The Lombok Guide Issue 121

The

Issue 121 | 6 – 20 August 2012

FREE COPY

LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0370 6594005 | www.thelombokguide.com

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK

PISA KAFE...

ITALIAN IN THE CITY!

DAY TRIP TO THE PEARL FARM!

ROTARY MATARAM AWARDED

THE BEACH CLUB GILI AIR

Page 18

Page 20 & 30

Page 24

Page 89 & 90

IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok

Page 2

Attractions & Actitvities

Page 4/8

Lombok Map

Page 6

Senggigi

Page 12

Senggigi Map

Page 14

What’s Hot

Page 18

Special Feature Page 18 Special Feature Page 20/30 Local News

Page 24

Mr Fixer

Page 32

Local Scene

Page 36/40

Local News

Page 42/48

Pasar Classifieds

Page 46/47

Discount Vouchers

Page 47

The Cities

Page 52-60

Cities Map

Page 56

Distribution

Page 62

The Southwest

Page 64-67

Kuta & The South

Page 68-74

The Beach Club

Beach Bungalows Page 15

HOLIDAY IN LOMBOK! As our front page photo shows, Lombok is rightly known for its laid-back style and natural beauty… friendly locals, travelling by horse cart and stunningly beautiful beaches.

With the dry season bringing clear sunny weather and cool breezes in the evenings, isn’t it time you booked your holiday in Lombok?

To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 62 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…

The Gilis

Page 77-100

Getting to the Gilis

Page 81

Gilis Fast Facts Page 83 Gilis Feature

Page 89/90

Gili Bytes

Page 97

Gilis Map

Page 99

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

Gili Air by Simon Mammino

Useful Contacts Page 76

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

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

The whole island is surrounded by fantastic beaches, most of which are covered in clean white sand and fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming. The southwest coast also has fine beaches, especially around Sekotong and Taun.

Lombok is becoming a world-renown surfing destination amongst surf enthusiasts world-wide. Huge waves and challenging surf lure die-hards to BangkoBangko (also known as Desert Point) on the south-western tip of Lombok.

Visit the small island of Gili Nanggu for rustic accommodation and great snorkelling just off shore or stay at Secret Island Resort on Gili Gede to explore the twelve other undeveloped islands in the southwest. The beaches around Kuta are breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Kuta for long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, or swim in the peaceful lagoon at Mawun.

Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals.

DIVING With so many beaches and small islands, Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known locations are around the Gili islands - Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

Snorkelling is easy from the shore and

Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and services catering specially to surfers.

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.

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.

Photo by Blue Marlin Dive

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k o - k o - mo G I L I T R AWA N G A N R E S O R T

Get there fast, then take it slow...

Private Luxury Villas and Fine Dining Restaurant Email: kokomogilit@ozemail.com.au Tel: +62 (0)370 614 4169 | Fax: +62 (0)370 614 9365 | Mob: +62 (0)813 3974 7459

www.kokomogilit.com

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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

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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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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

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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

TWO PERFECT BEACH LOCATIONS IN LOMBOK!

er, dvd, front bungalows with AC, hot wat Senggigi - Comfortable beach Senggigi! mming pool. 5 minutes walk from satellite TV, private balcony and swi

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

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 With high season making everywhere in Lombok busy, many people are finding it necessary to book flights between Bali and Lombok well in advance.

If daytime flights are fully booked, consider taking the Garuda flight later in the day. Garuda operates the last flight of the day and uses large and comfortable 737800 aircraft for their Bali-Lombok route.

If you need a flight in the morning, consider Sky Aviation. The airline is often overlooked by local travel agents and offers a reliable service on board comfortable and well-maintained aircraft.

Also be aware that, with windy weather creating hazardous conditions on the sea crossing between Lombok, the Gilis and Bali, some fast boat services may be cancelled abruptly.

Remember to check with the fast boat operator on the morning of your planned departure.

until 4pm. How that makes any sense, we don’t know!

However, there are a couple of places that are fine for lunch or a coffee break while shopping.

Redwood Café (upstairs at Melissa Bakery), diagonally opposite Ruby’s Supermarket, is open all day and serves meals, snacks, a huge variety of drinks and some of the best coffees in town. There’s also a smoking terrace outside. Highly recommended are the Cappuccinos, Frappes and the Hazelnut Jumble Coffee… more like a dessert than a drink!

While there, pick up some goodies from Melissa Bakery downstairs. The Whole Wheat and Oat Bran breads are excellent and they make some of the most delicious donuts you will ever taste!

www.gilibookings.com is an easy way to book fast boat transfers between Bali and Lombok and offers real time departure information and booking confirmations. See our “Getting to Lombok” and “Getting to the Gilis” sections for further information and direct contact details.

Also, just opened, is Pisa Kafé, next door to Mirasa Bakery in Cakra. With stylish décor and cool air conditioning, this is a nice place to escape the noise and heat in the middle of a shopping trip and is open from 1pm until late during the next month.

While there’s no problem finding food and drinks anywhere in Senggigi, the Gilis and other tourist areas in Lombok, eateries in the city are another story. The powers that be have been busy making new rules and, if you spend the day in the city, you might find some of your favourite places aren’t open during the day.

The menu is huge, with lots of tasty Italian specialties including Lombok’s only authentic Italian Gelato! See our review below.

Our old stand-by, Delicio Café in Mataram Mall, is one victim and now has a notice out front saying they are not allowed to open

Indonesian Independence Day will be celebrated in Lombok on 17 August. Many local hotels will have special dinners to celebrate “Hari Raya Merdeka” and often provide cultural and dance performances for guests. Enquire at your hotel or ask local staff to direct you to where the fun activities are!

PISA KAFÉ… ITALIAN IN THE CITY!

It’s always great to see a new eatery open in the city, especially if it is a modern and clean place that offers something a little different from the norm.

Mozzarella. Great for sharing with friends or family!

Asian dishes range from Chicken Teriyaki to Korean Bulgogi, as well as Indonesian specialties such as Oxtail Soup and Nasi Goreng Seafood.

Pisa Kafé opened recently and is located next to Mirasa Bakery in Cakra (see Cities Map, page 56). The vision of Ibu Sumelia, who owns both businesses, was to open a café that re-creates the feel of a true Italian café or trattoria in the city.

The result is a lovely and spacious café with stylish décor and comfortable seating arrangements at tables and on cushioned banquettes around the room. The café is fully air conditioned and non-smoking, although there is a smoking area at the outside tables on the sidewalk.

Part of a franchise with branches in Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Semarang and Samarinda; Pisa Café has a huge menu, with the emphasis on Italian fare. An Italian chef was brought in to train the local staff and to ensure the flavours are authentic.

Offerings include salads, appetisers, soups, many varieties of pasta, pizzas,

There is also a good selection of snacks including sandwiches and rolls, Nachos, Calamari, Fish and Chips and, of course, another Italian favourite – Mozzarella Fritta. meat dishes ranging from steaks, to Beef Stroganoff to Beef Ribs with BBQ Sauce.

There is also a good selection fish dishes (many featuring salmon) and mixed seafood.

Some of the more tempting items on the list include Minestrone Soup, Insalata Guilio Cesare (Caesar Salad with Chicken), Fettuccine with Salmon, Ravioli, Lasagne and the delicious Italian pastry, Calzone.

The house specialty is an amazing one metre long pizza! It actually is one metre long and has toppings of beef, tuna, chicken and salami, with mushrooms and

The drinks list is similarly huge, with the usual cool drinks and fresh juices, as well as punches, flavoured sodas and squash, virgin cocktails and a good selection of coffees and teas. There are also some interesting creations using gelati blended with coffees, syrups, fruits and more… some are drinks; some are desserts, similar to an ice cream parfait.

The large display fridge near the front counter is hard to ignore – filled with tubs of real Italian gelato. Sixteen different flavours tempt diners, including Rum and Raison, Mango, thick Strawberry Whirl and Vanilla Bean. Rich and creamy, the gelati is worth the visit alone!

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[ 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

Special Feature

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DAY TRIP TO THE PEARL FARM! east of Lombok), and are becoming an important industry for the two islands.

Some of the shops in the cities, often owned by Chinese and Arab dealers, trade quality South Sea pearls worth thousands of dollars on the world pearl market.

Lombok is also fortunate to have one internationally renowned pearl trader based on the island. The Autore Group is one of the largest South Sea pearl companies in the world and Autore has pearl farms in Lombok, Sumbawa and West Java, in addition to their One of the first things visitors to Lombok notice is the sellers on the streets and the beaches offering strings of pearls for sale, at prices that seem too cheap to be believed.

Lombok is famous for its pearls and is often referred to as the “Pearl Island”, attracting buyers from all over the world to purchase these beautiful and precious “gems of the sea”.

Many people assume the pearls being sold here must be fake copies, like the watches; but this is usually not so. Most of the pearls are genuine, but they are not high quality and don’t usually come from Lombok. Many are from China, where they have little value, and are imported here by astute Chinese traders who live in Lombok.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t buy these pearls – they make great souvenirs and presents for those back home. They are a good buy because they are so cheap here and domestic tourists often travel to Lombok to buy the pearls for trading in Java and other parts of Indonesia.

True Lombok pearls are a different matter altogether and, while sizes and quality vary, there are some very valuable pearls to be purchased here… and bargains to be had for those who know how to identify a quality pearl.

South Sea Pearls are farmed in both Lombok and Sumbawa, (the island to the

main operations in Australia.

The company employs hundreds of local people at their pearl farms and processing facilities in Indonesia, as well as at their base in Australia and, in addition to pearl farming, trades pearls on the world market, retails loose pearls, and designs and creates distinctive pearl jewellery that is worn by some of the most wealthy and glamorous people in the world.

In December 2011, Autore opened their first visitors centre and showroom at their pearl farm located in the calm bay of Teluk Nara on Lombok’s west coast.

Guests visiting the Autore Pearl Farm have the opportunity to discover how the rare and beautiful South Sea pearls are produced in Lombok, with knowledgeable guides explaining the intricate processes of modern cultured pearl farming – from how the oysters are seeded, the growing process, harvesting and grading the pearls, through to the end result – the stunning pearls on display in their showroom.

When we visited last week, it was a brilliant sunny day in Lombok and the short drive up the west coast gave us plenty of fantastic views over the beaches and the ocean.

Perched over the waters of the bay, the Autore showroom has views of the dramatic Rinjani mountain range on the mainland and to the east, over the buoys of their pearl farm to the three Gili Islands, floating in the sparkling sea and just minutes away.

There we were greeted by Steve – an Australian who first worked with Autore at their Australian headquarters, where he was eventually trained in the delicate operation of seeding pearls by a Japanese technician.

Continued on Page 30

Senggigi

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Living in Style * Own Private Pool * Huge Bath Room

* Private Villas

* Comfortable Bed

* Bamboo Restaurant

* Spacious Dining

* Garden Lounge Café

& Living Room

* Billiard Bar

* 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

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

Senggigi

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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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Windy Beach Resort “Next to Nature”

Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: 0370 693191 | Fax: 0370 693193 Email: bookings@windybeach.com | Web: www.windybeach.com

Local News

24

ROTARY MATARAM’S HARD WORK REWARDED

The Rotary Club of Mataram in Lombok is a fully-chartered member of Rotary International in Indonesia. It is a voluntary, non-profit Club that raises funds, mainly from overseas, for carrying out community projects in Lombok.

In recent years the Club has built and installed “Bio Sand” water filters in villages throughout Lombok, providing free clean water for over 4,000 local families.

In addition Rotary Mataram has provided classrooms, equipment and toilets for local schools, and jointly sponsored free dental programmes for school children carried out by Dental Development Foundation Indonesia – a group of caring dentists from The Netherlands who carry out free dental treatment in Lombok every year (www.

DDFI.in).

One of the Club’s most significant achievements to date has been in providing new life for over 300 local people with cleft-lip and cleft palate deformities.

June 2012, when Rotary Club Mataram Lombok received an award “For Making a Positive and Significant Change in the Community and the World” from the President of Rotary International, Kalyan Banerjee.

The award was presented to past president, Lisa Edelman by District Governor, M Ridlo Eisy in Jakarta.

The patients – mainly children from poor families who are unable to afford the surgery needed to correct their child’s oral defects – come from many diverse villages located throughout Lombok and Sumbawa, and sometimes even as far away as Papua.

Working with European surgeons who donate their time and expertise to performing the operations in Lombok, Rotary Mataram is supported by their sister clubs in RC Ghent, Belgium and RC Calgary in Canada, and provides funds and the local assistance necessary to carry out these transforming surgeries every year.

The Club’s vital work was recognised in

Past Rotary Mataram President, Lily Heyder, also received an award through the Rotary Foundation District Service for “Outstanding Service in Promoting the Rotary Foundation and Its Goal of World Understanding and Peace”.

Lily’s award was presented at the District Conference in Bandung, and was attended

by Rotarians Farida Istiarini and Lee Joo Mea. “It is good to look back on what we have accomplished and to measure our progress toward our goals,” Ibu Lily said. “But we can never rest on our laurels, for as much as Rotary Mataram has achieved, we are always aware of how much there still is to do.”

Ibu Lisa agreed, saying: “During the year of 2012 – 2013, ‘Peace Through Service’

will be the focus and goal of Rotary.

Through service, we become more tolerant of our differences and more grateful for the people in our lives. Our sense of gratitude drives us to understand others better and to see the good in everyone.

Through better understanding, we learn to respect others. With mutual respect, we live with others in peace.”

Not all Rotary Foundation Donors are Rotarians; thankfully, the Club’s work is also supported by the kindness of strangers.

If you would like to support their projects with either your time or donations, please phone Lily Heyder on +62 813 3959 9154 – Ed.

Senggigi

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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

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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

27

Senggigi

28

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

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Comfortable Air Conditioned Dining Inside Sidewalk Al Fresco & Private Smoking Terrace Delicious Asian and Western Meals & Snacks Fresh Juices, Cool Drinks, Coffee and more!

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Every day 10am to late

Jalan Raya Senggigi, Galleria Shops (between Rambo Petshop and Anna’s Gift Shop) Phone: 0370 692070 | Email: papabesar_cafe@yahoo.co.id | Find us on

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

30

DAY TRIP TO THE PEARL FARM! the tank room where microscopic oysters are grown in tanks of water with carefully controlled temperatures, supplies of nutrients, and population numbers.

Outside, alongside the blue waters

Seeding the pearls – inserting the nucleus, which will form the core of the pearl, into the host oyster – is probably the most vital stage of pearl cultivation and requires years of training and patience to develop the specialised skill.

For centuries the art of pearl seeding was a highly secretive trade, usually performed by technicians from Japan, where the technique was perfected.

Steve is the Technical Manager and Pearl Seeding Technician for Autore Pearls and, since moving to Indonesia in 2001, has trained local Autore staff to seed pearls; passing on the skills to employees who show an aptitude for learning the intricate process.

Some of these local people also travel to Australia to assist in pearl seeding there and to further their skills and knowledge.

Pearl farming is an incredibly complicated procedure, involving the selection of suitable oysters in which to grow the pearls, the breeding and growth of plankton to feed those oysters, and the nurturing and care of the oysters until they are a suitable size – and quality – in which to insert a nucleus and start the magical process of producing a pearl.

While some may believe that cultured pearls are not “real pearls” – as compared to pearls found naturally growing inside an oyster “in the wild” – the truth is that very few naturally produced pearls are found these days. To find an oyster in the ocean that has produced a pearl naturally is a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Cultured pearls, although they do require the intervention of man, are still very much a product of nature. Things can go wrong at any stage, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses and, once the oyster is seeded, the entire process is in the hands of Mother Nature.

The tour takes visitors through the rooms where plankton are grown to feed the oysters which will be seeded and into

of the bay, steel cages hold the oysters in different stages of their development – from tiny dots clinging to the ropes on the screens up to fully formed and healthy oysters, ready to receive their pearl seed.

Steve takes us through the process of the patient selection of suitable oysters and getting the oyster to open, ready for the operation, through to the delicate and skilled operation performed inside the oyster.

Later, we witnessed the most exciting part – opening a mature oyster to discover what nature had created inside! The first pearl is a bit dull and the oyster is marked as not being up to standard, but the next oyster opened reveals a beautiful luminescent pearl bursting from the pearl sac. This is the magic of these gems – never knowing what nature will create, as every pearl is unique.

The Pearl Farm tour takes around 1 and 1/2 hours, depending on visitor numbers and is so fascinating the time just seems to disappear! The beauty of this tour is the personalised service and the opportunity to see and learn things you wouldn’t normally see – even at other pearl farms around the world.

After the tour, visitors are invited to relax with a complimentary coffee, tea or a cool drink at the café in the visitors centre and enjoy the lovely views and breezes coming off the ocean.

In the showroom, precious loose pearls and striking jewellery are displayed for sale in illuminated cases. Some are

Special Feature Continued from Page 20

set in white, yellow or rose gold, while contemporary designs combine the precious pearls with gems such as pink tourmaline, topaz, amethyst and other gems.

All are crafted in Australia and feature the distinctive and unique designs for which Autore is famous. The precious pearls glow with a life of their own… making these a beautiful gift for that special someone, or a lasting memento of a visit to Lombok.

The visitors centre is located on the southern end of Teluk Nara harbour, only 30 minutes north of Senggigi, and can be easily reached by car, motorbike or taxi from Senggigi. It is best to book the tour one day in advance but if you wish to arrive spontaneously, the friendly staff will organise your tour after a short wait in the café.

You can also visit the Autore Pearl Farm from any of the three Gilis. Simply catch a local boat to Teluk Nara or charter an outrigger or speedboat for the trip. Teluk Nara is around 30 minutes from Gili T, or 10 minutes by speedboat; less from Gili Meno and Gili Air. Alternatively, ask your hotel or local tour agency to organise a visit for you. Many of the better hotels are already offering Pearl Farm Tours to their guests. Cost for the tour is very reasonable at Rp 180,000 per person, including refreshments; discounts are available for groups of more than four.

The Autore Pearl Farm Tour makes for an enjoyable day trip along the beautiful west coast beaches and is a unique opportunity to discover the magic of creating Lombok pearls. Phone 684 4895 for bookings and information.

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3 EXCLUSIVE FREEHOLD VILLAS Located in peaceful estate 5 minutes to Senggigi 3 minutes to beach

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

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

Mr Fixer

32 some way for dropping him in the sh*t.

get the chance to confront him about the outstanding money. What do you think I should do?

I am also worried that some of my employees, who I still owe money to, may try to harm me before I am deported. What MR FIXER: Confront him quickly before Tongue-in-cheek do you think I should do? Yours sincerely, anyone else does. If anyone should answers to your Hermanicus. threaten to harm him in any way, please phone me immediately. I would hate to personal and MR FIXER: If a foreigner wishes to miss it. building problems engage in any business in the Republic QUESTION: My business partner has of Indonesia, they must obtain the necessary permissions and a work permit. reported me to the immigration authorities QUESTION: I am a Dutch citizen who for working illegally. To avoid this, I have I am surprised you got away with it for has been living and working in Lombok been forced to leave Lombok and go to so long, especially if you don’t pay your for some years now. It seems that I have another island. employees or taxes! If anyone should been working illegally without a correct threaten to harm you in any way, phone working visa and it came as a great My tourist visa expires soon and I am me immediately. I would hate to miss it. shock when the immigration authorities afraid I may not be able to renew it interviewed me. without the authorities picking up on QUESTION: I am an Indonesian citizen who has (until recently) been employed by my whereabouts and deporting me for They have taken my passport and I am a foreigner. I have just discovered that the working illegally. now awaiting deportation. I have tried business I was working for is illegal and everything I can think of to avoid the I would like to confront my former did not have the necessary permissions inevitable, including reporting everyone I business partner about his treachery in and did not therefore pay taxes. I am now can think of to the authorities in the hope reporting me and hit him so hard he will unemployed and my former employer still that, if I am not the only one, they might wish he was never born, but I am afraid owes me wages. Other employees are not take such an interest in me. the immigration authorities will be alerted also owed wages. by my former little sh*t of a partner who is I even married my housekeeper in the hope that my visa would then be sufficient. I have recently learned that my employers reporting everybody in some vain attempt to divert attention away from himself. What are about to be deported and am My business partner is in the same do you think I should do? concerned that I may not get paid at all. predicament as he did not have a working MR FIXER: Don’t do anything till I get My colleagues are as angry as I am and permit either and he is now on the run, there. I and several others would hate to I am concerned that some harm may leaving me to carry the can. I am afraid miss it! come to my former employer before I that he might blame me and harm me in

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

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

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

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“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

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34

Open 9am to 8pm, 7 Days a Week

NOW OPEN!

S

idewalk Cafe

urgers

B

NOW AVAILABLE IN SENGGIGI! Imported products, pastas, herbs, cooking oils, lentils, nuts, butter, cheeses, jams and sauces, Lindt chocolates, juices, and fresh vegetables

Try our home-cooked foods without MSG: fresh garden salad, chicken sandwich (grilled chicken breast and salad in toasted bread), spaghetti bolognese, spring rolls, or our delicious burgers with the meat patty made from fillet steak and based on a Slavic “cevapcici” recipe – all from Rp.15,000 to Rp.25,000!

es ndwich

Sa

Fresh Salads Garden

Jl Raya Senggigi (30m from Asmara Restaurant) | 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 (next to Deli Senggigi)

Phone: 0370 693177

Senggigi

35

The Little Shop Unique Gifts with Reasonable Prices

We Sell: Wood Bowls, Shells, Accessories, Paintings, Statues, Bronze, Candles, Frames and Many More...

Exotic Style Fashion - Bags - Accessories

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

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

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

Treasure Chest

Gift Shop

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE

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

36

Local Scene

SHERATON LAUNCHES AIRPORT LOUNGE

Hotel partners, guests and media attended a cocktail party at the Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort to celebrate the opening of the Sheraton Lounge at Lombok International Airport (BIL).

The stylish lounge is located on the first floor of the airport (next to the boarding lounge) and is open to the public for a modest fee. Complimentary snacks, tea, coffee and cool drinks are served throughout the day; there is free use of laptops, free WiFi, reading materials, a private smoking room and a VIP lounge available.

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37

The Studio

Bookings:

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

info@thestudiolombok.com

Anna’s

http://www.thestudiolombok.com

Giftshop

Looking for nice presents or home decorations?

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

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

Senggigi

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[ 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

39

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)

40

Local Scene

FAREWELL TO KAREN @ ASMARA

Family and friends gathered at Asmara Restaurant to farewell popular longterm Senggigi resident, Karen Hughes. A retired nurse, during her time in Lombok Karen has freely helped many ill and injured residents and local people, as well as volunteered in villages and local schools teaching children English, reading skills, and playing the recorder. Karen will return to the UK after more than a decade in Lombok, leaving behind many fond memories and life-long friends.

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

Local News

42

TAKBIRAN… THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!

The month of Ramadan is due to end on 19 August this year and for those who are in Lombok at this time, it’s a great opportunity to join in the celebrations that take place at the end of a month of fasting.

and smiling people dressed in traditional Islamic clothing carry huge glowing letters spelling out words from the Qur’an.

Pawai Takbiran, or the Takbiran Parade, is celebrated throughout the towns and villages of Lombok in recognition of the successful completion of the holy fasting month and heralds the start of the Idul Fitri holiday.

The largest parade takes place along the main roads in the city and finishes at the Lapangan Mataram, the park opposite the Governor’s office in Mataram.

Traditionally, bedug drums are beaten at maghrib (sunset) to signal that it is time to break the fast. Starting in the evening on the last day of Ramadan and continuing throughout the night, the drums are also beaten in Takbiran celebrations in the villages and on the streets.

Local communities gather together in the days beforehand to construct models of their mosques, holy characters and other Islamic symbols. Some of the models are quite elaborate, featuring detailed miniature mosques, complete with minarets and carefully painted domes.

Loud and boisterous parades and celebrations are held throughout Lombok, which includes drumming accompanied by amplified prayer, chanting and lively Islamic music.

Takbiran itself is traditionally a “lantern festival”, or a festival of light, and lights are a feature of the parades. Mosques are lit from within, giant reconstructions of the Kabbah in Mecca glow with fairy lights,

The parade culminates in the park with thousands of the Takbiran floats lighting up the night as fireworks explode overhead. It’s an awesome sight and the festival atmosphere makes Takbiran a fun festival to witness.

If you don’t want to make the trip into the city, smaller parades take place along the main road in Batu Layar (near the Kantor Kepala Desa Batu Layar) and on the streets in nearby Ampenan.

As the actual date of Lebaran or Idul Fitri depends on the lunar calendar, there is no definite date announced at the time of our going to press, however the holiday will start on either 19 or 20 August. Therefore Takbiran will take place on the night before – either 18 or 19 August. If you are in Lombok close to this time, ask any local person for the exact date.

Senggigi

43

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

44

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

45

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)

Pasar Classifieds

46

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

URGENTLY NEED SPG FOR GILI TRAWANGAN

Excellent in English both written & spoken.

Experience min 3 years in Boutique.

Facility: Basic Salary, Nice Commission, Meals, Staff House and Transportation Bali-Gili / Gili-Bali.

Please email to: boutique_french@yahoo.com or Ph/Fax: (0361) 9003113 / Hp: 0821 7478 0027

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 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

FUTURE BY DESIGN

Interiors: Villas, Hotel Rooms, Homes, Yachts, Container Conversions.

Client perspectives, workshop drawings.

CONTAINER FOR SALE 40 FT – HIGH CUBE Excellent condition. Would suit: Storage, office, or house conversion.

Conversion drawings and 3D perspectives available (extra). Located in Lembar.

Phone: 08 12377 61277 Email: randall@randall.asia

FOR SALE VW SAFARI 1600cc

Contact Randall 0812 3776 1277 Email: randall@randall.asia

Nyoman Transport

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

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

Competitive rates and friendly service!

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

In excellent condition (recently overhauled), original German built in 1975 and imported to Lombok in 1976 (DR plate!) Colour: Pearl White with a new black linen hood. Expat owned. Price: Rp 58 million (58 Juta)

Phone: 08123736644

Pasar Classifieds & Discount Vouchers

47

PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

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

[ Yo u r K e y t o a n I d y l l i c L o m b o k ] Qunci Villas Lombok, one of Indonesia’s most stylish new properties, is looking for new staff to complete our outstanding team.

Restaurant Supervisor Bar Supervisor Restaurant Waiters/ Waitresses Cashiers Bartenders Bar and Restaurant Back-up

VOA Extensions up to 60 days For free information and advice contact:

We are offering a outstanding work environment on a great location.

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Local News

48

MERPATI RESUMES LOMBOK – SUMBAWA FLIGHTS

Merpati Nusantara Airlines plans to re-open its route linking Lombok to Sumbawa (its neighbouring island to the east) this month.

The service is scheduled to begin in mid-August with a frequency of two return flights per week, operating every Tuesday and Friday; departing Lombok at 14:20 and departing Sumbawa at 15:30.

The route was operated previously but services were cancelled several years ago and, until now, people wishing to fly between Lombok and Sumbawa were forced to fly from Lombok to Bali to make a connecting flight back to Sumbawa.

Merpati will use twin-engine MA-60 aircraft for the route, with a capacity for 56 passengers. This is the same turbo-prop aircraft type used for the airline’s existing Bali to Lombok services.

Airline officials signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with the Sumbawa district government for the new route, as well as the opening of Merpati training facilities for young people from Sumbawa.

Merpati Airlines typically serves less-profitable routes in Indonesia, such as Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara and the Kei Islands in northeast Maluku.

Antara News also reports that the state-run airline is planning an initial public offering sometime in 2014, as it expands its fleet and route network.

Merpati has struggled financially amid tough competition in the domestic market, particularly from the new breed of low-cost carriers like Lion Air and AirAsia.

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.

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49

SINTA PEST CONTROL

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Senggigi

Senggigi

51

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The Cities

52 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.

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54

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LOMBOK GUIDE

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The Cities

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The Cities

The Cities

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

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The Cities

The Cities

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The Cities

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International Standards at Local Prices Purchase basic and coffee-themed Ramadan gift packs for your friends and family and support the One Heart Foundation and its community development projects.

New hours during the month of Ramadan: Tuesday - Sunday 12.00 - 22.00 (Closed Mondays)

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

61

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Distribution

62

The Lombok Guide is published by CV Kita Design

EVERYONE CAN AFFORD TO ADVERTISE IN THE LOMBOK GUIDE Pone:

0370 659 4005 Email:

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DEADLINE NEXT EDITION 12 NOON 8 AUGUST

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EVERY TWO WEEKS AT THESE LOCATIONS:

Garuda Indonesia Airlines: Departure counters in LOMBOK, BALI & JAKARTA. Airport: Hotel counters outside the airport. BALI: Amardeep Dekor, 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, Indo-Ned, 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, Pisa Kafe, Pocket Billiard, Redwood Café, Sinta Pest Control, The Berugaq, Toko Susana. SOUTH LOMBOK: Bumbangku Beach Cottages, Dive Zone, Novotel, Pearl Beach Resort, Secret Island Resort. SENGGIGI: Alfa Mart, 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, Indomaret, Kebun Villas, Lombok Property & Villas, Lombok Real Estate, Marshander Spa & Salon, Meat Mart, Orchid Spa, Puri, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Resort, Qunci Villas, Rambo Petshop, Royal Spa, 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, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan, Vintage Delivery. GILI MENO: AdengAdeng, Blue Marlin Dive, Mahamaya, Tropical Hideaways Resort. GILI AIR: Karang Divers, Legend Bar & Bungalows, Orong Villages, Scallywags, The Beach Club. SUMBAWA: Mini Mart, Newmont Mining Site.

Special thanks to our contributors: Ambara Jaya, 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.

63

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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

64

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 66

The Southwest

65

66 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 64

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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68

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 71

Kuta and The South Coast

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A View from Kuta Heights Development

LAND FOR SALE • Certificated land off Kuta’s new By Pass Road • Private Road, already well under construction • 20 minutes to new international airport • 3 minutes to stunning Kuta beach • Breathtaking 360o views over Ocean and Mt Rinjani • Or Kuta Green, our quiet lush valley area • Self or Managed villa build • Land and build packages available • On-site management office and KHD security • Environmentally sustainable goals for development • Assistance with Legal/Architectural requirements • Plots from AUS $25,000

“KHD... the safe way to buy land and build in Kuta” Until recently only large plots of land were available for sale in Kuta Lombok.

With huge demand from westerners, fuelled by the development of the new international airport just an easy 20 minutes’ drive away, KHD are now developing what westerners have been seeking - manageable blocks of land where you can build your dream villa. We have plots with stunning views across Kuta and the bay, or buy in Kuta Green, our lush peaceful valley. Owners can self manage or have your home professionally managed and rented out while you are away.

Phone : +62 821 4587 5594 or +62 817 6673983

Visit us at www.kutaheightslombok.com

Kuta and The South Coast

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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

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Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

73

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

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Kuta and The South Coast

Tanjung Ocean View

LAND FOR SALE

Panoramic Ocean Views of Gerupuk, Tanjung A’an and Kuta Bays Best Priced Plots & Investment in Kuta!

Introductory prices from $16,000 USD Only 20 minutes from new Lombok International Airport and magnificent Southcoast beaches.

5 Minutes from Kuta and located on the new Bypass Road from Kuta to Awang Harbour – now being widened and resurfaced!.

Affordable plots - from 2,000 Sq Mtrs to 7,000 Sq Mtrs (smaller lots also available).

Paved roads and drainage constructed and installed by developer.

Freehold (fee simple) - fully surveyed, mapped and certificated.

We also provide: Assistance with legal, title & purchase - secured to American standards.

Villa construction services - we can help with the building of your villa.

Property management services (on site property management office for rental of your villa and security when you are not there).

Protected, safe & secure investment - developed by American real estate broker/developer Lee Pappernow.

For More Info Call or Email - Lee: 0821 44 063097 Email: TanjungOceanView@gmail.com

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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

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

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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

Gili Trawangan

LUXURIOUS VILLAS AND SINGLE SUITES Gili Trawangan, Lombok-NTB Indonesia P: 0370 6647066, M: 087864297487, F: 0370 6147741 E: booking@thetrawangan.com W: www.thetrawangan.com

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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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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

Tourism Information

83

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.

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 Previously tagged “the party island” by the your bike through sandy sections on the Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately west side). known) has moved on and up.

This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south Gone are the days when backpackers is a great lookout from which to enjoy flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a the spectacular sunsets across the ocean night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on mainland sophisticated side that becomes more Lombok. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java

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.

Photo by Blue Marlin Dive

Continued on Page 87

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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 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.

Continued from Page 84 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Cidomo (Horse Cart)

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.

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

It’s been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island’s time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T. A world-class tourism destination is emerging – without the traffic and pollution – set down on an idyllic tropical island.

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LONG TERM RENTAL – CHARMING Detached wooden chalet with shared pool and nice views.

Sleeps 2 or 3 guests, small kitchen, H/W shower and W/C. Suite single professional or couple. USD 4,250 per year

LONG TERM RENTAL – LUXURIOUS VILLA 3 double en-suite bedrooms, all with private sea views and balconies. Minimalist design on 6 levels with a dream open plan kitchen and infinity pool. USD 59,000,000 per year

MEDIUM TERM RENTAL 3 luxury en-suite bedrooms with H/W showers plus extra guest house (sleeps up to 8 guests). Open plan kitchen / dining room, infinity pool and breathtaking sea views. USD 9,000 per month

LONG TERM RENTAL – LUXURY VILLA With pool, 2 double en-suite bedrooms with A/C’s and fitted wardrobes. Euro open-plan living / kitchen / dining.

Nice private gardens. USD 24,000 per year

LONG TERM RENTAL LONG TERM RENTAL 2 Bedrooms with separate guest W/C and H/W shower. Nice 2 Double A/C bedrooms (1 with en-suite and H/W shower). kitchen with gas stove, newly furnished, Sat TV, small garden, Exterior fitted kitchen, open dining veranda with spiral staircase to secure car space. Very tidy and quiet. USD 3,900 per year 3 more rooms. Shared salt chlorine pool. USD 14,000 per year

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

www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com

Special Feature

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NOW GILI AIR HAS THE BEACH CLUB TOO!

the floor of the restaurant, alongside comfortable tables and chairs. On the beachfront, sun-worshippers recline on contemporary sun lounges just metres from the water’s edge.

The view is sublime, looking across the brilliant turquoise water to the mountains on mainland Lombok, with Mt Rinjani clearly visible on many mornings.

Just across the road, eight brand new bungalows are angled to take in the views.

Using a similar design to their bungalows in Senggigi, each features a large private terrace at the front, with a table and chairs for those who wish to dine in, and a big padded day-bed for dozing, reading or just taking in the beach views.

Inside, the bungalows are spacious and well furnished, with a large bed canopied in mosquito netting (although the cool air conditioning keeps most pests out). The lovely bathrooms feature hot and cold fresh water showers, open to the sky, and are finished in polished timber and stone.

Since it first opened on the beachfront in Batu Bolong, The Beach Club has been one of the most popular places to stay near Senggigi.

Australian owners, Glenn and Deidre, purchased The Beach Club in 2006 and set about transforming the run-down bar into a place where travellers could enjoy a beautiful beachfront location close to the centre of town.

After an extensive revamp of the bar and café area, the couple constructed six bungalows on adjoining land, making use of natural materials such as wood, woven bamboo and thatch to create a “beach cottages” feel.

Set in pretty gardens surrounding the swimming pool, the comfortable bungalows feature air conditioning, hot water showers, delightful open-air bathrooms, and all the mod cons travellers expect.

Combined with the lively bar, good food, excellent location and friendly staff, The Beach Club found the formula for success.

Now the intrepid Aussie couple are duplicating this winning formula on the idyllic island of Gili Air. Located on the beachfront, just south of Scallywags and close to all the main attractions of Gili Air, the bar and restaurant opened just two weeks ago and is already attracting a crowd of appreciative diners and holidaymakers.

Big colourful beanbags, perfect for lazing, decorate

With accommodation on the island generally tending toward basic beach cottages, The Beach Club joins the few that raise the standards of accommodation on Gili Air and will no doubt attract guests who seek a more sophisticated level of comfort and cleanliness, as well as perfect beaches.

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NOW GILI AIR HAS THE BEACH CLUB TOO!

Special Feature Continued from Page 89

Attention to detail is also obvious in the choice of cuisine available at the restaurant. Based on a desire to provide something different to fried rice, pancakes and pizzas, the menu leans heavily towards fresh and organic produce.

The Mango and Avocado Salad is a delight, as is the Thai Beef Salad with Organic Greens. Big homemade burgers and thick-cut potato chips, Creamy Thai Green Chicken Curry and Spicy Beef Rendang, along with Fish Fillets in Ginger and Lime, imported steaks and more, tempt the taste buds.

Sweet lovers will be thrilled by the signature desserts such as Berry Surprise made with yoghurt, cream, berries and chunks of meringue; and the delicious Steamed Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce.

During the day, dine under the shady trees surrounding the restaurant or relax back on the recliners with an icy cold beer or fresh juice. At night the ocean sets a soothing backdrop to dining under a clear sky filled with thousands of stars.

just what it does so well‌ providing a comfortable and relaxing place to hang out, with an appreciation for the finer comforts combined with the simple pleasures of relaxing at the beach.

As the trend on Gili Air turns to more upmarket accommodation and dining options, the island is opening up to a wider range of travellers than it has attracted in the past and is embracing those who expect higher standards on their holidays.

No doubt The Beach Club will be amongst the most popular of these for doing

Good Heart Resort, your home away from home on Gili Trawangan. Featuring traditional bungalows and spacious, modern, minimilist accommodation on the beautiful quiet beachfront of Gili Trawangan.

Our friendly staff will ensure you have a care-free stay that is as relaxing or as active as you desire.

There is fantastic snorkelling off the beach just in front of the resort, as well as great diving, horse riding, golf, fishing, yoga or simply relaxing on the beach in front of Good Heart.

With unforgettable sunrises over Mount Rinjani, and a tropical beach on your door step...

Welcome to a unique resort with a good heart.

The Unique Resort

GILI TRAWANGAN North Lombok – Indonesia

+62 (0) 370 613 0255 | reservation@goodheartresort.com | goodheartresort@gmail.com

www.goodheartresort.com

Gili Meno

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Tropical Hideaways Resort Bar & Restaurant Gili Meno Island

Resort Bar & Restaurant

STRESSED OUT......?

NEED TO RELAX & CHILL ......?

TROPICAL HIDEAWAYS PRIVATE RESORT Email: info@tropicalhideawaysresort.com Website: www.tropicalhideawaysresort.com

Bedroom

Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

Garden

Reception

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

T u r t l e P o i n t G i l i M e n o | L o m b o k Bookings Tel | +62 (0)888 71 55 828 w w w . m a h a m a y a . c o

MAHAMAYA is ultimate paradise Tripadvisor “Number 1 Restaurant” and “Number 1 B&B” in the Gili Islands

fabulous food

stunning setting

wow weddings

Tatler UK: “Meno’s first smart boutique hideaway – a contemporary place with properly stylish rooms”

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.

Continued on Page 95

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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.

96 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 Bytes

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GILI AIR High season has arrived on Gili Air, although it has done so rather gradually and without the flood of crowds seen in recent years.

The chat around the island is that this July was much quieter than last year. And, even though Gili Air businesses expect August to be busy, they don’t expect the same issues in previous years where, because of limited accommodation, people have needed to sleep on the beach.

This year there are three new dive shops on Gili Air, compared to last year. Plus, the range of accommodation has increased by at least a third, all of which means that Gili Air is a wonderful place to spend some time in August and September.

The Beach Club is one of these great new accommodations that have recently opened. I have watched this place rise from the ground over the past six months and have been waiting expectantly to see how it will turn out.

It is right in the heart of tourist town, which means that guests have all the great bars and restaurants on their doorstep, and is on an impressive stretch of beach, (see review on page 90) The owners, Glenn and Dee, recently invited some of the managers and business owners from Gili Air to a sit-down meal to sample dishes from the restaurant. The restaurant sits right on the beach with stunning views out over Lombok and the always-impressive volcano, Rinjani.

Alex and I sat down with the owners of the rightly-popular Scallywags (www. scallywagsresort.com) and The Lombok Guide, as well as Oceans 5, Manta Dive, Dream Divers and others. We had a wonderful night; the great company kept us entertained throughout the evening, and the food was magnificent.

There were a range of delicious salads and curry dishes; however, what I enjoyed most was the desserts. A real treat was the fruity Berry Surprise mousse/meringue creation that tasted sublime. It had a fresh flavour and texture that are often lacking from desserts in tropical countries.

The Beach Club is built to a high standard, which is great to see on Gili Air. The more places like this on the island, the greater the challenge there will be for settled places to ensure they are giving their guests the best service and value for money.

I have mentioned that Gili Air isn’t as busy as in previous high seasons however, booking through August and September is still recommended.

Sometimes, this is not easy as some of the small places with budget accommodation do not have online bookings or websites.

Thankfully, most of the large places on the island, such as accommodation attached to dive shops and great new places like The Beach Club, allow you to book online. For a selection of the smaller places, check out Travel Fish at http://is.gd/8RUDq4 It is not hard to imagine why it is quieter this year. The world is in a global recession and many travellers from around the world may be choosing to stay at home this year because of the economic crisis.

Of course, it’s not all gloom and doom – and certainly not for visitors to Gili Air! If you visit this summer you will still find the stunning tropical island that others see outside of the peak season, but you won’t be crushed by the madding crowds.

Plus, any hotel, guesthouse or restaurant worth their salt will be working hard to ensure that you have a great time.

accommodation “Pongkor Cottages”, which is just five minutes from the harbour and on a wonderful stretch of beach.

Many of our dive guests stay here and are always happy with the service. The included breakfast here is excellent and often dive guests are a little late for their dives because the food is so appetizing!

You can contact Simy and book Pongkor and other tours here: www.gili-islandstours.com.

I can’t write a column without mentioning something dive related, so just a quick one! If you fancy changing your life and doing something different, why not train to be diving instructor?

All the dive shops on Gili Air can train you to Divemaster level – it takes around a month and after qualifying you can take the Instructor Development Course, which you can do on Gili Air with Ocean’s 5.

They have a course running at the end of August. Check out www.oceans5dive.com for more details.

Unlike previous years where tourists were plentiful (meaning some places didn’t have to try hard to please guests), this year the tourist is king. If you don’t like the service, if the breakfast is cold, vote with your feet and take your money elsewhere.

On the subject of great service: when you arrive on Gili Air one or two friendly guys will often meet you in the harbour and offer to show you accommodation.

On my travels, I have avoided such offers for fear of being obliged to stay in a place I didn’t like or having to pay money for the service.

On Gili Air it’s different; you can tell the guys your budget and they will show you places that suit. If you don’t like the place, you can just go somewhere else.

These guys earn a commission from the hotels so you do not have to pay anything for the service.

One of the friendliest of these men is Simy; he mostly works for the great budget

Beach BBQ 7pm every day Cocktails, Sunset Dinner Legend Bungalows Fantastic Sunrise and Sunset Views Snorkel with turtles from our beach!

Ph: 0878 6414 3790 superdagmamma@hotmail.com

“Exotic Charm, Modern Comfort”

Gili Trawangan, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia P. +62 370 6141 575 F. +62 370 6141 585 M. +62 811 39 06 76 ddb@desaduniabeda.com www.desaduniabeda.com

Barefoot Luxury in the Gilis

It’s time to come and stay with us at the most exotic beach resort.

A perfect occasion ......

A splendid idea ......

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Gili Trawangan

Tourism Information

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Gili Trawangan