Lombok Love Beach

EAST LOMBOK

noreply@blogger.com (Mushashi Miyamoto) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:59:00 -0700

East Lombok is lush and less developed than the western part of the island, allowing you to peek into a rural part of Indonesia. Inhabited by the indigenous Sasak people, who keep their culture very much alive.

Local income of the locals are from Agriculture, Fishery and TOBACCO plantation. The International Tobacco Importer of British American Tobacco (BAT) and Phillip Morris (PM) has found Lombok grows the best quality of Virginia Tobacco and therefore they made a huge investment in funding local farmers.

Sembalun Lawang

Situated on the cool eastern slopes of Mt. Rinjani like a lost secret mountain hideaway, Sembalun Lawang which resides in the remains of a huge caldera, offers impressive views of the awesome mountain. Rinjani from Sembalun Lawang appears so close, you could touch it. From here the climb to the top of mount Rinjani is a lot closer.

Loyok Central Handicraft
Not far from Kota Raja, Loyok and its surrounding area, is famous for the bamboo crafts that it produces. Many local designs are created by skilled craftsmen working studiously each day on an amazing array of products.

Pringgasela
This village in east Lombok is known for its traditional woven cloth. Still produced on old looms by skilled villagers the cloths are now experiencing a resurgence of interest because of their natural look.

Otak Kokok Gading & Jeruk Manis Waterfall
Located forty kilometres east of Mataram, this area is famous for its waterfall, whose water is believed to cure all diseases if the afflicted bathes in its pools.

Jeruk Manis Waterfall lies in lush natural forest. Local people call this impressive fall 'Aik Temer', because they believe its waters are able to cure baldness.

Tete Batu
Located further north along the road from Loyok, Tete Batu village is situated on the slopes of Mt. Rinjani, Lombok's highest mountain. The views of this awesome giant are breathtaking; a bathe in the local water is also breathtaking as it is very cold! Treks in the Rinjani foothills are a popular activity for those visiting Tetebatu.

Kota Raja
This impressive sounding area (Kota Raja is literally King City) is home to an attractive waterfall, as well as offering stunning views across the region.

Selong
The capital city of East Lombok, Selong is an ideal stopover place for those wishing to go on to Labuhan Haji , Kaliantan and further to the east.

Kaliantan
Upon Kaliantan's white expanse of sand, the Bau Nyale festival is held yearly at the same time as it celebrated in Kuta South Lombok.

Senanti
Senanti's renown as wood carves village where they use a traditional methods passed down through the generations.

Lemor
The dense forest which covers Lemor and its surrounding areas is an ideal place to escape the heat of the day. This lush place also boast a pool for swimming and various springs.

Suradadi
Suradadi villagers use their traditional skills to make handicraft items from lontar and palm leaves. Experienced craftsmen and women create boxes, mats, bags, wallets and other attractive products in this industrious village.

Biraq
This traditional village which nestles at the bottom of Mt. Rinjani, is known for its uncomplicated way of life - a way of life which has been followed for generations.

Lenek
Famous for its traditional Sasak dance productions, Lenek is also home to the Black Monkey. In this village, visitors can also buy a number of keepsakes that villagers produce.

Timbanuh
A famous location from which to view fantastic panoramas which East Lombok offers, this area also houses a homestay which was built by the Dutch during their rule in Indonesia.

Gili Lampu, Gili Sulat, Gili Lawang
These three islets lie off the coast of North-East Lombok. The sea around these white sandy jewels are home to an amazing array of colourful marine life, making it and ideal place to swim and snorkel. These beautiful islets can be reached by boat from Labuhan Lombok.

Grave of Selaparang
Its a sacred grave of Selaparang King. This grave is located at Presak village, Pringgabaya. Its about sixty five kilometres from Mataram.

SENGGIGI BEACH, LOMBOK INDONESIA

noreply@blogger.com (Mushashi Miyamoto) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:53:00 -0700

Senggigi is the most developed area for tourists on Lombok. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.

The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way, a fantastic scenery of the north west coast of Lombok awaits. Most travelers start or end their stay at Senggigi because of the easy access to Mataram Airport and accommodations options are available to all budgets. If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it's best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the dock on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers south of Mataram.

There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs.

INFORMATION

Senggigi Post Office located on the main street of Senggigi, opposite from Pamour Art & Antique shop. Health Centre or Puskesmas located near Hotel Puri Saron. Drugstore or Apotik available next to the gate of Intan Lombok Hotel. Dentist available at Meninting Puskesmas 10 minutes drive from Senggigi towards direction to the airport.

Bank BNI available during office hours 5 days a week located near the Post Office. ATM's (Automatic Teller Machine) are easy to find. ATM BCA, ATM BNI, ATM Mandiri are available, you can swift your credit card and withdraw local currency IDR (Rupiah).

Police office located in Senggigi Art Market, near The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. Telephone Service (Wartel) available near Melati Dua Hotel. Internet Cafes are: Millenium Internet (opposite Papaya Restaurant) and Star Internet Service located in Senggigi Plaza with dedicated broadband speed at reasonable rates. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM and CDMA. If you have brought your cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings.

Money changers are available almost in every corner of Senggigi. Double count your money before leaving the money changers to get the accurate amount. Hotel reception also change foreign money with lower rates.

Mini markets are located next to Bank BNI and near the Papaya Cafe. Local Indonesian Foods sells nasi campur and warung Padang can be found right opposite from Taman Restaurant. At night, you can find the famous Nasi Goreng at Warung Cak Poer.

Tipping

Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is expected in main tourist area, but you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.

Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none. Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 2000 - 10,000 per bag depending on the size and weights.

KUTA BEACH & SOUTH LOMBOK

noreply@blogger.com (Mushashi Miyamoto) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:09:00 -0700

The best-known place on the south coast is Lombok's Kuta Beach (Sometime spelt Kute Beach) a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills rising around it, famous for its surfing spots.

Kuta Beach Lombok attract visitors for its beautiful virgin beaches and surfing spots. Surfers from all over the world find Kuta Lombok as a surfer paradise.

South coast of Lombok is famous for the high waves and Kuta Lombok is a good base for the surfers.

Many visitors come back year after year to surf the famous Kuta waves. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner you will find the surf spot for you. Surf boards & boogie boards are available to rent or bring your own.

You will need transport to the waves from Kuta, most guests choose to rent motorcycles which come with a special surf rack attached.

The new International Airport is now being developed and big plans to develop a whole stretch of the superb south coast with luxury hotels.

After many years of speculation there are signs something is happening, with the road from Praya completely remade and big new road running to as yet undeveloped beaches.

Meanwhile, Kuta and South Lombok is now getting famous and raise visitor's curiosity.

THE GILI ISLANDS

noreply@blogger.com (Mushashi Miyamoto) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:14:00 -0700

All three islands feature superb, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs, and the best snorkeling and diving to be found anywhere on Bali and Lombok. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving, beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis – although there is now a wide range of accommodation available, the islands have maintained the lazy rustic charms of a tropical paradise.

ISLAND'S HOPPING

Traveling between the islands requires either catching the infrequent shuttle boats or chartering one to take you across. The distances between the islands may seem swimmable, but do not attempt it — the currents can be fierce and several backpackers have died trying.

The Natives & History

A few years ago, sailors from Bugis, Mandar and Makassar (Sulawesi) occupied Gili Air and establish coconuts plantation and expand the fishing activities.

As visitors started to visit Lombok and some came to the Gilis on day trips and then began to stay for longer periods in local homes. The islands have become enormously popular. Their popularity may be a problem, as numbers sometime exceed the available rooms and put pressure on the island environment, especially the supply of fresh water and the capacity of septic system to cope with waste and there is always pressure to build more and better facilities.

Big business interests are trying to cash in on the popularity of the Gilis and the local government is keen to promote upmarket tourist development.

Gili Air and Gili Meno retained much of their unspoilt quality, but Gili Trawangan has become more touristy and pricy. The islanders are majority Muslims and visitors should respect their sensibilities. In particular, topless or nude sunbathing is offensive to them, even though they won't say so directly. Away from Beach, it is polite for women to cover their shoulders and thighs. Many visitors are appallingly insensitive to local standards and so many of them walk around in skimpy clothing that it's easy to get impression that the local people don't mind anymore. In fact, they do.

Gunung Rinjani National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Mushashi Miyamoto) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:20:00 -0700

Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of celebrated “Ring of Fire”. The dramatic landscape has been created over millions of year of cone - building, violent explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and act as water - collectors for the hole of Lombok.

Mount Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-largest volcano in Indonesia. The first historical eruption occurred in September of 1847. The volcano, and its sacred, and spectacular Segara anak crater lake, are protected by a national park established in 1997. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a lake known as Segara Anak. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake.

The highlands are forest clad and mostly underdeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island.

For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. Segara Anak crater lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the hot springs.

Mt. Rinjani, Lombok Indonesia
Elevation	3,726 metres (12,224 feet)
Location	Lombok Indonesia
Prominent	3 ,726 m
Coordinates	8° 25′ 0″ S 116° 28′ 0″ E
Type	Stratovolcano (active)

The endemic duck Belibis is found here and several species of fish are recorded. Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997.

Over 20 villages surround Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain , but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east.

Mataram - The Capital Town

noreply@blogger.com (Mushashi Miyamoto) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:46:00 -0700

The administrative capital of the Province Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). Public buildings, banks, post office, general hospitals and shopping malls are found here. A part of West Nusatengarra (NTB) province, Mataram is the capital and main city of Lombok. It includes the port town of Ampenan, the towns of Mataram and Cakranegara.

As a center of government administration, Mataram has many large, impressive public buildings and substantial houses. The city also has transportation and shopping facilities. The main square is used for art exhibitions, theater, dance, and wayang kulit (puppet theater) performances. In other parts of Mataram, there are a variety of old-style markets and neighborhoods featuring traditional craftwork like basketware and gold- and silver-threaded sarongs, or wraparound garments.

The port of Ampenan was once Lombok's main port, but it now relies mostly on fishing vessels. Cakranegara has significant Balinese and Chinese populations, the Chinese having been brought by the Dutch to provide cheap labor.

Cakranegara

The main commercial centre of Lombok, has a thriving Chinese and Balinese Community. Most of the shops and restaurants are run and owned by Chinese.

Ampenan

Once was the main port of Lombok. Old buildings with mix population of Chinese, Arabs, and Melayu. You can find many local restaurants with great Chinese and Sasak foods.

Although officially 3 separate towns, Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara actually run together, so it's difficult to tell where one stop and the next starts. There are banks, travel agents, mall, interesting shops, traditional markets and few things to see, but the town is not a major attraction.

Transportation, and bus info

Mandalika Bus Terminal is the main bus terminal for the entire island. It's also the eastern terminus for the local yellow bemos (public transport) that shuttle back and forth to Kebun Ruwek Ampenan. The official fares had just been increased at the time of writing. Public fares (near or far in within Ampenan-Mataram-Mandalika) is Rp. 1500/person, student fare is Rp. 1000.

Cakranegara

The main commercial centre of Lombok, has a thriving Chinese and Balinese Community. Most of the shops and restaurants are run and owned by Chinese.

Ampenan

Once was the main port of Lombok. Old buildings with mix population of Chinese, Arabs, and Melayu. You can find many local restaurants with great Chinese and Sasak foods.

Transportation, and bus info