows

Page 94

LOMBOK – NYEPI ESCAPES! Nyepi, the “day of silence”, will be celebrated in Bali on 21 March this year. For 24 hours, people in Bali are required to stay inside and avoid all light and noise. Restaurants and bars are closed, the streets are quiet and there are no flights into or out of Bali airport.

IN THIS ISSUE

Our Balinese community in Lombok also celebrates Nyepi but, as we’re a multi-cultural island, we keep the lights on and life goes on as normal. Restaurants and bars are open, there’s music and dancing, and all the usual fun in the sun. Plus, we join with our Hindu friends for one of the best Ogoh-ogoh parades around!

Page 2 Page 4/8 Page 5 Page 6 Page 10 & 11 Page 12 Page 14

In Lombok, we celebrate the best of Nyepi with no down time – book your Nyepi escape to Lombok now!

Page 18 Page 24 Page 32 Page 34 Page 36 Page 40 Page 42 Page 44 Page 50-60 Page 61 Page 62-65 Page 64 Page 66-69 Page 70-77 Page 77 Page 78 & 79 Page 80 Page 81-100 Page 83 Page 84 Page 99

Batu Layar Temple by Didik Hariadi

Getting to Lombok Attractions & Actitvities Special Feature Lombok Map Special Feature Senggigi Senggigi Map What’s Hot / Local News Local News Local News Local Scene Classifieds Local News Local Scene Special Feature Land & Property Distribution The Cities Cities Map The Southwest Kuta & The South Coast South Lombok Map North Lombok Useful Contacts The Gilis Gilis Fast Facts Getting to Gilis Gilis Map

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK

To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 61 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself… Like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!

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Tourism Information

GETTING TO LOMBOK

It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only DOMESTIC FLIGHTS around 30 minutes and fares start from around Rp 350,000 European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city (approx. US $35) one way. Buy tickets direct from the airline of Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta, counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel Surabaya and Makassar. agents in both Bali and Lombok. Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available every Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional day and are usually timed to connect with European flights. Lombok, commonly abbreviated to BIL, and using the IATA Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogjakarta, code “LOP”) is the only airport on Lombok. Surabaya and Makassar and is an important connection The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); for travel to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of approximately 40km south of the city of Mataram, and Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores. around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Garuda Indonesia / Citilink have direct flights daily Kuta. between Lombok and Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Airport departure tax is Rp 45,000 for domestic departures Jakarta. Call Centre: 08041 807 807. Sales Office: +62 370 (Rp 75,000 from Bali) and Rp 150,000 for international 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 649100. departures (Rp 200,000 from Bali). www.garuda-indonesia.com 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 8041 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. 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

Lion Air / Wings Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service. Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The crossing between the islands costs Rp 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.

Blue Water Express has services between Bali and mainland Lombok, with convenient departures from two different locations on Bali – Serangan (near Benoa Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Harbour) and Padang Bai Harbour – every day. Fares two destinations in Malaysia, with many international include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: +62 361 connections available. Flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur operate every day, and between Lombok and Johor 895 1111 / 0813 3841 8988. www.bluewater-express.com Bahru 3 times per week. www.airasia.com Gili Getaway also connects Bali and mainland Lombok with daily transfers from Serangan Harbour on Bali. Fares Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia include air conditioned hotel transfers to main points in Bali. and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. Ph: +62 819 1673 3051 / +62 813 3707 4147. International connections from around the world are available, via Jakarta. Call Centre: 08041 807 807. Airport: www.giligetaway.com +62 370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for more details.

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The Perfect Place to Wine & Dine in Lombok Senggigi Square Blok B-10, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia Ph: +62 370 6644 888, 693 688 | Fax: +62 370 623 975 square_marina@yahoo.com | www.squarelombok.com

Tourism Information

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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Lombok Map

Senggigi

Tourism Information

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.

Special Feature

YOU CAN SEE BALI IN LOMBOK! Amati Lelungan: Prohibiting journeys or travel; requiring people to stay within their residences. Amati Lelanguan: Prohibiting all forms of entertainment, recreations or general merrymaking. In keeping with the strict traditions of the holy day, these activities in Bali will grind to a halt for 24 hours – from 6.00am on 21 March until 6.00am on 22 March 2015.

Bali’s airport is closed for both international and domestic travel during Nyepi and all seaports that connect to Bali are also closed. No passengers are allowed to land or take off from the airport and ports and, although some technical stops may be allowed, no passenger may disembark or embark during this period. Public ferries between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok) will not operate on Nyepi, nor will domestic flights between Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) and Lombok International Airport. If you are planning to come to Lombok, make sure you leave Bali by 20 March. The situation is different in Lombok, where the community is made up of a mixture of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and other religions.

Here in Lombok, the local people have a saying: “You can see Bali in Lombok... but you can’t see Lombok in Bali!” This is especially true during Nyepi – the Balinese Hindu “Day of Silence” – when you really can see Bali in Lombok! Many people assume that Balinese Hindus only live in Bali but, with the two islands being so close together, Balinese settlement in Lombok dates back for centuries. Today, Balinese communities and temples are found all around the west coast and in the cities.

Of course, Lombok’s Hindu community also observes Nyepi but the observances are not enforced in Lombok and this quiet time of no noise, lights, travel or work only takes place in the Hindu communities. For the 24 hours of Nyepi, visitors to Bali are required to stay within the grounds of their hotels and not leave the premises, except in cases of medical emergency. Hotels are asked to limit outside lighting out of respect to the surrounding Balinese communities. Television and radio stations are closed and cable broadcast companies are asked to suspend their signals to Bali during Nyepi.

Nyepi is one of the most important days in the Balinese Hindu calendar and the start of the Hindu New Year. This year Hari Raya Nyepi falls on Saturday, 21 March 2015. Nyepi in Bali is observed by a “day of silence” based on four guiding principles set down for celebrating the Bali-Hindu New Year, called Catur Berata Penyepian. These four principles specify: Amati Geni: Prohibiting the lighting of fires, the use of lighting or the satisfaction of pleasurable human appetites. Amati Karya: Prohibiting all forms of physical work other than those dedicated to spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Employees of hotels and emergency services must stay confined to their place of employment for the entire 24-hour period. All businesses are closed and the streets are empty. Taxis do not operate on Nyepi and only emergency vehicles are permitted on the roads.

Most visitors to Lombok would be unaware of Nyepi practices as shops, restaurants and businesses are open and everything on the island operates as on any normal day. However, there is one Nyepi tradition that draws the attention of both Lombok’s residents and visitors; this is when Lombok’s Hindu community participate in Ngerupuk or the “Ogoh-ogoh Parade”. This year the parade takes place on 20 March, the day before Nyepi, and is a fascinating and noisy procession of fantastic monsters that dance and twist their way along the main streets of Lombok’s capital city, Mataram. “Ogoh-ogoh” is the name given to the giant monsters representing Hindu

Special Feature

creatures of the underworld (known in Balinese as buta kala). Ogoh-ogoh are usually based on evil characters or spirits taken from traditional myths and legends, although more modern monsters include effigies of political characters, or symbolic representations of “the demon within” and evil temptations in the modern world. About one month before Nyepi, the Hindu community starts to plan their Ogohogoh creations. If you drive around the back streets of Mataram and Cakra over the next couple of weeks, you will see these huge constructions taking shape by the side of the roads. Each Balinese village, even those in Lombok, is run by a Banjar, a community council that supports and maintains the temples and village environment; as well as mediating problems in the village, etc. In preparation for Nyepi, the Banjar collects money, often with other smaller communities joining with a bigger one, to create Ogohogoh together. The people work together to create the monsters, using bamboo and wire frames, papier-mâché, polystyrene and other materials. Sometimes special artisans are brought in from Bali, gifted in monster making and hired to produce amazing monsters. They are often works of art that have taken many hours to create. A simple Ogoh-ogoh may cost as little as Rp 500 000 to make, but more elaborate figures can cost up to Rp 12 million. The young people of the villages take great delight in competing with other villages to create the most gruesome, terrifying or eye-catching Ogoh-ogoh.

The parade of the Ogoh-ogoh, although a fun and popular event for spectators, is in fact an important ceremony in preparation for Nyepi; representing a type of mass exorcism of evil in order to start the Hindu New Year spiritually fresh and clean. Before the parade, a pemangku (temple priest) holds a ceremony to imbue the buta kala with spirit and power. Some say the monster gets heavier after this ceremony! The Ogoh-ogoh is then placed on a bamboo frame, so that many people can help to carry it, making wild movements and dancing to bring the monster to life. Groups of people in traditional dress join the parade, taking turns to carry the heavy figures and dancing alongside their Ogoh-ogoh.

The monsters are then paraded home to their respective Banjar, where they will often be burned in a ritual symbolising the destruction of evil (although these days some of the more elaborate creations are no longer being destroyed). Most importantly, the Ogoh-ogoh parade has become a multi-cultural event in Lombok, with the whole community joining in the excitement. It’s not unusual to see Muslim groups and Gendang Beleq troupes playing the big drums of Lombok – and even Chinese Lion Dancers –marching and laughing alongside the Hindu groups with their monsters.

Musical groups, gamelan players and dancers in costume often accompany their monster, creating a spectacle of sound and drama. As evil spirits are believed to inhabit crossroads, particular attention is paid to each intersection, with the Ogoh-ogoh lurching and dancing wildly in the middle of the road to scare off any other evil spirits lurking there. The parade travels along Jl Pejanggik, the main street in Mataram, and can involve more than a hundred Ogoh-ogoh and thousands of spectators.

If you would like to see the parade, join the crowds in the afternoon on 20 March at around 2pm along the main street of Mataram (near the Mataram Mall). The Ogoh-ogoh parade is a fascinating event, full of music, dance, fun and excitement. Spectators are always welcome… be sure to take your camera!

Tourism Information

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

Live Music! Great Food! Good Times!

Jl Raya (Main Street) Senggigi Ph: 0370 693619 E: restaurant@asmara-group.com

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Live Music Every Friday ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the garden

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

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Senggigi

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

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* tax and service charge and high season surcharges may apply

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Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, Ph: +62 (0) 370 693013 Fax: +62 (0) 370 693286 | info@puribungalombok.com | www.puribungalombok.com

18 De Quake Restaurant has just announced its new THIRSTY THURSDAYS promotion, with 15% discounts on all food and beer available every Thursday. The popular restaurant on the beachfront at the Art Markets in Senggigi has a reputation for good food and is a fine place to kick back and relax while watching the ever-changing beach scene. Sunsets are especially good, sitting on the couches downstairs and enjoying a cold drink while watching the sun sink across the Lombok Strait. Afterwards, head for a table upstairs and to catch the cool breezes while you indulge in some delicious food – at 15% less than the normal price. The fresh seafood and Thai specialties are highly recommended! See page 45 for details. No free visa for Aussies: after an initial announcement in October 2014 that Indonesia would extend visa-free-on-arrival for the nationals of China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Australia, the Jakarta Globe has published that Australia has been

WHAT’S The Best in Lombok H

What’s Hot / Local News

removed form the list due to Australia’s failure to reciprocate with a similar visa free policy for Indonesians travelling to Australia. Indonesia’s Tourism Minister, Arief Yahya, has announced that Australia’s refusal to extend an equivalent courtesy to Indonesian travellers prompted the decision that will require Australian tourists to continue to pay US $35 for a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) when visiting Indonesia. Quoted by The Jakarta Globe, Yahya said: “Indonesia offers visa-free travel to countries that can offer us the same things. Australia requires a visa for every foreign tourist to enter the country. That means they won’t ever offer Indonesian tourists visa-free travel, even though we offer it to them.” Australians are the biggest single source

of foreign visitors for the island of Bali, with nearly one million visitors each year. Japan is in the process of extending free visas to Indonesian visitors. Discussions continue between Indonesia and South Korea, China and Russia to establish a reciprocal visa-free status. TripAdvisor®, one of the world’s most influential travel sites, has announced the winners of its “Travelers Choice 2015 Best Beaches in the World”, including the 10 best beaches in Indonesia. From the Top 10 Best Beaches in Indonesia, the top three are all beaches in Bali. The beach at Nusa Dua ranks #1, Padang-Padang takes 2nd place, while Balangan Beach ranks #3 on the list. Congratulations to Lombok’s own Tanjung A’an on the southeast coast, which ranked number 4 on the list. Of course, there are many more beautiful beaches in Lombok… but perhaps part of the reason they are so beautiful is that they haven’t made TripAdvisor’s lists yet!

A TASTE OF SPAIN AT QUNCI

Qunci Villas will be hosting a special Tapas and Flamenco night on 21 March (the Nyepi weekend).

Chef Asier Arroyo will prepare a selection of Basque and Spanish inspired modern tapas for guests, while acclaimed Spanish musician Juantxin Osaba will delight diners with his masterful guitar skills. Asier Arroyo is a man who cooks food with soul. If sauté pans were surfboards, we would definitely spot this vibrant surfing chef charging the waves with great flavours! Growing up in the Basque county of Spain, this young and bubbly man has a solid footing in classical Spanish cuisine. He spent his early years mastering the art of cooking and became so fascinated with food, he decided to widen his skills

and explore his culinary passion across the globe. He has showcased his expertise in London, Barcelona, Brazil, Indonesia and Australia.

Juantxin Osaba was born in Bilbao, the capital of the Basque county in northern Spain, and began his musical studies at the age of 8 years. At the age of 16 he joined the Juan Antxieta Conservatory, learning with some of the best guitarists and musicians in Spain. Now a Master Flamenco Guitarist, he has performed all over the world, playing with bands such as Calima, Greasy, Kandela, and Monkey. His musical influences are Flamenco, Reggae, Jazz, and Jazz Fusion.

This culinary journey has led him to Juantxin currently lives in Jerez, Spain develop his own style of cooking from and is developing his first solo album. all types of cuisine. Asier currently works His appearance at Qunci will be his only as a culinary performance in Lombok. consultant The Tapas and Flamenco developing ideas, Dinner will start at 7pm training kitchen (sharp). Price is $48 ++ staff, re-branding, per person (dinner only) upgrading and or enjoy your tapas with providing menus, selected wine pairings and creating feature dishes to for just $72 ++ per suit a restaurant’s person. See page 35 for concept. booking details. Guitarist Juantxin Osaba

Senggigi

Fresh Breads, Cakes and Baked Goods Daily, Pod Coffees, Specialty Teas and Cold Drinks Free Wifi and use of laptops

DINE IN OR TAKE-AWAY!

OPEN 8AM - 9PM EVERY DAY

Local and imported meats, chicken and seafood

BED & BREAKFAST NOW OPEN!

Dairy - cheeses, yoghurts, cream and fresh milk Packaged and tinned goods Fresh vegetables and herbs Nuts, sauces, chips, biscuits and so much more...

YOUR ONE-STOP PANTRY IN SENGGIGI!

Our spacious Bed and Breakfast has been designed to provide our guests privacy, luxury and comfort. Air conditioned, separate lounge room, Satellite Television, Bose Docking sound system,WiFi, Pod Coffee Machine, Refrigerator, modern en-suite bathroom, Private entrance, Swimming Pool, Laundry, Off Street Parking. See our website for details

Jl Palm Raja No.3 Green Valley, Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693463

www.temptations-lombok.com

Senggigi

Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Giftshop

Looking for nice presents or home decorations?

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

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

Senggigi

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

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

Senggigi

Local News

GILI TRIATHLON – 28 MARCH 2015 there will be an auction of some fabulous prizes. Past prizes have included high value items such as stays in luxury villas and hotels, dive trips, a Komodo Liveaboard trip provided by Blue Marlin, a full PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) provided by Trawangan Dive, and more. Lombok and Gili businesses are encouraged to get behind this event by donating prizes to help with fundraising and make the Triathlon a success! All funds raised from the event will go toward the purchase of a rubbish incinerator... something the island desperately needs!

It’s time to start training for the Gili Triathlon – happening on Gili Trawangan on Saturday, 28 March this year! Organised by the Gili Eco Trust, the Gili Triathlon is a fun-filled and action-packed event for competitors and spectators, with lots of activities including raffles and games, as well as the excitement of the main Triathlon event. The Triathlon comprises a 600m ocean swim, a 7km bike ride and an approx. 5km run around Gili Trawangan. The race starts at Trawangan Dive Centre at 3pm and will finish at Dive Central Gili at Pesona Resort. The Triathlon is open to individuals who want to compete solo in all three stages and to teams (1 swimming, 1 cycling, and 1 running). Get your team together and start training now – there are big prizes to be won! During the event, raffles will be held and

Waste is an ongoing problem for the Gili islands, especially because of the volume of rubbish generated by the tourism industry. Gili Eco Trust’s main project on land is improving waste management. Working with the FMPL (the waste collection company on Gili Trawangan, which collects waste every day), Gili Eco Trust helps FMPL by providing them funds to operate, housing for their employees, veterinary clinics for their over-exploited horses, and advice on waste management. Over past years, Gili Eco Trust has renovated the waste dump on Gili Trawangan by building an elevated road to reach it, as well as a surrounding wall to contain the rubbish. The Gili Eco Trust also raised funds to buy rubbish bins in three different colours and distributed these bins to all Trawangan residents. Using the colour-coded system they implemented a recycling programme for organic and

recyclable waste, and organised special events to train the population in the correct usage of these bins to encourage recycling and effective waste management. Despite these efforts, the rubbish dumps are full and the waste situation has become a sanitary priority for the Gilis. For this reason, Gili Eco Trust now needs funds to buy an incinerator. This will enable them to manage waste on the Gilis locally, with a proper waste management plan and programme, rather than ship the rubbish to the mainland; thereby moving the problem to Lombok, which already has its own waste management problems. Please support this initiative by donating prizes and by participating in the Triathlon as a competitor or spectator. For registration and donations, please contact Delphine Robbe (Gili Eco Trust Coordinator and Project Manager). Ph: +62 (0) 813 3960 0553 | Email: info@giliecotrust.com or giliecotrust@gmail.com | Web: www.giliecotrust.com

Gili Triathlon akan diselenggarakan lagi tahun ini pada tanggal 28 Maret 2015. Sekarang adalah waktunya anda untuk berlatih!!! Anda bisa mendaftar sebagai perorangan ataupun sebagai tim yang terdiri dari 3 orang (1 orang berenang, 1 orang bersepeda, 1 orang berlari) Hadiah (uang besar) untuk yang menang! Heboh dan banyak permainan!!! Semua hasil dari lomba ini akan dipergunakan untuk pengadaan insinerator sampah yang sangat dibutuhkan oleh Gili Trawangan...

Senggigi

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

Senggigi

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phone: 0819 1593 2899

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SENGGIGI Senggigi Beach Road

Next to Santosa Villas

Galeria Shops

Senggigi

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 Phone: +62 370 693 925

lachill@gmail.com

www.lachillbar.com

La-Chill-Bar

SUNSET HOURS 6 - 8pm

Drink safely at La Chill Bar. Genuine imported spirits only are served

Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style

PURI MAS LUXURY SPA brings you – GEL NAILS BY ANGEL PRO FROM KOREA Say Goodbye to Chips, Nicks and Smudges Forever… Our fully trained nail technicians will beautify your nails with NON-DAMAGING AND NON-TOXIC ANGEL PRO... BEAUTIFUL GLOSSY NAILS THAT LAST LONGER, WON’T CHIP OR CRACK, AND HELPS NAILS GROW FASTER WITHOUT DAMAGE

• CLEAR GEL POLISH • ONE COLOUR • TWO COLOUR/FRENCH POLISH • NAIL ART • DIAMONTE DECORATION • TOUCH UP/BOTH HANDS • SOAK OFF/BUFF/CLEANSE

Rp 300,000 Rp 350,000 Rp 400,000 Rp 450,000 Rp 30,000 each Rp 250,000 Rp 250,000

(Soak off / manicure or pedicure available at extra charge)

By appointment only: Tel: (0370) 693 831 / 692 021 | Email: spareservations@purimas-lombok.com Free pick up and drop off in the Senggigi Mangsit Areas

Senggigi

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

Senggigi

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

Senggigi

Local News

LION AIR… Causing Uproar!

Lion Air – Indonesia’s largest low-cost airline and second largest national airline – went into a state resembling corporate meltdown on Wednesday, 18 February 2015, when the airline suddenly and without prior notice cancelled all its evening flights departing Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

Incongruously blaming the resulting delays on technical issues affecting 3 of its 93 aircraft, thousands of passengers were left stranded in Jakarta and connecting

A spokesman from the Transportation Ministry, Yirlis Hasibuan, has called into question Lion Air’s explanation that technical problems with three aircraft out of a fleet of nearly 100 planes could have caused the meltdown.

airports across the nation, with little or no information on the developing situation shared by ground staff of the airline. Reports of angry passengers holding ground staff hostage and militant occupation of tarmac areas by passengers demanding refunds and compensation made front page news in the national press. An estimate of damage and vandalism caused by passengers angered by the delays is put at Rp 100 million at Terminal 3 in Jakarta. Two days into the crisis, Lion Air convened a press conference at Jakarta’s airport where the airline announced a temporary suspension of all flights from Jakarta, promising to process refunds or reissue flight tickets during the week of 22 February 2015. An estimated 2,000 passengers were affected by delays and flight cancellations. Claiming insufficient cash was on hand for Lion Air to pay passenger refunds, airport managers Angkasa Pura provided cash to effect refunds and compensation to the public.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation is withholding permission for Lion Air to resume operation on nine routes that they have failed to fly for 21 days without first advising the Director General of Civil Aviation. In a statement issued on 26 February 2015, the Director General of Air Communications at the Transportation Ministry listed the nine routes that the Ministry has temporarily denied Lion Air permission to operate. These are: Surabaya – Ambon, Surabaya – Jakarta, Makassar – Jayapura, Makassar – Jakarta, Lombok – Jakarta, and Jakarta – Jambi. The Ministry has also revoked Lion Air’s permission to fly on the Yogyakarta – Palangkaraya route, following the failure of Lion Air to operate their authorised 7 flights per week for more than 30 days. Lion Air – the company that placed the largest aircraft orders in history with both Airbus Industries and Boeing – is likely to find many aspects of its operations and management come under closer scrutiny because of this fiasco of almost unprecedented proportions in Indonesia’s aviation history.

The politically well-connected airline is expected to be called by the National House of Representatives to explain the state of affairs.

Travel industry observers will now be watching booking activity and achieved loads on Lion Air’s flights over the coming weeks to see if the public’s badly-shaken faith in the airline can recover.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation has issued a 30day freeze on new routes or flight frequencies for the carrier.

Lion Air currently operates flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya daily. Locally, the airline has the dubious acronym of “Late Is Our Normal”…

Senggigi

Local Scene

DAVE PYNT AT QUNCI VILLAS

Qunci Villas in Mangsit did it again – with another fantastic “Chefs in the Wild” dinner as part of their “Month of Love” events in February!

With flaming grills set up alongside Quah Restaurant, Dave Pynt, chef and owner of Burnt Ends Restaurant in Singapore – and one of world’s most accomplished BBQ specialists – prepared a special dinner showcasing his innovative barbeque techniques for around 60 VIP guests at the resort.

Senggigi

TAPA S AN D FL AMEN CO 21 March 2015 (Nyepi weekend) Join us for a celebration of Spanish specialties featuring a Modern Tapas Dinner prepared by guest chef Asier Arroyo and first-class entertainment by Master Flamenco Guitarist Juantxin Osaba from Spain

$48 ++ per person (dinner only) $72 ++ dinner with special wine selections by Baliwein

[ 7pm sharp; 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

Pasar Classifieds

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

STAFF WANTED FOR NEW RESTAURANT IN GILI T

For our new restaurant with Asian-French cuisine we are looking for:

Cook | Sous Chef | Barman | Waiter English speaking, with experience, men and women welcome.

For your complete staffing needs. We provide housekeeping, gardener, security, chef, etc

Please contact Raphael: oraautourdumonde@hotmail.ch or 0853 3323 9825

For more info please contact 0877 6504 7487 or

VILLA TOP HILLSIDE FOR SALE BEST VIEW OF LOMBOK!

BUNGALOW FOR RENT

lombokhousekeeping@gmail.com

2 rooms + 1 studio, luxury standards, parking. Rare and available for sale now. Serious buyer only.

Rp 1 million (1 juta) per month. Large room and large bathroom for 1 or 2 people. Has swimming pool and own verandah. Great ocean and Montong views.15 mins to Senggigi, 20 mins to Mataram by motorbike

Contact: villahilllombok@gmail.com

Phone Juli or Philip 0822 3630 7117

Lombok Personal Assistant Visa arrangements and business permits Translator and interpreter (English-Indonesian) House Management Tel. 0877 6511 8041 eka@lombok-personal-assistant.com www.lombok-personal-assistant.com

Detached House with Pool for Sale GOLF PLAYERS WANTED

Two Storey house in Jl Palm Tree, Senggigi Residence IN THE HEART OF SENGGIGI 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.

MASSAGE THERAPIST WANTED Experienced, English speaking an advantage, own transport. Phone: 0821 7220 7276 0818 0574 0432

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

LAND FOR SALE WITH AMAZING VIEW TO MATARAM CITY, LOMBOK STRAITS, GUNUNG AGUNG! Located on ‘The Hill’ at Batu Layar. 1234sqm, flat and ready to build for Villa or simply for profitable Invest. Infrastructure already on site: Water, Electricity, Road access to location and Canalisation. Price USD 300.000/Negotiable. Certificate Hak Milik. Please call 0821 7737 4037 / atiek1717@gmail.com Owner direct (speak Bahasa, English and German)

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

Cover Yourself in

VOA Extensions up to 30 days 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com / damsiah@yahoo.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

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 Jln. Cendana Blok E No.3 Puncang Hijau, Lombok Barat P/F: 0370 6170182 | M: 081 803 636 609 / 081 236 935 382 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id

Ciokolata New Boutique Collections Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com

www.ciokolata.com

Senggigi

[ 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

Senggigi

CAFE LOMBI ~ COFFEE SHOP In House Roasted Coffee Beans or Ground to order Kopi Luwak Coffee Machines (Sell, Rent & Repair) Coffee Business Solutions Show roasting Single Origin Specialty Grade Arabica Beans Sandwiches Pastries & Cakes TELP. 0370 692085 / 0818 365 790 www.CafeLombi.com

Wild Kopi Luwak

UD. GANDARI ICE SOLUTION

Pure refreshing ice cubes made from UV sterilised and purified spring water. Hygienically packaged for your convenience Supplying hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes & private villas

FREE DELIVERY EVERY DAY Jl Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong

www.gandari.com

Hotline: Hp: 081 836 8731 | Ph: 0370 619 4273 | Flexi: 0370 668 1958

Local News

FREE HORSE AND CAT CLINICS ON THE GILIS THIS MONTH

The Gili Eco Trust and Cats of Gili are holding their next big free Horse and Cat Clinics, covering the three Gilis from 9 to 20 March, 2015.

Free clinics will be held for the care of both cats and horses from 9 March and will take place for 5 days on Gili T, 4 days on Gili Air and 3 days on Gili Meno. The free spay/neuter Cat Clinic will start on Gili T from 9-13 March, and is open from 9am to 2pm at The Cat Shop (at Egoiste). There are also free vaccines and medicines for cats. The free Horse Clinic will be held in the Art Market area (near the jetty) during the same dates (9-13 March) from 9am each day. Horses can be de-wormed and given vitamins for free, as well as have a check-up. Gili Eco Trust will also donate some equipment such as shoes and bits free of charge. Volunteers for all clinics are very welcome (see posters for details). Gili Eco Trust also needs some accommodation for the vets and their assistants on Gili T and Gili Air. If you can help, please contact Delphine Robbe (Gili Eco Trust Coordinator and Project Manager) on 0813 3960 0553

Sekali lagi! Ada KLINIK GRATIS untuk kuda dan kucing di 3 Gili. Kami membutuhkan bantuan anda untuk bisa menyebarkan berita ini kepada kawan-kawan anda agar kami bisa membantu kuda dan kucing yang ada di 3 Gili sebanyak-banyaknya. Klinik mulai dibuka pada tanggal 9 Maret sampai dengan tanggal 20 Maret, 2015 Kami telah menyediakan tapal dan banyak peralatan untuk kuda, obat cacing dan vitamin, dan juga vaksinasi kucing dan obat-obatan! Kami juga membutuhkan bantuan bagi anda yang bisa memberikan kamar gratis untuk para dokter hewan yang akan datang. Apabila anda bisa membantu, mohon untuk menghubungi saya di: 0813 3960 0553 Terima kasih Delphine Robbe Gili Eco Trust Coordinator and Project Manager

Senggigi

BACK PACKERS SENGGIGI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LOMBOK

Rates from Rp 100,000 per night

Jalan Raya Senggigi (opposite Post office), Ph: 0819 3675 9231 (Komang) / 0370 692305 Email: komangozstay@gmail.com | Website: www.ozstaylombok.com

Local Scene

KIM AND TETTY’S VALENTINE WEDDING Photos courtesy of Gemma (Mimpi Manis Homestay, Kuta)

Love was in the air when family from Australia and friends from around the world gathered at Ashtari Restaurant in Kuta for Kim and Tetty’s wedding on Valentine’s Day.

Senggigi

Qamboja Day Spa

Ultimate Qamboja Half-Day 4 Hour Spa Experience [ To deeply cleanse, detoxify your body, and totally relax you! ]

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

[ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gorgeous Spaâ&#x20AC;? - 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

SEMPIAK VILLAS...

Special Feature

Now More Beautiful Than Ever! Travelling to the west of Kuta, the south coast of Lombok flows from one beautiful bay to another until it reaches the beach of Selong Belanak, which stretches in a long sweeping arc of white sand and dazzling aquamarine sea. Overlooking this glorious view is Sempiak Villas – a collection of private villas discreetly tucked into the hillside and offering luxurious comforts in an “off the beaten path” setting.

that it soon out-grew its modest premises. The new Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant opened in early November 2014 and is now located on the beachfront so that guests can enjoy cold drinks and delicious food, along with those wonderful views, while spending a day swimming and sunbathing directly on the beach. The restaurant is much larger than the original café and decorated in colours

Selong Belanak

chairs and umbrellas. Wherever you lounge, guests are asked to respect the local conservative Muslim population and wear something over the top of swimwear (a sarong or t-shirt is fine). The beachfront of the property is divided into two areas, with the restaurant on the eastern side and the Camplung Beach Club on the western side. This latter area is reserved purely for the use of the Sempiak Villa guests. There is now a new reception area where the old Laut Biru Café used to be located. Larger than the previous reception, the building also houses a shop selling local Lombok souvenirs such as pottery, batik stationery and woven fabrics. There is also space to sit and relax during the day, so guests can often be found relaxing there with a book. The former reception building on the hill is currently being renovated and will become a new villa named Villa Kruing – bringing the total amount of accommodation available at Sempiak to six villas.

View from Villa

Officially opened in January 2011, Sempiak Villas blends into the hill, surrounded by natural foliage and landscaped gardens. The owners, local businessman Lalu Faturrahman and his wife Rox Harvey, have been careful over the years to ensure development is kept low-key and in keeping with the natural surroundings.

matching the ocean and the sand; light, airy and designed to be as unobtrusive as possible on the beautiful Selong Belanak landscape.

However, with so many visitors attracted to Selong Belanak, they have gradually been making changes to upgrade facilities and provide superior services to guests.

Within the restaurant, a rustic wooden bar with bar stools provides a place to perch in the shade from where you can order anything from cocktails to coffees.

Since its opening, the original Laut Biru (meaning “Blue Ocean”) Café at Sempiak Villas has established a good reputation for quality food and became such a popular attraction for day-trippers and villa guests,

Guests can also sit on the sand in the open area of the restaurant where there are tables,

In coming months, there are plans to open the Sempiak Spa, offering manicures, pedicures and massages... making it even more difficult to find a reason to venture further than this stunning beach and beautiful Sempiak Villas!

The New Restaurant

Senggigi

Thirsty Thursdays! 15% Discount on Beer and Food!

De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

Senggigi

SERBA ANTIK

“The perfect partner for your home and villa”

Curtain - Sheer Outdoor Fabrics Upholstery Fabrics – Sofas Roman, Wooden, Roller Blinds Walpaper HPL Accessories Jl Patih Jelantik Central Parkir, Kuta, Bali Tel. 0361 769 400 Fax. 0361 769 405 serbaantikbali@dps.centrin.net.id

Land & Property

A first for Lombok... Introducing Amanah â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lombokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new 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.

Land & Property

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION 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 perpetual 99-year lease for Indonesian citizens and foreigners.

•

All units come with an 8% guaranteed ROI (Return On Investment) per year for 5 years.

•

All units come with a 5 year buy back guarantee.

•

Split payment system on construction stages.

•

Entitlement of 30 days of free use per year.

•

Fractional ownership available.

www.amanahlombok.com Jl. Adi Sucipto Pertokoan Central City N0. 3A Rembiga, Ampenan 83111 Lombok – Indonesia info@amanahlombok.com INDONESIAN +62 (0) 851 0779 8888 ENGLISH +62 (0) 8786 4020 888

Land & Property

Land & Property Section Advertise your home, villa, land and property in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Land & Propertyâ&#x20AC;? Section your Guide to investment in Lombok! We offer the most economical and effective way to market your property in Lombok with 3,500 copies of The Lombok Guide distributed every two weeks throughout Lombok, the Gilis and Bali PLUS reach thousands of readers around the world through our website and our online digital paper!

FOR SALE FOR LEASE FOR RENT

Email us now to find out how easy it is to promote your property! kitadesign@hotmail.com

Land & Property

RENTAL: Excavator Rock Breaker Earth Moving Cut and Fill Construction & Design With over two decades of experience in Lombok, we specialise in all areas of investment and development including earthworks, infrastructure design, architecture, planning and construction

LAND FOR SALE THE HILL TOP RESIDENCE

Developed by

An outstanding opportunity to secure a position in our exclusive development on The Hill. 50% complete. Concrete road access. Many established villas and prestigious homes on lower slopes. Various block sizes and positions available. Stunning ocean vistas and skyline views across Lombok and Bali

Phone: +62 852 0530 3999, +62 8133 990 9998 Email: brett@ptlapd.com, will@ptlapd.com, tari@ptlapd.com

www.ptlapd.com

Land & Property

HOME-STAY & VILLA FOR SALE 13 are divided into 7 are for Home-stay (4 bedrooms with A/C, pool, fully furnished) and 6 are for Villa (3 bedrooms with A/C, open plan living & kitchen, 4 extra rooms). ONLY USD 300,000

VILLA FOR SALE ON ‘THE HILL’ Stunning luxury villa with millionaire views of Senggigi Bay and Bali. 2 en-suite bedrooms plus separate penthouse. Large infinity pool, beautiful gardens, open plan dining. USD 1.2 million

WALLED PLOT IN SETANGI - 300m2 HILL VIEWS IN KUTA 975m with stunning views of Tanjung A’an & Kuta. Road Just 3 mins to beach and 15 mins to Senggigi. Electricity & water avail. access, electricity available. 10 mins to beach. Ready to Main road access. Flat, ready to build. Adjoining plot also avail. IDR 120 build! ONLY IDR 65 million per 100m2. TOTAL USD 50,300 million per are (100m2). Nego for purchase of both (total 35.22 are). 2

PRIVATE VILLA FOR RENT IN SENGGIGI 2 Bedrooms with A/C & H/W shower, European kitchen, open plan dining, private pool, fully furnished, sleeps 4 guests. Beautiful hill views from balcony. IDR 7.5 million/week

LONG TERM RENTAL VILLA IN SENGGIGI 2 Bedrooms with A/C plus separate guest house. European kitchen, open to the pool and garden. 5 mins to beach, parking, fully furnished. ONLY IDR 16.5 million/month

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Land & Property

ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists

14.3 are (1,430sqm) in Jl Isabella, Sandik. Just completed two level villa with wonderful sweeping ocean views to the west over Mt Agung. Features include 3 bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms. Bungalow with ensuite. European kitchen, maid quarters, double carport. Great outdoor entertaining area with pool, barbeque and pizza oven. 15 mins to Senggigi Owner says sell quickly at only Rp 2 billion! DUDUK JERO Attention all investors, developers and private home buyers Duduk Jero is now open for buyers! A magnificent estate, many blocks with ocean views on gently sloping land, down to level, flat, fully-palmed lots overlooking waterways. Prices range from Rp 60 million to Rp 170 million. Full infrastructure with bitumen roads. Please call for subdivision plan

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JL LUMBA LUMBA 9, GREEN VALLEY. Large 4 bedroom, two bathroom home with spacious lounge and kitchen. Fourth bedroom upstairs. Indoor/outdoor patio. Renovators delight! Rp 650 Million (Nego)

THE ESTATE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY 68 ARE Once in a lifetime opportunity! 50m direct beach frontage! House is 400m2 with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 air conditioners (in each bedroom). Formal lounge, dining room. American style kitchen. 3 car bay, enclosed garage. Upstairs features large entertainment area with ocean and Mt Agung views. Set in exquisite landscaped gardens. This property could easily support 6 exclusive villas. 4 hak milik titles. JL LUMBA LUMBA GREEN VALLEY Western standard renovation. Semi furnished. 2 spacious bedrooms with AC and ensuites. Marble European kitchen. 2 hot water systems. Open plan design. A must to view... Fantastic rental opportunity! Price reduced to Rp 650 Million - OWNER SAYS SELL! MONTONG Excellent home / development, comprising 2 blocks. Land size 29.3 are. 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, have 300sqm in size. Large kitchen, alfresco entertaining area, pool, separate toilet/shower. Asking Rp 3 billion (Nego)

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Land & Property

LONG TERM VILLA FOR RENT ON HILL IN SENGGIGI Luxury 2 bedrooms villa with beautiful ocean view. Fully furnished, spacious living and dining area. IDR 125 Million / year Ph: 0877 6543 5258 / 0370 648 863 Email: villa.amari@yahoo.com

1 : Beachfront land for sale in Meang near Pengantap, size 24,000m2, road access, certificate, price IDR 30 Million/100m2 2 : Villa and land for sale near Mataram, beachfront, land size 8000m2, 3 bedrooms, certificate, road access, price IDR 2.5 Billion. 3 : Villa for sale in Stangi, size 600m2, 2 rooms, beach views, fully furnished, price IDR 1,950,000,000. 4 : Beachfront land in Sekotong, size 5.000m2, price IDR 1 Billion, 1 hour from airport, 1 hour from senggigi, white sandy beach, certificate. 5 : Beachfront land for sale in Medane, land size 25.000m2, near oberoi hotel, view Gili Trawangan and sunset, beach length 120m, certificate price IDR 65 Million / 100m2 6 : Land for sale in Kuta, land size 9.600m2, full view of Tanjung Aan, behind Mandalika Resort Project, main road access, price IDR 4 billion. 7 : Beachfront land for sale in Gondang, size 50,000m2, Certificate, road access, 40 minutes from Senggigi, price IDR 20 Million/100m2

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

www.ira-property.com

8 : Land for sale in Montong, land size 2.600 m2, main road access, suitable for house, villa and office, price IDR 85 million/100m2 9 : Land for sale in Senggigi near Holiday Resort, size 30,000m2, Main road access, Suitable for Hotel, Resort, And Villas, Sea View,Certificate. Price IDR 75,000,000/100m2

Distribution

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4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED EVERY TWO WEEKS AT: BLUE BIRD TAXI: Exclusively available in every Blue Bird Taxi in Lombok. GARUDA INDONESIA AIRLINES: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. AIRPORT: Lombok Baru Taxi, Kotama Taxi, Golden Bird Travel, Trec, BLT Travel and every counters outside International Lombok Airport. MATARAM: Bean Bags, Falcon Developments, Ira Property, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Gili Cafe, Joli Sourire Dental Care, KFC, Gili Cafe, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), Sasaku, Toko Susana. KUTA: Bombora Bungalows, 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, Ananta Tours & Travel, Anna’s Giftshop, Asmara Restaurant, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Ciokolata, Cowshed, De Quake, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Globe Bar, Graha Beach Senggigi Hotel, Holiday Resort, Island Properties Lombok, Jeeva Klui, Kebun Villas, La Chill Bar, Living Asia, Lotus Bayview Restaurant, Orchid Spa, OZ Stay, Puri Bunga Cottages, Private Sanctuary, Puri Mas Boutique Hotel, Qunci Villas, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Chandi, The Office, Verve Beach Club, Ye Jeon Restaurant. GILI T: Amalika Villa, Blue Marlin Dive, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili Getaway, Kayu Cafe, ko-komo Resort, Oceano Resort, Manta Dive, Martas Bungalows, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: 7Seas Bungalows, Scallywags, The Beach Club. NORTH LOMBOK: Rinjani Lodge 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, G ourmet 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. Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Kathleen, Dian Cahyadi, Iwan Haryanto, www.balidiscovery.com. Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali

Copyright © 2006 – 2015. We have spent years travelling all over Lombok, documenting, photographing and updating. If you want to write about Lombok, we suggest you do the same! All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form (electronically, print or otherwise) without prior written permission from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in The Lombok Guide are those of the author and not necessarily the Publisher. We reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles at the Publisher’s discretion. While all care is taken to avoid copyright infringements, The Lombok Guide will not be held responsible for images or text directly supplied by advertisers and/or contributors.

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.

The Cities

Mayura Park

Cities Map

The Cities

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The Southwest Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!

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”.

beach. The island is small and the beach has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling.

The Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling hills.

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.

The drive itself is a worthwhile trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-today activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brick-making and other traditional pastimes. Along the roadsides you will see people building and repairing boats, laying out hand-made bricks to dry in the sun, working in the fields, and sometimes guiding primitive wooden ploughs harnessed to huge water buffalo, as they prepare the fields for planting. The peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun), is situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong. The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide sweep around the bay, while the hills behind form a perfect backdrop to this idyllic setting. Just out in the calm bay are the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small sign in the nearby village will direct you to the local boat hire area, where you can arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other islands. Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has accommodation for visitors, with Gili Nanggu Cottages providing simple cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as deluxe rooms further back from the

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.

Fronting the resort is a glorious white sand beach which spans over 300m, part of which is a private cove. Facilities include a 17m beach front swimming pool, a restaurant overlooking the bay, the Laleina Spa on the waterfront, a boat jetty, and diving and boating facilities. Slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the hillside overlooking another white sand beach. The hotel development is still under construction. Across the road from Sundancer, on the beachfront,

The Southwest

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.

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 68

The Southwest

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.

Continued from Page 66 The largest of the islands in the area is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning “Big Island”. The island lays just offshore and is so large visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland. Gili Gede is 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. The island is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism. Secret Island has comfortable budget accommodation, including 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, while also being a place where you can get away from it all. Secret Island can also organise fishing trips and island hopping excursions to the other beautiful islands in the area, most of which are deserted, onboard their 9m custombuilt 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 between dives, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely. Yut Inn Flower Paradise is also a good option for budget accommodation with six bungalows of different types set in pretty gardens right on the beach. All have simple but comfortable facilities and clean private bathrooms, as well as terraces overlooking the beach. There’s also a beachfront restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as friendly hosts to arrange activities such as snorkelling, swimming, fishing and trekking. To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea. Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and have constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island. There is good

It’s easy to snorkel offshore, just north of the pier and, although the reef isn’t as large as on the other side of the island, there is still plenty to see. Bright blue starfish drape themselves across patches of coral, and bright yellow and black Moorish Idols dart through the water. Schools of hundreds of small iridescent fish swim past and weirdly shaped squid drift by in the deeper areas. Tourists who take trips with Dive Zone commonly describe the diving around the southwest as some of the best they’ve ever experienced. Many are astounded by the pristine conditions and huge schools of turtles seen near Gili Layar! All around these Southwest Gilis, abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with

The Southwest

thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water.

The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers. There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future.

Slightly south of Gili Gede, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees. Pearl Beach Resort, the only accommodation on the island, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and well-designed bungalows looking out over a breath-taking 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.

Those who wish to explore the underwater world further can join dive adventures with either Dive Zone in Sekotong or Odyssea Divers at Cocotinos Point and the surfing Mecca for those in the know – located on the far southwest tip of Lombok. The wide white sand bay is lined with fisherman’s huts and draws hundreds of surfers every year from as far away as Hawaii and Brazil to challenge the huge waves of Desert Point, just offshore.

Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area. Bali is clearly visible, with the island of There are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail to Bangko-Bangko – known as Desert away.

The dive sites reflect a good crosssection 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.

Kuta and The South Coast

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 hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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. Continued on Page 72

Kuta and The South Coast

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72 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 and The South Coast

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.

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.

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! 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.

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.

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 Designed to blend in with the environment, experienced surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area. and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of Hire a car or motorbike and you can spend traditional Sasak architecture. days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted Nearby Mandalika Beach is named after beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta.

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. Continued on Page 74

Kuta and The South Coast

74 Continued from Page 72

South Coast Lombok

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.

Surfing at Gerupuk by Nanang Wirawan

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.

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. Sempiak Villas

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.

Kuta and The South Coast

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Tourism Information

MAGNETIC NORTH LOMBOK

For those looking for a change of pace in sublime natural surroundings, North Lombok is a relaxing and rewarding escape.

Lombok’s magnificent volcano, the village of Senaru is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rinjani National Park and has glorious views of both the mountains and the valleys below. Senaru is also the perfect base for those wishing to visit the famed waterfalls of Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, or to spend time trekking through the jungles and visiting remote traditional villages. There is a good selection of accommodation available in the area, ranging from basic backpacker home-stays to nice cottages in scenic settings.

Segara Anak Lake at Mt Rinjani by Iwan Haryanto

Dominated by the majesty of Mt Rinjani and the surrounding mountain ranges, North Lombok offers stunning landscapes for travellers who like to go “off the beaten path”.

The large town of Tanjung is the administrative capital for North Lombok and has numerous warung and shops, and one of the few public telephone offices (wartel) on the island.

The many waterfalls and rivers, jungles and rainforest with towering old-growth trees, and the unique flora and fauna of the region – together with long curves of deserted beaches – make the north coast an ideal destination for those who appreciate true natural beauty.

Further up the coast, Godang is a small village near a good beach. A trail leads northeast to Tiu Pupus Waterfall, around 6km away. In rainy season, the spring-fed falls flow into a deep pool at the base.

North Lombok is one of the oldest settlements on the island and, with Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists living in the district, many different cultural traditions originate from this historic area.

Travelling north, look for the small signpost to Kerta Gangga Waterfalls, located between Gangga and Kerta Raharja village. There are three beautiful waterfalls and pools set amongst the jungle, and a small bat cave nearby. Local guides are useful for showing the best places (they will find you!)

The restaurant serves fantastic food, with a varied menu that ranges from traditional Indonesian favourites to fresh seafood to modern cuisine such as falafel wraps in tortilla served with hummus and tahini... not your usual Senaru fare!

Bayan, further north, is steeped in history and maintains old Sasak traditions. This is a fascinating area to explore, although accommodation is limited.

The Rinjani National Park is a nature reserve of 41,330 hectares surrounding the volcano that provides many opportunities for eco-tourism.

Bayan is the home of the unique religion, Wetu Telu, which is only found in Lombok. Wetu Telu combines the original Sasak people’s traditional animistic beliefs with Islam and elements of Hinduism.

Trekking on the volcano is open from the beginning of April until the end of December every year, with a variety of treks available including the challenging climb to the 3726m summit, or 2 and 3 day treks to the spectacular lake cradled in the caldera.

One of the oldest and most important mosques in Lombok, Masjid Kuno, is in Bayan, near the village of Beleq. Believed to have been built in 1634, the mosque sits on a small hill with pretty views. From Bayan the road leads to Senaru, the gateway to the Rinjani National Park and one of the main bases for trekkers climbing Mt Rinjani. Tiu Kelep Waterfall by Iwan Haryanto

By far the nicest place to stay is the newly-opened Rinjani Lodge, with deluxe bungalows and a stunning infinity pool perched on the side of a lovely valley and located around 100m from the main gateway to Sendang Gile Waterfall.

Nestled on the northern foothills of

The whole area is a picturesque haven, featuring magnificent waterfalls, lush and accessible jungle trekking, traditional villages, and plantations of tobacco and cashew nuts, grown alongside verdant rice terraces. Tropical animals including monkeys, deer and tropical birds live in the surrounding jungle, as well as abundant varieties of tropical plants and flowers.

North Lombok

Stunning mountain and valley views located at the gateway to Mt Rinjani and the waterfalls Stylish bungalows with WiFi, A/C, Cable TV, DVDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, garden bathrooms, hot water and private terraces Infinity swimming pool, chill-out spaces and restaurant serving fresh western and Indonesian specialties

Perfect for mountain getaways and day trips from Senggigi and the Gilis!

SENARU - BAYAN - NORTH LOMBOK | Ph: +62 819 0738 4944 | E: info@rinjanilodge.com w w w. r i n j a n i l o d g e . c o m

Useful Contacts

General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. 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 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 633 474 / 668 1797 / Mobile: 0878 6490 1535

TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000 Express Group Taxi, Ph: 0370 647555

VET dr. I Gede Sudiana (FB: lombokanimalrescue) Jl Sadewa 9 Cakra. Ph: 0878 6585 6260

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

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 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 Hypermart Jl AA Gede Ngurah, Dasan Cermen, Mataram 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

IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520

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

Tourism Information

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.

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. 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. Continued on Page 82

Gili Trawangan

82 Continued from Page 81

environmental awareness, exist on all three islands. Each Gili has developed independently and at different paces, giving each a different “personality” or style, and catering to different types of holidaymakers and travellers. This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer. Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laid-back style and is popular with couples and families.

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

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!

Tourism Information

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

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

Tourism Information

GETTING TO THE GILIS

There are now dozens of fast boat services operating between Bali and the Gilis (as well as many that stop at Teluk Nara on the northwest coast of mainland Lombok). 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 to flying, providing fast and easy transfers between Bali and the Gilis.

The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather and sometimes transfers must be cancelled for the safety of passengers. Some companies have a good safety record and offer a high standard of customer service, including hotel pick-up and drop off services, insurance, and international safety equipment and procedures. Others can be a risky proposition – practicing overloading of baggage and exceeding the number of passengers a vessel can carry safely. The Lombok Strait – between Bali and Lombok – is one of the deepest bodies of water in the region and, during certain times of the year, waves can reach up to 5 metres. Choose a reliable operator by checking reviews on internet sites and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times.

return trip leaves Gili T at 12.15pm direct to Bali. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers to main points in Bali. Ph: +62 819 1673 3051 / +62 813 3707 4147. www.giligetaway.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

Blue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, is one of the leading fast boat operators, with up to four boats travelling between Bali and Lombok.

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.

BWS has services between Bali, Gili T, Gili Air and mainland Lombok, with convenient departures from two different locations on Bali – Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) and Padang Bai Harbour – every day. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: +62 361 895 1111 / 0813 3841 8988. www.bluewater-express.com

FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Senggigi. Most of the dive companies and many businesses on the Gilis have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands every day from Teluk Nara. 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.

Gili Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Serangan Harbour (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily. This is the only fast boat that offers direct transfers between Bali and Gili T. Passengers are transferred from Bali to Gili T first, and then the boat transfers onward passengers to Gili Air and Teluk Kodek on Lombok, avoiding the “island hopping” route of other boats. The

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. Blue Water Express and Gili Getaway also operate fast boat services between Lombok and Bali from this harbour. 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, or if the public boat is dangerously overloaded, it doesn’t cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group. Don’t let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first. Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers (there are); or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands. Bangsal is a pretty area; it’s a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone. If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there are some basic home-stays on the road from the beach. Arnel is a nice option with pretty rooms at reasonable prices. The attached Salero Minang restaurant serves delicious Minang meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services. FROM SENGGIGI: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours. The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first! A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel. Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.

The Gili Islands

Gili Trawangan

Tourism Information

GILI TRAWANGAN

The most well-known and popular of the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan is the largest island and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than an hour by local boat and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok. 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 90

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

Continued from Page 87 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.

Gili Trawangan

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The Beach House on Gili Trawangan - an innovative and contemporary resort set in 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.

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Gili Trawangan

Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan

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

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Gili Meno

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 the quietest of the three Gilis, with the laidback charm of a true castaway island. 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.

quietly taking place over the past years. Mahamaya Boutique Resort, on the northwest coast, has luxurious accommodation and the restaurant earns accolades for top quality cuisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront. Karma Resorts operates The Reef Resort, with comfortable air conditioned lumbung style bungalows in a prime beachfront location on the east coast. 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.

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 ecologically sound concepts.

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. Dotted around the island, 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.

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 (down the lane next to Blue Marlin Dive), is a good mid-range option and has air conditioned rooms with western bathrooms.

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 The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in full moon parties here. brilliant white sand, fringed with groves of Like all the Gilis, the best swimming coconut palms. beaches and most tourist facilities (including boat docking and departure) are There is good snorkelling along the northwest coast and it is often possible along the east coast. to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill Although there are small places dotted all turtles. To swim with these huge creatures around the island, many of the hotels and – that are so awkward and ungainly restaurants are located along the southon land but move through their natural eastern coast, with beautiful views over element with grace – is perhaps the most Gili Air and to Mt Rinjani in the east. special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno. It is possible to walk around the whole island on a small beachside track in There is also good snorkelling off the west around 90 minutes. Those seeking total coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. tranquillity head to the north and west Swim out to where the old pontoon has coasts, where more development has been sunk and become a home for many fish.

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 450,000 (one way). Share the cost with other travellers if possible.

Gili Air

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www.thebeachclublombok.com

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95 crafts, as well as three small boutiques with eclectic mixes of island wear, jewellery and accessories. Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches are on the east coast and most development runs along the beaches here down to the south. 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 Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Mt Rinjani.

GILI AIR 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. Being the closest of the Gilis to the mainland, 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. Gili Air was originally spelled as “Ayer”, with the word “Air” meaning water; thus Gili Air is the water island.

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 island’s main appeal is its low-key and unspoilt nature… and that’s why so many people love it. Telephone and internet facilities are available on the island, as are most of the normal tourist amenities. Although there are no banks, there are ATMs on the south coast (near 7Seas) and two machines on the east, near Bel Air Resort. There are three clinics on the east of the island – one to the north (inland from Orong Cottages), Gam Clinic (inland from Biba Beach Village) and Royal Medical (to the south near 7 Seas). There are also some funky shops selling home-made jewellery, arts and wooden

While nowhere near as busy and developed as Gili Trawangan, Gili Air has evolved rapidly over the past few years and is certainly slated for more development in the future. For now, Gili Air is still a laid back island with funky bars and simple cafés bars made from bamboo rubbing shoulders with some swanky new places along the beachfront.

Accommodation on Gili Air ranges from simple back-packer bungalows to luxurious air-conditioned rooms with hot water and swimming pools. Old-style hotels built from wood with thatched roofs sit alongside some of the more modern boutique hotels and villas, such as the up-market Waterfront Hotel with eight contemporary air-conditioned bungalows and a swimming pool set in nice gardens. Guests can wine and dine at the very good Waterfront Restaurant and Bar housed in a stylish wooden Joglo on the beachfront. Next door, Manta Dive offers comfortable bungalow accommodation, a swimming pool, and professional dive courses and dive trips to all three Gilis. Scallywags – who have another popular resort on Gili Trawangan – operate Scallywags Organic Beach Club on the southern end of the beach.

Scallywags

The restaurant has an excellent menu and guest facilities, as well as a friendly atmosphere and excellent swimming directly in front of the restaurant. Continued on Page 96

Gili Air

96 Continued from Page 95

Just next to Scallywags, The Beach Club Gili Air offers accommodation for couples and families in eight charming bungalows with large air conditioned bedrooms, private terraces and semi-open air bathrooms.

dishes to up-market international 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.

The beachfront here is a popular place for lounging on colourful bean bags during the Activities include day, or for romantic walking and dining in the cycling around the evening. The beach island, sun bathing, The Beach Club bar and restaurant and swimming, snorkelling and diving, serves delicious meals and snacks, as well as well as yoga and meditation, as all day breakfasts. and relaxing massages and body There are also free movies for restaurant treatments. guests on the beach every night (weather For exploring, there is a path running permitting) starting with children’s movies parallel to the beach and it takes in the evenings, followed by adult feature around 90 minutes to circle the whole movies. island. The interior is criss-crossed with a maze of tracks that can get confusing, but all lead back to the beach. Other activities include kite surfing, glass bottom boat trips, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and surfing.

7Seas

Further south, near the harbour, 7Seas International is a professional dive operation, and also offers comfortable and modern air conditioned cottages 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 restaurants and beachside cafés on the island, offering everything from traditional Indonesian

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. 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 a clear, translucent aquamarine, 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 usually gentle, allowing snorkellers to drift in a dreamy daze amongst this panorama of aquatic shapes and colours. For those who have never had the pleasure of viewing the magical world under the ocean, Gili Air offers a superb opportunity to do so in safety and comfort. For those of us who are already addicted to the silence and beauty of the depths, this is an island where days could melt into weeks, quite happily drifting with the current and immersing oneself in the wonders of the underwater landscape.

Gili Air

Gili Trawangan

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