The Lombok Guide Issue 231

Issue 231 | 31 October – 14 November 2016

The

FREE COPY

LOMBOK GUIDE ( 0812 3734 4894 | www.thelombokguide.com

PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY IN LOMBOK, FOR LOMBOK

The Beach Club Beach Bungalows

Page 86

IN THIS ISSUE Getting to Lombok

Page 2

Attractions & Actitvities

Page 4 & 8

Lombok Map

Page 6

Special Feature Page 10 & 16 Senggigi

Page 12 - 47

Senggigi Map

Page 14

What’s Hot / Local News

Page 18

Local News

Page 25 & 31

Classifieds

Page 38 & 39

Distribution

Page 41

Land & Property

Page 48 - 51

The Cities

Page 52 - 55

Cities Map

Page 54

The Southwest

Page 56 & 57

Kuta & The South Coast

Page 58 - 69

South Lombok Map

Page 68

North Lombok

Page 70 & 71

Useful Contacts Page 72 The Gilis

Page 73 - 92

Getting to Gilis

Page 76

Gilis Fast Facts Page 79 Gilis Map

Page 91

To find out more, pick up a copy of The Lombok Guide from the locations listed on page 41 or visit www.thelombokguide.com and discover the magic of Lombok for yourself…

Like thousands of others, you’ll be enchanted!

Sunset at La Chill Bar, Senggigi

Special Feature Page 34 & 35

Tourism Information

2

GETTING TO LOMBOK

It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali – flight time is only around 30 minutes and fares start from around Rp 350,000 (approx. US $35) one way. Buy tickets direct from the airline counters at the domestic airports, or contact local travel agents in both Bali and Lombok.

Lombok International Airport (abbreviated to LIA with the IATA code “LOP”) is the main airport on Lombok.

The airport is close to Praya (Central Lombok); approximately 40km south of the city of Mataram, and around 1 ½ hours’ drive from Senggigi, and 25 minutes from Kuta.

Direct flights to Lombok from Bali, Jakarta, Jogja and Surabaya are available from multiple airlines every day and are usually timed to connect with European flights.

Lombok is an important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular the islands of Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores.

Garuda Indonesia / Citilink have direct flights daily between Lombok and Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Jakarta. Call Centre: 08041 807 807. Sales Office: +62 370 642303 / 649999. Airport: 0370 649100. www.garuda-indonesia.com Lion Air / Wings Air has daily flights between Lombok, Bali, Bima (Sumbawa), Jakarta and Surabaya.

Ph: +62 370 6627444 / 642180. www.lionair.co.id

Airport departure tax is included in the price of all tickets.

BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR In Lombok, all flights depart and arrive at Lombok International Airport. In Bali, flights arrive and depart at the domestic terminal at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport.

Garuda Airlines has direct flights between Lombok and Bali every day. Call Centre: 0 8041 807 807, Sales Office: +62 370 642303 / 649999. www.garuda-indonesia. com

Batik Air flies direct between Lombok and Jakarta, with two flights every day. www.batikair.com

BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA

Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) provides the sea link between mainland Bali and Lombok. Lembar Harbour (Lombok) is on the southwest coast, approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok.

Wings Air / Lion Air flies between Bali and Lombok daily. The Arrange your own transport and buy tickets direct from the companies code-share, so you may purchase a Lion Air ticket and harbours, or use a reputable tour company to provide a transfer find yourself on a Wings Air flight! Lombok, Call Centre: +62 80 service.

4177 8899. Bali, ph: +62 361 765132.

Public Ferries depart every hour for the sea voyage between www.lionair.co.id Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) and Lembar Harbour (Lombok). The INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS crossing between the islands costs Rp 44,000 per person and Lombok International Airport has full Visa on Arrival (VOA) takes approx. 4 to 5 hours. Lembar Harbour ph: +62 370 681 209. facilities, including 30 day “Visa Free” (no charge) for tourists.

Padang Bai Harbour ph: (+62 363) 41849 / 41840 Ph: +62 370 622987.

Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, four times per week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Ph: +62 370 628254 / 628255. www.silkair.com Air Asia operates direct flights between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, with many international connections available. Flights operate between Lombok and KL twice daily, seven days per week. www.airasia.com

FAST BOATS

There are now numerous “fast boat” services operating between Bali and Lombok.

Blue Water Express has services between Bali and mainland Lombok, with convenient departures from two different locations on Bali – Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) and Padang Bai Harbour – every day.

Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: +62 361 895 1111 / 0813 3841 8988. www.bluewater-express.com

Gili Getaway operates several comfortable fast boats Garuda Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and connecting Bali and mainland Lombok every day, with a short stop-over in Jakarta. International Lombok (including Senggigi, connections from around the world are available via Jakarta. Call the Gili Islands and Gili Centre: 08041 807 807. Airport: +62 370 649100. www.garudaGede in the southwest) with indonesia.com daily transfers from Serangan Harbour on Bali. Fares include air DOMESTIC FLIGHTS conditioned hotel transfers to main points in Bali.

Ph: +62 819 1673 3051 / +62 813 3707 4147.

European connections are easy via Jakarta (the capital city of www.giligetaway.com Java), Bali and other capital cities such as Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Makassar.

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

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Hot Taste, Cool Venue

CELLAR PARTY – Friday, 4 November @ 7 - 10.30pm Cellar Party: Rp 450,000 nett / person Buffet Only: Rp 200,000 nett / person Senggigi Square Blok B-10, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia Ph: +62 370 693 688 / +62 8776 5294 866 | 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 at Senggigi Bay by SId Blade Malimbu Beach by Iwan Haryanto

BEACHES The whole island is surrounded by fantastic unspoilt beaches, most with crystal clear waters and clean white sand fringed by coconut palms. Drive just north of Senggigi to Malimbu or Nipah and enjoy deserted beaches with fine snorkelling and swimming.

Snorkelling is easy from the shore and all three islands are well served by professional dive operators who offer full PADI certification courses, day and night dives to the many sites around the Gilis, as well as specialised courses and live-aboard adventures to exotic locations.

For the more adventurous, there is superb diving around the islands off the southwest coast, as well challenging dives off the south coast and the small uninhabited islands off the east coast.

GOLF

Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club (sometimes called Kosaido Golf Course or Pantai Sire Golf Course) is the only international 18 hole championship course in Lombok, located on the shores of Sire Beach in Tanjung, North Lombok (close to The southwest coast also has fine beaches, the Oberoi and Tugu Hotels). It is around especially around Sekotong and Taun. Visit 45 minutes drive from Senggigi. the small island of Gili Asahan for rustic This world-class course was designed by accommodation and great snorkelling just Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett, who off shore or stay at the luxurious Ko - ko have respected the unique setting and - mo Resort on Gili Gede to explore the contours of the location. undeveloped islands of the southwest.

Nestled between the shores of Sire Bay The beaches around Kuta are and the slopes of Mount Rinjani, the breathtakingly beautiful. Visit Tanjung Aan 18 hole, par 72 course (6295 meters) and Gerupuk for fantastic scenery, Selong offers world-class challenges for golfing Belanak for long stretches of white sand enthusiasts of all levels in a natural and and turquoise waters, or swim in the lovely picturesque environment. bay at Mawun.

Holes 1 - 9 face the sea, with the signature DIVING No 4 hole adjacent to the white sandy beach of Sire Bay. Holes 10 - 18 face the With so many beaches and islands, mountains with stunning views of Mt Lombok offers a myriad of diving and snorkelling opportunities. The best known Rinjani and include Hole 12, the largest locations are around the Gili islands - Gili on the course with 540m, Par 5, Handicap one.

Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

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

Kuta, on the south coast, is surf-central and has a range of accommodations and facilities especially for surfers. Here you can hire a board, get board repairs and take surf lessons from the professionals.

The waves at Gerupuk and Tanjung Aan offer a variety of challenges from beginners to sheer madness!

Benang Setokel Waterfall by Iwan Haryanto

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Lombok Map

Senggigi

7

Tourism Information

8

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

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.

Pelawangan Sembalun at Mt Rinjani

by Iwan Haryanto

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 designs, as well as handwoven sarongs and fabrics (ikat).

Ekas Bay has two surf breaks: Inside Ekas and Outside Ekas with waves suitable for beginners to experts, depending on the season.

At certain times of the year when conditions are right, you’ll find locals surfing the breaks at Senggigi Point and Mangsit Beach, and off Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.

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 near Senaru in the north is an easily accessible waterfall in a stunning jungle setting and popular with visitors.

For the more adventurous, there is a second beautiful waterfall – Tiu Kelep – located around an hour’s trek way.

Air Jeruk Manis, near Tetebatu, is set in a cool mountain location and reached by a pretty walk through rice fields and forest.

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.

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 visitors every year.

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 and is still active.

There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano. Rinjani, and its surrounding national park, are 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 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.

Taman Narmada (or Narmada Park) in Narmada (around 6 km east of Cakranegara), was created in the late 1800’s as a replica of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake.

The gardens at Narmada are beautifully maintained and surround the pools and lake in this cool hillside setting.

Pringgasela in Central Lombok is a small village which is steeped in tradition and is a major centre for weaving ikat. Visit the small houses and shops here to see the old traditional looms being used to create intricately woven, colourful fabrics.

Sukarara is 5 km to the west of Praya, heading south towards Kuta. This is another weaving village where quality ikat and traditional cloth is displayed and sold.

Weavers work outside many of the shops, using antiquated “back strap looms” to painstakingly produce works of art.

Some of the larger pieces can take several months to weave and collectors from around the world visit these villages to purchase the blankets, sarongs and cloth produced here.

Banyumulek, easily reached on the road south to Lembar Harbour, is an important centre for pottery on Lombok. The small village has many shops selling pottery produced in the area, as well as from the other main pottery-making villages such as Penujak and Masbagik. Lombok pottery, with its distinctive terracotta styles, is famous internationally and is exported throughout the world.

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Special Feature

GILI ISLANDS FIND THEIR OWN IDENTITY… as Tourism Stretches Beyond Bali

The Gili Islands – together with Rinjani Volcano – are Lombok’s greatest assets, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

This month, industry experts C9 Hotelworks sent us their report on the growth of the Gilis over the past 5 years… our extracts below make for interesting reading for those who have already invested in Lombok’s magical islands and for those who may invest in the future.

The Gili Islands

Once upon a time Bali’s compelling imagery of an exotic, tropical island escape with stunning sand-swept beaches captured the world’s imagination.

Today, the reality of an urban resort destination that is coping with growing pains is seeing an increasing number of beachcentric travellers push beyond Bali to the nearby Gili Islands in Lombok.

Last year the trio of islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – played host to nearly 450,000 hotel guests. The trajectory in room demand has been manifested by a sustained five-year compound annual growth rate of 34%.

What is equally impressive to the hospitality trade has been the strong room rate and occupancy growth in upscale accommodation, where year-to-date average rates have eclipsed USD 190, with occupancy standing at 76%.

“Indonesia’s Gili Islands’ hotels achieved a

remarkable compound annual growth of 14% in total guests from 2011 to 2015, bolstered by broader access from Bali and Lombok.

The destination is benefiting from travellers who are increasingly looking to get beyond Bali,” C9 Hotelworks’ Bill Barnett said.

“Traditionally the Gilis were highly seasonal, with July to August and December through January being the peak periods, and the remainder of the year experiencing low demand,” he continued.

“With growing diversity in geographic sources of business from February to May, there has been a lessening of seasonal trading issues.

Existing hotel owners are extending their presence across the islands to capitalize on the favourable supply and demand conditions.”

The total number of rooms available on the Gilis grew by 13% between the beginning of 2013 through September of this year.

According to data from C9 Hotelworks newly-released ‘Gili Islands Lombok Hotel Market Update 2016’, the

market is highly leveraged in the Australian and European geographic segments – with 73% of tourists coming from affluent markets, which have kept the Gilis rates robust compared to Bali.

With an average length of stay of three days, there remains a strong linkage to the Island of the Gods with an estimated 80% of tourists using Bali as the gateway to the Gili Islands.

One clear trend in C9’s market research has been that legacy beach-oriented visitors who were attracted to the Sanur area, are now shifting over to the Gilis and on to Lombok in locations such as Sengiggi and the South coast.

Commenting on the trend, Bill Barnett said: “Destination fatigue, urbanization and a change in travellers’ tastes towards more natural locations is spurring the move.”

Continued on Page 16

Senggigi

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Tourism Information

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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 on the island is the sunset viewed from Senggigi Beach, with the bright orange sun sinking into the sea to the west and Bali’s Gunung Agung volcano silhouetted on the horizon like a giant pyramid floating in the ocean.

Senggigi Reef, off the southern point, has good coral for snorkelling and, in the

right conditions, some decent surf breaks.

Canoes can be hired from the beach on the weekends and during peak tourism times. Local outrigger boats (prahu) can be chartered from the beachfront for trips along the coast or out to the Gili Islands.

The main road in Senggigi is lined with small attractive hotels catering to all budgets, shops, tour agencies, restaurants, bars and nightclubs; many of which have live music in the evenings. There are a couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM’s and moneychangers, a post office and all the normal tourist facilities.

Senggigi is a relaxing and attractive place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid-range and budget accommodations.

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

About 2 km north of central Senggigi 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 and Holiday Resort Lombok are located in Mangsit.

Furthest north are Klui and Lendang Luar, with two hotels – Jeeva Klui and Hotel Bulan Baru – and long stretches of pristine beaches.

Mainly deserted white sand beaches, flanked by coconut groves and untouched by hotel development, continue all the way north along the main coastal road.

Malimbu and Nipah are two picturesque bays less than half an hour from Senggigi, which are good for snorkelling, swimming and getting away from it all.

Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek are on a large bay that forms a natural harbour, about 25 kms north of Senggigi. All the main dive operators have boats here, which transfer guests to the Gili islands, as an alternative to nearby Bangsal Harbour.

Bangsal Harbour, less than 5km further north, is reached by turning left at the crossroads in Pemenang and from there it is easy to catch the public ferries (actually large outrigger boats) out to the Gilis, or to charter boats for island hopping.

Whether you are seeking luxury accommodation at a top resort with fine dining and spa facilities, or a budget holiday with days spent exploring – or all the choices in between – Senggigi caters for all tastes and budgets.

From Senggigi, it’s easy to explore the attractions of the stunning south coast or to hop on a boat to the famous Gili islands lying just offshore. Swim, snorkel, dive, hike, lie in the sun, have a massage, eat and drink at some of the great restaurants and bars in town; or just take a break and be enchanted by the peace and beauty of Lombok.

Senggigi

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SEAFOOD BARBEQUE

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Senggigi Map

Senggigi

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16

Special Feature

GILI ISLANDS FIND THEIR OWN IDENTITY… as Tourism Stretches Beyond Bali

the Gilis increased from 243,831 in 2014 to 394,049 in 2015; a rise of 62%.

While Australian and European hotel guests represented over 73% of the total international guests in registered accommodations during 2015, Malaysia emerged as a fast growing market with a strong annual compound growth of 131%.

Continued from Page 10 “We have seen a similar pattern in Phuket where a growing number of return visitors are heading to Khao Lak and the islands in Phang Nga Bay to seek out a lesscrowded, beach-oriented, tropical holiday experience.”

Though the Gili Islands, much like Thailand’s Koh Samui, started out as a backpacker’s destination, they are rapidly evolving higher into the tourism cycle.

Currently, there are 1,078 registered accommodation properties in the Gilis: 675 registered in Gili Trawangan, 321 in Gili Air and 82 in Gili Meno.

expanding with new hotels.

“We see the future inflow of pipeline projects featuring hotels of larger scale and high standards of designs, which will attract a broader market and propel the islands into the next stage of development,” Bill said.

The recent development trend has shifted from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno and Gili Air. Being the smallest island with quality beaches and a quieter atmosphere, Gili Meno is emerging as an upscale destination accommodating larger-scale international standard hotels.

Much of the growth at the upper end is located in Gili Meno.

Here a new generation of posh social offerings are newlyopened or under development.

Looking to the future, there are nine new confirmed projects in the pipeline, totalling 278 rooms. A substantial portion of these are located in Gili Meno and Gili Air. In addition to the new supply, there is a growing number of new rooms in existing properties, and also local operators

One notable project that is capturing overseas interest is Australian entrepreneur Greg Meyer’s upcoming ‘BASK Gili Meno’, which has been designed by noted architect Gary Fell.

Looking to the future, the report states that overseas hotel guests visiting Lombok and

This is due to the introduction of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia in 2012.

With more Asian travellers venturing into the islands throughout the year, we see the tourist demographics evolving in geographic diversity.

While the Bali connection remains key to current trading levels, longer-term C9 is eying an expected rise in direct international flights to Lombok which will, in the medium to long-term, become a game changer for access to the Gilis and create a strong underlying foundation for sustainable growth.

About C9 Hotelworks: C9 Hotelworks is led by founder and Managing Director Bill Barnett, who brings over 30 years’ experience in the Asian hospitality and real estate sectors. Prior to founding C9 in 2003, Bill held senior executive roles in hotel operations, development and asset management.

He is considered to be a leading global authority on hotel residences, and has sat at almost every seat around the hospitality and real estate table.

Bill promotes industry insight through regular conference presentations at key events and contributes to numerous industry publications. For more information contact www.c9hotelworks.com

Senggigi

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* 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

What’s Hot / Local News

18 Executive Chef Gianluca Visciglia has been shaking things up at Qunci Villas since he joined the team at the stylish resort in Mangsit!

If you want to enjoy an amazing sunset on Senggigi beach, there’s no better feeling than sipping on a cocktail with your feet in the sand at the new SPICE on the beach.

Starting on Monday, 7 November Chef Gianluca will introduce “Special Nights @ Qunci” with four fabulous themed dinners on offer.

invited!

Monday - Pasar Tradisional features an Indonesian market in the garden with food from around the archipelago. Sample tasty Indonesian dishes while being entertained by traditional Lombok dancers and popular Peresean stick fighting!

The Beach Party kicks off at 4pm chilling out on the beach with beach games for kids and adults. As the sun goes down enjoy delicious food, music, a bonfire on the beach, fireworks and ‘wishing lanterns’ to launch across the ocean.

Wednesday - Beach BBQ offers casual dining on the beachfront with a selection of meats, seafood and fish barbecued in the garden.

Price includes a welcome drink and the chance to win great prizes, including two free nights’ accommodation at Sempiak Villas!

Friday - A Thousand and One Nights allows diners to enjoy a fabulous Arabic buffet while being entertained by a belly dancer performance.

Admission is just Rp 200,000 per person and free transport is available from Kuta and Senggigi. For details and bookings, see advert on page 61.

Saturday - Italian Night, introduced earlier this year the Italian Night is hugely popular with guests who enjoy authentic Italian dishes, freshly prepared by Chef Gianluca and the Qunci team.

Still in South Lombok, The Clubhouse at Pipe Dream Villas will be celebrating Nico of Kuta Cabana’s birthday on Saturday, 5 November.

“Special Nights @ Qunci” have something to satisfy everyone and the very reasonable prices are sure to please! See advert on page 30.

The party starts at 8pm in the Down Under Bar and everyone is welcome! On Sunday, 6 November, join the recovery session from 1pm with a BBQ and poolside fun in The Garden.

The divine Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant at Sempiak Villas in Selong Belanak celebrates its 2nd Anniversary on Saturday, 12 November and everyone is

Pipe Dream keeps the music coming with a DJ spinning tunes on both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. See advert on page 59.

Happy Hours last from 4 to 6 pm with famous cocktails available at just Rp 60,000 each– that represents approx 4€, or AU $6 for a Mojito, Bloody Mary or Cosmopolitan, all taxes included!

Great ambience, amazing views and some of the best (and cheapest!) cocktails in Lombok… all at SPICE! Try out some of the delicious finger food while you’re there or make a night of it and stay for dinner!

See advert on page 11.

The Cellar Party is on again this month at Square Restaurant in Senggigi on Friday, 4 November.

The Cellar Party is held on the first Friday of every month and features three and a half hours of free-flow imported red and white wines, together with a delicious buffet including sushi, tapas, pasta, roast meats, salads and desserts.

The Cellar Party starts at 7pm and costs just Rp 450,000 per person (inclusive) for a night of wining and dining.

Or you can choose the ‘buffet only’ option for just Rp 200,000 nett per person... excellent value for a delicious meal and a great night out at one of Senggigi’s best dining venues! See advert on page 3.

LOMBOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION

Plans are underway to upgrade Lombok International Airport in anticipation of an increase in flights over the next year.

In the first stage of the upgrade, PT Angkasa Pura I (the national airport authority) has approved a budget of Rp 78 billion (approx US $6 million) to build two new aprons at Lombok International Airport.

The apron is the area of an airport where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, refuelled, and boarded.

General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I at Lombok International Airport, I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, said the construction of the two aprons has been approved by the company’s directors, with construction to start at the end of this year and completion expected in mid 2017.

The expansion will add two more parking spaces to Lombok International Airport (LIA), bringing the total to twelve available aprons.

The airport authority says this expansion is in anticipation of an increase in the arrival of flights at the airport, especially those

operated by international airlines.

More importantly, the two new aprons will be able to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.

Currently LIA does not have the capacity to accommodate large airliners such as Boeing 777 or Airbus 330, which has hampered the opening of new routes to Lombok.

quarter of 2016, with an increase of 41% compared to the same period the previous year,” Pak Gusti said.

According to Gusti, the airport predicts a 32 percent traffic increase year on year.

The Lombok Airport currently handles two to three international flights and around 46 domestic flights every day.

PT Angkasa Pura will then look at the length of the runway at the airport, he told According to Gusti, the airport authority reporters, adding that, for now, the volume is currently communicating with some Australian airlines regarding the possibility of traffic doesn’t warrant an immediate of opening international flights to Lombok. lengthening of the runway.

On the land side, Gusti said the airport He said that construction of the aprons was important in encouraging airlines that authority would revitalize the third floor to the reception area and expand the pickup wish to enter into Lombok – making sure area. that facilities such as the parking aprons are adequate, as well as the capacity of The capacity of the terminal itself can the airport terminal to handle increased accommodate three million passengers per numbers of passengers. year, with a terminal area totalling 1,600 square metres.

At peak periods, such as Idul Fitri holidays, the airport handles up to 13,000 “We will continue to improve, but passengers, although the average is around gradually,” Pak Gusti said. “For now, 8,000 passengers per day. the aprons first. A new terminal for “The upward trend in the number of passenger arrivals was seen in the first

international passengers later and, after that, the runway.”

Senggigi

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1 HOUR MASSAGE ONLY Rp 70,000 NET

Complete Spa Services at Local Prices!

ORCHID PACKAGE 1

Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask Rp 175,000 net / 2 hours

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Massage, Body Scrub, Body Mask, Manicure, Pedicure, Nail Polish Rp 250,000 net / 3 hours

Phone: 0819 1593 2899 0819 0753 1704

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SENGGIGI Senggigi Beach Road 10am - 10pm

Next to Santosa Resort 10am - Midnight

Galeria Shops 10am - 10pm

Senggigi

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ANTIQUES & FINE ART EXHIBITION 2016 Paintings, furniture, earthenware, textiles, wood carvings – Antiques and Collectibles from Lombok and Beyond

Jl Raya Montong, 300m south of The Jayakarta Hotel P: 0857 3989 0705 | E: pamourlombok@gmail.com

www.pamourlombok.com

GILDA FARMA SENGGIGI For all your pharmacy needs Full range of prescription and over the counter medicines, first aid supplies, natural remedies and supplements, personal health and hygiene products , and more!

On duty doctor

available for consultation in our Senggigi clinic

from 6 to 9pm every day

Phone: 0878 6369 4000 / 0878 6449 5100

Jl Raya Senggigi, Next to Senggigi Abadi Supermarket

Order your medicine by phone and we will deliver to your door (for a minimum Rp 100,000 purchase)

Cheapest medicine prices in town!

Senggigi

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Puri Mas Luxury Spa Kerandangan

Full and Half Day Spa Revitalising Hydrotherapy Pool Ultimate Spa Treatments from Babor Facials for all Skin Types Delicious Body Rituals Body Scrubs, Wraps & Peelings Massages Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Accupressure and Hot Stone Reflexology Manicure & Pedicure Gel Nails Pretty Feet and Hand Pampering Open 8am to 10pm Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Menu

We use only the famous international Babor Brand of Body & Facial Products

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Dine in our Javanese Pavilions

Enjoy authentic Indonesian feasts in our traditional Javanese Pavilions an unforgetable experience in an intimate setting with Personalised Butler Service

SPA OR RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS: (0370) 693 831 | Email: info@purimas-lombok.com FREE PICK UP AND DROP OFF IN THE SENGGIGI MANGSIT AREAS

Senggigi

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Puri Mas Boutique Resorts & Spa Beach Resort - Mangsit

The Ballroom Restaurant Enjoy first class a la carte dining with some of the best seafood platters in town Uninterrupted views across the ocean to Bali Intimate candle light dinners Romantic sunset cocktails Enticing authentic Indonesian cuisine prepared by our internationally experienced Chef.

The Way Exceptional Dining Should Be! Open 7am to 11pm Child policy - Minimum guest age 12yrs

The Ballroom Restaurant is Ranked #1 out of 55 Restaurants in Senggigi by TripAdvisor

Monday Night is Latin Night!

Bring your dancing shoes or just enjoy the entertainment during dinner Performances by Lombok’s Top Latin & Salsa Dancers Junior Amateur Champions of Indonesia performing weekly “Dancing with the Stars” in Lombok!

Show starts 8pm

Thursday Night is Cultural Night!

A great opportunity to enjoy dinner while watching authentic traditional entertainment from Lombok Show opens with the famous Gendang Beleq Big Drums of Lombok, Peresean “Stick Fighting” from Central Lombok, Sasak Wedding Dance and Baris Dance from Bali – Lombok style!

Show starts 8pm

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Local News

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LAND DISPUTES HAMPER MANDALIKA DEVELOPMENT

Progress on the much-touted Mandalika development project in South Lombok has been halted again – this time due to land ownership disputes.

The ‘Mandalika Resort’ is an ambitious resort concept being developed by the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) working in conjunction with the local Government. Management rights have been granted to the ITDC. The resort area comprises 1,171 hectares of prime land along the south coast of Lombok and includes iconic beaches,spanning from Kuta through Tanjung Aan to Gerupuk.

However, since the official groundbreaking ceremony by then-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 21 October 2011, progress on the megadevelopment has been stalled by numerous problems including land ownership disputes, lack of infrastructure, and the failure by ITDC to secure firm investment in the region.

Ownership claims by local residents related to135 hectares of land inside the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) have been on-going since 2011 and landowners say they have still not been paid for their land.

“The 135 ha of land those people have laid claims to, and that have not yet been cleared by developers, are spread over 31 points, most of them strategic locations along coastlines,” ITDC Development Director, Edwin Darmasetiawan, told reporters this month. “This is one of the obstacles to investment [in Mandalika],” he said.

Edwin stressed that, since 2008, ITDC has held legal evidence as the holder of a landuse permit for the entire 1,171 ha area, in the form of a capital injection decree issued by the Indonesian Finance Ministry.

He said ITDC had coordinated with the local NTB administration to solve the problem.

Recent meetings between representatives of NTB and the Central Lombok administrations and the people claiming

around 13 points, most of which are located in potential investment locations,” Edwin stated, adding that ITDC and the NTB administration had sent a letter about the problem to State-owned Enterprises Minister, Rini Soemarno.

land ownership have agreed on solutions for many of the locations involved.

“They agreed on solutions on land disputes in several points during the meetings but no solution has been achieved yet in

Similar problems occurred during the construction of Lombok International Airport, when the local government gave the green light to airport authority, PT Angkasa Pura, before it had finalized the purchase of land from the traditional owners.

Protests and land disputes held up construction at the airport for years.

BALI TOURIST ARRIVALS SET NEW RECORDS

With the majority of visitors to Lombok arriving via Bali, tourist arrival figures and key markets are important indicators for tourism in Lombok… particularly with Bali set to achieve record-breaking figures this year.

Industry analysts report that foreign tourist arrivals into Bali totalled 484,231 for July 2016 – an increase of 26.54% over July 2015, representing the strongest July in history for Bali tourism.

On a cumulative basis for the first seven months of 2016, foreign tourist arrivals hit 2.756 million – an improvement of 19.82% over the same period in 2015 and portending that Bali will likely end the year with a record-breaking 4.8 million foreign visitors.

Australia remains the largest source of foreign tourists to Bali. With a 23.43% market share of all foreign tourist arrivals, Australian arrivals are up 12.11% for the first seven months of 2016 when compared to 2015.

Look for Australia to end 2016 with more than 1 million visitors to Bali – the first time in recorded history that any single nation has passed that benchmark.

Marching ahead, the Mainland Chinese market is the second largest source of Bali

visitors with a 20.48% market share of all foreign visitors.

For the first seven months of the year, Chinese arrivals have surged ahead 25.20% when compared to the previous year. Look for China to end the year with more than 850,000 visitors to Bali.

Major markets to Bali recording increases during the first seven months of 2016 were: Japan (2.65%), UK (28.61%).

Indian (37.30%), France (21.55%), USA (10.36%), Germany (23.62%), The Netherlands (15.14%), New Zealand (15.03%), Russia (15.69%), Canada (18.26%), Hong Kong (1.71%) Switzerland (11.05%) and The Philippines (2.05%).

Major inbound markets to Bali recording a drop in visitors during the first seven months of 2016 were: Malaysia (-8.76%), South Korea (-6.21%), Singapore (-7.06%) and Taiwan (-4.18%).

While travel from most regions of the world to Bali is on the increase, visitors from the ASEAN region to Bali are down 5.96% during the period of January-July 2016.

European visitors as a whole visiting Bali are up 29%, while visitors from North and South America are up 16.35%. Source: BaliDiscovery.com

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w w w. l o t u s - r e s t a u r a n t s . c o m

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On the beachfront, Senggigi Art Market Ph: +62 (0) 370 693 758 | Fax: +62 (0) 370 693 375

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Senggigi

Local News

THE DRUG WEB IN BALI A couple of interesting articles on the popular balidiscovery.com website give a partial insight into the complex web of drug supply and distribution in Bali (and by extension, throughout Indonesia).

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a 48-year-old former Australian journalist, Giuseppe Serafino, has been arrested by police in Bali when 7.32 grams of hashish resin were found in his home in Sanur, Bali.

Serafino, who has lived in Bali for five years, told police he bought the drugs from another former journalist, identified as DM, originally from the UK. Based on the information provided by Serafino, police tracked down DM in Sanur where they discovered a small quantity of hashish wrapped in aluminum foil in his possession. Police then searched DM’s home, where they found 10.9 grams of hashish concealed inside a boxing glove.

Police are said to be considering charging the men under a section of the Indonesian narcotics law that provides for a maximum penalty of life in prison and a minimum of five years for those found with more than five grams of a manufactured narcotics in their possession.

Meanwhile, Metrobali.com reports that the Bali Police have also arrested an active military officer as the man who supplied

the drugs to the Australians.

Identified by the initials GS, the military officer was captured after police confiscated the hand phones of the Australians and lured the party mentioned in the SMS archive to a drug deal on Jalan Tunggal Bungin in Sanur.

When the military officer arrived at the scene of the proposed transaction, he was arrested by policemen lying in wait who found two packets of methamphetamines and a glass pipe in a handbag carried by the soldier.

After his arrest, the military officer told police that he obtains his drug supply from a member of the Bali police, identified only with the initials KO. The revelation comes after the recent arrest and suspension of the Head of the anti-narcotics division of the Bali Police for trying to extort money from expatriates charged with drug offenses in Bali.

The former Director of the Narcotics Division of the Bali Police, Franky Haryadi Parapat, was suspended from duty on 21 September 2016.

According to RadarBali.com and Beritabali.com, senior officers within the National Police Force decided Franky could no longer fill his official responsibilities, given mounting evidence of misuse of official funds and allegations of blackmail and extortion of suspects in

31 narcotics cases handled in Bali under his command.

Inspector General Sugeng Priyanto, head of the Bali Provincial Police Command, told the press that the suspension was needed to allow the continuing internal investigations involving Franky to move forward in an unimpeded manner.

General Sugeng refused to comment on many legal problems confronting Franky, say he prefered to leave the matter to the disposition of the Police Internal Affairs Division (Paminal Polri).

The police took Franky Haryadi Parapat into custody on 19 September, in connection with allegations of the misuse of police funds.

At the time of his arrest, police seized Rp 50 million found in Franky’s possession.

Following his arrest, national news media broke the news that Franky was also being questioned in connection with allegations of blackmail and extrotion in 7 separate drug cases.

Reports say that in each of the 7 cases, suspects found with less than 0.5 grams of methamphetamines were asked to pay bribes of Rp 100 million each.

One of the suspects, a Dutch national, claims he was asked to give a new Fortuner SUV motor vehicle to the police to avoid prosecution.

Police Commissioner Franky Haryadi Parapat had headed the narcotics division in the Bali Police for only 6 months prior to his suspension.

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Live Music! Great Food! Good Times!

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CAFE ALBERTO

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Special Feature

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LOMBOK’S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

defects and physical handicaps are common and there is little help available to the average villager.

Many Facebook users will be familiar with the charity organisation “Lombok’s Forgotten Children – Endri Foundation”.

Set up in 2014, the Foundation helps the sick, disabled and dying people – many of them children – who live in Lombok and who are largely ignored or “forgotten” by society.

The initiative for Lombok Forgotten Children originally came from retired New Zealand businessman, Peter Honey, who witnessed the terrible suffering of children in Lombok.

Over two weeks, he met 64 terminally at risk and dying children who no one was helping and he became determined to find a way to help. Using social media and self-made websites, he started recruiting volunteers and donations to fund vital projects for the poor and helpless.

THE FACE OF THE FOUNDATION – ENDRI SUSANTO Through his work, Peter was fortunate to meet a young local man named Endri Susanto, who had the same vision of bringing change

The Endri Foundation believes strongly that the local government and health organisations need to take responsibility for their people and so a large amount of Endri’s work is in lobbying government organisations and connecting those in need with the right people.

However, help is not only limited to securing life-saving surgeries from specialist charities but in finding funds to connect those people, and to transport and house the patients.

Money and sponsors are always needed to feed the poor and hungry, buy medications for the sick, provide artificial limbs and wheelchairs to the crippled, and provide emergency assistance to those who would otherwise die very quickly.

THE DREAM Many people the Foundation helps come from remote villages and getting help seems impossible to these simple people.

Even if they can access health care, they have no money to travel to hospitals and to stay nearby while they receive treatment.

So the Endri Foundation has a dream – to build a “House of Hope” as a base for the Foundation. This house can provide Endri is a rare find – a trustworthy local temporary accommodation for needy man who was willing to work for free in children and their families awaiting order to make a difference. He is articulate, medical care, as well as a centre for degree educated, and understands how to training and education for Endri’s team. negotiate with local organisations.

THE ACAM GREAT LOMBOK WALK Together with a small team of dedicated volunteers, he now leads the Endri Enter Fiona Foundation – Lombok’s first NGO Forrest – Child Humanitarian Foundation – and is Australian expat passionate about working to make Lombok and mother of two, a better place for his people.

Fiona has lived in Jakarta for the past WHAT THEY DO 10 years.

“When Others Walk Away, We Don’t!”

She is also the is the motto of the Foundation and that’s founder of Fiona what they do – confront the problems head Unity Foundation, on! a charity which has supported two Lombok has a population of around 3.7 orphanages in Bali for the past 4 years million people and, although the island and has organised many fundraisers by is developing as a tourism destination, walking to raise money for Indonesian the majority of its people are only just charities. subsisting. Illness, malnutrition, birth and hope to his people.

After visiting Lombok and meeting Endri and some of the children he is helping, Fiona chose “not to walk away”. She organised a 400km charity walk around the perimeter of Lombok to raise funds for the “House of Hope” and promote awareness about the Endri Foundation.

Commencing the ACAM GREAT LOMBOK WALK (named for major sponsor ‘Asian Corporate Aviation Management’) on 1 October, Fiona walked for a gruelling 12 days, following the coastline of Lombok from north to east, south and west, and back to the north again.

Exhaustion, heat, fear of dogs and a dodgy knee didn’t faze this inspiring and determined lady during her walk... she completed the Walk and raised around $65,000 for the charity!

THE LA CHILL CHARITY LUNCH The generous owners of La Chill Bar in Senggigi are supporters of Endri and his Foundation and, after meeting Fiona, they decided to host a charity lunch to celebrate the completion of the Walk – and hopefully, raise some more funds at the end.

More than 100 people attended the Charity Lunch held at La Chill on Sunday, 16 October and gave generously, while enjoying a fun day with a buffet lunch, live band and important presentations by Endri and Fiona.

Ticket sales and the proceeds of the lunch were donated by the wonderful ladies at La Chill.

Lombok’s businesses showed their support by donating prizes for the event and attendees spent up big, raising funds with raffles and auctions of those prizes.

It’s fabulous to see the Lombok community coming together to support our own charity and people!

DONATE: The help doesn’t stop there...

Forgotten Children are discovered in Lombok all the time. Whatever amount you can afford to donate – every little bit helps! Please visit: www.endri.org

Special Feature

CHARITY LUNCH @ LA CHILL BAR

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Special Feature

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Anna’s

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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 Papa Besar Cafe) | P: 0817 5730 012 | E: annasgiftshoplombok@gmail.com

PT. ANANTA GUNA LESTARI OUR SERVICES: Pest Control | Rodent Control Termite Control | Fumigation

HOUSE FOR SALE INVESTMENT – RENTAL INCOME – HOME

Located in secure and elite Graha Permata Kota Complex in Selagalas, next to Harapan Keluarga Hospital. Land size: 105m2. 2 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen, laundry, carport, water and electricity.

Certificate HGB (Hak Guna Bangun).

10 minutes to Mataram. 20 Minutes to Senggigi

Employee Recruitment (Out Sourcing) Cleaning Service (On Call) Gardener | Pool Maintenance

www.anantagl.com

Jalan Pariwisata No. 101 Sandik, Lombok Barat P/F: 0370 7507546 | M: 081 803 636 609 / 081 236 935 382 Email: anantagl@yahoo.co.id

PRICED FOR QUICK SALE! Rp 400 million Please call 0818 0363 8577

Pasar Classifieds

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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

LAND FOR SALE - MAWUN LOMBOK Developing area in beautiful South Lombok. Stunning hillside property with sea views.

Approx 10 are (100m2) lots 8 to choose from, ready to build.

Starting from USD 3,800 / are.

Please call Hamy: 081 736 4549

CERTIFIED LAND FOR SALE 8,200sqm (82 are) Lobster Bay, southern Lombok Stunning views. Drive on access Close to surf breaks Rp 25 million per are

NEW VILLA FOR SALE in BATU LAYAR Quiet, lovely villa overlooking rice paddy.

5 minutes to the beach and just 15 minutes to the city. 3 bedrooms, 3 ensuite bathrooms, western kitchen + dining, overlooking 3.5 x 6m swimming pool.

Freehold & IMB (building license) Asking price Rp 1.3 billion

Call 0821 4587 5594

Contact Nayla Property 0859 3708 5905

LAND FOR SALE

MITRA POOL DISTRIBUTOR

Views out over Kuta Bay

Pool Chemicals: Granular 90%, Chlorine tab 90%, Terussi, HCL, PAC, etc.

Road access to site of 62 are (6200sqm) Hak Milik Certificate (Freehold).

Drive to Kuta town or beach in less than 5 minutes.

Pool Equipment: Product Hayward, Astral, Emaux, etc

Price: Rp 29 million / are

Tlp: 0819 1734 8141 / whatsapp: 0812 3842 4758 Website: www.mitrapool-chemical-equipment.com email: mitrapoolchemical@gmail.com

Ph: 081 7667 3983

Jl Raya Senggigi No 88 (Next to Square Restaurant)

SOLAR WATER HEATER LOMBOK Distributor of LUMINOUS, battery back-up and solar-power systems INTI SOLAR, solar water heaters All installations by our own service-team.

Spare parts directly available.

Please call or send an email for a free quotation: 0878 6494 2137 / 0813 3721 9666 info@solar-waterheater-lombok.com

Pasar Classifieds

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PASAR CLASSIFIEDS

GILI ASAHAN BEACHFRONT LAND FOR SALE

Stunning 2,800m² freehold plot on the southern Gilis, with 55 metre beachfront, gently sloping up a hill. Really rare to find!

Gili Asahan is well known for its clear water, unique diving and snorkeling opportunities. Next to the land is a dive and holiday resort. Reachable by taxi boat (10 Minutes) Price: IDR 44 million/are

Phone: 0821 4746 4945

SOUTH LOMBOK (FREEHOLD) LAND SALE BY OWNER

Plot A - overlooking Belongas and Pengantap Beaches Beautiful hill land, unobstructed sea view. Direct access from new main road. Water and electricity already in place.

315 are (3.15ha) IDR 8 million/are Plot B - flat hill plateau overlooking Torok Aik Belik Bay and rice fields. Stunning sea view, only 3min drive to the beach on new main road.

284 are (2.84ha) IDR 18 million/are

Phone: 0821 4746 4945

ABSOLUTE SURF BEACHFRONT 6.85 are (685 m2), one of a kind, 35 mins to Lombok International Airport.

All services avail. Rp 150 million / are.

LOMBOK FREEHOLD COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY

Situated in the heart of Kuta on major Commercial Road stand two seriously constructed Western buildings, approx. 450 sqm over four levels, giving sea views with beautifully presented gardens on approx. 7.5 are or 750sqm freehold land.

Currently used as private accommodation and offices, this site can easily be transformed into a 5 star boutique hotel, restaurant, spa....

The options are limited to your imagination... you decide!

Truly needs to be viewed to be appreciated.

Just 200 metres walk to the beach.

Listed at below cost to replace today.

Please contact the owner direct on Phone 081 7667 3983

SALES EXECUTIVE

Our company is involved in many different industries such as resorts, Property development construction & Furniture manufacturing.

Jaka: +62 821 4464 6412 / +62 818 0575 3212

We are looking to employ a versatile person that has strong Sales and organizational skills.

This is a fantastic career opportunity.

www.southlombokproperty.com

Please send your C.V. to sales@balibargainhunter.com

SOUTH LOMBOK BARGAIN

HOUSE FOR RENT

3.9 hectares (390 are) Ocean Views 5 mins to surf beach. Only Rp 4 million / are Urgent sale - don’t delay!

Jaka: +62 821 4464 6412 / +62 818 0575 3212 www.southlombokproperty.com

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!

Ph: 0819 1701 3714 / 0821 4458 7910 Email: nyoman.translombok@yahoo.com

(Special for foreigner) 1,000m2 with yard, fully furnished, 2 garage, 3 bedrooms, H/W shower, AC. Located in Jl Ranget, Cakra.

HOUSE FOR SALE Located in Jl Bangau, Cakra

Phone: 0817 5789 207 / 0370 627 766

KUTA

LAND OFF BYPASS ROAD: Perfect for Development Ocean views. 3 mins to Kuta Beach Over 37 are (3700sqm +).

Certificated Hak Milik (Freehold).

Price: Rp 39 million per are Phone 0821 4587 5594

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Qamboja Day Spa

Slip into our “Volcanic Mud Wrap”

[ Luxurious treatment to draw out toxins and break down cellulite ]

Herbal bath, deluxe massage, facial, manicure & pedicure using all natural and traditional products *Yoga available upon request

Try our healthy vegetarian lunch using only raw ingredients to boost, invigorate and rejuvenate

[ “Gorgeous Spa” - Lonely Planet ]

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

Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693800 | Website: www.quncivillas.com/spa

Distribution

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LOMBOK GUIDE The

LOMBOK’S #1 TOURISM NEWSPAPER AND INFORMATION RESOURCE 8000 copies distributed throughout Lombok, the Gilis and Bali every month!

Around 200 international & national visits to our website every day! www.thelombokguide.com An average of 7000 people reading our online digital paper every month! http://issuu.com/thelombokguide WITH MORE THAN 20,000 READERS EVERY MONTH, HOW CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO ADVERTISE???

Contact us now for economical advertising that gets results!

0812 3734 4894

kitadesign@hotmail.com

www.thelombokguide.com

4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED EVERY TWO WEEKS AT: BLUE BIRD TAXI: Exclusively available in every Blue Bird Taxi in Lombok.

AIRPORT: Lombok Baru Taxi, Kotama Taxi, Golden Bird Travel, Trec, BLT Travel and every counters outside International Lombok Airport.

MATARAM: Autore, Gallery Pamour, Lombok Epicentrum Mall (Ace Hardware, Bubbly House of Desserts, Burger King, Bread Talk, Cinema XXI, Excelso, Food Centrum, Front Desk, Hypermart, Indonesian Delights, Informa, J.Co, Joli Sourire, KFC, Maxx Coffee, Mokko Factory, Omah Cobek, Paris Castle, Pizza Pazza, Quali, Simple Pleasure, Solaria, The Vinette, XO Suki), Mataram Mall (Delicio Café, Gili Cafe, KFC, McDonalds, Mokko Factory, Oceanic Café), Toko Susana.

KUTA: Bombora Bungalows, Discovery Coffee House, Kuta Bay Homestay, Kuta Heights, Kuta Indah Hotel, Mimpi Manis Homestay, Novotel, Puri Rinjani, Sekar Kunning / Yellow Flower, The Chili Cafe, Warung Bule.

SENGGIGI: Alfa Mart, Anna’s Giftshop, Aruna Senggigi Hotel, Asmara Restaurant, Café Alberto, Cafe Lombi, De Quake, Dive Zone, Gilda Farma, Globe Bar, Island Properties Lombok, Katamaran Resort, Kebun Villas, La Chill Bar, Living Asia, Lombok Property and Villas, Lotus Bayview Restaurant, Orchid Spa, Puri Bunga Cottages, Puri Mas Boutique Hotel, Qunci Villas, Senggigi Jaya Abadi Supermarket, Scuba Froggy, Sheraton, Spice Lounge & Bar, Square Restaurant, Temptations, The Chandi, The Cowshed, The Office, Verve Beach Club, Ye Jeon Restaurant.

GILI T: Aston Sunset Beach, Blue Marlin Dive, Desa Dunia Beda, Gili Getaway, Kayu Cafe, ko-ko-mo Resort, Le Resto, Oceano Resort, Malibu Beach Club, Manta Dive, Martas Bungalows, Scallywags, The Beach House, The Trawangan.

GILI AIR: Scallywags, The Beach Club.

SOUTH LOMBOK: ko-ko-mo Gili Gede, Sempiak Villas BALI: 707 Beachberm, Air Bali, Asia Collection Tour, Asian Trails Tour, Bale Bali Restaurant, Bali Deli, Bali Medical Clinic, Bakfickan Bar & Rest, Batu Jimbar Resturant, Bebek Bengil Kuta, BIMC, Black Canyon Seminyak Square, Blue Café, Blue Water Express, Bounty Cruises, Bow Restaurant, Bungalow Café, Cafe Bali, Café Canggu, Café Marzano, Cafe Moka, Café Smorgas, Canggu Club, Canggu Station, Captain Cook Rest, Chez Gado-Gado, Club Havana, Cocoon Spa, Corner House Restaurant, Corner Store, Dijon, Eco Beach Rest, Exotissimo Travel Indonesia, Finn’s Beach Club, Firestation Restaurant, Gardenia Cafe & Bar, Gili GIli, Gili Shop Poppies 1, Gloria Jeans Coffee 1, Go Vacation Tour, Golden Kris Tour, Gourmet Cafe, Grain Bar, Grocer & Grind, Gypsy Restaurant, Habitual Queench Feed, Happy Chappy Canggu, Hog Wild Restaurant, Istana Kuta Galeria, Jalapeno Rest Sanur, Jones Lang Lasalle, Junction Bar & Rest, Kantor The Yak, Keraton Hotel, L’Assiette Restaurant, La Laguna Restaurant, Lila Pantai Sanur, Loop Rest, Living Stone Bakery, Mamas Rest, Mamasan Restaurant, Massimo Ittalian Restaurant, Meno Mojo, Metis Restaurant, Milk & Madu Restaurant, Monsieur Spoon Canggu, Monsieur Spoon Laksmana, Monsieur Spoon Rest, Motel Mexicola, Manikepis Restaurant, Nero Rest, Noemah by Lonny, Nude Nasty Fasion, Ocha Warung, Old Mans Rest & Bar, On On Bar, Pacific World, Pacto Tour, Pantarei Restaurant, PT Dimatique International, Reborn Salon, Red Carpet, Rutica Cucina Italiana, Samudra Bar, Sanur Beach Grove, Serba Antik, Soho Restaurant, SOS, Soul In Bowl, Souq Restaurant, Sprout Restaurant, Starbucks Coffee Kuta, Starbucks Discovery Mall, Stiff Chilli, Strawberry Fields, Taco Casa Restaurant, The Plumbers Arms, Tourist Information, The Savage Kitchen, Trattoria Cucina Italiana, Two Fish Drivers, Vila Lumbung, Warung Bonita, Warung Sulawesi, Y Bar, Zanzibar Restaurant.

Special thanks to our contributors: Barbara Kathleen, Dian Cahyadi, Iwan Haryanto, www.balidiscovery.com.

Printed by PT. Temprina Media Grafika, Denpasar, Bali

Copyright © 2007 – 2016. We have spent years travelling all over Lombok, documenting, photographing and updating.

If you want to write about Lombok, we suggest you do the same!

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form (electronically, print or otherwise) without prior written permission from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in The Lombok Guide are those of the author and not necessarily the Publisher. We reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles at the Publisher’s discretion.

While all care is taken to avoid copyright infringements, The Lombok Guide will not be held responsible for images or text directly supplied by advertisers and/or contributors.

Tired after a day of mischief

Senggigi

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[ Yo u r K e y to an I d yllic Lombok ]

Lombok’s Boutique Hotel [ The Lonely Planet: “Best Place to Stay in Lombok” ] [ Cosmopolitan: “Lombok’s Hidden Beauty” ] [ Guide du Routard: “Le Reve!” ] Jl. Raya Mangsit, Senggigi, Lombok | Phone: +62 370 693 800 Email: stay@quncivillas.com | Website: www.quncivillas.com

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discover nature’s greatest gift

Pearl Farm Tours Pearl and Jewellery Showroom Private viewings welcome

Showroom Open Daily

PT Autore Pearl Culture, Teluk Nara, Malaka, Lombok Phone: +62 8133 992 0015 / +62 8133 992 0020 | Email: pearlfarm@pearlautore.com.au

www.pearlautore.com.au

Senggigi

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Senggigi

Senggigi

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Land & Property

48 .

VILLA FOR SALE in SENGGIGI 3 A/C bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, solar H/W, magnificent terrace, living & dining with fully fitted kitchen, storage room.

Infinity pool surrounded by garden, very well maintained.

Price USD 320,000

BUILDING PLOT in LENDANG LUAR

21.64 ARE (2,164m2). Unrestricted views of Bali and the ocean.

Road access, ideal for resort or private villa development, just 15 minutes drive to Senggigi.

Price IDR 155 million / are (100m2)

VILLA FOR SALE in SENGGIGI

3 bedrooms (2 with A/C’s and bathroom with shower).

Living area with European kitchen, extra toilet. Backyard, secure parking, 5 mins to the beach.

Price IDR 950 million

BUILDING PLOT on THE HILL 15.56 ARE (1,556m2). Unobstructed sea and Bali views.

Excellent road access, water and electricity available. Located in an established prestigious residential area, ready to build. 10 mins drive to Senggigi Price IDR. 255 million / are (100m2)

HOME-STAY & VILLA FOR SALE in MENINTING

CHEAP INVESTMENT LAND in BAYAN

13 ARE divided: 7 are for Home-stay (4 bedroom with A/C, pool, fully furnished) and 6 are for Villa (3 bedrooms with A/C, open plan living & kitchen, 4 extra rooms).

NOW ONLY USD 215,000 NEGO!!

2 Ha (20,000m2). Located 60kms north of Senggigi, flat land, lush location, excellent road access. Other European investors already involved in this area. Great investment opportunity!

Price IDR 7.5 million / are (100m2)

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

info@lombokpropertyandvillas.com l www.lombokpropertyandvillas.com

Land & Property

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Land & Property

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ISLAND PROPERTIES LOMBOK Real Estate Specialists

FABULOUS FLAT LAND IN GILI TRAWANGAN This is a bargain!

All offers accepted.

5 minutes to Sunset Beach.

56 are beautiful coconut trees.

Fully fenced.

10 minute cycle from The Terminal.

OWNER SAYS SELL!

THE JIWA RESORT FIRST TIME OFFERED

Magnificent Jiwa Luxury Villa in Medana Bay. Lovely ocean view.

Beautifully designed, 4 suites - 60 sqm each with full ensuite facilities, office, main residence on 63 are.

A must to inspect!

Asking USD 990,000 Asking Rp 90 million per are

VILLA SUKUN – BATU LAYAR

Contact Ali Akbar 0823 4099 9281

Situated on a hillside amongst coconut trees, Sukun is a beautiful villa with fabulous sunset views over the Lombok Strait to Mount Agung on Bali. The main villa, its stunning infinity pool and 4 additional bedrooms are all set in a lush tropical garden. Sukun Villa is a ten minute drive away from Senggigi and Mataram.

PRICE ON APPLICATION

MAGICAL BEACHFRONT ON GILI MENO A magical beachfront business opportunity on Gili Meno.

VILLA OTTALIA – GILI TRAWANGAN Les Villas Ottalia in Gili Trawangan is a tropical luxury villa complex nested in the middle of the marvelous coconut palm groves. 5 minutes stroll to the beach.

Superb restaurant beach frontage.

Power to the restaurant.

Hak Milik / Freehold Situated next to Sunset House.

You will enjoy the paradise island life with all modern comforts, including a private swimming pool!

Asking Price USD 600,000

Asking Price USD 80,000

Phone Angela: 0819 1742 0804 / Santi (Indonesia): 0877 6660 3939 islandpropertieslombok@gmail.com | www.islandpropertieslombok.net

We can make your dreams come true!

Land & Property

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52

THE CITIES The three main cities in Lombok – Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara – have expanded over the years and now merge together to create what is, for Lombok, an urban sprawl of shops, administrative centres and residential areas.

A visit to the cities makes an interesting day trip, exploring the numerous small shops selling everything imaginable from everyday items to gold and pearls.

There are many pearl shops in Ampenan selling unset pearls and pearl jewellery at attractive prices. These are genuine pearls – some cheap quality from China and the more expensive ones are farmed in Lombok and Sumbawa. If you bargain the price, you can usually get a good deal.

There are gold shops in both Ampenan and Cakra with 24 kt gold being sold by the gram at market price.

For cheap and interesting food choices, explore the many restaurants, warung 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!

Also worth visiting is the cultural centre, Taman Budaya on Jl Majapahit. Music and dance performances are presented here regularly. Phone: 622428 for details.

Cakranegara (usually abbreviated to “Cakra”) is Lombok’s main shopping area. It is also home to many Chinese and Balinese, who make up over 50 percent of the city’s population. The streets of the city make an interesting walk with gold shops, sporting goods, clothing and fabric stores selling imported silks, laces and cottons, to name a few.

There is a local market at the main intersection in Cakra; turn right at the traffic lights and look for the entrance to the market on the left. Inside is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from baskets to fresh flowers and local foods.

The next large town east of Cakra is Sweta. The Bertais bus terminal is located here for connections to the east of the island and beyond. Near the bus terminal there is a huge local market every day with all kinds of goods on sale, from foodstuffs to clothing, exotic birds, handicrafts and more.

Shopping

Ampenan was the original port in Lombok during Dutch colonial times and some of the old architecture is still visible around the town, particularly toward the beach to the west where the remnants of the port are slipping into the sea.

The streets become a market at night, filled with warung and kaki lima (food carts) for cheap, tasty food and local flavour.

Kebun Roek, just near the traffic lights in Ampenan on the road from the old Selaparang airport, is the site of the local markets. Every day traders set up stalls selling fresh produce from around the island, local snacks and products, live chickens and fresh fish in the afternoon when the fishing boats come in. A stroll through the markets is a pungent and enlightening experience!

Mataram, about 3 km to the east of Ampenan, is the administrative centre for Lombok and Sumbawa (NTB Province), with government offices, banks, mosques, schools and colleges, bookstores, the main post office, and Mataram University downtown.

In Mataram, the Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum houses historical and cultural artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa.

It’s an interesting place to visit and occasionally hosts special exhibits.

Displays include exhibits on geology, history and culture. Address: Jl Panji Tilar. Ph: 632159 for opening times.

There is a small admission fee.

Tourism Information

supermarket, and other small retailers, as well as cafes and food stores.

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.

Lombok Epicentrum Mall on Jl Sriwijaya (see cities map) was opened in October 2015 and is a large, modern shopping centre with four floors of retail outlets.

The complex houses a Hypermart supermarket and a Matahari Department Store, as well as a Cinema XXI movie theatre and Timezone entertainment centre.

There is a well-stocked Ace Hardware store, an Informa furniture store, and a Guardian pharmacy. Other retailers sell a wide variety of fashion, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and much more.

There are many food outlets and cafes, as well as Bread Talk, J. Co, Starbucks, Excelso, The Coffee Bean, Wendy’s and more.

Lombok City Centre on Jl Raya Narmada (the main road east of Sweta) is Lombok’s newest mall and is still in the final stages of construction.

However, some stores are already open for business in LCC including Matahari Department Store, Hypermart

The caretaker will meet you and give you a sash to wear in the temple. Please sign the guestbook and give a donation.

Pura Mayura, just across the street from Pura Meru, was built in 1744 as the court temple of the last Balinese kings in Lombok. An open hall or bale kambang (floating pavilion) stands in the middle of a large artificial lake here and an interesting temple is sheltered under huge old trees at the rear of the lake.

The gardens and the adjoining Pura Jagatnatha temple complex are a peaceful place to escape the bustle of the city and well worth exploring. Taman Mayura is open every day, from 8am to 8pm; admission is Rp 5000 per person. The gardens are popular on weekends so the best time to visit is during the weekdays.

The Cities

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Cities Map

The Cities

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56 Thirteen small islands - the Southwest Gilis - float in the sparkling turquoise waters just off the southwest coast. Unlike the famous ‘Gili Islands’ in northwest Lombok, the Southwest Gilis are largely uninhabited and have yet to be discovered by most travellers... that’s why we call them ‘The Secret Islands’!

Tourism Information

The Southwest Secret Islands, Pristine Beaches!

including challenging world-class diving off southeast Lombok.

The picturesque Sekotong region starts just south of Lembar Harbour and features stunning beaches and bays set against a backdrop of rolling green hills.

The drive down the southwest coast is an enjoyable trip, meandering through villages where life is largely untouched by tourism and where the people are involved in their day-to-day activities of farming, fish cultivation, boating and fishing, brickmaking and other traditional pastimes.

Along the roadsides you will see people selling freshly caught fish, 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. The hills behind form a perfect backdrop to this idyllic setting.

Just out in the calm bay are the three lovely islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat (and the tiny island of Gili Kedis) – all easily accessible by local outrigger boats. A small sign in the nearby village will direct you to the local boat hire area, where you can arrange boat trips out to Gili Nanggu and the other islands.

Gili Nanggu has accommodation for visitors, with Gili Nanggu Cottages providing simple cottages on the beach and a restaurant, as well as deluxe rooms further back from the beach. The island is small and the beach has soft white sand and a good reef just offshore for snorkelling.

There is also simple accommodation at Nirvana on Gili Sudat (the island closest to the mainland).

Back on the main road and slightly further south is the turn off for Cocotinos

Boutique Beach Resort, set on the secluded beach at Tanjung Empat. With 28 rooms, including beachfront villas with private swimming pools, Cocotinos is the only upmarket accommodation on the mainland.

Cocotinos in Sekotong is the second venture for the Odyssea Asia group, with their first dive resort already well established in Manado, Sulawesi. Scuba diving courses and dives, operated by Odyssea Divers, are available from the resort, together with snorkelling, boating and other sea sports.

Fronting the resort is a glorious white sand beach which spans over 300m, part of which is a private cove. Facilities include a 17m beach front swimming pool, a restaurant overlooking the bay, the Laleina Spa on the waterfront, a boat jetty, and diving and boating facilities.

Slightly further south is Sundancer Resort, with its distinctive blue roofs dotted on the hillside overlooking another white sand beach. The hotel development was started many years ago and is still under construction.

Across the road from Sundancer, on the beachfront, is Dive Zone – a well-run diving facility and the experts on diving the southwest islands, having pioneered development of previously unknown dive sites in this area.

Dive Zone offer dive trips around Sekotong and the islands, as well as in three locations in South Lombok –

Travelling a little further south, before the marine culture complex (Balai Budaya Laut), there is a small dirt road leading out onto a white peninsular of sand that juts into beautiful clear waters.

Drive to the end for superb views and a close up look at Gili Genting.

Gili Genting sits just off the tip of the peninsular and at low tide you can walk across the sandbar and explore this uninhabited island. Old volcanic rocks and stone carved from centuries of tidal flow create small caves and alcoves, providing shelter for picnics and interesting nooks and crannies to explore.

Further south you will come to the only petrol station along the south coastal road at Tembowong Village. Nearby is the site for catching boats out to Gili Gede. Gili Gede is easily reached by boat from the village of Tembowong and is only minutes across the water.

The largest of the islands in the area is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning ‘Big Island’.

The island lays just offshore and is so large visitors often mistake it for part of the mainland.

Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has a choice of accommodation, including the luxurious ko – ko - mo Gili Gede Resort, which opened in February 2016. ko - ko - mo Gili Gede is the sister resort to ko - ko - mo Resort on Gili Trawangan and is a stylish all villa resort, comprising fifteen 1 and 2 bedroom villas with private swimming pools, and one bedroom Villa Kecil (small villas), spread out over spacious grounds on a pristine beachfront.

All modern comforts such as air conditioning and ceiling fans, flat screen televisions with satellite channels and DVD, WiFi, fresh (not salt) hot water, plentiful power points for charging devices, and more are provided in each villa.

Facilities at the resort include a tennis court, a putting green, a small gym, a resort swimming pool and purpose-built Spa facility and a beachfront restaurant.

The Southwest

57 Point and the surfing Mecca for those in the know – located on the far southwest tip of Lombok.

Guests at the restaurant can enjoy up-market dining with a menu prepared from fresh locally-sourced seafood, imported Australian meats and in-house breads and bakery items.

There is also an outstanding wine and drinks list. ko - ko - mo has a purpose-built jetty at the front of the resort and operate their own fast boat service under the ‘Gili Getaway’ mantle between Bali, Gili T and Gili Gede... making Gili Gede easily accessible, even for a day trip.

Other choices for simple accommodation on Gili Gede include Secret Island Resort on the south, Via Vaccare on the northwest and Yut Inn and Madak Belo on the east.

Each provides meals and can arrange boat trips, island hopping and snorkelling around the islands.

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

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

Bounty Cruises, a Bali based company, own a large parcel of land on Gili Ringgit and 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 lay just beneath the surface and the reef extends along most of the island’s coast.

On the other side of the island is where the pier is located, with a fantastic white sand beach. It is a favourite for guests from other nearby islands and Dive Zone often brings divers to the island to relax in between dives, as the scenery and beach here are so lovely.

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.

Tourists who take trips with Dive Zone commonly describe the diving around the southwest as some of the best they’ve ever experienced.

Many are astounded by the pristine conditions and huge schools of turtles seen near Gili Layar – the island between Gili Ringgit and Gili Asahan.

There is accommodation at Layar Beach Bungalows and, although the bungalows are simple, they are comfortable and clean and the location right on the beach is superb. There is also a restaurant here serving delicious fresh juices and tasty meals.

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

Both Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort offer comfortable accommodation in charming bungalows and each have restaurants, providing good dining options on the island.

Leaving Gili Asahan and back on the mainland, continue south on the coastal road until you come to a main intersection.

A signpost to the left leads to the spectacular large bay at Mekaki. The road to the right leads to Labuhan Poh and Pelangan, 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.

There are small home-stays and private accommodations spaced out along the road to Bangko-Bangko – known as Desert

Point, just offshore.

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

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.

Those who wish to explore the underwater world of the Southwest Gilis can join dive adventures with either Dive Zone in Sekotong or Odyssea Divers at Cocotinos The dive sites reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesian diving has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by turtles, white tip reef sharks, cuttlefish, moray eels and many other varieties of marine life. The reefs are full of colourful corals, which harbour an amazing variety of marine life, including ghost pipe fish, leaf fish, pygmy seahorses and much more.

For non-divers, the islands are a delight for snorkelling – abundant coral reefs lay just below the surface waiting to be explored, filled with thousands of brightly coloured tropical fish, huge sprawling blue starfish and magical turtles gently gliding through the water.

It’s easy to imagine hotels and resorts on all these beaches and islands in the future but for now, the Southwest is unspoilt and the Gilis remain the secret islands… stunningly beautiful, pristine and unique, and known only to the lucky few.

Tourism Information

58

Kuta by Barbara

KUTA AND THE SUBLIME SOUTH COAST

Lombok boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Indonesia and the south coast of Lombok easily rates among the best!

South Lombok is a region on the move and it’s easy to see why so many people are investing here. The south coast has views that inspire – and leaves visitors from around the world speechless at the sublime panoramic beauty that unfolds beach after beautiful beach.

Tourists are drawn to the stunning beaches of the south coast for the pure white sands and the crystal clear oceans, as well as 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 places of interest in the region.

The Lombok International Airport (locally known as BIL) is the only commercial airport on Lombok and is located just 25 minutes’ drive north of Kuta , making access to the south very easy.

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. Major roads have been upgraded and the main road to Kuta is very good.

The proximity to the airport has sparked an investment boom in the area over the past couple of years and Kuta has blossomed, with many new hotels, restaurants and cafes catering to increased numbers of tourists.

The proposed Mandalika Resort development, with its plans for luxury hotels, villas and supporting facilities on over 1000 hectares of prime beach land, will further transform the south coast in coming years.

But for now, the south is uncrowded, pristine and spectacular.

The drive down to the south coast is

an interesting rural tour through 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.

Continued on Page 60

Kuta and The South Coast

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Tourism Information

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Kuta

Slightly further south is Sade, a hilltop village with more Lumbung 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 that is transforming every year. In the past, it offered mainly home-stays and backpacker’s hotels catering 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.

These days, there is a good variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, plus many restaurants and tourist facilities. With investment taking off, more options are opening all the time.

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, fishing trips and boat tours at reasonable and with a stunning beachfront location, rates. Visit their website for details: the Novotel is a wonderful example of www.mimpimanis.com traditional Sasak architecture.

Otherwise, hire a car or motorbike and you Kuta attracts thousands of visitors can spend days visiting beautiful, mainly every year for the great surf locations at deserted beaches, both to the east and west Gerupuk, Ekas and the beaches to the of Kuta. east. It’s easy to hire a board and a surf Just east of Kuta is Seger Beach guide from (sometimes called Mandalika Beach, after here to learn surfing or, for the legendary Princess Mandalika – a experienced beloved character in Sasak folklore who surfers, is believed to have sacrificed herself for to access the good of her people from the rocks the more overlooking the beach). challenging surf breaks in It is here that thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the colourful ritual the area. of Bau Nyale, when masses of sea worms First-timers spawn in the waters offshore. to Kuta can

Homestay in Kuta.

benefit from an orientation tour operated

by Mimpi Manis

The long-established guest house is popular with budget travelers not just for the good value accommodation, but also for the local knowledge the expat British and Balinese couple freely shares with anyone visiting Kuta.

Orientation tours are also available to outside guests and usually include a tour of Kuta and its main attractions, as well as visits to nearby Seger Beach and Tanjung Aan. Other tours can be arranged to take in your particular interests, as well as transfers, car and motorbike rental, Rinjani trekking and more. Mimpi Manis also runs “Shore Thing”

There are great views from the beach and even better views if you climb the surrounding hills. There are small stalls selling drinks and snacks to enjoy after taking a swim or a stroll to enjoy the views.

The government has built a rather ugly building here to host the annual Bau Nyale Festival but nearby there is a lovely monument in the bay commemorating the Mandalika Legend.

Kuta and The South Coast

sempiakvillas

Sempiak Villas

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Ph: +62 821 4430 3337

www.sempiakvillas.com

Escape & relax in the sanctuary of Sempiak Villas with the stunning vistas of Selong Belanak Bay, its sugar white beach and the natural, unspoiled surroundings of this beautiful, largely uninhabited part of southern Lombok.

With services and facilities like Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant and The Spa by Sempiak, you will be indulged through all of your senses, making your stay a complete journey of escapism and relaxation.

lautbirubarrestaurant Ph: +62 821 4430 3339

Laut Biru Bar & Restaurant Ph: +62 823 4099 0599

Tourism Information

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Mawun Beach by Asriel aryadi www.instagram.com/asrielharyadi

Tanjung Aan, around 5kms east of Kuta, is a long picturesque beach with a wide sweep of white sand, perfect aquamarine water and shady trees on the shore.

At the far west end is “Warung Turtle”, a charming beach café that sells cold drinks and beer, as well as surprisingly good meals.

Guests are welcome to relax on the sun lounges on the beach in front of Warung Turtle and spend the day swimming in the calm waters. Dine on the beachfront or in

the shade of the café. The fresh grilled fish and the Chicken in Red Sauce are both highly recommended.

the surrounding islands and bays. There is a good surf school here and no fewer than five surf breaks.

The Warung has snorkeling equipment, surfboards and stand-up paddle boards for hire and the local owner, Herman, is a friendly host with a wealth of information to help make the most of your visit.

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 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

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.

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Kuta and The South Coast

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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.

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.

Further east, Heaven on the Planet and Ocean Heaven (collectively known as HOTPlanet) offers accommodation, a restaurant, 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.

impressive views of Gili Lawang just offshore; look for the three startling pinnacles of rock jutting out of the ocean.

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

Mawun Beach is around 30 minutes’ drive to the west and is an almost circular bay with small green headlands rolling into the ocean from either side. It is a spectacular beach with calm blue waters, perfect for swimming and spending a day lazing on the white sand.

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

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

Further west are picturesque Sepi and Blongas bays, and many more scenic beaches along the way; all are mostly deserted.

THE SOUTH LOMBOK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION The South Lombok Community Association (SLCA) is an association of businesses, investors and residents in South Lombok working with government and local communities to improve conditions in Kuta and surrounding areas on the south coast.

The SLCA carries out a number of important services including the improvement of security and safety in the south, rubbish collection and waste management, and environmental projects such as “Clean Up” events in Kuta and at the surrounding beaches.

The association is self-funded and all south coast residents and businesses are encouraged to support this community initiative.

If you are visiting Kuta, please help SLCA keep up their work – clearly marked donation boxes are placed in a number of local businesses and even a small donation can help towards funding rubbish bins and community projects.

To join SLCA, or support their work with a donation, please email southlombokca@gmail.com

Kuta and The South Coast

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Kuta and The South Coast

Kuta and The South Coast

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www.thelombokguide.com

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Tourism Information

Kuta and The South Coast

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Tourism Information

MAGNETIC NORTH LOMBOK

For those looking for a change of pace in sublime natural surroundings, North Lombok is a relaxing and rewarding escape.

Lombok’s magnificent volcano, the village of Senaru is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rinjani National Park and has glorious views of both the mountains and the valleys below.

Senaru is also the perfect base for those wishing to visit the famed waterfalls of Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, or to spend time trekking through the jungles and visiting remote traditional villages.

There is a good selection of accommodation available in the area, ranging from basic backpacker home-stays to nice cottages in scenic settings.

Segara Anak Lake at Mt Rinjani by Iwan Haryanto

Dominated by the majesty of Mt Rinjani and the surrounding mountain ranges, North Lombok offers stunning landscapes for travellers who like to go “off the beaten path”.

The large town of Tanjung is the administrative capital for North Lombok and has numerous warung and shops, and one of the few public telephone offices (wartel) on the island.

The many waterfalls and rivers, jungles and rainforest with towering old-growth trees, and the unique flora and fauna of the region – together with long curves of deserted beaches – make the north coast an ideal destination for those who appreciate true natural beauty.

Further up the coast, Godang is a small village near a good beach. A trail leads northeast to Tiu Pupus Waterfall, around 6km away. In rainy season, the spring-fed falls flow into a deep pool at the base.

North Lombok is one of the oldest settlements on the island and, with Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists living in the district, many different cultural traditions originate from this historic area.

Travelling north, look for the small signpost to Kerta Gangga Waterfalls, located between Gangga and Kerta Raharja village. There are three beautiful waterfalls and pools set amongst the jungle, and a small bat cave nearby. Local guides are useful for showing the best places (they will find you!)

The restaurant serves fantastic food, with a varied menu that ranges from traditional Indonesian favourites to fresh seafood to modern cuisine such as falafel wraps in tortilla served with hummus and tahini... not your usual Senaru fare!

Bayan, further north, is steeped in history and maintains old Sasak traditions. This is a fascinating area to explore, although accommodation is limited.

The Rinjani National Park is a nature reserve of 41,330 hectares surrounding the volcano that provides many opportunities for eco-tourism.

Bayan is the home of the unique religion, Wetu Telu, which is only found in Lombok. Wetu Telu combines the original Sasak people’s traditional animistic beliefs with Islam and elements of Hinduism.

Trekking on the volcano is open from the beginning of April until the end of December every year, with a variety of treks available including the challenging climb to the 3726m summit, or 2 and 3 day treks to the spectacular lake cradled in the caldera.

One of the oldest and most important mosques in Lombok, Masjid Kuno, is in Bayan, near the village of Beleq. Believed to have been built in 1634, the mosque sits on a small hill with pretty views.

From Bayan the road leads to Senaru, the gateway to the Rinjani National Park and one of the main bases for trekkers climbing Mt Rinjani.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall by Iwan Haryanto

By far the nicest place to stay is the newly-opened Rinjani Lodge, with deluxe bungalows and a stunning infinity pool perched on the side of a lovely valley and located around 100m from the main gateway to Sendang Gile Waterfall.

Nestled on the northern foothills of

The whole area is a picturesque haven, featuring magnificent waterfalls, lush and accessible jungle trekking, traditional villages, and plantations of tobacco and cashew nuts, grown alongside verdant rice terraces. Tropical animals including monkeys, deer and tropical birds live in the surrounding jungle, as well as abundant varieties of tropical plants and flowers.

North Lombok

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Stunning mountain and valley views located at the gateway to Mt Rinjani and the waterfalls Stylish bungalows with WiFi, A/C, Cable TV, DVD’s, garden bathrooms, hot water and private terraces Infinity swimming pool, chill-out spaces and restaurant serving fresh western and Indonesian specialties

Perfect for mountain getaways and day trips from Senggigi and the Gilis!

SENARU - BAYAN - NORTH LOMBOK | Ph: +62 819 0738 4944 | E: info@rinjanilodge.com

www.rinjanilodge.com

Useful Contacts

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USEFUL CONTACTS EMERGENCY SERVICES Senggigi Tourism Police: Jl Raya Senggigi, Phone: 0370 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 Emergency Rescue (RSU Mataram) Ph: 0370 620009.

HOSPITALS

Multigraha Valas Jl Saleh Sungkar No 1 Ampenan, Ph: 0370 624045

HUNGARY Phone: 0361 287701, Fax: 0361 287456.

Email: cristofoli@denpasar.wasantara.net.id

PT. Bali Mispintjira Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0370 692247 / 0370 692247

INDIA Ph. 0361 259502/259503, Fax. 0361259505 E: cons.bali@mea.gov.in / hoc.bali@mea.gov.in

TAXI Blue Bird Taxi, Ph: 0370 627000 AIRPORT BUS / DAMRI Senggigi / Mataram, Ph: 0370 671240, 0878 6475 5513, 0813 9862 4975 IMMIGRATION Jl Udayana, Mataram, Ph: 0370 632520 PUBLIC SERVICES

Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga Jl Ahmad Yani 9, Selagalas. Ph: 6177000 / 670000. Emergency (24hrs): 6177009.

ELECTRICITY PLN Mataram. Ph: 0370 632182 PLN Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693535

Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl Pejanggik No 6, Mataram Phone: 6604605

WATER PDAM Mataram. Ph: 0370 632510 PDAM Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693886

New Mataram Public Hospital (Rumah Sakit Umum Mataram) Jl Bung Karno 1, Mataram.

Phone: 0370 645045

Directory Assistance (Lombok Phone Numbers): Ph. 0370 108

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 DENTISTS

TELKOM (Phone/Internet). Ph: 0370 147

POST OFFICES Jl Sriwijaya, Mataram. Ph: 0370 632645 Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693711

Multigraha Kelolavalas - Jl Raya Senggigi. Ph: 0370 693693 - Jl Pejanggik No 1, Mataram Ph: 0370 631567

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 BANKS

Bank Danamon Indonesia Jl Pejanggik No 117, Mataram.

Phone: 0370 631322, Fax: 0370 633068

BRAZIL Phone: 0361 757775, Fax: 0361 751005.

Email: brazilconsul@bytheseatropical.com

Bank International Indonesia (BII) Jl AA Gede Ngurah No 48, Mataram.

Phone: 0370 635027, 633347

BRITAIN Phone: 0361 270601, Fax: 0361 287804, Email: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id

Bank Mandiri Jl Pejanggik No 20-22, Mataram.

Phone: 0370 631311

CZECH REPUBLIC Phone: 0361 286465, Fax: 0361 286408.

Email: bali@honorary.mzv.cz

MONEY CHANGERS

SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Phone: 0361 751735, Fax: 0361 754457.

Email: bali@honrep.ch

AUSTRALIA (incl. New Zealand, Canada) Phone: 0361 241118, Fax: 0361 221195, Email: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au

drg. Yuanita Jl Sriwijaya (opposite Kura-Kura Waterpark). Ph: 0812 3763 156

dr. I Gede Sudiana (FB: lombokanimalrescue) Jl Sadewa 9 Cakra. Ph: 0878 6585 6260

SPAIN Phone: 0361 975736, Fax: 0361 975726, Email: rabik@indo.net.id

CONSULATES

CHILE Phone: 0361 756781, Fax: 0361 756783.

Email: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com

Nobel Petshop Jl Sriwijaya (Next to Town Palace). Ph: 0370 6160300

JAPAN Phone: 0361 227628, Fax: 0361 265066.

Email: konjpdps@indo.net.id

Bank Central Asia (BCA) Jl Pejanggik No 67, Mataram, Lombok Phone: 0370 632588, Fax: 0370 622347

drg. Farida Istiarini, Sp.Ort (Joli Sourire Dental Care) 1st Floor at Lombok Epicentrum Mall.

Jl Sriwijaya, Mataram. Ph: 0878 6490 1535

VETS / PET CARE

ITALY Phone: 0361 701005.

Email: italconsbali@italconsbali.com

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

Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Jl Langko No 64, Mataram.

Ph: 0370 646200.

Jl Raya Senggigi, Ph: 0370 631046, Fax: 0370 631005 Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Jl Pendidikan No 16, Mataram.

Phone: 0370 632246, Fax: 0370 633084

Things change... so do offices and phone numbers!

If you find a wrong number, or if you think something should be added to this list, please email us at kitadesign@hotmail.com

Gili Trawangan

The Gili Islands Unique tropical escapes!

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.

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

The word Gili actually means “small island”, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers. 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 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.

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.

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

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.

While nobody comes to the Gilis

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.

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Gili Trawangan

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

Tourism Information

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Continued from Page 73

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.

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.

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.

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.

This means that travellers have a good choice, depending Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, on their individual tastes and perfect for really getting away from it all. what type of island escape they Choose the island that suits you most, or prefer. it’s easy to combine an island-hopping Gili Trawangan is the most holiday to sample the best of all three!

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.

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Tourism Information

GETTING TO THE GILIS

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

There are now dozens of fast boat services operating between Bali and the Gilis (as well as many that stop at Teluk Nara on the northwest coast of mainland Lombok).

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 to flying, providing fast and easy transfers between Bali and the Gilis.

The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather and sometimes transfers must be cancelled for the safety of passengers. Some companies have a good safety record and offer a high standard of customer service, including hotel pick-up and drop off services, insurance, and international safety equipment and procedures.

Others can be a risky proposition – practicing overloading of baggage and exceeding the number of passengers a vessel can carry safely.

The Lombok Strait – between Bali and Lombok – is one of the deepest bodies of water in the region and, during certain times of the year, waves can reach up to 5 metres. Choose a reliable operator by checking reviews on internet sites and avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times.

Blue Water Express, operated by Blue Water Safaris, is one of the leading fast boat operators, with up to four boats travelling between Bali and Lombok.

route of other boats. The return trip leaves Gili T at 12.15pm direct to Bali.

Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers to main points in Bali. Ph: +62 819 1673 3051 / +62 813 3707 4147. www.giligetaway.com GiliBookings.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.

By Helicopter: Air Bali offers a regular helicopter transfer service between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Private charters are also possible (subject to availability).

Ph: +62 361 767466 or 766 582. www.airbali.com 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.

BWS has services between Bali, Gili T, Gili Air and mainland Lombok, with convenient departures from two different locations on Bali – Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) and Padang Bai Harbour – every day. Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Ph: +62 361 895 1111 / 0813 3841 8988. www.bluewater-express.com Gili Getaway is a comfortable fast boat departing from Serangan Harbour (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily with transfers between Bali, Gili T and Gili Gede (Southwest Lombok).

This is the only fast boat that offers direct transfers between Bali and Gili T. Passengers are transferred from Bali to Gili T first, and then the boat transfers onward passengers to Gili Air and Teluk Kodek on Lombok, avoiding the “island hopping”

FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Senggigi.

Public ferries (really just large outrigger boats) depart regularly to all three islands and charters are available, with prices depending on the number of passengers and your bargaining skills.

Unfortunately, the area is plagued by touts and scams, so ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are posted clearly on the wall of the ticket office.

Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best times are between 8am and 4pm.

If you don’t want to wait, or if the public boat is dangerously overloaded, 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.

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.

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.

It is possible to negotiate private boat trips (including speed boat transfers) out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of Bangsal.

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!

At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Vila Ombak, The Beach House, kokomo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by speedboat to the Gilis. Blue Water Express and Gili Getaway also operate fast boat services between Lombok and Bali from this harbour.

A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.

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

The Gili Islands

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Gili Trawangan

Tourism Information

GILI ISLANDS FAST FACTS

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.

Alcohol and the risk of methanol poisoning have been in the spotlight since 2009 and there have been a significant number of deaths from contaminated alcohol in Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Avoid bars and places that serve arak or other “local spirits”, including cocktails such as “Jungle Juice” and “Arak Attack”.

With imported alcohol heavily taxed in Indonesia, “Welcome drinks”, “Two for one” cocktails and cheap shots should all be viewed with suspicion. If it seems too cheap to be the real deal, it probably is.

Large hotels and restaurants generally serve imported alcohol; otherwise, stick

to beer and steer clear of places that put profits before your safety.

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.

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There is no motorised transport on any of the islands. Walk, ride a bicycle or catch 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 fixed and rates 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. Walking or riding a bike is a nicer option.

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 your 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.

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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Gili Trawangan

Tourism Information

GILI TRAWANGAN

Gili Trawangan – affectionately abbreviated to ‘Gili T’ – is the most wellknown and popular of the three Gilis.

It is the largest island of the three and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than two hours from Bali and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok.

Tagged “the party island” by The Lonely Planet, Gili T continues to cater to the party crowd but also has a cosmopolitan vibe that becomes more evident every year.

Today, Gili T is rated as one of the top destinations in Indonesia and the popular TripAdvisor® website recently rated it as one of the ‘Top 10 Islands in Asia’.

Gone are the days when backpackers flocked to the island for Rp 20,000 a night huts on the beach and Rp 5,000 Bintang beers. While Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, these days they are joined by singles, couples and families from all walks of life and all around 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 your bike through sandy sections in the north).

This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south is a great lookout from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets across the ocean to Bali or the brilliant sunrise over Mt Rinjani on mainland Lombok.

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simple hotels 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, DVD and satellite TV.

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

The main development on Gili T is on the east coast, but Gili T’s popularity means growth has extended around the entire island.

Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows have mostly disappeared, to be replaced by

The busiest area, called ‘Sentral’, is on the southeast of the island, close to the jetty where the boats dock. Resorts, restaurants, bars and shops line both sides of the paved ‘road’ that runs along the entire east coast up to the northern corner of the island.

Scallywags Resort and The Beach House are both popular options in this area, with comfortable rooms and all mod cons such as air conditioning and swimming pools. The Beach House has a range of rooms, suites, private pool villas and a large 4 bedroom private pool villa, while Scallywags offers tasteful double and twin rooms, some with private plunge pools.

Tracks meander from the main coastal road inland, where many of the island’s local people live and where investors have built home-stays, small hotels and private villas that offer a quieter (and often cheaper) alternative to the beachfront choices.

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Gili Trawangan

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THE ONLY FASTBOAT DIRECT BALI GILI TRAWANGAN! Gili Getaway

DIRECT HIGH SPEED TRANSFERS BETWEEN BALI, THE GILI ISLANDS AND LOMBOK HASSLE-FREE BOOKINGS AND COMFORTABLE TRANSFERS EVERY DAY ONBOARD GETAWAY II

Pick up and return service - Serangan Harbour (15 mins from the airport, Kuta, Legian) International safety standards and safety equipment Large comfortable seats and sun beds on upper deck Clean and comfortable onboard toilet Onboard movies & earphones, complimentary water and juices BOOK NOW: +62 81 916 733 051 | +62 81 337 074 147 | +62 361 8037171 | +62 361 8785892 | +62 87 864 322 515

giligetaway@ozemail.com.au | www.giligetaway.com

The Beach House on Gili Trawangan - an innovative and contemporary resort set in 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 | Email: reservation@beachhousegilit.com

www.beachhousegilit.com

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villas with private pools and sophisticated facilities in an exclusive setting on the beach.

Continued from Page 81 Amalika Villa is a new and ultra-stylish 2 bedroom villa located in a walled garden with private pool, just back from the beach in Sentral. Modern amenities, personalised services and beautiful designer furnishings provide a luxurious escape close to the action.

Gili Villas, just behind the Night Market, has four elegant villas each with private pools. 1 and 2-bedroom villas offer comfortable and modern facilities just off the main strip.

The north coast has a quieter vibe and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area. Although the beaches to the north can be a bit ordinary, the views are beautiful and snorkelling from the beach is good; plus the location makes it easy to access the dining and nightlife options only minutes away.

Oceano Resort offers comfortable and affordable rooms and bungalows on a nice section of beach. Desa Dunia Beda, slightly further north, features unique restored teak Joglo houses with sumptuous ethnic furnishings, modern facilities and a romantic atmosphere.

The Trawangan Resort combines south coast tranquillity with tasteful rooms, suites and private pool villas just steps from the beach, close to the surfing and only a few minutes to Sentral.

Likewise, the south and west coasts are popular with travellers seeking a place away from the crowds and are now dotted with small hotels, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. Although the beaches aren’t as nice as those on the east, the sunsets across the sea to Bali are magical.

Just minutes from Sentral, Pearl of Trawangan boasts a beautiful beachfront and modern, comfortable rooms, suites and villas with lovely furnishings and all modern amenities, including a secluded waterfall swimming pool.

Slightly further south, but still on the fringe of the action, ko-ko-mo Resort is a collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom boutique

Restaurants rival Bali in quality and there are bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and beachside cafés galore. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian dishes to Indian, Italian, Mexican and more; simple cafés on the beach to international fine dining restaurants, and everything between.

There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating roster, where different bars have licenses to host a party on one night of the week (hence the “party island” reputation). These parties are a big drawcard for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.

For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko-ko-mo Resort, Scallywags Resort, and the stylish Pearl Beach Lounge next door, and at Wilson’s Retreat and Desa Dunia Beda in the north.

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Even the shopping scene on Gili T is starting to resemble nearby Bali and new shops are springing Many of the larger restaurants, hotels up almost monthly. and dive shops accept credit cards and Shops and kiosks there are ATM’s in front of Gili T Resort selling the usual sarongs (near Sentral), in front of Vila Ombak and t-shirts now rub on the east coast and further north, near shoulders with 69 Slam, Blue Beach, as well as on the west side at Billabong, Innuendo and Ombak Sunset.

Blu Glue outlets, as well Internet cafés are readily available, as are as stylish little boutiques money-changers, tour operators and a large such as Topaz Shop. number of fast boat services.

But it is the beaches and There is a tennis club and fitness centre at the diving that remain Kelapa Villas and a medical centre at Vila the main draw card for Gili T. People flock Ombak with basic emergency facilities and here to sunbathe on white sand beaches a doctor on call. and swim in clean blue waters, to dive the fabulous reefs and to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of a tropical paradise.

These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and a wide range of tourist facilities.

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

Free diving, SUP and other water sports are popular activities. 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.

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 a variety of tropical fish species to enjoy.

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 now a worldclass tourism destination is emerging.

While some will no doubt lament the constant development, there’s a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T. That’s not to say that the original charms that attracted travellers in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still what attract visitors today.

Gili Air

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The Beach Club Gili Air Beach Bungalows

6 Comfortable Double and Two Family Bungalows with AC, Fresh Hot Water Showers, Balcony and Day Bed and one of Gili Air’s best white sandy beaches – just steps from your room!

Gili Air, Lombok | M: +62 (0) 818 0520 8807 | E: thebeachclubgiliair@hotmail.com

www.thebeachclublombok.com

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Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches are on the east coast and most development runs along the beaches here down to the south.

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 Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Mt Rinjani.

GILI AIR 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.

Being the closest of the Gilis to the mainland, 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 was originally spelled as “Ayer”, with the word “Air” meaning water; thus Gili Air is the water island.

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 island’s main appeal is its low-key and unspoilt nature… and that’s why so many people love it.

Telephone and internet facilities are available on the island, as are most of the normal tourist amenities. Although there are no banks, there are ATMs on the south coast (near 7Seas) and two machines on the east, near Bel Air Resort.

There are three clinics on the east of the island – one to the north (inland from Orong Cottages), Gam Clinic (inland from Biba Beach Village) and Royal Medical (to the south near 7 Seas).

There are also some funky shops selling home-made jewellery, arts and wooden

While nowhere near as busy and developed as Gili Trawangan, Gili Air has evolved rapidly over the past few years and is certainly slated for more development in the future.

For now, Gili Air is still a laid back island with funky bars and simple cafés bars made from bamboo rubbing shoulders with some swanky new places along the beachfront.

Accommodation on Gili Air ranges from simple back-packer bungalows to luxurious air-conditioned rooms with hot water and swimming pools.

Old-style hotels built from wood with thatched roofs sit alongside some of the more modern boutique hotels and villas, such as the up-market Waterfront Hotel with eight contemporary air-conditioned bungalows and a swimming pool set in nice gardens.

Guests can wine and dine at the very good Waterfront Restaurant and Bar housed in a stylish wooden Joglo on the beachfront.

Next door, Manta Dive offers comfortable bungalow accommodation, a swimming pool, and professional dive courses and dive trips to all three Gilis.

Scallywags – who have another popular resort on Gili Trawangan – operate Scallywags Organic Beach Club on the southern end of the beach.

Scallywags

The restaurant has an excellent menu and guest facilities, as well as a friendly atmosphere and excellent swimming directly in front of the restaurant.

Continued on Page 88

Gili Air

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Just next to Scallywags, The Beach Club Gili Air offers accommodation for couples and families in eight charming bungalows with large air conditioned bedrooms, private terraces and semi-open air bathrooms.

dishes to up-market international 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.

The beachfront here is a popular place for lounging on colourful bean bags during the Activities include day, or for romantic walking and dining in the cycling around the evening. The beach island, sun bathing, The Beach Club bar and restaurant and swimming, snorkelling and diving, serves delicious meals and snacks, as well as well as yoga and meditation, as all day breakfasts. and relaxing massages and body There are also free movies for restaurant treatments. guests on the beach every night (weather For exploring, there is a path running permitting) starting with children’s movies parallel to the beach and it takes in the evenings, followed by adult feature around 90 minutes to circle the whole movies. island. The interior is criss-crossed with a maze of tracks that can get confusing, but all lead back to the beach.

Other activities include kite surfing, glass bottom boat trips, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and surfing.

7Seas

Further south, near the harbour, 7Seas International is a professional dive operation, and also offers comfortable and modern air conditioned cottages on the white sand beach.

It is one of the few places on the island that offers family accommodation, in Duplex Family Cottages, only a step away from the pool. Each has two spacious rooms, a big bathroom, a large terrace and small garden, and sea views from the 2nd floor. The existing bedding is suitable for 5 people and up to 3 extra beds can be added on request.

There is a good variety of restaurants and beachside cafés on the island, offering everything from traditional Indonesian

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.

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 a clear, translucent aquamarine, 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 usually gentle, allowing snorkellers to drift in a dreamy daze amongst this panorama of aquatic shapes and colours.

For those who have never had the pleasure of viewing the magical world under the ocean, Gili Air offers a superb opportunity to do so in safety and comfort.

For those of us who are already addicted to the silence and beauty of the depths, this is an island where days could melt into weeks, quite happily drifting with the current and immersing oneself in the wonders of the underwater landscape.

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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 the quietest of the three Gilis, with the laidback charm of a true castaway island.

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.

quietly taking place over the past years.

Mahamaya Boutique Resort, on the northwest coast, has luxurious accommodation and the restaurant earns accolades for top quality cuisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront.

Karma Resorts operates The Reef Resort, with comfortable air conditioned lumbung style bungalows in a prime beachfront location on the east coast.

Nearby, Meno Mojo Beach resort is currently under construction, with two villas already operating, and a total of 16 stylish villas surrounding the resort swimming pool planned for the near future.

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 ecologically sound concepts.

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.

Dotted around the island, 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 seasons, 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.

The restaurant and beach club is already open and provides sun lounges, shady bales and comfortable tables overlooking the beach, with a good selection of meals and drinks; grilled and barbecued fresh seafood is the specialty.

Also on the east coast, Tropical Hideaways, located a short stroll inland (down the lane next to Blue Marlin Dive), is a good mid-range option and has air conditioned rooms with western bathrooms.

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 or noisy The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in full moon parties here. brilliant white sand, fringed with groves of Like all the Gilis, the best swimming coconut palms. beaches and most tourist facilities (including boat docking and departure) are There is good snorkelling along the northwest coast and it is often possible along the east coast. to see Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill Although there are small places dotted all turtles. To swim with these huge creatures around the island, many of the hotels and – that are so awkward and ungainly restaurants are located along the southon land but move through their natural eastern coast, with beautiful views over element with grace – is perhaps the most Gili Air and to Mt Rinjani in the east. special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno.

It is possible to walk around the whole island on a small beachside track in There is also good snorkelling off the west around 90 minutes. Those seeking total coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort. tranquillity head to the north and west Swim out to where the old pontoon has coasts, where more development has been sunk and become a home for many fish.

Unlike the public boats from Bangsal to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, public boats to Gili Meno do not run as frequently, but transfers are available daily at 10am, 2pm, and 5pm.

Return boats from Gili Meno to Bangsal operate at 8am and 3pm (with the exception of Friday, when there is no afternoon boat from Meno to Bangsal).

Apart from public boat transfers, you can charter a boat for around Rp 450,000 (one way). Share the cost with other travellers if possible.

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Senggigi