Senggigi is a beach town on the west coast of the Island of West Lombok
Senggigi is the main tourist destination on mainland Lombok. It is traversed by a single two lane road that follows the west coast of the island from south of Ampenan and continues northward to circumnavigate the north of Lombok.

Senggigi is is on the West Coast of Lombok about 15-20 minutes north of the island’s capital Mataram and nearby airport. Airport Taxis (by fixed price coupon) charge Rp 83,500 (Jan 2010) for the trip Mangsit and Rp 57,500 to central Senggigi. In daylight hours the bemos will cover the distance for around Rp 2,500 from near the airport entrance gate to Pasar Ampenan and then Rp 5,000 for a second Bemo up the coast to Senggigi plus extra charges for any larger items of luggage carried.

Some of the larger Hotels offer pick up transfers to and from the Airport. You will need to book ahead for this.

Some visitors travelling from nearby Bali prefer the option of taking a fast boat across from Bali direct to the Gili Islands and Senggigi. Travel agents or the operators can normally assist with any necessary transfers.

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 Lembar port on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers well south of Mataram. Travel agents on Bali offer transport from any point in southern Bali to Senggigi, including the ferry ticket, for about Rp 140,000.

Get around
Bemos, a small, covered pick-up truck with narrow but padded seating benches in the rear are the main means of short and medium distance transport in rural and coastal Lombok. They can be hailed down on all larger streets and will happily take you even short hops around Senggigi. Fares are inexpensive.

An approximate fare (January 2010) from Senggigi to the produce markets in Ampenan is Rp 4,500-5,500/person. Prices for set distances vary at times but if the price of fuel has risen or it is in short supply causing roadside price fluctuations then the Bemo prices will often follow. Try and watch what local customers are paying for a similar distance to your own and if really in doubt just include Rp 1,000-2,000 extra. If ‘chartering’ an empty Bemo to a particular destination be careful to clarify the exact amount of payment required prior to getting into the vehicle.

Many Bemo drivers are reluctant to venture further up the West Coast than the northern end of Mangsit Village as the passenger densities drop dramatically from there on. The driver may want to turn back at this point if he does not have sufficient passengers.

Bemos have normally stopped running by dusk on the West Coast of Lombok.

Travel agents can also get you on semi-regular shuttle services, which connect Senggigi, the airport, and the harbours of Lembar (for Bali) and Bangsal (for the Gilis).

The largest taxi operator is Blue Bird [1] (light blue in colour) and the second operator is Express Taksi (white). Flag fall is approximately Rp 4,250 and the meter ticks up a few hundred rupiah for every hundred meters past 2 km. Figure on Rp 10,000-rp 15,000 for short hops and about Rp 60,000 from Senggigi to Mataram/Cakranegara. Both operators have a radio linked fleet and can be booked in advance either by calling them yourself or by booking through your hotel.

By car
Renting a car is also an option and there are many places to rent from in the Senggigi area. Expect to pay Rp.150,000-175,000 (low end mid-late 1980′s Suzuki mini jeep-Jimmy (2×4) to Rp.400,000 for a Toyota Kijang (2×4) or Izuzu Panther (2×4).

By motorbike
To hire a motrobike, expect to pay around Rp 50,000 (October 2009) for most models and possibly more in peak season when demand for rentals can be very high.

By ojek
Prices are negotiable but a rule of thumb is Rp 5,000 Rupiah if the destination is nearby.

By horse cart
Horse-pulled carts, known as Cidomo, are very common arond Senggigi and all across Lombok. They are a good method of transportation for short distances e.g, from your hotel to a restaurant. Make sure to agree on the price before the journey – Rp10,000 is the maximum price to pay for a short journey.

By boat
Traditional fishing boats known as perahu ply the waters around Lombok, and are instantly recognizable due to their outriggers, two lengths of extra large Bamboo sealed at either end and attached by bars on both sides like a catamaran affording greater stability in heavy swells. They can also be chartered on the Senggigi beaches, either directly from owners (in which case some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesian or Bahasa Sasak will come in handy) or via any travel agent, who will of course take an often generous commission.

By bicycle
Traffic is relatively light throughout the island so travel by bicycle is quite possible and provides a very different cultural experience to other means of transport.

What to See
* Pura Batu Bolong, 2 km south of Senggigi. Small Hindu temple located in a scenic spot at a cape overlooking Senggigi beach, named after a rock (batu) with a hole (bolong). At the tip is an empty chair representing Brahma, the god of creation. Free entry, but you’ll have to ‘borrow’ a sash (Rp5,000 a throw) from one of the urchins if you don’t have one already. Sunsets seen from here can be very impressive.

* Senggigi Beach. A spit of sand stretching out from central Senggigi, this is Senggigi’s raison d’etre but, by Indonesian standards, it’s not all that spectacular. The beach is a little dirty, the hawkers are a nuisance and the Senggigi Beach Resort has grabbed most of the land. Some local surfers brave the smallish waves. The sunsets can be very beautiful.

* Senggigi is a popular launch point for other activities on Lombok. Without the hassle of Mataram, you can visit several other locations and come back to the same hotel each night. Tour operators can arrange these trips for you at around Rp. 350,000 for the day for a private car and driver or cheaper if you go with a group.

* Kerangdangan Beach. On Sunday afternoons Kerangdangan beach is a popular destination for Lombok residents. They go there to wander about and socialise or sit on the sandy beach or grassy area behind the warungs. People often take a swim in the sea and later eat satay and other snacks made by Kerandangan villagers and sold in the beachfront warungs. There are also two small and more expensive venues with informal outdoor dining in a cluster of small baruga’s with big cushions and relaxed service. They are set a little back from the beach and are open most days and nights. Full menus are available at these two venues and they offer an interesting alternative to the Senggigi township offerings.

* Popular excursions that can be done in a day trip include:
* Village visits, including weaving villages and other handicraft-producers
* Waterfall visits

What to Do
Most activities around Senggigi revolve around diving, snorkelling, and hiking. There are some surf shops in town, but there are reportedly better areas on Lombok for surfing. Traditional therapeutic massages are provide by local Sasak women both on the beaches, including Mangsit beach and in the Hotels. At Windy Beach Cottages at the far north end of Mangsit Beach local village women have an arrangement to use a comfortable screened baruga in the Hotel grounds. Enquiries can be made at reception or by yourself on the beach if not perturbed by interested beach traders. If arriving by road bookings can be made at the Cellphone shop opposite the entrance to Windy Beach Cottages or contact Mangsit Beach Massage 081917429081. Santai Beach Cottages at the southern end of Mangsit beach is also a good place to enquire. Again just ask at the reception desk and they will summon one of the local traditional masseurs for you. They will provide a nice beachside massage and fresh juices and tea can ordered from the hotel. Beach Spa treatments are also available around Senggigi and within some of the hotels. Fishing charters are available and some of the hotels rent bicycles for riding around the Senggigi precinct.

What to Buy
Lombok-style woodenware, decorated with local creatures and geometrical patterns in shades of black, brown and red, is sold in several shops in town. The tall masks are quite distinctive, though potentially difficult to get on the plane home. Boxes and bowls are also numerous. It’s not as intricate and refined as Balinese arts, but it has a distinctive look and charm, and is quite inexpensive. Make sure you are aware of your home countries import and quarantine restrictions as some require wood to be fumigated and inspected for ‘pests’. Australia for example has very strict regulations and failing to declare many items including those made of timber, seeds and some shell items may lead to heavy penalties and confiscation. Check your countries import regulations and do not forget to declare the goods on the way in when you get back home or in ‘transit’ countries if you are clearing customs.

Persistent hawkers push Komodo freshwater pearls on tourists, and will follow you for the length of the town. The pearls are quite pretty as costume jewelry, and make nice gifts or souvenirs, but the hawkers play on a misunderstanding of their market value. They will often quote a starting price of around Rp 300,000 (more than US$30) for a strand, though they can be had for as little as Rp 35,000. Pearls for sale on the street tend to be the left-overs of the industry, with more flaws and variations in shape. Longer strands cost more. Better quality strands (rounder, more uniform pearls with fewer flaws) ought to cost more, though the hawkers seem not very sensitive regarding quality and will let you pretty much pick the one you want. There are also many handycraft items available as well as sometimes very good copies of antique artefacts such as Kris and many small traditional Sasak, Hindu and Buddhist items from Lombok’s past as well as from nearby Sumbawa, Bima and Bali

If you lose your watch or sunglasses, never fear. Street vendors are always at hand to provide a replacement.
* Senggigi Square.
* Senggigi Plaza.

Where Eat
There are plenty of eating options in Senggigi, with a surprising array of Western-style dishes on the menu. Alas, local chefs are often better with the names than the recipes for Western favorites, and seem to follow a philosophy of “when in doubt, add more butter.” Promotors will follow you along the street offering business cards, 10% discounts, and free “cocktails” to draw you in. Beware of discount offers, and before you bite, ask if VAT and service will be added to the bill. A promised 10% discount can quickly become a 10% surcharge after they hit you with tax and service.

Budget   Restaurant
* Cafe Tenda is on Jl. Senggigi Raya opposite Senggigi Abadi supermarket and the BNI bank and ATM. Cafe Tenda offers traditional local dining at very reasonable prices and has an interesting menu. The BBQ fish and their Nasi Goreng Seafood is good. The BBQ chicken dishes are a little small but tasty. Local sambal is served with meals and a tomato salad can be ordered. They have many juice drinks and cold beer. It is dining “tenda” (under a tent) sitting at rough plywood tables set back a little from the road. Closed Sundays opens at dusk often until very late and is very popular with locals and visitors alike.

* Windy Beach Cottages Restaurant.[2] in Mangsit at the far northern end of the beach has a varied menu with many Indonesian dishes and a full bar. Dining is in the restaurant dining area or at Barugas doted about the hotel grounds overlooking the beach. Lovely beach with great sunsets viewed from the gardens

* Santai Beach Inn [3] at Mangsit Beach at the far southern end. Was in established in Mangsit before the road even reached that far. Has a book exchange and dining in a large traditional Baruga seated at a long communal table. Bookings in advance are essential as they have a set daily menu and cater to a set number of diners. Vegetarian and seafood based Indonesian food, fresh juices and cold beer available. 2010 prices Lunch Rp 30,000 Dinner Rp 45,000, 2009 prices Lunch Rp 25,000 Dinner Rp 55,000.

* Pak Ismail’s eating house. On Jl. Raya Montong south of Hotel Jayakarta but before the turn off Gunung Sari and on the opposite side to the beach. Pak Ismail is from Bandung in Jawa and he has a Sundanese influence to his food. It is a traditional Indonesian eating house or restaurant and has a very good menu of traditional Indonesian food. No prices on the menu, you have to ask.

Mid-range Restaurant
* Bale Tajuk, Jl. Senggigi Raya. Small but popular eatery offering a range of local and Western dishes, including a fairly decent Lombok-style ayam taliwang (Rp20,000).

* The Office is a tourist-oriented restaurant on the water behind the market near the Sheraton. Its barn-style building is attractive, but the food is hit-and-miss and rather expensive. The soto ayam and chicken sandwich are pretty good though. They have a pool table a nice view of the beach and cold beer.

* Papaya Cafe on Jl.Senggigi Raya not far from the Perama Office is worth it for decent Chinese or Italian food. Rp 35,000 to 50,000 will get a good main course. The atmosphere is rustic and clean. live music plays every night after 20:00. The sound level can be a bit excessive for dinnertime conversation.

* Cafe Bumbu on Jl. Senggigi Raya, just in front of Papaya Cafe is worth for decent Thai style food. Rp 3,000 to 50,000 will get a good main course. During the night it provides candle light tables.

* Taman is on Jl. Senggigi Raya near the Senggigi Beach Hotel. It has nice Indonesian, Western and Indian food for a decent price. Expect Rp, 30,000 for lunch for a main dish.

* Yessy Cafe is on Jl. Senggigi Raya near the Sheraton Hotel. It has nice Indonesian, Western and Thai food for a decent price. Expect Rp, 30,000 for a main dish. Friendly staffs with free transport from / to hotel.

* Coco Beach Hidden away on near the beach at the far end of Kerangdangan Beach just north of the Senggigi township. Mixed menu with Indonesian and European style food. Cold beer and other refreshments available.

Splurge / Luxury Restaurant
* Asmara. On Jl. Raya Senggigi has a very good reputation amongst the expat community and European vistors. They also bake bread to take out.

* Ye Jeon, Senggigi Plaza 2F. Korean restaurant, especially given that it’s probably the only one in all Lombok. Single dishes are reasonable (try the bibimbap, Rp35,000) but sets with a full spread of banchan appetizers are pricier at Rp80,000 and up, with 21% service/tax slapped on top. It may disappoint some people familiar with Korean food. There is an eclectic range of souvenir items available on their ground floor level.

* De Quake,  Pasar Senggigi, Modern, minimalistic, lounge style interior on the beach with beautiful sunset view. Upstairs food, downstairs reserved for drinks and luxurious sunbeds.

* The Square, on the Senggigi Square. The most expensive restaurant in town with a Chef from Bali and excellent service. Dinner sets are good value and offer good mixtures. The upstairs terraces is lounge style and food & drinks are served. Vegetarians may have to get creative to find something other than pasta noodles and tomato sauce, but adaptions to standard dishes are possible. Prices start from around Rp.30,000++.

* Cafe Alberto, Italian and Indonesian cuisine on the beach side with a romantic atmosphere. Pizza and swimming pool, Free WiFi + Free Shuttle available in Senggigi are from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

PT. LOMBOK TROPIC HOLIDAYS INDONESIA
Jl. Barakuda No 09/10
BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi
83355 Senggigi-Batu Layar West Lombok
NTB-INDONESIA
Phone : +62 (0)370 692 179
Fax : +62 (0)370 692 179
Cell: +62 (0)818 057 20243 / 852 3972 5657

Contact by Email:
info@lomboksailing.com

Websites Networking:
www.lombokmarine.com
www.labuanbajo-flores.com
www.lombokrooms.com
www.rinjanionline.com
www.rajaampatlodges.com
www.floresexplore.com
www.rajaampatindonesia.com
www.lomboksailing.com
www.komododiving.com
www.komodocruise.com
www.orangutanexplore.com
www.orangutanislands.com

We do arrange special package for 07 days 06 nights trekking to Mount Rinjani National Park Lombok Island Indonesia, This package is suitable for Singaporean and Malaysian

Trekking Itinerary,
Day 01, AIRPORT-LOMBOK ECO LODGE ( D )
Pick up and meeting services at Selaparang Mataram airport, Directly transfer to Lombok Eco Lodge in Crocodile River Cottages, Free and Easy and overnight.

Day 02, SENGGIGI-SEMBALUN-SEMBALUN RIM. ( B.L.D )
After breakfast, leave your Lodge and directly transfer to Sembalun Lawang ( Post I ) and check in at Rinjani Trek Center ( Drive approx. 2.5 Hours ). Enjoy the spectacular 07 hours trekking up to Sembalun Rim, Drinks a lot of water that weather is incredible Hot during Summer time trekking periods. Camping at Sembalun Rim as soon you reach there. Overnight.

Day 03, SEMBALUN RIM-SUMMIT-LAKE-HOT SPRING ( B.L.D )
Early morning at 3.00am. We climb several ridges for 03 hrs until reaching the true Rinjani summit. This spectacular view across the Gilis islands, Bali, Lombok and sumbawa are incredible spectacular. And then walk down to the lake for 03 hours, Upon arrival at The lake, take a breaks and visit Rinjani Hot spring and Overnight at the lake camp site.

Day 04, LAKE-SENARU RIM-GILI TRAWANGAN ( B.L.D )
After breakfast, Leave your camp site at the lake and walk up to Senaru Rim, This is another spectacular view of Mount. Rinjani and one of the highlight. Afterwards, walk down to the Rinjani rain forest, arrive in Senaru in the afternoon and directly transfer to Gili Island and overnight at Dream Divers Bungalows.

Day 05, GILI TRAWANGAN-SENGGIGI ( B.L.D )
After breakfast, Let’s go for snorkeling, Swimming or diving, relaxing or just beach combing on the island of Gili Trawangan, Snorkeling on the islands is something not to be miss out, Transfer to Senggigi and check in at Crocodile river Eco Lodge

Day 06, SENGGIGI-LOMBOK SASAK TOURS-SENGGIGI. ( B.L.D )
After breakfast, leave your Eco Lodge Cottages and visit : Lombok Local Market, Banyumulek Pottery Village, Sukarare traditional Hand weaving village, Sade and and Rambitan Sasak Village, Lunch in Kuta At local restaurant, swimming or just beach combing at Mawun beach. Return to your hotel in Senggigi while on the way visit Batu Bolong Hindus Temple. Return to your Eco Lodge Cottages. ( B.L.D )

Day 07, SENGGIGI-AIRPORT-HOME
Small sightseeing before airport, transfer to the airport 01 hours before your flight.  ( B )
End of Services.

RINJANI LAKE PACKAGE 03 DAYS 02 NIGHTS
Price per Person in Indonesia Rupiah
01 Person          : Rp. 4.900.000
02-04 Person  : Rp. 3.900.000
05-10 Person  : Rp. 3.500.000

Price Included :
- Transfer from Airport-Senggigi-Sembalun/Senaru-Senggigi-Airport
- All meals included in Lombok Eco Lodges and Dive Indonesia Bungalows
- Room at Lombok Eco Lodges Crocodile River Cottages 02 Nights
- All trekking equipments, Meals and Insurance Donation
- Entrance fees and Mineral drinking water,
- Panorama walk in Senaru to Spectacular Waterfall.
- Gili Islands Snorkeling Tours
- Boat transfer to Gili islands.
- City Tours before departure.
- Lombok Sasak Tours.
- Trekking Guide and porter ( Carrier )

Price Excluded :
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks in Senggigi / Resort
- Airport taxes
- Porter in selaparang Airport
- Snorkeling equipment on Gili Islands
- Gili Islands Eco Trust Donation @ US$ 6 per person per visit.
- Airline tickets
- Additional tips for Guides and porter
- Driver tips
- Laundry, Film and sunscreen
- Any personal extra expenses

What to Bring :
- Extra film
- Binoculars
- Toilet paper
- Hat / cap
- Sun cream.
- Warm Clothing ( fleece ) wind jacket.
- Flash light

PT. LOMBOK TROPIC HOLIDAYS INDONESIA
Jl. Barakuda No 09/10
BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi
83355 Senggigi-Batu Layar West Lombok
NTB-INDONESIA
Phone : +62 (0)370 692 179
Fax : +62 (0)370 692 179
Cell: +62 (0)818 057 20243 / 852 3972 5657

Contact by Email:
info@lomboksailing.com

Websites Networking:
www.lombokmarine.com
www.labuanbajo-flores.com
www.lombokrooms.com
www.rinjanionline.com

The three Gili islands are still excellent for snorkeling despite the devastation wreaked by the El Nino weather phenomenon in 1998. Some 90% of the hard corals around the islands down to 20 meters suffered badly at the time from bleaching and are still recovering. While you can snorkel directly from the beach, a good deal is to join the daily snorkeling tour at the very reasonable rate of Rp35,000 per person. As the boat has a glass bottom, those unable to snorkel, such as young kids, can also have the opportunity to see a wide array of beautiful multicolored tropical fish and, if lucky, even the odd turtle. A tip here: bring your own snorkeling gear as the quality of the stuff available for hire leaves much to be desired.

Nothing can be as relaxing as floating amidst a beautiful coral reef watching the undersea life, join our boat crew for a short ride to one at the nearby island reefs. Giant sea turtles and schools of Indo Pacific reef fish are abundant. After snorkeling our boat crew will land you on one of the Gili’s (Indonesian for Island). The Gili Islands are famous for their white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Here you can relax, swim along the fringing reef or take a ride around the island using one of the local pony and cart. Gili Island snorkeling trips disembark from our Jetty two times per day.

When you need a break from the snorkeling, the sugary white beaches are a perfect place for relaxation and sunbathing. The few hawkers that ply their trade here are much less aggressive than in Bali, and when they realize you don’t want what they are selling they quickly get the message. If the blazing tropical sun becomes too much to bear, shelter can be found under the palm trees that conveniently line the beaches.

If the weather is good – which it usually is – beautiful red sunsets can be seen, with the sun setting in the west over Mount Agung, Bali. Either head for Gili Trawangan’s northern coast else climb the island’s 100-meter hill (going up here is the only time you are likely to venture into the island’s interior during your stay).

As for Gili Air and Gilo Meno, they are even quieter than Gili Trawangan. Accommodations and restaurants are basic, but then that’s part of the charm. If you need more facilities, it’s more convenient to stay on Gili Trawangan and make day trips to these two islands.

Gili Islands Snorkeling Tours
One day Gili Trawangan and Meno Tours ( 08 Hours )
We offer your our special and jnique tours to explore the wonderful coral reefs and marine life of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno.

Starting the Tours;
We pick you up at 08.00 Am in the morning at your Hotel in Senggigi Area, Directly transfer to Bangsal via Lendang Bajur Sasak traditional market, On the way to Bangsal we also stop at Pusuk pass Monkey forest and feed them.

Upon arrive in Bangsal, We hire a boat and sail to Gili Trawangan. This boat ride will takes around 45 minutes to the biggest gGlis of Trawangan. Swimming, snorkeling, beach combing or riding a Cidomo ( Horse carriage in additional charge ) in Gili Trawangan. On the 03 gilis islands, there is no motor bikes, no cars and barking dogs.

Afterward we take you to Gili Meno which located in the middle of the 03 Gilis. also swimming, snorkeling or just beach combing. Lunch provide at local restaurant by the sea.
Before sunset, we take you back to senggigi via Malimbu to see the spectacular sun set view over Mount Agung in Bali and also scenic view of west Lombok.
Transfer back to your hotel
End of services.

RATE : Rp. 450.000/person excluded lunch
We also provide different  way to the Gilis by out rigger boat from Senggigi!

BOOKING AND CONTACT

PT. LOMBOK TROPIC HOLIDAYS INDONESIA
Jl. Barakuda No 09/10
BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi
83355 Senggigi-Batu Layar West Lombok
NTB-INDONESIA
Phone : +62 (0)370 692 179
Fax : +62 (0)370 692 179
Cell: +62 (0)818 057 20243 / 852 3972 5657

Contact by Email:
info@lomboksailing.com

Websites Networking:
www.lombokmarine.com
www.labuanbajo-flores.com
www.lombokrooms.com
www.rinjanionline.com
www.rajaampatlodges.com
www.floresexplore.com
www.rajaampatindonesia.com
www.lomboksailing.com
www.komododiving.com
www.komodocruise.com
www.orangutanexplore.com
www.orangutanislands.com

LOMBOK ISLAND INFORMATION
Lombok (1990 pop. 2,403,025) is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a “tail” to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). The administrative capital and largest city on the island is Mataram.

History
The Dutch first visited Lombok in 1674 and settled the eastern part of the island, leaving the western half to be ruled by a Hindu dynasty from Bali. The Sasaks chafed under Balinese rule, and a revolt in 1891 ended in 1894 with the annexation of the entire island to the Netherlands East Indies.

Geography and demographics
The Lombok Strait marks the passage of the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan ecozone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia that is known as the Wallace Line, for Alfred Russel Wallace, who first remarked upon the distinction between these two major biomes.

The island’s topography is dominated by the centrally-located stratovolcano Mount Rinjani, which rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-highest in Indonesia. The most recent eruption of Rinjani was in June-July, 1994. The volcano, and its sacred crater lake, Lake Segara Anak, are protected by a National Park established in 1997. The southern part of the island is a fertile plain where corn, rice, coffee, tobacco, and cotton are grown.

The island’s inhabitants are 85% Sasak (a people, closely related to the Balinese, but mostly practising Islam), 10-15% Balinese, with the small remainder being Chinese, Arab, Javanese, and Sumbawanese.

Economy and politics
Lombok has much in common with nearby Bali, but less well-known and less-visited by foreigners. It has been working to increase its visibility to tourists in recent years, promoting itself as an “unspoiled Bali”. The most-developed center of tourism is Senggigi, spread in a 10-kilometer strip along the coastal road north of Mataram, while backpackers congregate in the Gili Islands off the west coast. Other popular tourist destinations include Kuta (distinctly different from Kuta, Bali) where surfing is considered some of the best in the world by leading surfing magazines. The Kuta area is also famous for its beautiful, untouched beaches.

While the area may be considered economically depressed by First World standards, the island is fertile, has sufficient rainfall in most areas for agriculture, and possesses a variety of climate zones. Consequently, food in abundant quantity and variety is available inexpensively at local farmer’s markets. A family of 4 can eat rice, vegetables, and fruit for as little as US$0.50. Even though a family income may be as small as US$1.00 per day from fishing or farming, many families are able to live a happy and productive live on astonishingly small incomes.

In early 2000 thousands fled from religious and ethnic violence that swept over the island, and tensions remain. Some travel websites warn that tourists sometimes provoke anger in this economically depressed region. This warning lacks credibility, since all of Lombok has had a long history of welcoming visitors to the island. Both the government and many of the residents recognize that tourism and the services required by tourists is Lombok’s highest source of income. Further proof of the island’s hospitality is show by the fact that tourists are virtually never seriously injured by any interaction with the local population. There is also a refugee camp on the island, costs paid for by Australia, which holds mostly Hazara Afghans who have tried to enter Australia by boat.

Cities
* Bangsal – little harbor servicing the Gili Islands
* Kuta – a surfing mecca like its Bali namesake, but that’s where the similarities end
* Lembar – for boats to Bali
* Mataram – the largest city by far
* Senggigi – the main tourist strip, including the neighboring beach of Mangsit

Understand
Located just east of Bali, Lombok has been promoted as “an unspoiled Bali” for quite some time, with beautiful beaches and the large, looming volcano of Mount Rinjani.

The more Islamic culture in Lombok compared than Bali may explain the reason why Lombok is quieter than Bali in terms of parties and nightlife, which can be either a positive or a negative depending on your point of view. Lombok is also becoming increasingly popular for honeymooners.

Culture
Lombok’s people are 85% Sasak, culturally and linguistically closely related to the Balinese, but unlike Bali’s Hindu they are Muslims. A notable non-orthodox Islamic group found only on Lombok are the Wektu Telu (“Three Prayers”), who as the name suggests pray only three times daily, instead of the five times required in the Quran.

Climate
While tropical, hot and humid, Lombok is drier than neighboring Bali, which makes it a particularly attractive option during the October-December rainy season (it rains on Lombok too, but rarely for more than an hour). The peak of the tourist season, though, is May through August.

Get in
By plane
Lombok’s only airport is Mataram’s Selaparang Airport (AMI), which occasionally also shows up in flight schedules as “Ampenan” (hence the seemingly odd airport code). There are frequent connections to Denpasar on Bali (30 min) and Surabaya (1 hour) on Garuda, Merpati and Germania Trisakti (“GT Air”), but only a single flight per day to Jakarta (on Garuda). A flight offered from and to Yogyakarta (on Garuda) is currently not being scheduled anymore. International flights are limited to Kuala Lumpur daily on Merpati and Singapore thrice weekly on Silk Air, with visas available on arrival. Lombok Network maintains a useful, mostly-updated flight schedule listing all flights to the island.

By boat
Slow boats from Padang Bai on Bali leave about every hour for the four- to five-hour trip to Lembar (Rp 35,000). The slow ferries are a bit rusty and dusty, with minimal restroom facilities, and are used mostly by locals, with few tourists on board. Access to the passenger deck is usually from the vehicle deck via steep and narrow stairs, so maneuvering heavy luggage is a challenge. Would-be porters wait by the docks, and will happily carry your stuff for Rp 10,000 per item. Sometimes they insist on doing so even when you don’t ask. They can be a bit intimidating, and sometimes try

BOOKING AND CONTACT

PT. LOMBOK TROPIC HOLIDAYS INDONESIA
Jl. Barakuda No 09/10
BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi
83355 Senggigi-Batu Layar West Lombok
NTB-INDONESIA
Phone : +62 (0)370 692 179
Fax : +62 (0)370 692 179
Cell: +62 (0)818 057 20243 / 852 3972 5657

Contact by Email:
info@lomboksailing.com

Websites Networking:
www.lombokmarine.com
www.labuanbajo-flores.com
www.lombokrooms.com
www.rinjanionline.com
www.rajaampatlodges.com
www.floresexplore.com
www.rajaampatindonesia.com
www.lomboksailing.com
www.komododiving.com
www.komodocruise.com
www.orangutanexplore.com
www.orangutanislands.com