My Lombok 18

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mylombokVOLUME 018

AUGUST 2015

ASAHAN

DIVEZONE

HAMMERHEADS

NAGAINDO

THE DORSAL EFFECT

KIMONO

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ENQUIRIESTelephone: +62 (0)8191 600 1539E-mail: [email protected]: www.mylombok.co.idFacebook: /mylombokmagTwitter: @My_Lombok

mylombok

This month we showcase Lombok’s exotic aquatic inhabitants during shark week. We profile local NGO The Dorsal Effect which aims to offer a sustainable alternative to shark finning and take a look at the great work of Gili Shark Foundation, providing a safe haven for reef sharks around the Gili Islands. We also explore one of Lombok’s more exotic destinations, Belongas Bay, and go deep on an adrenaline packed dive with DiveZone to ‘The Magnet’ a natural shark sanctuary which attracts schools of hammerhead sharks.

My Lombok also ventured to Gili Asahan, one of Southwest Lombok’s secret Gili Islands to introduce this pristine, unexplored destination to the world. We continue the underwater theme on a photo shoot with internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Lukas Vrtilek with an oriental inspired undersea theme. We also chat to Jean Marc of Naga Indo, who talks about the many property investment opportunities in South Lombok. This month My Lombok took a trip across the Lombok Strait to East Bali to explore the luxury resort of Alila Manggis. This month is also a time for national pride and celebration as Indonesia celebrates Independence Day (August 17). Expect lots of fun, revelry and red and white flags everywhere!

THE BAD GUY NOTICENo part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of PT Tujuan Indah. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the authors and My Lombok disclaims any responsibility for any errors, ommissions or complaints arising there from. The publisher will not be held responsible for copyright infringement on images supplied by advertisers and or by contributors.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

ON COVERKatze @ BaliStarzby Lukas Vrtilek

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EAT

Chef InterviewFrançois Masson

RecipeWilsons Scallops & Strawberry Tart

SuperfoodSeaweed

STAY

Luxury LivingAlila Manggis

Hotel ReviewGili Eco Villas & Villa Blu

SocialGili Asahan Eco Lodge Opening

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DestinationGili Asahan

DiveZone: Exploring Lombok’sHammerhead Magnet

NagaIndoDeal with the Experts

Giving BackThe Dorsal Effect

Local ProfileMohni Haliman of Lombok Dive

Gili Shark FoundationShark and Manta Conservation

FashionKIMONO

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Senggigi Art Market - Lombok | Ph : (0370) 693758

Lotus Bayview Restaurant

Guazzetto Spaghetti Luciano

Spaghetti Marinara Prawns CarpaccioSinfonia

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Senggigi Art Market - Lombok | Ph : (0370) 693758

Lotus Bayview Restaurant

Guazzetto Spaghetti Luciano

Spaghetti Marinara Prawns CarpaccioSinfonia

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PLAY

GILI ASAHAN DIVEZONE

THE DORSAL EFFECTNAGAINDO KIMONO

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Gili Asahan

Right now we are in the midst of peak tourism season in Lombok. Beach life is busy with vibrant bars and restaurants, but sometimes it is hard to resist the urge for a new off the radar adventure. For travellers in search of the quiet life the aptly named ‘Secret Gilis’ fit the bill perfectly. Located just offshore in Sekotong Bay are a dozen dreamy, idyllic small islands teaming with spectacular reefs and abundant soft white sand. And there is no where better to sample laid back island living than diminutive Gili Asahan. This small tropical island is just offshore but feels a world away from Lombok’s cosmopolitan beach communities of Senggigi or the more famous three Gilis in the north.

Gili Asahan ticks all the right boxes for the quintessential desert island experience – no cars, motorbikes or even horse drawn carts. Not that this is any hindrance as the island can easily be circumnavigated on foot in little more than one hour. Despite its size the landscape is surprisingly varied. Sugary white sand beaches fringe the entire coastline while inland a couple of forested hills provide the perfect 360 degree vantage point for sublime views of the mainland and nearby Gili Gede island. Within the tropical undergrowth the fauna is equally as diverse. There is always the possibility of a chance meeting with monkeys while a glance skyward may be rewarded with the sighting of a sea eagle or hawk.

The castaway lifestyle is not a travel brochure cliché but a true reflection of what to expect on Gili Asahan, You really will have a whole stretch of beach all to yourself, and you may not see another soul for hours at a time, particularly outside weekends or public holidays. There is just one solitary resort on the island - Pearl Beach Resort which offers comfortable beachfront accommodation and a range of activities including kayaking and snorkelling. The resort overlooks a pristine shallow reef perfect for swimming and snorkelling, teeming with a wide variety of colourful marine life.

One of the little tropical gems that make up southwest Lombok’s ‘Secret Gilis.’

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For those who want to go a little deeper, there are several exceptional dive sights within easy reach. The reefs are in tip-top condition and there is huge variety of hard and soft corals, reef sharks, mantas and lots of small sea critters, enhanced by excellent underwater visibility. Nearby fast flowing Secret Garden dive site is one of more than a dozen great spots within Sekotong Bay, all of which are much less crowded than the more familiar dive sites of the northern Gilis. Local dive operator Divezone can arrange lessons and dive trips from Gili Asahan.

Local life on Gili Asahan continues pretty much as it always has for generations, centered around the tiny fishing community where small scale boat building, fishing and a little pearl farming still co-exists seamlessly with unobtrusive tourism. It is a friendly local community eager to welcome curious visitors to share in their way of life.

It may be a secluded slice of island paradise but that doesn’t mean an arduous, time consuming journey to get there. The island is just offshore from the western end of Sekotong Bay, and under one hour from Lombok’s main port of Lembar.

Where to Stay

Pearl Beach [email protected] +62 819 0724 7696 www.pearlbeach-resort.de

Gili Asahan Eco [email protected]+62 813 3960 4779Www.giliasahan.com

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Think of Lombok diving and the well established dive spots of the fabled Gili Islands immediately spring to mind. There is still top diving to be had in the

Gilis despite the ever expanding crowds, but they are by no means the only show in town. Divers with a hunger for something different head southwest to Sekotong and the up and coming ‘Secret Gilis,’ or Belongas Bay on the south coast. The latter offers the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic hammerhead shark.

A first glimpse of a hammerhead shark in the flesh is an out of the ordinary experience. They use their quirky-shaped

head as the main tool for hunting, with eyes on either end of their head. It affords them a near-360 degree line of sight to find prey. They also have several sensors along the head that transmits electrical charges as an aid to seek out their next meal – these sharks are carnivores with a particular liking for stingrays. Lombok’s hammerheads can grow to six metres in length and have a life expectancy of about 30 years. An up close and personal experience with hammerhead sharks is one of scuba diving’s great pleasures; a solitary hammerhead is a mighty impressive sight, but a large school swarming around you – as is likely in Lombok during the season - is a breathtaking experience.

South Lombok’s burgeoning scuba scene provides that rarest of pleasures – diving with hammerhead sharks

DiveZone: Exploring Lombok’s Hammerhead Magnet

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Lombok’s primary hammerhead hangout is The Magnet, an adrenaline filled dive site just beyond Belongas Bay. This is an open sea pinnacle dropping right down to 80 metres with big fish action all around and at times, breathless currents. Definitely one for the more seasoned diver, this site is aptly named as a magnet for all kinds of sea-life, from eagle rays, schooling barracuda, giant trevally, reef sharks, and of course the main event – hammerhead sharks. This is one of the very few spots worldwide where you may get to see both the scallop hammerhead and the great hammerhead shark on the same dive.

Close by is The Cathedral, another signature Belongas dive site featuring schools of eagle rays, tuna, mackerel and inquisitive sea snakes. For a contrasting experience, smaller sea critters can be spotted at Gili Sarang, a neighbouring dive site with a little bit of everything from Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorses, a multitude of Nudibranch, and plenty of big fish too.

Virtually all the dive sites in both Sekotong and Belongas Bay are pristine and uncrowded. The key to great diving here is with South Lombok specialist DiveZone, the only

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operator that dives both these regions. With dive shops in both areas, DiveZone has pretty much single-handedly put South Lombok on the scuba diving map. It a well-run professional PADI outfit with lots of local expertise and stringent safety standards - a must, especially for those who want to hang out with the hammerheads. These amazing creatures are not aggressive sharks but at up to six metres long and weighing over 400kg, vigilance is needed. Respect and caution is the key, something DiveZone is keen to instill in everyone for a safe and rewarding experience.

While the aforementioned ‘Magnet’ and ‘The Cathedral’ are true adrenaline dives, there are a host of other spots ideal for all levels, complete newbies included, especially around the calm shallow waters of Sekotong’s secret Gilis. These include relaxing reef dives with plentiful macro life. It’s a whole new diving experience in South Lombok that will surprise even the most seasoned diver.

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N agaIndo is opening up a range of opportunities in Lombok for clients and investors – encouraging and supporting them in the challenge of turning their development visions

into reality. Jean-Marc Reynier is the CEO and founder of Naga Indo and he is full of enthusiasm and positive energy as he talks about the company, about Lombok itself and how their futures are linked.

Hello Jean-Marc, tell us more about NagaIndo.The word Naga means dragon. It’s a symbol of strength, so it’s a good choice for our company. The dragon is also on our logo, which goes from blue to green - the same colours you can see all around here in the vegetation and the sea. Indo is what the surfing world calls Indonesia and its thousands of surf breaks – so there’s another connection.

Deal with the Experts

NagaIndoWe started four years ago with three co-founders. Today NagaIndo has grown to a 12-man team and a full scale land developer

NagaIndo encourages investment and development in Lombok. There are plenty of opportunities for investors here but it’s important to know how to choose the best ones.

We are a private equity company - performance oriented, and very efficient. We also have a strong commitment to our shareholders and our clients, so we are dedicated to quality projects and investors, and operate with respect for the environment.

What was the reason for setting up NagaIndo in Lombok?I came to Lombok in 2009, and I could see so many opportunities. It felt like the right time for me to get involved. I also realised that many investors would be interested in owning not just one asset but a portfolio. The idea of investing in an emerging market like Lombok was exciting, so I created a structure to test people’s interest. It worked out - and it became a full time job.

What do you think makes a company successful?I don’t think there is really any secret to it. You just work really hard and you make sure you have the right team around you.

What makes NagaIndo different from the customers’ point of view?Our slogan is ‘Deal with the Experts’ and it tells our customers that they can have confidence in us. The image we want to convey to our customers is about our strength and reliability. People who work with us feel secure because NagaIndo is well set up and well managed; it has good quality projects and great staff. Appearances are important too. We project a professional image– in our office, in town, on our cars, and on our website–and we provide good working conditions for our staff.

Gili Nusa Estate, Are Guling bay: Stage 2 selling now

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Twin Peaks beachfront, Selong Belanak bay: Stage 1 selling soon

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Could you tell us more about the NagaIndo team?The team shows the same strength and reliability. Our people are smart, honest and open-minded, and always responsive to clients’ needs. Part of our strength comes from the mix of backgrounds on our team.

In Kuta, there’s our office manager Zuzana, who is Slovakian, Clara and Via, our Indonesian office assistants and I am French. The on-site team includes Nurul, our coordinator for local affairs, and Nasa, our construction manager, who are both Indonesian, and our Australian site manager Greg. Then there’s Yann, our French correspondent in Hong Kong. Finally nothing would have been possible without our Australian special advisers Belinda who masters all processes and local authority connections, Rachman who runs the legal team and related processes, and Neil who has a multi decade experience in land development and construction. You could say the team has a real international flavour.

We also have a network of talented architects and contractors.

How do you see this place in five years?There will be much more accommodation here with many large, new hotels especially on the Mandalika side. New direct flights will connect us to Australia, Hong Kong and Japan.

I think Kuta will be busier and noisier; the rest of the coast will probably not change quite so fast. Selong Belanak will also have larger scale investment, but will still be a fair way behind Kuta. Many people already own land here and they are waiting for the right time to start building.

On a more personal note… why do you do what you do?It is my choice - my choice of work, which I love, and my choice of life. I always wanted to come back to the countryside because that’s the kind of place I grew up in. It’s good to have a connection to my surroundings. I go surfing in the morning; it’s peaceful, relaxing and it reminds me of why I am here. I also like to ride a bike. It’s much better than driving a car, because rather than being in a bubble, you feel the wind, and hear the sounds of nature.

How do you feel about Lombok? I still remember how I felt, the first time I came to Lombok. I stayed just a few days but I decided I wanted to buy land here. I felt pretty comfortable and I knew that this could be it. This is definitely the place I want to be. I like the relaxed lifestyle and, because I am happy here, I like sharing it with people who come here to visit, or stay. I feel like I have found a little secret that I want to tell others about. And of course, one of the things that makes working here so special is knowing that there are such great people to work with.

I’d like to acknowledge and thank Neil and Belinda - the owners of Tate Developments - for their advice and strong support; Yann, Greg F, Nurul, Nasa, Rachman, Zuzana, Clara, Via and Kirsti for all their hard work; Greg S for his amazing architectural input; Charles and Antoine for their help and cooperation, and a special thank-you to all our international shareholders for putting their trust in us.

Central Kuta, South LombokPhone: +62 (0) 813 533 29501; +62 (0) 822 445 41205

E-mail: [email protected]: www.naga-indo.com

NAGAINDO | naga-indo

Check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter

NagaIndo Team

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The Dorsal Effect

K athy Xu is on a mission. Her love of sharks and her determination to protect them and the marine ecosystem have created The Dorsal Effect – an eco-

tourism project that is certainly having a ripple effect in Lombok. As Kathy promotes a change in attitude towards sharks, she is also offering viable, sustainable, and profitable alternatives to shark hunting. It’s a four-way winner! Fascinating insights and experiences for visitors, environmentally responsible tourism, lucrative and empowering work for local fishermen and conservation of the sharks that she cares so much about.

Mission impossible? Kathy says not …

If you had to summarize, really briefly, the aims or objectives of your project, what would you say they were? I would say that we are trying to provide another ‘means to an end’ for shark conservation– one that is not charity based. It’s about promoting alternative livelihoods for shark hunters, and it achieves a triple bottom line: profits, positive environmental impacts and the empowerment of local communities.

Thinking back to the very beginnings of the project, tell us what motivated you to start this project in Lombok?It grew out of a love for sharks, after having a few beautiful encounters with them while snorkelling and diving. There is a real need to end the killing of these misunderstood and beautiful creatures –and the idea that they are all man-eating monsters.

Tell us a little about your background. How did you become interested and involved in this type of work?I was a secondary school teacher who was always passionate about conservation and environmental protection, as well as marine issues. I was always talking about these things and sharing ideas with my students, but one day I decided I should stop being a hypocrite and start doing something. So I left teaching to start an eco-tourism business, built on a cause that was so dear to my heart.

For people who might not be aware of the term, how would you define ‘eco-tourism’? It’s a form of tourism that limits the number of tourists and follows strict regulations to ensure that there is little to zero negative impact on nature and the environment. It follows the principle that nature, conservation and the animals come before the tourists.

With The Dorsal Effect, we try to put these ideas into practice –through trash pick-up, by not using sunscreen that isn’t reef safe, through responsible snorkelling practices, making sure there is no touching of marine life while we are snorkelling, and by not dropping boat anchors on corals or non-sandy sea beds.

What inspires you the most, as you work towards your goals?It’s pretty inspiring to contribute to a world where it will be possible for future generations to see and experience the beauty of the ocean and it’s sharks. It’s good to think that they could have their own magical encounters, and be humbled by nature and have respect for all marine life.

What are some specific things that have been achieved so far?At least one shark fisherman, Suhardi, has been fully converted. Now he enjoys taking people out on trips rather than focusing on shark hunting. He was so empowered from the change in direction that he made the commitment to buy the boat that he used to co-own, and he refurbished it completely for the tourists. He takes a real pride in his new job.

On a more personal level, could you tell us about the real positives – the things you have found most satisfying about your work? There are lots of things … like getting to meet so many amazing people who are willing to help further the business because they believe in the cause. And taking school groups on marine conservation trips with The Dorsal Effect and reading

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The Dorsal EffectProviding alternative livelihood to shark fishermen in Lombok through ecotourism for shark conservation.Address: The Dorsal Effect Pte Ltd, 2 Orchard Link, #04-01 (The Colony) *Scape Hubquarters, Singapore 237978Mobile: +65-97668842 / +62 819-1726-8428Website: www.thedorsaleffect.comhttps://www.facebook.com/TheDorsalEffect

their feedback – that’s really heartening – and seeing their greater awareness and love for sharks and the oceans. It’s also satisfying to see people like Suhardi advocating responsible tourism practices, like dropping anchor only on sand, and setting an example by personally picking-up trash that the tourists leave at the beaches, so as not to tire them out... There are just too many to mention! It's been great.

What have been the most challenging aspects of the project?The financial part of it is challenging. The business has not broken even yet and some plans have to be put on hold, due to lack of resources or finances, but in general, things are slowly picking up. In the shark fin industry, the fishermen are a long way down the chain and usually only make a pittance. The business is lucrative for them only if they are very lucky in their catches. At least I know that the fishermen under me are paid well, and definitely not exploited, as they would be if they continued with shark hunting.

From a business perspective, what opportunities do you see in this type of venture?Empowering the locals, by opening up more avenues for alternative livelihoods – things like homestay programs, sustainable fishing and so on.

And what about the costs and the risks?There is always the fear of not having enough people come on the trips. I’m not sure if I should concentrate on fully establishing Lombok as a destination before I move on to others. It’s risky to open up more locations, and convert shark markets into eco-tourism destinations, especially in the top shark exporting countries.

What specific benefits do you think The Dorsal Effect will have for Lombok?There will definitely be more tourism dollars, but it will also mean responsible tourism, which protects the natural habitat.We hope that this will have a ripple effect on other tour agencies, and that they will want to make their programs more eco-friendly too.

You obviously care about protecting and preserving sharks. We’d really like to know … what ‘close encounters’ have you had with sharks?In June 2011, when I was at Exmouth, Australia, I vividly remember swimming with a whale shark, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. That was a magical encounter, and it was just so amazing that the moment I jumped into the water, I forgot how to breathe for a while. I really loved how the Australians were careful about implementing regulations to protect the whale sharks. They told us to keep our distance and to allow the scientists to swim past the shark first and collect their data, before we could enjoy the experience. It was a juvenile whale shark –only about 6 metres long – but I think it was easily the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life.

Why do you think people find sharks so fascinating?I actually wish that more people would find sharks fascinating rather than scary. They are majestic creatures with lots of very cool features, like super sensors on their noses and dermal denticles for skin –they are quite unlike any other fish.

And finally, Kathy, how would you like to be describing the success of The Dorsal Effect in, say, five (or more) years’ time?I would like to be able to say that, after experiencing The Dorsal Effect, more people had become advocates for responsible tourism and shark protection, and that as a result, there were even more shark markets converted into tourist destinations.

All images courtesy of Ms Caroline Pang

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Mohni Haliman of Lombok Dive

D iscovering a world under the sea is a kind of enchantment. The colours, the corals, and the sea creatures are all there, but they are almost hidden from

sight until you can venture beneath the surface and bring them all to life. Diving does exactly that, as Mohni Haliman discovered at an early age. Mohni grew up in Batu Tumpeng, in the Kediri district, West Lombok and now he is a dive instructor, and the owner of Lombok Dive, the first local dive centre on Lombok! He spoke to us about doing the work he loves and bringing the magic of the underwater world to his customers.

How did you first get involved in the diving world?Well, I learned how to scuba dive when I was about 17 years old. In 1996, I had a job selling newspapers – the Bali Post and the Jakarta Post – at the traffic lights. That’s when, quite by accident, I met Mr Richard, who was the owner of a diving company. He gave me the chance to work in his diving business and see the underwater world.

Tell us how you became an instructor?I had learned a lot of things about marine life and fish management and so on, so I decided to work part time in the diving industry. I qualified as a Dive Master in 2000 – that took me two years – and the following year, I went back to my hometown and worked in the diving industry while I was doing college studies, in the Marine Fisheries department. I had to study hard to get to Assistant Instructor level, which I did in 2003. The next step was to get my certificate as a PADI instructor (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), doing part time study while I was working; I qualified eight years ago. It was very difficult as English is not my first language.

What’s the story behind your business – Lombok Dive?I have to say a big thank you to Peter Guert and his family, who gave us our chance, and the loan of a small boat and some second hand diving gear. From this beginning, Umpuk Wakdie and I started Lombok Dive – a small dive company, set up and run by local people.

Tell us about your team. They are all well trained. We have two local Dive Instructors,

who have been diving for about 35 years and have been qualified instructors for 10 years. We are also very efficient, because most of our team are dive guides, and can also drive the car and the boat.

Walk me through a day in your life.I always try to come to work early in the morning – about 7am. I do the preparation and planning with all the staff, so that the dive sites are ready for our guests. Then we go ahead. I just want to be in sea, diving and snorkelling and all those things. It’s what I love most – even though I’ve been diving more than 18 years.

What is the craziest thing you have seen under the water? White sharks and Manta rays – that’s pretty crazy! Where is the most amazing place you have dived? The Hidden Reef in Meno is spectacular, and all the coral reefs .What’s the scariest thing you have ever seen or done? One experience was when I was doing a conservation dive with a friend in South Lombok. We were at what many people call the Magnet dive site, in Belongas Bay. Anyway, at the time there was no dive operator so we used a boat belonging to some locals. We told them that if we didn’t surface after 35 minutes, that they should search for us. We were unlucky because an upwelling current took us down to 45 metres in 8 minutes. We tried really hard to come up safely but we couldn’t. By the time we were back on the surface, there was no boat. There we were, on the open ocean most of the day, from about 11am until it was starting to get dark. Luckily there was a big kapal fishing boat going out from Sulawesi and they found us after 6.30pm

What are the best and worst parts of the job? When the compressor is broken, or the gear’s broken, and a customer is complaining – that’s the worst.

The best part of the job is when we can make the customers smile – when they can see all the marine life, like turtles, and schools of fish and even Manta or sharks some days.

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Are there any challenges to owning a dive shop on Lombok and the Gilis?Yes, there are lots of things that have to be done and some of them are hard to describe. A big challenge is finding the right target market, and making sure we are offering exactly what our customers want.

What would you say are the most important values of an entrepreneur?The most important thing is to make sure our customers feel safe, satisfied and happy.

Why do your customers choose Lombok Dive and your trips? What’s special about what you have to offer? Lombok Dive is run by local people, and normally we dive with very small groups.

Is working in this business something you want to do forever?As businessmen, we will have two options when our business

has reached the top: sell it, or give it to someone else to manage.

If you weren’t a dive shop owner what would you be doing? Going back to basics – teaching at secondary school and senior high school.

What do you do when you’re not working? What are your favourite ways to relax? Mostly I like to stay at home with my family, or take them for a swim.

What words of advice would you give to our readers, about succeeding as an entrepreneur?I would say “Keep your spirits up, think further ahead, and make a good plan for your family and others”

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Last year a report suggested demand for shark fins in China, the world’s biggest market for the delicacy, had plummeted by more than half, due to conservation awareness campaigns finally hitting home. Without even a hint of irony, one Chinese shark fin wholesaler was quoted as saying: “Shark fin is a dying business.”

It is still a sizeable global industry and Indonesia (where it is still legal) is at the very top of the shark fin food chain. Indonesia is the largest supplier of shark fins in the international market, exporting about 500 tons of dried shark fins every year, despite half-hearted government intervention. Lombok itself is a hub of the shark fin and meat trade; the extent of this can be seen at the Tanjung Luar fish market on a daily basis.

But the message is slowly sinking in – that sharks are worth much more alive rather than dead. The Gili Islands’ conservation efforts, from biorock coral regrowth, horse clinics, and waste

management, also extends to the world’s oldest marine predator. The dive industry remains a key driver of the local economy and sharks and manta rays are an essential part of it.

The Gili Shark Foundation was established to monitor the shark population around the Gili Islands. Working with other marine conservation stakeholders it aims to protect the local shark population as well as its habitat. Set up by photographer Steve Woods, the Foundation has taken a pro-active stance by taking in live sharks from fisherman and relocating them to the safe haven of the Gilis. There is about 3000 hectares around the Gilis where fishing, diving and snorkelling is banned, providing a rare sanctuary for the shark and healthy fish stocks for food.

Sharks are released into the waters after a medical check, measured and tagged so that they can be continually monitored. Working in partnership with all the dive operators on the Gilis, data is logged noting the presence or absence of sharks, rays

Gili Shark FoundationA non-profit organization making waves in shark and manta conservation

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and turtles. All divers are encouraged to get involved during their dive by filling out a form detailing their sightings. The Gili Shark Foundation collaborates with the Gili Eco Trust and together hope to establish an officially recognised shark sanctuary here. There is already a precedent. The Indonesian government has set up a huge shark and manta sanctuary in Raja Ampat, where there is zero tolerance for fishing. It is hoped a similar ‘safe haven’ can be established in the Gilis, where the economy is just as dependent on diving dollars.

There is not a safe no-fish zone in Bali’s waters so it means transporting rescued sharks across the Lombok Strait to a new home in the Gilis. This has been done in partnership with Bali Sharks, a non profit outfit based in South Bali with a mission to change the mindsets of local fishermen and protect dwindling shark stocks. It also has a well established shark nursery which offers education and an immersive experience for local kids. Since its inception, Bali Sharks has saved more than 150 sharks from becoming an expensive bowl of soup in a Chinese restaurant. Some of these are also small juvenile sharks which would otherwise be discarded and likely die as their sale value for fisherman is limited. Since the rescue, rehab and release program began in 2013 many have been relocated and are thriving in the waters of North Lombok.

It is a well organized, collaborative effort between Gili Shark Foundation, its counterpart in Bali, the Gili Eco Trust and all the dive operators in the Gilis. Let’s not forget that the most important cog in this wheel is the local fisherman himself. Until the fishing community fully understands the true value of a large and healthy shark population to the diving industry and general tourism, organizations like Gili Shark Foundation will always have their hands full.

Get Involved: The Foundation works tirelessly on practical programs such regular shark counts and monitoring activities, fund raising and community education, and newcomers are encouraged to get involved and lend a hand. Locals and travellers spending time on the Gilis can sign up and take part in a one-month program which includes the Reef Check Eco Diver course, a shark specialty course, data collection and monitoring dives.

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François Masson comes from Lyon, in France, and now brings his particular style of French cuisine to Gili Trawangan. It has been a long journey. His skills have been

his passport to culinary experiences around the world, and at every destination, he has shared his passion for fine ingredients and traditional French dishes, cooking and eating his way around Europe and the United States. His latest port of call is Wilson’s, where his fine dining menu has a distinctive French flavour. He spoke with us about his lifelong love of food and the influences that have shaped him on his travels.

What is the one dish you love and remember from your mother’s kitchen?My favourite dish is le pot au feu – very traditional French cooking. Just talking about it makes me very hungry; it’s probably the first thing I am going to eat as soon as I go back home.

When did you first become interested in food? It was when I was about five years old. I remember walking along the street with my mum and hearing someone speaking in English. It was the first time I had heard another language. I asked my mum why this man wasn’t talking like us and she explained to me that there were many different countries in the world with their own languages, and that perhaps this man was here to work. She told me that, in the future, I might be able to work in another country, if I had a job like a chef, for example….

That was the first time I had thought about being a chef – because of the travel – but very quickly it became a passion, and year after year, I really fell in love with the taste of food and all the different foods around the world.

Who has been your inspiration for cooking? A great chef – Mark Vera. He is famous for travelling a lot to get the product that he wants. If there is a product or ingredient that he is looking for he will travel anywhere until he finds it! He is definitely my favourite chef.

Executive Chef at Wilsons, Gili Trawangan

François Masson

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Tell us about your career. Where did you do your training and where have you worked? I studied for three years at a chef school in France. Then I travelled to Scotland, where I worked in a restaurant for a year, and then to England where I was a chef de partie* for another year. After that I worked as a sous chef in Italy for five years. Then I became an executive chef – in French restaurants – first in Pittsburgh, in America, for a year, then for another year in Denmark, before I returned to Lyon, in France, and worked in a fine dining restaurant. Then I moved here to Gili Trawangan, where I’m the executive chef at Wilsons.

Describe or define your style of cooking.I’d say it was semi-gastro. I like to cook traditional food with a beautiful presentation; for example I cook a traditional dish but improve the presentation, perhaps with a good sauce. At Wilsons, the focus is certainly on fine dining.

What inspires you? How do you come up with ideas for the dishes in the restaurant?Through experience. I get to know what the customers want and I provide them with variety –but still in the French way.

Any particular favourites? My favourite is the lamb stew, which is cooked with white wine and mixed vegetables for over four hours. That’s special. My customers’ favourite dish appears to be escargots.

What are your favourite ingredients to cook with?Olive oil and cream. I’m French. I was born in the North of France, where we use cream a lot. I learned to cook with cream and I always want to eat it.

What are your favourite kitchen gadgets? My spoons. I use the spoon a lot – for sauces, for tasting, and to put food on the plates.

Could you describe a typical day at work?In the morning I check the stock and contact the suppliers. Then I rest from about 3pm to 6pm. In the evening I go back to the restaurant for dinner service, when we are very busy. I work in the kitchen, mix with the guests and chat to them, and then I finish for the night.

How much of your work is done outside of the kitchen? Probably about five hours – I need to do stock control, on the computer.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your job?Training the staff, I would say, because their culture is different. I like to motivate them to learn and to provide them with skills that will enable them to have a good life.

When you’re at home, do you do the cooking?I am almost never at home! But when I am, my wife cooks.

Are you an adventurous eater? Are there any foods you won’t eat or even try?Basically, I eat everything – except Durian!

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to play badminton and go jogging.

If you hadn’t become a chef, what would you be doing right now?Travelling! I might have been an astronaut … no, I think perhaps an archaeologist.

How did your family react when you told them you wanted to become a chef?They said ‘Good luck – but are you crazy?’ No, seriously, they were very happy, and they have supported me all the way.

What do you like most about being in Gili Trawangan?There are no cars, and no pollution, and it is natural.

Other than creating great food, what do you think are the most important qualities that make a successful chef?Passion – you need to work with passion! You also have to want to learn, and discover new things. And you should never think you know everything.

And finally, François, do you have any tips for budding chefs?I would tell them they have to have a passion for cooking; without that, they will find being a chef a very difficult profession. They also need to have patience – no-one can learn everything all at once.

* a chef in charge of a particular area

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Wilsons Scallops

Ingredients

• 3 pieces Scallops • 1 orange • 100 gr butter • 2 eggs yolks• potatoes• cream• milk• salt & pepper

Method

Orange Butter Sauce1. Reduction of orange 2. Add the egg yolks and make Sabayon3. Add the butter4. Add salt & pepper

Prepare mashed potato with the milk, butter and cream. Fry the scallops using a pan to give a brown colour on one side. Plate the scallops with the mashed potato and serve.

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Strawberry Tart

Ingredients Ingredients

• 500 gr Flour • 250 gr butter • 2 eggs • 250 gr icing sugar

• 250 cl milk • 3 egg yolks • 30 gr sugar • 15 gr flour • 10 cl whipping cream

Method

1. Combine the flour and sugar in the mixing bowl. 2. Add butter and mix together. 3. Add the egg yolks and continue to mix together.4. Place the mixture in the tarlette dish to make the tartelette and cook it.

Method

1. Combined the egg yolks, sugar and flour.2. Boil the milk. Once boiled mix with the egg yolks, sugar and flour and cook slowly.3. Leave in the refrigerator to cool.4. When it becomes cold, add the whipping cream.

Pate Sucree Crème Chiboust

To Serve: Garnish the tartelette with the cream chiboust and fresh strawberry.

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What if someone recommended a ‘magic pill’ that was safe to take, and would prevent disease, improve your appearance and help you lose weight? It’s a

fairly sure bet that you would give it a try.

And if you found out that it was nutritious and tasty as well, chances are you’d be planning to take a regular dose of this miracle substance. What could it be? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is seaweed.

What exactly is seaweed?That’s not a silly question. Seaweed is a very vague term and can refer to many varieties of red, green, or brown algae. It has plant-like features and thrives in seawater that is shallow enough for it to access light for photosynthesis.

Super seaweed = ‘super-food’ China, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines are some of the world’s largest seaweed producers. Seaweed is commonly used in Asian dishes –– but it is becoming more popular in western cuisines, as people are beginning to realise the many benefits it offers.

All types of edible seaweed provide significant dietary fibre and are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, the ‘good fats’ that health professionals say should make up half to two thirds of our fat intake. But that’s just the beginning…

How many of these edible seaweeds have you discovered?

• Nori is probably the most familiar, and eating it is probably the easiest way to benefit from seaweed. ‘Nori’ is the Japanese name for porphyra – a mild, tasty, red-algae seaweed that is found in soups, but mainly used to make the dried sheets that have your sushi rolls all wrapped up. It is known as ‘gim’ in Korea, and ‘zicai’ in China. It is even used in the United

Kingdom, especially in Wales, where it is called ‘laver’, and is soaked, rolled in oats, and fried, to make laverbread.

• Wakame is a high calorie, dark green seaweed, usually in the form of long ribbons. It is a perfect accompaniment to fish and is used as flavouring and bulk in salads and soups, especially miso. It has a subtle, sweet taste and is often pickled. Even though it is an efficient source of energy, it is sometimes recommended to help to control weight.

• Konbu is a dark green variety with a robust texture. Because it is especially rich in glutamates, it is most commonly used to make rich, savoury stock, which many people describe as almost ‘meaty’, in the same way that mushrooms are often said to be.

• Sea grapes, or ‘green caviar’, are like clusters of green, semi-transparent pearls, found in strands and sprays, and usually grown in the Philippines. They are exceptionally rich in iodine and are eaten raw, in salads, and dressed with vinegar or fish sauce.

Yum Yum, UmamiWhat? Most people know about the four ‘tastes’ that human beings can detect – sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Umami is the fifth – the ‘savoury’ taste. Many types of edible seaweed fall into this taste category. One type, called dulse, is a red, leafy seaweed that tastes just like bacon – good news for vegetarians and those who don’t eat pork products. This was discovered almost accidentally when marine scientists in the U.S. were looking for particularly nutritious algae to feed to abalone stock.

Seaweed packs a protein punchMost seaweed contains amino acids, including aspartic acid and glutamic acid; these are the building blocks of protein. Seaweed’s protein content varies according to its species, its

Seaweed, You Superstar!

52

habitat, and the seasons. Brown seaweed is usually less than 15% protein, while green and red varieties can comprise more than 40%. These protein levels are comparable to those found in soybeans and other protein-rich vegetables. Seaweeds are great alternatives to animal protein, as they tend not to absorb the ocean toxins that fish sometimes contain.

Seaweed is a vitamin and mineral shot Seaweed contains vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin) and C, and is one of the few non-animal sources of B12, making it an excellent food for vegetarians.

Most varieties have high levels of sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron and other trace mineral elements, which the body needs but might not get from other foods. Because it contains zinc and antioxidants, seaweed can support the immune system for better resistance to infection. Seaweed also provides iodine, necessary for a healthy thyroid and good metabolic function. A diet rich in seaweed almost eliminates problems associated with mineral deficiencies.

With all its vitamins and minerals, seaweed is given credit for strong nails, shiny hair and glowing skin. It’s probably no surprise that it is also claimed to be an efficient anti-bacterial, and might normalise blood sugars, help prevent ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. And it helps you live longer! Whew!

And, as if all this weren’t enough …

Think seaweed, think slenderSeaweed is one of the latest weapons in the battle against weight gain. Wakame, in particular, contains a substance called fucoxanthin, which helps weight loss by stimulating one of our natural proteins (UCP1) to do its specific job – burning fat! Japanese scientists are now looking at how it can be used to reduce bad cholesterol and help to boost metabolism – two further ways to fight flab.

Seaweed might not be the magic cure-all, but this super-food is just what the doctor ordered!

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STAY

GILI ECO VILLAS VILLA BLUALILA MANGGIS

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LUXU

RY L

IVIN

G

AlilaManggisThe perfect hideaway to unwind in luxury on Bali’s tranquil East Coast

Craving a luxe Bali stopover before heading to Lombok? Then head east and give overcrowded South Bali a miss. The

Candidasa area in East Bali is perfect place to get into the laid back Lombok groove, and just a short hop away from the port of Padangbai to catch one of the Lombok fast boats. The lazy pace of life in Candidasa is in many ways reminiscent of tropical beach life in Lombok; long stretches of golden sand, swaying palms, and laid back bars and restaurants. Set amidst this unspoilt east coast scenery is one of Bali’s very best resorts. Alila Manggis at Buitan beach has become a byword for boutique luxury in this corner of Bali – one of those quintessential beachfront hideaways we all crave once in a while. Nestled in a shady coconut grove, this expansive resort features over 50 rooms and suites, fusing the best of Balinese and Europe design elements.

The verdant landscaped grounds are dotted with a splash of vibrant colour and soaring coconut palms surround a huge open air swimming pool. Four white stone clad thatched buildings house the guestrooms, which are spacious and bright, with contrasting dark wood fittings, terrazzo flooring and contemporary white fabrics and furnishings. Wide balconies with a day bed maximize the pool, garden or sea views. Added luxury comes in the form of huge seaside suites measuring more than 100 sqm.

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Guests can partake in time honoured Balinese style wellness rituals at Alila Manggis, at the traditional yoga pavilion or enjoy luxury al fresco spa treatments, meditation and massage. There is also Tai Chi and even a free introductory scuba diving class. The dive sites of nearby Candidasa and Padangbai are within easy reach, while more comprehensive diving can be had on Bali’s far eastern coastline at Amed.

The resort’s Seasalt Restaurant is a picturesque spot to gather for wining and dining overlooking a lotus pond, serving traditional Balinese favourites, Asian fusion and modern European flavours with a touch of flair. The resort also has its very own organic garden where guests can explore new sustainable farming practices and hand pick ingredients for a unique sustainable cooking class.

The resort is a great spot to explore the road less travelled in unspoilt East Bali, with miles of rolling rice paddies, traditional village communities and secluded bays on the doorstep. Invitingly close is the original Bali Aga village of Tenganan, world renowned for its double-ikat woven cloth. From every vantage point in the resort Bali’s soaring Mount Agung volcano (also visible in Lombok) is a constant reminder of the island’s rugged beauty far from the urbanized south coast resort towns.

The ease and speed for getting to and from Padangbai and a fast boat transfer to Lombok and the Gili Islands, unsurprisingly makes Alila Manggis a popular choice, but also there is nowhere else in East Bali that can quite match the amenities and luxury creature comforts.

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Modern, high concept design and quirky decor may be all the rage in Lombok’s ever expanding boutique villa market, but

real style is timeless. A prime example of traditional design and innovative sustainable island living can be seen at Gili Eco Villas - a sprawling beachfront resort that virtually created the template for eco-aware villa operations. Located in the quiet north side of Gili Trawangan, the resort features seven spacious villas constructed of recycled antique teak wood. Comprising one and two story units, each is unique and decorated with its very own distinct blend of artistry and functionality. Each of the villas is well spaced out in the one hectare of landscaped grounds, providing complete privacy and tranquillity.

The villas boast a very unique take on the traditional ‘Joglo’ house design found throughout Indonesia, and come with the sort of character a purpose built modern building simply cannot match. Throughout the villas, dark wood flooring offers a compelling contrast with the whitewashed wooden walls and ceilings featuring antique style beams. The two bedrooms are spacious and uncluttered with elegant canopied beds, leading to bright stone-clad open air bathrooms for a ‘mandi’ in the moonlight.

The main living area of each bungalow is fully integrated with comfortable lounge, dining and fully equipped kitchen, overlooking the garden and beachfront. It is a very functional yet versatile space to gather over drinks, dine or simply curl up with a good book during a hot afternoon.

Gili Eco VillasA green pioneer leading the way in sustainable living in Gili Trawangan

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The two storey villas differ in layout, providing a more homely ambience with a separate enclosed kitchen area and a spacious lounge boasts a touch of colonial elegance on the upper floor. There is a large main swimming pool and children’s pool as the resort centrepiece, and a restaurant and beachfront deck to enjoy sundowners or an evening meal.

Behind the scenes, Gili Eco Villas employs a raft of innovative eco-friendly practices to ensure everything runs seamlessly without compromising on creature comforts. This includes significant use of solar and wind power, a waste-water treatment system and organic waste recycling. There is even a bamboo made greenhouse that cultivates plants for landscaping and organic fruits and vegetables for the kitchen. Guests are encouraged to embrace this ‘off the grid’ lifestyle for a more rewarding stay.

Situated in the laid back north of Trawangan overlooking a shallow reef, Gili Eco Villas occupies a prime spot for those who crave a cosmopolitan beach vibe without the crowds. It is a great spot to unwind and is only a short bike ride to the hustle and bustle of the main town.

PT. Bali Global PropertyVilla Management & RentalJl. Merta Agung Gg. Badabing, Kerobokan Kuta Utara - BaliPhone : +62 361 847 6419Fax : +62 361 731 342Mobile : +62 821 474 888 25Website : www.balirentalhouses23.comE-mail : [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Nestling a short distance north of Senggigi is a smart new addition to West Lombok’s expanding villa scene. Villa Blu is aptly named, highlighting splashes

of aquamarine and turquoise hues among the modern white facade and interiors. It symbolically showcases the natural riches of the surrounding coastline – blue skies, turquoise seas and the dazzling white sand.

Villa Blu comprises eight private luxury two bedroom two bathroom open plan villas set in an expansive private complex. These are some of the most spacious two-bed villas around, designed to fit in seamlessly with a modern, social lifestyle with multipurpose communal spaces throughout. In fact each can comfortably accommodate a group of six.

The main social hub of each villa is the open plan lounge/kitchen area, flanked by the two spacious en suite master bedrooms. Whether lounging on a comfy sofa in front of a huge flat screen TV, or cooking up a storm in the modern European style kitchen, there is a seamless symmetry. The area has been expertly designed to make full use of available space, ensuring no clutter. The lounging area extends by almost double with the addition of an adjacent covered terrace overlooking a private pool. Interior decor features modern Scandinavian design with a touch of retro chic.

Villa BluA new stylish boutique addition on the Senggigi scene

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There is direct access from the lounge to each of the bedrooms, which also open out on to the pool terrace. The modern style bedrooms come with a personal study area but perhaps the big standout feature is the eye-catching ensuites. The open bathrooms are huge with an eye catching terrazzo freestanding bathtub. The granite tiling and intricate natural stonework, contrasting with tropical foliage creates a rich visual experience in which to enjoy a long soak in the bathtub.

Outside there is abundant lounging space on the wide terrace or under the thatched gazebo adjacent to the infinity pool. With each villa enclosed in its own cosy garden, full privacy comes as standard, supported by a small team of on-site staff, including full butler service.

Still in its infancy, Villa Blu is a new place to be reckoned with in the Senggigi area, with a relaxing ambiance and a prime location. Exuding abundant style and functionality it is a place you will no doubt want to keep coming back to time and again – an attractive proposition as it offers investment opportunities for those eager to experience more of the Lombok lifestyle.

Jl. Bali Deli No. 10X 80361, Seminyak, Bali+62 813 3965 4230 (Bali)+62 821 4433 9281 (Lombok)+61 418 252 432 (Australia)[email protected]

68For more information, please contact us on:

E-mail : [email protected] Phone : +62 (0) 857 3807 8720

Australian designed, built, decorated and managed to meet the highest international expectations

69For more information, please contact us on:

E-mail : [email protected] Phone : +62 (0) 857 3807 8720

Australian designed, built, decorated and managed to meet the highest international expectations

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Gili Asahan Eco Lodge invited dignitaries, friends and members of the media to an intimate presentation of their recently completed luxury eco-friendly resort. The hotel is discretely situated on the shores of one of Lombok's up-and-coming 'Secret Gilis', boasting panoramic views of the bay and Straight, as well as Lombok mainland and the surrounding Gilis. Luxury and sustainability go hand-in-hand at Gili Asahan Eco Lodge, seamlessly integrating with the natural surroundings without compromising on the comforts of a world class boutique style hotel, and offering authentic Italian cuisine, a captivating sense of serenity and a sincere commitment to the environment.

www.giliasahan.com

SOC

IAL

Gili Asahan Eco Lodge Opening

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horoscopeofthemonth

ASTROLOGY — AUGUST 2015

Aries (March 21–April 19)You have no problem stepping out from the herd and striking your own course. And this is the problem. Envious people lay subtle roadblocks in your path and the people in charge think that you are the problem. Fortunately you have a group of good people who have your back. It is for their sake that you should take a moderate path. You can defend yourself, but the people who have your back rely on you to pave a road to success.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)You may feel a little out of the loop this month, Taurus, as other people seem to be a little more clued in than you. You are imagining things. Certain people are withholding information from you. Resist the temptation to analyze the situation or take a little measure of revenge. Those in charge are well aware of the little games that cabal is playing and needs you to act above it all while they work to rectify the situation. Relax. The boss likes you. Gemini (May 21–June 20)Got a little creativity block going, Gemini? While your bosses and clients rely on you for your mental output, the pressure squelches creativity. What you need is some time alone to brainstorm, to allow that out-of-the-box solutions to come to you. Relay on a good buddy or partner to run interference for you so you can get that precious “me” time. Block out your negative thought about how good you are. Take a look at your old work to remind you of that.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)Others complain about how you curl up in your cozy nest to avoid things. The truth is this month you feel very vulnerable. Surprising and disturbing things pop up from out of the blue. You are likely to feel overwhelmed with the demands placed on you. Time focused on spiritual or humanitarian pursuits can help you restore a sense of control and purpose in your life. Focus not on your faults but the sterling qualities that people love about you.

Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)You connect with powerful planetary energies this month. Mars, the planet of action, and Uranus, the planet of the unexpected make harmonious energetic connections to your zodiac sign. This can be a time when you break barriers to find your true life’s mission. Alternately, because of a challenge from the planet of intoxication, Neptune, you could go overboard and find yourself hitting a brick wall, literally or metaphorically. Moderation is the key.

Capricorn (December 22–January 19)Even steadfast Capricorn can be upended by surprising events. You feel drawn to new either a new love interest or a new money making venture. In the seagoat’s world one is hardly different from the other. Rely on your sharp analytical skills to ferret out the risks and benefits of what you seek. You may feel that destiny is calling you, but remember that your heart doesn’t navigate the fanciful or esoteric well. Keep your feet firmly planted on earth.

Aquarius (January 20–February 18)Well, it’s August, Waterbearer and you know that this is the low point of your yearly cycle. Money troubles seem to reign supreme as the cash goes out faster than you can spend it. It’s time for some out-of-the-box thinking to shore up your financial situation. Some old ideas can be brought out and dusted clean for a shiny re-entry into service but you have to take the initiative. No one is better than Aquarius in find new solutions to old problems.

Pisces (February 19–March 20)You never mind helping people. However when people just expect you to drop everything to lend you hand it does rub you the wrong way. It doesn’t help that the boss put his or her hand on your shoulder to encourage you to work with the team. You know how these things go. You put the back into the work and other people take credit. It’s time to stick up for yourself and let the boss know exactly what your true contribution is.

Leo (July 23–August 22)You are called on to mesh dreams with reality. Fortunately, you have team of willing hands to help you do just that. Leo is always good at rallying the troops to do his or her bidding. Certain things are out of your control. Deadlines are tight. You can’t get the funding you need. The accounts can’t seem to grasp the details of your project. Certain people cause drama and emotional upsets. How will you prevail? With your legendary Leo charm, of course.

Virgo (August 23–September 22)You like to zero in on facts, figures and details. But this month all these things are clouded by uncertainty. It’s difficult for you to remain on course when the earth shifts under your feet. But you do have resources and friends in the right places. Seek out a trusted person with good managerial or administrative skills to lend a hand. Reign in the number of ideas you want to implement. Any project can benefit with trimming it to essential tasks.

Libra (September 23–October 22)Things move at a rapid pace and you aren’t allowed the space to gather your wits. It does no good to question people in authority. They’ve made up their minds, and it’s their way or the highway. Fortunately, this could be an opportunity to leverage the situation to bring new money to you. If this is a work project ask for a bonus for successful completion of the work. However, turn on your Libra charm when asking for favors. You’ll be glad you did. Scorpio (October 23–November 21)Lack of energy and money mar a perfectly good August. People, especially women, want more than you can give. It puts you off your game not to be able to provide in the way you think you should. You have two choices as to what to do. Either dip into your secret bank account to pony up, or say no. Should you nix your beloved desires, dig deep into your romantic side, to find a way to soften the blow. On money matters seek advice from a trusted advisor. He or she is lucky for you.

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Lombok’s time is here and now, having finally stepped out of Bali’s shadow, showcasing to the world its unique mix of adventure, pristine natural scenery and captivating art and culture. A new airport, international yacht marina and improved roads have made travel to and within Lombok much easier, but it is its untamed natural beauty and traditional charm that captivates. It is an adventure-seeker’s paradise, home to world-class scuba diving, surfing and mountain climbing yet travellers looking for a cosmopolitan beach lifestyle and luxury creature comforts will not be short of options. Experience the best of Lombok with these recommended highlights and hidden gems:

Senggigi and The West CoastSenggigi, just a short drive from the island capital Mataram is Lombok’s premier beach resort, extending along a series of sweeping bays. The main beach strip is fringed by a wide expanse of sand framed nightly by spectacular ocean sunsets. It is a fairly spread out beach town that rarely feels overcrowded yet there is a broad variety of places to stay, eat and socialise. There is a vibrant expat community here with lots of opportunity for sports and leisure, business networking and searching out those hard to find imported goods. Senggigi is the best place to arrange days out and guided trips to other parts of Lombok. The beach road then winds its way north to upmarket Mangsit, dotted with hip boutique hotels and villas among some of west Lombok’s most captivating scenery. In all, the Senggigi area stretches for almost 10 km along the west coast, and away from the main tourist centre, comprises numerous palm fringed beaches dotted with colourful fishing boats.

Gili IslandsA trio of tiny tropical islands off the northwest coast, known simply as ‘the Gilis’ are the go-to place for laid-back island life and the simple pleasures of sun, sea and superb scuba diving. Each of these three islands has its own distinctive atmosphere; the smallest is Gili Meno, a peaceful tropical island haven with few distractions other than deserted white sand beaches and a couple of chilled out beach bars. Legendary ‘party island’ Gili Trawangan is largest and most cosmopolitan of the Gili Islands with no shortage of swanky boutique villas, diverse dining and plenty of action after dark. Gili Air, located closest to the Lombok mainland, sits somewhere in the middle of these two extremes and has the most authentic local atmosphere. The enduring appeal of the Gili Islands is the refreshing absence of any motorised transport making for a pleasant alternative to Bali’s congested beach resorts. Scuba diving is still the main draw and it is one of Asia’s top spots to learn the basics and get qualified. For landlubbers, there are few better places to get horizontal on a tropical beach and soak up the unique island vibe.

Kuta and South LombokLike its namesake in Bali, Kuta Lombok is synonymous with world-class waves but thankfully without the hassle of 24/7 traffic and infuriating beach hawkers. In fact, Lombok’s south coast surf breaks are more than a match for the best in Bali, and savvy surfers are heading here to enjoy miles of uncrowded, adrenaline-fuelled waves. Kuta, invitingly close to Lombok’s new international airport, is the main tourist hub yet remains a fairly tranquil tropical haven favoured by both surfers and adventurous families. It makes for a great base for exploring the rugged southern coastline dotted with numerous breathtaking beaches. Scenic highlights include up-and-coming Tanjung A’an, Gerupak and isolated Ekas Bay.

The SouthwestLombok’s ruggedly beautiful southwest peninsular is largely unexplored by visitors but is now getting serious recognition with the discovery of superb offshore scuba diving and miles of deserted beaches. The main gateway is Sekotong Bay, located just south of Lombok’s main ferry port Lembar and is the jumping off point for Lombok’s ‘Secret Gilis.’ These small offshore islands feature pristine coral reefs and idyllic tropical beaches for a real castaway experience. Heading south, the coastal road winds its way past tiny fishing communities and secluded bays all the way to the tip of the peninsular where the legendary surf breaks of Bangko Bangko (Desert Point) are found — rated among the best in the world.

Mount RinjaniFor an alternative to surf, scuba and sandy beaches, a trek up the immense Rinjani volcano is hard to beat. At over 3,700 meters, this is Indonesia’s second highest volcano and makes for challenging 3–4 day trek but the views are definitely worth all the effort. The mountain dominates much of north Lombok and the caldera alone covers a mind-boggling 50 square kilometres. Most climbers only go as far as the crater rim which offers vertigo-inducing views down into the volcanic lake but the extra effort to get to the summit will be rewarded with views as far as Java and eastwards across to the island of Sumbawa. If this all sounds too arduous for comfort, the mountain’s foothills offer a wealth of leisurely hiking opportunities. Head to Senaru village for easy-going walks through remote weaving villages and dense jungle to uncover a succession of scenic waterfalls.

This is Lombok!

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THE DIRECTORY

EAT

Senggigi and the West Coast

The Ballroom Restaurant+62 370 693 831www.purimas-lombok.com

Bambu Lounge +62 370 693 351

Banana Tree Cafe+62 812 3997 4011

Bumbu Cafe +62 370 692 236

Bawang Putih Grill+62 370 693 333www.starwoodhotels.com

Cafe Alberto +62 370 693 039 / 693 313 www.cafealberto.com

Café Lombi, Senggigi+62 370 692 085www.cafelombi.com

Kebun Anggrek +62 370 693 333www.starwoodhotels.com

La Chill +62 819 0710 4040 www.lachillbar.com

Lotus Bayview +62 370 693 758www.lotus-restaurants.com/lotus-bayview

Square Restaurant & Lounge +62 370 664 4888 www.squarelombok.com

The Taman +62 370 693 842

Kuta and South Lombok

Ashtari +62 877 6549 7625 www.ashtarilombok.com

The Corner Boutique Café+62 877 6560 7373

The Drop In Café, Kuta Lombok+62 819 0723 4673www.dropinlombok.com

El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant+62 819 9911 3026

Gulas Garden+62 878 6492 0120 www.gulasgardenkutalombok.com

Warung Bule+62 819 1799 6256

Gili T

Ecco Cafe+62 878 6027 0200

Kayu Cafe+62 878 6547 2260

Pearl Beach Lounge +62 852 5380 7111 www.pearlbeachlounge.com

Pizzeria Regina+62 877 6506 6255

The Terminal +62 370 638 513www.gilitresort.com

The Thai Garden+62 878 6453 1253

Wilson's Bar & Cuisine+62 370 612 0060 www.wilsons-retreat.com

Wok This Way+62 817 543 168

Gili Air

Classico Italiano+62 819 1604 3357

Chill Out Bar & Bungalows+62 370 620 370 www.chilloutbargiliair.com

Le Cirque+62 370 623432 www.lecirque-giliair.com

The Mexican Kitchen Gili Air+62 877 6550 3931

Mowie's+62 878 6423 1384 www.mowiesgiliair.com

The Waterfrontwww.waterfront-hotel-gili-air.com

Gili Meno

Mahamaya Restaurant & Bar+62 888 715 5828 www.mahamaya.co

Meno Mojo Beach Club+62 877 6048 8539 www.gilimenomojo.com

PLAY

Spas and WellnessSenggigi

The Laguna Beach Spa+62 370 693 333www.starwoodhotels.com

Marshander Spa & Salon Senggigi +62 878 628 0693 www.marshanderspa.com

Puri Mas Spa+62 370 693 831www.purimas-lombok.com

Qambodja Spa+62 370 693 800www.quncivillas.com

Gili T

Gili Yoga +62 858 5718 7170 www.giliyoga.com

Marshander Spa & Salon Gili T +62 878 6231 8473 www.marshanderspa.com

Gili Air

H20 Yoga and Meditation+62 877 6103 8836 www.h2oyogaandmeditation.com

Nectar Island Spawww.nectarislandspa.com

Gili Meno

Ocean Spa at Mahamaya+62 888 715 5828 www.mahamaya.co

RetailSenggigi and West Coast

Asmara Collection, Lombok+62 370 693 619

Pink Coconut+62 878 6476 4608

Kuta and South Coast

The Corner Boutique +62 877 6560 7373

Gili T

Casa Vintage+62 819 1724 3808

Health & Leisure / RecreationSenggigi and West Coast

LWN Tours +62 370 693 159+62 817 458 899

Scuba Froggy+62 370 693 901www.scubafroggy.com

Sire & Tanjun

Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club+62 370 640 137

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Kuta and South Coast

Kuta Horses+62 819 1599 9436 www.horseridinglombok.com

Sublime surf retreats +61 423 355 63 www.sublimeresorts.com

Sekotong

DiveZone+62 819 0785 2073www.divezone-lombok.com

Gili T

Aquaddiction+62 813 3979 8555 www.aquaddiction.com

Freedive Gili+62 858 5718 7170 www.freedivegili.com

Gili Cooking Classes+62 877 6324 8215 www.gilicookingclasses.com

Manta Dive+62 370 614 3649 www.manta-dive.com

Gili Air

Gili Kite Surfwww.gilikitesurf.com

Oceans5 , Gili Air+62 813 3877 7144www.oceans5dive.com

Gili Meno

Divine Divers+62 852 4057 0777www.divinedivers.com

Other

Rinjani Country Club Golf Course+62 828 9703 0270 www.lombok-golf.com

Lombok Sailing www.lombokkomodosailing.com

Indonesian Yacht Charters +62 812 4607 6042 www.indonesianyachtcharter.com

Weddings

White Sand Weddingswww.whitesandweddingslombok.com

STAY

HotelsSenggigi and West Coast

The Chandi Boutique Resort & Spa +62 370 692198 www.the-chandi.com

Jeeva Klui+62 370 693 035www.jeevaklui.com

Kebun Villas & Resort+62 370 692 999www.kebunresort.com

Kila Senggigi+62 370 693210www.aerowisatahotels.com/hotel/kila-senggigi-beach-lombok

Living Asia Resort & Spa +62 370 693 519 www.livingasiaresort.com

The Oberoi Lombok+62 370 613 8444www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-lombok

Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa +62 370 693 831 www.purimas-lombok.com

The Santosa +62 370 693 090 www.santosalombok.com

The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort +62 370 693 333 www.sheraton.com/senggigi

Sudamala Suites, Lombok +62 370 693 111 www.sudamalaresorts.com

Kuta and South Lombok

Hammerhead Hotel and Spa+62 878 6270 5985www.hammerheadhotel.com

Kies Villas+62 878 6553 4450www.kiesvillaslombok.com

Novotel+62 370 615 3333www.novotel.com

Sekotong

Cocotinos+62 819 0797 2401www.cocotinos-sekotong.com

Gili T

Gili T Resort+62 370 638 513www.gilitresort.com

The Trawangan Resort+62 370 619 4844www.thetrawangan.com

Gili Meno

Mahamaya, Gili Meno +62 370 637 616 www.mahamaya.com

Property

Aquamarine +62 812 4678 7880 www.aquamarine-lombok.com

KUTACon+62 821 4587 2920www.kutacon.asia

Kuta Heights Development +62 821 4587 5594 +62 817 6673 983 www.kutaheightslombok.com

Lombok Eco Developments+62 817 713 708www.lombokecodevelopments.com

Lombok Property & Investment +62 819 0797 4075 www.lp-i.co

NAGAINDO+62 813 5332 9501www.naga-indo.com

Pipe Dream Villas Resort +62 812 3923 9666 www.pipedreamvillas.com

Private Sanctuary +62 821 4741 9919 www.private-sanctuary.com

Tate Developments+62 818 0376 0677www.tatedevelopments.com

Charity

Face This www.facethis.org

Gili Eco Trust+62 813 3960 0553www.giliecotrust.com

Hairdresser Without Borders+62 821 4745 7186www.hwb-nonprofit.org

John Fawcett Foundationwww.balieye.org

Lombok Kids Foundation+62 819 1799 9054lkflombokkidfoundation.wordpress.com

Paradigm Water +62 813 3897 6786 www.paradigmwater.org

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EMERGENCY NUMBERSAmbulance Phone: 0370 623 489 Emergency call: 118 Fire Brigade Phone: 0370 672 013 Emergency call: 113Lombok PoliceJl. Gajah Mada No7, Ampenan Phone: 0370 693 110 Emergency call: 110Tourist Police Senggigi Jl. Raya Senggigi km 1Phone: 0370 632 733

HOSPITALSHarapan Keluarga Jl. Ahmad Yani, SelagalasPhone: 0370 617 7000/617 7009Risa Sentra MedikaJl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara Phone: 0370 625 560New Mataram Public Hospital Jl. Bung Karno No.1, Mataram Phone: 0370 645 045Mataram Public HospitalJl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram Phone: 0370 623 498Siti Fajar Moslem HospitalJl. Panca Warga, MataramPhone: 0370 623 498Anthonius Catholic HospitalJl. Koperasi, AmpenanPhone: 0370 621 397Police HospitalJl. Langko No.54, Ampenan Phone: 0370 633 701Army HospitalJl. HOS Cokroaminoto No.11, Mataram Phone: 0370 621 420Central Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Jen Basuki Rachmat, Praya Phone: 0370 654 007East Lombok Public Hospital Jl. Prof M. Yamin No.55, SelongPhone: 0376 216 80

HEALTH CLINICSBiomedika ClinicJl. Bung Karno No.143, Mataram Phone: 0370 645 137Medika Husada Clinic Jl. Raya SenggigiPhone: 0370 664 480Sengiggi Beach Hotel ClinicPhone: 0370 693 210Klinik ProdiaJalan Pejanggik No.107, Mataram Phone: 0370 635 010

Hotel Villa Ombak ClinicGili Trawangan Phone: 0370 642 336Jolie Sourire Dental Care Mataram MallJl. Pejanggik, Mataram Phone: 0370 668 1797

PHARMACIESGuardian Pharmacy Mataram MallJl. Pejanggik, Mataram Phone: 0370 629 921Kimia FarmaJl. Sriwijaya No.295, Mataram Phone: 0370 633 211Jl. Pejanggik No.48, MataramPhone: 0370 638 502Jl. Catur Warga, MataramPhone: 0370 634 774Jl. M. Yamin No.155 Selong, East LombokPhone: 0376 220 51

TAXI Bluebird TaxisPhone: 0370 627 000Express TaxisPhone: 0370 635 968Narmada Trans TaxiPhone: 0370 702 5333

IMMIGRATION OFFICEDepartment of ImmigrationJl. Udayana, MataramPhone: 0370 632 520

POST OFFICES Central Post OfficeJl. Sriwijaya, MataramPhone: 0370 632 645Jl. Langko, AmpenanPhone: 0370 631 642Jl. Raya SenggigiPhone: 0370 693 711

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLSNusa AlamJl. Pantai Meninting Phone: 0370 647 514

AIRLINE SALES OFFICES Silk Air Lombok Raya Hotel Jl. Panca Usaha No.11, Mataram Phone: 0370 628 254Garuda IndonesiaJl. Majapahit No. 2, Ampenanphone: 0370 642303/649100

Lion AirJl. Sriwijaya No.81, MataramPhone: 0370 629 111Merpati Nusantara AirlinesJl. Pejanggik No.69, MataramPhone: 0370 636 745TransNusaJl. Panca Usaha No.28, MataramPhone: 0370 624 555

CAR RENTAL COMPANIESLombok Rent CarJl. Raya Senggigi Km 12, Senggigi Phone: 0370 667 7887

FREIGHT/COURIER COMPANIES TikiJl. Anyelir No. 1, MataramPhone: 0370 633 014 DHLJl. Hos CokroaminotoNo.53G, MataramPhone: 0370 639 400

PUBLIC UTILITIESElectricity (PLN) Jl. Langko No. 25, AmpenanPhone: 0370 632 182 Jl. Raya SengiggiPhone: 0370 693 535Water (PDAM)Jl. Pendidikan No.29, MataramPhone: 0370 632 510Jl. Raya SengiggiPhone: 0370 693 886

CHURCH SERVICESBethany Mataram ChurchJl. I Gusti Ketut Jelantik GosaNo.23, MataramPhone: 0370 625 956HKBP Mataram ChurchJl. Gili Air No.4, MataramPhone: 0370 632 924Kristen Tuhan ChurchJl. Ekas No.47, MataramPhone: 0370 621 811Masehi Advent H7 ChurchJl. Kom L Yos Sudarso No.16, MataramPhone: 0370 638 500Pantekosta ChurchJl. Pariwisata No.4, MataramPhone: 0370 631 219Katholik Church Jl. Majapahit No.10, MataramPhone: 0370 634 397

CONSULATES IN BALIAustralia (Also consular service for Canada and New Zealand nationals)Jalan Tantular No. 32, Renon, Denpasar Phone: 0361 241 118

Brazil Jl. Raya Legian No.186, KutaPhone: 0361 757 775Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No.17, SanurPhone: 0361 286 465DenmarkJl. By Pass Ngurah Rai–PemoganNo. 852, Denpasar Phone: 0361 821 6979FranceJl.Mertasari Gg. II No.8, Sanur Phone: 0361 285 485Germany Jl. Pantai Karang No.17, SanurPhone: 0361 288 535Italy Lotus Enterprise BuildingJl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, JimbaranPhone: 0361 701 005India Jl. Raya Puputan No.42, Renon, DenpasarPhone: 0361 241 987JapanJl. Raya Puputan No.170, Renon, DenpasarPhone: 0361 227 628Mexico Jl.Prof. Moh. Yamin No.1, Renon, DenpasarPhone: 0361 223 266NetherlandsJl.Raya Kuta No.127, KutaPhone: 0361 761 502NorwaySegara Village HotelJl. Segara Ayu, SanurPhone: 0361 282 223RussiaBali Kencana Resort IIBlock Cendrawasih No.18, Ungasan Phone: 0361 279 1560Spain Kompleks Istana Kuta GaleriaBlok Valet 2, No. 1 Jl.Patih Jelantik, Kuta Phone: 0361 769 286Sweden & FinlandJl. Segara Ayu No.2, SanurPhone: 0361 282 223Switzerland Kompleks Istana Kuta GaleriaBlok Valet 2 No.12Jl. Patih Jelantik, KutaPhone: 0361 751 735United KingdomJl. Tirta Nadi No.20, SanurPhone: 0361 270 601United States of AmericaJl. Hayam Wuruk No.188, Denpasar Phone: 0361 233 605

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

My Lombok 18

Documents

Transcript of My Lombok 18