The Lombok Guide Issue 119

The

Issue 119 | 9 – 23 July 2012

FREE COPY

LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com FLIGHT SCHOOL HAS PLENTY OF LIFT

HELP BABY SITI

Page 10 & 44

Page 20

IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok

Page 2

Attractions & Actitvities

Page 4/8

Lombok Map

Page 6

Special Feature Page 10/44 Senggigi

Page 12

Senggigi Map

Page 14

What’s Hot

Page 18

Local News

Page 20

Local Scene

Page 26

Special Feature Page 30 Local News

Page 32

Mr Fixer

Page 50

Pasar Classifieds

Page 54/55

Discount Vouchers

Page 55

The Cities

Page 58-64

Cities Map

Page 60

Distribution

Page 66

The Southwest

Page 68-71

Kuta & The South

Page 72-77

ECO NOT EGO

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK THE DAMAGE DONE

The Beach Club

Beach Bungalows

Page 93

Page 94

Page 15

VIBRANT CULTURAL LOMBOK! As we go to print with this issue, Senggigi is just winding up the closing ceremony for the 2012 Senggigi Festival.

For four days, visitors to our island have been treated to an amazing kaleidoscope of traditional and cultural performances and displays – exquisitely intricate dances performed by beautiful Sasak ladies dressed in delicate lace kebayaks and woven sarongs, dramatic theatrical performances by local actors in colourful and fearsome masks, exciting displays of skill and courage in Peresean stick fighting competitions; all overlaid with the sounds of gamelan orchestras and the throb of the big drums, the Gendang Beleq, for which Lombok is famous.

The Senggigi Festival is an important reminder of the rich, vibrant and fascinating cultural heritage of our island… and yet another reason why you should put Lombok on your “must visit” list now!

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…

Useful Contacts Page 78 The Gilis

Page 79-104

Getting to the Gilis

Page 83

Gilis Fast Facts Page 87 Gilis News

Page 93/94

Gili Bytes

Page 101

Gilis Map

Page 103

like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted! ...Life is Good!

P: +62 (0) 370 614 2352 | E: reservation@beachhousegilit.com | W: www.beachhousegilit.com

Tourism Information

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GETTING TO LOMBOK

GETTING TO LOMBOK

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only 25 minutes European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of and fares start from around Rp 300,000 (approx US $33) one way. Java) or Bali. Direct flights from Jakarta to Lombok are available Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights. or contact local travel agents, in both Bali and Lombok.

Lombok is easily accessible from Jakarta, Bali, Jogyakarta and Lombok International Airport (or Bandara Internasional Lombok, Surabaya and is an important connection for travel to the eastern commonly abbreviated to BIL) is the only airport on Lombok. The islands, in particular Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores. airport is approximately 40km south of the city of Mataram, and Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Senggigi and 25 minutes from Kuta.

Jakarta every day, Call Center : 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office : Airport departure tax is Rp 25,000 for domestic departures and Rp +62 370 642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com 100,000 for international departures.

Lion Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta and BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR Surabaya. Ph: +62 370 664009. www.lionair.co.id In Lombok, flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Aiport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Domestic Airport.

Merpati Airlines has flights available between Lombok, Bali, Bima, Deli, Bandung, Flores and Kupang. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111. www.merpati.co.id

Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok, Bali and Trans Nusa Air flies between Lombok, Sumbawa and Bima once Jakarta every day, Call Center : 0 804 1 807 807, Sales Office: +62 a day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. www.transnusa.co.id 370-642303, 649999. www.garuda-indonesia.com Batavia Air has flights between Lombok, Jakarta every day.

Merpati Airlines flies direct between Bali and Lombok four times a Lombok, +62 804 1 222 888 / +62 21 38 999 888. day. Lombok, ph: +62 370 621111, Airport: +62 370 633637 / +62 www.batavia-air.co.id 87864253577. Bali, ph: +62 361 420999. www.merpati.co.id Sky Aviation offers flights to remote and difficult to get to Trans Nusa Air operates two flights between Bali and Lombok destinations, including Labuhan Bajo on Flores, Batam, daily. Lombok, ph: +62 370 624555. Bali, ph: +62 361 8477395.

Pekanbaru, Jambi and more. Ph: +62 370 630787 or see their www.transnusa.co.id website for full details. www.sky-aviation.co.id Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok with three flights daily.

BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA The company share-codes with Wings Air, so you may purchase a Lion Air ticket and find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Call Centre: +62 80 4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132. www.

Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is approx. 1 hour lionair.co.id south of Senggigi, Lombok.

Sky Aviation operates morning and afternoon flights between Bali and Lombok every day. The company also offers private charter flights between the islands, as well as other destinations throughout Indonesia. Lombok, ph: +62 370 630 787. Bali, ph: +62 361 936 8320. www.sky-aviation.co.id

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Lombok International Airport 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: +62 370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. Call Centre: 0 80 418 07807. Airport: +62 370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com

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: +62 370 681 209.

Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840

FAST BOATS There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok. Most serve Gili Trawangan, but several also call at Teluk Kodek on mainland Lombok, making fast boats from Lombok to Bali (and vice versa) an option to flying.

See the “Getting to the Gilis” section for details.

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HOT TASTE, COOL VENUE

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

Tourism Information

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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Drivers License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light.

Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring or take part in the tours and day trips offered by the many tour agencies on the island.

Surfing by Gretah Gray

BEACHES

snorkelling just off shore or stay at Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede to explore The whole island is surrounded by the twelve other undeveloped islands fantastic beaches, most of which are in the southwest. The beaches around covered in clean white sand and fringed Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit by coconut palms. Drive just north of Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy long stretches of white sand and turquoise deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon at swimming. The southwest coast also has Mawun. fine beaches, especially around Sekotong DIVING and Taun.

With so many beaches and small islands, Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu Lombok offers a myriad of diving and for rustic accommodation and great snorkelling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili islands - Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Snorkelling is easy from the shore and all three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night dives to the many sites around the Gilis, as well as specialised courses and live-aboard adventures to exotic locations. For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well as near Kuta on the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.

SURFING

Tiu Kelep Waterfall by Ghani Novianto

Lombok is becoming a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts worldwide. 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!

Ekas Bay has two surf breaks: Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas, which are suitable for beginners to experts, depending on different peaks and tides.

TREKKING Much of the island is still covered by natural rain forest and jungles, making Lombok ideal for ecotourism and adventure tours.

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.

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Lombok Map

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On the beach at the Jetty... your Gili T holiday begins and ends here!

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.

60sqm fresh water swimming pool and separate kiddies pool.

Beachfront bar and restaurant serving quality Indonesian and International meals and snacks all day

The Jetty, ‘Sentral’, Gili Trawangan | Phone: 0370 6138513 gilitresort@hotmail.com | www.gilitresort.com

Tourism Information

8

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Segara Anak Lake by Iwan Haryanto

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Mt Rinjani, Lombok’s famous volcano, soars 3726 m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge crater near the top contains a beautiful lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea Lake) and a smaller volcanic cone, Gunung Baru Jari, which was formed a couple of hundred years ago. There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano.

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 handwoven sarongs and fabrics (ikat).

Pringgasela in central Lombok is a small village which is steeped in tradition and is a major centre for weaving ikat. Visit the small houses and shops here to purchase traditionally woven, colourful fabrics.

Masbagik, close to Pringgasela, is a small pottery village. Wander the streets and Tenun Ikat Handycraft by Andy Irawan

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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Special Feature

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FLIGHT SCHOOL HAS PLENTY OF LIFT

It’s now been almost one year since the first and only flight school in Lombok opened its doors at Selaparang Airport near Mataram.

large passenger jets and turboprops, thus making their transition to larger aircraft easier.

Pilots trained in modern aircraft invariably score higher on airline intake courses and students with a solid experience in flying technologically advanced aircraft have an edge on their competitors.

While flights ceased out of that airport seven months ago, with the opening of the new Lombok International Airport near Praya, Lombok’s former airport still sees regular take-offs and landings as trainee pilots at LIFT learn to fly.

LIFT (Lombok Institute of Flight Technology) is the initiative of a group of dedicated and enthusiastic investors who all share a love of flying and saw a need for a professional pilot training centre, unlike any other in Indonesia Aviation is now one of the fastest growing industries in Indonesia and the demand for pilots is high, with experts predicting a need for around 11,000 pilots by 2015.

Commercial airlines in Indonesia often recruit pilots from overseas as there are not enough skilled pilots to fill the requirements of airlines that are constantly expanding their fleets and routes throughout this vast archipelago.

“Before the 1997 Asian Economy Crisis, Indonesia was the major pilot training centre in South East Asia and pilots were one of this country’s exports. After the crisis, due to lack of funds, planes fell into disrepair and Indonesia’s position for pilot training was lost,” said investor, Pak Edmond. “Flying is my hobby and passion so, together with my other pilot friends, we are doing our part to re-establish the great flying tradition in Indonesia.”

LIFT now has arguably the best flight training facilities in Indonesia, with five groups currently progressing through the rigorous programme to become qualified pilots.

Inside the flight simulator

Their “ground school” is located in Jakarta, which handles enrolment, theory and examinations. Training is carried out by certified instructors and expatriate airline captains and includes the VTS testing facility, which tests for such things as multi-tasking ability, English language skills, hand-eye coordination, aptitude testing, response times and decision making, medical conditions and more.

Once students have passed the two-tothree month ground school phase, they move to Lombok where they can practice in state-of-the-art flight simulators before moving on to flying in the planes.

“We chose Lombok for a number of reasons,” said Chief Flight Instructor, Russell Sherwood. “There are already flight schools located in Java and in Bali but the skies there are already too congested, which can be dangerous and is not ideal for flight training. Lombok is conveniently close to Bali and we fly to Bali almost every day, but Lombok has clean air and hardly any pollution, which makes conditions ideal for learning to fly.”

While there are 15 other flight schools in Indonesia, none can compete with the facilities available at LIFT in Lombok.

All use very old aircraft, often C-172 planes, which do not have the advanced instrumentation and technology found in modern aircraft.

LIFT is the only flight school in Indonesia that features new and advanced training airplanes, with a fleet of new Liberty XL2 aircraft manufactured in the US by the “Liberty Aerospace Corporation”.

Russell in a Liberty training plane

The Liberty XL2 planes use advanced airline avionics so that pilots can become familiar with the modern technology they will encounter in the cockpits of

The aircraft are also fitted out with state of the art safety and navigational equipment, GPS locators and tracking systems, flares and other amenities.

Another important difference that sets LIFT apart is that the school uses high quality imported aviation fuel in their planes, rather than the petrol commonly used in other schools.

LIFT also uses two of the most advanced flight training simulators in the world, produced by “RedBird Flight Simulations Inc.” The flight training simulator has a full motion system for realistic flight training in single- and multi-engine high performance aircraft, while the cross wind simulator allows trainee pilots to simulate flying under a variety of challenging conditions.

The cockpit of the flight training simulator features advanced instrumentation and all the equipment found in a real aircraft.

The simulator allows trainee pilots to practice a variety of programmable flight conditions such as take-off and landing at different airports around the world, wind turbulence, bad weather and poor visibility, engine failure and other realistic scenarios.

Mounted on hydraulics, the full motion simulator moves and pitches according to the scenario, while wrap-around windows display real-time views from the front and sides of the aircraft.

When my flight instructor was told to put the “aircraft” into an uncontrollable spin and we eventually crashed into the earth, the experience was shockingly realistic… right down to the sounds of the approaching crash, the acute angle of the aircraft’s descent and the sight of the plane’s shadow growing closer as the nose plummeted into the ground!

The simulators are invaluable in training the pilots before they take to the air in real aircraft.

Continued on Page 44

Senggigi

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Tourism Information

Senggigi Bay by Koes Nadi

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Tourism development runs north along the coastal road for about 10 km, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches that line the entire west coast.

About 2 km north of central Senggigi Kerandangan Valley has a popular beach nearby and some small boutique hotels, such as Puri Mas Spa Resort and Villa Campi Sorga, situated in a pretty valley.

Dream Estate Park comprises private villa accommodation for owners and investors, and has villas available for short and long term rental in a secure, well-managed estate.

At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve – with clearly marked hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river.

There is a small Ranger’s hut and visitors centre near the entrance, and picnic areas with basic concrete tables along the paths.

The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife.

Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with boutique style hotels positioned along the breathtaking beaches of this section of coast. The popular Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Beach Resort, Windy Beach Resort on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi Beach, with the bright orange sun and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit. sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the Furthest north are Klui and Lendang horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and ocean.

Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches.

Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the Mainly deserted white sand beaches, right conditions, some decent surf breaks. flanked by coconut groves and untouched Canoes can be hired from the beach on by hotel development, continue all the the weekends and during peak tourism way north along the main coastal road. times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque be chartered from the beachfront for trips bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, along the coast or out to the Gili Islands. which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all.

The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, large bay that forms a natural harbour, bars and nightclubs; many of which have about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the live music in the evenings. There are a main dive operators have boats here, couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as and moneychangers, a post office and all an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour. the normal tourist facilities.

Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place north, is reached by turning left at the to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels crossroads in Pemenang and from there it and resorts, as well as mid-range and is easy to catch the public ferries (actually budget accommodations. 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 Setangi by Koes Nadi beauty of Lombok.

Senggigi

WEST COAST RESORT

Just over one hour from Lombok International Airport, Senggigi is the main tourism centre on Lombok and, apart from the Gili islands, the most developed tourism area on Lombok.

The town of Senggigi is about 10 km north of Ampenan, and about 30 minutes drive from Teluk Nara and Bangsal – the harbours to the Gili Islands.

Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali counterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is laid-back, with activities centred on the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all within a few hours drive from the town.

At night, Jalan Raya Senggigi (the main street) comes alive. Dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, listen to live music at the bars, or dance the night away at the nightclubs.

Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centre of Senggigi, with the main road running parallel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The Senggigi Beach Hotel, Santosa Villas and Resort, and the Sheraton Senggigi Resort all line the curved bay of Senggigi Beach and offer a full range of resort facilities, equally attractive for singles, couples and families.

The beachfront is currently undergoing “revitalisation” by the West Lombok Tourism Department, which threatens to ruin the natural beauty of the beach. It can become very crowded and is best avoided on Sundays and public holidays.

However, many more beautiful beaches exist just minutes away to the north.

One of the most spectacular sights

Senggigi

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Senggigi Map

Senggigi

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The Beach Club Beach Bungalows, Bar & Café

Whole BBQ chickens take away Rp 70 000

TWO PERFECT BEACH LOCATIONS IN LOMBOK! Senggigi - Comfortable beach front bungalows with AC, hot water, dvd, satellite TV, private balcony and swimming pool. 5 minutes walk from Senggigi!

Gili Air - Comfortable Bungalows with AC, Fresh Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed with views of Gili’s fantastic white sandy beaches – perfect for snorkelling – just steps from your room!

The Beach Club Senggigi

Deluxe Beach Bungalows & Standard Rooms

The Beach Club Gili Air

Jl. Raya Senggigi, Batu Bolong | Ph/Fax: +62 (0) 370 693637 | M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 E: thebeachclublombok@hotmail.com

www.thebeachclublombok.com

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Mataram

Senggigi

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DREAM DIVERS DREAM IT...

DO IT

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.

HEAD OFFICE SENGGIGI: Ph 0370 692 047 | Fax 0370 693 738 | Gili Trawangan: 0370 6134 496 | Gili Air: 0370 634 547 www.dreamdivers.com | info@dreamdivers.com

What’s Hot!

18 A new tourism and hospitality training centre opened recently in Mataram aims to raise the skills levels of Lombok’s hospitality industry. LP3 RINTAM is the first of its kind Hotel and Tourism Training Centre, headed by former Executive Chef at the Senggigi Beach Hotel, Pak Gusti Lanang.

One year hotel and tourism courses are based on the Indonesian National Standard Competency (SKNI), with lecturers coming from star-rated hotels with many years of experience as assessors on skill levels, knowledge and staff attitude.

Included in the curriculum, or available individually as short courses, are: Barista Short Courses, Fruit Carving Short Courses, Bartending Vocational Training, Food & Beverage Workshops, Supervisory Builder training and more.

Martin, from Café Lombi in Senggigi, is in charge of coffee education and offers general knowledge and short barista courses for coffee shop staff, hotels, restaurants and coffee connoisseurs.

LP3 RINTAM is located on Jl RA Kartini 30X, Mataram. Class registration for the 2012/2013 year is open from now until 14 July.

For enquiries, contact school admin on 0370-625795 or Chef Lanang DP on 0878 6424 9669.

Goodness! Only two supermarkets in Senggigi for more than 10 years, and then suddenly two Alfa Marts opened a month ago and now, virtually overnight, an Indomaret has moved into the premises

previously occupied by Royal Spa, alongside Bayan on the main street.

A quick check of the range of stock shows the usual tinned and packaged goods, drinks, snacks, toiletries, etc., as well as some handy items, such as gas bottle valves and stationery supplies. There is even a small display of fresh fruit near the front of the store.

Not all stock was complete at the time of going to press. We’re wondering when one of the Bali franchises such as Circle K or Mini Mart are going to move in. We’re also wondering how they’re all going to survive!

A dear friend and I stopped in at the Meru Restaurant at The Chandi in Batu Layar for lunch the other day and were very pleasantly surprised! The gardens and grounds have come along very nicely since last time we visited and the stylish Meru Restaurant is a delightful place to relax, with cool breezes and fine views across the ocean.

Seated with a glass of cold New Zealand white, we had a hard time choosing from the tempting lunchtime offerings but, in the end, dear friend settled on a bowl of Minestrone and some Spiced Calamari.

Both were very good, with the Minestrone filled with chunky vegetables, while the Calamari was tender and tasty. My Crab Cakes served on a bed of fresh salad greens were delicious, as was the Chicken Quesadilla we both ended up sharing. Service was excellent and, overall, Meru rates as a gorgeous place to slip away for a bit of peaceful time out and some top quality cuisine. www.the-chandi.com

SWITZERLAND’S EASY RIDERS

Meet Regula Schenk (28) and Iris Brügger (31), both from Switzerland – from where they have ridden their pushbikes all the way to Lombok!

We met the girls outside our office last week when they had freshly arrived back from a few days much-needed rest out on the Gili Islands.

Regula and Iris have been cycling across the world for two years now and have covered an amazing 15,700 kms so far!

The epic trip was inspired by a dream they both had of taking off on a journey to see Turkey, initially. Departing from their homes in Switzerland, they cycled across to Romania and then down to Turkey. But once there, they decided to keep going and just see where the trail took them.

They originally planned to ride across Iran but those plans were halted when they were told that a new law had been introduced forbidding women to ride bicycles in Iran!

Instead, they crossed the Caspian Sea and rode across to the region of Uzbekistan, which is 90% mountainous terrain, and Kyrgyzstan, where it took them two weeks to travel across the dessert steppes.

“It is really remote and very beautiful, but we must go slowly because of the high altitudes,” said Regula. “Also settlements

We see places most tourists don’t see and we can meet the people very easily.”

“We live simply and mostly we sleep in our tent or stay in local homes. In Indonesia, we have stayed in police stations, military posts and hospitals,” Regula said. “The people are very friendly and we have found that people in Muslim countries are the nicest and the most kind.

They are so welcoming and go out of their way to help you.”

Intrepid Travellers Regula (left) and Iris

there are very far apart, so we had to carry our own water and food supplies for two weeks. That was a challenge!”

The girls then cycled their way across China and through Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, before travelling down the Thai peninsula to Singapore. From there, it was a hop across to the Indonesian archipelago… riding through villages and across rice fields and mountains from Sumatra all the way to Lombok.

“We wanted to travel and see different countries and learn about the different cultures,” Iris explained. “We worked three jobs each, saving up enough money before we left on the trip. With the bikes we can stop easily and see everything up close.

Iris agreed, saying, “Lombok is lovely. It’s not as crowded as Java or Sumatra and the local people are not so used to tourists.

They are really curious and friendly!”

From Senggigi, the girls will ride to the east of Lombok before loading their bikes on the ferry to ride across Sumbawa and then onto Flores. Once they have crossed the mountains of Flores to Maumere, they will take a Pelni ship to the Borneo border and across to Malaysia.

“Where to then?” I asked.

“We’re not sure,” they both said. “We like to be flexible and see where the journey takes us. Or we might go home after that… it’s been a long journey and we have seen and experienced so much, we need time to take it all in. But after that, we’ll definitely travel again!”

Ride on, amazing ladies… Selamat Jalan!

Senggigi

19

[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ]

NooQ

C o c k t a i l & Ta p a s L o u n g e Lonely Planet: “This terrific, hip hotel-restaurant has a well-selected modern menu [and] is an incredibly romantic setting�

[ Fine Wining and Dining on the Beachfront ] Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693800, Fax: +62 370 693802 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com

20

HELP BABY SITI

When a report was published in The Jakarta Post a couple of months ago, a group of local people sprang into action.

The story reported on a 4 month old baby with a terrible skin condition living in a poor and remote village in Lombok and her family’s struggle to find help for their child.

Siti Zahwa was born with a congenital skin disease that causes itchy scales to form all over her body. The dry scaly skin then cracks open, leaving the baby covered with nasty blisters and sores; forcing her to live in constant pain and putting her at constant risk of infections.

The problem is worsened by the heat, dust and the poor sanitary conditions in which she lives.

Siti, together with her mother and father and three elder siblings, lives in the village of Selong Paok, near Bonder in Central Lombok. It is a poor community, with simple houses made from woven bamboo and thatched roofs with concrete floors.

Her father, Ahmad, struggles to support his family as a low paid farmhand, sometimes travelling as far away as Sumbawa to find work. Her mother Ratniah is just 35 years old but has already known a lifetime of hardship trying to feed and clothe her children.

When baby Siti was born, the real nightmare began. The baby’s skin was dry and tight, and she unable to move her fingers and toes without the skin breaking.

She couldn’t open her eyes because her eyelids were stuck together and her whole body was covered in blisters and peeling skin. Her life has been constant pain; and she screams and cries every day.

As poor people, the family sought help at the community health centre (Posyandu), but the staff were unable to diagnose her condition and said Siti needed to be treated in a hospital. Unfortunately, the family is so poor they were unable to afford even the fare of around Rp 20,000 to travel to the hospital.

Neighbours and friends in the village have tried to help but everyone else in the impoverished village of around 110 occupants faces similar hardships, with malnutrition being a major problem in Selong Paok.

That is when a local community group called Velo Girls, led by popular Lombok businesswoman Widi Bruno, read the story and sprang into action.

Velo Girls was founded in November 2010, as a safe and non-competitive club (cycling community) for women interested in cycling and keeping fit.

Their vision is to inspire women to ride bikes as a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to motorbikes – thus reducing traffic on the roads, underage motorcyclists, accidents and pollution.

The group meets regularly to cycle around the countryside for fun and fitness, and is involved in a number of community help projects.

Local News

further, and she has a comfortable cot to sleep in.

The result in just two months is amazing.

Already Siti’s skin is improving and she is able to move her limbs without tearing the skin. Her eyes are returning to their normal There they found a very poor community position and she is able to open her mouth living in subsistence conditions. Siti’s house is like most of the others – small and and feed. Although she still cries, it is not constant and she is in less pain as the skin basic, surrounded by bare dirt that seeps creams sooth the itching and burning. through the woven walls and with only minimal facilities, such as a shared well “We have had help from the members for washing and drinking water. of Velogirls, their families and friends, Outside her house, Ibu Raniah clutched her a nurse from a local hospital and even a friend from the Health Department, and crying baby, a tiny undernourished child we are very grateful to all these people,” who has been unable to thrive due to her skin disease and the poverty of the family. Widi said. “But this isn’t about the people who help… the only important person in Her eyes were open but the lower lids were stretched down by the dry skin on her this story is Siti Zahwa. Anyone who sees face and the rest of her body was a mass of her condition and the pain she is in would want to help.” red plagues and blisters.

The creams used to treat her skin are Unfortunately, Siti has an acute form expensive, with one tube costing around of psoriasis – an autoimmune disease Rp 190,000 – a luxury this family could that causes plagues to form on the skin. never afford on their own.

The disease is probably genetic and is impossible to cure completely. However, However, the girls are determined that with correct care, it can be controlled and they will continue to supply the medicines will probably diminish as Siti gets older. needed for Siti. They have set up a reserve fund at the bank that they hope The girls were shocked by the situation will continue to supply enough money to and the lack of help available to the baby. buy the skin creams and medicines every They immediately organised medical care month to keep Siti’s condition under and set about collecting donations from control. everyone they knew to pay for treatment “If we can get enough donations, we can and buy medicines for Siti. accumulate the money needed to buy the So far, Velo Girls have raised enough medicines each month so that, when Siti money to cover the costs of treatment and medicine, including the skin creams which isn’t in the news, she will still have the care she needs and the chance of a normal must be applied regularly throughout the life,” Widi said. day. They have also set about making If you wish to help Siti, please transfer the family’s living conditions better by your donation to: Bank BCA, Account No: supplying foods and baby formulas, vitamins and other essentials. Siti’s clothes 8220314007 (Account name: Dyah Sari Puspitarini) or email: and blankets are now clean and lightvelogirlslombok@rocketmail.com. weight cotton, to avoid irritating her skin Hearing about Siti, Velo Girls decided to ride to the remote village of Selong Paok to see the situation for themselves and to find out how they could help.

Senggigi

ITH NOW W IN R A MAND S! N O S LES

21

Our students are our best advertisers!

International and Indonesian curriculum: SD, SMP, SMA and IGCSE’s to A levels Kurikulum Internasional dan Indonesia SD, SMP, SMA and CIE hingga A Level Bilingual English and Indonesian language Menggunakan dwibahasa yaitu Bahasa Inggris dan Indonesia Native English speaking teachers and Indonesian teachers in every class Guru-guru asing dan Indonesia setiap kelas International standard facilities

Fasilitas berstandar internasional Expatriate and Indonesian students welcome Kami menerima murid-murid ekspatriat dan Indonesia Maximum 20 students per class Maksimum 20 murid per kelas We develop subject knowledge and understanding, thinking and communications skills in fun and engaging ways Kurikulum yang mengembangkan pengetahuan dan pemahaman, kemampuan berpikir dan berkomunikasi melalui cara yang menarik serta menyenangkan

Jl Pantai Meninting, 83355, Lombok | Ph 0370 647 514 | Email: nusaalam@yahoo.com | www.nusaalam.com

Senggigi

22

Italian Beachfront Restaurant Delicious Fresh Seafood, Authentic Italian Dishes Oriental Food, Barbecue on the Beach Wood Oven Pizza, Homemade Pasta and Italian Bread

Jl. Raya Batu Bolong, Senggigi | Phone: 0370 693039 / 693313 info@cafealbertolombok.com | www.cafealbertolombok.com • 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

Senggigi

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Individual and Group Pearl Farm Tours Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private viewings welcome

Showroom and CafĂŠ Open Daily

PT Autore Pearl Culture, Teluk Nara, Malaka, Lombok Phone: +62 370 6844 895 / 0813 3992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au

Senggigi

24

Windy Beach Resort Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok

“Next to Nature”

Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: reservations@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com

Senggigi

25

Puri Bunga Beach Cottages

Luxury and Tranquility Privately 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

Sea view cottages

From US$40* / room!

(Incl breakfast)

* tax and service charge and high season surcharges may apply

Enquire about our special offers!

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

26

Local Scene

NUSA ALAM STUDENTS GET A TASTE FOR LIFT

The students at Sekolah Nusa Alam agree that LIFT is a great facility to have based in Lombok.

They were first introduced to the opportunities offered by the flight school when Nusa Alam held a “Careers Expo” recently, which allowed pupils to consider career options available at the end of their schooling.

Jack and Jessica, both students at LIFT, attended the Careers Expo to talk to the pupils about flight training and career options, and to show them that the airline profession is open not only to men but also to women.

The students were very excited to see young people so close to their own ages training to become pilots and, as a result, LIFT invited them to the flight school to view the facilities.

Accompanied by Nusa Alam science teacher, Max, the group of Year 7 students visited LIFT where Jessica and Jack give the pupils a lesson in basic aerodynamics, how the engines work and aircraft materials.

The pupils were thrilled to be able to look in detail at a plane engine and also sit in one of the training planes and view inside the cockpit.

“Following this, the pupils were taken to a lecture theatre and discussed the problems of landing planes in different crosswinds.

They were then given the opportunity to try out the flight simulation machines - one which simulated landing in different speed winds and the other was an overall flight simulator in which pupils could fly around in a computer generated version of Lombok,” said Max. “The pupils had a ball and learnt so much from the trainee pilots. The girls were also very inspired to see an Indonesian girl training to be a pilot there. Please say a big thank you to everyone at LIFT from us!”

Senggigi

27

UNIQUE PROPERTY FOR SALE IN SENGGIGI

SPACIOUS TWO STOREY PROPERTY ON 25 ARE PRIVATE HILL TOP WITH STUNNING 300+ DEGREE PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS SUITABLE FOR LUXURIOUS PRIVATE RESIDENCE, FINE DINING RESTAURANT, HOMESTAY OR OTHER EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS PREMISES THIS IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN ONE OF THE BEST PROPERTIES IN SENGGIGI

US $500,000 / Rp 4.5 Milyar (Offers considered) Originally built as a restaurant, this spacious and luxurious two-storey property has been used as a private residence for the past two years and comprises over 600sqm of open living space which can easily be converted for residential or business purposes.

Solid brick and tile construction, wrap around windows throughout, and upstairs balconies give unbelievable views across Senggigi all the way to the southwest coast and the beaches to the north. The sunset views to Bali are amazing!

Phone: 0812 3734 4894 / 0812 3723 5607 | Email: kitadesign@hotmail.com

Senggigi

28

Puri Mas Gallery The Essence of Tradition, Luxury & Style

Fine Arts and Collectibles From Around the Archipelago

AT PURI MAS BOUTIQUE RESORT

Just 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 info@purimas-lombok.com | www.purimas-lombok.com | Skype: purimasreservations

Swiss Bakery & Cafeteria • 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!

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: info@cafelombi.com

Senggigi

29

Live Music! Great Food!

Good Times!

Every Friday ‘Ary Juliyant and Friends’ from 7.30 pm in the garden Delivery menus available at Asmara or sent by e-mail

Jl. Raya (Main Street) Senggigi, Lombok 0370 693619 restaurant@asmara-group.com

www.asmara-group.com

Living in Style * Own Private Pool

* Private Villas * Bamboo Restaurant * Garden Lounge Café * Billiard Bar

* Huge Bath Room * Comfortable Bed * Spacious Dining & Living Room * Lush Surroundings

Jln. Raya Senggigi Km. 8, Lombok, Indonesia | Telp: +62 370 692 999 | Fax: +62 370 692 888 Email: booking@mannavillas.com | Website: www.mannavillas.com

30

Special Feature

SHAKING IT UP AT DE QUAKE

De Quake, on the beachfront at the Art Market, has been one of our favourite restaurants for a long time, so we’re delighted to see the changes that have been made under the leadership of new chef, Bryce Adamson.

Canadian-born Bryce has worked in kitchens all around the world and his passion for food is evident in the types of dishes he prepares and the beautiful way the food is presented. No pretentious sprig of dill and dollop of chopped prawn in cocktail sauce here – his food is plentiful, full of flavour and gusto… much like the man himself!

We stopped in to De Quake for lunch last week when we heard that Bryce had totally revamped the lunch menu.

“I noticed that no one in Senggigi knows how to make a good sandwich or baguette… and the bread here is pretty terrible,” he said. “So we got a good pastry chef and started making our own breads, baguettes and pastas. Homemade pasta is the best!”

And those ingredients form the basis of a lunch menu that is simple and yet so needed on an island over-supplied with chicken “gorden blue” and nasi goreng.

as Bolognese and Carbonara, as well as some not-so-common Arrabiata, Primavera and Quattro Fromaggi toppings.

But it was the sandwiches, burgers and baguettes that had us salivating and debating… the selection is wonderful and, no doubt, each deserves to be sampled at least once!

Who could resist such offerings as Smoked Turkey Baguette with Cranberry Mayo; or the Reuben Roll stuffed with corned beef and sauerkraut and rolled in a The menu lists a few soups and salads for tortilla? Vegetarians will love the Sicilian starters, including a wonderful Mexican Chicken Soup full of spicy grilled chicken Vegetables with sundried tomatoes, breast, Jalapeno peppers, onions, tomatoes, artichokes and other antipasti vegetables served on a baguette with black olive aioli. cilantro and sour cream. A meal in itself!

The winner of the day, however, was the There is also a rich Triple Tomato Soup Beef Rendang Roll – a perfectly cooked made with sundried tomatoes, and among the gourmet salad selection, an interesting and crispy-on-the-outside baguette, stuffed full of spicy chunks of tender Rendang variation on a Caesar Salad served in a beef, sautéed onions and mushrooms, with crispy tortilla bowl. a little horseradish and gherkin to add to Pastas are well covered with homemade the already mouth-watering flavours. This Spaghetti or Fettuccine served with a is an unbeatable combination – a real eastvariety of sauces including favourites such meets-west roll!

Also worthy of a mention is the deceptively simple Quake MonteQusko, layered with slices of Smoked Turkey and Chicken Ham (surprisingly like the real thing!), plus thick slices of cheddar. The whole is then dipped in egg and fried in butter. It would be hard to find a better variation on a melted ham and cheese sandwich than this!

Despite the gourmet twist and the quality ingredients used, prices are very sensible.

Most lunch dishes range around the Rp 40,000 mark.

There are also some scrumptious desserts (the Chocolate Mousse is to die for!) and a very good drinks list, including interesting fresh juice and herb concoctions, and a wonderful cocktail list that has been reworked by Bali mixologist Dee Cee, who recently upgraded the drinks list at Qunci Villas.

The décor at De Quake has also had a shake-up, with everything done in red and black, while still keeping its casual and contemporary elegance.

Relaxing on the big lounges downstairs is a perfect way to take in the beach scene and dream away a few hours, while the upstairs section has comfortable tables overlooking the ocean and beautiful beach views, especially in the evening as the sun sets over Bali.

Night time dining is more upmarket with some superb dishes such as Crab Bisque with Scallop Mousseline, Coconut Prawns in Malibu Rum Dip, and the highly recommended Black and Blue Pasta… but that deserves a visit on another day.

Finding a good restaurant for lunch is not so easy in Senggigi. The small number of Senggigi restaurants that we rate as “lunch-worthy” are top eateries: Square Restaurant, Quali and Quah at Qunci Villas, Asmara Restaurant, Meru Restaurant at The Chandi, and now…

De Quake!

Senggigi

31

“De Quake is One of the Most Enjoyable Places to Eat in Senggigi” – The Lonely Planet

Lunch daily 11am - 3pm Freshly baked breads and homemade pastas, delicious sandwiches, salads and burgers

Dinner from 4pm til late Fine cuisine and fresh ingredients Steak, seafood, pasta and Asian specialties

Art Market Senggigi, Lombok +62 370 693694

www.dequake.com

32

NEW WEBSITE FIGHTS INDONESIAN CORRUPTION

A new Indonesian website has been set up to fight corruption by “naming and shaming” offenders in one of Asia’s most corrupt nations. www.Korupedia.org aims to be an online encyclopaedia of corruption, through which anyone can access details about corruption cases and individuals found guilty by courts.

Korupedia.org lists names, photographs and details of convictions, such as amounts embezzled and sentences received. So far the website has uploaded 120 names of people convicted of corruption and their photographs, and the list is expected to grow.

Founded by Teten Masduki, the former chairman of Indonesia Corruption Watch, and several journalists, the site has been viewed by almost two million visitors since it went live on 12 June 2012.

It has also survived repeated attempts by hackers to take it down.

Indonesia regularly ranks as one of the most corrupt countries in the world and

Transparency International, the antiglobal graft body, ranked Indonesia 100 in a list of 183 nations in its “Corruption Perception Index” last year, making it more corrupt than India.

A Gallup poll released in October last year found that 91 percent of Indonesians believe corruption in government is widespread, compared to 84 percent in 2006.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has won two elections on promises to tackle graft in one of the most corrupt countries in Asia, but critics say he has failed to make any genuine difference to the culture of graft and impunity.

Activists said that the website will help educate people by providing more data and knowledge about corruption.

The list includes former cabinet ministers, governors, legislators, civil servants and businessmen, some of whom are planning to run in the 2013 provincial elections and the 2014 national elections… without people realising that they are already convicted crooks.

Models for rent starting from IDR 3.700.000 pw Model Studio Kerandangan Wine

Per Week IDR Per Month IDR

3 700 000 4 500 000 6 300 000

8 500 000 11 000 000 15 400 000

VILLAS PLOTS *All prices are 10%and tax included and subject to (currency) change Including electricity, water, gas, daily towel change and cleaning.

Local News

RARE TIGERS BORN AT BALI ZOO

BaliDiscovery.com reports that a rare white Bengal Tiger gave birth to three orange-striped cubs at the Bali Zoo on 11 June, 2012.

The proud parents are two rare white Bengal Tigers: 9 year old mother Kartini and her 8.5 year old mate, Buntung.

The three cubs born at the Singapadu facility in Gianyar weigh 4 kilograms each and measure between 57 and 60 centimetres in length.

The white tiger gene is known to produce some of the largest tigers in existence. Accordingly, the three “girls” are showing signs of the very large cats they may become, having almost tripled in length and added 3.8 kilograms in weight in less than 20 days.

The three offspring – who have been given the names Punja, Delta and Gangga – are being kept in special enclosures under intensive care by a team of veterinarians. The doctors are reportedly most pleased with the trio’s progress.

The three baby Bengal Tigers are welcome additions to a collection of over 350 animals living on the 9 hectare park.

For more information: Jalan Wisata Alam Kerandangan 0813 3868 8524 | 0813 3972 1541

Senggigi

33 The

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2 spacious double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, open living areas, private swimming pool, sun deck and barbeque terrace.

Nearing completion... View now!

Prices from IDR 1,6 Billion / Approx USD 168,000 (offers considered)

Phone: 0819 1593 2899 (Indonesian) / 0819 3676 6611 (English) Email: wouter.linden@gmail.com

34

LOSMEN

Cover Yourself in

TJABE MERAH

Jl. Saleh Sungkar, Gg. Sawah, Ampenan, Lombok Ph: +62 370 636150 - Fax: +62 370 637635

THE RED PEPPER INN New season swimwear now in store!

New designs every two weeks!

Clean 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 AMPENAN BEACH JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR KEBON ROEK MARKET

Gang Sawah

TO MATARAM

TO SENGGIGI

LOSMEN TJABE MERAH

www.hotel-lombok.nl

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 Repairs Rubbish Removal | Carpentry Stone Coating | General Maintenance Work

Jl. Raya Senggigi (next to Senggigi Jaya Supermarket) ciokolataclothing@ymail.com

www.ciokolata.com

Jl. Alpa Raya Blok IV No. 4 BTN Sandik - Lombok Mobile: 0812 3693 5382 / 0818 0363 6609 Phone (0370) 6657069 / Fax: (0370) 621627 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id

Senggigi

35

Exotic Style Treasure Chest Fashion - Bags - Accessories

Gift Shop

We Sell Nice Resort Wear, Hand Made Bags From Natural Materials and Many Kind of Accessories For Your Style at Tropical Island

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE Phone: 0370 693 358 | Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok

Phone: 0370 692 183 Art Market, Jl Raya Senggigi Lombok

The Little Shop Unique 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

Senggigi

36

NOW OPEN IN SENGGIGI! MAMAS, NIKMAT, CATER PRODUCTS Sirloin, Tenderloin, Fillet Steaks Cold Cuts and Deli Meats Salami, Ham, Chicken and Turkey Sausages - Breakfast, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Herb and Mixed Dry Pasta and Sauces Gandari Purified Ice Cubes

Open 9am to 10pm every day

Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant | Ph: 0370 693 531

UD. GANDARI ICE SOLUTION

Pure refreshing ice cubes made from UV sterilised and purified spring water.

Hygienically packaged for your convenience Supplying hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes & private villas

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

www.gandari.com

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

Senggigi

37

Open 9am to 8pm, 7 Days a Week

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

Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Rambo Petshop) | Phone: 0370 693177

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!

Open 7 days a week

Jl Raya Senggigi (30m from Asmara Restaurant)

Phone: 0370 693177

38

Senggigi

39

The Studio

Bookings:

a natural touch of luxury The Hill - Bukit Batu Layar - Senggigi

info@thestudiolombok.com

Anna’s

Giftshop

http://www.thestudiolombok.com

Looking for nice presents or home decorations?

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

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

Senggigi

40

[ Yo u r K e y to an I d yllic 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: +62 370 693 802 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com

Senggigi

41

BLUE MARLIN DIVE SENGGIGI ...DIVE THE DIFFERENCE!

Lombok’s premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre Senggigi’s most time efficient daily return trips Professionally 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 safety Daily 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

HOLIDAY RESORT & SENGGIGI BEACH HOTEL +62 370 693 719 www.bluemarlindive.com | senggigi@bluemarlindive.com

Senggigi

42

MARSHANDER SPA & SALON PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY & HEALTH CARE

Hair and Beauty – Trained Hair Stylist Facials and Skin Care – Body Shop and Biokos Products Waxing and Nails Massage, Reflexology and Body Treatments Spa Packages OPEN DAILY 10am to 9pm

Great Prices and Trained Therapists...

Come in and try our full range of services for beauty, health and relaxation!

Senggigi Square Blok A/05 (next to Cafe Lombi), Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0878 6228 0693

Great Bumbu Service | Tasty and Varied Menu | Delicious Thai Specialties!

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner - On Senggigi main street, just south of the Art Markets Enjoy our fine foods, comfortable atmosphere and friendly service!

Phone: 0370 693 166 / 0818 0523 7126

Senggigi

43

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” style Clean and comfortable with friendly staff

TV, Air Conditioner, Safety Box, Free WiFi Hot & Cool Water, Swimming Pool Jl Raya Senggigi Km 8, Senggigi, Lombok | P: 0370 693176 | F: 0370 692270 E: info@sendokbali.com | W: www.sendokbali.com

delasan LOMBOK STYLE GIFT SHOP

Fashion, Accessories, Lombok Snacks, Souvenirs, Swimwear, etc

Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Sendok Bar & Restaurant) Lombok | Phone: 0370 693176

44

FLIGHT SCHOOL HAS PLENTY OF LIFT Training is completed with dual flights accompanied by flight instructors while the trainee becomes competent and progresses to solo flights, and includes repeated series of landings and take-offs, as well as around 20 hours of solo flights.

95% of LIFT students are Indonesians looking for a career in aviation, in which case they study for a Commercial Pilot Licence. At the completion of their training with LIFT, most of these graduates will be hired as cadets or first officers by commercial airlines, under the supervision of captains.

Hobby pilots can also enrol at LIFT to qualify for Private Pilot Licenses (PPL).

People who hold a PPL can fly as a hobby and are able to hire aircraft and transport passengers as long as it isn’t for commercial gain.

In addition to sophisticated avionics, modern aircraft and simulators, LIFT currently employs six western flight instructors. All have Airline Transport Pilot Licenses – the highest level of qualification required to train to airline industry standards – and are dedicated professionals.

The school’s principal is Captain Rachmatun Sulistyo, a distinguished

Sophisticated avionics

commercial pilot who previously flew for Indonesia’s “Air Force One” during exPresident Suharto’s rule.

“I spent 4-5 years as a flight instructor in Spain and Portugal before moving to Indonesia,” said Victor, a flight instructor from Spain. “It is a really good challenge here and we aim to make LIFT a world class training centre, which I think will be soon as the facilities, planes and instructors are all world standard.”

Jack, Australian living in Indonesia, is only 19 years old and learning to fly at LIFT. “The location is fantastic; we really couldn’t pick a better spot for training.

Weather-wise conditions are pretty good all year round,” he said. “Also it’s great being able to meet other expat instructors and learn from them, rather than attend

Special Feature Continued from Page 10

one of the schools in Jakarta, which tend to be really local.”

“The other major advantage of flight training in Indonesia is the lower cost of the training and the opportunities that are available at the end of the training. For example, the cost for a PPL is around Rp 230 000 000, which is very low in comparison to the west,” Chief Flight Instructor, Russell added.

“A Commercial Pilot Licence costs around $80,000 in the US and around 100,000 Euros in Europe, the others said, “… and then there is no guarantee of a job at the end. There is huge competition for jobs in Europe and the US, as well as Australia, whereas here in Indonesia you are more or less guaranteed to be offered a contract once you qualify.”

Jack agreed, saying: “The cost to qualify for a Commercial Pilot Licence is around Rp 600 million at LIFT, which includes all accommodation, transport, meals and other expenses.

As a comparison, a university in Melbourne offers a similar course for almost twice that cost – and that doesn’t include any of the other expenses, such as accommodation, which is much higher in Australia.”

MODERN VILLA IN MANGSIT, LOMBOK WESTERN OWNED AND BUILT 3 Bedroom, plus guest/ maid apartment, situated in tranquil, secluded valley close to beach.

Spacious living and open terraces. Beautiful terraced gardens on 26 are. 10x6m pool with stone decking and berugak.

Vacant land with potential for further development.

Dual water supply. 7KVA power + Generator.

Freehold Price Rp 2.7 Miliyar / US $300,000 (approx) Email: daveriddington@hotmail.com Contact Dave / Ani: 0823 4059 955 / 0813 5355 9918 / 0370 6610775

Senggigi

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SHOW ROOM Jl. Raya Senggigi Duduk Garden No.6 Batu Bolong 83355 Lombok – Indonesia Phone / Fax: +62 (0) 370 6194 123

www.gandari.com

46

IMMIGRATION SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR IMMIGRATION AND INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS Visas and Residency Permits Work and Business Visas Retirement Visas Police Permits Land Certificates Land and Building Permits Foreign Investment (PMA) Company Documents

VOA Extensions up to 60 days

For free information and advice contact: DAMSIAH Office: 0370 692 253 / 0818 360 415 / 0858 5822 3619 perwiralombok@yahoo.com / damsiah@yahoo.com

your personal business to Indonesia Indo-Ned will help you in running your business in Indonesia. Assistance for foreigner who have, or intend to have, property in Indonesia. Indo-Ned will also be your partner for business and administrative affairs including business reports, and monthly and annual tax.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDE: Company Registration: – PMA (BKPN, Act of Notary, Comicile License, Tax Register, SK-Kehakiman, TDP) – PT Local – Representative Office in Indonesia Other Licenses: Stay and Working Visa, Import License, SRP & NPIK Legal Documents: Tax Reports and Administration Assistance Our Offices: – Jl Raya Kuta No.68 - R16 Istana Kuta Galeria, Central Parkir Kuta, Bali. P/F: 0361 769 102 | M: 0821 4795 7755 – CIK’s Building 2nd Floor Suite 215 Jl Cikini Raya No.84-86 Menteng, Jakarta Pusat. P/F: 021 314 5614 | M: 0813 1593 5911 – Kopelslager 2, 6641 GS Beuningen (Gelderland) - The Netherlands.

M: (+31) 630 368 263 | P: (+31) 024 677 0324 | F: (+31) 024 675 0862 Email: asimbolon@indo-ned.com / info@indo-ned.com

Senggigi

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1 HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 60 000

Complete Spa Services at Local Prices!

Open every day from 10am to 10pm Phone: 0819 1593 2899 Two convenient locations in Senggigi Senggigi Plaza Blok 3 No.9 (Senggigi Beach Road)

Galeria Shops (Near Rambo Petshop)

Senggigi

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PALM BEACH... Magnificent Land and Property for Sale

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.

Everything you need to start building your own dream villa! But hurry.... five lots have already been sold!

Villa Senja Ayu Perched 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!

Villa Gajah Mujur This superb quality villa is surrounded by 1549 sqm of peaceful tropical gardens and privacy walls. The main residence has a total floor area of 260 sqm with a huge living room, dining area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lobby, an open garage and large swimming pool.The villa also has a separate 55sqm guest house.

A comfortable and secluded villa in a lush valley setting.

Office: Gallery Intan Laguna No 3, Jl Raya Senggigi, Lombok NTB Indonesia | www.lombokrealestate.com Phone: +62 370 693 796 | Hp: 0818 544 731 / 0813 5341 4121 | Fax: + 62 370 693 872

49

CV. TUNGGAL JAYA GENERAL CONSTRUCTION Served Property Maintenance

• Gypsum / Calsiboard • Alang Alang • Teraso • Matt Wall • Painting • Plumbing • Water Proof • Floor Repair • Carpenter • Stone Coating • Metal Roof • Landscape • Metal Truss

Provided Out Sourching Employees House Maid • Room Maid • Pool Attendant • Gardener, etc

Jl. Raya Senggigi Km.4, Montong, West Lombok Ph: 0370 692106 / 0818 544 921 / 0813 3954 6558 | Fax: (0370) 621588 | Email: tj_lombok@yahoo.com

LOMBOK PEST CONTROL TERMITE CONTROL RODENT CONTROL PEST CONTROL FOGGING

TERMITE TRAP (recommended

by Australian Government)

For Minimum 1 Year Contract GET 1 Month FREE! Jl. Raya Senggigi Km.4, Montong, West Lombok

Ph: (0370) 692106, Fax: (0370) 621588 | 0818544921 (Edy), 08175751643 (Muzahar)

Mr Fixer

50 his daughter’s wedding the week before.

Tongue-in-cheek answers to your personal and building problems EURO DEBT CRISIS SOLVED It is a rainy day in a sleepy Greek village where everyone lives on credit when a wealthy German tourist walks into a hotel. He places a EUR.100 note on the receptionist’s desk and says he would like to inspect the rooms so he can pick one for the night.

The receptionist gives the tourist the keys and, whilst the tourist is upstairs, the hotel owner grabs the EUR.100 note and goes next door to pay his bill at the butcher.

The butcher then takes the EUR.100 note to the farmer to pay his bill for the meat supplies.

The tavern owner then goes to the local brewer to pay his alcohol bill and then the brewer immediately heads off to pay his bill at the hotel where he stayed with his wife the week before and didn’t pay the bill.

The hotel owner then puts the EUR.100 note back on the desk before the traveller suspects anything.

The traveller thanks the hotel owner for the inspection, announces that it is not what he was looking for and then picks up the EUR.100 note and leaves.

Nobody produced anything. Nobody earned anything. However, the whole village is now out of debt and can now look forward to a bright and prosperous future. And that is how the bale out package works. All the Greeky people are out of debt!

THE BUZZ WORD IN TODAY’S BUSINESS WORLD IS MARKETING

and see a handsome guy. One of your friends goes up to him and pointing at you says, “She’s fantastic in bed.” That’s Advertising.

You see a handsome guy at a party.

You go up to him and get his telephone number. The next day you call him and say, “Hi, I’m fantastic in bed”. That’s Telemarketing.

You see a handsome guy at a party. You straighten your dress, go up to him and pour him a drink. You say, “May I?” and reach up to him to straighten his tie, gently brushing against him as you say, “By the way, I’m fantastic in bed”. That’s Public Relations.

You’re at a party and see a handsome guy. He walks up to you and says, “I hear you’re fantastic in bed”. That’s Brand Recognition.

You’re at a party and see a handsome guy. He fancies you but you talk him into going home with your friend. That’s a Sales Rep.

The farmer uses the EUR.100 note to pay People often ask for a simple explanation the farm supplies shop for the animal feed. of “Marketing” – so here it is:

Your friend can’t satisfy him, so he calls you. That’s Tech Support.

The farm supplies shop owner then goes to the garage where he is having his tractor fixed to pay for his new engine.

You’re on your way to a party when you realise that there could be handsome men in all the houses you are passing. So you climb on the roof and shout at the top of your lungs, “I’m fantastic in bed!” That’s Junk Mail.

The garage owner then goes to the local tavern to pay his wine and food bill from

You’re a woman and you see a handsome guy at a party. You go up to him and say “I’m fantastic in bed.” That’s Direct Marketing.

You’re at a party with a bunch of friends

SINTA PEST CONTROL

Melayani Pengendalian: Nyamuk DB / Malaria / Cikungunya Lalat, Kecoa, Semut Hama Tikus Rayap Hama Gudang

Controlling: Dengue, Malaria & Cikungunya Mosquito Fly, Cockroach, Ants Rats Termites Spiders and Other Pests & Bugs

PT SINTA AGRO MANDIRI (Ijin Dikes No: 03/52.71/PC/VII/11) Jl. TGH Hambali No 8, Mataram, Lombok | Phone: 0370 631176 / 627991

Senggigi

51

Senggigi

52

The Gandari

The Gandari Villa Residence complex, Lombok, is currently under development and consists of 3 luxurious Villas. Each of the 2-storey Villas features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, a store-room, a dining room and a maid’s quarter. The splendor of the Villa extends to a balcony and terrace with a swimming pool, outdoor shower, Bale (Berugak), a fish pond and covered car park. The superior craftsmanship, quality of building materials and design speaks for itself and can be viewed at any time.

Each Villa is nestled in its own compound with a size of 600sqm and a separate main entrance and an entrance from the covered car park.

The Villas have been uniquely designed and feature a Master Bedroom on the ground floor with direct access to the swimming pool. In addition, this bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe and an indoor and outdoor shower.

The kitchen has an adjacent store-room with a separate access to deliver goods through a separate entrance, leaving the main entrance to the living room for guests. It is centrally located and offers easy access to serve dinners in the dining area or living room.

The dining room is designed as part of the gardens, covered by a roof, but can be enclosed with open folding doors and is air-conditioned as a part of the indoor area.

A very unique feature is the open ceiling of the living area; from the ground floor to the first floor, into a gallery with an open study. The study has direct access to a cozy covered balcony and also another balcony leading directly down to the pool and garden.

Both upper bedrooms have an individual bathroom and through the gallery, direct access via a outdoor staircase to the pool and garden.

The complex houses a maid’s quarter as well as an area for an emergency generator.

The Gandari Villa Residence complex features individual road access for each villa and offers, at an extra monthly charge, security, gardening, pool and Villa maintenance services to ensure optimal comfort and convenience for owners.

www.gandari.com

Senggigi

53

Villa Residence

PRICE: ONLY US$ 645,000 PER VILLA (B, C, D) Down payment 50%, Upon 50% completion another 40% and 10% before handover. * The above price excludes VAT according to government regulations.

VILLA INCLUSIONS: - Hak Milik Land certificate - Road use certificate - PLN (Electricity connection) - PDAM (City water connection) - Aircon Split Unit in the 3 bedrooms - STP Sewage treatment system - Administration cost (Notary)

- Built-in Kitchen with Oven (Gas), Fridge, Exhaust & Dishwasher - Bathroom fixtures and bathtub - Phone (Landline) - Proper Architectural design and planning documents

OPTIONS AT EXTRA CHARGE: - Power Generator - Deep Water Well - Loose furniture and interior design, furniture/curtains - Burglar alarm system - Air condition for Living room - Intercom (phone system to all bedrooms and living areas) - WIFI and internet connection through Speedy - Separate air condition split unit for the dining area ADDITIONAL SERVICE OPTIONS AT EXTRA CHARGE: - Security, gardening and maintenance service at a fee - We can take care of the service for a fee, if the owner wishes to rent the Villa, we can assist through dedicated agents and arrange housekeeping and service staff for guests LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND OWNERSHIP : The land certificates are all Hak Milik – which means that the land with the villa will be owned by the purchaser and not leased. As an Indonesian citizen you can own the land and Villa personally, while as a foreigner you will need to use a “nominee” which is a common practice as foreigners cannot own land in Indonesia.

Our legal consultant will be happy to brief anyone on the Indonesian regulations and will professionally handle all necessary documents and legal requirements.

www.gandari.com

Please contact: Putu Anggreni Beck The Gandari Villa Residence Jalan Raya Senggigi, Duduk Garden No.6, Batu Bolong, Lombok 83355, Indonesia Phone: +62 370 619 4273 Fax: +62 370 619 4123 HP: +62 815 5810 0450 or +62 821 4777 7705 (English & Indonesian speaking) email: reni@gandari.com / info@gandari.com

Pasar Classifieds

54

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

GOLF PLAYERS WANTED SENGGIGI HACKERS AMATEUR GOLF SOCIETY (SHAGS) Friendly, non-profit golf Games every week – Monthly Cup New members, tourists and casual games Discount rates!

ALL WELCOME!

Ph: 0813 398 11140 (Jim) | www.golf-lombok.com

HOUSE FOR RENT SPECIAL FOR FOREIGNER

1000 sqm with yard. Fully furnished, 2 garage, 3 bedroom, hot water system, AC. Located in Jalan Ranget No.15 Cakra

Phone: 0817 5789 207 / 0370 627766

GILI TRAWANGAN LAND FOR SALE 48 are Beachfront at Paradise Beach (South) Great sunset views Rp 200 million per are Ph Made: 0812 382 6262

NANNY / COOK WANTED To care for 2 year old toddler

HOUSE FOR RENT

Required: Have own transportation Be able to speak English and prepare healthy meals for the child

Located in a quite area at Meninting Regency No.18, Fully Furnish, AC, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Water Heater, TV LCD 29”, Full kitchen set.

Available lease for weekly, monthly or yearly.

Inquire: 0819 0790 5724 / tidakapa@aol.com

Call Ibu Setya at 081 916 604 000

PT MULTIGRAHA KELOLAVALAS Authorized Money Changer Pedagang Valuta Asing Berijin

The Best Rate in Lombok !

Main Office: Jl Raya Senggigi, next to Taman Rest.

Ph: 0370 693 680 Branch Office: Toko Mas Melati, Jl. Pejanggik No. 1-3, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 631 567 / 633 748 Mobile: 0811 391 269 | Flexi: 0370 660 1269

Ibu Kartini Traditional Sasak Massage

HOUSE FOR RENT Special For Foreigner

Fully furnished, garage, 3 bedroom, AC, located on Jl Palawija 2, behind Kantor Camat Ampenan.

Rent available from September.

Phone: 0370 639771 / HP: 0819 0798 8488

Nyoman Transport

Best on the Gilis Reflexology Coconut Oil

Safe and professional English-speaking driver with comfortable air conditioned car (seats 5 - 6).

Private airport transfers or airport to Kuta, Mataram, Senggigi, Gilis, etc Available for private charter and Lombok tours.

Competitive rates and friendly service!

Beach / Call Out Service 087 864 820 160

Phone: 0819 1701 3714 Email: nyoman.mance@yahoo.co.id

Pasar Classifieds & Discount Vouchers

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

55

Boutique Resort T u r t l e P o i n t Gili Meno l Lombok

R EC R U I T M E N T We are looking for: Professional hard-working staff Must have good spoken English & experience in the following areas: Operations Manager Housekeeping Chef de Partie and Sous Chef Spa Therapists Waiter and Waitress Security Gardening

CHILL OUT BUNGALOWS & BAR – GILI AIR Are looking for:

A General Manager A Bar Man A Chef / Kitchen Manager and Staff All applicants must be able to speak, read and write English.

All must have had previous experience in said occupation.

Accommodation and food included, salary negotiable depending on experience.

Please send application with CV to: mahamaya1@live.com

BOOKINGS TEL +62 87 86 20 48 185 w w w . m a h a m a y a . c o MAHAMAYA is Ultimate Paradise on a tiny Robinson Crusoe style island

Please e-mail your CV to chilloutbungalows@yahoo.com

or phone 0819 9936 4607

DISCOUNT VOUCHERS Phone: 0370 659 4005 or email kitadesign@hotmail.com

Present this coupon or quote “Lionfish” for either:

BOX (9,5CM X 4,9CM) ONLY Rp 50,000 / ISSUE PHONE: 0370 659 4005 EMAIL: kitadesign@hotmail.com Real Fish ‘n’ Chips, Fresh Seafood, Salads and much more...

10% Discount on Fun Dives Valid 9 – 23 July 2012

Valid 9 – 23 July 2012

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS & DISCOUNT VOUCHERS

Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner Gili Trawangan, Lombok. Ph: (0370) 642 217 Email: wrapasnapper@dps.centrin.net.id

Please book in advance by phone: (0370) 693 719 or visit our offices at the Holiday Resort / Senggigi Beach Hotel

SECRET ISLAND RESORT Gili Gede, Southwest Lombok Valid 9 – 23 July 2012

Valid 9 – 23 July 2012

on all meals

5% Discount on PADI Dive Courses.

* Discount applies to a min 2 people – Not in addition to any other promotions or discount offers

Bring this voucher in for

10% Discount

10% Discount on Snorkel Tours

“3 Day Package Deal” Standard Double Room + 2 breakfast, + free use of double Kayak, Rp 400.000 On presentation of this coupon Phone: 0818 0376 2001 secretislandresort@xl.blackberry.com | www.secretislandresort.com

56

The Cities

The Cities

57

The Cities

58 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

THE CITIES

Mataram Mall 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.

Pura Meru (Meru Temple)

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

59

60

The Cities

The Cities

61

Redwood Café & Lounge Upstairs (2nd floor) at Melissa Bakery

w

And No

It’s Coffee!!!

And delicious meals, cakes, snacks, desserts and drinks.

Coffee Breaks, Meetings, Lunch with Friends, All day dining!

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Organic Coffee | Luwak Coffee (Black or White) | Redwood “HOUSE BLEND” REAL Cappuccino | Latte | Espresso Toraja Cappuccino | White Coffee Chai Tea Latte | Thai Tea | Espresso Brownies and more!

Special Single Origin: Aceh Gayo | Toraja | Bali Kintamani Java Mocha | Sumatra Mandheling Peaberry Coffee | Papua Wamena Flores Bajawa | Trung Nguyen East Timor Arabica & Sumatra (lintong) | Breakfast Blend Coffee Bean

1st Floor

Live Music 7pm: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Melissa Bakery & Redwood Café Jl Pejanggik Mataram Mall

SMUK Kesuma

Jl Pejanggik, Cakranegara, Lombok | 0370 6886581, 628446

The Cities

62

HEALTHY KIDS FAIR MINGGU / SUNDAY - 15 JULI 2012 AREA PARKIR RS. HARAPAN KELUARGA (Parking Area, Harapan Keluarga Hospital)

AYO...!!! BERMAIN SAMBIL BELAJAR...

DAFTARKAN SEGERA! TERBATAS UNTUK 500 ANAK TK-A, TK-B DAN SD KELAS 1-4 ADA LEBIH DARI 10 PERMAINAN DAN LOMBA YANG SERU...

LET’S PLAY AND LEARN...!!!

REGISTER NOW! LIMITED TO 500 CHILDREN MORE THAN 10 FUN GAMES FOR KIDS AND EXCITING COMPETITIONS...

Siang, dll) Shirt, Souvenir, Makan (T0 ,00 50 Rp N: RA PENDAFTA ARGA - Admission R.S. HARAPAN KELU lagalas-Mataram, atau Jl. Ahmad Yani No.9, Se 5744 6467 0030 / 0823 4001 Hubungi Dr. Desi: 0878

REGISTRY FEE: Rp 50 ,000 (Incl. T-Shirt, Souv enir, Lunch, etc) R.S. HARAPAN KELU ARGA - Admissions Jl. Ahmad Yani No.9, Se lagalas-Mataram, Or Phone Dr. Desi: 08 78 6467 0030 / 0823 40 01 5744

The Cities

63

The Cities

64

International Standards at Local Prices Pre-Order a delicious cake or yummy cookies for your special event!

3 days notice is needed for all orders.

Support local artists - new batik prints and fabric are now on display!

Jl. Adi Sucipto, KP Griya Ellen Indah (Between the old airport & Kebun Roek Market in Ampenan) | Ph: 0370 616-2667

Domestic Fares | International Tickets & Packages Visa Services | Tours | Direct Agent to Airlines (no middleman!) Express Check-in Services Fast, Modern & Professional | We speak English!

LOMBOK: Jl. Pejanggik No 198 Cakra (Past the Mall, Opposite “fruit street”) P: 0370 633469, 633888 F: 0370 633453 E: citramulia@indo.net.id

Open Monday - Saturday: 8am – 8pm Sunday: 8am – 7pm

WEST SUMBAWA: Jl. Teluk Balas RT 5 RW 6, Ds Pasir Putih, Maluk, Jereweh P: 0372 635535 HP: 08113943789 E: citramulia_swq@yahoo.com

65

BUILDING PLOT WITH SEA AND BALI SUNSET VIEWS 1,089m2 with private road access and water to plot. Ideal for personal villa. Electricity available. IDR 75 million per are. Just look at that view! USD 87,000 approx

HOTEL OPPORTUNITY IN SIRA Main house and bungalows - sleeps total of 18 guests.

Massive growth potential with land and infrastructure ready for expansion. 24 seat restaurant .HGB Cert. USD 1,500,000

PEACEFUL VILLA WITH POOL In 1,500m2 of tropical gardens. 2 double bedrooms - both en-suite with H/W showers. High ceilings, lounge with separate kitchen. Extra guest houses. ONLY USD 107,000

BEACH FRONT GILI TRAWANGAN 94 are (9,372m2). 60m of white sandy beach frontage.

ONLY IDR 120 million per are (100m2) Owner says sell now! Total USD 1,200,000 approx

THE RIVERSIDE – BUY FROM PLAN 3 Bed luxury villa by the sea with shared pool in a secure complex. Minimalist design. Large parking area. Main road access. Only 4 units available! ONLY USD 185,000

PLEASANT 3 BED VILLA Set in 2,600m2 of tropical gardens. A/C’s throughout. Open plan living room / kitchen. 10 x 6 oval shaped pool. Adjoining 1,000m2 plot also available. Only 1 minute from beach. USD 290,000

Jl Raya Senggigi (50m from Happy Café) | Ph: 0812 3734 0117

www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com

Distribution

66

The Lombok Guide is published by CV Kita Design

EVERYONE CAN AFFORD TO ADVERTISE IN THE LOMBOK GUIDE Pone:

0370 659 4005 Email:

kitadesign@hotmail.com

DEADLINE NEXT EDITION 12 NOON 13 JULY

3500 COPIES DISTRIBUTED

EVERY TWO WEEKS AT THESE LOCATIONS:

Garuda Indonesia Airlines: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. Airport: Hotel counters outside the airport. BALI: Amo Spa, Arena Sport Bar & Rest, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Balcony Rest, Bali Mystique, Barb’s Sport Warung, BIMC, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Caesar Rest & Bar, Cafe Bali, 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 Porch Cafe, The Wicked Parrot, Ultimo Bar & Rest, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bale Bali, Warung Bonita, Warung Eropa, Warung Italia, Warung Kolega, Warung Made Bar & Rest, Warung Max, Warung Sulawesi, White Sands Rest & Bar, Yut’s Place Rest. MATARAM: Blue Bird Taxi, Citramulia Travel, CV Tunggal Jaya, Depo Jaya Bangunan, Harapan Keluarga Hospital, Losmen Tjabe Merah, Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Hero Supermarket, Joli Sourire Dental Care, Lombok Pest Control, McDonalds, Oceanic Café), Melissa Bakery, Nur Hikmah Pearls, Pavilion Seafood & BBQ, Permata Hati Hospital, Pocket Billiard, Redwood Café, Sekolah Nusa Alam, Sinta Pest Control, The Berugaq, Toko Susana. 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, Bumbu Cafe, Blue Marlin Senggigi, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, Ciokolata, De Quake, Deli Senggigi, Delasan Gift Shop, Dream Divers, Dream Estate, Holiday Resort, Kebun Villas, Lombok Property & Villas, Lombok Real Estate, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Royal Spa, Sendok Bar & Restaurant, Senggigi Abadi Supermarket, Senggigi Jaya Supermarket, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Beach Club, The Chandi, The Office, Windy Beach Resort. GILI T: Blue Marlin Dive, Blue Water Cruises, Coco’s, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili T Resort, Gili Getaway, Gili Villas, Good Heart Resort, Horizontal, ko-ko-mo Resort, Pesona Resort, Hotel Vila Ombak, Manta Dive, Ombak Sunset, Queen Villas & Spa, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan, Vintage Delivery. GILI MENO: AdengAdeng, Blue Marlin Dive, Mahamaya, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Karang Divers, H20 Yoga, Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site.

Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Lucas Cahyadi, Dian Cahyadi, Didik Hariadi, Ghani Novianto, Gretah Gray, Iwan Haryanto, Iain Kent, Koes Nadi, 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.

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Floating in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast are twelve 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 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, brickmaking 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.

The Southwest

Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!

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 Just out in the calm bay are the three its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili hillside overlooking another white sand Tangkong and Gili Sudat – all easily beach. The hotel development is still under accessible by local outrigger boats. A small construction. sign in the nearby village will direct you Across the road from Sundancer, on the to the local boat hire area, where you can beachfront, is Dive Zone – currently arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the only diving facility in this part of the other small islands offshore.

Lombok and the experts on diving around Of the three, only Gili Nanggu has the southwest islands, having pioneered accommodation for visitors, with Gili development of previously unknown dive Nanggu Cottages providing simple sites in this area. cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as deluxe rooms further back from the Dive Zone offer dive trips around Sekotong and the islands, as well as beach. The island is small and the beach in three locations in South Lombok – here has soft white sand and a good reef including challenging world-class diving just off the beach for snorkelling. off southeast Lombok.

Travelling a little further south, before the Past Dive Zone another few kilometres marine culture complex (Balai Budaya is Cocotinos Boutique Beach Resort on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the only luxury accommodation in the area.

Labuhan Poh, Sekotong by Didiek Hariadi

Elak Elak, Sekotong by Didiek Hariadi

The Southwest

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Labuhan Poh and Pelangan, the site of Bola Bola Paradis. This is a small hotel, situated right on the beachfront with comfortable and clean rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel also organises snorkelling tours and is a popular choice for those surfing at Bangko-Bangko.

The largest of these islands is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning “Big Island”. The island lays just offshore and is so large visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland. Gili Gede is easily reached by boat from the village of Tembowong and is only minutes across the water.

Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has accommodation, at Secret Island Resort on the south, Via Vaccare on the northwest and Madak Belo on the east.

Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism.

Secret Island has comfortable budget accommodation, including a unique bungalow perched on a pier over the reef – the only one in either Lombok or Bali. The Resort offers a host of activities that all the family will enjoy, while also being a place where you can get away from it all.

Secret Island can also organise fishing trips and island hopping excursions to the other beautiful islands in the area, most of which are deserted, about their comfortable 9m custom-built boat “Scorpio”.

To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea.

Bounty Cruises, a Bali-based company, own much of the land on Gili Ringgit and have constructed a boat mooring and pier on the island. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat. Large gardens of hard and soft corals At the next intersection there lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast. is a signpost to the right for Continued on Page 70

The Southwest

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70 The other side of the island, where the pier is located, has a fantastic white sand beach and is a favourite for guests from Secret Island Resort and Dive Zone, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely.

Continued from Page 68

It’s easy to snorkel offshore just north of the pier and, although the reef isn’t as large as on the other side of the island, there is still plenty to see.

Bright blue starfish drape themselves across patches of coral, and bright yellow and black Moorish Idols dart through the water. Schools of hundreds of small iridescent fish swim past and weirdly shaped squid drift by in the deeper areas.

We met a boat load of happy tourists on Gili Ringgit, out for the day with Dive Zone, who described the diving as some of the best they’ve ever experienced. Most couldn’t stop gushing about the huge school of turtles they had just seen near Gili Layar!

All around these Southwest Gilis, abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water.

Slightly south of Gili Gede, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with deserted white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees.

Pearl Beach Resort, the only accommodation on the island, is a lovely boutique hotel with charming and welldesigned bungalows here looking out over a breath-taking beach.

Of a much higher standard than most of the accommodation in the southwest, each bungalow is spacious with a private terrace and western standard bathrooms with hot water showers.

There is also a beachfront bar and restaurant serving western and Indonesian meals, and good snorkelling directly from the beach.

The Southwest

Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the mainland there are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – the surfing Mecca for those in the know, located on the far southwest tip of Lombok. The wide white sand bay is lined with fisherman’s huts and draws hundreds of surfers every year from as far away as Hawaii and Brazil to challenge the huge waves of Desert Point, just offshore.

Although the road deteriorates after Labuhan Poh, it is still passable for most vehicles in the dry season. During the surfing season, from mid-May to September and again in December, the beach is buzzing with surfers, but otherwise it is a remote and peaceful area.

Bali is clearly visible, with the island of Nusa Penida only about an hour’s sail away.

The drive to the point is dotted with bucolic scenery and tiny villages, making it a worthwhile trip even for non-surfers.

There is basic surfer accommodation in the area and plans for development in the near future.

The southwest is slated for tourism development and it’s easy to imagine hotels and resorts on all these beaches and The resort is popular with divers and can islands in the future, as well as yachts, arrange diving and snorkelling trips, as fishing boats, windsurfers, dive boats and well as island-hopping tours. the like. But for now, the Southwest is Pearl Beach is perfect for romantic escapes unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret and for those seeking the tranquillity of a islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and private island resort. unique; and known only to the lucky few.

The Southwest

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72

Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

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KUTA AND THE SUBLIME SOUTH COAST

Indonesia boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and the south coast of Lombok rates as being among the best.

South Lombok has views that inspire artists and photographers and leaves visitors from around the world speechless at the sublime panoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beach, bay after bay, all along the coast.

The beaches of the south 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 (sometimes spelt Kute) is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the hub for exploring the fantastic southern beaches and the many points of interest in the region.

Located around 60 km south of Mataram and about one and a half hour’s drive from Senggigi, Kuta makes for a wonderful day trip from other points in Lombok, or an alternative holiday destination for travellers exploring Lombok.

Since the Lombok International Airport opened in late 2011, many of the major roads have been upgraded and the main road to Kuta is very good. The new airport is located only 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta and has made access to the south very easy.

The proximity to the airport has already sparked an investment boom in the area and major developments are expected over the coming year. For now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular.

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, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors.

Nearby, on the hilltop, is one of the oldest mosques in Lombok, Mesjid Kuno. The small building with a thatched roof is considered holy and many believers make pilgrimages to pray here.

Slightly further south is Sade, an 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.

Kuta itself is a small town with hotels, home-stays and backpacker’s hostels that cater mainly to the thousands of surfers from around the world who are drawn to the area every year to surf the left- and right-hand breaks out in the bay.

There is a good variety of accommodation, restaurants and facilities for travellers and – with investment taking off –more options are opening all the time. There are plans for a luxury beachfront resort in central Kuta this year and smaller developments are already under construction.

At present, Kuta boasts just one luxury resort: the Novotel Lombok. The Novotel has a range of accommodation, from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and luxurious villas, some with private swimming pools. Designed to blend in with the environment, and with a stunning beachfront location, the Novotel is a wonderful example of traditional Sasak architecture.

Nearby Mandalika Beach is named after the legendary Princess Mandalika, a beloved character in Sasak folklore. It is near here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms spawn in the waters offshore.

Continued on Page 77

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Kuta and The South Coast

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Kuta and The South Coast

75

Unique, Alluring HOTPlanet In the Top 4 “Best places to stay in Lombok”, Lonely Planet Everything in one unspoiled location

Heaven on the Planet www.heavenontheplanet.co.nz Overlooking spectacular scenery and Inside Ekas surfbreak

Ocean Heaven

www.oceanheaven.co.nz Exclusive boutique resort on Lombok’s most famous Heaven Beach

BEAUTIFUL - UNSPOILED - UNTOUCHED

RELAX - RECONNECT - REFRESH White sand beaches, infinity swimming pools, HOTOcean spa and wellness, world-class surfing, beautiful snorkelling, mountain bike tours, outrigger boat, sailing and windsurfing, wandering monkeys and natural fossils – all on 36 Hectares (80 acres) of farmland, plantations, forest and coast Your chance to Help the Marine Environment by building your OWN ARTIFICIAL REEF in Ekas Bay Have a holiday that helps the ecology and leaves a wonderful legacy for fishermen Supervised by the world-renowned artificial reef expert Prof Kerry Black with a 1-hour seminar about artificial reefs Plus your own dive instructor / guide for snorkelling or diving.

The project will take 3-4 days Cost is just $400 including 1 day of diving (Not including accommodation at Heaven on the Planet)

Heaven on the Planet and Ocean Heaven in stunning Ekas Bay, South-east Lombok Indonesia: (+62) 0812 375 1103 / 0878 6535 6905 Australia: (+61) 042 669 1856 “The best tour in Bali or Lombok?

2 or more nights at Heaven”.

Now only about an hour from the airport

Successful fish colonisation on the first artificial reef built in Ekas Bay

76

Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

77 Continued from Page 73

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 organic gourmet snacks that are truly out of the ordinary. Open Tuesday to Sunday, for breakfast and lunch only.

Kuta attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Tanjung Aan, Ekas, and the beaches to the west. It’s easy to hire a board and a surf guide from here to learn surfing or, for experienced surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area. Hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly deserted beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta.

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.

Even for non-surfers, Bumbangku is a delightful place to spend a few days, swimming, strolling along the wide calm bay and relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings.

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.

Further east, Heaven on the Planet and Ocean Heaven (collectively known as HOTPlanet) currently has the monopoly on accommodation in the southeast, although there are plans to develop the Tanjung Ringgit area.

Mawi, around another 7km to the west, has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough.

At other times, it is a lovely beach with impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; look for the three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.

For now, however, these two exclusive properties provide the chance to really escape from the outside world in sublime surroundings. The resorts feature comfortable accommodation, good restaurants, swimming pool, a Spa and Wellness Centre and a host of water activities, such as surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, wind-surfing and more.

Heading west from Kuta are another series of beautiful beaches and bays hidden behind headlands and rolling hills, providing peaceful and secluded spots for picnics and swimming. All are within easy day trips of Kuta.

Selong Blanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. Sempiak Villas has plush villas perched on the hillside with breath-taking panoramic views.

Laut Biru Café at Sempiak Villas is a popular place for a stop – or justifies a day trip in itself – and serves fresh and delicious snacks and meals throughout the day in a pretty restaurant overlooking the beach. Spend a day exploring the area, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your trip.

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!

Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted. The road deteriorates rapidly and the going can be rough at times. For exploring this remote area it’s best to use an experienced local guide with a good vehicle.

At Bumbang, Bumbangku Beach Cottages has simple thatched cottages and comfortable brick deluxe rooms right on a beautiful deserted beach. There is a good restaurant, serving fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen, and easy access to the best surfing spots nearby.

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.

Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is a picturesque, almost

Useful Contacts

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General Information (Directory Assistance): (0370) 108 AIRLINES Batavia Air Jl. Pejanggik No.88, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 648998, Fax: 0370 648400. cs@ batavia-air.co.id. www.batavia-air.co.id Garuda Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik 42 – 44, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 638259, Fax: 0370 637951. www. garuda-indonesia.com Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) Mataram, Ph: 0370 639589 Lion Air Mataram, West Lombok. Ph: 0370 6631444, 6640009, Fax: 0370 642180. www.lionair.cohh.id Merpati Jl. Pejanggik No. 69 Cakranegara, W.Lombok.

Phone: 0370 621111, Fax: 0370 633691. www. merpati.co.id Silk Air Jl. Panca Usaha No.11, Mataram, W. Lombok.

Phone: 0370 628254, Fax: 0370 628292. www. silkair.com Trans Nusa Jl. Adi Sucipto, Mataram, Lombok. Ph: 0370 6162428, 6162433, Fax: 0370 646840. Email: info@transnusa.com, www.transnusa.com Trigana Air Jl. Adi Sucipto, Mataram, Lombok. Ph: 0370 6162428, 6162433, Fax: 0370 646840. www. trigana-air.com BANK / ATM Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl. Pejanggik No.67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347 ATMs - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - MGM Plaza, Jl. AA Gede Ngurah, Mataram - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman, Praya, C. Lombok - Jl. Langko, Mataram, W. Lombok Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl. Pejanggik No.117, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068 ATMs - Jl. Koperasi 1, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Komplek Ruko B1, Sweta, W. Lombok Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.48, Mataram, W. Lombok. Phone: 0370 635027, 633347 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga No.25, Mataram, Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Bank Mandiri Jl. Pejanggik No.20-22, Mataram, W. Lombok.

Phone: 0370 631311 ATMs - Jl. Pejanggik No.20, Cakranegara, Lombok - Jl. Taruna Jaya, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Selaparang Airport, Mataram, W. Lombok Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 ATMs - Jl. Langko No.64, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pejanggik No.68, Mataram, W.Lombok - University of Mataram (UNRAM) - Jl. Sandubaya, Sweta, W. Lombok - Jl. Selaparang No.37, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Jendral Sudirman 51, Praya, C. Lombok Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl. Pendidikan No.16, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084 ATMs - Jl. Airlangga, Mataram, W. Lombok - Mataram Mall, Mataram, W. Lombok - Jl. Pahlawan No.92, Selong, E. Lombok

MEDICAL / HEALTH CARE Medika Husada Clinic Jl Raya Senggigi (next to Choice Café, 50m from Art Market) Phone: 0370 6644820 Hospitals Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram, W. Lombok Phone: 0370 623498 / 6604605 New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl. Bung Karno 1 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645045 Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jendral Basuki Rachmad, Praya, Central Lombok. Phone: 0370 654007 East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Professor M. Yamin No. 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0376 21680 Biomedika Clinic Jl. Bung Karno 143 Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137 Risa Clinic Jl. Pejanggik 115 Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 / 632117 DENTAL drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Hospital Permata Hati) Jl Majapahit No 8 Ampenan. Ph: 0370 631999 / 0818368528.

Joli Sourire Dental Care Mataram Mall. Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara. Ph: 0370 668 1797 drg. Lina Kulsum Jl. Gunung Dieng No.7, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0818536236 / 0370 632131 MONEY CHANGERS Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl. Rasa Senggigi km.10, Senggigi, W. Lombok, Ph; 0370 693693 - Jl. Pejanggik No.1, Mataram, W. Lombok, Ph: 0370 631567 Multigraha Valas Jl. Saleh Sungkar No.1 Ampenan, W. Lombok, Ph: +62 370 624045 PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl. Raya Senggigi km.13, Senggigi, West Lombok, Ph: 0370 692247, 0370 692247 SHOPPING Senggigi Abadi Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8.5, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693311 Senggigi Jaya Supermarket Jl. Raya Senggigi, Km.8, Senggigi, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 693530 Art Market (Pasar Seni) - Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi West Lombok - Gili Trawangan, West Lombok Barata Department Store Jl. Niaga II, Ampenan, West Lombok Phone: 0370 646123 Grand Store Mataram Mall, 3rd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629931 Hero Supermarket Mataram Mall, 1st floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, W. Lombok. Ph: 0370 629918 Tiara Department Store Mataram Mall, 1st & 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629902 Kharisma Book Shop Mataram Mall, 2nd floor, Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, West Lombok Phone: 0370 629875 Ruby Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.111, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 631092 Jembatan Baru Supermarket Jl. Pejanggik No.41, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 636106 MGM Plaza Jl. AA Gede Ngurah No.98, Cakranegara, West Lombok. Phone: 0370 646007

EMERGENCY Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl. Raya Senggigi, Phone. 00370 693267 Lombok Regional Police: Jl. Gajah Mada No. 7 Ampenan. Call this emergency number: 110 Fire Brigade: Phone. 0370 672013. In emergency call 113 Hospital UGD (Emergency Unit Service): Phone: 0370 622254 Ambulance: Phone. 0370 623498. In emergency call 118 TAXIS Blue Bird Taxi, Phone: 0370 627000 Lendang Karun, Phone: 0370 644444 IMMIGRATION Jl. Udayana, Mataram, Phone: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535 WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632 510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886 POST OFFICES Mataram: Jl. Sriwijaya, Phone. 0370 632645 Senggigi: Jl. Raya, Phone. 0370 693711 CONSULATES AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005.

Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps-centrin.net.id CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783.

Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408.

Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz DENMARK & NORWAY Phone: 0361 701070, Fax: 0361 701073/4, Email: mimpi@mimpi.com FINLAND & SWEDEN Phone: 0361 288407, Fax: 0361 287242.

Email: segara1@denpasar.wasantara.net.id FRANCE Phone: 0361 285485, Fax: 0361 286406, Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id GERMANY Phone: 0361 288535, Fax: 0361 288826, Email: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456.

Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id ITALY Phone: 0361 701005.

Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066.

Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457.

Email: bali@honrep.ch THAILAND Phone: 0361 263310, Fax: 0361 238044 THE NETHERLANDS Phone: 0361 761502, Fax: 0361 752777, Email: purwa@denpasar.wasantara.net.id USA Ph: 0361 233605, Fax: 0361 222426.

Email: amcobali@indosat.net.id

Gili Trawangan

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Luxury Villas on Gili Trawangan

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

www.gilivillasindonesia.com +62 (0) 81 237 55 721

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 | info@manta-dive.com www.manta-dive.com

Gili Air +62 (0) 81 353 050 462 | info@manta-dive-giliair.com www.manta-dive-giliair.com

Tourism Information

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The Gili Islands Unique tropical escapes!

Gili Trawangan Three perfect coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees, lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok.

diverse range of visitors – serious diving enthusiasts, sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach getaway, singles, families, and couples of all ages find something to attract them to the Gilis.

An impressive array of sea life can be seen, including green and hawksbill turtles, morays, barracuda, reef sharks, occasionally leopard sharks and manta rays, and much more.

Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their pristine waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, and laidback charm.

There is a good selection of accommodations, restaurants and bars on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan.

Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range; and water temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F).

Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm.

The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers. The Gilis are Lombok’s most popular islands and are consistently rated as top SEA island destinations by travellers and travel publications.

Although previously popular mainly with backpackers, the Gilis now attract a

While nobody comes to the Gilis for shopping, each island has many small shops selling essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, cold drinks, snacks and more. In addition, there are cheap clothing and t-shirts, sarongs and local handicrafts stalls.

Activities include walking, riding bikes, horse riding and kayaking on Gili T, yoga, massage and beauty treatments, glass bottom boat trips and island hopping, live-aboard dive trips and cruises to nearby islands, fishing, sailing, surfing and all kinds of water-based activities.

The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, relax, sunbathe, explore, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok.

Snorkelling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches, with plenty of colourful fish to see. At greater depths and at specific dive locations around the three islands, the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals, aquatic life and thousands of species of tropical fish.

Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness, exist on all three islands.

Each Gili has developed independently and at different paces, giving each a different “personality” or style, and catering to different types of holidaymakers and travellers. This means that travellers have a good choice, depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer.

Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular of the three, with the greatest range of facilities and activities; while Gili Air has a relaxed, laid-back style and is popular with couples and families. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, perfect for really getting away from it all.

Choose the island that suits you most, or it’s easy to combine an island-hopping holiday to sample the best of all three!

Gili Trawangan

LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB Indonesia P: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 647741 E: booking@thetrawangan.com W: www.thetrawangan.com

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Gili Trawangan

Tourism Information

GETTING TO THE GILIS

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The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can fly to Lombok and travel across to the Gilis.

Fast Boats: With Lombok’s airport now based further away in central Lombok, the fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfers between Bali to Gili Trawangan.

The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times.

Blue Water Express, 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

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

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 (including fast speed boats) out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of Bangsal.

At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Vila Ombak, The Beach House, ko ko mo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by speedboat to the Gilis.

Gili Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Benoa Harbour, Bali (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily at 8am. The crossing takes around 2 hours to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kodek on Lombok.

Ph Bali: (0361) 751570 / 726 523; or Bali: 0819 1673 3051; Gili T: 0878 6432 2515. www.island-getaway.com Gili Bookings.com is an online booking service offering easy reservations with the leading fast boat operators between Bali and Lombok. Availability checks, schedules and e-ticketing, as well as accommodation options and more, are all available online from their website: www.gilibookings. com

By Plane: Fly to Lombok and either stay on the mainland before making a trip out to the Gilis or travel to Senggigi (1 hour 15 minutes) to arrange transport to the Gilis. There are many different options, as described below. Tour companies and dive operators in Senggigi also provide transfers daily.

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.

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.

Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best times are between 8am and 4pm. If you don’t want to wait, it doesn’t cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group.

Don’t let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first.

Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers… there are; or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands. Bangsal is a pretty area; it’s a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone.

If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there are some basic home-stays on the road from the beach.

Arnel is a nice option with pretty rooms at reasonable prices. The attached Salero Minang restaurant serves delicious Minang meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services.

FROM SENGGIGI: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours.

The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first!

FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or bemo to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.

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.

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.

Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.

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.

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Relaxing Day Cruises Mentigi - 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 Tours

by Traditional Schooner

Cruise from Bali or Lombok to the eastern island of Flores on the way visit beautiful Moyo and Satonda Islands, see the Komodo Dragons dive pristine reefs and discover Flores Regular cruise departures Air conditioned cabins Delicious meals Attractive Cruise Only and Dive Packages Available

For more info & bookings, ph: 0812 3690 4414 | 0817 343 168 | 0361 8855 402

E: thegiliislands@yahoo.com | www.thegiliislands.com info@bluewatercruises.com | www.bluewatercruises.com

Gili Trawangan

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The Beach House on Gili Trawangan is an innovative and contemporary resort set amidst tropical gardens, facing the sparkling turquoise waters of the Lombok Straits.

Accommodation choices include a range of private villas, each with their own freshwater pools. Pool suites sharing a freshwater plunge pool, and 12 bungalows set in tropical gardens.

The Beach House provides a range of facilities, including a beachfront freshwater resort pool and bar, and a beachside bar and restaurant serving international cuisine.

Phone: +62 370 6142 352 Fax: +62 370 6148 365 Email: reservation@beachhousegilit.com

www.beachhousegilit.com

Tourism Information

87

GILI ISLANDS FAST FACTS Gili Trawangan by Didiek Hariadi

There are numerous fast boat services operating between Bali and the Gilis. In good weather, fast boats can make the crossing in around 80 minutes but in heavy seas the trip can take two hours or more.

Make sure you choose a reputable company who care about passenger comfort and safety, rather than “pack them in and profit”. Check weather conditions before going – the Lombok Strait is one of the deepest bodies of water in the world and seas can get very rough, with waves up to 5 metres in bad weather. Refuse to board overloaded boats.

It is also possible to fly to Lombok and transfer to the Gilis from the mainland. See “Getting to Lombok” and “Getting to the Gilis” sections for details.

Electricity on all three Gilis is supplied by generators and blackouts are sometimes a problem. Many places have their own emergency generators but the smaller businesses may rely on candles and lanterns when the power goes out.

Water is a scarce resource on the islands and fresh water is shipped from the mainland daily. A business on Gili T now supplies desalinated water and fresh water showers are becoming common. However, smaller hotels and home-stays may only

provide salt water showers. Use bottled water to rinse off.

The tap water on all the islands is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Internet is available on the Gilis at internet cafés and most larger hotels and restaurants. Connections can be intermittent and speeds are generally slow.

ATM machines are available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Credit cards are accepted at most dive shops and larger hotels and restaurants. Money changers are available on all the islands, although the rate is lower than on Lombok.

Health services on the islands are limited.

There is a 24-hour Clinic at Hotel Vila Ombak on Gili T, and small local clinics on Gili Meno and Air. Dive shop staff have emergency first aid training and basic medical supplies but for anything serious, get to the mainland as fast as possible.

Weather is generally hotter on the islands than mainland Lombok. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even on cloudy days.

There is no motorised transport on any of the islands. Walk, ride a bicycle or ride in a cidomo (local horse cart). None of

the islands is very large, so walking is an easy option. Bicycles can be hired for between Rp 25,000 and Rp 50,000 per day, depending on the type and condition of the bike. Some hotels provide bikes free of charge for guests.

Cidomo fares are now fixed by law and fares are displayed in the front of the cart.

Generally, short distances will cost around Rp 40,000; a round-the-island tour costs Rp 125,000 on Gili T. Dress is casual on the islands and it is normal to see tourists walking around in swimsuits, sarongs and shorts. Remember that the islands’ residents are Muslim and nude or topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Please respect island sensibilities and keep clothes on!

Mosquitoes can sometimes be a problem, especially during rainy season. DEET repellents are the best protection and local products such as “Autan” and “OFF!” are relatively cheap and readily available in the shops.

The Gili Eco Trust (GET) is a non-profit organisation based on Gili T that works to protect and conserve the environment.

GET activities include reef conservation, resource management, waste management and education programmes, to name a few. To date, the Eco Trust has installed 63 Bio Rock structures around the islands. The metal frame structures create artificial reefs using low voltage current to promote new coral growth and provide homes for schools of fish and reef creatures.

The Eco Trust raises funds for its programmes through an Eco-tax of Rp 50,000 collected from divers on the islands.

Clean-up days, to collect rubbish from the beach and sea, take place on the first Friday of every month on Gili T. Register at Gili T dive shops and join in the fun!

To find out more about Eco-projects and to support GET programmes, visit: www.giliecotrust.com

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Tourism Information

GILI TRAWANGAN

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

your bike through sandy sections on the west side).

This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south is a great lookout from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets across the ocean Previously tagged “the party island” by the to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on mainland Lombok. known) has moved on and up.

Gone are the days when backpackers flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sophisticated side that becomes more evident every year.

That’s not to say that the original charms that attracted tourists in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still there in buckets. But the island has cast off its grungy origins and now combines the best of a tropical island paradise with a touch of chic and all the mod cons of a top holiday destination.

Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java and Bali, together with singles, couples and families from all over the world.

The island itself is around 3km long and 2km wide, so walking is easy and you can cycle around the island in around 1 1/2 hours (but will need to get off and push

On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up.

The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast in the area called “Sentral”, where the boats dock. The tracks inland are through coconut groves and pockets of development.

Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area.

Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, home-stays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical.

Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western

style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd.

At the other end of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pools or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD. Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. There are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore.

Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options.

Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian nasi goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between.

There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation).

These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.

For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko ko mo, Scallywags Resort, and on the beachfront at Hotel Vila Ombak.

Cocos has an upbeat café scene during the day and Horizontal is the coolest place to chill out, day or night. The social options are virtually unlimited.

These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and range of tourist facilities. Many of the larger restaurants, hotels and dive shops accept credit cards; there are ATM’s in front of Vila Ombak on the east coast and further north, near Horizontal, as well as on the west side at Ombak Sunset.

Continued on Page 91

Gili Trawangan

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91 north to south, making it easy to lie on the surface and float down the coral outcrops. Although much of the coral is damaged, there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy and patches of colourful coral.

Continued from Page 88 Internet cafés with Wifi are readily available, as are money-changers, tour operators and a large number of fast boat services. There is a tennis club and fitness centre at Kelapa Villas and a medical centre at Vila Ombak with emergency facilities and a doctor on call.

Further off shore, the island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok, which is why thousands of divers visit Gili T every year.

Horses can be hired from The Stud on the southeast coast; sea kayaking is available at Karma Kayak on the north coast; yoga, meditation, massages and other health and beauty treatments are available at numerous places around the island.

There is even shopping at the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) in Sentral and at any number of shops and kiosks all around the island, selling everything from pearls to sarongs to hammocks. Innuendo has some upmarket resort wear and Silver Dragon sells beautiful silver jewellery.

But it is the beaches and the diving that remain the main draw card for Gili T. People flock here to sunbathe on white sand beaches and swim in clean blue waters, to dive the fabulous reefs and to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of a tropical paradise.

It is also one of the safest and easiest places to learn to scuba dive, with warm water temperatures, calm seas and excellent visibility almost all year round. There is a very good selection of professional westernoperated dive shops and a range of dive locations suitable for beginners through to thrill seekers.

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

It’s been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island’s time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T.

The best snorkelling on the island starts on the northern end of the east coast, where you can wade to the reef just offshore.

The water is calm and there is a drift from

A world-class tourism destination is emerging – without the traffic and pollution – set down on an idyllic tropical island.

GILI T VILLA FOR SALE 2 bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, kitchen, living room, with private swimming pool.

Just behind Big Bubble Dive.

29 years leasehold with option.

USD 185,000 Phone Wayne on 0821 4591 4432 or Made on 0812 382 6262

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Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan’s only Indian Restaurant Sheesha 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: pesonaresort@hotmail.com

www.pesonaresort.com

Gilis News

ECO NOT EGO On this planet where we live, the most delicate and significant eco system that exists resides in the oceans. On Lombok, surrounded by the sea, you cannot help but feel a great respect for its magnificent power. Now is as good a time as any to think about, and to show thanks for, the natural balance of the salty blue.

70 percent of the earth’s surface is water and the oceans hold about 97 percent of this total. What’s more, 50 - 70 percent of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean, and more than a billion people depend on its abundance of life as the main source of protein in their diets.

93 Contributed by Joseph Hunter

group of local people born on the Gilis (SATGAS) to stop dynamite and cyanide fishing. Lacking sufficient funds, they had the idea of cooperating with dive shops who implemented a “reef tax” on every first dive made by a customer. The collaboration of SATGAS and the dive shops gave birth to the Gili Eco Trust (GET).

programmes, educated people including the local school children, increased awareness and so much more.

How did you get involved with the Gili Eco Trust?

How do you raise the funds for your cause?

I joined GET as a volunteer first, starting the Biorock Project (reef restoration), whilst working as a dive instructor on Gili T. My background is sciences and However, our oceans have seen better agronomy engineering and I am passionate days. 90 percent of the big fish have about preserving our eco systems. I been wiped out and whole populations prioritise green principles in my mind have been devastated by overfishing and so it was important that while I made destructive fishing techniques. The average money instructing divers on the beautiful weight of a swordfish is now 90lbs as Indonesian coral reefs, I gave something opposed to three times that amount in back.

1960!

What exactly is a Biorock reef?

The ‘throw-away mentality’ of our modern It is a steel frame with a low voltage day world is having a drastic effect on current running through it constructed on our oceans. Discarded plastic bags and the sea bed. Broken pieces of coral can other types of human waste have formed be attached to the frame and the growth a “toxic soup” that is gathering in five of the coral is stimulated by the electric massive ocean gyres around the world. current. This results in its speed of growth The complex nature of currents that drive increasing by 2 to 6 times the normal rate. our oceans, coupled with wind and earth What are the biggest and most rotation, create these ‘whirlpool’ gyres immediate threats facing our oceans where plastic can accumulate and spiral today? for decades. The North Pacific gyre is the most heavily researched for plastic A rise in the ocean’s temperature caused pollution and spans an area approximately by Global Warming can result in coral twice the size of the United States! bleaching. Mass coral bleaching will kill huge areas of coral reefs, which support As the plastic breaks down, it is eaten many other marine ecosystems and are by sea creatures, birds, and fish, causing essential for the ocean’s balance, as well as illness and eventually death... and that the whole planet’s ecology. same toxic soup enters our diets as well.

It is shocking to discover that 44% of all What are your latest project seabird species, all sea turtle species and developments? an ever growing list of fish species have been documented with plastic in or around Currently I am in Surabaya, overseeing the building of a marine turbine that will their bodies. produce electricity to power the Biorock Now, the big question on the tip of every reefs on the Gilis with green, or rather apathetic or idealistic tongue is: “But what “blue energy”. can we do about all of this?”

What has GET achieved so far?

Thankfully there is one local organisation We have achieved a lot on the Gilis! Not who can answer that seemingly rhetorical only do we watch over the oceans, but we question. The Lombok Guide spoke to also have animal clinics set up to care for Delphine Robbe, coordinator of the Gili the islands’ horses and we are trying to Eco Trust, who gave us some insight into limit the cat population by sterilisation. what is being done on the Gili Islands to prevent an oceanic disaster.

We have built 65 Biorock reefs, reached agreements with local fishermen, How was the Gili Eco trust founded? encouraged the use of reusable shopping The foundations were laid in 1999 by a bags, and conducted recycling and clean-up

Mainly through the reef tax but we are also supported by grants outside of Indonesia: Project Aware, PADI, and Total Foundation, and also a few generous donations from people on the Gilis.

How can the average Gili tourist/expat help in the struggle?

Try to follow our friendly advice: Do not dispose of non-organic waste in the toilet; it gets stuck in the septic tanks and causes a harmful grey pollutant to flow into the oceans.

Turn off your water, lights and AC when you are not using it. There is limited fresh water on all the Gilis and the islands’ petrol-fuelled generators can barely cope with this all this electronic modernity.

Throw your rubbish in the bins provided.

Do not collect shells from the ocean or the beach – it contributes to beach erosion and you might make a hermit crab homeless!

Do not walk on the reef: coral and other types of marine life are very fragile animals and grow very slowly. Interacting with the ocean ecosystem will damage it.

Watch from a sensible distance.

Report environmental disturbance: touching aquatic life, careless boat anchoring and littering plastic are usually done in ignorance. Help these people to understand that their behaviour is not ecoappropriate!

Get involved in local environmental activities or issues. You may feel that saving the world is a hopeless case but you can have a great impact on the corner of the planet in which you live or spend your holidays.

We hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Gilis!

If you’d like to read more about the role of the Eco trust on the Gilis you can visit their website at www.giliecotrust.com Sources: www.5gyres.org | www.oneworldoneocean.org

Gilis News

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THE DAMAGE DONE

Contributed by Joseph Hunter way the 4.6km cable Coming soon to a tropical island near you... Round the clock electricity, no more was being dropped on the sea bed. These persistent power cuts courtesy of state complaints were soon electricity company, PLN. But at what backed up by divers’ cost? photographs, which Lately the local businesses on the Gilis revealed the cable have been buzzing with excitement at carelessly making its the thought of removing the need for mark on many of the noisy generators, due to the PLN’s grand reefs and dive sites plans of unrolling an underwater cable surrounding the Gilis. that would connect the Gilis to mainland The Department of Lombok’s electricity supply.

Marine Affairs and However, it was not long after the project Fisheries, who are in charge of the marine had commenced that an overwhelming conservation of the Gilis, have managed to number of complaints were made about the halt the progress of the project until a more suitable method of installing the cable is found. But has the damage already been done?

submarine project was carried out with disastrous consequences. The idea was to bring fresh water to the Gilis via a pipe weighed down with a concrete casing.

The result is still visible off Gili Air where great amounts of concrete were dumped on the reef.

Photos show that the cable is not secured and the currents that are common between There is talk among the dive shops that the Gilis will cause it to swing and roll, they might have to take matters into their damaging more delicate and priceless coral own hands to prevent further damage. reef.

Improvised netting filled with dead coral This is not the first time an incident of this may be the solution to weigh the cable down and stop it dragging across the reefs. kind has occurred. 3 years ago a similar

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Gili Meno

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B o u t i q u e Re s o r t and R e s t a u ra n t

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Gili Meno

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Gili Meno

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GILI MENO

Gili Meno is the middle and the smallest of the three Gili Islands, with the lowest population and the least number of visitors.

The island has not developed as quickly as Gili T or Gili Air and suffered unpopularity when, in the mid-90’s, The Lonely Planet wrote that the salt lake on the island created mosquito problems.

This was untrue – mosquitoes are no more prevalent on Gili Meno than anywhere else – but the damage was done.

Many would say that the bad publicity was a blessing in disguise. Today, Meno is probably the prettiest of the three Gilis, with the laid-back and uncomplicated charm of a true castaway tropical island.

The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in brilliant white sand, fringed with groves of coconut palms.

Although investors are steadily buying up land, especially on the west coast facing Gili T, there is no major development on the island as yet. There are a few upmarket villas, but no large resorts.

Fortunately, much of the investment taking place here is low-key and – perhaps recognising the pristine nature of the

island – development tends to be along environmentally and ecologically sound concepts.

For now, small hotels and basic beachside bungalows provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun with un-crowded beaches, clean waters and peaceful nights under the star-filled skies. There is no rowdy bar scene and no noisy full moon parties here.

Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches and most tourist facilities (including boat docking and departure) are along the east coast.

Although there are small places dotted all around the island, many of the hotels and restaurants are located along the southeastern coast, with beautiful views over Gili Air and Mt Rinjani to the east.

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Gili Meno

Gili Meno

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To swim with the turtles – these huge creatures that are so awkward and ungainly on land but move through their natural element with a breath-taking dignity and grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno.

There is also good snorkelling off the west coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. Swim out to where the old pontoon has sunk and become a home for many fish.

Inland from the beaches, the island is quite dry with small homes scattered through the coconut groves. In the middle, toward the west coast, is a salt lake from which the local people still harvest salt on a small scale. It can be quite full in rainy season but dries up in the summer.

It is possible to walk around the whole island on a small beachside track in around 90 minutes. Those seeking total tranquillity head to the north and west coasts, where more development has been quietly taking place over the past year.

Mahamaya on the northwest coast has the most luxurious accommodation on the island, with two exclusive beachfront villas and more planned for later in the year. The restaurant is earning accolades for top quality cuisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront. Stylish rooms and personalised service make Mahamaya popular with honeymooners and those seeking luxe island escapes.

Good mid-range options include Tropical Hideaways and Adeng-Adeng. Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll from the best beaches on the east coast, has comfortable and modern air conditioned rooms and a good restaurant and bar,

serving delicious and well-priced meals. Set in shady gardens, Tropical Hideaways has one of the few swimming pools on the island.

Adeng-Adeng is a new resort being developed along ecological lines on the north coast. Rooms and dining pavilions are set on unique islands surrounded by small canals in a pretty garden shaded by conifers.

Accommodation includes air conditioning and lovely open-air bathrooms, while the garden café and beachfront bar are already attracting popularity for excellent quality cocktails and delicious freshlyprepared meals.

There is good snorkelling in front of Adeng-Adeng and along the northwest coast, where it is often possible to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles.

Also inland, on the main track from the east coast, Gili Meno Bird Park has some tropical birds and a few interesting animals. There is accommodation here and a great display of Beatles memorabilia collected by the owner.

Casual beachfront cafés and bars serve Indonesian and popular western meals, with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas being Gili Meno specialties.

Some provide low-key entertainment in the evenings, more so in the high season, but visitors to Gili Meno largely come for romantic escapes and a chance to rejuvenate in the natural beauty of the island’s deserted beaches, which some argue are the best of all three Gilis.

100 Gili Air is the island closest to the mainland and can be reached in around 20 minutes by local boat or five minutes by speedboat. Gili Air has the largest local population of the three islands, combining the charm of a tropical island with access to the people and culture that make Lombok unique.

GILI AIR

Gili Air

At present, Gili Air is a laid back little island with a beachfront lined by simple cafés and bars made from bamboo and thatch. Its main appeal is in its unspoilt nature, with few of the swanky restaurants and villas that have sprouted up on Gili T… and that’s why so many people love it.

However, with some believing that Gili T is becoming over-developed, Gili Air is taking off as an alternative destination. Over the past couple of years, investors have been snapping up land on Gili Air and a number of up-market accommodations and restaurants have sprung up, with more to open in the next year.

Most development is on the east coast and towards the south. Scallywags, who have another popular resort on Gili Trawangan, own Scallywags Organic Beach Club on the southern end of the east coast with excellent swimming in front and a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has taken island dining to a new level with its excellent menu and guest facilities.

The Australian owners of the successful Senggigi business, The Beach Club, will also open The Beach Club Gili Air in mid2012. Plans include charming bungalows, similar to their Senggigi accommodations, with large bedrooms, private terraces and semi-open air bathrooms, as well as a restaurant serving above-average island fare.

Existing accommodation on the island is generally simple and until now, has mainly been the domain of the backpacker crowd; although the Gili Air Hotel on the north of the island has a variety of rooms and a

swimming pool, and Manta Dive has nice bungalows with a swimming pool.

Many of the older places offer thatchroofed bungalows with basic amenities, close to white sand beaches and at relatively low prices.

There is a good variety of small restaurants and beachside cafés on the island, with many offering traditional Indonesian dishes and basic western fare. The beach barbecues with freshly caught fish are particularly good.

The bar scene can get pretty lively in the evenings and, during high season, the island kicks into high gear with Full Moon parties on the beach.

Activities include walking and cycling around the island, sun bathing, and swimming, snorkelling and diving in the crystal clear waters. Yoga and meditation, together with relaxing massages and body treatments, are available at H2O Yoga and Meditation.

For exploring, there is a path running parallel to the beach and it takes around 90 minutes to circle the whole island. The interior is criss-crossed with a maze of tracks that can get confusing, but all lead back to the beach.

There is a good surf break with a barrelling right hander known as “Play Gili” off the south coast that attracts crowds when it is pumping. It breaks over sharp coral, so check with local surfers about conditions and board hire.

Diving opportunities abound and there is a good selection of reliable dive operators on the island, including Blue Marlin, Dream Divers, Oceans 5, Karang Divers and Manta Dive.

The calm waters and good visibility make Gili Air an ideal place to learn to dive or to upgrade diving skills. There are a number of popular dive sites that attract divers from the other Gilis, including Air Wall off the west coast, Hans Reef and Frogfish Point off the north coast.

The water surrounding the island is of a colour hard to describe – a clear, translucent turquoise, made even more pure by the sparkling white sand beneath.

Gili Air still boasts living reefs off much of its coast and there is wonderful snorkelling directly from the shore, particularly from the east and northeast beaches.

The coral starts within metres of the beach, making it easily accessible to anyone – even novices who have never snorkelled before. Because the island is protected by reefs, there are few waves and the ocean is amazingly gentle, allowing snorkellers to drift in a dreamy daze above this panorama of aquatic shapes and colours.

As is the case on all the Gilis, there are no cars or motorbikes allowed on the island, thus there is no pollution to spoil the clean air and the peaceful atmosphere.

The views from all points of the island are stunning but the east coast, facing Lombok, is probably the most fantastic – looking back at the big island with its white beaches and green mountains dominated by the volcano, Mt Rinjani.

Gili Air

101 through one of the main power cables.

GILI AIR

My prayers to the food gods have been answered: Gili Air has a new Spanish restaurant! The restaurant has been built along with several lovely looking cottages on the north side of the island, on almost exactly the opposite side of the island from where you get off the fast boat.

Although it doesn’t seem to have a name yet, the restaurant is due to open in the next couple of weeks. I have thought of knocking on the door and asking them if I can sample their wares, but it seemed a little rude.

I love tapas and I’m really hoping they get the pricing right. Often, tapas restaurants outside Spain are guilty of pricing each individual tapas dish the same as one western starter. This then makes it very expensive to buy five or six dishes, which is the general idea with tapas.

Lovely rooms at The Beach Club

accommodation costs between Rp 80,000 and Rp 250,000 in the off season. Between July and September rooms range from Rp 150,000 to Rp 500,000.

If this is the case, then it’s progressive and forward thinking and I’d like to know who to thank for the consideration of my feelings. (I don’t think this is the case!)

The rooms and bungalows at the Bintang Beach Resort and at the new Spanish restaurant are in landscaped gardens and both places are only seconds from the beach.

Of course the larger hotels on the island, like Villa Karang, have their own generators and are rarely affected to any great degree by the island’s power outages.

Many of the restaurants in Tourist Town are also able to keep things powered into the night with their own generators. It can be quite entertaining to watch their lights dim every time someone switches on a blender when they are using the generators.

If you walk straight across the island from the harbour you can arrive at this stretch of beach in around twenty minutes; or take a horse cart which will cost you Rp 50,000.

If this is not enough of a recommendation to visit this side of the island, on Monday nights Bintang Beach Resort hosts a movie night starting at 8pm. A large sheet is fixed between two trees on the beach and a projector and huge speaker provides the entertainment. It’s a cute idea, and you can buy a beer and some food.

Each week two films are available to watch and a vote is taken on which one should be shown.

There is something very cool about sitting on the beach of a stunning tropical island in Indonesia watching a movie – you really should give it a go!

Either way I’m going to do my best to be there on opening night so I can let you know!

The restaurant is at the side of Bintang Beach Resort on a small section of the island that is often overlooked by visitors to the island. This is a shame, as the beach is great, the sunsets amazing and the resort has pleasant rooms at a decent price.

Depending on how long you stay and the standard of room you choose,

Perhaps, this is what happens every year. Just before the start of the peak season the power goes off for a few days to condition people living on the island so that we know what to expect for the next three months when increased demand for electricity leads to shortages.

As I type this, I’m peering at my laptop screen using the power-saving mode because the island is on day three of a blackout. The power-saving mode on my laptop just dims everything until it becomes nearly impossible to use.

There are several stories circulating on the island as to why there is no power. I did ask several people and got several different answers; even official looking people weren’t entirely sure. However the reason I heard most was that someone has cut

On a final note, it’s exciting to see the finishing touches being made at The Beach Club, just south of Scallywags. The resort has 8 new and very swish looking bungalows, all with private terraces and nice day beds out the front to take in the beach views.

Inside the rooms are spacious and comfortable, with mosquito canopied beds, air conditioning and lovely bathrooms with hot water showers.

The beachfront bar and restaurant should be finished shortly, although I noticed quite a few people already plonking themselves down on the bean bags with a cold beer the other day. It looks like Gili Air will soon have another great place to hang out on the beach!

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