the lombok guide issue 109
DESCRIPTION
Issue 109 ~ Lombok's most comprehensive tourism paper and your guide to the best that the island has to offerTRANSCRIPT
( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK
Issue 109 | 20 February - 6 March 2012
IN THIS ISSUEGetting to LombokAttractions & ActitvitiesLombok MapSpecial FeatureSenggigiSenggigi MapWhat’s HotSpecial FeatureLocal NewsLocal SceneMr FixerPasar ClassifiedsDiscount VouchersLocal NewsThe CitiesCities MapLocal NewsDistributionSouthwestSpecial FeatureKuta & The SouthUseful ContactsThe GilisGetting to the GilisGili BytesGilis Map
Page 2
Page 4/8Page 6 Page 10/50Page 12Page 14Page 18Page 20/44 Page 24Page 32Page 40
Page 52/53
Page 53Page 54Page 55-64Page 58Page 62Page 66Page 67-71
Page 72
Page 73-79 Page 80Page 81-96
Page 87 Page 93Page 95
Page 62 Page 72
P: +62 (0) 370 614 2352 | E: [email protected] | W: www.beachhousegilit.com
BeachBungalows
Page 15
FREE COPY
LOMBOK – WE JUST KEEP GROWING!
...Life is Good!
The
like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!
Page 10 & 50
TRANSFORMING HUNDREDS OF LIVES
AIRPORT TAXIS STILL ON STRIKE
THE LATEST AIRPORT UPDATE!
BAU NYALE… Lombok’s Unique Festival
If you notice that The Lombok Guide is looking a bit thicker these days, it’s because our little paper just keeps getting bigger. This issue, we grow to a massive 96 pages!
With 3500 copies distributed every two weeks in Lombok, Bali and throughout Indonesia – and around 600 visitors to our website every week – it seems people just can’t get enough of our beautiful island!
Whether it’s climbing the second highest volcano in Indonesia, surfing world-class waves at Kuta and Gerupuk on the south coast, diving some of the best reefs in SE Asia, or just relaxing in a true tropical paradise, more and more people are realising that Lombok is the perfect holiday destination for so many reasons.
To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 66 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…
Page 20 & 44
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GETTING TO LOMBOK
BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIRIt’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes. Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok. Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day, Call Center : 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office : 0370-642303,649999.www.garuda-indonesia.comMerpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok five times a day. Lombok, ph: 0370 621111, Airport: 0370 633637 / 087864253577. Bali, ph: 0361 420999. www.merpati.co.idTrans Nusa Air operates two flights between Bali and Lombok daily. Lombok, ph: 0370 624555. Bali, ph: 0361 8477395. www.transnusa.co.idLion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily. Lombok, Call Centre: 080 4177 8899. Bali, ph: 0361 765183. www.lionair.co.id
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTSLombok International Airport (approx 40km south of the city of Mataram and 1 ½ hours drive from Senggigi ) has full Visa on Arrival facilities, with efficient and fast visa processing. Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, three times per week. Lombok, ph: 0370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.comGaruda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. Call Centre: 080 418 07807. Airport: 0370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.comMerpati Airlines also has flights three times per week between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (via Surabaya). Lombok, ph: 0370 621111. www.merpati.co.id
DOMESTIC FLIGHTSEuropean connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Java) or Bali. Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights. Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogyakarta and Surabaya and is an important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores. Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta every day, Call Center : 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office : 0370 642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.comLion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Jakarta and Surabaya. Ph: 0370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.idMerpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Sumbawa, Flores, Kupang and many other Indonesian destinations. Lombok, ph: 0370 621111. www.merpati.co.idTrans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima once a day. Lombok, ph: 0370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id
Batavia Air has flights between Lombok, Surabaya and Jakarta every day. Lombok, ph: 0370 648998. www.batavia-air.co.id
BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEAPadang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service.Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The crossing between the islands costs Rp 36 000 per person and takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: 0370 681 209. Padang Bai Harbour ph: (0363) 41849 / 41840ww.peramatour.com
FAST BOATSThere are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. Most serve Gili Trawangan, but several call at both Gili T and Teluk Kodek on mainland Lombok. The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times.Gili Cat departs Padang Bai Harbour – Bali at 11.30am every day for Gili Trawangan & Lombok (Teluk Kodek) and has an excellent safety record. The return voyage departs Gili Trawangan at 9.00am. With a crossing time of just over 1 hour, Gili Cat provides the quickest sea crossing between Bali and Lombok of all the fast boat operators. Price includes free transfers between Padang Bai, Ubud, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Sanur – Bali. Other locations are available with small additional surcharge. Ph: (0361) 271680. www.gilicat.comGili Bookings.com is an online booking service offering easy reservations for the leading fast boat services between Bali and Lombok. Availability checks, schedules and e-ticketing, as well as accommodation options on both islands, are all available online at the site. www.gilibookings.comIsland Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Benoa Harbour, Bali (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily at 8am. The crossing takes around 2 hours to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kodek on Lombok. Ph Bali: (0361) 751570 / 726 523; or Bali: 0819 1673 3051; Gili T: 0878 6432 2515. www.island-getaway.comBlue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan. BWS operates two boats, with 25 and 15 passenger capacities, departing from Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) at 8am and 10am, and from Padang Bai Harbour at 11.15am every day. Return transfer from Gili Trawangan is at 11am. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: (0361) 723 479. www.bwsbali.com
Tourism Information
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
BEACHESThe whole island is surrounded by fantastic beaches, most of which are covered in clean white sand and fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming. The southwest coast also has fine beaches, especially around Sekotong and Taun.
Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu for rustic accommodation and great snorkelling just off shore or stay at Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede to explore the twelve other undeveloped islands in the southwest. The beaches around Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon at Mawun.
DIVINGWith so many beaches and small islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili islands
- Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Snorkelling is easy from the shore and all three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night dives to the many sites around the Gilis, as well as specialised courses and live-aboard adventures to exotic locations. For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well as near Kuta on the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.
SURFINGLombok is becoming a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts world-wide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok.
Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and services catering specially to surfers.
Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals.
The waves at Gerupuk and Kuta offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness!
TREKKINGMuch of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and adventure tours.
There are a number of spectacular waterfalls on the island which provide lovely trekking opportunities, whether travelling independently or as part of a tour. Sendang Gile on the slope of Mt Rinjani in the north is an easily accessible waterfall in a stunning jungle setting and popular with visitors.
Air Jeruk Manis, near Tetebatu is reached by walking through pretty rice fields and forests.
The awesome Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls, in central Lombok, are located within a short trek of each other and make a perfect day trip for those who appreciate truly magical natural surroundings.
Kuta Lombok by Iwan Haryanto
Tourism Information
Getting around Lombok is easy by car or
motorbike and you can hire these in all the main
tourism areas, with an International Drivers
License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic
is light. Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring or take part in
the tours and day trips offered by the many tour
agencies on the island.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall by Simon Mammino
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6 Lombok Map
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Clean and comfortable twin and double rooms with air conditioning, 60 channel satellite television,
in-room safe, fully stocked mini bar and private bathrooms with fresh hot water.
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Beachfront bar and restaurant serving quality Indonesian and International meals and snacks all day
The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 [email protected] | www.gilitresort.com
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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
MOUNTAIN CLIMBINGMt Rinjani, Lombok’s famous volcano, soars 3726 m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge crater near the top contains a beautiful lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea Lake) and a smaller volcanic cone, Gunung Baru Jari, which was formed a couple of hundred years ago. There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano.
In 2004 Rinjani won the World Legacy Award and the volcano is recognised internationally as an important eco-tourism destination. Two, three and four day treks on the volcano are offered by tour companies and trek organisers in all the main resort areas of Lombok.
HISTORIC SITES & TEMPLES
There are a number of interesting temples around the west coast, many of which are Hindu or ancient animist sites of worship.
Pura Lingsar is possibly the only place in the world where Hindus and Moslems come together to pray and celebrate. Built around 1714, Pura Lingsar was originally based on the prevailing animist beliefs of
the time, and some of the original animist statues remain today. Perang Topat, is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods.
Pura Narmada (or Narmada Temple), around 10 km east of Cakranegara in Narmada, was created circa 1805 as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and Segara Anak, the lake within Rinjani’s crater. The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake.
Pura Suranadi, a complex of three temples located a few kilometres north of Narmada in Suranadi, is the oldest and holiest of the Balinese temples in Lombok, founded by the 16th-century Javanese priest, Danghyang Nirartha. Underground streams bubble up into restored baths, used
for ritual bathing. Huge sacred eels live in the pools and streams here, and can sometimes be lured out with an offering of boiled eggs (purchased at a nearby stall). To see a sacred eel is considered very lucky!
HANDICRAFT VILLAGES
Lombok is famous for its traditional earthenware pottery made from local clay
with distinctive “Lombok primitive” designs. You can also purchase 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 purchase traditionally woven, colourful fabrics.
Masbagik, close to Pringgasela, is a small pottery village. Wander the streets and see the pottery being made in the small yards behind the simple homes here and purchase the wares for amazingly cheap prices.
Sukarara is 5 km to the west of Praya, heading south towards Kuta. This is a weaving village where quality ikat and traditional cloth is displayed and sold. Weavers work outside many of the shops, using antiquated “back strap looms” to painstakingly produce works of art. Some of the larger pieces can take several months to weave, and collectors from around the world visit this village to purchase the blankets, sarongs and cloth produced here.
Banyumulek, easily reached on the road south to Lembar Harbour, is an important centre for pottery on Lombok. The small village is packed with shops selling pottery produced in the area, as well as from the other main pottery-making villages such as Penujak and Masbagik. Lombok pottery, with its distinctive terracotta styles, has become famous internationally and is exported throughout the world.
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Tourism Information
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It’s been a couple of months since we last published an update on the “new” Lombok International Airport, so a trip to Bali last week was a good time to check out changes and progress to date.As we had a morning flight, we decided not to use the DAMRI bus service from Senggigi and to take a Blue Bird taxi instead. The trip down was interesting, chatting with the driver about the on-going strike by the airport taxi drivers in protest against the DAMRI bus service (see page xx).The driver agreed that the DAMRI service was having a negative impact on how many passengers were catching taxis from the airport and thought that the number of buses should be reduced to allow a more competitive market for the taxis. However, he also made comment about the number of taxi companies that had been granted licenses to operate services out of LIA (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, known as “BIL” locally); creating an oversupply of taxis.One of the problems faced by Blue Bird Taxi drivers transporting passengers to the new airport is that only 10 Blue Bird Taxis have licenses to operate from the airport, so most taxi drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers for the return trip, forcing them to return to Senggigi or the city with an empty car. The average metered fare from Senggigi is around Rp 150 000, with a travelling time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the Rp 150 000 fare, the driver must pay a fairly large percentage to the taxi company (up to 60%), plus petrol for the trip, maintenance on the vehicle, etc. His profit is further reduced by the cost of petrol to travel back from the airport with an empty car and the fact that the one hour plus trip wastes time when he could be making another fare.It was an interesting conversation and helped pass the time as we sped along the very good roads that link Senggigi to the airport in Central Lombok. Much of the new road works are finished, including the new bridge near Gerung, and the voyage along the dual carriage way is smooth and pleasant.Arrival at the airport showed very little progress on landscaping since we last visited at the beginning of December, 2011. Much of the land around the airport
still looks like an abandoned building site, although there have been some new trees planted (apparently donated by President SBY at his visit last October).It will take a while for these trees to grow but, in the meantime, there is much work to be done in levelling the large piles of soil, clearing up rubble and removing the fields of weeds that have taken over after the recent rains.Fortunately, a new airport manager has recently been appointed and we have heard that a clean-up of the grounds started just days ago; hopefully the airport’s appearance will improve soon. Leaks in the airport building are currently being fixed, too, so don’t be surprised to find sections of the building looking “de-constructed” while these necessary repairs are being made.
Drainage at the site continues to be a problem, as we have reported in every airport update since construction on the airport first started 4 years ago. Attempts to divert water from poorly constructed drains and badly cantilevered paving are being made but – short of pulling the whole lot out and starting again – this will probably be an on-going maintenance project.The large crowds of local people who gather daily to watch the miracle of planes landing and taking off has reduced over the past month, as the novelty wears off. Bemo (local minibuses) and trucks full of people from remote villages around Lombok still arrive daily, disgorging villagers who set up camp in the vacant land to the left of the terminal to stare wide-eyed at the spectacle on the runway; but in greatly reduced numbers.The taxi fare on the meter came to just under Rp 150 000 from Senggigi. We gave the driver Rp 200 000, which made him delighted (it’s only about $5 but makes a
big difference to them!)Entering the terminal building is a pleasant surprise, as much has been done to organize the temporary tour desks and service counters that littered the entrance previously.Although not complete, the desks are now neatly lined up on two sides in the centre of the terminal, with a wide space between to allow people access from the main arrival gates.Check in was smooth and efficient at the modern check-in counters. Everything is well sign-posted, there are no long queues and there are customer service staff on hand to assist passengers.We made our way to the counter on the left, at the base of the escalator, to pay our departure tax of Rp 25 000 each and then up the escalator to the boarding lounge.Unlike previous experiences at the old Selaparang Airport, waiting for your plane is now a pleasant experience, even if your flight is delayed (which often happens – particularly with Merpati Airlines flights, but all domestic operators are guilty of this).The first floor hosts an ample number of shops and cafés in which to pass the time. Polo and international surf brands are on sale, as well as shops selling souvenirs and gifts, and numerous cafés with everything from coffee and snacks to more substantial meals.The Periplus bookshop is a great place to spend some time, with a good selection of non-fiction and fiction books, international best sellers and popular authors, and international magazines. There is also an excellent selection of children’s books and educational aids. We wish they would open a branch in the city!Smokers are also not disadvantaged at the new airport and we noticed a number of spaces set apart for smoking (although this may change as the government toughens up on public smoking laws).The café directly in front of the doors to the boarding lounge has a separate enclosed area for smokers, as well as an open area for non-smokers. It is possible to sit here and enjoy a cigarette and a coffee right up until your flight is called, keeping an eye on the queue at the boarding gate, of course.
Special Feature
Continued on Page 50
THE LATEST AIRPORT UPDATE!
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Just over one hour from Lombok International Airport, Senggigi is the main tourism centre on Lombok and, apart from the Gili islands, the most developed tourism area on Lombok. The town of Senggigi is about 10 km north of Ampenan, and about 30 minutes drive from Teluk Nara and Bangsal – the harbours to the Gili Islands. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali counterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is laid-back, with activities centred on the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all within a few hours drive from the town. At night, Jalan Raya Senggigi (the main street) comes alive. Dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, listen to live music at the bars, or dance the night away at the nightclubs.Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centre of Senggigi, with the main road running parallel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The Senggigi Beach Hotel, Santosa Villas and Resort, and the Sheraton Senggigi Resort all line the curved bay of Senggigi Beach and offer a full range of resort facilities, equally attractive for singles, couples and families. The beachfront is currently undergoing “revitalisation” by the West Lombok Tourism Department, which threatens to ruin the natural beauty of the beach. It can become very crowded and is best avoided on Sundays and public holidays. However, many more beautiful beaches exist just minutes away to the north.One of the most spectacular sights on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi
Beach, with the bright orange sun sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean. Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the right conditions, some decent surf breaks. Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands.The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are a couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s and moneychangers, a post office and all the normal tourist facilities. Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid-range and budget accommodations.Tourism development runs north along the coastal road for about 10 km, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the entire west coast.
About 2 km north of central Senggigi is Kerandangan Valley, with a popular beach nearby and some small boutique hotels, such as Dream Estate, Puri Mas Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated in a pretty valley. At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with clearly marked hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river. There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths. The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife.Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with boutique style hotels positioned along the breathtaking beaches of this section of coast. The popular Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Beach Resort, Windy Beach Resort and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit.Furthest north are Klui and Lendang Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches. Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves and untouched by hotel development, continue all the way north along the main coastal road. Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all. Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the main dive operators have boats here, which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour. Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further north, is reached by turning left at the crossroads in Pemenang and from there it is easy to catch the public ferries (actually large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to charter boats for island hopping. Whether you are seeking luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets. From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the attractions of the stunning south coast or to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the peace and beauty of Lombok.
SENGGIGIWEST COAST RESORT S
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Tourism Information
Kerandangan Beach
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14 Senggigi Map
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The Beach ClubBeach Bungalows, Bar & Café
WOW!!Great sunset views, beautiful surroundings & friendly atmosphere
Whole BBQ chickens take away Rp 70 000
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Guest Villa: 2 storey, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living areas with 180° views
Infinitiy Swimming Pool overlooking Senggigi BayExtensive terraced gardens with bales to enjoy beach views1,296 sqm land with freehold certificatePDAM (state) water / 4400kwh electricity
USD 1.6 million / Rp 14 milyar (negotiable)
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DREAM DIVERSDREAM IT...
DO IT
HEAD OFFICE SENGGIGI: Ph 0370 692 047 | Fax 0370 693 738 | Gili Trawangan: 0370 6134 496 | Gili Air: 0370 634 547www.dreamdivers.com | [email protected]
DREAM DIVERS have been Lombok diving specialists since 1996. Our PADI 5 Star facilities on Gili Trawangan (also home to the DREAM DIVERS Bungalows, Bar & Restaurant),Gili Air and in Senggigi, on mainland Lombok, offer fun diving for everyone and diving courses for all age groups and skill levels - from ‘Discover Scuba Diver’ to ‘Dive Instructor’. MORE THAN JUST A DIVE CENTER! Our staff is ready to ensure that you experience a really great holiday. We can arrange snorkel trips, accommodation, domestic flights, transport, sightseeing tours, diving in South Lombok, Komodo or Bali, and much, much more. Let us help you make your stay unforgettable. Nothing is impossible - DREAM IT…DO IT! For our Senggigi based guests we offer daily transport & dive trips over to the Gili Islands, including a pick up from your hotel.
18 What’s Hot!
Everyone thinks they might have the worst road in Indonesia running past their house, but the road in south-
east Lombok around the beautiful Pantai Surga region is so bad it was recently featured in local papers, showing photographs of motor bikes trying to negotiate the thick mud. For many years, the local villagers of this region have waited patiently for a little bit of attention from the government ... but still no road, no electricity and no water. This year they finally gave up waiting. Senior villagers got together with younger workers, with Lendang Terak and Sungkun leading the charge. In an unprecedented move, they committed their time and money to dig up, transport and place coral rocks along the mud patches. This has greatly improved access, even though they will never have the money to build a full road. The villagers are rather proud that they have done it themselves and pleased that they can now get to supplies during the wet season. Hotel Heaven on the Planet made a small cash donation which enabled them to purchase four truckloads of stone. And late last year, Hotel Ocean Heaven constructed 800 m of road to Surga Beach. “Best not to wait for the government around these parts”, the hotel owner, Prof Kerry Black, said. Hear! Hear! –Ed.
With the rainy season well underway, it’s time to remind people that Mt Rinjani is currently closed to climbing. The Head of Mount
Rinjani National Park (BTNGR), Sahabuddin, announced the closure on 5 January 2012. Rinjani National Park is closed to climbing from January to April every year, as monsoon season makes conditions on the mountain dangerous. The closure also allows recovery of the ecosystem in the park. A total of 15,030 visited Mt Rinjani in 2011.The resistriction applies to all 4 routes up the volcano – Senaru; Torean at Bayan; Pringgasela in East Lombok; and Sembalun in East Lombok.The volcano and national park is closed to all climbing activities because of bad weather, high winds and heavy rain that can result in slippery terrain and occasional landslides. Climbing season on Mt Rinjani is due to open again on 31 March 2012, subject to weather conditions.
The PLN (state owned electricity company) says it has begun building infrastructure to support the
installation of an underwater cable to supply electricity to the Gili Islands.The network is expected to deliver 5 megawatts of power to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno.The undersea network, with an estimated cost of Rp 40
billion (US $4.48 million), will use a 4.6-kilometer cable installed at 30 meters below sea level and will be connected to the nearest diesel power plant in Pemenang, North Lombok. The islands currently use diesel and solar power plants to supply electricity; however, extreme weather can disrupt power supply on the popular tourism islands. The construction is hoped to be completed by around August or September.
The North Lombok Regency also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct a feasibility survey to supply
fresh water to the three islands. The MOU was signed between the government and PT Sikem Aneka Indonesia, a consultant and investor in the project, in January 2012.
Singapore Airlines has announced plans to increase its flights between Singapore and the tourist resort of Lombok.
On 18 January 2012, the airline’s General Manager, David Lau, said the airline planned to increase the Singapore–Lombok route from three times a week to five times a week. “Lombok is a good alternative to Bali and people love going there for leisure. We are still waiting for final approval from the government for the additional flights,” David said. In addition, the airline plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry in February, to collaborate in promoting Indonesia to the world this year. Indonesia would be able to promote its tourism in the airline’s in-flight magazines and videos for a year. Such a promotion will expose Indonesia to the airline’s passengers in Europe, America, Asia and Australia. The airline’s route network (including services provided by subsidiary, Silk Air) covers 96 destinations in 37 countries.
19
Lonely Planet: “This terrific, hip hotel-restaurant has a well-selected modern menu [and] is an incredibly romantic setting”
Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693800, Fax: +62 370 693802Email: [email protected] | Website: www.quncivillas.com
[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ]
20
ROTARY AND EUROPEAN SURGEONSTRANSFORM HUNDREDS OF LIVES
For the past six years, a team of European surgeons have given up their time and paid for their own transport costs to travel to Lombok to perform cleft lip and cleft palate operations on Lombok children and adults.
Their patients – mainly children from poor families who are unable to afford the surgery needed to correct their child’s deformities – come from many diverse villages located throughout Lombok and Sumbawa, but all have one thing in common: malformed lips and palates that impact terribly on their quality of life.
Although Lombok is known as a holiday destination, the island is still very traditional and many of the people living in rural areas subsist by farming; malnutrition is still a problem and, shockingly, the NTB province (the islands
of Lombok and Sumbawa) has the second highest rate of cleft lip and cleft palate birth defects in Indonesia.
Clefts refer to an opening or gap in the lip or palate, or sometimes both. Cleft lip and cleft palate defects are caused by a number of factors: genetics, interbreeding, and lack of nutrition while the mother is pregnant.
Without the life-transforming operations, the children suffer the stigma of being born “different” and often face a bleak future, without the prospect of employment or marriage. Indeed, many are hidden away from the public because of the embarrassment of their families and do not even go to school.
Physically the children often have problems learning to speak or have speech impediments; babies may be unable to feed and children have difficulty in
eating, leading to malnutrition. Cleft palates, in particular, can leave the child open to infections, ear and hearing problems, breathing difficulties and more.
Fortunately, cleft lips and palates can usually be successfully treated by surgery, especially if performed while the child is still young.
This is why the work of Rotary and the European doctors is so vital.
The project is organised by the Rotary Club of Mataram, Lombok and is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Gent, Belgium, making the operations completely free of charge for the patients
Local charity, Yayasan Kita Peduli (the “We Care Foundation”) does the extremely difficult job of finding suitable patients, counselling, and sometimes persuading reluctant parents to consent to the operations.
The Foundation also arranges transport for patients and parents to and from the hospital in Gerung, together with the PKK NTB, a local women’s association, who assisted them this year.
The Blue Bird Taxi Group also provided free transport for the doctors and their equipment.
Continued on Page 44Little Nuki before and after the surgery (with Lee Jumi)
Photos courtesy of Lee Jumi
Special Feature
21
Live Music! Great Food! Good Times!
Friday - ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the front garden
Jl. Raya (Main Street) Senggigi, Lombok 0370 693619
www.asmara-group.com
Free Fast Available
* Private Villas
* Bamboo Restaurant
* Garden Lounge Café
* Billiard Bar
* Own Private Pool
* Huge Bath Room
* Comfortable Bed
* Spacious Dining
& Living Room
* Lush Surroundings
Living in Style
Jln. Raya Senggigi Km. 8, Lombok, Indonesia | Telp: +62 370 692 999 | Fax: +62 370 692 888Email: [email protected] | Website: www.mannavillas.com
22
Windy Beach ResortMangsit, Senggigi, Lombok
Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193Email: [email protected] | Web: www.windybeach.com
“Next to Nature”
23
24 Local News
Jl. Raya Batu Bolong, Senggigi | Phone: 0370 693039 / [email protected] | www.cafealbertolombok.com
Italian Beachfront RestaurantDelicious Fresh Seafood, Authentic Italian Dishes
Oriental Food, Barbecue on the BeachWood Oven Pizza, Homemade Pasta and Italian Bread
IMMIGRATION SERVICE
FOR ALL YOUR IMMIGRATIONAND INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS
Visas and Residency PermitsWork and Business Visas
Retirement VisasPolice Permits
Land CertificatesLand and Building PermitsForeign Investment (PMA)
Company Documents
VOA Extensions up to 60 days
For free information and advice contact:
DAMSIAHOffice: 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619
[email protected] / [email protected]
Adam (left) and Clive from Sempiak Villas in Selong Belanak took The Lombok Guide on
holiday to Singapore last week. Here they are posing with our famous little paper
in front of Universal Studios!
25
Open-air Garden Lounge Café
An ideal place to relax with your loved ones and
listen to your favourite tunes Live Band & Singers
7.00pm - 12.00 midnight
Try the food specialties at Bamboo Restaurant
Enjoy the lush surroundings and
relax at our breezy poolside terrace.11am - 11Pm
Jln. Raya Senggigi Km. 8, Lombok, Indonesia (Opposite The Sheraton)www.mannavillas.com
Delicious and Authentic Indonesian Food... At Local Prices!
Soto Ayam, Soto Ceker, Rawon, Nasi Campur, Nasi Goreng, Mie Gorengand all your Indonesian favourites!
Fresh Juices, Es Buah, Soft Drinks and Beer. Delicious home-made cakes!
Take Away Orders and Home Delivery Service.Catering, Birthday Cakes and Special Requests Welcome!
OPEN 10am until
LATE
Senggigi Plaza, near Achi Acha Boutique. Ph: 0878 6558 0330 / 619 4109
26
Cover Yourself inLOSMEN
TJABE MERAHJl. Saleh Sungkar, Gg. Sawah, Ampenan, Lombok
Ph: +62 370 636150 - Fax: +62 370 637635
THE RED PEPPER INNClean and comfortable. Located in the middle of
the”kampung”near the local Kebon Roek traditional market you immediately have a sense of the real Indonesian life. Ampenan is near Mataram and
Cakra and only 7 kilometers away from Senggigi.
Room rates (smoking & non smoking)Standard room with fan – Rp 80 000
Standard room with TV & AC – Rp 130 000
OOK NEDERLANDS SPREKEND
KEBON ROEK
MARKET
JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR
LOSMENTJABE MERAH
TO SENGGIGI
AMPENAN BEACH
Gang Sawah
TO M
ATAR
AM
CV. ANANTA GUNA LESTARI
OUR SERVICES:Pest Control | Rodent Control Termite Control | Fumigation
Employee Recruitment (Out Sourcing)
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: Cleaning Service | Painting | Plumbing
Pool Maintenance | Floor RepairsRubbish Removal | Carpentry
Stone Coating | General Maintenance Work
Jl. Alpa Raya Blok IV No. 4 BTN Sandik - LombokMobile: 0812 3693 5382 / 0818 0363 6609
Phone (0370) 6657069 / Fax: (0370) 621627Email: [email protected]
www.hotel-lombok.nl
New season swimwear
now in store!
New designs every two weeks!
Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket)
27
LUXURY RESORT & SPALOMBOK
LUXURY RESORT & SPALOMBOK
Job VacanciesCareer Opportunities
January 2012We are an established 5-star luxury villa resort, located to the north of Senggigi.
Our beautiful resort has 66 rooms, minimalist-design modern villas, Spa centre and meeting/conference rooms. Our sophisticated facilities are designed to satisfy our broad customer base from MICE, families and groups, couples, honeymooners and leisure travellers.
Our 5-star Living Asia Luxury Resort & Spa is opening in March 2012 and we are currently seeking suitable applicants for the following positions:
A. Level:
* Minimum 2 years’ experience in the same position at 4 - 5 star hotel (preferably):1. Head of Department | 2. Assistant Dept
* Minimum 1 year experience working in a similar position at 4 - 5 stars hotel:3. Coordinator | 4. Supervisor | 5. General Staff
B. Departments1. Front Office 2. Housekeeping 3. Engineering4. Food & Beverage Service 5. Food & Beverage Product 6. Accounting (with Bachelor’s Degree in finance)7. IT Dept8. Sales & Marketing 9. Human Resources10. Safety & Security Dept
General Requirements for all Levels and Departments:
• Good English language, both written & oral• Hotel Background preferable• Good Communication Skills• Good Performance Record• Able to work individually and as member of the team• Able to work under pressure and with flexible working hours• Honest and able to keep confidential matters• Good managerial skills, team player, analytical abilities and sense of initiative• Excellent organizational skills with an eye for details• Active and Dynamic person
Dedicated and service-minded hoteliers, please email your detailed CV to: [email protected]
Only suitable candidates will be contacted | All applications will be treated confidential
Closing date is February 15, 2012
Living Asia ... Feeling Asia
JI Raya Senggigi - Lendang Luar - Lombok - INDONESIAE: [email protected]: www.livingasiaresorts.com
28
Complete pet supplies in Senggigi!We carry a large selection of quality
Dog and Cat Foods
Pet Accessories (Collars, leads, cages, bowls, toys, etc)
Pet Care Products (Vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick powders, coat
conditioners and pet medicines)Hamster and fish foods and more!
Jl Raya Senggigi (30m from Asmara Restaurant)
Phone: 0370 693177
Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | Phone: 0370 693177
Open 9am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday
Now available in Senggigi!Imported products, pastas, herbs, cooking oils, lentils, butter, cheeses incl fresh mozzarella, jams and sauces,
Lindt chocolates, fresh milk, juices and daily needs
29
30
31
Puri BungaBeach Cottages
Luxury and TranquilityPrivately positioned on terraced slopes of beautiful flowers, overlooking Senggigi Bay and the Lombok Strait to Bali
Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cottages with air conditioning, hot water, television, mini bar, telephone and internet access
Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, Ph: +62 (0) 370 693013Fax: +62 (0) 370 693286 | [email protected] | www.puribungalombok.com
Sea view cottages
From US$40* / room!(Incl breakfast)
* tax and service charge and high season surcharges may apply
Enquire about our special offers!
32 Local Scene
Leanne’s Birthday on board Mari Mas
Friends from Lombok and family from
Australia gathered on board Mari Mas, from the Blue Water
Cruises fleet, to celebrate lovely
Leanne’s birthday while cruising Senggigi
33
Exotic Style Fashion - Bags - Accessories
We Sell Nice Resort Wear, Hand Made Bags From Natural Materials
and Many Kind of Accessories For Your
Style at Tropical Island
Phone: 0370 693 358 | Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok
The ShopLittleUnique Gifts with Reasonable Prices
We Sell: Wood Bowls, Shells, Accessories, Paintings, Statues, Bronze, Candles, Frames
and Many More...
For your gift choices to your family and friends when you
back home from our island
Phone: 0370 693 647 | Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok
Treasure ChestGift Shop
Phone: 0370 692 183Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE
34
“De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi”– The Lonely Planet 2011
Art Market Senggigi Lombok - +62 370 693694www.dequake.com
35
THE LOMBOK GUIDE 2012FULL COLOUR INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE LOMBOK GUIDE 2011 FULL COLOUR MAGAZINE, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF
THE LOMBOK GUIDE 2012 MAGAZINE
In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, 5000 copies of our magazine were air mailed to over 100 travel agents internationally.
The magazines were also distributed by the Lombok Hotels Association and the Department of Culture and Tourism (Dinas Pariwisata) at travel fairs and expos in London, Australia,
Berlin, Singapore, China, Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, at the visit of the ASEAN ministers to Lombok, and at travel marts nationally.
This year, our magazine will be bigger and better than ever! Incorporating 120 pages of up-to-
date information and beautiful photos of Lombok, and published in full magazine format, The Lombok Guide is recognised as the most popular
and effective international magazine publication for Lombok.
Advertising sales are now open - don’t miss this
exciting opportunity to promote your business
internationally!
HURRY ~ LAST OFFERDON’T MISS OUT!
PLEASE CALL US NOW TO CONFIRM YOUR SPACE: 0370 659 4005 or email
Guaranteed international distribution to over 100 proven travel agents and tourism industry
professionals throughout Europe, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Hong
Kong, China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan; as well as all major
cities throughout Indonesia.
36
• Imported Meats, incl Harvey Beef• Home-baked Breads, Cakes & Pastries• Dairy – Yoghurt, Cheeses, Butter, Cream• Wide Range of Imported Products• Open Every Day for your Convenience!
Ask us about our Catering Services, Wedding & Birthday Cakes!Jl Palm Raja No 5, BTN Green Valley, Senggigi. Phone: 0370 693251
SINTA PEST CONTROL
Melayani Pengendalian:Nyamuk DB / Malaria / CikungunyaLalat, Kecoa, SemutHama TikusRayapHama Gudang
Controlling:Dengue, Malaria & Cikungunya MosquitoFly, Cockroach, Ants RatsTermitesSpiders and Other Pests & Bugs
PT SINTA AGRO MANDIRI (Ijin Dikes No: 03/52.71/PC/VII/11)Jl. TGH Hambali No 8, Mataram, Lombok | Phone: 0370 631176 / 627991
37
The Studio
Your ecofriendly home in Lombok The Hill - Bukit Batu Layar - Senggigi
phone: +62 81 933 172 356 email: [email protected] website: http://the-studio-lombok.page4.me/
Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | P: 0817 5730 012 | E: [email protected]
Anna’sGiftshop
Looking for nice presents or
home decorations?
We sell: Salt and Freshwater Pearls, Lombok Pottery, Hand
Painted Modern Wooden Statues and Masks, Paintings,
Handwoven Ikats, Sarongs and much more!
38
Rejuvenating, Refreshing, Relaxing
Open 10am to 9pm
Aromatherapy Body MassageTraditional Body Massage
Hot Stone MassageBody Scrub / Lulur
Foot ReflexologyHead Shiatsu / Creambath
Manicure / Pedicure
EVERYTHING’S A FAVORITE
Now Open ROYAL SPA, Guest House and Cafe
in Kuta
Senggigi: Jl. Raya Senggigi Km 11 (next to Santosa Villas & Resort), Phone: 0370 6866577Mataram: Jl. Bung Karno No.79 Mataram, Phone: 0370 6608777
Kuta: Jl. Raya Pantai Kuta Pujut, Central Lombok, Phone: 0370 6608666
Prices start from IDR 45,000 - 125,000++
CHECK OUT OUR MONTHLY PROMOTION PACKAGE
39
Lombok’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre
Senggigi’s most time efficient daily return tripsProfessionally trained dive and snorkel staff
We do not combine our Senggigi-based guests with our other dive centres - providing a more personalised service for you
We ensure small groups for your comfort and safetyDaily transfers direct from your hotel
Excellent Restaurant and Facilities to enjoy during your break on Gili T
PADI Dive Courses Daily Dive & Snorkel Trips - Gili Trawangan Transfers - Hotel Dive and Stay Packages
Please email and quote “Lionfish”for special discount offers
BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI...DIVE THE DIFFERENCE!
HOLIDAY RESORT & SENGGIGI BEACH HOTEL +62 370 693 719www.bluemarlindive.com | [email protected]
40 Mr Fixer
Models for rent starting from IDR 3.700.000 pw
*All prices are 10% tax included and subject to (currency) changeIncluding electricity, water, gas, daily towel change and cleaning.*All prices are 10% tax included and subject to (currency) change
Model
Model
Studio 60 200 525.000.000
615.000.000
950.000.000
2.534.000.000
3.900.000.000
80 200
118 200
243 8 are
360 10 are
Kerandangan
WineDream + Pool
Heca + Pool
IDR Price fromSqmBuilding
SqmGround
Per Week IDR Per Month IDR
Studio
Kerandangan
Wine
3 700 000
6 300 0004 500 000
8 500 00011 000 00015 400 000
Models available starting from IDR 525.000.000
Got a question for Mr Fixer? He’s always got a quirky answer your personal building problems! Just
email your problem to “Mr Fixer” at [email protected]
QUESTION: There’s no doubt about it. Mobile phones have changed the world we live in. When I first came to the tropical island paradise that is Lombok, hardly anyone had a mobile phone. Nowadays, even my cleaner has one and it’s better than mine! My daughter has one glued to her head every time I see her. My wife has invented an elastic headband device so she can tuck it under the strap and chat to goodness knows who while she is cooking or even driving. Do you think that all this micro wave activity so close to the brain will lead to any permanent damage? There is even talk of mobile phones causing brain tumours.MR FIXER: So far, no one has proven a link between the use of mobile phones and brain tumours. Having one has also not proven to be dangerous. Quite the reverse; not having one can be just as dangerous! My friend George refused to buy his wife and daughter the latest all singing, all dancing device. He still has to make his own tea but his head wound is healing nicely now.QUESTION: If E = mc2, what does the general theory of relativity have on time travel?MR FIXER: Just to find out, we tried putting instant coffee in the microwave. We almost went back in time! Hope this helps.
QUESTION: Now that the rainy season in sunny Lombok is here, the warm summer nights can become a little clammy and humid, making it difficult to sleep. I was thinking of installing a dehumidifier but a friend told me what I needed was an air conditioner. Which one do you recommend?MR FIXER: A dehumidifier removes the excess moisture from the air and conditions it. An air conditioner conditions the air and removes excess moisture. I suggest you buy both, put them in the same room and let them fight it out! QUESTION: As an energy saving conservationist, I have come to the sunny tropical island of Lombok to conduct a personal survey on how to save the planet by experimenting with different forms of domestic electrical supply. I am considering running my house on static electricity. Have you any suggestions on how this might work?MR FIXER: I tried that once. If you wanted to watch TV you had to rub balloons on your head. If you wanted to cook, you had to pull off a sweater real quick. We now have a microwave fireplace. You can lie down in front of the fire for the evening in less than 2 minutes. QUESTION: My wife and I have decided to locate to the tropical island of Lombok and build a small retirement retreat so we can spend more time with our many friends on the island. We have bought some land on a hill and are at the moment in discussions with an architect about layout and design. My wife, who is from Europe, is used to taking a bath but in this tropical climate, taking a shower is more refreshing and practical. Does anyone really
take a bath in the tropics? I was shocked to read a recent survey which suggests that the average shower takes 8 minutes and uses 62 litres of hot water, compared with an average bath which consumes an average of 80 litres. The survey further suggested that if people used a power shower (an appliance that adds extra pressure to the water flow) then an 8 minute shower would require twice as much water and energy as a bath. How do these people gather this information? Do they stand next to people in the shower with a clipboard? I have always been under the seemingly mistaken impression that taking a shower was more environmentally friendly than taking a bath. According to this latest research, this may not be true and we are all dooming the planet without realizing it. Do you have any thoughts on the shower verses bath debate?MR FIXER: It’s a personal preference that only you can decide. A shower (if taken quickly) can be a refreshing experience. Wallowing around in your own filthy water in a bath has never been my idea of getting clean. Try reducing the time you spend in the shower by putting on your favourite 4 minute pop song (an additional boon to those who enjoy singing in the shower). When lathering up, consider turning down the water flow till you are ready to rinse. Alternatively, why not try bathing or showering with a friend? Much more fun! Take a clipboard with you just in case.
Tongue-in-cheek answers to your
personal and building problems
PLOTS and VILLAS
For more information: Jalan Wisata Alam Kerandangan0813 3868 8524 | 0813 3972 1541
41
[ Your Key to an Idyl l ic Lombok ]
Lombok’s Boutique Hotel
[ The Lonely Planet: “Top Choice for Lombok” ][ Cosmopolitan: “Lombok’s Hidden Beauty” ]
[ Guide du Routard: “Le Reve!” ]
Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800, Fax: +62 370 693 802Email: [email protected] | Website: www.quncivillas.com
42
Open 9am to 10pm every day
NOW OPEN IN SENGGIGI!
MAMAS, NIKMAT, CATER PRODUCTS Sirloin, Tenderloin, Fillet Steaks
Cold Cuts and Deli MeatsSalami, Ham, Chicken and Turkey
Sausages - Breakfast, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Herb and MixedDry Pasta and Sauces
Gandari Purified Ice Cubes
Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant | Ph: 0370 693 531
Pure refreshing ice cubes made fromUV sterilised and
purified spring water.Hygienically packaged for your convenience
Supplying hotels, restaurants, bars,
cafes & private villas
FREE DELIVERYEVERY DAY
Jl Raya Senggigi,Duduk Garden No.6
Batu Bolong
www.gandari.com
UD. GANDARIICE SOLUTION
Hotline: Hp: 081 836 8731 | Ph: 0370 619 4273 | Flexi: 0370 668 1958
43
Puri Mas GalleryThe Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style
AT PURI MAS BOUTIQUE RESORTJust 5 minutes north of Senggigi
Phone 693831 for free pick up and drop off service in Senggigi area
Jl. Raya Mangsit Beach, Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | Tel: 0370 693831 | Fax: 0370 693023 [email protected] | www.purimas-lombok.com | Skype: purimasreservations
Fine Arts and Collectibles From Around the Archipelago
• High Quality home roasted Arabica, Robusta and Luwak coffee beans• Coffee Machine Rental and Maintenance• Oven fresh, made to order bread, pastry & cookies• Bread Supplier for Hotels & Restaurants• Aircon * Library * Notebooks• Best Cappucino - No Foam = Money Back!
Swiss Bakery & Cafeteria
Oven fresh Baguettes every morning at 9:30am!TRY THE WORLD’S
MOST EXCLUSIVE COFFEE!
Visit us at Senggigi Square Blok A/04. Ph: 0370 692085 / 0818365790 | Email: [email protected]
44
Team leader, Dr Frank Bierenbroodspot, and medical team leader, Dr Stefaan J Berge – both from Belgium, but working in The Netherlands – headed a group of eight surgeons from Radboud Nijmegen Hospital in Holland, together with one Indonesian surgeon, Dr Timurwati from Jakarta.
From 6 to 10 February, the surgeons donated their time and expertise to carry out a phenomenal 61 operations in just five days, operating on average for 12 hours every day.
The doctors also bring all their own surgical instruments and adequate supplies of sutures, gloves and other materials. They work alongside local staff at RSUD Tripat, a local hospital in Gerung, West Lombok, which provides all the facilities for the operations. Local staff at the hospital are always pleased to participate, as they learn new techniques and skills from the visiting doctors.
46 cleft lip and 15 cleft palate operations were carried out on the patients who came from Lombok and Sumbawa, and one young child who travelled from Surabaya for treatment here.
The youngest patient was just 3 months old, while the oldest was a 19 year old who makes his living as a fisherman.
Reaching their milestone of 300 patients during the week was a significant achievement for the team, and Rotary Mataram celebrated by presenting their 300th patient – M Bagas Ramdani, an 8 year old boy from Bima in Sumbawa – with a gift of Rp 1 million. This brought many smiles, as the family had travelled so far for the operation.
On Friday evening, after checking on their patients for the last time, the doctors relaxed at a farewell dinner before flying back to Europe the next day.
“It’s been an exhausting five days,” Dr Stefaan said, “but it’s a pleasure to do it. When kids are very small, this is a real turning point in their lives.”
Rotary Club Chairman, Lisa Edelman, and Secretary, Lily Heyder, worked hard to organise the operations; coordinating with government, the hospital and local organisations, and overcoming local bureaucracy to ensure the week’s success.
Team leader, Dr Frank had also been working for months beforehand to organise everything in Europe and to make sure that the team’s limited time in Lombok was not wasted.
“This has been the best organised week ever,” he said. “We have been working with Rotary and many of the Gerung hospital staff for six years and now have a great team. Everything was well
prepared and the support was excellent.”
He went on to say: “What is very satisfying is that some of the patients are now coming back for the second time, so that we can make further corrections. In the beginning, the patients and their parents were sometimes afraid or mistrustful, but now they have seen the results and are happily coming back so that we can finish work as the child gets older, or carry out aesthetic adjustments to the earlier surgery. That is very rewarding!”
The team’s only Indonesian surgeon, Dr Timurwati, qualified as a Cranio-Maxillofacial surgeon in 2009 and was pleased to donate her time again this year.
“I love working with the European doctors,” she said. “It is an excellent learning experience. In the future, I hope to have the chance to gain more experience and skills, perhaps working overseas, and
ROTARY AND EUROPEAN SURGEONS Continued from Page 20
then return to Indonesia and see what I can do for Lombok.”
While all the doctors were exhausted by their hectic schedule over the past five days, all agreed that they felt energised and uplifted by the experience.
“In our practice in Europe, our time is often taken up with meetings and paperwork, as well as surgery. We are all real surgeons – we love to operate,” Dr Stefaan said. “After five days here, we fall in love with our profession again!”
“But at the end of the day, we do it for one thing and one thing only – and that is the kids!” Dr Frank added.
And we are very grateful that they do! A total of 313 operations in six years is no small feat and has, no doubt, dramatically changed the lives and destinies of 313 local people and their families.
The Rotary Club of Mataram, Lombok was established in 1987 to find ways for the more fortunate members of our community, expatriate and Indonesian, to help those less fortunate. Their successful activities include the cleft lip and palate operations, and supplying fresh drinking water to local villages, as well as carrying out many other vital community projects in Lombok. If you would like to support their projects with either your time or donations, please contact Club Secretary, Lily Heyder, on +62 813 3959 9154 – Ed.
Special Feature
TRANSFORM HUNDREDS OF LIVES
Dr Stefaan with Lisa (left) and Lily
45
SENDOK GUEST HOUSE,BAR & RESTAURANT
Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 10am – 11pm
Live music every Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat
For a Memorable Stay in Lombok
Modern colonial interior design concept in “Tempoe Doeloe” styleClean and comfortable with friendly staff
TV, Air Conditioner, Safety Box, Free WiFiHot & Cool Water, Swimming Pool
Jl Raya Senggigi Km 8, Senggigi, Lombok | P: 0370 693176 | F: 0370 692270E: [email protected] | W: www.sendokbali.com
delasan
Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant) Lombok | Phone: 0370 693176
LOMBOK STYLE GIFT SHOPFashion, Accessories, Lombok Snacks, Souvenirs, Swimwear, etc
46
Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy Café) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117
www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com
BEACH FRONT PLOT - MANGSIT 50 ARE ISLAND DREAM VILLA - GILI TRAWANGAN
SECRET BUILDING PLOT ON GILI TRAWANGAN ISLAND BEACH FRONT PARADISE 5.7H (57,000m2)
75m WIDE BEACH FRONT LAND: MALIMBUDELIGHTFUL BEACH CHALET
5,000 m2 Ideal location with immediate main road access.Water / electricity available. Panoramic sunset views of Bali.
FREEHOLD USD 415,000 approx.
5 are (500 m2) located opposite a prestigious boutique resort. Roadway access. Just 10 mins walk to a white sandy beach.
IDR 75 million per are. USD 42,000 approx
With excellent main road access. Ideal for subdivision or hotel development. IDR 85,000,000 per are. HGB Certificate. USD 1,040,000 (approx)
White sand and clear blue water, sunset facing. Ideal for boutique resort / development. May split.
ONLY IDR 14 million per are. USD 887,000 (approx)
4 en-suite double bedrooms with fans and fresh H/W showers (2 guest houses). Open plan living / dining /
kitchen. Idyllic 1,000 m2 plot. FREEHOLD USD 350,000
With ocean views. 2 double en-suite bedrooms with french doors onto the verandah. Open plan living / kitchen. Good rental returns potential. Shared pool. FREEHOLD USD 220,000
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Showroom: Jl Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No 6 Batu Bolong 83355 Lombok, IndonesiaPhone: (Reni Beck) 0815 5810 0450, (Nisel Van Blommestein) 0817 973 7931 | Fax: 0370 6194 123
Email: [email protected] | Web: www.lombokelements.com
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Office: Gallery Intan Laguna No 3, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | www.lombokrealestate.comPhone: +62 370 693 796 | Hp: 0818 544 731 / 0813 5341 4121 | Fax: + 62 370 693 872
Villa Gajah MujurThis superb quality villa is surrounded by 1549 sqm of peaceful tropical gardens and privacy walls. The main residence has a total floor area of
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Villa Senja AyuPerched on the hilltop, this luxurious and modern designed villa consists of 3 bedrooms built to the highest standards, set around a with large infinity swimming pool. Stunning panoramic views across the sea and amazing sunsets! Must be seen!
Everything you need to start building your own dream villa! But hurry.... five lots have already been sold!
Palm Beach Garden Residential Plots - Palm Beach Garden is situated 5km north of Senggigi, in Klui - a quiet valley surrounded by hills and open to the nearby sea. Astonishing panoramas, natural beauty and always a nice cool breeze from the many palm trees. Easy access from main road near Jeeva Klui. Shared services and facilities such as garden maintenance, cleaning, laundry, catering, security and staff housing are available. Palm Beach Hill - A new residential development next to Palm Beach Garden! Located on the hills above Klui Valley with wonderful views over the valley and Klui Beach, and across the ocean to Mt. Agung on Bali. Level plots with access roads and electricity connections are ready to build.
PALM BEACH... Magnificent Land and Property for Sale
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Continued from Page 10THE LATEST AIRPORT UPDATE!Special Feature
Our Wings Air flight took off on time (well, maybe 10 minutes late but that is on time for Indonesia!) and take off on the wide runway was smooth. The view of Lombok in the first ten minutes of the flight is excellent – immediately to the right is Batu Jai Dam, filled to overflowing with the recent rains in Central Lombok (and part of the drainage problem that plagues the airport).Arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali however, was not so smooth. Heavy cloud covered the island and buffeted the small plane as we made our first approach. I watched in alarm as we made a swift and shaky descent, only to see the nose pull up sharply and the plane start to bank in a wide circle. We then made a circuit of the entire island and, as we came up to the airport again, swung out into the blue once more. Most people didn’t notice – many being asleep and my husband steadfastly burying his nose in his book as he normally chooses to ignore my habit of” talking the plane down” on nearly all our Indonesian flights.By the third circuit of Bali, however, most passengers had woken up to the fact that this flight was taking a very long time to land and were glancing at each other in concern. There is, of course, usually no need for alarm when this happens – it is often caused by congestion at busy Bali airport, or because the flight is not running to schedule and needs to wait for another landing spot to be allocated. It is only disconcerting because Indonesian airlines see no need to inform passengers about technical details of the flight. Communication consists of the flight safety instructions at the beginning (usually unintelligible in English – “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen” becomes one word with half the syllables missing, after which it is a good idea to zone out and read the card in the seat pocket); and “Thank you” at the end of the flight.Touch down at Ngurah Rai was uneventful, but the dismay starts after you collect your bags at the baggage carousel and head out of the terminal. Bali’s airport is currently undergoing a massive expansion programme which is expected to last until 2013.Parking and roads are among the first phase of construction which means that passengers are now forced to walk almost a kilometre from the domestic terminal to the parking area near the international terminal.Unfortunately, Bali taxi drivers don’t usually offer to help with luggage and it is impossible to get a luggage trolley, as they are all taken by porters and most people cannot be bothered negotiating a price with these wily guys.The same annoyance works in reverse when you are attempting to leave Bali and travel back to Lombok. Make sure you allow plenty of time to catch a taxi to the
airport (and negotiate the endless traffic jams that now choke most of Bali’s road system) and then drag your bags from the drop off point near the international terminal back to the domestic departure. A recent report in local newspapers quoted state airport authority, PT Angkasa Pura (responsible for the airport construction), as saying that the domestic terminal at Ngurah Rai is now overburdened by 340%, with 175 flights into and out of the terminal every day.This shouldn’t put people off travelling to Lombok, as the same inconveniences will be faced by anyone travelling to or from Bali from anywhere in the world. The fact is, the Ngurah Rai Airport is a mess and passengers need to allow extra time when travelling.
Remember also that domestic departure tax from Bali is Rp 40 000 per passenger and there are also queues here.The lovely Garuda flight back home was equally full of tourists and local people, took off 7 minutes late (pretty much on time, remember?), and a comfortable 20 minutes or so of sightseeing, with beautiful Lombok painted gold with sunset colours.Touchdown was smooth and professional, the air bridge was wheeled up to the door and in minutes we were collecting our bags from the carousel. We emerged from the arrivals terminal so quickly it was almost too efficient, especially in comparison to the chaos we had just left behind in Bali!Worthy of note is the new taxi counter inside the arrivals terminal, directly opposite the baggage carousels. This is an excellent idea, as travellers can organise a taxi as soon as they collect their bags and ignore all the touts lurking around outside the arrivals doors, waiting to sell overpriced transport. Look for the big blue signs with “Taxi” written in white… impossible to miss.Unfortunately the desk was unattended and the helpful customer service officer nearby feigned confusion as to where the staff could be when we enquired. As is often the way, he was probably too embarrassed to tell us that the airport taxis were still on strike!One has to wonder, considering the drivers are complaining about not having enough fares, how they can survive for more than a week now of not working.Unperturbed, we headed out of the arrivals
terminal where we were accosted by all sorts of enterprising characters offering “taxi service”. Please remember that “official taxis” do not hassle passengers for fares and these guys are private transport operators who are not licensed and often charge over-inflated prices to unsuspecting travellers.Why the security guards at the airport continue to allow them to enter is another story, but the best idea is to ignore them. Under normal circumstances, go to the taxi counter, pay a Rp 17 500 fee for taxi service and you will be issued with a ticket with the number of your taxi printed on it. Locate the driver, make sure he starts his meter when you get in the taxi and pay the metred fare at the end of your journey.As no taxis were operating, we simply headed out of the terminal and found the DAMRI bus waiting on the right hand side. A new counter is being built on the paving here for the DAMRI bus and, in future, passengers can pay for their ticket and wait here for the airport buses. The schedules are timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures, so it’s never a long wait for the bus.We handed our luggage to the helpful DAMRI assistant who stowed it in the luggage compartment under the bus, and climbed on board. Minutes later, we were settled back in comfortable air conditioned seats, speeding along the wide smooth highway back to Senggigi.The bus travels to Senggigi via Mataram and makes several stops along the way, including in front of the old Selaparang Airport. The friendly bus drivers usually accommodate requests for extra stops, if you need to be dropped off somewhere convenient along the route. The journey takes nearly two hours and costs a mere Rp 25 000 per person to Senggigi (Rp 15 000 to Mataram and the cities).The Senggigi route terminates in front of the Galleria shops on the main street, just south of Asmara Restaurant. From there, it’s easy to flag down a Blue Bird Taxi on the side of the road to take you to your destination. If you want to catch a bus from Senggigi to the airport, it’s best to check departure times with the driver the day before. You will see the buses parked on the side of the road every day. Allow 2 hours travelling time to the airport and one hour for check in for domestic flights (2 hours for international departures). Pay the Rp 25 000 to the attendant on the bus when he comes around to collect fares and he will issue you with a ticket.The new Lombok International Airport may be further away than some of us would like but, just 4 months after opening, seems to be operating very efficiently.
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS
FOR RENT
LAND FOR SALE
Kuta Beach: 9 are land inlcude bar & restaurant looking for long term lease.
KUTA: 2 are, 15 are & 90 are
Call owner 0878 6460 0950
GILI TRAWANGAN LAND FOR SALE48 are Beachfront
at Paradise Beach (South)Great sunset views
Rp 200 million per are
Ph Made: 0812 382 6262
PT MULTIGRAHA KELOLAVALASAuthorized Money Changer
Pedagang Valuta Asing Berijin
The Best Rate in Lombok !Main Office: Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Taman Rest.
Ph: 0370 693 680Branch Office: Toko Mas Melati, Jl. Pejanggik No. 1-3,
Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 631 567 / 633 748Mobile: 0811 391 269 | Flexi: 0370 660 1269
GOLF PLAYERS WANTEDSENGGIGI HACKERS
AMATEUR GOLF SOCIETY (SHAGS)Friendly, non-profit golf
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HARDTOP FOR SALEToyota HardtopRebuild in 2008
Aircon,power steeringSuspension lift kit
Body lift kitDisc brake front
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Tires 36 x 12.5 x 16 Simex extreme trekkerHi-lift jack
Contact: 0812 3683 1588 / 0812 7840 609
SUPERBIKE FOR SALEHonda CBR 1100XX
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Located in Setangi, 1,8 hectare, road
and electricity access available, 5
minutes to the beach. Freehold certificate.
LAND FOR SALE
Contact 081 836 0415
Bumbangku Beach Cottages
11 are (1100sqm), certificated, safe & secure. Great location in quiet area of Kuta, between new bypass road, and road into town. Good for villa.
May also be possible to purchase.
LAND FOR LEASE IN KUTA LOMBOK
Contact: [email protected]
Required a good English speaking and writing person for:
1. Administration Clerk2. Sales Executive
Please send your CV to [email protected]
or call 08123 757 070
Pasar Classifieds
HONDA V-TWIN 400 SHAFT DRIVE (1992)
The only one in Lombok!
Good condition, still needs a little TLC. DR plates, fully
registered with police. 22 juta / Rp 22 million
MOTORBIKE FOR SALE
081 999 666 656 / [email protected]
53Pasar Classifieds & Discount Vouchers
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10% Discount on Fun Dives
10% Discount on Snorkel Tours
5% Discount on PADI Dive Courses.
Please book in advance by phone: (0370) 693 719or visit our offices at the Holiday Resort / Senggigi Beach Hotel
* Discount applies to a min 2 people – Not in addition to any other promotions or discount offers
10% Discount on all diving activitiesPlease book in advance and present this voucher
upon registration
Gili Trawangan: +62 (0) 370 614 36 49 [email protected] | www.manta-dive.com
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(for minimum 3 day stay)On presentation of this coupon
Phone: 0818 0376 [email protected] | www.secretislandresort.com
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PASAR CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIED AD
Box (9,5cm x 4,9cm) only Rp 50 000 / issue | Phone: 0370 6599 4005 | Email: [email protected]
CV SUGESTILocated in Gerupuk village, south Lombok are currently
looking to hire an experienced and highly motivated national hotel manager for surfcampindonesia.com
You are fully responsible for the operation of our hotel including management of staff (about 10 people),
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Surfcamp Lombok, end of the road, Gerupuk village Email: [email protected]
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New house for sale in Green Valley, Lombok5 minutes walk to the sea and sand beach, and 10 minutes to Senggigi center with several restaurants and entertainment. 1
living room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchenette, 2 air-conditioners, carport. Partly furnished.
Rp 500 million (AUD 52,220) finished nego. Certificate exists. Seller can be sponsor needed for expats. Not for rental.
Call: +62 (0) 815 1080 8460 (English) or+62 (0) 821 4777 7576 (Indonesian)
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54
LIQUOR LICENSES SET TO RISEThe Jakarta Post reports that plans by South Bali officials to increase the cost of a license necessary to sell alcoholic beverages by as much 300% is angering both Bali business owners and tourism leaders.
Denpasar’s increase in liquor licensing is yet another cost that must be factored in to the retail price, in a country where import and other taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages are among the highest in the world.
“Prices of alcoholic beverages in Bali are 1.5 to two times more expensive compared with Singapore and other countries. With this sudden increase in the licensing fee, how are we supposed to adjust the prices?” asked Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra, Chairman of the Denpasar branch of the Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI).
Under the new policy, starred hotels pay Rp 5 million (US $520) for each alcoholic beverage outlet, valid for 5 years. The old price for the same license was Rp 1.5 million (US $166).
Non-starred hotels will pay Rp 2.5 million (US $277), an increase from the old license fee of Rp 750,000 (US $83).
Duty free shops selling alcohol will now pay Rp 7 million (US $777), representing a massive increase from the former license cost of Rp 2 million (US $222).
Pubs, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets wishing to sell alcoholic beverages must now pay higher licensing fees: pubs and bars will pay Rp 1.5 million; restaurants and cafes Rp 2.5 million; and supermarkets and retailers Rp 5 million.
MERPATI IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE AGAINAntara (The National News Agency) reports that PT Merpati Nusantara, Merpati airlines, once again sits poised on the verge of bankruptcy if it is unable to secure a Rp 250 billion cash (US $27.8 million) injection before June 2012.
“Earlier I met with the management of Merpati to discuss the company’s condition. If in June, they do not obtain funds of Rp 250 billion, the company is certain to collapse,” explained the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Dahlan Iskan.
According to Dahlan, the airline’s management needs the funds to cover the operating costs of the company.
Merpati was the recipient of additional government funds amounting to Rp 561 billion (US $62.3 million) in December 2011, six months earlier than when those funds were actually needed in June.
This forced the airline to borrow short-term funds to continue operations, adding
to the airline’s overall debt burden.
Dahlan described Merpati’s current position as one of “life and death”. He was quick to add, however, that all the Merpati managers shared a firm resolve to make sure that the airline survives and prospers.
Dahlan said the state-owned carrier had become overly dependent on government funds, and should be able to secure its own sources of capital.
“I can’t guarantee that the government is prepared to inject more cash from the State budget. Because of that, we give full authority to the management to seek its own funding sources.
We don’t care from where, banks or anywhere; what’s important is for Merpati to keep operating,” Dahlan emphasised.
Dahlan also used the opportunity to inform the public that the CEO of Merpati, Sardjono Tjitrokusumo, had resigned his post at the airline.
“This has (now) become an obstacle for the company. His desire to resign is perhaps because he did not believe he could obtain the Rp 250 billion,” said Dahlan.
Dahlan said members of the senior management of Merpati were unanimous in their desire that Sardjono remain in his lead management role.
Dahlan said he is now thinking where to find a replacement for Sardjono, but there are no candidates in sight who meet the desired criteria.
“I am also of the opinion that Jhonny (Sardjono) must endure as the head of the corporation. I am uncomfortable if we have to replace the leader,’ said the Minister.
Dahlan closed his comments by saying the main point is that all the employees of Merpati maintain their spirit to rebuild the airline.
EUROPEAN TRAVEL DECLINES AS ASIA PACIFIC TRAVEL INCREASES
Following the announcement of AirAsia’s withdrawal of its European and Indian flights, the accelerating decline in European travel is further underlined by an announcement by the Indonesian flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, that it is reducing flight frequencies to Amsterdam.“In accordance with the economic condition in Europe that remains in recession, effective March 1, 2012, Garuda will reduce its flight frequency to Amsterdam from seven to four times a week,” Pujobroto, Vice-President for corporate communication for Garuda Indonesia, was quoted as saying in Bisnis.comThe revamped schedule between Amsterdam and Jakarta will see flights using Airbus A330-200 flying to Europe on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and returning from Europe to Indonesia on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.Meanwhile, Garuda has announced plans to increase flights in the Asia-Pacific with new services to Haneda in Tokyo, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan.Pujobroto said increased demand for travel ex Japan and Taipei will allow Garuda Indonesia to begin operating a new route from Bali (Denpasar) to Haneda (Tokyo) on 27 Apri 2012, and from Jakarta to Taipei on 19 May 2012. Reflecting the relative health of economies in the Asia-Pacific region, Garuda will also increase flight frequencies between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur to three flights daily starting in February 2012.Denpasar to Haneda flights will operate five times per week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, using Airbus 330-300 configured for 257 passengers.Jakarta – Taipei flights will operate daily using Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft.
Local News
55
The three main cities in Lombok – Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara – have expanded over the years and now merge together to create what is, for Lombok, an urban sprawl of shops, administrative centres and residential areas.
A visit to the cities makes an interesting day trip, exploring the numerous small shops selling everything imaginable at low prices. There are numerous pearl shops in Ampenan selling unset pearls and pearl jewellery at cheap prices. These are genuine pearls from the pearl farms on Lombok and Sumbawa and, if you bargain the price, are a good deal. Gold shops are also popular in both Ampenan and Cakra, with 24 kt gold being sold by the gram, regardless of the design.
For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warungs and food stalls in the cities. Or just wander around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and discover fascinating insights into Lombok city life!
Ampenan was the original old port in Lombok during Dutch colonial times and some of the old architecture is still visible around the town, particularly toward the beach to the west. This area becomes a market at night, filled with warungs and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour. With its numerous shops, cheap hotels, dusty roads and plentiful cidomo (horse carts), gold and pearl shops, and its Arab quarter, Ampenan is a colourful town to explore.
Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan on the road from the airport, is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats
come in. A stroll through the markets is a pungent and enlightening experience!
Mataram, about 3 km to the east of Ampenan, is the administrative centre for Lombok and Sumbawa (NTB Province), with government offices, banks, mosques, schools and colleges, bookstores, the main post office, and Mataram University downtown.
In Mataram, the Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum houses historical and cultural artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. It’s an interesting place to visit and occasionally hosts special exhibits. Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Address: Jl Panji Tilar. Ph: 632159 for opening times. There is a small admission fee. Also worth visiting is the cultural centre, Taman Budaya on Jl Majapahit. Music and dance performances are presented here regularly. Phone: 622428 for details.
Mataram Mall, on the main street in Mataram, has an upstairs food court for cheap local meals. Lombok’s only real mall, there are four floors of shops and stalls selling a vast selection of goods. Particularly good buys are shoes, jeans, and copy brand bags and belts.
There is a department store, several electronics stores, and shops selling clothing, CD’s and DVD’s. Hero Supermarket, on the ground floor, is useful for some western goods, food and toiletries. The Chemist next door has imported toiletries, supplements and medicines. McDonalds and KFC have outlets on the ground floor.
Cakranegara (usually abbreviated to “Cakra”) is Lombok’s main shopping area. It is also home to many Chinese and Balinese, who make up over 50 percent of the city’s population. The streets of the city make an interesting tour with gold
shops, sporting goods, clothing stores and very good fabric stores selling imported silks, laces and cottons, to name a few.
Many of Lombok’s weaving and basket making industries are located near Cakra; turn left at the central traffic lights and look for the market on the right near the bridge. The baskets in particular are sold in Bali at many times the local price.
The next large town east of Cakra, Sweta, has a huge market every day near the Bertais bus terminal, with all kinds of goods on sale, from foodstuffs to clothing, exotic birds, handicrafts and more.
Nearby Temples and Places of Interest
Pura Meru on Jl Selaparang, Cakranegara, was built in 1720 by Balinese Prince Anak Agung Made Karang and is the largest temple on Lombok. Its three meru are for the Hindu trinity – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. This is an important temple for the Balinese here and its annual Pujawali festival, held over five days during the full moon in September or October, is the biggest Balinese Hindu event on Lombok. The outer courtyard hall has large drums used to announce ceremonies and festivals. In the central courtyard are two buildings with raised offering platforms. The interior enclosure has 33 shrines as well as the three multi-tiered meru.
Pura Mayura, just across the street from Pura Meru, was built in 1744 as the court temple of the last Balinese kings in Lombok. An open hall or bale kambang (floating pavilion) stands in a large artificial lake here and is used as a place for meetings and to relax. Today the palace gardens are a playground for children. The temple sits behind the sedate water gardens and is open daily; admission is by donation.
THE CITIES
Mataram Mall
Pura Meru (Meru Temple)
The Cities
56 The Cities
57The Cities
58 The Cities
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Mataram Mall SMUK Kesuma
The Cities
60 The Cities
Jl. Adi Sucipto, KP Griya Ellen Indah | Telp: 62-0370-616-2667
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Express Check-in Services | Fast, Modern & ProfessionalWe speak English!
LOMBOK: Jl. Pejanggik No 198 Cakra(Past the Mall, Opposite “fruit street”)P: 0370 633469, 633888 F: 0370 633453E: [email protected]
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61
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The Cities
62 Local News
AIRPORT TAXIS STILL ON STRIKEAs we reported in our last issue, taxi drivers at Lombok International Airport are on strike, cutting taxi services from the airport.The protests began on 26 January, 2012, when around 150 taxi drivers held a noisy protest rally at the offices of the Department of Transportation Communication and Information (Dishubkominfo) NTB and demanded an end to the DAMRI bus service.
The taxi drivers are angry, saying that DAMRI buses are costing them business and have reduced their income drastically since they started operating.In addition to the DAMRI buses, there are four taxi companies licensed to operate from the airport: Blue Bird Taxis, Narmada Trans, Lombok Baru Taxi and Kotama Taxi. Other modes of transport include tour and travel agencies, and private transfers operated by hotels, etc.Whereas, only one taxi company “Kotama” (Koperasi Taksi Mataram) was licensed to operate out of the old Selaparang Airport; since LIA opened, a total of 155 licenses have been issued to taxi drivers… leading to an oversupply of taxis and too much competition between the different companies. Possibly the authorities wanted to ensure that there would be adequate transport services when LIA opened, but many say it would have been more appropriate to wait until the number of flights into the airport increased sufficiently to warrant the extra taxis. When LIA opened in October, 2011, Kotama retained their license to operate out of the airport, and another two new services were issued licenses: Lombok Baru and Narmada Trans (one of which is owned by an ex-Bupati of West Lombok – leading to much private speculation). Blue Bird Taxi only has licenses for 10 units to operate out of LIA.Meanwhile, the Department of Transport supplied eight DAMRI buses, each with a capacity of 40 seats, to provide bus transfers on two routes: between Mataram
and the airport, and Senggigi and the airport.Taxi drivers say, with the DAMRI buses operating every hour or 8 times a day, the bus service is taking the lion’s share of passengers and leaving them without incomes.At the end of January, authorities at the Department of Transport tentatively agreed to reduce the number of buses operating
the routes by three units.At the time of the protests, the Head of the Transport Department, Ridwan H Shah, was not on the island and the protestors were asked to be patient and to await his return for a final solution.On Thursday evening, 9 February, hundreds of taxi drivers gathered in front of the offices of NTB Parliament where they staged a noisy protest demanding an end to
the DAMRI service. Many slept in their vehicles overnight and continued with the protest the next morning.The next day, Friday 10 February, leaders of the group met with the Head of the Transport Department, representatives of DAMRI and PT Angkasa Pura (the airport operator) and members of parliament to voice their complaints and try to reach an agreement.However, Transport Department Head, Ridwan, refused to agree to the cancellation of the DAMRI bus service, sparking volatile arguments and profanity from the taxi drivers. The meeting ended with a tense stand-off.
After the meeting, the taxi drivers continued angry protests in front of the NTB Governor’s office on Jalan Pejanggik in Mataram, where they staged a street demonstration. The protestors blocked half of the main road in the city, disrupting traffic and keeping police busy trying to direct traffic around the blockade. Further protests continued at the parliament offices, with some protestors confronting members of parliament, trying to block them from entering through a side door of the building. The crowd was controlled by dozens of police officers at the site.Ridwan said that the airport received an average of 2000 passengers per day and that, even with eight DAMRI buses operating, there should still be enough passengers to fill the 155 licensed airport taxis several times each day. The discussion then moved to how many illegal transport services are operating from the airport and what impact this has had on taxi passenger numbers. At the time of this issue going to print, the problem remains unresolved but taxi drivers were appeased when Ridwan and members of parliament agreed to visit the airport and assess the situation personally in order to seek a peaceful solution to the problem.
AIR NEW ZEALAND TO RESUME BALI FLIGHTS
After terminating flights to Bali in the 1990’s, Air New Zealand is poised to resume flights between Auckland and Denpasar on a seasonal basis.
Scheduled to operate during the peak season of June to October, the twice-weekly flights will commence on 20 June 2012, using Boeing 767-300 configured to carry 228 passengers.
Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer of
Air New Zealand, is confident the new service will be popular with the public.
“Our flight time of eight and a half hours is a significant improvement on the indirect services offered by competitors that can involve long layovers and a total journey time of at least 14 hours, and sometimes more than 24 hours,” he said.
The new service is subject to government and regulatory approval.
63The Cities
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EVERYONE CAN AFFORD
TO ADVERTISE IN THE LOMBOK GUIDE
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3500 COPIES DISTRIBUTEDEVERY TWO WEEKS AT THESE LOCATIONS:
Garuda Indonesia Airlines: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. BALI: Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Balcony Rest, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Café Seminyak, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, D Corner Bar & Rest, Double Dutch, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Gili Shop Poppies 1 & 2, Gili Cat Bali, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1 & 2, Go Vacation Tour, Golden Kris Tour, Grocer & Grind, Havana Club Bar & Rest, Jimmy Sport Bar & Rest, Junction Bar & Rest, Khaima Rest & Bar, Made’s Warung Kuta & Seminyak, Maya Coffee & Smothie Bar, Ocha Warung, Pacific World, Pacto Tour, Piduh Rest, Poppies bar & Rest, Red Carpet, Sate Bali Rest Echo Beach, Sendok Bar & Rest Legian, Sol Beach Rest, SOS, Sticky Fingers Italiana, The Cameng Bar & Rest, The Wicked Parrot, Ultimo Bar & Rest, Un’s Rest, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bale Bali, Warung Bonita, Warung Eropa, Warung Indonesia, Warung Italia, Warung Kolega, Warung Made Bar & Rest, Warung Max, Warung Pregina, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Yut’s Place Rest. MATARAM: Blue Bird Taxi, Citramulia Travel, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Harapan Keluarga Hospital, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Hero Supermarket, Joli Sourire Dental Care, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), Melissa Bakery, Pavilion Seafood & BBQ, Permata Hati Hospital, Redwood Café, Sinta Pest Control, The Berugaq, Toko Susana, XO Suki Rest. SOUTH LOMBOK: Bumbangku Beach Cottages, Dive Zone, Novotel, Pearl Beach Resort, Secret Island Resort. SENGGIGI: Anna’s Giftshop, Art Market (The Little Shop, Exotic Style, Treasure Chest), Asmara Restaurant, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Foto, Cafe Lombi, Ciokolata, De Quake, Deli Senggigi, Delasan Gift Shop, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Elements, Holiday Resort, Kebun Villas, Lombok Property & Villas, Lombok Real Estate, Mawar Jewellery, Meat Mart, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Royal Spa, Sendok Bar & Restaurant, Senggigi Abadi Supermarket, Senggigi Jaya Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Sundancer, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, The Pub, The Puncak, Warung Kangen, Windy Beach Resort. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Blue Water Cruises, Coco’s, Coconut Dream, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili T Resort, Gili Villas, Island Getaway, Horizontal, ko-ko-mo Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Manta Dive, Queen Villas & Spa, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan, Tir Na Nog. GILI MENO: Blue Marlin Dive, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Karang Divers. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site.
Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Lucas Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Iwan Haryanto, Iain Kent, Nanang Wirawan, Simon Mammino, www.balidiscovery.com.
Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali
Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved. Nothing in The Lombok Guide can be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher.
The Lombok Guideis published by CV Kita Design
Distribution
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The Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The drive itself is a worthwhile trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brick-making and other traditional pastimes.
Along the roadsides you will see people building and repairing boats, laying out hand-made bricks to dry in the sun, working in the fields, and sometimes guiding primitive wooden ploughs harnessed to huge water buffalo, as they prepare the fields for planting.
The peaceful village of Taun (or Tawun), is situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong. The ocean is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide sweep around the bay, while the hills behind form a perfect backdrop to this idyllic setting.
Just out in the calm bay are the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small sign in the nearby village will direct you
to the local boat hire area, where you can arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other small islands offshore.
Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has accommodation for visitors, with Gili Nanggu Cottages providing simple cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as some more up-market rooms further back from the beach. The island is small and the beach here has soft white sand and a reef just off the beach for snorkelling.
Travelling a little further south, before the local 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 tides create small caves and alcoves, providing shelter
for picnics and interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Back on the main road and slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the hillside overlooking another white sand beach. The hotel development is still under construction.
Across the road from Sundancer, on the beachfront, is Dive Zone – currently the only diving facility in this part of Lombok and the experts on diving around the southwest islands, having pioneered development of previously unknown dive sites in this area.
Dive Zone offer dive trips around Sekotong and the islands, as well as in three locations in South Lombok – including challenging world-class diving off southeast Lombok.
Past Dive Zone another few kilometres is Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort, which opened in mid 2010 on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos brings the first luxury accommodation option to the area.
At the next intersection there is a signpost to the right for Labuhan Poh and Pelangan, the site of Bola Bola Paradis. This is a small hotel, situated right on the beachfront with comfortable and clean
rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel is popular with people surfing the big waves at Bangko Bangko.
Continued on Page 70
The SouthwestSecret Islands, Pristine Beaches!Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast
are thirteen small islands called the Southwest Gilis. Unlike the famous Gili islands in the northwest of Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most
travellers, thus they are often called “The Secret Islands”.
The Southwest
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The Southwest
69The Southwest
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Continued from Page 67The largest of the islands in this area is Gili Gede, (appropriately translated as “Big Island”). The island lays just offshore and is so large, visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland. Gili Gede is easily reached in only minutes by boat from the village of Tembowong.
Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has accommodation, at Secret Island Resort and at Via Vaccare on the other side of the island, with more hotels planned for the near future. There are around 400 people living on Gili Gede, who are very welcoming and not trying to sell tourists anything. Gili Gede is a great island to explore, because of its natural beauty and friendly people.
Secret Island Resort has a range of accommodation, including a unique bungalow perched on a pier over the reef – the only one in either Lombok or Bali. The Resort offers activities that all the family will enjoy, while also being a place where you can get away from it all.
Secret Island Resort has two different speed boats offering “Snorkel Mania” trips around some of Lombok’s very best snorkeling reefs, plus professional Sport Fishing Charters aboard their comfortable 9m custom-built boat, “Scorpio”.
The resort can also organise transfers and island hopping excursions to the other beautiful islands in the area.
To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of
Gili Ringgit, Gili Layar and Gili Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea.
Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches and swaying palm trees.
Pearl Beach Resort, newly-opened in 2010, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and well-designed bungalows here looking out over a breath-taking beach.
Of a much higher standard than most of the southwest accommodation, each bungalow has a private terrace, and western standard
bathrooms with hot water.
There is also a beachfront bar and restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals, and good snorkelling directly from the beach in front. The lovely setting calls visitors from the sea to picnic on the beach and swim in the clear turquoise waters.
Pearl Beach is perfect for romantic escapes and for those seeking the tranquillity of a private island resort.
The Southwest
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BAU NYALE… Lombok’s Unique FestivalOne of Lombok’s most important and popular festivals is “Bau Nyale”, meaning “to catch Nyale” in the local Sasak language. It is a cultural tradition, deeply rooted in local legend and drama, and unique to the island of Lombok.
The sea worms are a rare variety of Palolo worm found in tropical waters in certain parts of the world, including Lombok, Sumba and Savu in Indonesia. Once a year – when seasonal, marine and lunar conditions combine – the Nyale come to certain beaches around Lombok to spawn and for a few days, the seas are filled with wriggling sea worms in a variety of colours, ranging from simple brown to red and green.
Bau Nyale, or the Nyale Festival, takes place every year in the tenth month of the Sasak calendar at a time close to the full moon, and is celebrated in either February or March each year.
This year the Bau Nyale festival took place from 12 to 13 February. Unfortunately, the official date was released too late by the government to be included in our last issue.
The Nyale spawn along many of the beaches of the south coast, but the most popular site for celebrating Bau Nyale is at beautiful Seger Beach near Kuta; an area called Putri Nyale (Princess Nyale) by the people of Lombok.
Alternative places to see Nyale are at Bumbang Beach, just to the east of Gerupuk (stay at Bumbangku Beach Cottages), and Selong Belanak Beach to the west of Kuta (stay at Sempiak Villas).
During the festival, Bau Nyale celebrations start in the late afternoon on the beachfront in Kuta. Large groups of both local people and tourists gather on the beach to be entertained by traditional performances hosted by the local communities.
As evening approaches, a long train of traffic makes its way to Seger Beach, around 5kms to the east of Kuta and the site of the main Bau Nyale celebrations. As crowds of between 5 and 6 000 people amass on the small road leading to the beach, typical waits for entrance can stretch to two hours. This doesn’t, however, deter the crowds and the overall festive atmosphere.
On the land surrounding the beach, stalls and warungs selling drinks and foods are set up, and stages are assembled to feature the different performances being held on the beach, with traditional singing and
the popular Dangdut music on show. The main stage features the core performances that are an essential part of the Bau Nyale festival.
The festival begins with “pantun”, a form of traditional rhyming poetry, where young people tease and flirt with each other, competing to form verses in a ritualised style
The highlight of the festival is the theatrical dance and music drama which commemorates the legend of Putri (Princess) Mandalika and is the basis for the magic surrounding the Bau Nyale festival.
Putri Mandalika was a princess of a large kingdom called “Yellow Flower”. According to local myth, this kingdom was famous throughout the land and Princess Mandalika was very beautiful, as well as being kind and well-loved by the people of her kingdom. When she was of suitable age to marry, princes and suitors travelled to the kingdom to ask for her hand. So many men wanted to marry her that it began to cause trouble between the different kingdoms and the Princess became unable to choose between them without her decision causing further strife.
For days the princes competed for the princess, leading to tensions and threats of war between the rival kingdoms. Finally the princess’ father, King Kuripan, gathered all the rivals together and instructed Princess Mandalika to choose her husband before sunrise the next morning. Fearful of causing a war, Princess Mandalika declared that – even if she loved one of the suitors -- she loved her parents and her kingdom too much to cause strife. Saying that, rather than choose one, she would give herself to everyone, she threw herself into the sea from the promontory overlooking Seger Beach, declaring that she would return each year as a sign that she would never leave her people.
Everyone searched the surrounding sea for the princess, but instead they found masses
of colourful sea-worms, called Nyale. According to a local priest, or Dukun, the princess’s body had been transformed into these sea worms, and thus they became a traditional symbol for the Sasak people. Other legends say that the long strands of the Nyale worms are the princess’s hair, floating in the water where she drowned. Whether or not the stories are true, the legend continues to be celebrated and has become a parable of sacrifice for the sake of the greater good; re-enacted each year at the Bau Nyale festival as a reminder to the community.
The Putri Mandalika drama is one of the most unique and enchanting cultural performances to be found in Lombok. The spell-binding and well-acted spectacle features beautiful and authentic Sasak costumes, traditional music, drumming, peresean (stick fighting) and gamelan; and conjures up a fascinating insight into the life and history of our island during the times when Lombok was ruled by kingdoms and Sasak royalty.
At the end of the drama thousands of people make their way down to the beachfront to the east of the bay to see if the Nyale have started to appear. Excited crowds splash into the water carrying small nets, buckets and torches, hoping to be the first to catch a Nyale worm. No one really knows for sure when the Nyale will appear, so anticipation is high prior to the first sighting. The first catches start around 2.30am and by 5am the beachfront is an awesome sight, swarming with thousands of wet, happy people scooping up the worms with nets, buckets, shirts and anything else they could use to catch them!
The highlight of the ceremony occurs when the Dukun (local priest) wades into the sea to observe the spawning Nyale and predict the future rice harvest, based on the number of sea worms. A good catch is a sign that this year’s rice harvest will also be good. Nyale are traditionally associated with fertility, and as part of a ritualised ceremony, the sea worms are ground up and placed in irrigation channels around fields to help ensure a good harvest.
Considered a rare delicacy, the people collect the worms and eat them as a special annual feast. Nyale are eaten sometimes raw when they are caught, or can be steamed, fried, or made into Pepes Nyale. In this popular local specialty, the Nyale are mixed with coconut and spices, then wrapped in a banana leaf and roasted over the fire. The sea worms are rich in protein and are also believed to have aphrodisiac properties, so the feasting takes place with much amusement and gusto!
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Kuta and The South Coast
74 Kuta and The South Coast
75Kuta and The South Coast
South Lombok has beaches that inspire photographers from around the world and draw crowds to bake on the blindingly white sands, swim in the crystal clear oceans and challenge some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia.
Kuta is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the hub for exploring the fantastic southern beaches and the many points of interest in the region.
Located around 60 km south of Mataram and about one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi, Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute) makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok.
With the Lombok International Airport currently under construction in the area, all the major roads are being renovated and the main road to Kuta is very good. The new airport is located only 15 minutes north of Kuta and is expected to spark major development in the area. For now, the beaches are pristine and spectacular.
Kuta and the surrounding beaches have gained an international reputation for some of the best surfing destinations in Southeast Asia. It is here that the gentle waters surrounding Lombok meet the currents of the Indian Ocean, forming
great swells and surf breaks. Kuta attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Tanjung A’an and nearby beaches. 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.
The drive down to the south coast is an interesting rural tour of small villages and farming communities. Fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo.
Just before arriving in Kuta, the road passes two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan. On the east side of the road is Rambitan, a village that caters
to tourists and has authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung (rice barns) and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors.
Nearby, on the hilltop, is one of the oldest mosques in Lombok, Mesjid Kuno. The small building with a thatched roof is considered holy and many believers make pilgrimages to pray here.
Slightly further south is Sade, a hilltop village with more Lumbungs and traditional homes. Both villages have been renovated and cater to the tourist market, but are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries. Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors.
The south coast itself provides plenty of opportunities for exploring beaches and coastal scenery of such breath-taking beauty it is hard to describe. Hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta.
Continued on Page 77
Indonesia boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and the south coast of Lombok rates as being among the best.
76 Kuta and The South Coast
77Kuta and The South Coast
Continued from Page 75
Kuta itself is a small, relatively unattractive town of hotels, home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that cater mainly to the thousands of surfers from around the world who are drawn to the area every year to surf the left- and right-hand breaks out in the bay.
There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants for budgets travellers and one luxury resort: the Novotel Lombok Resort. Designed to blend in with its environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture.
Situated just to the east of the main Kuta area is Mandalika, named after the legendary Princess Mandalika. It is near here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms spawn in the waters offshore.
Around 4 km east of Kuta is Tanjung A’an, with perfect white sand beaches and good waves for surfers. Slightly further east is Gerupuk, well known as a top surf location and situated on a peninsula of land that juts out into the ocean, with stunning views of the sea, and the surrounding islands and bays. There is a good surf school here and no fewer than five surf breaks.
The beaches and scenery continue all the way to the east coast, with fantastic places such as Bumbang,
Awang Bay, Ekas and Pantai Sorga (Heaven Beach)… the name says it all!
Simple beach cottages and a charming restaurant sit right on the sands of Bumbang beach, for those wishing to stay a few days, surfing and exploring the eastern beaches.
To the west of Kuta are another series of beautiful beaches and bays hidden behind headlands and rolling hills, providing peaceful and secluded spots for picnics and swimming. All are within easy day trips of Kuta.
Ashtari, around 2km west of Kuta, stands out from the usual Kuta cafés and is a “must stop” for those touring in the area. Perched on top of the hill with spectacular views over Kuta and the surrounding beaches, Ashtari serves exquisite teas and juices, and delicious vegetarian meals and
snacks that are truly out of the ordinary.
Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes drive to the west and is a picturesque, almost circular bay with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side. It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand.
Mawi, around another 7km to the west, has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough. At other times, it is a lovely beach with impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; with three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.
Further west are picturesque Selong Blanak, Sepi and Blongas, and many more scenic bays and beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. Be sure to use
an experienced local guide with a good vehicle. The recently opened Sempiak Villas in Selong Blanak has a restaurant and several comfortable villas for those wishing to stay in this secluded region.
Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical, cultural or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
78 Kuta and The South Coast
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Kuta and The South Coast
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AIRLINESBatavia AirJl. Pejanggik No.88, Mataram, W. LombokPhone: 0370 648998, Fax: 0370 648400. [email protected]. www.batavia-air.co.idGaruda IndonesiaJl. Pejanggik 42 – 44, Mataram, W. LombokPhone: 0370 638259, Fax: 0370 637951. www.garuda-indonesia.comIndonesia Air Transport (IAT)Mataram, Ph: 0370 639589Lion AirMataram, West Lombok. Ph: 0370 6631444, 6640009, Fax: 0370 642180. www.lionair.cohh.idMerpatiJl. Pejanggik No. 69 Cakranegara, W.Lombok. Phone: 0370 621111, Fax: 0370 633691. www.merpati.co.idSilk AirJl. Panca Usaha No.11, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 628254, Fax: 0370 628292. www.silkair.comTrans NusaJl. Adi Sucipto, Mataram, Lombok. Ph: 0370 6162428, 6162433, Fax: 0370 646840. Email: [email protected], www.transnusa.comTrigana AirJl. Adi Sucipto, Mataram, Lombok. Ph: 0370 6162428, 6162433, Fax: 0370 646840. www.trigana-air.com
BANK / ATMBank Central Asia (BCA)Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, LombokPhone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347ATMs- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok- Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok- MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram- Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok- Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. LombokBank Danamon IndonesiaJl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. LombokPhone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068ATMs- Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok- Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. LombokBank International Indonesia (BII)Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347ATMs- Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok- Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. LombokBank MandiriJl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 631311ATMs- Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok- Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok- Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok- Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. LombokBank Negara Indonesia (BNI)Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. LombokJl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. LombokPhone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005ATMs- Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok- University of Mataram (UNRAM)- Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok- Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok- Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. LombokBank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI)Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, LombokPhone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084ATMs- Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok- Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok- Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok
MEDICAL / HEALTH CAREMedika Husada ClinicJl Raya Senggigi (next to Choice Café, 50m from Art Market) Phone: 0370 6644820HospitalsMataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. LombokPhone: 0370 623498 / 6604605New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045Central Lombok Public HospitalJl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007East Lombok Public HospitalJl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680Biomedika ClinicJl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137Risa ClinicJl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117
DENTALdrg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Hospital Permata Hati) Jl Majapahit No 8 Ampenan. Ph: 0370 631999 / 0818368528.Joli Sourire Dental CareMataram Mall. Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 668 1797 drg. Lina KulsumJl. Gunung Dieng No.7, Mataram, LombokPhone: 0818536236 / 0370 632131
MONEY CHANGERSMultigraha Kelolavalas- Jl. Rasa Senggigi km.10, Senggigi, W. Lombok, Ph; 0370 693693- Jl. Pejanggik No.1, Mataram, W. Lombok, Ph: 0370 631567Multigraha ValasJl. Saleh Sungkar No.1 Ampenan, W. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 624045PT. Bali MispintjiraJl. Raya Senggigi km.13, Senggigi, West Lombok, Ph: 0370 692247, 0370 692247
SHOPPINGSenggigi Abadi SupermarketJl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8.5, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693311Senggigi Jaya SupermarketJl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693530Art Market (Pasar Seni) - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi West Lombok- Gili Trawangan, West LombokBarata Department StoreJl. Niaga II, Ampenan, West LombokPhone: 0370 646123Grand StoreMataram Mall, 3rd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629931Hero SupermarketMataram Mall, 1st floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629918Tiara Department Store Mataram Mall, 1st & 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West LombokPhone: 0370 629902Kharisma Book ShopMataram Mall, 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West LombokPhone: 0370 629875Ruby SupermarketJl. Pejanggik No.111, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 631092Jembatan Baru SupermarketJl. Pejanggik No.41, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 636106MGM PlazaJl. AA Gede Ngurah No.98, Cakranegara, West
Lombok. Phone: 0370 646007
EMERGENCYSenggigi Tourism Police: Jl. Raya Senggigi, Phone. 00370 693267Lombok Regional Police: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 7 Ampenan. Call this emergency number: 110 Fire Brigade: Phone. 0370 672013. In emergency call 113 Hospital UGD (Emergency Unit Service): Phone: 0370 622254Ambulance: Phone. 0370 623498. In emergency call 118
TAXISBlue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000Lendang Karun, Phone: 0370 644444
IMMIGRATIONJl. Udayana, Mataram, Phone: 0370 632520
PUBLIC SERVICESELECTRICITY
PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535
WATERPDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632 510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886
POST OFFICESMataram: Jl. Sriwijaya, Phone. 0370 632645 Senggigi: Jl. Raya, Phone. 0370 693711
CONSULATESAUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: [email protected]: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005.Email: [email protected]: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: [email protected]: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783.Email: [email protected] REPUBLICPhone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408.Email: [email protected] & NORWAYPhone: 0361 701070, Fax: 0361 701073/4, Email: [email protected] & SWEDENPhone: 0361 288407, Fax: 0361 287242.Email: [email protected]: 0361 285485, Fax: 0361 286406, Email: [email protected] Phone: 0361 288535, Fax: 0361 288826, Email: [email protected]: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456.Email: [email protected]: 0361 701005. Email: [email protected]: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066.Email: [email protected]: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: [email protected] & AUSTRIAPhone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457.Email: [email protected]: 0361 263310, Fax: 0361 238044THE NETHERLANDSPhone: 0361 761502, Fax: 0361 752777, Email: [email protected]: 0361 233605, Fax: 0361 222426.Email: [email protected]
General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108
Useful Contacts
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Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan
Elegantly furnished villas with private pool Generous living space, dining and kitchenCentrally located to beach, restaurants and bars Last minute discounts available
www.gilivillasindonesia.com+62 (0) 81 237 55 721
Dive The Gili Islands• and Padi dive courses from beginner to instructor• Daily dive trips, night dives and equipment sales• Traditional style bungalows with AC, hot water, safety box, mini bar, wi-fi internet
and beautiful outdoor bathroom
Gili Trawangan+62 (0) 370 614 36 49 | [email protected]
www.manta-dive.com
Gili Air+62 (0) 81 353 050 462 | [email protected]
www.manta-dive-giliair.com
The Gili Islands
82 The Gili Islands
The largest resort in Gili Trawangan
QUEEN VILLAS & SPA, Gili Trawangan
The Jewel of Gilis
NOW OPENNOW OPEN
A luxury resort with 125 rooms & villas, 3 restaurants, beach front bar & lounge, spa, diving center and lagoon style swimming pool.
Queen Villas & Spa has become the larget resort in Gili Trawangan...
T. +62 878 6450 4800 / +62 8785260 7997 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] /
[email protected] / [email protected] YM: rsv_villaqueen / rsv2_villaqueen / fo_villaqueen / mike_villaqueen / gm_villaqueen
www.villaqueen.co.id
83
Three perfect coral islands, fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok. For many years the Gilis have attracted visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laid-back charm.
The word “Gili” actually means “small island” and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers, who have long considered them to be at least equal to the appeal of Thailand’s and India’s south coasts.
The Gilis have sparse vegetation and rainfall, and it can seem much hotter than on the mainland. This means there is sunshine most days of the year, even when it’s raining in Lombok and Bali. Water is mainly drawn from wells or shipped from the mainland, so there is a need for conservation to preserve the limited resources. Be prepared for salty showers in most of the small hotels and home-stays, although the larger hotels and villas provide fresh water.
There are no cars or motorbikes on the islands, and the main form of transport, apart from walking, is by horse and cart (locally called cidomo). There is a
good selection of restaurants, bars and accommodation on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan. Telephone and internet facilities are available, and most of the normal tourist amenities, although there are no banks and only the larger hotels and dive operators accept credit cards. Moneychangers exchange at a slightly lower rate than the mainland, so it’s wise to change your money before going.
The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, sunbathe, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok.
Popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners with PADI qualifications, and professional standards of safety and environmental awareness.
Blue Marlin Dive, Dream Divers and DSM Dive Centre are probably the biggest dive companies, with offices on the Gilis and in Senggigi on the mainland. Manta Dive, Big Bubble, Trawangan Dive and Vila Ombak Diving Academy on Gili Trawangan also have good reputations.
Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches and, although much of the coral in the shallow waters has been destroyed, it’s still enjoyable,
with plenty of fish to see.
At greater depths and at dive locations around the three islands, the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals, aquatic life and thousands of species of tropical fish, at least comparable to the top dive locations in Thailand.All three islands have developed independently and at different paces, giving each a different personality or style, and catering to different types of holidaymakers and travellers. This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer. Gili Air is closest to the mainland and the most quickly accessed of the three Gilis. This island has the largest local population of the three and combines the charm of a tropical island, with access to the people and culture that make Lombok so special. Diving facilities abound and there is nice snorkelling directly from the shore, particularly from the east and northeast beaches. The south of the island has some good surf, in the right conditions.Gili Meno is the middle and smallest island of the three, with the lowest population. It is not as developed as Trawangan or Air, but has its own special tranquil style.
The Gili IslandsPearls in The Ocean
Continued on Page 89
Gili Trawangan
Tourism Information
84 The Gili Islands
85
E: [email protected] | www.thegiliislands.com
Relaxing Day CruisesMentigi - Gili Islands on a traditional phinisi
Cruise from Mentigi Bay,20 mins north of Senggigi, to the Gili Islands where you can swim, snorkel, dive, water ski
banana boat, kayak, ride horse-back *or just plain chill out.
Departs Mentigi Bay 9am.Free pick up (at 8am)
in certain areas and drop off.
Fare: Rp 750,000 per passenger.On board restaurant
*Cost of land and water-sport activities not included in fares,departure contingent on a minimum number of passengers
Komodo Island Toursby Traditional SchoonerCruise from Bali or Lombok
to the eastern island of Floreson the way visit beautiful Moyo and
Satonda Islands, see the Komodo Dragonsdive pristine reefs and discover Flores
Regular cruise departures
Air conditioned cabinsDelicious meals
Attractive Cruise Only and Dive Packages Available
For more info & bookings, ph: 0812 3690 4414 | 0817 343 168 | 0361 8855 402 [email protected] | www.bluewatercruises.com
The Gili Islands
86 The Gili Islands
87
The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan.
From mainland Lombok, there are many different options, as described below. Tour companies and dive operators in Senggigi also provide transfers daily.
FROM BALI: The fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfers direct from Bali to Gili Trawangan. www.GiliBookings.com is a booking site offering easy online ticketing services for fast boat transfers. See the “Getting to Lombok” section on page 2 for full details.
HOTEL TRANSFERS: Many of the larger hotels on the islands now provide speedboat transfers for guests, as well as pick up services from the airport – enquire when you make your booking.
FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes drive north of Senggigi. Most of the dive companies have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands every day from Teluk Nara.
Gili Cat, Blue Water Express and Island Getaway also operate fast boat services between Lombok and Bali from this harbour. It is possible to negotiate private boat trips out to the islands with the local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of Bangsal.
At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Vila Ombak, The Beach House, ko ko mo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by speedboat to the Gilis.
MENTIGI BAY: Also on the west coast, a few kilometres before Teluk Nara, Mentigi Bay is a base for Blue Water Cruises. The company offers relaxing day cruises around the Gilis onboard a beautiful traditional phinisi boat, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
Boats depart daily at 9am. There is a small café at the bay and a variety of fun water sport options available.
Blue Water Cruises also operate regular cruises to Komodo Island and other islands to the east, as well as dive and cruise packages. Visit their website for details: www.bluewatercruises.com.
FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or bemo to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.
Public ferries (really just large outrigger boats) depart regularly to all three islands and charters are available, with prices depending on the number of passengers and your bargaining skills.
Unfortunately, the area is plagued by touts and scams, so ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are posted clearly on the wall of the ticket office.
Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best times are between 8am and 4pm. If you don’t want to wait, it doesn’t cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group.
Don’t let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first.
Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers… there are; or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three
islands. Bangsal is a pretty area; it’s a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone.
If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there is a nice home-stay called Arnel on the harbour road with pretty rooms at reasonable prices.
The attached Salero Minang restaurant serves delicious Minang meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services.
FROM SENGGIGI: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours.
The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first!
A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.
Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.
Getting To The GilisTourism Information
88
Tropical Hideaways ResortMeno’s finest accommodation at very reasonable prices!
10 luxury bungalows, swimming pool and kiddies paddling pool, set in a privatetropical garden just a stones throw away from the crystal blue ocean
and white sandy beaches of Gili Meno...
Dive and Stay Packages Available!
Phone: 0370 7044 603www.tropicalhideawaysresort.com | [email protected]
The Gili Islands
89
GILI T VILLA FOR SALE2 bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms,
kitchen, living room, with private swimming pool.
Just behind Big Bubble Dive.29 years leasehold with option.
Phone Wayne on 0821 4591 4432 or Made on 0812 382 6262
USD 185,000
The Gili Islands Pearls in The Ocean
Tourism Information
Continued from Page 83
The pace is a much slower, with the laid-back charm of a true castaway tropical island experience. Small hotels and basic beach-side huts provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun, with unpopulated beaches, clean waters and quiet walks under the star-filled skies at night. Gili Trawangan is the largest island and furthest from the mainland, but easily
reached in less than an hour by local boat or 10 minutes by speedboat. This is the most famous of the three Gilis, with a reputation as “the party island”. While this reputation refers to the many fun parties held at different bars and restaurants on the island, it is a misleading description of this lovely place. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Gili Trawangan, ranging from simple
home-stays to up-market hotels and villas with swimming pools. There’s a great selection of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, particularly toward the southern end, known locally as “Sentral”.Snorkelling is extremely easy just off the shore and there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy. The island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok.
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Gili Trawangan’s only Indian RestaurantSheesha Lounge & Beach Resort
Luxury Suites, Villa Rooms, Deluxe Bungalows & Rooms with AC or Fan, situated in private gardens.
Private terraces with Hammocks, hot water,western bathrooms, TV & DVD, AC,
Safety box, 24hr security and shady tropical gardens.
Bali, Lombok & Gilis Transfers Available
Phone / Fax: +62 370 6123 521 Mobile: +62 818 0549 4876
Email: [email protected]
www.pesonaresort.com
The Gili Islands
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LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES
Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB IndonesiaP: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 647741
E: [email protected] W: www.thetrawangan.com
The Gili Islands
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The Beach House on Gili Trawangan is an innovative and contemporary resort set amidst tropical gardens,
facing the sparkling turquoise waters of the Lombok Straits.
Accommodation choices include a range of private villas, each with their own freshwater pools. Pool suites sharing a freshwater plunge pool,
and 12 bungalows set in tropical gardens.
The Beach House provides a range of facilities, including a beachfront freshwater resort pool and bar, and a beachside bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.
Phone: +62 370 6142 352Fax: +62 370 6148 365
Email: [email protected]
www.beachhousegilit.com
The Gili Islands
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GILI AIR
Gili Bytes
The internet is probably a traveller’s best friend, especially if you are interested in a particular location. You can set up “Google Alerts” to notify you whenever a certain name or word is mentioned, for example: “Gili Air”.This is a useful tool when you work in retail, as it means that you can monitor what is being said about your business. I, of course, have this set up for Karang Divers, but I also have it set up for the three Gilis. Every day I get one or two emails from Google telling me what people are saying about these wonderful islands and it makes for interesting reading. Gili Trawangan always gets a mention but rarely does anyone talk about Gili Meno – which is a shame because Meno is a lovely peaceful little island.Gili Air is mentioned most days; however, it’s usually once or twice compared to five or more times for Gili T. This is changing, and I think it will continue to change over the next few years as more people start to realise what a wonderful place Gili Air is to visit. These internet mentions usually come from blog entries, “Trip Advisor” reviews and internet forums such as Lonely Planet’s forum “The Thorn Tree”.The interesting thing about the information that comes from “Google Alerts” is that it is recent information. Most businesses on the island have websites, but this information on these is relatively static; to really know what is going on, reading through recent blog or forum posts is best for current news and information. As I mentioned earlier Lonely Planet has a great forum, though many of the people on there are hardened travellers, so make sure you check their FAQ section first
before asking a question – they do not take kindly to people who don’t use the search function first: www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntreeTripadvisor.com is another great travel resource, especially for reviews of many of the hotels, restaurants and dive shops on Gili Air: www.tripadvisor.comBlogs are also a great source of information. The two that are updated most often are by Ocean’s 5 and our own blog from Karang Divers:www.karangdivers.wordpress.comwww.oceans5dive.wordpress.comPlus, remember that you can find everything about Lombok online at The Lombok Guide, too – www.thelombokguide.comAs I walked around Gili Air today, looking for news to fill my column, I noticed that the new map recently put up at the harbour has an arrow pointing to “you are here”… but it points to the wrong side of the island!
If you find yourself looking at this sign in future, remember that you are actually at the exact opposite side to where the arrow is pointing. At least the arrow is pointing to the correct island – which is something, I suppose!
When I reached Seven Seas Dive Resort, I went in to say hello to the manager; a friendly and helpful man called Laurent. He told me that the new building at the side of their resort is an office for the new inter-island boat
service called “Scoot”. Scoot started operating fast boat transfers between Bali and Lombok last year and their new inter-island service connects the three Gili Islands. The office at the side of Seven Seas is clean and the staff member there, Halimah,
was friendly and spoke good English. Currently, the Scoot boat leaves from the harbour, but the service will move to their new office in the next few months. The “Scoot” boat leaves Gili Air four times a day, at 8:45, 10:45, 12:45 and 4:15. This is great if you want to go on a day trip
to Gili T from Gili Air, as there is a returning boat at 5pm. However, you do pay for this convenience as the cost is Rp 200,000 for a return trip.Alternately, you can take a local island-hopping boat (an outrigger or perahu) that leaves from the harbour at around 10am and returns at
3pm, travelling between Gili Air and Gili T. This boat trip is cheap and good value if you just want to transfer between islands or have a brief day trip, although some people may find the outrigger boat a little basic or the times too restrictive. Further in tourist town, I went to see if The Beach Club had made any more progress on construction of their new Gili
Air resort. I had a walk around and, from what I can see, they have eight, bright and airy bungalows that look like they’ll be up and running in plenty of time for the busy season. Today is another bright day on the island and the weather seems to have settled down a little – we’ve had sunny days from the 5th of February onwards and conditions under the water are also starting to improve. With the monsoon winds still blowing, all around the island you can see small children flying tiny
kites. I brought a huge stunt kite back from a recent trip to Singapore but it seems I am unable to get it to fly, which is rather embarrassing!In the late afternoon, if there is a breeze, you can catch me in the field at the side of our dive shop, desperately trying to get my kite in the air. If you can’t see the kite, just follow the local children’s’ laughter or the sound of a grown man crying!
94
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The Gili Islands
95Tourism Information
96 The Gili Islands