Issue 225 | 8 – 22 August 2016
The
FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0812 3734 4894 | www.thelombokguide.com
PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
The Beach Club Beach Bungalows
Page 90
IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok
Page 2
Attractions & Actitvities
Page 4 & 8
Lombok Map
Page 6
Special Feature Page 10 & 24 Senggigi
Page 12 - 51
Senggigi Map
Page 14
What’s Hot / Local News
Page 18
Local News
Page 23 & 26
Local News
Page 31
Classifieds
Page 34 & 35
Distribution
Page 38
Special Feature Page 40 & 41 Land & Property
Page 52 - 55
The Cities
Page 56 - 59
Cities Map
Page 58
The Southwest
Page 60 - 62
Useful Contacts Page 63 Kuta & The South Coast
Page 64 - 75
South Lombok Map
Page 74
North Lombok
Page 76 & 77
The Gilis
Pgae 78 - 96
Getting to Gilis
Page 80
Gilis Fast Facts Page 83 Gilis Map
Page 95
To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 38 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself… Like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!
Tourism Information
2
GETTING TO LOMBOK
It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only around 30 minutes and fares start from around Rp 350,000 (approx. US $35) one way. Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel agents in both Bali and Lombok. Lombok International Airport (abbreviated to LIA with the IATA code “LOP”) is the main airport on Lombok. The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 40km south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta.
Direct flights to Lombok from Bali, Jakarta, Jogja and Surabaya are available from multiple airlines every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights. Lombok is an important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores. Garuda Indonesia / Citilink have direct flights daily between Lombok and Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta. Call Centre: 08041 807 807. Sales Office: +62 370 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com Lion Air / Wings Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Bima (Sumbawa), Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id
Airport departure tax is included in the price of all tickets.
BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR In Lombok, all flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at the domestic terminal at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) 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
Batik Air flies direct between Lombok and Jakarta, with two flights every day. www.batikair.com
BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA
Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. Wings Air / Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok daily. The Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the companies code-share, so you may purchase a Lion Air ticket and harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Call Centre: +62 80 service. 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between www.lionair.co.id Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS crossing between the islands costs Rp 44,000 per person and Lombok International Airport has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 209. facilities, including 30 day “Visa Free” (no charge) for tourists. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 Ph: +62 370 622987. Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, four times per week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Ph: +62 370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, with many international connections available. Flights operate between Lombok and KL twice daily, seven days per week. www.airasia.com
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 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
Gili Getaway operates several comfortable fast boats Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and connecting Bali and mainland Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. International Lombok (including Senggigi, connections from around the world are available via Jakarta. Call the Gili Islands and Gili Centre: 08041 807 807. Airport: +62 370 649100. www.garudaGede in the southwest) with indonesia.com daily transfers from Serangan Harbour on Bali. Fares include air DOMESTIC FLIGHTS conditioned hotel transfers to main points in Bali. Ph: +62 819 1673 3051 / +62 813 3707 4147. European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of www.giligetaway.com Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar. See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for more details.
3
Tourism Information
4
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 unspoilt beaches, most with crystal clear waters and clean white sand fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming.
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 challenging dives off the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.
GOLF
Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club (sometimes called Kosaido Golf Course or Pantai Sire Golf Course) is the only international 18 hole championship course in Lombok, located on the shores of Sire Beach in Tanjung, North Lombok (close to The southwest coast also has fine beaches, the Oberoi and Tugu Hotels). It is around especially around Sekotong and Taun. Visit 45 minutes drive from Senggigi. the small island of Gili Asahan for rustic This world-class course was designed by accommodation and great snorkelling just Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett, who off shore or stay at the luxurious Ko - ko have respected the unique setting and - mo Resort on Gili Gede to explore the contours of the location. undeveloped islands of the southwest. Nestled between the shores of Sire Bay The beaches around Kuta are and the slopes of Mount Rinjani, the breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Tanjung Aan 18 hole, par 72 course (6295 meters) and Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Selong offers world-class challenges for golfing Belanak for long stretches of white sand enthusiasts of all levels in a natural and and turquoise waters, or swim in the lovely picturesque environment. bay at Mawun. Holes 1 - 9 face the sea, with the signature DIVING No 4 hole adjacent to the white sandy beach of Sire Bay. Holes 10 - 18 face the With so many beaches and islands, mountains with stunning views of Mt Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known Rinjani and include Hole 12, the largest locations are around the Gili islands - Gili on the course with 540m, Par 5, Handicap one. Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.
SURFING Lombok is a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts world-wide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point) on the southwestern tip of Lombok. Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and facilities especially for surfers. Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals. The waves at Gerupuk and Tanjung Aan offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness!
Benang Setokel Waterfall by Iwan Haryanto
5
k o - k o - mo G I L I T R AWA N G A N R E S O R T
Get there fast, then take it slow...
Private Luxury Villas and Fine Dining Restaurant Email: kokomogilit@ozemail.com.au Tel: +62 (0)370 613 4920 | Fax: +62 (0)370 614 4169 | Mob: +62 (0)813 3974 7459
www.kokomogilit.com
6
Lombok Map
Senggigi
7
Tourism Information
8
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
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.
Pelawangan Sembalun at Mt Rinjani by Iwan Haryanto
Underground streams bubble up into restored baths, used for ritual bathing. Huge sacred eels live in the pools and streams here, and can sometimes be lured out with an offering of boiled eggs (purchased at a nearby stall). To see a sacred eel is considered very lucky!
HANDICRAFT VILLAGES Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay with distinctive designs, as well as handwoven sarongs and fabrics (ikat). Ekas Bay has two surf breaks: Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas with waves suitable for beginners to experts, depending on the season. At certain times of the year when conditions are right, you’ll find locals surfing the breaks at Senggigi Point and Mangsit Beach, and off Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.
TREKKING
Much of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and adventure tours. 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 near Senaru in the north is an easily accessible waterfall in a stunning jungle setting and popular with visitors. For the more adventurous, there is a second beautiful waterfall – Tiu Kelep – located around an hour’s trek way. Air Jeruk Manis, near Tetebatu, is set in a cool mountain location and reached by a pretty walk through rice fields and forest. 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.
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 visitors every year.
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 and is still active. There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano. Rinjani, and its surrounding national park, are recognised internationally as an important eco-tourism destination. Two, three and four day treks on the volcano are offered by tour companies and trek organisers in all the main resort areas of Lombok.
HISTORIC SITES & TEMPLES There are a number of interesting temples around the west coast, many of which are Hindu or ancient animist sites of worship. Pura Lingsar is possibly the only place in the world where Hindus and Moslems come together to pray and celebrate. Built around 1714, Pura Lingsar was originally based on the prevailing animist beliefs of the time, and some of the original statues remain today. Perang Topat is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods. Taman Narmada (or Narmada Park) in Narmada (around 6 km east of Cakranegara), was created in the late 1800’s as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake. The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake in this cool hillside setting.
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 see the old traditional looms being used to create intricately woven, colourful fabrics. Sukarara is 5 km to the west of Praya, heading south towards Kuta. This is another 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 these villages 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 has many 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, is famous internationally and is exported throughout the world.
9
Special Feature
10
SSBR... NOT YOUR AVERAGE SHERATON!
Beachfront Pool
I remember the first time I visited Lombok. Firstly, there’s the Sheraton’s superb position right on the sands of Senggigi It was 1991 and the Sheraton Senggigi Beach. This wide protected bay is perfect Beach Resort had just opened. for a dip in the ocean at any time of the Although a frequent visitor to Bali, I had year and its long arc of sand begs for no idea what to expect of Lombok. Was leisurely strolls along the shoreline. it very primitive? Senggigi sunsets Did it only have are legendary – shacks on the painting the sky beach? Do any of with orange, gold the places have air and pink and conditioning? silhouetting I decided to stay Bali’s Agung in Lombok for five volcano nights and booked against the the first three nights horizon. at a local hotel, Whether with two nights at the end at the newlyyou’re reclining on a padded balé or opened Sheraton. Whatever else happened, sun lounge on the beach, relaxing at least I knew those last two nights would with a cocktail at the Sunset Bar or be good! dreamily floating in the beachfront That’s what the name ‘Sheraton’ means pool; you’ll find yourself stopping each to travellers around the world. The day just to watch the sunsets. Sheraton brand has become synonymous The 154 Rooms and 14 Suites in the resort with quality – a level of comfort and are spread across 4 hectares of beautifully professional hospitality that we can depend landscaped gardens. All guest rooms on anywhere in the world. feature stylish and But while Sheraton Resorts around the tasteful furnishings world may be similar, this is Lombok and mod cons such and the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort as air conditioning, is unlike any other, with its own unique flat screen TVs island charm. with satellite channels, high speed internet access and the ultracomfortable Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. Guests can choose from Deluxe Seaside and Deluxe Terrace rooms which offer spectacular views of the Lombok Strait. The 10 Executive
Suites offer a separate parlor and bedroom, providing privacy and additional space for extended stays, while the the four Family Grand Suites offer a separate living room, dining area, and bedroom that afford extra space for families looking for the perfect getaway. One little known secret of the Sheraton in Senggigi is the two magnificent Beachfront Villas situated on the absolute beachfront at the resort.
These luxurious villas are furnished in an elegant and contemporary style, complete with two comfortable and spacious bedrooms each. Each villa boasts a separate living room, fully equipped kitchenette and ultra opulent bathrooms. Private pools with sun lounges, manicured gardens and a gazebo overlooking the beach will make you feel as if you’re at your own private resort. The villas offer around-the-clock butler service, from a private check-in at the villa to intimate dinners with your own personal chef. The two villas can also be connected to each other through a private vestibule.
Continued on Page 24
Senggigi
11
Tourism Information
12
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
13
BEACH CHILL OUT - AMAZING SUNSETS BEACHFRONT DINING - DJ FROM 5 - 10PM
SEAFOOD BARBEQUE
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT Rp 175,000++
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 4 – 6pm 20% OFF Cocktails, Beers and House Wine Jl Raya Mangsit Ph: 0877 6588 8703
www.vervebeachclublombok.com
14
Senggigi Map
Senggigi
15
Senggigi
16
1 HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 70,000 NET
Complete Spa Services at Local Prices!
ORCHID PACKAGE 1
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask Rp 175,000 net / 2 hours
ORCHID PACKAGE 2
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask, Manicure, Pedicure, Nail Polish Rp 250,000 net / 3 hours
Phone: 0819 1593 2899
THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SENGGIGI Senggigi Beach Road 10am - 10pm
Next to Santosa Resort 10am - Midnight
Galeria Shops 10am - 10pm
Senggigi
17
Puri Bunga Beach Cottages
Luxury and Tranquility Privately positioned on terraced slopes of beautiful flowers, overlooking Senggigi Bay and the Lombok Strait to Bali Deluxe and Suite Cottages with air conditioning, hot water, television, mini bar, telephone and internet access
Sea view cottages
From US$40* / room! (Incl breakfast)
* tax and service charge and high season surcharges may apply
Enquire about our special offers!
Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, Ph: +62 (0) 370 693013 Fax: +62 (0) 370 693286 | info@puribungalombok.com | www.puribungalombok.com
What’s Hot / Local News
18 Tir Na Nog – the Irish Bar on Gili Trawangan – will host its annual fundraiser on Tuesday, 9 August from 6pm with all proceeds going to The Gili Eco Trust to fund new engines for the Gili rubbish barge. This year the popular bar has special permission to hold a Charity Casino Night! So swap your boardies for tuxedos; burgers and chips for poker chips and join in the fun at Gili Trawangan’s first ever Casino Royale! With a James Bond theme, it’s time to get your outfit sorted, warm up and get ready to play some of the best casino games with fantastic prizes! Up for grabs are free nights at some of Gili T’s best hotels, such as Ko Ko Mo Resort, Gili Villas, The Beach House, and Tir Na Nog, as well as fun dives at Manta Dive, massages from Marshander Spa, membership at Gili Fit, Fly High Yoga from Villa Sunset Beach and much more.
More sponsors are still needed to make this the best Casino Royale night Gili Trawangan has ever seen! If you have something to donate to this worthy cause, please email Delphine Robbe, Gili Eco Trust Coordinator and Project Manager, at info@giliecotrust.com. And of course, make sure you are at Tir Na Nog on 9 August to play a hand in its success! MAHAMAYA Resort on Gili Meno is hosting an exhibition by renowned Lombok artist, Lalu Syaukani this month. “Art in August” will run the entire month with Lalu’s strikingly unique contemporary artworks set up against the backdrop of the stunning beach at Mahamaya. Lalu Syaukani is a prominent local artist who has exhibited his work internationally. His art is even more admirable as he was self-taught and his current “lost face” and “love like an angel” collections are particularly collectible.
All of Lalu’s paintings are on display for guests to enjoy throughout the month of “Art in August” and are also available for purchase through Mahamaya reception. Shipping can also be arranged at the end of the exhibition. If you are on Gili Meno in August, spend an enjoyable afternoon or evening viewing the artwork before enjoying a drink at the resort’s bar or a delicious dinner in the beachfront restaurant. Jazz seems to be the theme in Lombok for August (see separate article on page 23). SPICE Lounge, Bar & Restaurant will also host a Jazz Festival on 12, 13 & 14 August. The Jazz will start at 4 pm with jazz music playing in the downstairs Lounge Bar and a live band and singer from 6 pm. This coincides with Happy Hour from 4 - 6 pm (two-for-one cocktails, spirits, wine and beer)… what a perfect way to enjoy the sunset! The live music continues from 7 – 9 pm in the upstairs restaurant with a delicious menu to choose from and mellow jazz to entertain diners. See advert page 11.
LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO GET 2 NEW APRONS “The upward trend in the number of passenger arrivals was seen in the first quarter of 2016, with an increase of 41% compared to the same period the previous year,” Pak Gusti said.
PT Angkasa Pura I (the national airport authority) has prepared a budget of Rp 78 billion to build two new aircraft parking aprons at Lombok International Airport.
The airport apron is the area of an airport where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refuelled, and boarded. General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I at Lombok International Airport, I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, said the construction of the two aprons has been approved by the company’s directors, but will be carried out over two financial years, namely 2016 and 2017. The construction of the new aprons will be financed entirely by a PT Angkasa Pura investment fund. Construction of the two aprons will be to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, in anticipation of an increase in the arrival
of the number of passengers at the airport, especially those carried by international airlines. The central government and local governments in the province, are aggressively promoting tourism, especially to start the development of Mandalika Resort Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Central Lombok near the airport, as a world tourist destination.
He said that construction of the aprons was important in encouraging airlines that wish to enter into Lombok; making sure that facilities such as the parking apron are adequate, as well as the capacity of the airport terminal to handle increased numbers of passengers. PT Angkasa Puri will then look at the length of the runway at the airport, he told reporters. “We will continue to improve, but gradually,” Pak Gusti said. “For now, the aprons first. A new terminal for international arrivals later and, after, the runway.”
Senggigi
19
20
Senggigi
Senggigi
21
ANTIQUES & FINE ART EXHIBITION 2016 Paintings, furniture, earthenware, textiles, wood carvings – Antiques and Collectibles from Lombok and Beyond
Jl Raya Montong, 300m south of The Jayakarta Hotel P: 0857 3989 0705 | E: pamourlombok@gmail.com
www.pamourlombok.com
GILDA FARMA SENGGIGI For all your pharmacy needs Full range of prescription and over the counter medicines, first aid supplies, natural remedies and supplements, personal health and hygiene products , and more!
On duty doctor
available for consultation in our Senggigi clinic
from 6 to 9pm every day
Phone: 0878 6369 4000 / 0878 6449 5100
Jl Raya Senggigi, Next to Senggigi Abadi Supermarket
Order your medicine by phone and we will deliver to your door (for a minimum Rp 100,000 purchase)
Cheapest medicine prices in town!
Senggigi
22
Live Music! Great Food! Good Times!
Jl Raya (Main Street) Senggigi Ph: 0370 693619 E: restaurant@asmara-group.com
www.asmara-group.com
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
www.cafealberto.com
Local News
23
SOUND OF SENGGIGI 2016 MUSIC FESTIVAL
Anyone who attended the Senggigi Blues Festival last year would agree that it was a great event with fantastic performances by local artists.
has performed across the archipelago.
A new event will be launched this year with the “Sound of Senggigi 2016 Jazz and World Music Festival” and promises to be an exciting weekend of music and art from an amazing line-up of talented artists. The two day event will be held on Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 21 August 2016 from 4pm to 11.30pm on Senggigi Beach (in front of the Santosa Villas and Resort). “Sound of Senggigi” is a free event and all lovers of music and the arts are welcome. Food and drink stalls will be available on the beachfront. The driving force behind the event is the team at Bandini Koffie in Ampenan, lead by Imam Sofian. Since opening, the café has evolved into a centre for Jazz and Blues and collaborative performances by talented musicians across Indonesia. “Sound of Senggigi is a jazz and world music event that combines the concept of Nature, Music and Humanity,” Iman told us. “We want to set up a space for appreciation of various kinds of music styles and developing local artists, as well as to deliver a ‘Go Green’ message to the community – so our mission is to preserve nature on the coastal areas and present performances that are not only fun but inspirational.” With nature conservation in mind, the team is organizing a beach cleanup with the local community prior to the event and will reinforce the environmentally friendly message throughout the performances, to encourage local people to think and care about the environment. The Line Up Bandini have managed to pull together an impressive line-up of top Indonesian musicians for the event including: Internationally renowned artist, Ivan Nestroman from Flores, who combines
ethnic world music and modern music with unusual jazz arrangements. Indonesian singer and songwriter, Yura Yunita. Her debut album in 2014, “Yura”, listed at number six on Rolling Stone Indonesia’s ‘Best Album of 2014’ . Bonita & the hus Band – an acoustic quartet from Indonesia performing pop-folk-soul and ‘feel good’ music. BNTHB conveys a thick acoustic, soul, folk and R&B mood in their music every time they step on stage. Ruang Putih from the Bandung Blues community. Subkultur Artifisial from Jogja – a music ensemble exploring the diversity of traditional folk music, jazz and rock. Nissan Fortz, an Indonesian Pop, Jazz and Blues singer and guitarist from Bandung. Indro Hardjodikoro, a bassist from Jakarta who has played in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Berlin and Beijing and will be collaborating with other musicians to entertain crowds with their brilliant jazz music. Well known local artists Ary Juliant and Folk, who regularly play around town and have a strong following. Suradipa (nicknamed Bli Dipa) originally from Lombok, who graduated from the Indonesian Institute of Arts in Jogjakarta and is an accomplished Jazz guitarist who
Jazz kidding (Pipit Tripitaka, Chandra Oleng and friends) is a collaboration of well-known jazz musicians in Mataram. Pipit is a vocal teacher and has been playing jazz since high school. Chandra was awarded 2nd place in “Best Ibanez Flying Guitar 2015” and is a talented guitar player from Mataram who has performed in Jakarta, Jogja and more recently at the Bali international Blues Festival. D’Datu Jazz Project is a band of young performers from Mataram who sing Sasak lyrics in the pop genre. At this event they will perform their album with a jazz version. Lombok Light Orchestra (Forum Gesek Mataram or Forges) who perform regularly at classical music concerts in Lombok and throughout Indonesia. They will perform traditional songs with a jazz format combined with orchestral music. Organic Mind, a movement of arts and culture led by Mantra Ardhana, a renowned Lombok musician and artist who has exhibited his work around the world including Japan, India, the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Singapore Suara Mantra (Sound of Mantra) Mantra’s art and music experiment with different concepts creating music combined with visual art using his own perspective. Sponsors and Tenants As always, the organisers need support, so if you would like to help sponsor the event (and receive valuable promotion for your business!), please contact them as soon as possible. Positions for tenants and stall holders are still available for those wishing to sell their products at the festival. For event sponsorship and tenant information contact Imam on 0821 4733 6661 or Ais on 0812 373 7171
24
SSBR... NOT YOUR AVERAGE SHERATON! Continued from Page 10
Kebun Anggrek, with an air conditioned interior and a terrace overlooking the gardens and pool, specializes in Indonesian, Chinese, and Western dishes in a stylish setting.
Bawang Putih Restaurant, located poolside to catch the ocean breezes, serves succulent seafood and prime grilled meats in a relaxed setting. Seafood barbecues are available on Saturdays. The lovely Sunset Bar serves cocktails and delicious tapas and bar snacks. It’s the ideal place to enjoy your favorite cocktail as the sounds of the resident Sumatra Quartet fill the night air and the sun sets over the ocean. For the ultimate romance, arrange to have an intimate dinner in one of the gazebos set up on the beach, complete with glowing candles and the
guests can look out over the blue waters of the bay, enjoying the sight of sailing boats and wonderful sunsets while having their massages and body treatments.
Across a small stretch of lawn, another area features a stretch of white sand surrounded by green plantings and statues. Here unique sun beds with curved canopies provide shade while guests lay back and enjoy reflexology treatments, manicures and pedicures. Not far away, two balés sit on the lawns, covered with padded mattresses and cushions and screened by pretty white curtains. Guests can choose to have massages
Senggigi Beachfront
The Sheraton Senggigi offers a variety of dining choices to guests at four different venues.
Special Feature
best views of the ocean. Other facilities at the resort include a business centre, two competition size tennis courts (with night lighting and tennis coach available), shops and a bakery. There is also a wellequipped Fitness Centre complete with modern exercise equipment and free weights, as well as a steam room and Jacuzzi. The Laguna Spa, a purposebuilt spa building, sits only metres from the white sands of the beach incorporating a large massage room with facilities for two guests, including separate bathrooms. The massage tables face the sea, with a specially tinted one-way glass wall providing privacy from the outside, while
and treatments on these shady openair pavilions with cool sea breezes and magnificent views out over the beach. The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort deservedly has the status of one of Lombok’s premier resorts – whether you are seeking a exceptional base from which to explore the many attractions of Lombok, or a luxurious beach destination in which to relax and indulge in life’s finest.
Senggigi
25
Local News
26
CLASSICAL MUSIC COMES TO LOMBOK SEASON 2
Following the success of last year’s August programme of classical music education and performance in Mataram, Surabaya born pianist, Imma Setiadi (currently finishing her doctoral studies at the Royal College of Music in London), and her British colleague and professor, Nigel Clayton, have agreed to return to Lombok for a second time this coming August to consolidate on the music education work they did last year. This year they are very fortunate to be collaborating on this event with Forum Gesek Mataram (Forges), whose activity may be better known under the name Lombok Light Orchestra.
Forum Gesek Mataram (Forges)
Forum Gesek have performed regular classical music concerts over recent years and are firmly committed to helping more and more young people in Lombok to learn about classical music and eventually become talented performers in the world arena. The event will begin with a Classical Music workshop on the first day (22 August 2016 at 15.00) and proceed with a classical music concert on the second day (23 August 2016 at 19.45). Both parts of the programme will be held this year in Hotel Santika in Mataram, thanks to the generous support of the hotel’s General Manager, Pak Reza Bovier – who is a firm believer in the power of the arts and culture to enrich the lives of the people of Lombok.
The workshop on the first day will be on the topic “Experiencing Classical Music: What to teach, what to learn, and how to enjoy”. The aim of such a workshop is to improve the quality of music education in Mataram, particularly in Forges (also known as Lombok Light Orchestra) classical music – a venture which we hope piano music for four hands by Prof. Nigel can be sustained and continued into the Clayton and Imma Setiadi. future. Forum Gesek will also play together with The workshop will be a ‘coaching Prof. Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi clinic’ for music teachers, students, to perform ‘Elvira Madigan’ by W. A. and their parents who are involved Mozart. in classical music education. Prof. For all those planning to attend the Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi concert, a buffet dinner will be available will give one-to-one tuition for piano students and teachers (which at the Santika Hotel from 6.30 pm at a net is open to public as it is in the form price of Rp 125,000 per person. of a masterclass), and Tickets for both the which will be followed workshop and the by guided discussion and concert are available practical demonstration around from Sinyo on 0818 practical issues in the teaching 0522 7880 or Budi of classical music and piano for on 0877 6510 5129 or both teachers and parents. contact Gill Westaway on 0811 168 1320 for This session will conclude with further information. a ‘Question and Answer’ session and a short performance from the students.
The second part of the programme on 23 August at 19.45 in the Santika Ballroom will be a two-part classical music concert, seen as a way of enhancing the variety and quality of musical performance in Lombok and introducing classical music to a wider public.
Imma Setiadi
This concert will present classical music for strings orchestra and piano (a collaboration between Forum Gesek and local pianists) and also the performance of
Alternatively just turn up on the day of the workshop and/or concert and tickets will Nigel Clayton be made available to you on the door (subject to availability), but bear in mind that there is only capacity for 50 people at the workshop and 150 at the concert! The organisers are funding this ambitious event through support from sponsors, both in kind and in cash. Cash is still much in need so please contact Budi or Sinyo if you are able to make a contribution. Your support will of course be acknowledged in all publicity. If you love classical music, make your way to the Santika on 22 and/or 23 August for what promises to be a class event!
Senggigi
27
Senggigi
28
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
29
Senggigi
30
TAPAS @ [ 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 0370 693 800 | stay@quncivillas.com www.quncivillas.com
Local News
NEW POWER GENERATOR OPERATIONAL IN LOMBOK
PLN (the State Electricity Company) reports that a Mobile Power Plant with a capacity of 25 Megawatts (MW) located in Jeranjang near Gerung, West Lombok, is now operational.
As reported in The Lombok Guide (Issue # 222), Indonesian President Jokowi paid a visit to Lombok in early June, when he inaugurated the groundbreaking of the Mobil Power Plant project and pushed contractors to have the project completed by September 2016. The Mobil Power Plant (MPP) – which is powered by Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) rather than thediesel and coal currently used on the island – is part of the Jokowi government’s drive to accelerate the conversion of fossil energy fuelled power plants across Indonesia to clean energy sources.
31 The MPP project in Lombok is becoming a strategic initiative of the PLN in developing the electricity infrastructure of Lombok – with the aim of achieving an electrification ratio of 100 percent by 2024. In addition, the MPP gas-fuelled plants could potentially save PLN costs on fuel of up to Rp 26 billion per year. Once the second plant is fully operational, with a total of an additional 50MW on the Lombok power grid, it is envisaged that the electrification ratio in Lombok will increase from its current 73.83% (as at April 2016) to 78.16% by December 2016.
Over the past few weeks, PLN has been testing the voltage to ensure the reliability of the machine and making adjustments to the existing system. After the initial testing period, the 25MW power generator has been successfully hooked up to the Lombok power grid. Operators of the MPP in Jeranjang say a second power plant with the capacity for another 25 MW will be operational in the near future, following trials for the machine.
Anna’s
Currently the Lombok power system has a peak load of around 212 MW and a power supply capable of generating around 219 MW (as of June 2016). This means there is no back-up if one of the generators fails or needs repair… as has so often been the case with the old diesel-powered generators used on the island. With the additional 50 MW generated by the MPP in Jeranjang, PLN hopes to increase the reliability of the power supply in Lombok and minimise black-outs in the future.
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 Papa Besar Cafe) | P: 0817 5730 012 | E: annasgiftshoplombok@gmail.com
Senggigi
32
Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa Spa Resort - Kerandangan
Puri Mas Luxury Spa Full and Half Day Spa’s Ultimate Spa Treatments from Babor Facials for all Skin Types Delicious Body Rituals Body Scrubs, Wraps & Peelings Cellulite Treatments Massages - Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Accupressure and Hot Stone Reflexology Manicure & Pedicure Gel Nails Pretty Feet and Hand Pampering by Alessandro
Conde Nast Johansens Voted “Best Couples Spa” 2015
Revitalising Hydrotherapy Pool
We use only the famous international Babor Brand of Body & Facial Products
Dine in our Javanese Pavilions
Enjoy authentic Indonesian feasts in our traditional Javanese Pavilions an unforgetable experience in an intimate setting with Personalised Butler Service
SPA OR RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS: (0370) 693 831 | Email: info@purimas-lombok.com FREE PICK UP AND DROP OFF IN THE SENGGIGI MANGSIT AREAS
Senggigi
33
Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa Beach Resort - Mangsit
The Ballroom Restaurant Enjoy first class a la carte dining 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! Open 7am to 11pm Child policy - Minimum guest age 12yrs
The Ballroom Restaurant is Ranked #1 out of 55 Restaurants in Senggigi by TripAdvisor
Monday Night is Latin Night! Bring your dancing shoes or just enjoy the entertainment during dinner Performances by Lombok’s Top Latin & Salsa Dancers Junior Amateur Champions of Indonesia performing weekly “Dancing with the Stars” in Lombok!
Thursday Night is Cultural Night! A great opportunity to enjoy dinner while watching authentic traditional entertainment from Lombok Including the Famous Peresean “Stick Fighting” from Central Lombok and Baris Dance from Bali – Lombok style!
JUST 5 MINS FROM SENGGIGI - FREE TRANSFER SERVICE RESERVATIONS CALL: 0370 693 831 / Email: fb@purimas-lombok.com
Pasar Classifieds
34
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
NEW VILLA FOR SALE in BATU LAYAR
Quiet, lovely villa overlooking rice paddy. 5 minutes to the beach and just 15 minutes to the city. 3 bedrooms, 3 ensuite bathrooms, western kitchen + dining overlooking 3.5 x 6m swimming pool. Freehold & IMB (building license)
CERTIFIED LAND FOR SALE 8,200sqm (82 are) Lobster Bay, southern Lombok Stunning views. Drive on access Close to surf breaks Rp 25 million per are
Call 0821 4587 5594
Asking price Rp 1.3 billion
Contact Nayla Property 0859 3708 5905
GILI ASAHAN BEACHFRONT LAND FOR SALE Stunning 2,800m² freehold plot on the southern Gilis, with 55 metre beachfront, gently sloping up a hill. Really rare to find! Gili Asahan is well known for its clear water, unique diving and snorkeling opportunities. Next to the land is a dive and holiday resort. Reachable by taxi boat (10 Minutes) Price: IDR 44 million/are
Phone: 0821 4746 4945
LAND FOR SALE IN KUTA Freehold land (sertifikat hak milik) for sale by owner in Kuta, Lombok. 1100m2 (11 are), Jl Baturiti 1 (between Jl Raya Kuta and new bypass road), less than 800m from Kuta Beach. Full road access. Good location for villa or homestay. IDR 80,000,000 per are (nego)
Phone: 0811 5900 600
PAPALAGI RESORT GILI GEDE LAND FOR SALE Papalagi Resort Gili Gede is a beautiful quite place to enjoy your holiday with nice bungalow and rooms on the beachfront. Also great place for snorkeling, diving and fishing!
Views out over Kuta Bay
Road access to site of 62 are (6200sqm) Hak Milik Certificate (Freehold). Drive to Kuta town or beach in less than 5 minutes.
Call +62 813 3910 4292 / +62 823 4140 6944 www.thepapalagi.com
Price: Rp 29 million / are
LAND FOR SALE
SOLAR WATER HEATER LOMBOK
Good investment opportunity! Beach land for sale in Gili Gede, Sekotong, West Lombok. ± 7 are. 25m beach front, size already certificated. Best location for restaurant, diving school, rooms, etc. Call +62 8133 9104 292 / +62 823 4140 6944
Ph: 081 7667 3983
Distributor of LUMINOUS, battery back-up and solar-power systems INTI SOLAR, solar water heaters All installations by our own service-team. Spare parts directly available. Please call or send an email for a free quotation: 0878 6494 2137 / 0813 3721 9666 info@solar-waterheater-lombok.com
Pasar Classifieds
35
PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
LOMBOK FREEHOLD COMMERICAL OPPORTUNITY
Situated in the heart of Kuta on major Commercial Road stand two seriously constructed Western buildings, approx. 450 sqm over four levels, giving sea views with beautifully presented gardens on approx. 7.5 are or 750sqm freehold land. Currently used as private accommodation and offices, this site can easily be transformed into a 5 star boutique hotel, restaurant, spa.... The options are limited to your imagination... you decide! Truly needs to be viewed to be appreciated. Just 200 metres walk to the beach. Listed at below cost to replace today. Please contact the owner direct on Phone 081 7667 3983
SOUTH LOMBOK (FREEHOLD) LAND SALE BY OWNER
Plot A - overlooking Belongas and Pengantap Beaches Beautiful hill land, unobstructed sea view. Direct access from new main road. Water and electricity already in place. 315 are (3.15ha) IDR 8 million/are Plot B - flat hill plateau overlooking Torok Aik Belik Bay and rice fields. Stunning sea view, only 3min drive to the beach on new main road. 284 are (2.84ha) IDR 18 million/are
Phone: 0821 4746 4945
HOUSE FOR RENT
KUTA LAND FOR SALE 9 are (900m2), beachfront at the centre of Kuta. 15 are (1,500m2) at the first roundabout. Youtube: Lombok Lands For Sale
Call 0812 4675 3610
SEKOTONG LAND FOR SALE
(Special for foreigner) 1,000m2 with yard, fully furnished, 2 garage, 3 bedrooms, H/W shower, AC. Located in Jl Ranget, Cakra.
500 are (5,000m2). View of 7 islands. Mainroad. Water & Electricity is available.
HOUSE FOR SALE
Youtube: Lombok Lands For Sale
Phone: 0817 5789 207 / 0370 627 766
Call 0819 9991 5775
Located in Jl Bangau, Cakra
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
KUTA
LAND OFF BYPASS ROAD: Perfect for Development Ocean views. 3 mins to Kuta Beach Over 37 are (3700sqm +). Certificated Hak Milik (Freehold). Price: Rp 45 million per are Phone 0821 4587 5594
36
Senggigi
Senggigi
37
Distribution
38
LOMBOK GUIDE The
LOMBOK’S #1 TOURISM NEWSPAPER AND INFORMATION RESOURCE 8000 copies distributed throughout Lombok, the Gilis and Bali every month! Around 200 international & national visits to our website every day! www.thelombokguide.com An average of 7000 people reading our online digital paper every month! http://issuu.com/thelombokguide WITH MORE THAN 20,000 READERS EVERY MONTH, HOW CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO ADVERTISE???
Contact us now for economical advertising that gets results! 0812 3734 4894
kitadesign@hotmail.com
www.thelombokguide.com
4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED EVERY TWO WEEKS AT: BLUE BIRD TAXI: Exclusively available in every Blue Bird Taxi in Lombok. AIRPORT: Lombok Baru Taxi, Kotama Taxi, Golden Bird Travel, Trec, BLT Travel and every counters outside International Lombok Airport. MATARAM: Autore, Gallery Pamour, Lombok Epicentrum Mall (Ace Hardware, Beef Bar, Bubbly House of Desserts, Burger King, Bread Talk, Cinema XXI, Excelso, Food Centrum, Front Desk, Hypermart, Informa, Jesslin Bread & Cake, J.Co, Joli Sourire, KFC, Maxx Coffee, Mokko Factory, Omah Cobek, Paris Castle, Pizza Pazza, Quali, Simple Pleasure, Solaria, The Vinette, XO Suki), Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Gili Cafe, KFC, McDonalds, Mokko Factory, Oceanic Café), Toko Susana. KUTA: Bombora Bungalows, Discovery Coffee House, Kuta Bay Homestay, Kuta Heights, Kuta Indah Hotel, Mimpi Manis Homestay, Novotel, Puri Rinjani, Sekar Kunning / Yellow Flower, The Chili Cafe, Warung Bule. SENGGIGI: Alfa Mart, Ananta Tours & Travel, Anna’s Giftshop, Aruna Senggigi Hotel, Asmara Restaurant, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, De Quake, Dive Zone, Gilda Farma, Globe Bar, Holiday Resort, Island Properties Lombok, Katamaran Resort, Kebun Villas, La Chill Bar, Living Asia, Lombok Property and Villas, Lotus Bayview Restaurant, Orchid Spa, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Hotel, Qunci Villas, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Scuba Froggy, Sheraton, Spice Lounge & Bar, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Chandi, The Cowshed, The Office, Verve Beach Club, Ye Jeon Restaurant. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili Getaway, Kayu Cafe, ko-ko-mo Resort, Le Resto, Oceano Resort, Manta Dive, Martas Bungalows, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Scallywags, The Beach Club. SOUTH LOMBOK: ko-ko-mo Gili Gede, Sempiak Villas BALI: Air Bali, Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Bali Deli, Balcony Rest, Barb’s Sport Warung, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Cafe Moka, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, Canggu Station, Captain Cook Rest, Club Havana, Cocoon Spa, Corner Store, De Banjar Rest, Dijon, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Firestation Restaurant, Gardenia Cafe & Bar, Gili GIli, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Gold Dust Beauty Lounge, Golden Kris Tour, Gourmet Cafe, Grocer & Grind, IndoLinen, 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 © 2007 – 2016. 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. Tired after a day of mischief
39
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
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
40
5 DAYS IN KUTA
Sylvie and Scott are a young American couple who left their jobs to travel the world for over one year, visiting South America, Europe, India and SE Asia. Here they share their impressions of Kuta and South Lombok. Arriving in Kuta A two-hour shuttle ride from Senggigi landed us in Kuta in the south of Lombok. Our guesthouse was on a back country road behind fields of grazing cows and local villager’s homes.
Special Feature ©2016. Photos and text courtesy of www.ditchthemap.com
interacting and selling products. Maybe they haven’t adjusted to tourism yet, as Lombok still hasn’t taken off as a major tourist destination. However, we didn’t encounter any issues during our stay. In fact, our opinion of the locals came around as we interacted with more of them, like the kind couple in charge of our guest house who cleaned our room and cooked us breakfast with such care each
morning and our soft-spoken surf instructor. What Would We Do Without a Scooter? We set out to rent a scooter so we could explore more of the beaches in South Lombok. While looking for a scooter, we were quoted IDR 70,000 twice and an outrageous IDR 150,000 per day at different tourist huts. We were able to negotiate with another guy for IDR 50,000 a day – which is what we paid in Sengiggi and Bali for a scooter.
Kuta is what Bali must have looked like 20 years ago. All of the stores and restaurants are pretty much open-air bamboo constructions. There are a few ATMs and two large 7/11 style mini-markets but, despite these modern installments, it is still not very built-up. Our first impression was that some of the locals were a bit crass – more rough around the edges and ‘in-your-face’ when
Special Feature
Considering that the prices for everything are cheaper in Lombok than Bali, we were surprised that they were asking so much for a scooter. Renting a scooter in Bali and Lombok is absolutely imperative – public transport is almost non-existent. A scooter gives you increased freedom to see more of the island and there really is no better way to see the countryside than with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. Post Card Pretty Beaches Surrounded by mountains, the beaches here are really a scene to behold! Though we stayed in Kuta, we spent a fair amount of time at neighbouring beaches to the east and west. We wanted to absorb as much of the beauty as possible.
41 The calm sapphire water laps at the white sand, while locals produce fresh coconuts with straws and baby pineapples cut into lollipops for hungry tourists. Around Town Kuta revolves around a 2-block radius where all of the retail shops, restaurants, surf shops and tourist huts are located. It’s
and a really good Mediterranean restaurant, El Bazar. So good in fact that we had their carrot cake two days in a row! Usually we find that it’s typically best to stick with local cuisine, lest you want to pay more and possibly end up disappointed. Whether eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Kuta you will be pestered by kids selling bracelets. Some of them are as young as 5 years old. They are sharp inquisitive little kids with a good grasp of English and a few different sales pitches.
We splashed out on one spoiled day at the 4-star Novotel Resort where, for a small fee, we spent the entire afternoon lounging under a beachfront cabana, having food delivered to us and making use of their facilities and swimming pool. Nothing like living the fabulous life at a fraction of the cost! Another beautiful beach we discovered was the secluded, half moon shaped Mawun Beach. There couldn’t have been more than 50 tourists occupying the beach and only a handful of beach shacks selling food. This beach could rival all other beaches we’ve seen on our trip as the single most beautiful beach!
not the most eventful town – it’s really all about the beaches here. At night, the weather cools down considerably and everyone heads out to the main strip. There is something to satisfy every craving – western food, Indonesian food, Mexican food, wood-oven pizzas
There seem to be a lot of children around. Some unsupervised, some as young as ten driving on motor scooters (no helmets on!), others in their mothers arms or running around naked on the beach (in stark contrast to the women on the beach with their bodies and heads covered while dipping in the ocean.) All the children are charming, with their big bright smiles – Indonesian’s might be some of the most smiley people on earth!
Senggigi
42
[ 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
43
Senggigi
44
De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi – The Lonely Planet
Hungry Thursdays!
15% Discount on Food and Beer!
Sunday Beach BBQ
Just Rp 10,000 per skewer! Choice of 2 per skewer (beef, chicken, fish or veggies) Art Market Senggigi, Lombok +62 370 693694
www.dequake.com
Senggigi
45
46
discover nature’s greatest gift
Pearl Farm Tours Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private viewings welcome
Showroom Open Daily
PT Autore Pearl Culture, Teluk Nara, Malaka, Lombok Phone: +62 8133 992 0015 / +62 8133 992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au
www.pearlautore.com.au
Senggigi
47
Qamboja Day Spa
Try Our Cucumber Aloe Wrap [ Sensuous, cooling and soothing... highly recommended for sun sensitive skin ]
Herbal bath, deluxe massage, facial, manicure & pedicure using all natural and traditional products *Yoga available upon request
Try our healthy vegetarian lunch using only raw ingredients to boost, invigorate and rejuvenate
[ “Gorgeous Spa� - Lonely Planet ]
[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ]
Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693800 | Website: www.quncivillas.com/spa
48
Senggigi
Senggigi
49
50
Senggigi
Senggigi
51
Land & Property
52 .
VILLA FOR SALE in SENGGIGI BUILT on 148m2 land, 2 A/C bedrooms (both en-suite with H/W showers), spacious European standard kitchen with gas cooker & oven. Secure parking space, small garden. 7 mins walk to the beach. Price IDR 875 million
BUILDING PLOT in KERANDANGAN
15.69 ARE (1,569m2). Ideal opportunity - infrastructure in place. Stunning valley views, good concrete road access, water and electricity available. Just 5 mins to Senggigi. 4 villas already built in this area.Price IDR 69 million / are (100m2)
VILLA FOR SALE in SENGGIGI
SECLUDED villa with pool. Built on 659m2 land with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus guest house. Open plan living / kitchen area, maid’s room, storage room, tropical garden. 5 mins walk to the beach. Price EUR 250,000
BUILDING PLOT in KERANDANGAN 8.25 ARE (825m2). Unique plot with stunning valley views in lush location. Retaining wall already built with swimming pool partly finished. Good concrete road access - infrastructure in place, water and electricity available. Price IDR 1.2 billion for total plot
HOTEL OPPORTUNITY in MANGSIT
VILLA FOR SALE in MONTONG
BOUTIQUE Hotel/Villa on 1800m2 land. 6 bedrooms and pool. High quality teak wood. Walk to the beach. Purchase with existing company for hotel. Great investment! Price on application
SECLUDED VILLA with pool. 2 storey, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 A/C, living / dining area, outside kitchen & shower, 2 own well water, parking space. Price AUD 170,000
Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy Café) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117
info@lombokpropertyandvillas.com l www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com
Land & Property
53
Land & Property
54
ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists
VILLA TROPICAL - GILI TRAWANGAN
VILLA MOJO FOR SALE Located on the beautiful island of Gili Meno, approximately 10 minutes (walking) from the main beach.
Buy your own piece of tropical paradise on Gili Trawangan! Superb spacious 2 bedrooms with large ensuites. Fabulous entertaining area overlooking garden with super pool. Room to expand another bedroom suite. Outdoor bar and kitchen overlooking the pool. Fully furnished and services - walk in, walk out. Asking Price USD 150,000
EDEN COTTAGES – GILI TRAWANGAN
First Time Offered - Fabulous Boutique Hotel! Excellent business and location. A must to view. Price USD 550,000
PURI HONDJE – GILI TRAWANGAN For Sale - Leasehold 21 Oct 2031 = 15.5 Years
Villa Mojo has 2 bedrooms with ensuites, open plan living area and an 8 x 5 metre swimming pool surrounded by magnificent tropical gardens. A fantastic investment for holiday rentals or your 2nd home. Land size: 4 are. Building size: 185m2. Title: Freehold Asking Price USD 185,000
BUY NOW IN SENGGIGI
Fabulous views of Senggigi Bay and Mt Agung on Bali! Gentle sloping land, easy construction block. Brand new road in process of being built. 5 minutes to the tourist hub of Senggigi. 6 are = Asking price Rp 600 million
THE SQUARE – CENTRAL LOCATION
An opportunity too good to miss on Gili T! Puri Hondje Villas – Boutique Accommodation. Consists of 2 large one bedroom suites with bathroom, AC and fresh water shower. Overlooking 5 x 2 meter plunge pool. Two-storey one bedroom villa overlooking the pool, terrace and bathroom. The accommodation is on 3 are (300m2) of land with reception, staff room, open kitchen. All rooms have AC, fresh water, wifi, TV set and Indovision. THE LEASE HOLD IS FOR SALE AT USD 125,000
Brand new affordable listing! Inspect Now. Amazing Central Location. Two Storey, 3 bedroom, 2 ensuites
Phone Angela: 0819 1742 0804 / Santi (Indonesia): 0877 6660 3939 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.net
We can make your dreams come true!
Open plan design and European kitchen - internal courtyard. Great buy at IDR 1.8 billion
Land & Property
55
56
THE CITIES 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 from everyday items to gold and pearls. There are many pearl shops in Ampenan selling unset pearls and pearl jewellery at attractive prices. These are genuine pearls – some cheap quality from China and the more expensive ones are farmed in Lombok and Sumbawa. If you bargain the price, you can usually get a good deal. There are gold shops in both Ampenan and Cakra with 24 kt gold being sold by the gram at market price. For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warung 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!
Also worth visiting is the cultural centre, Taman Budaya on Jl Majapahit. Music and dance performances are presented here regularly. Phone: 622428 for details.
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 walk with gold shops, sporting goods, clothing and fabric stores selling imported silks, laces and cottons, to name a few. There is a local market at the main intersection in Cakra; turn right at the traffic lights and look for the entrance to the market on the left. Inside is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from baskets to fresh flowers and local foods. The next large town east of Cakra is Sweta. The Bertais bus terminal is located here for connections to the east of the island and beyond. Near the bus terminal there is a huge local market every day with all kinds of goods on sale, from foodstuffs to clothing, exotic birds, handicrafts and more. Shopping
Ampenan was the original 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 where the remnants of the port are slipping into the sea. The streets become a market at night, filled with warung and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour. 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.
Tourism Information
supermarket, and other small retailers, as well as cafes and food stores. 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.
Lombok Epicentrum Mall on Jl Sriwijaya (see cities map) was opened in October 2015 and is a large, modern shopping centre with four floors of retail outlets. The complex houses a Hypermart supermarket and a Matahari Department Store, as well as a Cinema XXI movie theatre and Timezone entertainment centre. There is a well-stocked Ace Hardware store, an Informa furniture store, and a Guardian pharmacy. Other retailers sell a wide variety of fashion, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and much more. There are many food outlets and cafes, as well as Bread Talk, J. Co, Starbucks, Excelso, The Coffee Bean, Wendy’s and more. Lombok City Centre on Jl Raya Narmada (the main road east of Sweta) is Lombok’s newest mall and is still in the final stages of construction. However, some stores are already open for business in LCC including Matahari Department Store, Hypermart
The caretaker will meet you and give you a sash to wear in the temple. Please sign the guestbook and give a donation.
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 the middle of a large artificial lake here and an interesting temple is sheltered under huge old trees at the rear of the lake. The gardens and the adjoining Pura Jagatnatha temple complex are a peaceful place to escape the bustle of the city and well worth exploring. Taman Mayura is open every day, from 8am to 8pm; admission is Rp 5000 per person. The gardens are popular on weekends so the best time to visit is during the weekdays.
The Cities
57
58
Cities Map
The Cities
59
60 Thirteen small islands - the Southwest Gilis - float in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast. Unlike the famous ‘Gili Islands’ in northwest Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers... that’s why we call them ‘The Secret Islands’!
Tourism Information
The Southwest Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!
The picturesque Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling green hills. The drive down the southwest coast is an enjoyable trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brickmaking and other traditional pastimes. Along the roadsides you will see people selling freshly caught fish, 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. 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 (and the tiny island of Gili Kedis) – 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.
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 beach. The island is small and the beach has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling. There is also simple accommodation at Nirvana on Gili Sudat (the island closest to the mainland). 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 upmarket accommodation on the mainland. 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.
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 Fronting the resort is a glorious white sand across the sandbar and explore this uninhabited island. Old volcanic rocks and beach which spans over 300m, part of which is a private cove. Facilities include a stone carved from centuries of tidal flow create small caves and alcoves, providing 17m beach front shelter for picnics and interesting nooks swimming pool, and crannies to explore. a restaurant Further south you will come to the only overlooking petrol station along the south coastal road the bay, the at Tembowong Village. Nearby is the site Laleina Spa on for catching boats out to Gili Gede. Gili the waterfront, Gede is easily reached by boat from the a boat jetty, village of Tembowong and is only minutes and diving across the water. and boating facilities. The largest of the islands in the area is Gili Slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, Gede, appropriately meaning ‘Big Island’. The island lays just offshore and is so large with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on visitors often mistake it for part of the the hillside overlooking another white mainland. sand beach. The hotel development was started many years ago and is still under Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the construction. area that has a choice of accommodation, including the luxurious ko – ko - mo Gili Across the road from Sundancer, on the Gede Resort, which opened in February beachfront, is Dive Zone – a well-run 2016. diving facility and the experts on diving the southwest islands, having pioneered ko - ko - mo Gili Gede is the sister resort to ko - ko - mo Resort on Gili Trawangan development of previously unknown dive and is a stylish all villa resort, comprising sites in this area.
The Southwest
61 Facilities at the resort include a tennis court, a putting green, a small gym, a resort swimming pool and purpose-built Spa facility and a beachfront restaurant. Guests at the restaurant can enjoy upmarket dining with a menu prepared from fresh locally-sourced seafood, imported Australian meats and in-house breads and bakery items. There is also an outstanding wine and drinks list. ko - ko - mo has a purpose-built jetty at the front of the resort and operate their own fast boat service under the ‘Gili Getaway’ mantle between Bali, Gili T and Gili Gede... making Gili Gede easily accessible, even for a day trip.
fifteen 1 and 2 bedroom villas with private swimming pools, and one bedroom Villa Kecil (small villas), spread out over spacious grounds on a pristine beachfront. All modern comforts such as air conditioning and ceiling fans, flat screen televisions with satellite channels and DVD, WiFi, fresh (not salt) hot water, plentiful power points for charging devices, and more are provided in each villa.
Other choices for simple accommodation on Gili Gede include Secret Island Resort on the south, Via Vaccare on the northwest and Yut Inn and Madak Belo on the east. Each provides meals and can arrange boat trips, island hopping and snorkelling around the islands.
Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea. Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and have constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat. Large gardens of hard and soft corals lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast. On the other side of the island is where the pier is located, with a fantastic white sand beach. It is a favourite for guests from other nearby islands and Dive Zone often brings divers to the island to relax in between dives, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely.
Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves, and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism. To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of
Continued on Page 62
The Southwest
62 Continued from Page 61
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.
Slightly further south, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with its deserted white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees.
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.
Both Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort offer comfortable accommodation in charming bungalows and each have restaurants, providing good dining options on the island.
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 – the island between Gili Ringgit and Gili Asahan. There is accommodation at Layar Beach Bungalows and, although the bungalows are simple, they are comfortable and clean and the location right on the beach is superb. There is also a restaurant here serving delicious fresh juices and tasty 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 BangkoBangko. There are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – known as Desert Point and the surfing Mecca for those in the know – located on the far southwest tip of Lombok. The wide white sand bay is lined with fisherman’s huts and draws hundreds of surfers every year from as far away as Hawaii and Brazil to challenge the huge waves of Desert Point, just offshore.
Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area. Bali is clearly visible, with the island of Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail away. The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers. There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future. Those who wish to explore the underwater world of the Southwest Gilis can join dive adventures with either Dive Zone in Sekotong or Odyssea Divers at Cocotinos The dive sites reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesian diving has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by turtles, white tip reef sharks, cuttlefish, moray eels and many other varieties of marine life. The reefs are full of colourful corals, which harbour an amazing variety of marine life, including ghost pipe fish, leaf fish, pygmy seahorses and much more. For non-divers, the islands are a delight for snorkelling – abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water. It’s easy to imagine hotels and resorts on all these beaches and islands in the future 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.
Useful Contacts
63
USEFUL CONTACTS EMERGENCY SERVICES Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl Raya Senggigi, Phone: 0370 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 Emergency Rescue (RSU Mataram) Ph: 0370 620009. HOSPITALS
Multigraha Valas Jl Saleh Sungkar No 1 Ampenan, Ph: 0370 624045
HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456. Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0370 692247 / 0370 692247
INDIA Ph. 0361 259502/259503, Fax. 0361259505 E: cons.bali@mea.gov.in / hoc.bali@mea.gov.in
TAXI Blue Bird Taxi, Ph: 0370 627000 AIRPORT BUS / DAMRI Senggigi / Mataram, Ph: 0370 671240, 0878 6475 5513, 0813 9862 4975 IMMIGRATION Jl Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES
Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9, Selagalas. Ph: 6177000 / 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009.
ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535
Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl Pejanggik No 6, Mataram Phone: 6604605
WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886
New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl Bung Karno 1, Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045
Directory Assistance (Lombok Phone Numbers): Ph. 0370 108
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 DENTISTS
TELKOM (Phone/Internet). Ph: 0370 147
POST OFFICES Jl Sriwijaya, Mataram. Ph: 0370 632645 Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693711
Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693693 - Jl Pejanggik No 1, Mataram Ph: 0370 631567
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 BANKS
Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl Pejanggik No 117, Mataram. Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068
BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005. Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com
Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl AA Gede Ngurah No 48, Mataram. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347
BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id
Bank Mandiri Jl Pejanggik No 20-22, Mataram. Phone: 0370 631311
CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408. Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz
MONEY CHANGERS
SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457. Email: bali@honrep.ch
AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au
drg. Yuanita Jl Sriwijaya (opposite Kura-Kura Waterpark). Ph: 0812 3763 156
dr. I Gede Sudiana (FB: lombokanimalrescue) Jl Sadewa 9 Cakra. Ph: 0878 6585 6260
SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id
CONSULATES
CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783. Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com
Nobel Petshop Jl Sriwijaya (Next to Town Palace). Ph: 0370 6160300
JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066. Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id
Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl Pejanggik No 67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347
drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) 1st Floor at Lombok Epicentrum Mall. Jl Sriwijaya, Mataram. Ph: 0878 6490 1535
VETS / PET CARE
ITALY Phone: 0361 701005. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com
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
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl Langko No 64, Mataram. Ph: 0370 646200. Jl Raya Senggigi, Ph: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl Pendidikan No 16, Mataram. Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084
Things change... so do offices and phone numbers! If you find a wrong number, or if you think something should be added to this list, please email us at kitadesign@hotmail.com
Tourism Information
64
Kuta by Barbara
KUTA AND THE SUBLIME SOUTH COAST
Lombok boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Indonesia and the south coast of Lombok easily rates among the best!
South Lombok is a region on the move and it’s easy to see why so many people are investing here. The south coast has views that inspire – and leaves visitors from around the world speechless at the sublime panoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beautiful beach. Tourists are drawn to the stunning beaches of the south coast for the pure white sands and the crystal clear oceans, as well as 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 places of interest in the region.
The Lombok International Airport (locally known as BIL) is the only commercial airport on Lombok and is located just 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta , making access to the south very easy. Located around 60 km south of Mataram, and about one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi, Kuta makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok. Major roads have been upgraded and the main road to Kuta is very good. The proximity to the airport has sparked an investment boom in the area over the past couple of years and Kuta has blossomed, with many new hotels, restaurants and cafes catering to increased numbers of tourists. The proposed Mandalika Resort development, with its plans for luxury hotels, villas and supporting facilities on over 1000 hectares of prime beach land, will further transform the south coast in coming years. But for now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular. The drive down to the south coast is
an interesting rural tour through small villages and farming communities. Fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo. Just before arriving in Kuta, the road passes two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan. On the east side of the road is Rambitan, a village that caters to tourists and has authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors. Nearby, on the hilltop, is one of the oldest mosques in Lombok, Mesjid Kuno. The small building with a thatched roof is considered holy and many believers make pilgrimages to pray here. Continued on Page 66
Kuta and The South Coast
65
Tourism Information
66 Continued from Page 64
Slightly further south is Sade, a hilltop village with more Lumbung and traditional homes. Both villages have been renovated and cater to the tourist market, but are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries. Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors. Kuta itself is a small town that is transforming every year. In the past, it offered mainly home-stays and backpacker’s hotels catering 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.
Kuta attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Ekas and the beaches to the east. It’s easy to hire a board and a surf guide from here to learn surfing or, for experienced surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area. First-timers to Kuta can benefit from an orientation tour operated by Mimpi Manis Homestay in Kuta. The long-established guest house is popular with budget travelers not just for the good value accommodation, but also for the local knowledge the expat British
Orientation tours are also available to outside guests and usually include a tour of Kuta and its main attractions, as well as visits to nearby Seger Beach and Tanjung Aan. Other tours can be arranged to take in your particular interests, as well as transfers, car and motorbike rental, Rinjani trekking and more. Mimpi Manis also runs “Shore Thing” fishing trips and boat tours at reasonable rates. Visit their website for details: www.mimpimanis.com Continued on Page 68
These days, there is a good variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, plus many restaurants and tourist facilities. With investment taking off, more options are opening all the time. At present, Kuta boasts just one luxury resort: the Novotel Lombok. The Novotel has a range of accommodation, from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and luxurious villas, some with private swimming pools. Designed to blend in with the environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture.
and Balinese couple freely shares with anyone visiting Kuta.
Mandalika Monument at Seger Beach
Kuta and The South Coast
67
Southern Lombok’s beautiful secret...
Luxury–Unwind–Escape–Enjoy Sempiak Villas Selong Belanak, Lombok
www.sempiakvillas.com
+62 821 4430 3337
The Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant is located on beautiful Selong Belanak Bay. Rustic driftwood mixed with blue tiles and white, fresh walls create a lovely setting for you to relax with your meal whilst gazing at one of the best views in Lombok! Breakfast is served between 8am and 10am, and our A la Carte Lunch menu is available between 11am and 5pm. Dinner, with a range of specials, is served from 6pm onwards. Coffees, teas and other hot beverages may be served with cake at any time of the day or evening; or enjoy a cocktail, cold beer or cool glass of wine to enhance your dining experience! Please call for bookings!
Open Daily from 8am to 9pm
Selong Belanak, Lombok
Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant
+62 821 4430 3339
Tourism Information
68 Continued from Page 66
Mawun Beach by Asriel aryadi www.instagram.com/asrielharyadi
Otherwise, hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta. Just east of Kuta is Seger Beach (sometimes called Mandalika Beach, after the legendary Princess Mandalika – a beloved character in Sasak folklore who is believed to have sacrificed herself for the good of her people from the rocks overlooking the beach). It is 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. There are great views from the beach and even better views if you climb the surrounding hills. There are small stalls selling drinks and snacks to enjoy after taking a swim or a stroll to enjoy the views.
monument in the bay commemorating the Mandalika Legend. Tanjung Aan, around 5kms east of Kuta, is a long picturesque beach with a wide sweep of white sand, perfect aquamarine water and shady trees on the shore.
The government has built a rather ugly building here to host the annual Bau Nyale Festival but nearby there is a lovely
At the far west end is “Warung Turtle”, a charming beach café that sells cold drinks and beer, as well as surprisingly good meals. Guests are welcome to relax on the sun lounges on the beach in front of Warung Turtle and spend the day swimming in the calm waters. Dine on the beachfront or in the shade of the café. The fresh grilled fish and the Chicken in Red Sauce are both highly recommended. Continued on Page 71
Kuta and The South Coast
69
70
Kuta and The South Coast
Tourism Information
71 Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is an almost circular bay with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side. It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand.
Continued from Page 69
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. Continued on Page 72
THE SOUTH LOMBOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION The Warung has snorkeling equipment, surfboards and stand-up paddle boards for hire and the local owner, Herman, is a friendly host with a wealth of information to help make the most of your visit. Further east 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. 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.
The South Lombok Community Association (SLCA) is an association of businesses, investors and residents in South Lombok working with government and local communities to improve conditions in Kuta and surrounding areas on the south coast. The SLCA carries out a number of important services including the improvement of security and safety in the south, rubbish collection and waste management, and environmental projects such as “Clean Up” events in Kuta and at the surrounding beaches. The association is self-funded and all south coast residents and businesses are encouraged to support this community initiative. If you are visiting Kuta, please help SLCA keep up their work – clearly marked donation boxes are placed in a number of local businesses and even a small donation can help towards funding rubbish bins and community projects. To join SLCA, or support their work with a donation, please email southlombokca@gmail.com
Kuta and The South Coast
72
many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted.
Continued from Page 71
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.
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 overlooking the bay with breath-taking panoramic views.
place for a stop – and justifies a day trip in itself – serving fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant on the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip.
Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant at Sempiak Villas is a popular
Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and
Kuta and The South Coast
73
www.thelombokguide.com
74
Tourism Information
Kuta and The South Coast
KHD
PT DOBLER INDAH
75
KUTA HEIGHTS DEVELOPMENT LAND FOR SALE
Certificated land all within minutes to Kuta Beach. 20 mins drive from international airport. Private road with onsite management office and security
Ph: 0821 4587 5594 / +62 817 667 3983 | www.kutaheightslombok.com
A small selection of what KHD has to offer... Blocks start from just $19,000 USD!
LOW DEPOSIT & INTEREST FREE TERMS AVAILABLE!
STUNNING OCEAN AND JUNGLE VIEWS Views cannot be built out. See the sun rise and set, and look back to Mt Rinjani and jungle views.
KUTA GREEN PEACEFUL VALLEY VIEWS Birdsong, coconut and cashew trees just a few minutes to Kuta restaurants and beach, but perfect peace. We have a small number of plots available ranging in size from 500-3000 sqm.
The safe way to buy land and build in Kuta!
A LARGE HOTEL OR VILLA BLOCK Close to the Bypass road and 2 mins to the beach. 3780 sqm. Mainly flat with ocean view at the top.
76
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
77
Stunning mountain and valley views located at the gateway to Mt Rinjani and the waterfalls Stylish bungalows with WiFi, A/C, Cable TV, DVD’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
www.rinjanilodge.com
78
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, sunseekers looking for the perfect beach getaway, singles, families, and couples of all ages find something to attract them to the Gilis.
with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan. While nobody comes to the Gilis for shopping, each island has many small
There is a good selection of accommodations, restaurants and bars on all three islands, 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.
Tourism Information
79 Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm. Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness, exist on all three islands. 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.
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. 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).
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. 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!
80
Tourism Information
GETTING TO THE GILIS
FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or bemo to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.
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. 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.
route of other boats. The 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 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 Gili Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Serangan Harbour (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily with transfers between Bali, Gili T and Gili Gede (Southwest Lombok). 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”
FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
81
82
Gili Trawangan
Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan
Elegantly furnished villas with private pool Generous living space, dining and kitchen Centrally located to beach, restaurants and bars Last minute discounts available
www.gilivillasindonesia.com +62 (0) 81 237 55 721
Tourism Information
GILI 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.
83
There is no motorised transport on any of the islands. Walk, ride a bicycle or catch a cidomo (local horse cart). None of the islands is very large, so walking is an easy option. Bicycles can be hired for between Rp 25,000 and Rp 50,000 per day, depending on the type and condition of the bike. Some hotels provide bikes free of charge for guests. CIDOMO fares are fixed and rates are displayed in the front of the cart. Generally, short distances will cost around Rp 40,000; a round-the-island tour costs Rp 125,000 on Gili T. Walking or riding a bike is a nicer option. DRESS is casual on the islands and it is normal to see tourists walking around in swimsuits, sarongs and shorts. Remember that the islands’ residents are Muslim and nude or topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Please respect island sensibilities and keep your clothes on! MOSQUITOES can sometimes be a problem, especially during rainy season. DEET repellents are the best protection and local products such as “Autan” and “OFF!” are relatively cheap and readily available in the shops. THE GILI ECO TRUST (GET) is a non-profit organisation based on Gili T that works to protect and conserve the environment. GET activities include reef conservation, resource management, waste management and education programmes, to name a few. The Eco Trust raises funds for its programmes through an Eco-tax of Rp 50,000 collected from divers on the islands. Clean-up days, to collect rubbish from the beach and sea, take place on the first Friday of every month on Gili T. Register at Gili T dive shops and join in the fun! To find out more about Eco-projects and to support GET programmes, visit: www.giliecotrust.com
Gili Trawangan
84
THE ONLY FASTBOAT DIRECT BALI GILI TRAWANGAN! Gili Getaway
DIRECT HIGH SPEED TRANSFERS BETWEEN BALI, THE GILI ISLANDS AND LOMBOK HASSLE-FREE BOOKINGS AND COMFORTABLE TRANSFERS EVERY DAY ONBOARD GETAWAY II
Pick up and return service - Serangan Harbour (15 mins from the airport, Kuta, Legian) International safety standards and safety equipment Large comfortable seats and sun beds on upper deck Clean and comfortable onboard toilet Onboard movies & earphones, complimentary water and juices BOOK NOW: +62 81 916 733 051 | +62 81 337 074 147 | +62 361 8037171 | +62 361 8785892 | +62 87 864 322 515
giligetaway@ozemail.com.au | www.giligetaway.com
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.
Phone: +62 370 6142 352 | Email: reservation@beachhousegilit.com
www.beachhousegilit.com
Tourism Information
GILI TRAWANGAN
Gili Trawangan – affectionately abbreviated to ‘Gili T’ – is the most wellknown and popular of the three Gilis. It is the largest island of the three and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than two hours from Bali and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok. Tagged “the party island” by The Lonely Planet, Gili T continues to cater to the party crowd but also has a cosmopolitan vibe that becomes more evident every year. Today, Gili T is rated as one of the top destinations in Indonesia and the popular TripAdvisor® website recently rated it as one of the ‘Top 10 Islands in Asia’. 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. While Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, these days they are joined by singles, couples and families from all walks of life and all around 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 in the north). 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 the brilliant sunrise over Mt Rinjani on mainland Lombok.
85
simple hotels 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, DVD and satellite TV.
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 Gili T is on the east coast, but Gili T’s popularity means growth has extended around the entire island. Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows have mostly disappeared, to be replaced by
The busiest area, called ‘Sentral’, is on the southeast of the island, close to the jetty where the boats dock. Resorts, restaurants, bars and shops line both sides of the paved ‘road’ that runs along the entire east coast up to the northern corner of the island. Scallywags Resort and The Beach House are both popular options in this area, with comfortable rooms and all mod cons such as air conditioning and swimming pools. The Beach House has a range of rooms, suites, private pool villas and a large 4 bedroom private pool villa, while Scallywags offers tasteful double and twin rooms, some with private plunge pools. Tracks meander from the main coastal road inland, where many of the island’s local people live and where investors have built home-stays, small hotels and private villas that offer a quieter (and often cheaper) alternative to the beachfront choices. Continued on Page 86
86 Continued from Page 85 Amalika Villa is a new and ultra-stylish 2 bedroom villa located in a walled garden with private pool, just back from the beach in Sentral. Modern amenities, personalised services and beautiful designer furnishings provide a luxurious escape close to the action. Gili Villas, just behind the Night Market, has four elegant villas each with private pools. 1 and 2-bedroom villas offer comfortable and modern facilities just off the main strip. The north coast has a quieter vibe and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area. Although the beaches to the north can
be a bit ordinary, the views are beautiful and snorkelling from the beach is good; plus the location makes it easy to access the dining and nightlife options only minutes away. Oceano Resort offers comfortable and affordable rooms and bungalows on a nice section of beach. Desa Dunia Beda, slightly further north, features unique
restored teak Joglo houses with sumptuous ethnic furnishings, modern facilities and a romantic atmosphere. Likewise, the south and west coasts are popular with travellers seeking a place away from the crowds and are now dotted with small hotels, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. Although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets across the sea to Bali are magical. Just minutes from Sentral, Pearl of Trawangan boasts a beautiful beachfront and modern, comfortable rooms, suites and villas with lovely furnishings and all modern amenities, including a secluded waterfall swimming pool. Slightly further south, but still on the fringe of the action, ko-komo Resort is a collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom boutique villas with private pools and sophisticated facilities in an exclusive setting on the beach. The Trawangan Resort combines south coast tranquillity with tasteful rooms, suites and private pool villas just steps from the beach, close to the surfing and only a few minutes to Sentral.
Tourism Information
Restaurants rival Bali in quality and there are bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian dishes to Indian, Italian, Mexican and more; simple cafés on the beach to international fine dining restaurants, and everything between. There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating roster, where different bars have licenses to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation). These parties are a big drawcard for the crowds of younger people who come to the island. For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko-ko-mo Resort, Scallywags Resort, and the stylish Pearl Beach Lounge next door, and at Wilson’s Retreat and Desa Dunia Beda in the north. These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and a wide range of tourist facilities. Continued on Page 88
Gili Trawangan
87
Tourism Information
88 Continued from Page 87 Many of the larger restaurants, hotels and dive shops accept credit cards and 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.
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 a variety of tropical fish species to enjoy. 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.
Internet cafés 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. Free diving, SUP and other water sports are popular activities. 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. Even the shopping scene on Gili T is starting to resemble nearby Bali and new shops are springing up almost monthly. Shops and kiosks selling the usual sarongs and t-shirts now rub shoulders with 69 Slam, Billabong, Innuendo and Blu Glue
outlets, as well as stylish little boutiques such as Topaz Shop. 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. There is a good surf break on the south coast near The Trawangan Resort with a fast right-hander that pumps in the right conditions. Local surfers will happily lead the way and rent you a board. The best snorkelling on the island starts on the northern end of the east coast, where you can wade to the reef just offshore.
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 now a worldclass tourism destination is emerging. While some will no doubt lament the constant development, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T. 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 attract visitors today.
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
89
Gili Air
90
Beach Bungalows, Bar & Café
6 Comfortable Double and Two Family Bungalows with AC, Fresh Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed and one of Gili Air’s best white sandy beaches – just steps from your room!
Gili Air, Lombok | M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 | E: thebeachclubgiliair@hotmail.com
www.thebeachclublombok.com
Tourism Information
91 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 92
Gili Air
92 Continued from Page 91
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 Meno
93
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.
94
Gili Trawangan
Tourism Information
95
96
Senggigi