The
December 2023 | FREE COPY
LOMBOK GUIDE PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
Meet us Online!
Photo by sunchasingtravelers.com
0822 8000 6920 | www.thelombokguide.com
2
GETTING TO
LOMBOK Lombok International Airport (abbreviated to LIA with the IATA code “LOP”) is the only operating airport on Lombok. The official name of the airport is Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, and you will sometimes see “Mataram” or “Praya” on ticketing, but they all refer to Lombok’s airport. The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 40km south of Mataram City, and around 1 hour drive from Senggigi and 25 minutes from Kuta. The airport’s terminal is divided into international and domestic sections, with shared arrival and departure areas, and separate boarding lounges. There is no dutyfree shopping at the airport but shops and souvenirs, ATMs, and food outlets are easily available. Airport departure tax is included in the price of all tickets. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Lombok International Airport has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities, including 30 day “Visa Free” (no charge) for tourists. Ph: (+62) 817 1753 5751. Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia every day. Flights are onboard A320 Airbus and flight time is approx. 3 hours. Book cheap flights through the AirAsia website. www. airasia.com Super Air Jet (a low-cost airline based in Jakarta) also flies between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur every day. www.superairjet.com Scoot Airlines (a low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, four times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Flights are onboard A320 Airbus and flight time is approx. 3 hours. www.flyscoot.com Although direct international flights to Lombok are limited at present, international flights to Bali and Jakarta – or to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur – connect Lombok to all major destinations around the world including Europe, the UK, Amsterdam, Thailand and more. BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only around 45 minutes. Buy tickets online, or direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel agents in both Bali and Lombok.
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. Citilink has two direct flights between Lombok and Bali every day with a free 10kg baggage allowance. www.citilink.co.id Wings Air / Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok up to four times daily. The companies code-share, so you purchase tickets through the Lion Air website for a Wings Air flight. Note: tickets include no luggage allowance; book pre-paid baggage through their website. www.lionair.co.id DOMESTIC FLIGHTS European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta and Surabaya. Direct flights to Lombok from Bali, Jakarta, Jogjakarta and Surabaya are available from multiple airlines every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights. Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Surabaya every day. www. airasia.com Batik Air flies direct between Lombok and Jakarta every day. www.batikair.com Citilink has direct flights between Lombok and Jakarta, and Lombok and Surabaya, three times a week. www.citilink.co.id Garuda Indonesia has direct flights daily between Lombok and Jakarta. www.garudaindonesia.com Lion Air / Wings Air has daily flights between Lombok and Bali, Jakarta, Jogjakarta, Surabaya, Sumbawa Besar and Bima (Sumbawa). www.lionair.co.id Super Air Jet flies between Lombok and Jakarta, Jogjakarta, and Surabaya every day. www.superairjet.com
BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA Padang Bai Harbour (east Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour from both Senggigi and Kuta. Arrange transport and buy tickets direct from the ticket office at the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service. Public Ferries run 24 hours a day and depart every hour for the sea crossing between Bali and Lombok. The fare is Rp 62,200 per person and the trip takes approx. 4 to 5 hours, depending on sea conditions. It’s a slow but scenic ferry trip and the cheapest way to travel between the islands. It’s also useful if you want to take a motorcycle (approx. Rp 160,000) or small car (approx. Rp 1,127,000). FAST BOATS There are numerous fast boat services operating between Bali and Lombok every day, via the Gili Islands. All fast boats must stop at Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok for port clearance, so it is possible to reach mainland Lombok using any of the fast boat services to the Gilis. See our Gili Guide for more. Gili Getaway operates several comfortable fast boats connecting Bali and mainland Lombok (including Gili Gede in southwest Lombok) from Serangan Harbour on Bali. www.giligetaway.com Eka Jaya offers fast boat connections between Bali (Padang Bai Harbour) and Senggigi (West Lombok). Boats arrive and depart from the Senggigi Jetty, right in the centre of Senggigi Beach. www.ekajayafastboat.com
DISCOVER NATURE’S GREATEST GIFT
SHOWROOM OPEN DAILY 9AM - 5PM Pearl Farm Tours
(Groups or 2 adults minimum)
Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private Viewings Welcome PT Autore Pearl Culture Teluk Nara, Lombok WA: +62 813 3992 0020 pearlfarm@autorepearls.com.au www.autorepearls.com.au
4 Dear Readers Greetings and a warm welcome to the new edition of The Lombok Guide! In the wake of the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global Covid-19 pandemic, travel came to a standstill, compelling us to pause our publication for nearly four years. Today, we are delighted to announce the return of Lombok's premier tourism magazine. For the past 15 years, the pages of our magazine have been a source of inspiration and information and, as the travel world reawakens, so do we. Regular readers will notice that we’ve changed our format a bit. From the front, we have retained the original appearance of The Lombok Guide but, flip the entire magazine over, and you’ll find our new “The Gili Guide” – dedicated solely to our famous Gili Islands. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Lombok or a seasoned traveller returning for the tenth time, The Lombok Guide is committed to provide you with the information you need – attractions and activities, places to visit and things to see – all brought together in one convenient Guide. As we resume our story, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Lombok through the lens of our magazine. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to being your trusted resource for all things Lombok. The island awaits… welcome back to the magic of Lombok!
Contents The Lombok Guide Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 & 10 Page 12 & 13 Page 14 Page 16 & 18 Page 20 & 22 Page 23 Page 27 Page 32 Page 35 & 39 Page 40 & 41 Page 42 Page 44 Page 48 - 56 Page 54 Page 58 Page 59 - 62 Page 63
Getting to Lombok Contents Lombok Map Getting Around This is Lombok Senggigi Map Senggigi & The West Coast Crossing the Wallace Line Pasar Classified Distribution MotoGP Success! Who's in the Kitchen? Best in Lombok The Cities The Cities Map Kuta & The South Coast Kuta Map South Lombok Map The Southwest Useful Contacts
The Gili Guide Page 2 & 4 Page 6 Page 8 - 12 Page 14 Page 16 & 17
Getting to the Gilis The Gilis Map The Gilis, Lombok's Three Iconic Islands Gili Islands Fast Facts Best in the Gilis
SCAN FOR DIGITAL VERSION
k o - k o - mo GILI GEDE RESORT
5- star Luxur y in S out hwe st Lomb ok
Esca p e to the timeless serenit y of Gili Ge de - G a teway to the S outhwest Gilis Stay in one of our luxurious one- and two-bedroom air conditioned villas with private swimming pools or an absolute beachfront 'traditional' bungalow. Enjoy all day dining at our romantic beachfront restaurant and bar. Activities include: • Pure poolside relaxation • Healing Sasak massages • A round of tennis, workout in the gym, or choice of water sports • Island hopping including a secluded island picnic Get there fast, then take it slow... with easy fast b oa t tra nsfers from Bali, Gili Trawa nga n a nd Lomb ok dire c t to our priva te jett y
www.kokomogiligede.com | kokomogiligede@ozemail.com.au | +62 878 5891 7362
6
Go with the flow Sensational Sunset Views | Colourful, Cozy, Relaxed Beachfront Bar | Amazing Cocktails Made with Imported Alcohol Only Delicious Food & Snacks | Shisha | High Speed Internet | Best Happy Hour in Town | Live Music on the Weekend Drink Safely at La Chill Bar | Open 4PM til Late Perfect Location for Birthdays, Events & Group Bookings
NEW YEAR PARTY 2024 - 31 DEC 2023 - 5PM TIL LATE
ALL THAT GLITTERS - THE BIGGEST & BEST PARTY IN TOWN! FREE GIFTS - SPECIAL DRINKS - LIVE MUSIC - AND MUCH MORE! Located on the Beach Front, Transit Inn Hotel. Jl Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong, Lombok reservation@lachill.com • www.lachill.com • Ph:+62 370 693925 • WA: +62 817 368 960 IG lachillbar_restaurantsenggigi • FB lachillbarandrestaurant
8
GETTING
AROUND LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is a relatively small airport that handles domestic flights between Bali, Jakarta and other Indonesian cities, and international flights to and from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Getting to the Airport: Lombok Taxi (Blue Bird) is the most convenient taxi operator throughout Lombok and will drop passengers directly in front of the departure terminal. Note: Lombok Taxi (Bluebird) cannot pick up passengers from inside the airport grounds. Otherwise, book an airport transfer through your hotel or a private car and driver service. There is ample parking at the airport and cars can be left overnight. From the Airport: taxis and private cars are available to meet all arriving flights. After collecting your baggage, head out of the exit doors of the terminal and through to the arrival hall. There are official taxi counters inside the arrival hall that will allocate you a fixed price taxi to most destinations. Prices can be negotiated.
Golden Bird Taxi is the premium branch of Blue Bird Taxi and offers regular taxis, limousine and car rental. Look for their desk in the arrival hall or WA 0859 5462 7000. There are also many private drivers waiting to offer rides to anywhere on the island. This is a good option if you are in a group or have a lot of luggage or sports equipment, such as surf boards. Negotiate a fixed price before you get in the vehicle. Organising an airport transfer with your hotel is often the easiest option, with the hotel driver meeting you on arrival and transferring you to your hotel in air-conditioned comfort. Check with your hotel – charges are usually only slightly more than a taxi. Approximate taxi fares: Kuta Rp 150k; Selong Belanak Rp 250k; Sekotong Rp 400k; Senggigi Rp 250k; Mataram Rp 150k; Bangsal Harbour Rp 350k; Senaru Rp 500k. Car rental kiosks are located at the arrival terminal and are open from 7am until 10pm daily.
For low-cost airport transfers, the public DAMRI bus is the cheapest way to travel between the airport and Senggigi and Mataram. The air-conditioned buses seat around 40 passengers and operate a regular schedule of departures from 7am to 5pm every day. Buses to Mataram leave every hour and cost Rp 25,000. Buses to Senggigi leave every 90 minutes and cost Rp 35,000. The DAMRI counter is located inside the arrival hall and prices are clearly shown on sign board at the counter. The bus parks just outside the hall on the right. The helpful drivers tend to stop at popular points along the route. If you need to stop at a certain point, let the driver know and he will usually accommodate your request. Around Lombok: Lombok is easy to get around. The roads are in good condition and there is little traffic, apart from in the cities. The island itself is only slightly smaller than Bali at 115km (70 miles) long and 80km (50 miles) wide; however, it is not practical to drive around Lombok in one day. Continued on Page 10
5–COURSE CHRISTMAS DINNER 24 & 25 December 2023 Start 6.30 – 10.30 pm ASSORTED FISH APPETIZER Smoked mahi-mahi, sesame crusted ocean trout, and tuna tartar nori roll with semi dried tomato, quail egg, capers, cress, wasabi aioli, and lemon vinaigrette CAULIFLOWER AND HAZELNUT SOUP Creamy cauliflower soup with hazelnut, garlic scallop, and curry oil MIXED BERRY GINGER SORBET Mixed berry sorbet with ginger, fresh tropical fruit salad, and vodka sugar syrup GRILLED PRAWN WITH BLACK OLIVE RISOTTO Grilled Sumbawa prawn with black olive risotto, semi dried tomato, buttered vegetables, herbs garlic beurre blanc, and curly endive OR PAN-ROASTED DUCK BALLOTINE Duck ballotine with spiced pumpkin purée, pickled red cabbage, roasted apple, caramelized garlic, and orange zest berry bigarade sauce OR HERB-CRUSTED GRILLED AUSTRALIAN LAMB CHOP Grilled Australian lamb chop with chickpeas purée, zucchini eggplant feta cheese roll, shallot brulée, and rosemary sauce CHRISTMAS PUDDING 6-hour baked Christmas pudding with homemade touille, mixed berry compote, crispy star fruit, and brandy cream sauce
IDR 475k / ++ Get 10 % discount for booking and payment before 24 December
Here's to Christmas, let's make it merry! Leonardo Da Vinci Prosecco 750ml Freixenet Elyssia Pinot Noir Rose Brut 750ml Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne 750ml
Rp 150K++ (Glass) / 650K++ (Bottle) Rp 950K++ (Bottle) Rp 1,800K++ (Bottle)
Senggigi Square Blok B-10 0818 0360 7231 or 0878 3437 8835 I info@squarelombok.com IG square_lombok FB squarelombok
10
Tourism Information most will include a driver. Modern, airconditioned cars that comfortably seat 4 - 5 people with a driver can be hired for between Rp 600 - 700,000 per day, including petrol and basic insurance.
Continued from Page 8
Taxis are easily available in most areas on Lombok apart from Kuta, Lombok. Unlike in other areas of Asia, all taxis use their meters (argo) to calculate fares, so there is no need to haggle a price. Lombok Taxi (operated by Blue Bird Taxi, light blue colour) is the largest company in Lombok and you will find them in the cities and around tourist areas such as Senggigi. Express Taksi (white cars) are also available, mainly in the cities. Taxis can be used to make trips to Kuta or Lembar and Bangsal Harbours and, if you are shopping or making day trips by taxi, ask the driver to wait and leave the meter running. Fares are still very low compared to those in the west. Short trips around Senggigi will cost around Rp 30,000; a taxi from Senggigi to Mataram is around Rp 80,000. Phone for a taxi or ask your hotel to phone, or flag one down from the side of the road. Make sure the driver starts the meter when you get in. Download the “My Blue Bird” app to book taxis easily. The app is also handy for calculating distances and fares when planning trips and the fare will give you a general idea of the rate you should be negotiating with a private driver. Lombok Taxi (Blue Bird), ph: 0370 627 000 (or download the ‘My Blue Bird’ App from Play Store, App Store or from the Blue Bird Group website). www.bluebirdgroup.com Gojek and Grab also operate in most areas of Lombok (apart from Kuta on the south coast). Download the apps for easy transport options via car or motorbike. Note that taxis can drop off guests in Kuta but cannot pick up from Kuta. If you are staying in Kuta, the best options are to ride a motorbike or hire a car and driver. Cars and Motorbikes can be hired in Lombok and driving yourself is easy. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road (as in the UK). Car hire can be arranged at the airport and car rental companies in Mataram. However, self-drive car hire isn’t popular in Lombok and
A private car and driver can be arranged in all the tourism areas, either through your hotel or from talking to the drivers that hang around on the streets looking for customers. Negotiate a price and what is included in the rate (petrol, duration of hire, waiting time, entrance fees if you are visiting attractions, etc). It’s easy to arrange transport this way, whether for a short trip to a restaurant or a full day of exploring. Motorbikes are the most popular form of transport and are generally small, light 110 - 125cc motorbikes with automatic transmission. Modern and economical scooters, such as a Honda Vario, are easy to ride. Expect to pay between Rp 60 - 75,000 per day for motorbike rental, depending on age and type. Both require an international drivers’ licence. Do wear a helmet and appropriate shoes when riding a motorbike and don’t decide that Lombok is the place to learn to ride! Apart from the dangers from other riders and a general disregard for road rules, there can be unexpected hazards such as dogs, chickens, cows and children running into the road.
Tours are readily available in all the tourist areas, and drivers and guides are licensed by the local Kotasi (tour organisation), who also regulate prices in the industry. Most tour operators are reliable and will have a wealth of local knowledge, which can make touring a more rewarding experience. It is also the most comfortable way to explore the island, as you have time to sit back and observe, rather than negotiating traffic and unfamiliar roads. Popular tours, such as day trips to waterfalls or traditional villages, are structured to take in a full day of sightseeing with stops at other points of interest along the way. Tours range between Rp 350 -700,000 a day for a driver and an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 4 passengers, depending on distances and the number of places visited. * Prices are approximate. Expect to pay higher prices during peak seasons. Useful Tip: WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service in Indonesia. Download the app to your phone for convenient messaging and phone calls to Lombok businesses wherever there is internet available. Luggage Storage in Bali: If you’re travelling with too much baggage or extra equipment such as surfboards, you can take advantage of a great offer from Bali Wake Park in Benoa, just 5 minutes from the airport. Spend some time trying out their fun range of water sports or simply have a drink and a meal before or after your trip to Lombok and the Park will give you free storage facilities until you return. If you have a late flight, you can spend the afternoon swimming and have a cold beer before you head to the airport. See advert Gilis Page 12.
12
THIS IS
LOMBOK Lombok – unspoiled natural beauty, stunning uncrowded beaches and laid-back charm defines the island’s essence…
Special Feature Dominating the northern quadrant of the island is the magnificent volcano, Gunung Rinjani. Rated as a world-class tourism destination, this towering volcano attracts trekkers and serious mountain climbers from around the world.
The peak soars 3,726 metres above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia. Set amongst the majesty of these mountains, the “Segara Anak” Crater Lake glistens like a jewel and from the depths of the lake rises the smaller volcanic cone, “Baru Jari”.
Just a brief 40-minute flight east of Bali, Lombok is the new Indonesian destination and a haven for those seeking the pleasures of an authentic tropical island getaway. Despite often being referred to as “Bali 20 years ago”, this is only true in terms of development. Lombok boasts landscapes, people and a culture uniquely its own. Stretching across 4,619 square kilometres, Lombok is almost as large as Bali and has a wide range of attractions and activities for all types of travellers. From the exceptional beauty of the beaches fringed with coconut palms to the densely forested interior, the island unfolds in a series of breathtaking vistas. Drive almost anywhere and you can be assured of your own personal deserted beach. “High seasons” in Lombok run from July to September, and mid-December to January; the rest of the year the island is much quieter than Bali and you’ll never find yourself stuck in traffic jams here. Discerning travellers take advantage of the lack of crowds and the bargains offered by the island’s premier hotels and resorts during the quieter periods. Tourism flourishes in key areas like the Gili islands off the northwest coast, Senggigi on the west coast, and Kuta on the island’s south coast. The interior of the island is heavily forested and retains its natural wilderness. Jungles and forest reserves are easily accessible for trekking and exploring; waterfalls, rivers, hills and volcanoes provide myriad opportunities for eco-tourism. The southern slopes of the Rinjani mountain range, as well as the Rinjani National Park in the north, are forested in old stands of mahogany and hardwoods, interspersed with natural jungle vegetation, rivers and stunning waterfalls.
Photo by Olly Gaspar
Photo by Iwan Haryanto
13
Special Feature
The southern coastline is simply stunning, lined with long stretches of deserted beaches, the raw beauty of towering cliffs overlooking the vast ocean, and secluded bays waiting to be discovered. Widely acknowledged as a Mecca for surfers, the south coast is the perfect playground for wave enthusiasts. Here, the surging tides and coastal winds converge to create some of the best surfing experiences in all of Indonesia. Bangko-Bangko, on the island’s furthest southwest point, is world-renowned for challenging waves and regularly cited as one of the top five surfing destinations in Southeast Asia.
Away from the tourism areas, many of the small villages carry on life as they have for centuries – simple lifestyles centred around farming, fishing, community living and traditional handicrafts. The Sasak people who inhabit the island are simple, friendly people, welcoming visitors to witness their colourful ceremonies, traditional dances, and authentic way of life. In contrast to this rural setting, off the north-west coast lie the three small islands known as the Gilis – Gili Air, Meno and Trawangan. Already popular with travellers for many years, these coral-fringed oases continue to delight all who visit and are a famous Lombok landmark internationally.
Bangko Bangko Surfing
Blessed with crystal clear waters and thriving reefs, the Gilis provide some of the best diving opportunities in Southeast Asia and year after year attract thousands of visitors to their shores to learn to dive and to explore the abundant underwater attractions of the islands. It would be impossible to list all the attractions that Lombok has to offer here. Indeed, some parts of the island remain largely unexplored by westerners, and therein lies the beauty of this tropical paradise – no matter what your interest, nor how much time you spend here, there is always something new and special to be discovered.
Photo by Begadang Gili Air
14
Asian Fusion Restaurant
Scan for menu
QUNCI VILLAS, Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | WA Reservations: +62 821 4732 7446
16
Tourism Information
Senggigi Bay by Neil Cave
SENGGIGI &
THE WEST COAST Senggigi, with its strategic location, emerges not only as a wonderful holiday destination but as a gateway to the myriad attractions that Lombok offers. Senggigi is the oldest established tourism area on Lombok’s West Coast and is around a onehour drive northwest of Lombok International Airport. Its central location makes Senggigi an ideal base for exploring the island. The waterfalls, golf courses, Lombok Wildlife Park and other attractions in the north are only an hour or so drive away and Bangsal Harbour (the main harbour for boats to the Gilis) can be reached in less than an hour. The historic attractions of Lingsar and Narmada, and Benang Stokel Waterfall to
One of the most spectacular sights on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi and along the west coast, which faces toward Bali across the ocean. It is a magical sight watching the bright orange sun sinking into the sea and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean. the east, are around an hour’s drive from Senggigi, while the cities are less than an hour away. The Senggigi tourism strip stretches for about 10km, starting a few kilometres before central Senggigi and running north along the coastal road, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the west coast. A few kilometres south of Senggigi, The Hill (locally called The Bukit), is a residential community perched on the hillside in Batu Layar. The homes and villas here feature architectural designs and have magnificent views over the ocean. Closer to Senggigi, Batu Bolong forms a strip between the historic Batu Bolong Temple and the southern gateway to Senggigi. Pura Batu Bolong (literally meaning “rock with a hole”), was renovated in 2010 and is
an interesting Hindu temple on a cliff facing Bali across the Lombok Strait. Built on a large rocky outcrop with a hole at the base, from which the temple takes its name, it is said that virgins were once sacrificed to the sea from the seat-like rock at the outermost point. Colourful Hindu ceremonies are held here every month at the dark and full moons, and at Hindu festival times. Admission and rental of a compulsory sarong and temple sash is by donation. This is a great place to watch the sunset, with fantastic views across the ocean to Gunung Agung on Bali Just before the entrance to Senggigi. directly across the road from Café Alberto is the entrance to the Green Valley residential area. Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centrepiece of Senggigi. The main road runs parallel to the beach and large resorts occupy the space between, with Merumatta Senggigi at the southern end and the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort at the northern end of the bay. The beach is a wide protected bay with promontories at each end. The beach is lovely for swimming and relaxing but can become crowded on Sundays and public holidays.
Continued on Page 18
Senggigi Beach by Neil Cave
17
18
Tourism Information
Malimbu Beach Continued from Page 16
Roughly in the centre of the bay is the Senggigi Jetty where the fast boat from Bali arrives and departs.Visiting yachts often anchor in the calm waters of the bay. In the early mornings, enjoy a stroll along the beach looking out to the ocean dotted with the bright, colourful sails of fishing boats, as the local fishermen return with the day’s catch. Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling during high tide. To the left of the reef, Anjungan is a popular surf spot and, in the right conditions, has some decent surf breaks. When the tides are high, local surfers can be seen catching the waves here every day. Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (perahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands. In the centre of the bay is the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) with small shops selling handicrafts, clothing, sarongs, jewellery and other souvenirs. Lining the beach side of the Markets are small restaurants for dining. Come for a drink at sunset and enjoy delicious meals from the beachfront restaurants with the waves lapping only metres away.
Away from the beach, the main road (Jalan Raya Senggigi) is lined with cafés and restaurants, shops, spas, tour agencies, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are convenience stores and supermarkets, numerous ATM’s, banks, money changers, a post office and other tourist facilities. About 2 km north of central Senggigi, Kerandangan has a popular beach nearby and a road leading into a residential area situated in a pretty valley. At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river. There is a Ranger’s hut and basic visitors centre near the entrance. 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 some of the best boutique hotels positioned along the breath-taking beaches of this section of coast.
There is good snorkelling in front of Puri Mas Beach Resort at high tide and, when the wind is right, surfers take to the waves in front of Qunci Villas. Furthest north is Klui, Lendang Luar and Setangi, with a long stretch of pristine beach at Lendang Luar. Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves 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. Whether you are seeking a tranquil interlude with 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. 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 unspoiled beauty of Lombok’s west coast.
Seven Secrets, Nipah Bay
Seven Secrets, Nipah Bay
The Garden at Taman Unique Hotel Special Xmas Menu
JOIN OUR TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY LONG TABLE
Sunday, 24 December Dinner from 6pm Monday, 25 December Lunch from 12 noon | Dinner from 6pm
Fresh Tiger Prawns with Seafood Sauce Stuffed Roast Turkey Honey Glazed Leg Ham Stuffed Roast Chicken Apple Sauce, Lemon Root Vegetables, Steamed Vegetables Plum Pudding and Brandy Sauce Cheesecake with Chantily Cream Petit Cakes, Fresh Seasonal Fruits Tea or Coffee
Starts from Kids under 10 years old Rp 100K Adult Rp 450K (Rp 400K without prawns)
SPECIAL DOOR PRIZES
1st Prize: Main course dinner for 2 people weekly for a year at The Garden Restaurant 2nd Prize: 2 nights, 3 days holiday at Taman Unique Hotel including floating pool breakfast for 2 people Conditions: Draw to take place at The Garden Restaurant at 8pm on Monday, 25 December. All participants will be notified of results by Whatsapp Bookings Essential Please Call or WhatsApp +62 878 6552 9333 Taman Unique Hotel, Central Senggigi
20
Crossing
the Wallace Line
Bali to the left and Lombok to the right captured by Nasa's Aqua Satellite
This channel is so important that the Japanese took control of the Lombok Strait during WWII and, in 1942, the battle of Lombok Strait took place when an American destroyer squadron engaged a large Japanese naval force. When travellers make the boat crossing between Bali and Lombok, they probably don’t realise they are not only crossing one of the deepest bodies of water in the world, but also crossing a transitional zone between Asia and Australia. The Lombok Strait separates the islands of Bali and Lombok, and connects the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean. At its northernmost end, the Strait has a deep channel that is about 35kms (less than 22 miles) wide and is well-known for its strong currents and north-south ‘through-flow’, which can run at several knots and is very deep. At the northern end it starts with a depth of 1,500 metres and then averages around 400 metres until the southern end, where it increases again to 1,500 metres and eventually to 3,000 metres. Tankers with large drafts and submarines regularly pass through the Strait, avoiding the much shallower and congested water of the Malacca Straits.
However, most passengers who travel to Lombok or the Gilis know nothing about the other name associated with this part of the world: “The Wallace Line”. In the second half of the 19th century, the English explorer and naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace (1823-1913) spent a number of years travelling around the region, studying and documenting the human culture of the Malaysian and Indonesian islands and their flora and fauna. During his years of travel, he noticed how species of animals and plants differed greatly between the islands in the western part of the Indonesian archipelago and the islands to the east. Sulphur-crested cockatoo were found
to the west, and Indonesian finches lived just across the Strait. Fire-prone gum trees grew on one side and exotic tropical rain forest on the other. Even beneath the sea, in an area separated by mere miles, there was an incredible separation of fish life. One of Wallace’s greatest interests was to explain why this was so and much of his work revolved around the idea of “survival of the fittest”, or natural selection. What particularly struck Wallace about his discovery was that some islands that were very far apart had the same distribution of animal species; while some islands that were close together had very different species. Nowhere was this more striking than between the islands of Bali and Lombok, which are separated by only 35km of water. Continued on Page 22 The Wallace Line wikipedia
PURI MAS BEACHFRONT RESTAURANT
Mangsit Beach, Jl Raya Senggigi, West Lombok | admin@purimas-lombok.com | www.purimas-lombok.com
Disney Christmas Comes to Puri Mas Spectacular Christmas Show Dances Live Music Special Christmas Disney Menu Starts from 90K ++ 25 December Starts 7pm
Scan menu
TROPICAL NEW YEAR Traditional Lombok Performances Tropical Show Dance DJ and Dancing till late 31 December from 7.30pm Special New Year Gala Menu 425K / Pax
Scan menu
Bookings Essential for both events | WhatsApp: +62 878 6561 5553
22
Special Feature the most ecologically diverse in the world, alongside the Amazon Rainforest and the Congo Rainforest. Wallace also has one other claim to fame. In the 1850’s he was busy formulating a theory of evolution, in parallel with the work being undertaken by Charles Darwin – a theory that was considered quite heretical at the time. Wallace first published a paper on the “introduction” of the species in 1855. Wallace had a lot of respect for the work of Darwin and was willing to share information. Whilst working in Borneo, he sent him a manuscript, which Darwin received in June 1858.
Wallace line animals Continued from Page 20
Numerous species of plants and animals – especially birds – that are found on Bali and other islands to the north and west, were absent on Lombok, which had species found on other islands far to the south and east. Wallace observed that there was a marked difference between the flora and fauna on either side of the line – for instance, there are tigers, rhinos and bears west of the line that do not live to the east; while there are marsupials, cockatoos, Komodo dragons and other animals that live in the east but not to the west of the line.
Today this zone of transition is still called the Wallace Line and is recognised by biologists as the sharpest and most famous boundary in the world. In honour of Wallace’s work, naturalists now refer to the area around the line as “Wallacea” and the region around the Wallace Line is considered to be amongst
“Survival of the fittest” didn’t explain these differences; therefore, he concluded that ancient geological changes must have been the cause. In between constant bouts of malaria and other tropical illnesses, he finally came up with the theory of “The Wallace Line” – an invisible line that separates the world of tigers from the world of kangaroos. He theorised that an imaginary boundary ran from between Borneo (Kalimantan) and Sulawesi in the north, and down between Bali and Lombok in the south. From these differences, biologists concluded that at one point the land masses of Southeast Asia were connected to Australia but eventually moved apart, and the deep Lombok Strait acted as a barrier to the movement of species west across the Wallace Line. This fundamental insight that the division between the different species must have been connected to ancient geological shifts put Wallace far ahead of his time and remains a remarkable achievement to this day.
The manuscript further advanced Wallace’s theories and may have been the spur for Darwin to ‘go public’ and publish his own work, “On the Origin of Species” in November 1859. Wallace’s name and work will always be remembered for ‘the Line’. However, he came very close to being credited in history with the theory of evolution, too. Thanks to Howard Singleton, who contributed sections of this article.
PASAR
CLASSIFIED
23 Employment, Land & Property for Sale and Lease, Goods for Sale, Services, etc. Classified Box ONLY Rp 200K per month | WA: 0822 8000 6920
NAUGHTY LITTLE CAT SHOP
The MXR Black Label Chorus gives you Zakk Wylde's favorite effect for adding depth and weight to his searing tone. While most chorus effects can muddy up a distorted guitar signal, the Black Label Chorus features variable hiand low-cut filters to zero in on the perfect tone.
ONE-STOP CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP! Cat & Dog Themed Christmas Cards, Christmas Tree Baubles, Christmas Stockings. Gifts Galore - T-Shirts, Jackets, Shorts, Bags, Jewellery and Dinnerware Naughty Little Cat Park, Jl Jendral Sudirman (Opposite RS Metro Medika), Rembiga. WA: 0821 4781 9774
Complete with box Barely Used / Like New Nego 0812 3734 4894 Rp 600K
BRIDGE ON THE BEACH! An informal group of bridge players meet every Thursday at 2pm at Coco Loco behind the SenggigiArt Market to play Contract Bridge. The group includes players from beginner to intermediate level. Beginners are welcome and intrioductory sessions can be arranged for beginners in English and Bahasa Indonesia. Come and enjoy a fun afternoon of card playing. All are welcome!
Complete with box Barely used / Like New Rp 1,350K
Designed in conjunction with Eddie Van Halen, the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive effects pedal is a sonic replica of an EVH 5150 III's blue channel. This amp-in-abox pedal has the high gain of the amplifier and just as much stringto-string clarity. Nego 0812 3734 4894
FOR SALE! SUZUKI SMASH Year 2003 Red Colour Fully registered Good Condition Running well
NEGO WA: 0812 3734 4894
Rp 3.2 Million
Come and Join us for Social Touch Rugby! Every Thursday from 4-6PM at Holiday Resort! Absolutely ZERO experience required! Contact Jack: 08111247927 (WA Only) You won't regret it!
CLASSIFIED BOX Rp 200,000 per month
WE INVITE YOU TO ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS OF CHRISTMAS AND CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER AT OUR SEVEN STARS AWARD WINNING NEW LUXURY LIFE STYLE RESORT
THE MAJESTY FINE DINING RESTAURANT
BOOK DIRECT AND ENJOY ADDITIONAL PRIVILEGES! PH/WA: +62 813 3947 9482
Jalan Raya Pemenang KM 10, Nipah Bay, Malaka, North Lombok Ph: +62 370 6193 688 / +62 370 6198 558 www.sevensecretsresorts.com
A NEW CULINARY MASTERPIECE IN LOMBOK We offer a unique experience @ L'Angelo Bianco Mediteranian Fusion Restaurant on the white sand beach overlooking the crystal clear waters of Nipah Bay. Open for all day dining.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER 24 DECEMBER - 5PM DELICIOUS 4-6 COURSE DINNER Rp 799,900 ++
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH 25 DECEMBER - 12 NOON TO 4PM Rp 799,900 ++
EPIC NEW YEAR'S EVE 31 DECEMBER - 5PM CELEBRATION GALA DINNER Rp 999,900 ++
Info & Reservation Ph/WA: +62 813 3947 9482 FREE PICK UP & DROP OFF FROM SENGGIGI HOTELS
26
27
LOMBOK'S #1 TOURISM MAGAZINE 4 000 Copies distributed every month at: LOMBOK AIRPORT: LIA Tourist Information Board, Lombok Baru Taxi, Kotama Taxi, Golden Bird Travel, Trec, BLT Travel and every counter at Lombok International Airport. BLUE BIRD TAXI: Exclusively available in every Blue Bird Taxi in Lombok. MATARAM, KUTA, SENGGIGI, GILI T, GILI AIR, SOUTHWEST LOMBOK, SELONG BELANAK BALI AIRPORT: INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS BALI (NGURAH RAI) AIRPORT SANUR, KUTA / SIMPANG SIUR, KUTA, LEGIAN, PETITENGET, LAKSMANA / OBEROI, UMALAS / BATU BELIG, CANGGU
NEXT DEADLINE 12 NOON 14 DECEMBER
An average of 7000 people reading our online digital paper every month!
Visit our new YouTube channel for regular uploads of fun and informative Lombok videos
Follow us on Facebook
© COPYRIGHT 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.
An average of 10,865 international & national visits to our website every month! www. thelombokguide.com
Follow us on Instagram
Scan here to receive our online issues!
CONTACT US NOW FOR ECONOMICAL ADVERTISING THAT GETS RESULTS! 0822 8000 6920 thelombokguide@gmail.com www.thelombokguide.com
Cat Rescue Centre Cat Adoption Centre - Fully Vaccinated, sterilised and healthy cats for adoption
Family restaurant serving delicious food and snacks Available for functions - birthdays and events Childrens playground Gift shop and souvenirs Proceeds support our cat rescue centre NAUGHTY LITTLE CAT PARK. Jl Jend. Sudirman, Rembiga. Opposite RS Metro Medika Hospital. Find us on Google Maps WA: 0821 4781 9774
P URI MA S AWA RD W I NNI NG LUX UR Y SPA
December - Special discount on selected treatments. Gift vouchers available! December 20% discount on selected spa treatments: Aromatherapy Massage Hot Stone Massage Lulur Traditional Body Ritual Sound Therapy Tibetan Singing Bowl Coconut Spa Ritual (Disc Excs. Dec 25 & 31)
BOOK A TREATMENT IN OUR SPA AND RELAX IN TRANQUIL TROPICAL GARDENS SURROUNDING OUR TAJ MAHAL LAP POOL Enjoy facials and body treatments using only the finest European Babor products APPOINTMENTS ESSENTIAL Jalan Wisata Alam Kerandangan - JUST 2KM NORTH OF SENGGIGI www.purimas-lombok.com and live chat with us to book 0370 693831 or WA 0878 6561 5553
Scan for Spa Menu
[ Y o u r K e y t o a n I d yl l i c L o m b o k ]
Qunci Villas, Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok, Phone: +62 370 693 800 Scan for hotel info
32
Local News
INDONESIA GRAND PRIX -
MOTOGP 2023 SUCCESS!
This year’s event was successful in attracting 103,000 spectator visits, far above the target of 80,000 visits. Analytics show that the MotoGP event at Mandalika was watched live in 200 countries with verified viewers reaching almost 500 million people. This is a huge success for a race that many doubted would ever come to Lombok. The inaugural MotoGP in 2022 was plagued with problems including the track surface having to be re-laid after the asphalt started to break up due to heavy rains, which also affected the races. This year, the event was without any major problems and even the traffic flow, which was also a problem last year, was handled smoothly. The second annual Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2023, held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit near Kuta in Central Lombok, from 13 to 15 October 2023 exceeded all expectations, according to race organisers.
President Director of PT MGPA Nusantara Jaya (MGPA), Priandhi Satria said it was an honour for Indonesia to successfully hold a MotoGP event again at the Mandalika Circuit.
The 4.3km long Mandalika International Street Circuit opened in late 2021, hosting rounds of the Asia Talent Cup and Superbike World Championship. Lombok then hosted the inaugural Mandalika MotoGP, as it is commonly known, in March 2022.
According to him, this is proof to the world that Indonesia is capable of successfully presenting a MotoGP class event and is momentum for his organisation to prepare better for next year's MotoGP, provisionally set to be held from 27 to 29 September 2024.
Despite being just 1.5 years old, the Mandalika Circuit earned accolades this year from riders and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), saying the circuit's quality stood among the best in the MotoGP series, making it a point of pride for all involved.
The success of the MotoGP in Lombok is not only measured by the racing aspect and contribution to the national economy but, equally importantly, by its contribution to Lombok and the growth of our local tourism industry.
MotoGP organisers have knick-named the event “MotoGP in Paradise”.
Thousands of local workers are employed at the circuit, both during the races and events held there and also in maintaining the condition of the track and infrastructure between events.
Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) announced that the implementation of this world-class event was successful and had even exceeded the targets that had been set, stating that the MotoGP event's contribution to the national economy is set to surpass last year's figures, which exceeded IDR 4.5 trillion.
The knock-on effect is huge – from hotel operators and tour agencies, to taxi drivers to suppliers of good and services – all benefit from the events held at the circuit.
The value in the exposure of Lombok to a global audience is immeasurable. An important aspect of this year’s MotoGP was the reaction of the local community and spectators to the event and the amount of interaction between local people and the riders. Unlike at usual MotoGP events in other countries, racers took the time to go out meet the people – much to the delight of race fans – signing autographs and even hugging each other. There was an obvious warmth and shared excitement between racers and the crowd, who joined together for traditional dances and entertainment, as well as beach clean-up and tree planting activities. The Mandalika Circuit is set alongside gorgeous Kuta Beach and offers captivating views of the southern coastline. Spectators and racers alike raved about the beauty of the setting, with many taking to social media to share photos of the area and the beautiful resorts where they were staying. All in all, very good news for Lombok and a positive outlook for the MotoGP next year!
ONE HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 120,000 NET
Massages, Reflexology, Facials, Hair Treatments, Manicures & Pedicures, Gel Nails and more
COMPLETE SPA SERVICES AT LOCAL PRICES! ORCHID PACKAGE 1
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask, Face Therapy Rp 350,000 net / 2 hours
ORCHID PACKAGE 2
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask, Face Therapy, Manicure, Pedicure Rp 450,000 net / 3 hours
TWO CONV ENIENT L OC A T I ON S I N SEN GGI GI : OPPOSITE BANK MANDIRI | 10am - midnight OPPOSITE BANK BNI | 10am - 10pm
FREE WIFI
Phone: 0819 1593 2899
34
Scan for menu
QUNCI VILLAS, Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | WA Reservations: +62 821 4732 7446
Who's
35
IN THE KITCHEN?
in India, and then to a 5-star resort in Tunisia. I moved to Bali in 2012, to oversee the preopening of several hotels there. Maybe somewhat surprisingly, the cuisine that inspires me most, apart from Italian, is Japanese! Japanese food philosophy is all about the quality of the ingredients and keeping the pure quality or integrity of the food; simplicity and seasonal ingredients. This is the same mentality as true Italian cooking. That’s why I’m inspired by the fusion of Japanese and Italian foods. For example in Qerang Restaurant we serve Blue Crab with Kani Miso – a Japanese paste made from crab. Chef Vitto & fisherman
Lombok is proudly home to some outstanding restaurants and the culinary scene is expanding all the time – from simple cafés serving traditional Sasak dishes filled with the tantalising flavours of Indonesian spices, to innovative restaurants where renowned chefs curate menus that redefine the boundaries of taste. We sat down with the masterminds behind two of the island's most successful establishments recently. These visionary chefs are not just crafting delectable dishes; they are reshaping the very essence of Lombok's gastronomic identity. At the helm of innovation is Chef Vitto Negri, whose culinary prowess has elevated both Quali and Qerang Restaurants at Qunci Villas in Mangsit to a coveted position on the island. With an unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest local ingredients, Chef Vitto seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary flair.
Our exclusive interview provides a glimpse into the genius behind the scenes, where passion and creativity converge to deliver unforgettable dining experiences. The Lombok Guide (TLG): Chef Vitto, you’ve been heading up the kitchen at Qunci Villas for just over a year now and we continue to hear great things! Let’s start by asking where you are from and what inspired you to become a chef? Chef Vitto (V): Well, I was born in Naples, Italy and I come from a family of restauranteurs, who all love cooking. So it was natural I just fell into cooking, really. Originally, when I left school, I was studying dentistry but ended up switching to hospitality.
V: Many of them already worked with some excellent chefs over the years and have good skills, and they’re keen to learn and grateful for the knowledge I share. They’re also the most respectful staff I’ve ever worked with in Indonesia, so that makes it easy to work with them to broaden their skills and experience.
After that, I went to work at a 5-star hotel in Sorrento and then, Capri. Later I moved to Tuscany – I was interested in exploring all the Italian regions and different styles of pastamaking, meat preparation and wines.
For the kitchen, I am always focussed on my love for quality ingredients and the simplicity of pairing seasonal produce with innovative and complimentary flavours.
TLG: Where are some of the places or countries you have worked and what are the cuisines that inspire your style?
Meanwhile, Chefs Samsul and Kenzo, the culinary inspiration behind El Bazar Restaurant in Kuta, shared insights into the avant-garde techniques and global influences that define the restaurant’s menu, with their commitment to pushing boundaries and introducing diners to new culinary dimensions.
TLG: What do you hope to bring to the kitchen and to the kitchen team at Qunci Villas?
V: Eventually I left Italy and went to work in London. I spent seven years there learning and experiencing new techniques and trends in food. London is so multicultural, with food from every nationality! My career as a chef has taken me to Dubai, where I spent three years in Abu Dhabi, before moving to Koh Samui in Thailand, Bangalore
TLG: Would you say that is your true food philosophy? V: Yes, definitively! That is why I am working not only with my kitchen team but also with local producers to try to elevate the quality of produce available in Lombok. I educate fishermen and farmers, sharing knowledge about food preparation, storage and transport so that we can access the best of local ingredients and they can improve their products and market – that way we all win! Continued on Page 39
36
37
Who's
39
IN THE KITCHEN?
friends and he offered me the opportunity to come and cook for him, and here I am! TLG: Samsul, how do you see the collaboration with Kenzo so far? S: I’m really happy to work with someone who comes from a very different background and has worked at another level of hospitality than we have here at the moment. I’m really interested to learn more from Kenzo about the classic cooking methods that they use in France. We also plan to reduce the food waste, as many parts that we don’t use at the moment we can use to make other sauces and dishes. We have a lot of fun together, as I explain to Kenzo about Indonesia, the culture and the team. TLG: What do you hope to bring to the kitchen and to the kitchen team at El Bazar, Kenzo?
Chef Kenzo (left) and Chef Samsul
K: My goal in El Bazar is to push every team member to their full potential, bringing my skills and experience as a French chef to this beautiful kitchen and this amazing team; teaching them how to work with western standards, for their future.
Continued from Page 35
On the other end of the island, in Kuta on the south coast, El Bazar Restaurant has been a firm favourite with diners for years, serving up delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Of course, I also want them to share their skills and knowledge about their cuisine. Together with Samsul, my right hand, we will improve everything we can. He’s my true guide and partner on this big challenge. We will all collaborate to give customers a unique experience and it’s important to us that everyone in the team has the same goal and vision.
The restaurant relaunched in June 2023 with Chef Samsul at the helm and, in November, Chef Kenzo joined the team. This young and dynamic duo is learning a lot from each other and are ready to grow El Bazar together. TLG: Where are you guys from and what inspired you to become chefs? Samsul (S): I’m from Kuta, Lombok and live here with my family. I started my career in the Sheraton in Senggigi and stayed there for five years, before continuing at Living Asia Resort as Chef de Partie. In 2019, I moved back to Kuta to start as a CDP for Kenza Restaurant. The last 4 years I have learned a lot working with this company, we are always experimenting with different cuisines, organising events and opening new restaurants together. Kenzo (K): I was born and raised in France and lived there pretty much all my life. I think the main reason I chose to cook so young is because I wanted to find a job where I’ll never get bored, that would stimulate all of my five senses and that would allow me to travel. Being a chef was uniting all these desires. Later in my life, I realised that food has always been a big part of my life. I come from a double culture, my dad is Vietnamese, and from the moment I was able to eat solid meals, food was a way for my family to demonstrate their love to me. And that is how I became more and more involved with food and started cooking. This is what makes me happy now – giving love to people through cooking.
I did my apprenticeship and started my career in gastronomic restaurants. The first one was named “Keisuke Matsushima” (Nice, France), and continued at “La Chèvre d’or” (Eze, France), and then at “Alexandre Mazzia” (Marseille, France). Thanks to these experiences in Michelin Star restaurants, I learned high French standards, strict rhythm, and discipline. I then wanted to learn in a different style of restaurant so I worked in a restaurant in Marseille called “La Mercerie”, a creative modern bistro, working and adapting with seasonal and local products. I really appreciated the approach to cuisine they had, and it changed my vision and my way of cooking forever. After this, I worked as a private chef for different events and customers, and started exploring my own cuisine and creating dishes. In 2021, I started traveling because I felt that I needed to discover the world and the cuisine it has to offer, to find inspiration. I’ve travelled in many different countries; tasting, meeting people and cooking with them, and sharing our love for cooking and eating.
TLG: How would you describe your food philosophy? K: My food philosophy is adapting to what is around me, getting inspired by the products, cooking foods that I like and doing it the best I can – always with love, an important part of my cuisine. I like tradition as much as I like modern and creative cuisine. I am a mixed-culture chef, growing up with a French mother and a Vietnamese father, so my cuisine is obviously not settled to one style. I like to use the French skills I learned in my country, and adapt it to a different cuisine with different products, and Lombok has a lot to offer! I have many new things to learn and discover here, and I’m very excited to be able to work with products that are impossible to find in Europe. TLG: What’s your plan for El Bazar menu?
TLG: Where are some of the places you have worked and what cuisines inspire your style?
I finally arrived in Australia, where I worked as a chef. On my days off in June, I visited Lombok for a few days and I fell in love with this beautiful island.
K: My plan with the El Bazar menu is to make it evolve to a more creative and local products-oriented menu. With Samsul, we would like to emphasise freshness and work with the team to build a true identity around that, collaborating together to serve food that will make sense and that everyone could be proud of – mixing my style of cuisine and my skills with theirs to create delicious dishes.
K: I studied culinary arts and started working in the area where I grew up: Nice (on the French Riviera). I wanted to start my career in the best restaurants I could find, and to learn from the best chefs.
El Bazar was reopening with a totally different concept and I was impressed by the kitchen and the space this restaurant has to offer. I met Larbi, (the owner of El Bazar), who has the same passion for food as me. We became
We will keep our existing à la carte menu, and we are also thinking about including a set blind menu for customers who love to be surprised; they will be guided with our vision from the appetiser to the dessert!
40
BEST IN
LOMBOK Photo by Asriel Haryadi
LOMBOK WILDLIFE PARK Since it first opened in 2017, Lombok Wildlife Park has become one of the most popular attractions in North Lombok – delighting guests and earning rave reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. The Park spreads over 4 hectares with two hectares filled with gardens and animal enclosures designed to be as natural as possible. Many of the creatures who live at the park have been rescued from circuses and zoos, and arrive at the park abused and in poor condition, physically and mentally. Owners Fellicia and Ketut now dedicate their time to giving them a safe and comfortable place to heal and live out their days happily.
Photo by Lombok Paragliding
Lombok Wildlife Park is a “must visit” on your Lombok itinerary… families with kids will love it too! lombokwildlifepark.com PARAGLIDING Imagine soaring high in the sky, legs dangling below your body, as you gaze down on aquamarine waters, long deserted white beaches, and lush green rice paddies. It is like flying over paradise! Lombok offers exactly that experience, regardless of whether you’ve ever taken to the skies before.
The resident Sumatran Elephants are the stars of the show. Both came from a notorious zoo in Java, where they were forced to perform circus tricks and offer elephant rides for up to 8 hours a day. Now they live in safety, and are healthy and happy. Elephant rides are not available. Instead, visitors to the park can meet the elephants up close and feed them fruit and vegetables from the fruit baskets available for purchase. The Park also offers the chance to join the animals in their daily bath and give them a scrub in the mud bath; an activity the elephants obviously love. The Park’s resident Orangutan from Borneo is a larger-than-life character who loves to
put on a show, grabbing fruit from visitors, cuddling and playing with the guests like an overgrown child. The Park is home to Sun Bears, Orangutans and Gibbons, Proboscis Monkeys, cute Pygmy Hippopotamus, and more. A large walk-through bird enclosure contains a variety of pretty birds including peacocks, while the nearby snake enclosure houses lizards and large pythons, which are happy to drape themselves over guests for a photo. The restaurant has a great selection of meals and snacks, cold drinks, juices and milkshakes, as well as serving a delicious afternoon tea.
For tandem jumps, head to Prabu Hill in Kuta. This popular take-off spot is visited by thousands of adrenaline seekers every year and jumps are offered by trained experts who will control everything, allowing you to simply enjoy the sun in your face and the stunning views below. For the fearful, the view more than makes up for it as the glorious Mount Rinjani creeps into view. The picturesque hills of Are Guling is another great jump-off option, as it leads to a bay nestled between lush green forests and rolling hills. Bukit Lawang and Bukit Pegasingan on the eastern slopes of Mt Rinjani are some of the other popular paragliding spots around the island. Soar above lush green landscapes and valleys surrounded by the ancient mountain ranges.
41
Special Feature The best part about paragliding in Lombok is that it’s possible almost all year round. While the occasional rain shower may dampen plans, such is the weather on the island, you won’t have to wait long for the next dry afternoon. Paragliding groups are located near Kuta on the south coast and Sembalun in the northeast. Experienced teams are waiting to assist you experience the flight of a lifetime. They offer all needed equipment, safety briefings, a tandem jumper and, yes, that little push we sometimes all need! WORLD-CLASS DIVING With so many islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving opportunities. The best-known locations are around the Gili islands – Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan – where the diving is amongst some of the best in Southeast Asia.
Photo by Alvaro Herrero | mekanphotography.com
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. DIRT BIKING IN LOMBOK For those who don’t mind getting down and dirty, why not sign up for a day riding a motocross bike around southern Lombok? The best off-road tracks can be found close to Kuta, with a range of companies all providing equipment, and some even offering island tours of up to seven days.
All three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer certification courses, day and night dives and specialised courses, as well as live-aboard adventures to exotic locations. The “secret islands” of southwest Lombok are an undiscovered diving paradise, boasting 19 uncrowded dive sites brimming with vibrant and healthy reefs and a diverse variety of marine life just waiting to be explored by those who prefer off-thebeaten-path adventures. Likewise, diving the south coast from Kuta is a rewarding experience for divers looking for something different, with challenging dive sites off the south coast and around the largely unexplored southeast coast. Regarded as one of the best diving spots in the region, “The Magnet” at Belongas Bay is a challenging and glorious deep dive popular with experienced divers. Offering unique flora and fauna, Belongas is home to schools of white- and black-tip reef sharks, squid, barracuda, eagle rays and, at certain times of the year, hammerhead sharks.
A typical day of dirt biking includes pick up from your hotel, getting comfortable on the bikes and riding three tracks in the morning, before stopping for lunch. The afternoon flies by in a whirlwind tour of exhilaration along hidden tracks before being dropped off back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
HANDICRAFT VILLAGES Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay with distinctive designs, as well as hand-woven sarongs and fabrics (ikat). Pringgasela in Central Lombok is a small village which is steeped in tradition and is a major centre for weaving ikat.Visit the small houses and shops here to 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
From beach routes to jungle treks to steep hill climbs, there is a dirt-bike tour or trail to suit everyone’s tastes and skill level. Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Driver’s 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; just do an internet search for the title (e.g. “dirt bikes Lombok”, “paragliding Lombok”, etc.)
42
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 shops selling everything imaginable from everyday items to gold and pearls, and to the Lombok Epicentrum Mall – Lombok’s main shopping mall.
complex houses a Hypermart Supermarket and a Matahari Department Store, as well as a Cinema XXI Movie Theatre and Timezone Entertainment Centre.
There are many pearl shops in Ampenan and the nearby village of Sekarbela that sell unset pearls and pearl jewellery at attractive prices. These are genuine pearls – some cheap quality from China and more expensive ones farmed in
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.
Lombok and Sumbawa. If you bargain the price, you can usually get a good deal. There are gold shops in both Ampenan and Cakra. The gold sold in Lombok, as with most Asian cities, is 24 karat gold and is sold by the gram at current market price. For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warung (local cafés) and food stalls in the cities. Especially in the late afternoon, stalls set up along the main streets selling fresh fish and seafood grilled over hot coals and coated with spicy sauce, satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce, and many other kinds of local street food. Or just wander around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and discover fascinating insights into Lombok life! 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. Pasar Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan (near the intersection to Senggigi), 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
In Mataram, the Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) 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, Taman Sari. The Museaum is open from 8am to 3pm and there is a small admission fee. 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 woven baskets to fresh flowers and local food. 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.
There is a well-stocked Ace Hardware store, an Informa furniture store, a Mr DIY discount store, a Sociolla discount cosmetics outlet and several pharmacies. Other retailers sell a wide variety of fashion including brand name stores, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and much more. Food outlets include Burger King, KFC, J. Co, Starbucks, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut, as well as many local eateries. “Epicentrum” as it is known, makes a fun day out if you want some retail therapy and to pick up a bargain. It is also great for families, with entertainment and kids’ activities and a good movie theatre, as well as the fast-food options that they might be missing on holiday. Nearby Temples and Places of Interest It’s possible to combine a trip to the cities with a visit to some of the historic sites in the area. 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. Entry is Rp 20,000 per person, which includes the loan of a temple sash. 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.
Shopping
The gardens and the adjoining Pura Jagatnatha temple complex are a peaceful place to escape the bustle of the city and well worth exploring. Do use a guide to get the most out of your visit and understand the interesting history of the park.
Lombok Epicentrum Mall on Jl Sriwijaya (see cities map) is Lombok’s most modern shopping centre with four floors of retail outlets. The large, clean and air-conditioned
Taman Mayura is open every day, from 8am to 8pm; entry is Rp 20,000 per person. The gardens are popular on weekends so the best time to visit is during the weekdays.
FACILITIES & SEVICES 24 Hour Emergency Department Medical Evacuation Outpatient Clinics and One Day Care Medical Check-ups Pharmacy On-site Laboratory Radiology CT Scan 128 Slices Ultrasound (USG) 2D-4D X-Ray Medical Rehabilitation Operating Theatre Inpatient and VIP Rooms Labour & Delivery Suite Intensive Care Unit (ICU) High Care Unit (HCU) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
OUR SPECIALISTS NEUROSURGEON INTERNIST ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON NEUROLOGIST ONCOLOGIST DENTIST and more!
+62 370 600 1100 +62 878 8590 8372 Siloam Hospital Mataram Jl Majapahit No 10 Pagesangan, Mataram
44
45
Relaxing and Rejuvenating Spa and Salon Aesthetics for Ladies Only
Japanese Head Spa - The Best in Lombok! • Massages and Body Treatments • Oxygen Infusion, IPL and HF Facials • Peeling and Acne Treatments • Lash Treatments and Lash Extensions • Hair Smoothing • IPL Hair Removal • Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Nails, and more • Professionally Trained Staff • Modern and Latest Equipment • Bali Tangi Natural Holistic Products Modern and professional aesthetics at local prices!
DECEMBER SPECIAL RATES AVAILABLE! Jl Majapahit 37E Taman Sari, next to KD Pet Shop, Ampenan | Ph: 0811 3907 7774 IG: vlitetangiofficial FB: Vlite Tangi
Clean & Hygenic
MONDAY - SATURDAY 9am - 7pm Cat & Dog Food Accessories Toys, Snacks Supplements & Medicine
FAST & ECONOMICAL DELIVERY to all areas in Lombok & Sumbawa
0812 3734 4894
Making Lombok Pets Happy! Jalan Majapahit, Opposite PJR Polda, Next to V Lite Tangi Salon & Humerus Vets - Ampenan FIND US ON GOOGLE MAP!
48
KUTA MANDALIKA &
THE SOUTH COAST
Tourism Information tastes – from simple hostels and medium range hotels to wonderful boutique resorts and luxurious villas tucked away on the side streets. At present, Kuta boasts two large resorts: the Novotel Lombok and Pullman Mandalika Lombok Resort. Both are located on the beach just outside of town and offer a range of accommodation from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and villas, some with private swimming pools. As with accommodation options, new restaurants and eateries have sprung up in the area and are arguably among the best in Lombok. These offer a range of choices – Mediterranean, Seafood, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, vegan and gluten free, home-made cakes and breads – foodies are truly spoilt for choice!
Visitors are drawn to the south for the raw beauty of the southern coastline, stunning beaches and scenery, almost year-round sunshine… as well as some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia! Located around 60 km south of Mataram, Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute) is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the gateway for exploring the fantastic south coast and the many places of interest in the region. The Lombok International Airport (LIA) is the only commercial airport on Lombok and is located just 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta, making access to the south very easy. The proximity to the airport and the construction of the Mandalika Circuit has sparked an investment boom in the area over the past couple of years and Kuta has transformed into a vibrant town, with many new hotels, restaurants and cafés catering to increasing numbers of visitors.
The Mandalika Circuit – officially called Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit – was completed in 2021 and currently hosts World Superbike and MotoGP racing events, drawing thousands to the island during race times. The Mandalika Resort development, with its plans for luxury hotels, villas and supporting facilities spread over 1000 hectares of prime land, will further transform the south coast in coming years. Kuta is an area that is rapidly developing – residential areas are spreading, international schools have opened to serve the growing expatriate community, and shopping, services and supporting infrastructure continues to grow. In the past, Kuta offered mainly low budget hotels catering to the thousands of surfers from around the world who were drawn to the area every year. These days, there is a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and
Kuta offers a full range of tourist facilities from motorbike hire, car rental and tours, surf lessons, surfboard hire and repair. There is a Fresh Market supermarket and various mini-markets, boutiques and shopping, as well as spas, a hair dressing salon, ATM facilities, and more. Surfing is one of the main reasons to visit Kuta and the town attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Ekas, Tanjung Aan, Are Guling and more. 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. There are surf coaches for hire, as well as Continued on Page 61 surf schools and camps throughout the year. Apart from surfing and days spent hanging out at fabulous beaches, there are many other attractions to explore. The drive between Kuta and the airport reveals interesting rural villages and farming communities where fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo. Continued on Page 50
50
Tourism Information
welcome to spend the day swimming in the calm waters and relaxing with a drink or meal. The water at Tanjung Aan is calm and clear, with a white sandy bottom making it fantastic for swimming. There are also perahu (local outrigger boats) available for hire, offering trips around the bay and to the nearby surf breaks. There is a small hill (Bukit Antara) towards the east end with steps cut into the side. It’s an easy climb to the top for lovely views and you can watch the surfers catching the waves offshore.
Tanjung Aan Beach Continued from Page 48
Nearby are two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan – with authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors. Both villages have been updated and cater to the tourist market, but there 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. Also nearby are pottery villages with nice examples of earthenware pots and home décor, and villages that weave traditional fabrics (tenun ikat) using old backstrap looms and techniques passed down through generations. Otherwise, hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting stunningly beautiful beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta.
Seger Beach
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 from the rocks overlooking the beach for the good of her people). 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.
On the far western end of the beach is Bukit Merese – a larger hill and a slightly tougher climb – but worth the effort for the fantastic views from the top. It is popular in the late afternoon, when everyone climbs up to see the spectacular sunsets. Further east of Tanjung Aan is Gerupuk – well known as a top surf location and situated on a peninsula of land that juts out into the ocean. The bay is used for fishing and lobster farming and is filled with local boats, which ferry avid surfers to no fewer than five surf breaks nearby. Gerupuk is also evolving and offers a range of accommodation and cafés to cater to the growing tourist trade. The beaches and wonderful scenery continues all the way to the east coast, with fantastic places such as Bumbang, Awang Bay, Ekas and Pantai Surga (Heaven Beach)… the name says it all!
Tanjung Aan, around 5km east of Kuta, is a long In the opposite direction, heading west from picturesque beach with a wide arc of white Kuta, are another series of beautiful beaches sand, perfect aquamarine water and shady trees on the shore. and bays hidden behind headlands and rolling hills, providing peaceful and secluded spots for There are a number of warung or beach cafés picnics and swimming. All are within easy day along the beach selling cold drinks and beer, trips of Kuta. as well as snacks and simple meals. Many have sun lounges on the beach and guests are Continued on Page 52
52
Tourism Information
Continued from Page 50
Are Guling is popular with surfers, with left and right hand reef breaks as well as a beach break for beginners. There are great views over the bay and to the small island of Gili Nusa off-shore. Are Guling has accommodation, mainly catering to surfers, and a number of local cafés, including a couple of places on the beach. 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. There are stalls on the beach selling drinks, snacks and simple meals.
Selong Belanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. The beach is lovely for swimming and has good waves for body surfing, as well as being popular for beginners surfing lessons.
Mawi, around another 7km to the west, is for experienced surfers and has good rightand left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough.
There are many small stalls selling drinks and snacks, as well as offering surf lessons and surf board hire on the beachfront.
For non-surfers, if you can brave the treacherous road, it is a lovely beach surrounded by small hills, with impressive views; look for the three pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.
Bruga Villas Restaurant and Spa
Located in the heart of beautiful Selong Belanak featuring 8 Deluxe King Rooms, Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Coffee Shop, and Spa
Happy Hour Daily 5pm to 7pm Jl Selong Belanak - Kuta, Praya Barat, Lombok Tenggah admin@brugavillas.com | www.brugavillaslombok.com | Ph/WA: +62 853 3331 2010
Sempiak Villas has plush villas, some with private pools, perched on the hillside overlooking the bay with breath-taking panoramic views. Continued on Page 56
54
THE SAFE WAY TO BUY IN PARADISE!
• BREATH-TAKING OCEAN VIEWS • 20 MINUTES FROM LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT • JUST 5 MINUTES FROM TOWN CENTRE, MANDALIKA MOTOGP CIRCUIT AND KUTA BEACH
Whether you are looking for 5 are (500sqm) to build your dream villa or 15 hectares to invest in Lombok's fastest growing area... WE HAVE LAND TO SUIT YOUR BUDGET! STARTING FROM IDR 45 MILLION PER ARE!
Certificated Land Titles | Concrete Roads | Electricity & Water Available Assist with Legal & Building Requirements | Low Deposit Finance Available Western Owned and Managed
Jalan Bypass Kuta, Pujut WA: +62 821 4587 5594 or +62 81 7667 3983 (English) +62 878 5964 2482 (Indonesian) www.kutaheights.com
56
Tourism Information
Continued from Page 52
Laut Biru Restaurant and Bar at Sempiak Villas is right on the beachfront with lovely views. It is a popular place for a stop – and justifies a day trip in itself – serving delicious snacks and meals under shady trees on the beach. Selong Belanak is another area undergoing a lot of growth, mainly due to the popularity of the beach and the wonderful landscapes of the area. Here you will find many small hotels and villas, as well as interesting cafés and shops to explore. If you are staying elsewhere, Selong Belanak and the surrounding beaches make a great day trip, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your day. Further west are more beaches to explore – Serangan, Torok, Nambung, Pengantap and
Sempiak Villas at Selong Belanak by Asriel Haryadi
more – many of them undergoing some type of development as investors recognize the potential of this gorgeous area. Further west stils are the picturesque bays of Sepi and Belongas, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted.
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 and cultural, in search of the perfect wave, or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
58
59
Tourism Information 59
THE SOUTHWEST COAST
& SECRET ISLANDS
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 Gilis’! The big island of Gili Gede is the gateway to the Southwest and, with a range of accommodation and facilities, it’s a good base for island hopping and exploring the area. The picturesque Southwest region begins from Sekotong, 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, fishing, brick-making and other traditional pastimes. Situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong is the peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun). The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide sweep around the bay. Just out in the bay are the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudak (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. Accommodation at Taun has grown over the past few years and there are now small hotels, villas and home stays overlooking the bay. It’s easy to base yourself on the mainland and take boat trips to explore all the southwest islands from here.
Southwest Lombok by Asriel Haryadi
Southwest Lombok boasts long meandering coastlines of pristine white sand beaches and sparkling ocean, with rarely a person to be seen. Off the coast, thirteen small islands - the Southwest Gilis - float in the turquoise waters just waiting to be discovered.
Gili Nanggu has accommodation for visitors, with simple cottages on the beach and a restaurant. The island is small and the beach has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling. Island-hopping tours usually stop at Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis, which all have good snorkelling from the shore. Back on the main road and travelling a little further south, before the marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out onto a white peninsular of sand that juts into beautiful clear waters. Drive to the end for superb views and a close up look at Gili Genting. Gili Genting sits just off the tip of the peninsular and at low tide you can walk across the sandbar and explore this uninhabited island. Old volcanic rocks and stone carved from centuries of tidal flow create small caves and alcoves, providing shelter for picnics and interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Sekotong by Barbara
Further south is the village of Tembowong. There are a few cafés and places to eat here. Nearby is parking area and a small jetty – the site for catching boats out to Gili Gede, only a few minutes across the water. Gili Gede: The largest of the islands in the area is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning ‘Big Island’. The island lays just offshore and is so large visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland. Continued on Page 60
60
Tourism Information
Sunset on Gili Gede by Barbara
Continued from Page 59
Gili Gede is developing as the main hub for the Southwest Gilis, as it is one of the few islands in the area that has a choice of accommodation, making it an ideal base for exploring the other nearby islands. The luxurious ko - ko - mo Gili Gede Resort, which opened in February 2016, is the sister resort to ko - ko - mo Resort on Gili Trawangan. The stylish all villa resort, comprising fifteen 1- and 2-bedroom villas with private swimming pools, and one bedroom Villa Kecil (small villas), is 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, Wi-Fi, fresh (not salt) hot water, plentiful power points for charging devices, and more are provided in each villa. Facilities at the resort include a tennis court, a small gym, a resort swimming pool and purpose-built Spa facility and a beachfront restaurant.
Guests at the restaurant can enjoy up-market dining with a menu prepared from fresh locallysourced seafood, imported Australian meats and in-house breads and bakery items. There is also an outstanding wine and drinks list.
Marina Del Ray on the south of the island is an Australian-standard yacht marina. The location of the marina is ideal, with a long jetty extending into deep protected waters offering safe anchorage year-round for visiting boats.
ko - ko - mo has a purpose-built jetty at the front of the resort and operate their own fast boat service – ‘Gili Getaway’ – making Gili Gede easily accessible from Bali.
The marina offers customs, immigration, and port control facilities as well as fuel supplies, moorings, provisioning, and repairs. There is also a Yacht Club, with restaurant and accommodation available.
Perched on the hilltop just to the north of ko ko – mo is Villa Selalu, a private luxury retreat that enjoys outstanding 360º views of the stunning surroundings. The fully serviced 4-bedroom villa boasts unparalleled luxury with all mod cons and ultra-chic furnishings. Guests can enjoy a number of indoor and outdoor living areas, as well as an 18m infinity pool overlooking the ocean surrounded by a spacious deck, BBQ area and lounging pavilion. Villa Selalu has a private beachfront and a boathouse equipped with snorkelling gear, sea kayaks, paddle boards and bikes to make the most of your holiday. Individual rooms are available or rent the villa in entirety for the ultimate island escape! Accommodation options on the island are growing and include some lovely mid-range resorts as well as cottages and home stays with simple accommodation for budget travellers.
Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves, and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism. To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea. Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island some years ago. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat. Continued on Page 62
VILLA SELALU Gili Gede, Lombok
Villa Selalu is a private luxury hilltop retreat on beautiful Gili Gede that enjoys 360-degree, uninterrupted views of a truly unique and untouched part of the world. The villa offers four king-size bedrooms each with marble ensuites and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. Whether booking one bedroom as a couple, or two or more bedrooms as a group, enjoy the villa exclusively for your stay. . private jetty .18m infinity pool . private white sand beach . hilltop bbq pavilion . entertainment room . WIFI . commercial kitchen . spacious open plan living . fully air conditioned . tv’s in bedrooms . ceiling fans throughout . hilltop breakfast pavilion . fully catered . dedicated manager and staff. bespoke furnishings & amenities . beach lounges . beach café & bar . bikes . snorkelling gear . kayaks and stand-up paddleboards ENQUIRIES bookings@villaselalu.com | www.villaselalugiligede.com | +61 411 031 607
62
Tourism Information Continued from Page 60
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, on a fantastic white sand beach. 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, and the scenery and beach are lovely. Many are astounded by the pristine conditions and huge schools of turtles seen near Gili Layar – the island between Gili Ringgit and Gili Asahan. 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.
and the surfing Mecca for those in the know – located on the far southwest tip of Lombok.
including ghost pipe fish, leaf fish, pygmy seahorses and much more.
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,
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
There is simple accommodation on Gili Layar and a restaurant serving fresh juices, beers and tasty meals. Slightly further south, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with its deserted white sand
Gili Gede
beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees. Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort both offer comfortable accommodation options on the island, and a number of other places offer a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. 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. There are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – known as Desert Point
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. The dive sites of the Southwest 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,
now, the Southwest is unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and unique, and visited only by the lucky few.
Gili Getaway Fast Boat Service: Gili Getaway operates a convenient fast boat service between Bali and Gili Gede three times a week. Gili Getaway is fast, comfortable and equipped with safety features to ensure guests’ comfort when travelling between the islands, and is the best option for easy and quick access to Gili Gede and the Southwest Gilis. www.giligetaway.com
USEFUL
63
CONTACTS EMERGENCY SERVICES Lombok Police (POLRES NTB): Jl Gajah Mada 7, Mataram. Emergency No: 110 Emergency Rescue (RSU Mataram) Ph: 0370 620009 / 0877 7757 7119 HOSPITALS (Rumah Sakit) Siloam Hospitals Mataram Jl Majapahit 10 Mataram | Phone: 0370 600 1100 / 0878 8590 8372. Emergency: 1-500-911 Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9, Selagalas. Ph: 0370 6177000 / 0813 5353 7941. Emergency 0859 3096 5695. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl Bung Karno No 3 Pagutan. Phone: 0370 640774 / 0877 7757 7119 NTB Province Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Propinsi) Jalan Prabu Rangkasari, Dasan Cermen Phone: 0818 988 119 Central Lombok Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Praya) Jl H Lalu Hasyim, Tiwugalih, Praya. Phone: 0877 4343 6738 Mandalika Hospital Jl Kuta-Lombok, Sengkol, Pujut Phone: 0878 1359 4055 Emergency: 0812 3775 6717. East Lombok Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Dr R Sudjono) Jl Professor M Yamin No 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0817 7523 0033 Biomedika Hospital Jl Bung Karno 143, Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Sentra Medika Hospital Jl Pejanggik 115, Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 | 632117 DENTISTS (Dr Gigi) Drg Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) 1st Floor at Lombok Epicentrum Mall. Jl Sriwijaya, Mataram. Ph: 0878 6490 1535 Drg Yuanita Jl Sriwijaya (opposite Kura-Kura Waterpark), Mataram. Ph: 0812 3763 156 Drg. Mumu Jl Bung Hatta 14, Mataram. Ph: 0853 3730 7008 Drg. Sumi Mandalika Medicare. Jl Raya Kuta. Ph: 0852 5521 8362 VETS (Dr Hewan) / PET CARE Dr Dani (Scotty Pet Care) Jl. Majapahit No.40, Taman Sari, Ampenan. Ph: 0823 3910 2011
Dr Wahyu (Nobel Petshop) Jl Sriwijaya (next to Town Palace), Mataram. Ph: 0370 6160300 Dr Hanifah (Humerus Vets) Jl Majapahit, Next to KD Pet Shop Ph: 0821 4100 0965 Dr I Gede Sudiana (FB: lombokanimalrescue) Jl Sadewa 9, Cakra. Ph: 0878 6585 6260 Dr Ajus Ph: 0878 6441 3232 Dr Yoses Kristianto (DC Petshop) Jl Saleh Sungkar, Ampenan. Ph: 0819 99831337 Dr Dwi Ph: 0878 6477 0490 Dr Irfan Ph: 0817 579 0834 Dr Nurul (Kuta) Ph: 0818 0366 2612 TAXI Blue Bird Taxi: 0370 627000 / 08595462 7000 IMMIGRATION Jl Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 643123 PLN Ampenan. Ph: 0370 622793 TELKOM (Phone/Internet) Ph: 147 Directory Assistance (Phone Numbers): Ph. 108 CONSULATES AUSTRALIA Phone: 0361 2000100. Emergency: +61 26261 3305. Email: Bali.congen@dfat.gov.au BELGIUM Phone: 0343 740274. Emergency: 021 3162030. Email: stefaan.vancolen@st-group.com BRAZIL Phone: 0361 8446530. Emergency: 0821 44440018. Email: renato@bythesea.co.id BRITAIN Phone: 021 23565200. Email: john.makin@fco. gov.uk / ika.larasyati@fco.gov.uk CHILE Phone: 021 3199 7201 / 02 Email: yakarta@consulado.gob.cl CHINA Phone: 0361 239902. Email: chinaconsul_dps_id@mfa.gov.cn DENMARK Phone: 081 1398 0220 / 021 5761487 Email: bali@umgate.dk ESTONIA Emergency: 0811 987111. Email: bharat@consul-estonia.or.id FINLAND, SWEDEN & NORWAY Phone: 0361 282223. Emergency: 0817 9723658.
Email: finnishconsulatebali@yahoo.com / sweconsul@yahoo.com / norwegianconsulatebali@yahoo.com FRANCE & TIMOR LESTE Phone: 0361 9345862. Emergency: 021 23557600. Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id GERMANY Phone: 0361-288535. Emergency: 0812 3913938. Email: sanur@hk-diplo.de HUNGARY 0361 425924. Emergency: 081 2385 3781 / 082 144 933 506. Email: hubaliconsul@gmail.com INDIA Ph. 0361 259502/3. Emergency: 081353846936. Email: cg.bali@mea.gov.in / cons.bali@ mea.gov.in ITALY Phone: 0361 701005. Emergency: 081 2390 4471. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.org JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628. Emergency: 0361 227628. Email: denpasar@dp.mofa.go.jp MEXICO Phone: 0361 223266, 0361 245828. Emergency: 0361 288218. Email: yudhara@astinatravel.com NEW ZEALAND Phone: 0361 8446456. Emergency: 0819 99477552. Email: indy.honcondibali@gmail.com POLAND Phone: 0361 263967 / 081 238 78324. Emergency: 0811 389449. Email: iblolec@pacificworld.com RUSSIA Emergency: 021 5222912 SLOVAK REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 9005583. Emergency: 0811810680. Email: konsulslowakbali@yahoo.com SOUTH AFRICA Ph: 0361 751223. Emergency: 081510533842. Email: info@bagus-discovery.com SPAIN Phone: 0853 3838 5008. Emergency: 081 38004 1258. Email: honorary.cspainbali@gmail.com SRI LANKA Phone: 0361 728483. Email: citrabaliide@yahoo.co.id SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 264149 / 021 5256 061. Helpline: +41 800 247 365 Email: bali@honrep.ch THAILAND Phone: 081 238 25542. Emergency: 021 2932 8190. Email: rtcdps@yahoo.com TUNISIA Ph: 021 52892328/29. Email: tunisconsulbali@ popodanes.org THE NETHERLANDS Phone: 0361 761502. Email: dutchconsulate@kcbtours.com USA Ph: 0361 233605 / 021 5083 1000. Email: CABali@state.gov