GETTING TO LOMBOK
Lombok International Airport (abbreviated to LIA with the IATA code “LOP”) is the only operating airport on Lombok.
The official name of the airport is Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, and you will sometimes see “Mataram” or “Praya” on ticketing, but they all refer to Lombok’s airport.
The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 45 minutes south of Mataram City, around 1 hour drive from Senggigi and only 25 minutes from Kuta.
The airport’s terminal is divided into international and domestic sections, with shared arrival and departure areas, and separate boarding lounges. There is no duty-free shopping at the airport but shops and souvenirs, ATMs, and food outlets are readily available.
Airport departure tax is included in the price of all tickets.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Lombok International Airport has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities, including 30-day Tourist Visa. Visit: evisa.imigrasi.go.id to apply online.
AirAsia operates direct international flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia every day, onboard A320 Airbus. Flight time is approx. 3 hours. Book cheap flights through the AirAsia website: airasia.com
Batik Air also offers direct Lombok - Kuala Lumpur flights 4 times per week. batikair.com.my
Direct flights between Lombok and Singapore are operated by Scoot Airlines (a low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) four times per week. Flights are onboard A320 Airbus and flight time is approx. 3 hours. flyscoot.com
In addition to Malaysia and Singapore, international flights to Bali and Jakarta connect Lombok to all major destinations around the world.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta and Surabaya. Direct flights to Lombok from Bali, Jakarta, Jogjakarta and Surabaya are available from multiple airlines every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights.
Batik Air flies direct between Lombok and Jakarta and Lombok and Surabaya every day. batikair.com.my
Citilink has direct flights between Lombok and Jakarta, and Lombok and Surabaya, three times a week. citilink.co.id
Garuda Indonesia has direct flights daily between Lombok and Jakarta. garudaindonesia.com
Lion Air / Wings Air has daily flights between Lombok and Bali, Jakarta, Jogjakarta, Surabaya, Sumbawa Besar and Bima (Sumbawa). lionair.co.id
Pelita Air flies direct between Lombok and Jakarta every day. pelita-air.com
Super Air Jet flies between Lombok and Jakarta, Jogjakarta, and Surabaya every day. superairjet.com
BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR
It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only around 50 minutes. Buy tickets online, or direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports.
In Lombok, all flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at the domestic terminal at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport. Arrive early for check-in as Wings Air often operates limited check-in counters.
Wings Air flies between Bali and Lombok up to four times daily. Wings Air is a subsidiary of Lion Air, so you purchase tickets through the Lion Air website for a Wings Air flight. Note: tickets include 7kg carry on but no luggage allowance; book pre-paid baggage through their website. lionair.co.id
BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA
Padang Bai Harbour (east Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour from both Senggigi and Kuta.
Arrange transport and buy tickets direct from the ticket office at the harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer service.
Public Ferries run 24 hours a day and depart every hour for the sea crossing between Bali and Lombok. The fare is Rp 62,200 per person and the trip takes approx. 4 to 5 hours, depending on sea conditions.
It’s a slow but scenic ferry trip and the cheapest way to travel between the islands. It’s also useful if you want to take a motorcycle (approx. Rp 160,000) or small car (approx. Rp 1,127,000).
FERRIES AND FAST BOATS
There are numerous fast boat services operating between Bali and Lombok every day, via the Gili Islands. All fast boats must stop at Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok for port clearance, so it is possible to reach mainland Lombok using any of the fast boat services to the Gilis. See our Gili Guide for more.
Eka Jaya offers the only fast ferry service between Bali (Padang Bai Harbour) and Senggigi (West Lombok) onboard Eka Jaya Matra – a modern and comfortable ferry licensed for up to 260 passengers.
Another route runs from Serangan Harbour to Senggigi, making it convenient for those staying in in the south of Bali. Ferries arrive and depart from the Senggigi Jetty, right in the centre of Senggigi Beach. ekajayafastferry.com
Gili Getaway operates several comfortable fast boats connecting Bali and mainland Lombok (including Gili Gede in southwest Lombok) from Serangan Harbour in the south of Bali. giligetaway.com
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Dear Readers
Welcome to the August issue of The Lombok Guide!
August is the busiest time of the year in Lombok, as the European holidays are in full swing and we head into “high season”!
Thousands of happy holiday-makers hit our shores to dive, surf, snorkel and hike to their hearts’ content. Don’t worry though – we’ve got more than enough beaches, islands, jungles and mountains for everyone and Lombok never gets crowded like other popular destinations.
No traffic jams, no waiting in queues, no fighting it out for a sun lounge… what are you waiting for? Head on over to the real paradise!
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Lombok or a seasoned traveller returning for the tenth time, The Lombok Guide is committed to provide you with all the information you need – attractions and activities, places to go and things to see – all brought together in one convenient Guide.
The island awaits… welcome to the magic of Lombok!
Contents
The Lombok Guide
Page 2
Page 4
Page 6
Scan to Read Digital Version
Getting to Lombok
Contents
Lombok Map
Page 8 & 10 Getting Around
Page 12 & 13 Best in Lombok
Page 14
Page 16,18 & 20
Page 22
Page 24
Senggigi Map
Senggigi & The West Coast
Senggigi Jetty Renovation to Begin
Eka Jaya New Route - Senggigi to Serangan!
Page 26-28 Mount Rinjani... Lombok's Sacred Volcano
Page 30-31 Namu on the Hill...
Page 32 Changes Coming to Tanjung Aan
Page 34 Useful Contacts
Page 36 Distribution
Page 38-42 The Cities
Page 43 The Cities Map
Page 44
Kuta Map
Page 45-52 Kuta & The South Coast
Page 53 South Lombok Map
Page 54-59 The Southwest
The Gili Guide
Page 2 & 4
Getting to the Gilis
Page 6 The Gilis Map
Page 8 - 18 The Gilis, Lombok's Three Iconic Islands
Page 19
Gili Islands Fast Facts
Page 20 & 21 Best in the Gilis
The Lombok Guide is committed to sustainability, printed on eco-friendly paper instead of glossy, laminated stock.
While glossy magazines may look sleek, their plasticcoated pages are difficult to recycle and take decades to break down in the environment. Laminated finishes are made with petroleum-based plastics that slowly fragment into microplastics, which persist in soil and waterways, harming ecosystems and wildlife.
By choosing recyclable, biodegradable materials, we reduce waste and keep harmful plastics out of the environment – because exploring Lombok shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.
Photos by Lucy Markos
k o - k o - m o
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• A round of tennis, workout in the gym, or choice of water sports
• Island hopping including a secluded island picnic
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GETTING AROUND
LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
handles domestic flights between Bali, Jakarta and other Indonesian cities, and international flights to and from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Getting to the Airport: Lombok Taxi (Blue Bird) is the most convenient taxi operator throughout Lombok and will drop passengers directly in front of the departure terminal.
Otherwise, book an airport transfer through your hotel, or a private car and driver service. There is ample parking at the airport and cars can be left overnight.
From the Airport: taxis and private cars are available to meet all arriving flights. After collecting your baggage, head out of the exit doors of the terminal and through to the arrival hall.
There are official taxi counters inside the arrival hall that will allocate you a fixed price taxi to most destinations.
Bluebird Taxi have a limited number of taxis licensed to operate from the airport. Book at the Bluebird counter or walk outside to the parking lot on the left and catch a metered taxi to your destination.
Golden Bird Taxi is the premium branch of Blue Bird and offers regular taxis, limousine and car rental. Look for their desk in the arrival hall or WA 0859 5462 7000.
There are also many private drivers waiting to offer rides to anywhere on the island. This is a good option if you are in a group or have a lot of luggage or sports equipment, such as surf boards. Negotiate a fixed price before you get in the vehicle.
Organising an airport transfer with your hotel is often the easiest option, with the hotel driver meeting you on arrival and transferring you to your hotel in airconditioned comfort. Check with your hotel – charges are usually only slightly more than a taxi.
Approximate taxi fares: Kuta Rp 150k; Selong Belanak Rp 250k; Sekotong Rp
Car rental kiosks are located at the arrival terminal and are open from 7am until 10pm daily.
For low-cost airport transfers, the public DAMRI bus is the cheapest way to travel between the airport and Senggigi and Mataram. The air-conditioned buses seat around 40 passengers and operate a regular schedule of departures from 7am to 5pm every day. Buses to Mataram leave every hour and cost Rp 25,000. Buses to Senggigi leave every 90 minutes and cost Rp 35,000.
The DAMRI counter is located inside the arrival hall and prices are clearly shown on sign board at the counter. The helpful drivers tend to stop at popular points along the route. If you need to stop at a certain point, let the driver know and he will usually accommodate your request.
Continued on Page 10
400k; Senggigi Rp 300k; Mataram Rp 150k; Bangsal Harbour Rp 350k; Senaru Rp 500k.
Continued from Page 8
Around Lombok: Lombok is easy to get around. The roads are in good condition and there is little traffic, apart from in the cities.
The island itself is only slightly smaller than Bali at 115km (70 miles) long and 80km (50 miles) wide; however, it is not practical to drive around Lombok in one day.
Taxis are easily available in most areas on Lombok apart from Kuta, Lombok. Unlike in other areas of Asia, all taxis use their meters (argo) to calculate fares, so there is no need to haggle a price.
Lombok Taxi (operated by Blue Bird Taxi, light blue colour) is the largest company in Lombok and you will find them in the cities and around tourist areas such as Senggigi. Express Taksi (white cars) are also available, mainly in the cities.
Taxis can be used to make trips to Kuta or Lembar and Bangsal Harbours and, if you are shopping or making day trips by taxi, ask the driver to wait and leave the meter running. Fares are still very low compared to those in the west. Short trips around Senggigi will cost around Rp 25,000; a taxi from Senggigi to Mataram is around Rp 100,000.
Phone for a taxi or ask your hotel to phone, or flag one down from the side of the road. Make sure the driver starts the meter when you get in.
Download the “My Blue Bird” app to book taxis easily. The app is also handy for calculating distances and fares when planning trips and the fare will give you a general idea of the rate you should be negotiating with a private driver.
Lombok Taxi (Blue Bird), ph: 0370 627 000 (or download the ‘My Blue Bird’ App from Google Play, iTunes, or from the Blue Bird Group website). www.bluebirdgroup.com
Gojek and Grab also operate in most areas of Lombok (apart from Kuta on the south coast). Download the apps for easy transport options via car or motorbike.
Motorbikes are the most popular form of transport and are generally small, light 110 - 125cc motorbikes with automatic transmission. Modern and economical scooters, such as a Honda Vario, are easy to ride. Expect to pay between Rp 60 - 80,000 per day for motorbike rental, depending on age and type. Both require an international drivers’ licence.
Do wear a helmet and appropriate shoes when riding a motorbike and don’t decide that Lombok is the place to learn to ride! Apart from the dangers from other riders and a general disregard for road rules, there can be unexpected hazards such as dogs, chickens, cows and children running into the road.
Note that taxis can drop off guests in Kuta but cannot pick up from Kuta. If you are staying in Kuta, the best options are to ride a motorbike or hire a car and driver.
Cars and Motorbikes can be hired in Lombok and driving yourself is easy. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road (as in the UK).
Car hire can be arranged at the airport and car rental companies in Mataram. However, self-drive car hire isn’t popular in Lombok and most will include a driver. Modern, air-conditioned cars that comfortably seat 4 - 5 people with a driver can be hired for between Rp 600 - 700,000 per day, including petrol and basic insurance.
A private car and driver can be arranged in all the tourism areas, either through your hotel or from talking to the drivers that hang around on the streets looking for customers.
Negotiate a price and what is included in the rate (petrol, duration of hire, waiting time, entrance fees if you are visiting attractions, etc). It’s easy to arrange transport this way, whether for a short trip to a restaurant or a full day of exploring.
Tours are readily available in all the tourist areas, and drivers and guides are licensed by the local Kotasi (tour organisation), who also regulate prices in the industry.
Most tour operators are reliable and will have a wealth of local knowledge, which can make touring a more rewarding experience. It is also the most comfortable way to explore the island, as you have time to sit back and observe, rather than negotiating traffic and unfamiliar roads.
Popular tours, such as day trips to waterfalls or traditional villages, are structured to take in a full day of sightseeing with stops at other points of interest along the way. Tours range between Rp 350 -700,000 a day for a driver and an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 4 passengers, depending on distances and the number of places visited.
* Prices are approximate. Expect to pay higher prices during peak seasons.
Useful Tip: WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service in Indonesia. Download the app to your phone for convenient messaging and phone calls to Lombok businesses wherever there is internet available.
BEST IN LOMBOK
BEACHES
Visitors come to Lombok for our fantastic unspoiled beaches! The whole island is surrounded by postcard-perfect beaches with sparkling blue sea and clean white sand fringed by coconut palms.
The beaches around Kuta are so breathtakingly beautiful they must be seen to be believed! Visit Tanjung Aan for fantastic scenery and calm water for swimming, Selong Belanak for long stretches of white sand, small waves and turquoise waters, or visit in the lovely protected bay at Mawun.
On the west coast, swim in the calm waters of Senggigi Beach or spend time relaxing on the white sands of Mangsit, watching the kids learning to surf. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu and Nipah and enjoy picturesque deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming.
The southwest coast has particularly fine beaches, especially in Sekotong and the small islands off the coast. Base yourself
on the big island of Gili Gede and hire outrigger boats to visit the small islands of Gili Asahan, Gili Ringgit and Gili Layar for the ultimate island escapes.
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. A trip through the areas of Lingsar and Narmada is a delightful way to spend the day, passing through scenic rural villages where fields of rice and many varieties of fruits are grown amongst the green hills and valleys.
Stop to purchase fresh mangosteen (manggis), mandarins (jeruk), rambutan and other exotic fruits along the way. Visit a local café (warung) for lunch or enjoy freshly grilled fish as you sit beside the stream-fed fish ponds in a lesehan
You must wear a sash to enter the temples but these are provided at the entrance. Please dress modestly. Most admission to the temples is by donation.
Pura Lingsar, located around ten kilometres northwest of Mataram, is possibly the only place in the world where Hindus and Muslims come together to pray and celebrate.
Built around 1714, Pura Lingsar has been declared a cultural conservation site because of its unique history as a symbol of harmony between different cultural and religious groups.
Original animist statues can be seen at the entrance to the upper compound, which houses the Hindu Gaduh and Pura Ulon temples; a peaceful courtyard entered through a gate guarded by the ancient statues.
Freshwater eels live in the springs here and are considered to be sacred. If you wish to see the huge eels, said to be decades old, a temple priest or guide will accompany you and feed them hard-boiled eggs, purchased at nearby stands.
Perang Topat is an annual festival held at Lingsar and features a ritualised war with rice cakes, which also serve as an offering to the Gods.
Taman Narmada (or Narmada Park) in Narmada (around 6 km east of Cakranegara), was created in the late
Mawun Beach
1800’s as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake.
The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake in this cool hillside setting. Take a picnic and enjoy a few relaxing hours here or combine the trip with a visit to Lingsar or Suranadi.
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 in the 16th-century.
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!
Across the road from the temple is a local market complex where you can sample tasty charcoal grilled satays and buy cold drinks and fresh seasonal fruits.
PARAGLIDING
Imagine soaring high in the sky, legs dangling below your body, as you gaze down on aquamarine waters, deserted white sand beaches, and lush green rice paddies. It is like flying over paradise!
Lombok offers exactly that experience, regardless of whether you’ve ever taken to the skies before. Flights are offered by trained experts who will control everything, allowing you to simply enjoy the sun in your face and the stunning views below.
For thrilling flights, head to Kuta. There are a number of popular take-off spots on the south coast, visited by thousands of adrenaline seekers every year. The
picturesque hills of Are Guling are another great jump-off option, with flights over a bay nestled between lush green forests and rolling hills.
The hills around Sembalun, high on the eastern slopes of Mt Rinjani, are another
popular paragliding spot, with flights from Bukit Siswa and Pegasingan Hill available. For the fearful, the view more than makes up for it as the glorious Mount Rinjani creeps into view.
The best part about paragliding in Lombok is that it’s possible almost all year round. While the occasional rain shower may dampen plans, such is the weather on the island, you won’t have to wait long for the next dry afternoon.
*** Getting around Lombok is easy by car or motorbike and you can hire these in all the main tourism areas, with an International Driver’s License. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light. Alternatively, hire a car and driver for exploring.
Or take part in the tours and day trips by the many tour agencies on the island offering these tours; just do an internet search for the title (e.g. “day tours in Lombok”, “paragliding in Lombok”, etc.)
Paragliding groups are located near Kuta on the south coast and Sembalun in the northeast. Experienced teams are waiting to assist you experience the flight of a lifetime. They offer all needed equipment, safety briefings, a tandem jumper and, yes, that little push we all sometimes need!
Lombok Paragliding by Anameci Trans. IG: tommy_suzana
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Senggigi, with its strategic location, is not only a wonderful holiday destination but an ideal base for exploring the many attractions that Lombok offers.
Senggigi is the oldest established tourism area on Lombok’s West Coast and many of the hotels and resorts are set on expansive grounds along the beautiful beaches of the west coast. Beachfront dining and beach holidays are a feature of staying in Senggigi.
Its central location, around a one-hour drive northwest of Lombok International Airport, puts Senggigi within easy reach of many of the main attractions on the island. The waterfalls, golf courses, Lombok Wildlife Park and other attractions in the north are only an hour or so drive away and Bangsal Harbour (the main harbour for
catching boats to the Gilis) can be reached in less than an hour.
The historic attractions of Lingsar and Narmada, and Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfalls to the east, are around an hour’s drive from Senggigi, while the cities and shopping are less than an hour away.
Lombok Taxis (the local branch of the Bluebird Taxi group) are readily available in Senggigi and the west coast, so getting around is easy. Download the app or ask your hotel to call a taxi for you.
The Senggigi tourism strip stretches for about 10km, starting a few kilometres before central Senggigi and running north along the coastal road, with many hotels and restaurants positioned along the beautiful beaches and hills that line the west coast.
A few kilometres south of Senggigi, The Hill (locally called The Bukit), is a residential community perched on the hillside in Batu Layar. The homes and villas here feature architectural designs and have magnificent views over the ocean.
Closer to Senggigi, Batu Bolong forms a strip between the historic Batu Bolong Temple and the southern gateway to Senggigi. The beach is lined with small hotels, bars and restaurants and the centre of town is only minutes away.
Pura Batu Bolong (literally meaning “rock with a hole”), is an interesting Hindu temple on a cliff facing Bali across the Lombok Strait. Built on a large rocky outcrop with a hole at the base, from which the temple takes its name, it is said that virgins were once sacrificed to the sea from the seat-like rock at the outermost point.
Continued on Page 18
One of the most spectacular sights on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi and along the west coast, which faces Bali across the ocean. It is a magical sight watching the bright orange sun sinking into the sea and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean.
Colourful Hindu ceremonies are held here every month at the dark and full moons, and at Hindu festival times. Admission and rental of a compulsory sarong and temple sash is by donation. This is a great place to watch the sunset, with fantastic views across the ocean to Gunung Agung on Bali Just before the entrance to Senggigi. directly across the road from Café Alberto is the entrance to the Green Valley residential area, popular with expats, where you will find small hotels, Air BnB and cafés within walking distance to town.
Senggigi Beach is the large bay that forms the centrepiece of Senggigi. The main road runs parallel to the beach and large resorts occupy the space between, with Merumatta Senggigi at the southern end and the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort at the northern end of the bay.
Continued from Page 16
The beach is a wide protected bay with promontories at each end, and is lovely for swimming and relaxing (but can become crowded on Sundays and public holidays).
Roughly in the centre of the bay is the Senggigi Jetty where the fast boat from Bali arrives and departs. Visiting yachts often anchor in the calm waters of the bay.
In the early mornings, enjoy a stroll along the beach looking out to the ocean dotted with the bright, colourful sails of fishing boats, as the local fishermen return with the day’s catch.
Senggigi Reef, off the southern point in front of Merrumatta, has good coral for snorkelling during high tide. You can wade in directly from the beach.
To the left of the reef, Anjungan is a popular surf spot and, in the right
conditions, has some decent surf breaks. When the tides are high, local surfers can be seen catching the waves here every day. Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (perahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands. In the centre of the bay is the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) with small shops selling handicrafts, clothing, sarongs, jewellery and other souvenirs. Lining the beach side of the Markets are small restaurants for dining. Come for a drink at sunset and enjoy delicious meals from the beachfront restaurants with the waves lapping only metres away.
Continued on Page 20
Whether you are seeking a tranquil interlude with luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets.
Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the unspoiled beauty of Lombok’s west coast.
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Continued from Page 18
Away from the beach, the main road (Jalan Raya Senggigi) is lined with cafés and restaurants, shops, spas, tour agencies, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings.
There are convenience stores and supermarkets, numerous ATM’s, banks, money changers, a post office and other tourist facilities along the main street.
About 2 km north of central Senggigi, Kerandangan has a popular beach nearby and a road leading into a residential area situated in a pretty valley.
At the end of the road through Kerandangan Valley is the Taman Wisata Alam – Kerandangan Nature Reserve –with hiking paths leading through the rain forest along the river. There is a Ranger’s hut and basic visitors centre near the entrance. The park boasts a small waterfall, pretty river scenery, families of local monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants and birdlife.
Further north, Mangsit has developed as an accommodation alternative to Senggigi, with some of the best boutique hotels
positioned along the breath-taking beaches of this section of coast.
There is good snorkelling in front of Puri Mas Beach Resort at high tide and, when the wind is right, surfers take to the waves in front of Qunci Villas.
Furthest north are Klui, Lendang Luar and Setangi, with a long stretch of pristine beach at Lendang Luar and lovely resorts positioned on each of these beaches.
Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves, continue all the way north along the main coastal road.
Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all.
Mangsit Beach by Barbara
Malimbu by Barbara
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After years of false starts, abandoned construction, and frustrated tourism stakeholders, the long-neglected Senggigi Jetty is finally set for a major overhaul.
The West Lombok Regency Government has announced that work on the longpromised renovation will begin within a month, with a target completion date of December 2025.
The government has earmarked IDR 12.4 billion for the project, aiming to transform the dilapidated jetty into a permanent structure that they hope will serve as a major gateway for the island.
The contract has been awarded to Jakartabased contractor Mata Intan Cahaya, with the winning bid of IDR 11.2 billion selected from among 51 bidders.
The urgency to repair the jetty is not new. Complaints from fast boat operators have been mounting for years, citing poor docking conditions and safety concerns for both passengers and crew.
Construction on the jetty, previously funded through a Rp 7.1 billion Special Allocation Fund, began in 2019 but was abruptly halted at around 60% when the initial contractor’s progress was deemed unsatisfactory.
RENOVATION TO BEGIN SENGGIGI JETTY
A resulting lawsuit dragged the project into a legal limbo, while the jetty and its floating pontoons suffered damage from waves and years of neglect.
As a result, the local government has opted to rebuild from scratch and shifted the design from a floating structure to a permanent pier using reinforced concrete.
"This renovation is long overdue," said Baiq Yeni Satriani Ekawati, Head of the West Lombok Transportation Agency.
Yeni emphasized that the new jetty is designed not only to restore Senggigi’s role as a key maritime hub but also to expand connectivity between Lombok and nearby tourism hotspots.
Regular sea routes currently link Senggigi to Bali, but the updated facility is hoped to attract more fast boat operators and to open up access to less-visited destinations like Gili Gede and Sekotong.
Making Lombok Pets Happy!
“We’re hoping this infrastructure will strengthen our sea tourism network and make it easier for tourists to explore the beauty of West Lombok,” she said.
Capacity is also a central focus of the new design. The renovated pier will accommodate more vessels, ease congestion and improve accessibility for operators and travellers alike. For the local tourism economy, the project is a crucial step toward revitalisation.
Senggigi is the heart of tourism on Lombok's west coast and has long been seen as a key entry point to some of the island’s most popular attractions. While previous efforts to upgrade its pier faltered, this latest renovation – if completed on time and to standard – could finally unlock Senggigi’s full potential as a tourism hub.
SENGGIGI TO SERANGAN! EKA JAYA NEW ROUTE –
Eka Jaya Fast Ferry has just introduced a new service for passengers travelling between Bali and Lombok, with departures to and from Serangan Harbour, in the south of Bali.
Eka Jaya will continue to operate its route from Padang Bai (East Bali) to Senggigi, and return, onboard its flagship vessel Eka Jaya Matra. This spacious, modern ferry seats up to 260 passengers and operates twice daily – morning and afternoon.
In addition to Matra, another Eka Jaya ferry will operate from Serangan Harbour (South Bali) to Senggigi, departing Bali around midday, and returning from Senggigi to Serangan in the afternoon. The trip takes around 2.5 hours.
The Serangan route makes it easy for people staying in the south of Bali, as they no longer have to travel by road from Padang Bai to the popular south Bali resort areas – a trip of around 2 hours.
Serangan Harbour puts you right in the middle of the action, located around 30 minutes from Nusa Dua and Jimbaran, and
around the same distance to Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
Along with the Serangan - Senggigi route, Eka Jaya has just announced a range of new routes commencing in August. These connect Bali to its nearby islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, as well as the three Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno and Air), and mainland Lombok at Bangsal and Senggigi.
Now it’s possible to create island-hopping holidays from Bali to Lombok!
Depart from Serangan and stop-over on Nusa Penida for a couple of nights before venturing on to the Gili Islands or to Senggigi to discover exciting new destinations with ease and convenience. The selection of routes is the most comprehensive fast boat service operating in the region to date, with the range of
CAFE
ammin' SENGGIGI
destinations and schedules available covering every possible combination!
The new routes are also designed to minimise transit times with more direct routes between the islands. For example, the 11am Padang Bai route to the Gilis and Lombok used to stop at Nusa Penida and Lembongan, making the trip 4 hours long. This has been replaced by a direct route from Padang Bai to the Gilis; cutting the trip down to just 2 hours.
Travellers can also now travel to Serangan from the Gilis (via a short stop in Senggigi), instead of routing back through Padang Bai.
Departure times and routes are subject to change. To view the full schedule and plan your custom island itinerary, visit the Eka Jaya website ekajayafastferry.com and book online.
EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT ENJOY GREAT LIVE MUSIC! 6.30pm to midnight LIVE BAND until 11.30pm
JAMMING WELCOMEINSTRUMENTS PROVIDED
Mount Rinjani… Lombok’s Sacred Volcano
Lombok is home to many natural attractions, most notably the world-famous volcano, Mount Rinjani, located on the northeast of the island.
Rinjani soars 3,726m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, annually attracting hundreds of thousands of trekkers and climbers to Lombok.
Particularly at this time of the year, during the European holidays and Lombok’s “high season”, visitors from around the world come to Lombok to climb Gunung Rinjani – either to its awe-inspiring crater lake, or to the demanding summit with its panoramic views across the ocean to Gunung Agung, Bali’s famous sister volcano. Gunung is Bahasa Indonesia for “mountain”.
The two volcanoes create a visual connection for Balinese Hindus living on Lombok and, historically and culturally, Gunung Rinjani has important significance to Lombok’s Sasaks and Balinese, Muslim and Hindu
alike, and is considered a “Home of the Gods”.
Pilgrimages are often made to the mountain, and many people visit the volcano to pray, and bathe in the pools and hot springs, which are said to have healing powers.
The huge caldera near the top of the volcano is around 4 kms wide and is almost filled by a beautiful crescentshaped lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea Lake). The lake is around 230m deep and contains plentiful fish, as well as being home to birds and other wildlife.
Jutting from the crater’s edge, a smaller volcanic cone – Gunung Baru Jari – rises out of the lake,
frequently sending out plumes of smoke and ash. This cone was formed a couple of hundred years ago and is still active, although it usually poses no danger to trekkers.
It is believed Rinjani, or Samalas as it was called back then, erupted in 1257 with one of the biggest
volcanic eruptions in history. It has been estimated that the force needed to create the lake and the new cone would have been equal to around 300 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs.
The lake is stunningly beautiful and the volcanic cone of Baru Jari rising out of the lake is an awesome sight that inspires everyone who visits.
There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano, most importantly Aik Kalak
on the northeast of the crater, where the volcanically heated waters are said to cure illnesses, particularly skin diseases.
The Rinjani National Park is a nature reserve of 41,330 hectares surrounding the volcano and provides many opportunities for ecotourism. The whole area is picturesque, featuring magnificent waterfalls, lush and accessible jungle trekking, and traditional villages, with plantations of tobacco and cashew nuts, grown alongside verdant rice terraces. Native wildlife, including monkeys and tropical birds, live in the surrounding jungle, as well as abundant varieties of tropical plants and flowers.
The two main starting points for climbing Rinjani are at Sembalun in East Lombok and Senaru in North Lombok.
Continued on Page 32
Both are picturesque mountain villages, with a range of accommodation available and trek centres that can organise your trek. Four other lesser-known entrances are from Torean, Timbanuh, Tetebatu, and Aik Berik.
There are a variety of different options for climbing Rinjani. Two-day, one-night treks are the shortest available, taking visitors to the crater rim, at around 2,700m asl, to view the wide crater and the emerald green lake within. Or to face the challenge of climbing Rinjani’s treacherous summit before descending the mountain again.
The most popular trek is the three-day, two-night option which allows trekkers to climb down into the crater and camp near the lake. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere, eat
fresh fish from the lake, and enjoy a soak in the hot springs to ease your aching muscles.
For many, the challenge is to reach the summit – a narrow, jagged shaft of rock jutting from the peak of the volcano.
This is a demanding climb of just over 1,000m that starts in darkness early in the morning, in order to reach the peak by sunrise. Trails of people struggle up the steep and narrow path filled with volcanic rock and sand.
It’s often a case of one step up and one slide back, and only experienced and fit hikers should attempt the summit. Even then, less than half of the people climbing will actually make it – strong winds, and sometimes rain, as well as exhaustion and the effects of altitude force many to turn back.
Those that do achieve the summit are rewarded with a magnificent panorama from the highest point on Lombok – 360º views stretching as far as the eye can see, across the green fields and mountains of Lombok to the island of Sumbawa beyond, and across the sparkling ocean to the
TIPS FOR TREKKING
* Treks can be organised online or at tour agencies throughout Lombok. Typical treks include an experienced guide, porters to carry equipment, water, food and cooking utensils, and tents and sleeping bags.
* Always use a reputable trekking business and check that they have facilities to cope with emergencies. Read online reviews before booking.
* Never wander away on your own, even if you’re an experienced climber. A number of deaths and injuries have occurred on the mountain. Loose rocks and slippery paths are hazards.
west studded with the Gili islands and Bali floating in the distance.
Trekking on the volcano is not for everyone. A certain level of fitness is needed and climbing to the summit is particularly strenuous. Rinjani is not a mountain to be casually climbed; she is a huge volcano with soaring peaks and deep ravines, some of which have never been explored.
Altitudes of over 2,700m are reached on all these treks and, even on the equator, night time temperatures can be very cold, with strong winds and occasional rain.
The best time to climb Gunung Rinjani is in the dry season from around April to October, or before the rainy season starts. The sunny days and cooler temperatures make this time of the year the most comfortable for climbing, and enable the clearest views of the stunning scenery both on and around the mountain.
* Don’t stand on the edges of paths and lookouts, or take selfies leaning off ledges. The sides can erode and give way underneath you.
* Use good quality, comfortable shoes and take a walking stick to help with the inclines.
* Make sure you have a warm jacket and enough clothes – it’s cold on the mountain.
* Check that your trekking company is supplying sleeping bags and blankets.
* Don’t try to save money by trekking on your own or using unauthorised guides. Licensed guides will have identification, and are experienced to handle your trek and the conditions on the mountain.
* Don’t carry valuables that aren’t essential to your trek.
* Please respect this natural wonder. Don’t litter or leave anything on the mountain, except your footprints.
NAMU
on the Hill…
Scaling New Heights on Lombok’s Booming South Coast
Lombok’s southern coast has emerged as a prime destination for those seeking more than just a tropical escape. And riding this wave of development is NAMU, a boutique property brand that has built a loyal following with its design-forward, nature-integrated residential communities in Kuta Lombok.
Founded in 2019 by South Korean brand marketer Ha Jae Hun, NAMU brings a sharp eye for aesthetics and community to every project. The vision is simple: create living spaces that combine natural beauty with minimalist tropical design and practical function.
From the original NAMU Village to the tranquil NAMU Twin, each project embodies a commitment to what the brand calls “tropical modernism” – refined, natural, and in harmony with nature.
Now, NAMU is expanding again with NAMU on the Hill, a new development just a few minutes outside Kuta, Lombok’s bustling beach town.
Located in Mong, just off the main road (Jl Pariwisata) and less than 10 minutes to the town centre and Kuta Beach, the site is only 15 minutes from Lombok International Airport.
Yet, despite this accessibility, the hillside location is nestled in natural jungle with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains – a rare find this close to town.
Backed by PT Sunrise Jay Consulting for all legal, investment, and management matters, and designed and built by PT Namu Arsitek Lombok, NAMU on the Hill is a local operation with deep roots and experience on the island. This means smooth project execution, legal transparency, and hands-on service from a team that knows the landscape – literally and legally.
The development will feature one- and two-bedroom tropical minimalist villas, each with open-plan kitchens, breezy living areas, private pools, sun terraces and landscaped gardens.
Block sizes range from 150 to 450 square meters, and each villa is customizable – an attractive bonus for those wanting to tailor the space to their own needs.
Most attractive of all is the price, with villas and land starting from just USD 92,000!
Several villas are already under construction, with key infrastructure such as dedicated parking, electricity and water treatment systems in place. Designed with privacy and security in mind, the development also features a private entrance and on-site management office, ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment for residents.
When it comes to investment, NAMU on the Hill offers a serious upside. With conservative projected annual returns of 10% to 12%, the villas are positioned as strong contenders in the booming Lombok rental market.
Thanks to a flexible owner-use model, buyers can live in their villa year-round or part-time, while generating passive income during unused months. Onsite management takes care of everything –maintenance, security, cleaning – all with reasonable fees and full transparency.
Whether you’re relocating to Kuta, planning to build your dream home, or starting a business on Lombok’s fastgrowing southern coast, NAMU on the Hill can function as your base. And when you’re ready to move on, the villas remain a high-demand, low-maintenance asset to rent or resell.
Ownership options are open to both individuals and companies, with villas available under a 28-year leasehold (renewable) or through a PMA (foreign investment company). NAMU’s team helps guide investors through the legalities, providing full legal and notarial support, including assistance with company set-up, visa applications, and insider navigation through Indonesia’s complex property laws.
Financially, investors can expect full transparency: monthly reports, a local bank account with real-time access, and a dedicated investor relations team to support long-term peace of mind.
In a region rapidly evolving but still full of untapped potential, NAMU on the Hill represents a rare balance of beauty, flexibility, and smart investment. For anyone drawn to the southern shores of Lombok – whether to live, earn, or both –this is one hill worth climbing.
Gili Kedis by IG: iyusblue
CHANGES COMING Tanjung Aan to
employed about 60 local workers and attracted a steady stream of international tourists.
Tanjung Aan Beach, famed for its white sand and turquoise waters, is now at the centre of a major transformation.
Located within the Mandalika Special Economic Zone on the south coast of Lombok, this iconic stretch of coastline is being reshaped by the InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) as part of an ambitious plan to build a world-class tourism hub to rival Bali’s Nusa Dua.
Last week, a wave of demolitions cleared dozens of illegal businesses along the beachfront. Around 700 joint personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), National Police (POLRI), Satpol PP, local security forces, and ITDC-hired guards were deployed to oversee the operation.
Small stalls were dismantled by hand, while excavators were brought in to tear down larger businesses, including the popular Aloha Beach Club, which
The eviction sparked heated exchanges between local businesses and authorities.
Lalu Sungkul, Head of the Central Lombok Tourism Office, defended the clearance, citing widespread illegal businesses backed by foreign investment that bypassed licensing by using local nominees.
"Meanwhile, he [the foreigner] is the financier behind it. And he's making as much money as possible without obtaining the proper permits to invest in Indonesia,” Sungkul said.
Amid pushback from foreign visitors and the beach vendors, ITDC maintains that the beach remains public.
“This is not privatisation,” said ITDC Operations Director, Troy Warokka. “Access to the beach is protected under Indonesian law and remains open to the public.”
The clearing of the beach is apparently to make way for PT Kleo Mandalika Resort, a 5-star hotel under a Luxury Brand Collection concept. Said to be backed by investors from Indonesia, Japan, and Dubai, the resort will occupy 101,185 m² of prime beachside land. Its IDR 2.1 trillion investment marks the single largest development yet on Tanjung Aan Beach.
Warokka confirmed that groundbreaking is scheduled for next month. “We’re clearing the land and aligning with local leadership. Once the land is ready, construction will begin,” he said.
Future plans also include luxury beach houses and further development along the coast.
Tanjung Aan is one of the most beautiful beaches on Lombok's south coast and, as part of the Mandalika resort project, has long been slated for major development – with Club Med rumoured to be building a resort there as early as 2017. While that development never materialised, it's clear now: change is coming to Tanjung Aan’s shores.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Lombok Police (POLRES NTB): Jl Gajah Mada 7, Mataram. Emergency No: 110 Emergency Rescue (RSU Mataram) Ph: 0370 620009 / 0877 7757 7119
HOSPITALS (Rumah Sakit)
Siloam Hospitals Mataram
Jl Majapahit 10 Mataram | Phone: 0370 600 1100 / 0878 8590 8372.
Emergency: 1-500-911
Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga
Jl Ahmad Yani 9, Selagalas. Ph: 0370 6177000 / 0813 5353 7941. Emergency 0859 3096 5695. Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram)
Jl Bung Karno No 3 Pagutan. Phone: 0370 640774 / 0877 7757 7119
NTB Province Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Propinsi)
Jalan Prabu Rangkasari, Dasan Cermen Phone: 0818 988 119
Central Lombok Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Praya)
Jl H Lalu Hasyim, Tiwugalih, Praya. Phone: 0877 4343 6738
Mandalika Hospital
Jl Kuta-Lombok, Sengkol, Pujut Phone: 0878 1359 4055
Emergency: 0812 3775 6717. East Lombok Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Dr R Sudjono)
Jl Professor M Yamin No 55, Selong, East Lombok. Phone: 0817 7523 0033
Biomedika Hospital
Jl Bung Karno 143, Mataram. Phone: 0370 645137
Risa Sentra Medika Hospital
Jl Pejanggik 115, Cakranegara. Phone: 0370 625560 | 632117
DENTISTS (Dokter Gigi)
Drg Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care)
1st Floor at Lombok Epicentrum Mall. Jl Sriwijaya, Mataram. Ph: 0878 6490 1535 Ritz Aesthetic Dental Care
Jl. Bung Karno No.35b, Cilinaya, Mataram. Ph: 0878 8833 4000
Drg Yuanita
Jl Sriwijaya (opposite Kura-Kura Waterpark), Mataram. Ph: 0812 3763 156
Drg. Mumu
Jl Bung Hatta 14, Mataram. Ph: 0853 3730 7008
Drg. Sumi
Mandalika Medicare. Jl Raya Kuta. Ph: 0852 5521 8362
VETS (Dokter Hewan)
Dr Wahyu
Jl Sriwijaya (next to Town Palace), Mataram. Ph: 0370 6160300
Anvet (drh Annisa) Ph: 0813 8538 5482
drh Hanifah
Jl Majapahit 37A. Ph: 0821 4100 0965
drh I Gede Sudiana
Jl Sadewa 9, Cakra. Ph: 0878 6585 6260
drh Ajus Ph: 0878 6441 3232
drh Dwi Ph: 0878 6477 0490
drh Nurul (Kuta) Ph: 0818 0366 2612
TAXI
Blue Bird Taxi: 0370 627000 / 08111 794 1234
IMMIGRATION
Jl Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520
PUBLIC SERVICES
ELECTRICITY
PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 643123 PLN Ampenan. Ph: 0370 622793
TELKOM (Phone/Internet) Ph: 147
CONSULATES
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 0361 2000100. Emergency: +61 26261 3305. Email: Bali.congen@dfat.gov.au
BELGIUM
Phone: 0343 740274. Emergency: 021 3162030. Email: stefaan.vancolen@st-group.com
BRAZIL
Phone: 0361 8446530. Emergency: 0821 44440018. Email: renato@bythesea.co.id
BRITAIN
Phone: 021 23565200. Email: john.makin@ fco.gov.uk / ika.larasyati@fco.gov.uk
CHILE
Phone: 021 3199 7201 / 02 Email: yakarta@consulado.gob.cl
CHINA
Phone: 0361 239902. Email: chinaconsul_dps_id@mfa.gov.cn
DENMARK
Phone: 081 1398 0220 / 021 5761487
Email: bali@umgate.dk
ESTONIA
Emergency: 0811 987111. Email: bharat@consul-estonia.or.id
FINLAND, SWEDEN & NORWAY
Phone: 0361 282223. Emergency: 0817 9723658. Email: finnishconsulatebali@yahoo.com / sweconsul@yahoo.com / norwegianconsulatebali@yahoo.com
FRANCE & TIMOR LESTE
Phone: 0361 9345862. Emergency: 021 23557600. Email: consul@dps.centrin.net.id
GERMANY
Phone: 0361-288535. Emergency: 0812 3913938. Email: sanur@hk-diplo.de HUNGARY
0361 425924. Emergency: 081 2385 3781 / 082 144 933 506.
Email: hubaliconsul@gmail.com
INDIA
Ph. 0361 259502/3. Emergency: 081353846936. Email: cg.bali@mea.gov.in / cons.bali@ mea.gov.in
ITALY
Phone: 0361 701005. Emergency: 081 2390 4471. Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.org
JAPAN
Phone: 0361 227628. Emergency: 0361 227628. Email: denpasar@dp.mofa.go.jp
MEXICO
Phone: 0361 223266, 0361 245828. Emergency: 0361 288218. Email: yudhara@astinatravel.com
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: 0361 8446456. Emergency: 0819 99477552. Email: indy.honcondibali@gmail.com
POLAND
Phone: 0361 263967 / 081 238 78324. Emergency: 0811 389449. Email: iblolec@pacificworld.com
RUSSIA
Emergency: 021 5222912
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Phone: 0361 9005583. Emergency: 0811810680. Email: konsulslowakbali@yahoo.com
SOUTH AFRICA Ph: 0361 751223. Emergency: 081510533842. Email: info@bagus-discovery.com
SPAIN
Phone: 0853 3838 5008. Emergency: 081 38004 1258. Email: honorary.cspainbali@gmail.com
SRI LANKA
Phone: 0361 728483. Email: citrabaliide@yahoo.co.id
SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA
Phone: 0361 264149 / 021 5256 061. Helpline: +41 800 247 365 Email: bali@honrep.ch
THAILAND
Phone: 081 238 25542. Emergency: 021 2932 8190. Email: rtcdps@yahoo.com
TUNISIA
Ph: 021 52892328/29. Email: tunisconsulbali@popodanes.org
THE NETHERLANDS
Phone: 0361 761502. Email: dutchconsulate@kcbtours.com USA
Ph: 0361 233605 / 021 5083 1000. Email: CABali@state.gov
LOMBOK
AIRPORT: In every tour & transport counter, cafes and Tourism Information Centre
BLUE BIRD TAXI:
Exclusively available in every Blue Bird Taxi in Lombok Hotels & Resorts, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes and Malls in Senggigi, Mataram, Kuta, Gili T, Gili Meno, Gili Air, Gili Asahan, Gili Gede, Selong Belanak
BALI
FASTBOATS: Blue Water Express, Eka Jaya Fast Boat, Orion Prince Fast Ferry, Gili Getaway, Gili Gili Fast Boat, Scoot Cruises, Golden Queen Fast Boat Restaurants, Cafes, Bars and Tour & Travel Agents in Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Umalas, Batu Belig, Canggu, Ubud
of 10,865 international & national visits to our website every month! www. thelombokguide.com
THE CITIES
The three main cities in Lombok –Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara – have expanded over the years and now merge together to create what is, for Lombok, an urban sprawl of shops, administrative centres and residential areas.
A visit to the cities makes an interesting day trip, exploring the numerous shops selling everything imaginable from everyday items to gold and pearls, and to the Lombok Epicentrum Mall – Lombok’s main shopping mall.
There are many pearl shops in Ampenan and the nearby village of Sekarbela that sell unset pearls and pearl jewellery at attractive prices. These are genuine pearls – some cheap quality from China and more expensive ones farmed in Lombok and Sumbawa. If you bargain the price, you can usually get a good deal.
There are gold shops in both Ampenan and Cakra. The gold sold in Lombok, as with most Asian cities, is 24 karat gold and is sold by the gram at current market price. For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warung (local cafés) and food stalls in the cities. Especially in the late afternoon, stalls set up along the main streets selling fresh fish and seafood grilled over hot coals and coated with spicy sauce, satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce, and many other kinds of local street food.
Or just wander around the streets to soak up the atmosphere and discover fascinating insights into Lombok life!
Ampenan was the original port in Lombok during Dutch colonial times and some of the old architecture is still visible around the town, particularly toward the beach to the west, where the remnants of the port are slipping into the sea.
The streets become a market at night, filled with warung and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour.
Pasar Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan (near the intersection to Senggigi), is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats come in. A stroll through the markets is a pungent and enlightening experience!
Photo by Anameci Trans. IG: tommy_suzana
labyrinth of stalls selling everything from woven baskets to fresh flowers and local food.
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 (NTB) Museum houses historical and cultural artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. It’s an interesting place to visit and occasionally hosts special exhibits. Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Address: Jl Panji Tilar, Taman Sari. The Museum
is open from 8am to 3pm and there is a small admission fee.
Cakranegara (usually abbreviated to “Cakra”) is Lombok’s main shopping area. It is also home to many Chinese and Balinese, who make up over 50 percent of the city’s population. The streets of the city make an interesting walk with gold shops, sporting goods, clothing and fabric stores selling imported silks, laces and cottons, to name a few.
There is a local market at the main intersection in Cakra; turn right at the traffic lights and look for the entrance to the market on the left. Inside is a
The next large town east of Cakra is Sweta. The Bertais Bus Terminal is located here for connections to the east of the island and beyond. Near the bus terminal there is a huge local market every day with all kinds of goods on sale, from foodstuffs to clothing, exotic birds, handicrafts and more.
Shopping
Lombok Epicentrum Mall on Jl Sriwijaya (see cities map) is Lombok’s most modern shopping centre with four floors of retail outlets. The large, clean and air-conditioned complex houses a Hypermart Supermarket and a Matahari Department Store, as well as a Cinema XXI Movie Theatre.
On the second floor, you’ll find a wonderland for young people and families, with Funtopia and Time Zone entertainment arcades, Play and Learn, Toys City toy shop, and children’s shops. International brands include UNIQLO, KKV, Adidas, Birkenstock, Puma, Billabong, and more.
There is a well-stocked AZ.KO store (formerly ACE Hardware), an Informa furniture store, a Mr DIY discount store, a Sociolla cosmetics outlet and several pharmacies. Other retailers sell a wide variety of fashion including brand name stores, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and much more.
Continued from Page 38
Taman Mayura
Lombok Epicentrum Mall
Food outlets include Burger King, KFC, J. Co, Starbucks, Kimukatsu, Pepper Lunch, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut, as well as many local eateries.
“Epicentrum” as it is known, makes a fun day out if you want some retail therapy and to pick up a bargain. It is also great for families, with entertainment and kids’ activities and a good movie theatre, as well as the fast-food options that they might be missing on holiday.
Nearby Temples and Places of Interest
It’s possible to combine a trip to the cities with a visit to some of the historic sites in the area.
Pura Meru on Jl Selaparang, Cakranegara, was built in 1720 by Balinese Prince Anak Agung Made Karang and is the largest temple on Lombok. Its three meru are for the Hindu trinity – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
This is an important temple for the Balinese here and its annual Pujawali festival, held over five days during the full moon in September or October, is the biggest Balinese Hindu event on Lombok.
The outer courtyard hall has large drums used to announce ceremonies and festivals. In the central courtyard are two buildings with raised offering platforms. The interior enclosure has 33 shrines as well as the three multi-tiered meru.
Entry is Rp 20,000 per person, which includes the loan of a temple sash.
Pura Mayura, just across the street from Pura Meru, was built in 1744 as the court temple of the last Balinese kings in Lombok. An open hall or bale kambang (floating pavilion) stands in the middle of a large artificial lake here and an interesting temple is sheltered under huge old trees at the rear of the lake.
The gardens and the adjoining Pura Jagatnatha temple complex are a peaceful place to escape the bustle of the city and well worth exploring. Do use a guide to get the most out of your visit and understand the interesting history of the park.
Taman Mayura is open every day, from 8am to 8pm; entry is Rp 20,000 per person. The gardens are popular on weekends so the best time to visit is during the weekdays.
Pura Meru
THE SOUTH COAST
Visitors are drawn to the south for the raw beauty of the southern coastline, stunning beaches and scenery, almost year-round sunshine… as well as some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia!
Located around 60 km south of Mataram, Kuta (sometimes spelt Kute) is the main town and tourism centre on the south coast of Lombok, and is the gateway for exploring the fantastic south coast and the many places of interest in the region.
The Lombok International Airport (LIA) is the only commercial airport on Lombok and is located just 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta, making access to the south very easy.
The proximity to the airport and the construction of the Mandalika Circuit has sparked an investment boom in the area over the past couple of years and Kuta has transformed into a vibrant town, with many new hotels, restaurants and cafés catering to increasing numbers of visitors.
The Mandalika Circuit – officially called Pertamina Mandalika International
Street Circuit – was completed in 2021 and currently hosts World Superbike and MotoGP racing events, drawing thousands to the island during race times.
The Mandalika Resort development, with its plans for luxury hotels, villas and supporting facilities spread over 1000 hectares of prime land, will further transform the south coast in coming years.
Kuta is an area that is rapidly developing – residential areas are spreading, international schools have opened to serve the growing expatriate community, and shopping, services and supporting infrastructure continues to grow.
In the past, Kuta offered mainly low budget hotels catering to the thousands of surfers from around the world who were drawn to the area every year.
These days, there is a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes – from simple hostels and medium range hotels to wonderful boutique resorts and luxurious villas tucked away on the side streets.
At present, Kuta boasts two large resorts: the Novotel Lombok and Pullman Mandalika Lombok Resort. Both are located on the beach just outside of town and offer a range of accommodation from comfortable hotel rooms to spacious suites and villas, some with private swimming pools.
As with accommodation options, new restaurants and eateries have sprung up in the area and are arguably among the best in Lombok. These offer a range of choices – Mediterranean, Seafood, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, vegan and gluten free, home-made cakes and breads – foodies are truly spoilt for choice!
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Kuta offers a full range of tourist facilities from motorbike hire, car rental and tours, surf lessons, surfboard hire and repair. There is a Fresh Market supermarket and various mini-markets, boutiques and shopping, as well as spas, a hair dressing salon, ATM facilities, and more.
Surfing is one of the main reasons to visit Kuta and the town attracts thousands of visitors every year for the great surf locations at Gerupuk, Ekas, Tanjung Aan, Are Guling and more. It’s easy to hire a board and a surf guide from here to learn surfing or, for experienced surfers, to access the more challenging surf breaks in the area. There are surf coaches for hire, as well as surf schools and camps throughout the year.
Apart from surfing and days spent hanging out at fabulous beaches, there are many other attractions to explore. The drive between Kuta and the airport reveals
interesting rural villages and farming communities where fields of tobacco, corn and peanuts line the roadsides and farmers till the fields using antiquated ploughs pulled by large water buffalo.
Nearby are two traditional Sasak villages – Sade and Rambitan – with authentic clusters of thatched Lumbung, or rice barns, and traditional homes made of thatch and bamboo, with hardened cow and buffalo dung floors.
Both villages have been updated and cater to the tourist market, but there are still interesting examples of traditional Sasak architecture and
communal living within the compounds, where life continues as it has for centuries.
Residents, who act as guides for a small fee, encourage walks through either of these villages and are happy to share a glimpse of their lifestyles with visitors.
Also nearby are pottery villages with nice examples of earthenware pots and home décor, and villages that weave traditional
fabrics (tenun ikat) using old backstrap looms and techniques passed down through generations.
Otherwise, hire a car or motorbike and you can spend days visiting stunningly beautiful beaches, both to the east and west of Kuta.
Photo by 360 Surf Academy
Just east of Kuta is Seger Beach (sometimes called Mandalika Beach, after the legendary Princess Mandalika – a beloved character in Sasak folklore who is believed to have sacrificed herself from the rocks overlooking the beach for the good of her people).
It is here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms spawn in the waters offshore.
There are great views from the beach and even better views if you climb the surrounding hills. There are small stalls selling drinks and snacks to enjoy after taking a swim or a stroll to enjoy the views.
Tanjung Aan, around 5km east of Kuta, is a long picturesque beach with a wide arc of white sand, perfect aquamarine water and shady trees on the shore.
There are a number of warung or beach cafés along the beach selling cold drinks and beer, as well as snacks and simple meals. Many have sun lounges on the beach and guests are welcome to spend the day swimming in the calm waters and relaxing with a drink or meal.
The water at Tanjung Aan is calm and clear, with a white sandy bottom making it fantastic for swimming. There are also perahu (local outrigger boats) available for hire, offering trips around the bay and to the nearby surf breaks.
There is a small hill (Bukit Antara) towards the east end with steps cut into the side. It’s an easy climb to the top for lovely views and you can watch the surfers catching the waves offshore.
On the far western end of the beach is Bukit Merese – a larger hill and a slightly tougher climb – but worth the effort for the fantastic views from the top. It is popular in the late afternoon, when everyone climbs up to see the spectacular sunsets.
Further east of Tanjung Aan is Gerupuk – well known as a top surf location and situated on a peninsula of land that juts out into the ocean.
The bay is used for fishing and lobster farming and is filled with local boats, which ferry avid surfers to no fewer than five surf breaks nearby.
Gerupuk is also evolving and offers a range of accommodation and cafés to cater to the growing tourist trade.
The beaches and wonderful scenery continues all the way to the east coast, with fantastic places such as Bumbang, Awang Bay, Ekas and Pantai Surga (Heaven Beach)… the name says it all!
In the opposite direction, 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.
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Are Guling is popular with surfers, with left- and right-hand reef breaks as well as a beach break for beginners. There are great views over the bay and to the small island of Gili Nusa off-shore.
Are Guling has accommodation, mainly catering to surfers, and a number of local cafés, including a couple of places on the beach.
Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is an almost circular bay
with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side.
It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand. There are stalls on the beach selling drinks, snacks and simple meals.
Mawi, around another 7km to the west, is for experienced surfers and has good right- and left-hand barrels for surfing when the swell is large enough.
For non-surfers, if you can brave the treacherous road, it is a lovely beach surrounded by small hills, with impressive views; look for the three pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.
Selong Belanak is a long sweeping bay framed on each end by headlands and surrounded by rolling hills. The beach is lovely for swimming and has good waves for body surfing, as well as being popular for beginners surfing lessons.
There are many small stalls selling drinks and snacks, as well as offering surf lessons and surf board hire on the beachfront.
Sempiak Seaside Resort has plush villas, some with private pools, perched on the hillside overlooking the bay with breathtaking panoramic views.
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Laut Biru Restaurant and Bar at the resort is right on the beachfront with lovely views. It is a popular place for a stop –and justifies a day trip in itself – serving delicious snacks and meals under shady trees on the beach.
Selong Belanak is another area undergoing a lot of growth, mainly due to the popularity of the beach and the wonderful landscapes of the area. Here you will find many small hotels and private villas, as well as interesting cafés and shops to explore.
Bruga Villas Restaurant & Spa, on the main road leading to the beach, is a small boutique hotel offering exceptionally good value accommodation with eight large, comfortable and modern rooms surrounding a central swimming pool.
There is a roadside coffee shop serving delicious cakes and barista coffees and, upstairs at Surf Kitchen, enjoy fresh sea breezes and tasty western and Asian meals, full bar service and cold beers.
There is also the Bruga Wine and Spirits bottle shop on site, with a good selection of takeaway wine, beer and spirits, as well as a range of snacks and general supplies. Free delivery is available if you are staying at one of the villas in the area.
If you are staying elsewhere, Selong Belanak and the surrounding beaches make a great day trip, with lunch and a swim here as the highlights of your day. Further west are more beaches to explore – Serangan, Torok, Nambung, Pengantap
Bruga Villas
and more – many of them undergoing some type of development as investors recognize the potential of this gorgeous area.
Further west stils are the picturesque bays of Sepi and Belongas, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted.
Steeped in history and legend, surrounded by beaches of almost surreal beauty, the south coast is a fascinating area to visit, whether your interests are historical and cultural, in search of the perfect wave, or just the opportunity to see and explore some of the most beautiful and pristine coastal scenery in Indonesia.
Selong Belanak Beach Continued
Featuring 8 Deluxe King Rooms, Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Spa, Coffee Shop and Takeaway Bottle Shop
Located in the heart of Beautiful Selong Belanak
THE SOUTHWEST COAST & The Secret Islands
The picturesque Southwest region begins from Sekotong, just south of Lembar Harbour, and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling green hills.
The drive down the southwest coast is an enjoyable trip, meandering through small villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fishing, and other traditional pastimes.
Situated on a wide, placid bay in Sekotong is the peaceful village of Tawun. The sea is sparkling turquoise and the dazzling white sand stretches in a wide sweep around the bay.
Just out in the bay are the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudak (and the tiny island of Gili Kedis) – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats.
In the centre of town is the main harbour with a long jetty stretching out into the sea, where you can arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other islands. There are also smaller private boat hire places dotted all along the coast for private island-hopping excursions.
Accommodation at Tawun has grown over the past few years and there are now small hotels, villas and home stays overlooking the bay. It’s easy to base yourself on the mainland and take boat trips to explore all the southwest islands from here.
Gili Nanggu has accommodation for visitors, with simple cottages on the beach and a restaurant. The island is small and the beach has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling.
Island-hopping tours usually stop at Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis, which all have good snorkelling from the shore.
A few kilometres south, winding your way along the coast, you will see the distinctive blue roofs of Sundancer. This
beautiful property flows from the hillside to the sea, with 66 spacious residences dotted on the slopes and surrounding a large free-form swimming pool.
Perched on the hillside are six luxurious villas, each with private infinity pools, and fantastic views over the ocean and islands beyond.
The resort boasts three restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a swim-up pool bar, and a spa and wellness centre. Across the small road sits Sundancer Beach Club, sprawled on a wide stretch of beach. Here you can relax on sun lounges, swim in the calm ocean, and enjoy fabulous sunrises over Mt Rinjani to the north and sunsets over Mt Agung on Bali to the south.
The beachside bar and restaurant serves up cold drinks, beers and cocktails and delicious meals, as well as snacks for all day dining. Even if you’re not saying at Sundancer, it’s the perfect place to spend a day if you’re staying in the area or for a stopover on a trip to the southwest coast.
Back on the main road and travelling a little further south, before the marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out onto a white peninsular of sand that juts into beautiful clear waters. Drive to the end for superb views and a close up look at Gili Genting.
Gili Genting sits just off the tip of the peninsular and at low tide you can walk across the sandbar and explore this uninhabited island. Old volcanic rocks and stone carved from centuries of tidal flow create small caves and alcoves, providing shelter for picnics and interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
Gili Gede: The largest of the islands in the area is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning ‘Big Island’ in the local language. The island
A long meandering coastline of pristine white sand beaches, rolling hills, quaint villages, and sparkling ocean as far as the eye can see… that’s Southwest Lombok!
Off the coast, thirteen small islands - the Southwest Gilis - float in the turquoise waters just waiting to be discovered.
Unlike the famous ‘Gili Islands’ in northwest Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers... that’s why we call them ‘The Secret Gilis’!
lays just offshore and is so large visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland.
Gili Gede is developing as the gateway for the Southwest Gilis, as it is one of the few islands in the area that has a choice of accommodation, making it an ideal base for exploring the other nearby islands.
Ko - ko - mo Gili Gede Resort is the sister resort to the renowned ko - ko - mo Resort on Gili Trawangan. The luxurious property, comprising 1- and 2-bedroom villas with private swimming pools, and one bedroom Villa Kecil (small villas), is spread out over spacious grounds on a pristine beachfront.
All modern comforts such as air conditioning and ceiling fans, flat screen televisions with satellite channels and DVD, Wi-Fi, fresh (not salt) hot water, plentiful power points for charging devices, and more are provided in each villa.
Facilities at the resort include a tennis court, a small gym, a resort swimming pool and purpose-built Spa facility, and a beachfront restaurant.
Guests at the restaurant can enjoy upmarket dining with a menu prepared from fresh locally-sourced seafood, imported Australian meats and in-house breads and bakery items. There is also an outstanding wine and drinks list.
Ko - ko - mo has a purpose-built jetty at the front of the resort and operate their own fast boat service – ‘Gili Getaway’ –making Gili Gede easily accessible from Bali.
Perched on the hilltop just to the north of ko - ko - mo is Villa Selalu, a private luxury retreat that enjoys outstanding 360º views of the stunning surroundings.
The Hidden Oasis: Discovering Serenity
66 Spacious Residences and 7 Hilltop Private Pool Villas in the heart of the Southwest Swimming Pool, Spa & Wellness Centre, 3 Restaurants, Dive Centre & Water Sports Beach Club, Bar & Restaurant for guests and day-trippers!
Just minutes from the Secret Islands of Lombok and 25 minutes to world famous Desert Point surfing Discover the magical southwest coast in style!
The fully serviced 4-bedroom villa boasts unparalleled luxury with all mod cons and ultra-chic furnishings. Guests can enjoy a number of indoor and outdoor living areas, as well as an 18m infinity pool overlooking the ocean surrounded by a spacious deck, BBQ area and lounging pavilion.
Villa Selalu has a private beachfront and jetty, as well as a boathouse equipped with snorkelling gear, sea kayaks, paddle boards and bikes to make the most of your holiday.
Individual rooms are available or rent the villa in entirety for the ultimate island escape!
The High Dive Resort, Gili Gede is the only PADI 5-star certified dive resort in Southwest Lombok and is the perfect choice for those wishing to learn to dive in
a small, personalised setting with highly experienced dive masters and instructors.
Whether you are learning to dive, upgrading skills, or just wish to explore an area with pristine reefs, a vast variety of underwater life, and uncrowded diving locations – the High Dive Resort is for you.
The luxurious beachfront bungalows at the resort all feature ocean views and boast king-sized beds, air conditioning, modern bathrooms and a spacious private deck overlooking the beach. There is also a comfortable two-bedroom apartment for families and larger groups.
The restaurant and bar are located on the beach, serving delicious local and international cuisine, with refined vegetarian options and full bar service available. Dining here is a true castaway
Discover the Southern Gilis
Affordable & Comfortable Beachfront Bungalows Indonesian & Mediterranian Restaurant and Bar Swim, snorkel, canoe, island hop, dive and relax... discover a true beach getaway with Alam Karang
experience with bare feet in the sand and enchanting views across the water to the nearby islands.
Just a little further down the beach is Alam Karang – a collection of five bungalows or lumbung, featuring traditional Sasak architecture. Each stand-alone bungalow features comfortable furnishings, air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms and spacious terraces overlooking the sea.
The beachside restaurant features organic Mediterranean cuisine, specializing in tapas, and local dishes, while the bar serves up cold beer, soft drinks, cocktails and wines by the bottle or glass.
With friendly and helpful staff to arrange tours and activities, and snorkelling directly from the beach in front, Alam Karang offers a relaxing “beach bungalow getaway” at very reasonable rates… it’s the kind of place you come to for a couple of days and end up staying a week!
Other accommodation options on the island include some lovely mid-range resorts as well as cottages and home stays with simple accommodation for budget travellers.
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Marina Del Ray, on the south of the island, is an Australian-operated yacht marina with a long jetty extending into deep, protected waters offering safe anchorage year-round for visiting boats.
The marina offers customs, immigration, and port control facilities as well as fuel supplies, moorings, provisioning, and repairs. There is also a Yacht Club, with restaurant and accommodation available.
Gili Gede is large enough to provide a range of activities such as hiking to the hills in the centre for fantastic views across the other islands, exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves, and meeting the people living on the island, who are very friendly and, as yet, unspoilt by tourism.
To the south of Gili Gede, the islands of Gili Ringgit, Layar and Asahan are lined up like secret treasures in the calm sea.
Bounty Cruises, a Bali-based company, own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and constructed a pier on the island some years ago. There is good snorkelling on the west side of Gili Ringgit, accessed by boat.
Large gardens of hard and soft corals lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast. On the other side of the island is where the pier is located, is a fantastic white sand beach.
It’s easy to snorkel offshore, just north of the pier and, although the reef isn’t as large as on the other side of the island, there is still plenty to see.
Visitors are astounded by the pristine conditions and huge schools of turtles seen near Gili Layar – the island between Gili Ringgit and Gili Asahan.
Bright blue starfish drape themselves across patches of coral, and bright yellow and black Moorish Idols dart through the water. Schools of hundreds of small iridescent fish swim past and weirdlyshaped squid drift by in the deeper areas.
Slightly further south, beautiful Gili Asahan attracts visitors with its white sand beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees. There is very good snorkelling just off-shore.
There are now a number of accommodation options on the island, ranging from modern and luxurious to simple and rustic – with choices to suit all budgets.
Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the mainland, continue south on the coastal road until you come to a main intersection. A signpost to the left leads to the spectacular large bay at Mekaki, while the road to the right leads to Labuhan Poh and Pelangan.
There are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – known as Desert Point and a world-famous 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.
Gili Getaway Fast Boat Service: operates convenient, fast and comfortable boat transfers between Bali and Gili Gede three times a week.
Gili Getaway arrives and departs at the purpose built jetty at Ko – ko –mo Resort, for easy and quick access to Gili Gede and the Southwest Gilis. www.giligetaway.com
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 future.
The dive sites of the Southwest reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesian diving has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by turtles, white tip reef sharks, cuttlefish, moray eels and many other varieties of marine life.
The reefs are full of colourful corals, which harbour an amazing variety of marine life, including ghost pipe fish, lion fish, pygmy seahorses and much more.
For non-divers, the islands are a delight for snorkelling – abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water.
With its undeniable beauty and tourism potential, it’s easy to imagine hotels and resorts on all these beaches and islands in the future but, for now, the Southwest is unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and idyllic, and visited only by the lucky few.
VILLA SELALU
Gili Gede, Lombok
Villa Selalu is a private luxury hilltop retreat on beautiful Gili Gede that enjoys 360-degree, uninterrupted views of a truly unique and untouched part of the world. The villa offers four king-size bedrooms each with marble ensuites and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests.
Whether booking one bedroom as a couple, or two or more bedrooms as a group, enjoy the villa exclusively for your stay.
. private jetty .18m infinity pool . private white sand beach . hilltop bbq pavilion . entertainment room . WIFI . commercial kitchen . spacious open plan living . fully air conditioned . tv’s in bedrooms . ceiling fans throughout . hilltop breakfast pavilion . fully catered . dedicated manager and staff. bespoke furnishings & amenities . beach lounges . beach café & bar . bikes . snorkelling gear . kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
ENQUIRIES: bookings@villaselalugiligede.com | www.villaselalugiligede.com | +61 411 031 607