Lombok News

For years it has lived in the shadow of its more famous neighbor Bali. Now Indonesia’s pristine Lombok Island is making a concerted effort to build itself up as the next Bali, while trying to maintain its natural charm. Slower to catch the tourism train than its neighbor to the west, Lombok has been promoted as “unspoiled Bali”. But a future US$600 million development may see it emerge on par with Bali as a world-class tourism destination, according to the United Arab Emirates-based developer.

Tourists visiting Lombok typically treat it as a side-trip to Bali, staying just a few days. The Japanese and Australians, Bali’s top two groups of tourists, come to Lombok for the surfing. The Koreans come here to honeymoon, the Europeans see it more like an extension of Bali, and expatriates come from Jakarta for the relaxation, explains Dominique Duvivier, the general manager of Accor’s Novotel Lombok.

But he says there’s new interest in Lombok. The hotel struggled to survive in the aftermath of the tourism downturn that followed the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings. Business is particularly good this year though, with the hotel running at about 53% occupancy compared to just 30% at this time last year.

News of a new airport and UAE property developer Emaar Properties plans have helped generate interest in Lombok. “I think Bali is too crowded so they need to find a plan B,” Duvivier said of Lombok’s visitors. “Also this development program is bringing some new investors, some new tourists.” The Novotel Lombok is currently the only top-end hotel in the island’s south, although there are other budget and mid-range accommodation options in the area.

Lombok’s principal beach resort of Sengiggi is situated in the western part, closer to the capital Mataram, the current airport and Lembar, the main port for ferries to and from Lombok. Work has started on a new $US72 million ($A75.11 million) international airport, close to the town of Praya and about 30km south of the existing Salaparang airport. Authorities believe the opening of the new airport, expected in 2010, will make Lombok a primary tourist destination, rather than just an add-on to Bali. International travelers will be able to fly direct to Lombok. And the new airport will be able to handle 2.4 million visitors, a massive increase on the Salaparang airport’s 800,000 passenger capacity.

Among them are expected to be a large number of tourists from the Middle East, drawn by Emaar’s planned development of a 1,175 hectare site in south Lombok. The development will be set along a seven-kilometers natural waterfront complete with five-star resorts, luxury residences, a marina, golf course and shops. The Bali Tourism Development Corporation signed off on the Lombok mega-tourism project in March, with master planning for the development beginning in April. The first five-star hotels are expected to open to guests in a few years time and further development will take place over a number of years.

Emaar says its project, set on the Kuta and Tanjung beaches, will be environmentally friendly, integrating natural elements into a residential, leisure and hospitality zone. Unveiling the project in April last year, Emaar chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar described Lombok as one of the most promising tourism destinations in Indonesia, adding it had the potential to be the magnet for world travelers. “We are thankful to the Indonesian government for their trust in us to support their development initiatives that will help position Lombok on par with Bali as a world-class tourism destination,” Alabbar said in a statement at the time.

Visit Lombok today and you’re certainly not met with a carbon copy of Bali. It’s immediately clear that it’s more laid back and less touristy, even though tourism is the island’s largest source of income. It’s sometimes described as being like Bali 20 years ago, although at least one Lombok travel company says that’s incorrect if you consider the landscapes and cultures that are uniquely Lombok. As lombokhotelandtravel.com puts it: “As the old saying goes, ‘You can see Bali in Lombok but you can’t see Lombok in Bali’.”

Whereas most Balinese are Hindu, Lombok’s population is mainly made up of the island’s indigenous Sasak people, most of whom are Muslims. Entering one of the traditional villages, our guide reminds us that “this is not a museum, live people live here”. The 700 people, described by guide Anaf as one big family, live here in a cluster of 150 thatched houses. Sade, situated near Kuta beach, is not a tourist setup but they do welcome visitors. Guides like Anaf show tourists around for a small donation. There’s nine other villages in this family, housing 4,200 people, with Sade being the oldest, “the mother of the villages”.

The Sasak people here continue a number of traditions, although some things have been adapted to the times. “It’s our tradition, if you like a girl you have to ‘kidnap’ her,” Anaf says. And so the parents live downstairs in a Sasak house, with the daughters sleeping up higher, next to the cooking area, until they’re 15 because then “it’s difficult to kidnap them”. Of course nowadays everyone has a mobile phone. “The kidnappings happened long, long ago, not now,” Anaf says. After a call or a text message: “The girls wait at the front of the houses. It’s more easy to kidnap them.”

The first job of a Sasak family is still farming. And the girls have to learn how to weave the multi-colored, intricate sarongs and songket fabric. “Weaving is very important, it’s passed down from mother to daughter,” Anaf says. “If the girl can’t do weaving they’re not allowed to get married in here.” It’s also known for its pottery. And of course there’s the diving, snorkelling, hiking and surfing.

Horse carts or cidomos blend in with cars and scooters in Mataram, and life generally moves at a slower pace than in Bali (which is hard to imagine when you first arrive in Bali and quickly discover everything moves according to Bali time). Riots in Mataram in early 2000 had a big impact on tourism to Lombok, as did the flow-on effects from a drop in visitor numbers after the Bali bombings.

Before the October 2002 bombing, a lot of Australians came to Lombok, Anaf recalls. The numbers dropped significantly after that, although a graph at the village shows international visitors to Sade increasing from around 1,250 in 2002 to about 4,000 last year. “Tell your family to come to Lombok because Lombok is still natural,” Anaf says as we leave.

Over at the Novotel Lombok, where the accommodation includes 23 Sasak villa rooms, set out in the style of a traditional Sasak village, Duvivier thinks the differences between Bali and its neighbour to the east are even greater than simply describing Lombok as the Bali of 20 years ago.

“In Bali, Kuta 20 years ago was still developed,” he says. “It’s more than 20 years ago, I would say even 30 to 40. “It’s [Lombok] still natural. There’s not too many places in the world where it’s still very authentic.” He’s confident Lombok can retain its own unique character even with the Emaar development. “Bali is crowded … We are far better in terms of beach here.

“There’s a few Aussie guys living here and they surf all day, living here in semi-retirement.” Duvivier predicts Lombok will grow, “little by little, yes, but not like Bali”. “I’ve worked myself in many areas and this one is totally magical. “When you see the sunset, it’s breathless. You think ‘wow, this is beautiful’.”

News published on The Sydney Morning Herald shm.com.au

A perfectly round sun in glaring hues of red and orange was sinking behind the horizon between the islands of Gili Air and Gili Meno in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Cruising on a boat that was moving into the sunset, I sat dreamily, watching the sky turn from grayish-blue to purplish-pink. The sun was reflected in the rippling water, giving it a golden glimmer.

I’ve always dreamed of watching the perfect sunset by the beach - like the one so eloquently depicted in Seno Gumira Ajidarma’s collection of short stories Sepotong Senja Untuk Pacarku (A piece of dusk for my love).

Desperate after several attempts at catching the perfect sunset, I was about to give up, almost ready to concede that Seno sunsets were merely fiction. However, my trip to the island of Lombok saved me from a broken dream. When I took up an offer to join a sunset cruise organised by five-star Oberoi’s Lombok Beach Club, I got my chance to experience that perfect sunset. The Beach Club is managed by marine adventure company H20 Sportz.

The lulling movement of the boat, cool breeze on my skin and Lombok’s natural beauty made it breathtaking. Medana beach and the volcanic soil of handsome Mt Rinjani were visible to the east. To the west, the silhouette of Mt Agung on Lombok’s sister island, Bali, was visible. For vacationers willing to trade the excitement of a tourist crowd for nature and tranquility, Lombok is the place.

Possessing only a fraction of Bali’s tourist infrastructure, much of Lombok remains virtually unexplored. But, National Geographic Traveller magazine recently gave Lombok higher marks than Bali for sustainable tourism. The island is slightly smaller than neighbouring Bali, with a population of 2.3 million, the majority of whom are Muslim. The indigenous Sasak people adhere to a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs found only in Lombok.

The island has a wide variety of topographical features and microclimates. North Lombok is the domain of the active Mount Rinjani while the central region is devoted to agricultural. South Lombok, while very arid, offers breathtaking vistas of a fierce sea from atop towering rock outcrops.

The coral reefs off the three Gili Islands are still in good condition, making this a good place for snorkeling and diving.

I stayed at The Oberoi, located in Tanjung, around 35 minutes northwest of Selaparang Airport. From the Medana Beach, where the resort is located, Gili Air and Gili Meno are visible. I arose early for sunrise watching and fishing, activities organised by the Beach Club. The new day broke as magnificently as the previous day had ended. Around 6am, from the jetty at Medana Beach, we could see the first morning light give a pinkish hue to the calm waters.

We were taken to Gili islands just off Lombok and enjoyed sunrise photography on the way. We were also lucky enough to catch up with a group of dolphins and land a yellow fin tuna. At Gili Air, one of the three Gili islands and the nearest to Lombok - some went sailing and some snorkeled. There, in the underwater forest of coral, I spotted white sea turtles. We anchored off a white-sand beach and, as the day got warmer, I retreated to a shady hammock with a good book. Gili Air is popular for its coral reefs and tranquil ambience. It’s quieter and more relaxed than Gili Trawangan, which is popular as a party island for backpackers.

We took a ride on a cidomo, a local horse carriage. Thirty minutes was all it took to circle the entire island. After the ride, we were treated to the local spicy Taliwang chicken for lunch. Unlike Bali, Lombok has only a few five-star hotels. The Oberoi was Lombok’s first luxury resort; the island also has a Sheraton and a Holiday Inn. Budget lodging is available, including at popular Senggigi beach and in the Gilis.

Despite its natural beauty and interesting culture, tourism in Lombok lags behind Bali. Lombok suffered from rioting in 2000 as well as the bomb attacks in Bali in 2002 and 2005.

An international airport is under construction, scheduled for completion in 2009. It is expected to bring more international airlines to the island and more people to witness the beauty of Lombok.

Getting there: Currently Lombok can be reached from Singapore with Silk Air and from Jakarta with Garuda Airlines. Domestic carriers make the 20-minute hop from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport to Lombok’s Selaparang airport frequently. There is also a Bali-Lombok sea alternative: public ferries departing every two hours from Padang Bai in Bali. Tour companies such as Perama tours also go to Lombok.

Accommodation: High-end resorts such as The Oberoi, The Sheraton and Holiday Inn are available. Budget places are available in Senggigi beach and the three Gilis.

Getting around: Lombok has an extensive network of roads, but public buses and bemos (minibuses) are generally restricted to main routes. You can also charter a bemo or cidomo (pony cart) or rent a small motorcycle or a car. Outrigger boats called perahu are used for short trips to snorkeling spots or surf breaks.

Written by PRODITA SABARINI
Published on My Sinchew - www.mysinchew.com

The Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), a key partner assisting the Indonesian government in infrastructure building, has signed a joint venture with Emaar Properties PJSC, one of the world’s leading property developers, to undertake the Lombok mega-tourism and mixed-use project.

In the presence of Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Mr I Made Mandra, President Director, BTDC, and Mr Muhammad Lutfi, Chief, Investment Coordinating Board, signed the joint venture agreement with Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, in Dubai, today.

The flagship Lombok project is envisaged as a world-class residential and resort community sprawling over 1,175 hectares. Masterplanning for the AED 2.2 billion (US$600 million; IDR5446 billion) development will begin in April. Set on the pristine Kuta and Tanjung beaches, the project will be environment-friendly and integrate residential, leisure and hospitality zones. The JV will also explore further growth opportunities in Indonesia.

Mr Mandra said: “The joint venture with Emaar Properties underscores the strong bilateral business relations between Indonesia and the UAE. Indonesia welcomes investments that add to the socio-economic prosperity of our people, and Emaar with its proven competencies as a world-class developer, can contribute to the country’s economic growth. The Lombok project will particularly focus on tourism to complement the growing appeal of the destination.”

Mr Alabbar said: “Bali Tourism Development Corporation has been one of the prime drivers of the Indonesian economy, and has accomplished several milestone projects with a focus on infrastructure building. The joint venture lends momentum to our expansion plans for Indonesia, a key market where we have already been involved in developing eco-friendly homes in Ngelepen to rehabilitate the earthquake affected.”

Emaar is one of the first developers from the Middle East and North Africa region to expand into Indonesia, an emerging market with strong growth potential, especially in the tourism sector. Last year, Emaar signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA), the state-owned Asset Management Company, for developing the Lombok project.

The focus of the project will be to drive tourism to the region by offering a diverse leisure spread such as diving, snorkeling, hiking and surfing sports, for which Lombok is acclaimed globally. There will be a 7 km natural waterfront supporting a marina, luxury residences, golf course and resorts to be operated by five-star hospitality chains.

Established in 1973, BTDC supports the Indonesian government in economic and national development, with emphasis on strengthening foreign investment and creating job opportunities. BTDC has been instrumental in the inception of some of Indonesia’s renowned development projects including hotels, resorts and shopping complexes.

Emaar’s expansion to Indonesia is in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world through geographic expansion and business segmentation. Emaar has a growing presence in Asia, and has already opened its first Emaar - Raffles International School in Singapore.

News by: Al Bawaba - www.albawaba.com

article by timesonline.co.uk
Some unique gems for backpackers in a continent packed with natural wonders, sporting destinations and ancient culture.

With the tourist industry thriving in Asia, there are fewer and fewer places to travel that aren’t littered with tourist groups and too many fellow backpackers. Here is the Times Student’s top 10 places that offer something unique for the young traveller - get there quick before the hordes arrive.

1. Japan: Hot springs and ‘hells’ of Beppu

With the majority of travellers sticking to tried and tested cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima, often the view of Japan is skewed. Although buzzing metropolises are numerous, there is another side to Japan.

Beppu is a town on the island of Kyushu and is best known for its natural hot springs which supply numerous baths around the city. They include ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths and steam baths.

You can also visit the ‘hells’ which are boiling ponds created by volcanic activity. Seven of the nine hells are clustered close together in the Kannawa area.

2. Indonesia: dive in the Gili islands of the coast of Lombok

Gili Trawangan is one of a trio of tiny coral-fringed islands just off the North West coast of Lombok. Gili Air and Gili Meno are the others which are just a few minutes away by boat.

All three islands are free from cars and motorbikes and have some incredible diving with the full range of PADI courses.

Trawangan is also known as the ‘party island,’ particularly over peak times from July-August and December-January.

For a more sedate and laid back time, Gili Meno is the smallest of the islands and has fewer tourists but still has some great coral reefs to explore.

3. China: Caves, climbing and kayaking in Yangshuo

This small town is located in South China in Guilin, Guangxi Province. The town has the Li river on one side, and is on a small plain between a number of karst peaks.

The active traveller can never be bored here due to the huge range outdoor activities. First and foremost it is the major rocking climbing area in China with over 300 bolted sites. But, it is also possible to go kayaking or bamboo rafting on the surrounding rivers, mountain biking up ‘Moon hill’ as well as exploring the cave systems nearby. The sleepy town is fast becoming an adventure sports capital.

4. Laos: Apsara restaurant in Luang Prabang

Increasingly popular, particularly now it has an airport; Luang Prabang still maintains the small town feel and is surrounded by some incredible architecture and Buddhist temples. The town which overlooks the Mekong River retains its French colonial influence and the people are absolutely delightful.

Overlooking the Nam Khan river, the Apsara is arguably the best restaurant in Laos. Not only does it have a great variety of local dishes it is immaculate in both cleanliness and service. It only costs around £6 for three sublime courses and the water buffalo steak, rainbow fish and ice cream with Laos Poppadom are highly recommended.

5. Cambodia: Temple time in Angkhor Wat

You cannot go to Cambodia without visiting these 12th century Khmer temples. Bayon and Ta Prohm are the most popular in an area that was thought to be the size of New York in its pomp. You can get anything from a one to five day pass but with a savvy guide you can cover the major temples in a couple of days.

It is also worth visiting the Killing fields in Phnom Penh, an area dedicated to the millions who died in Pol Pot’s genocide.

For a slightly different experience head 50 miles north of Siem Riep to Beng Melea, a 12th-century temple built to the same design as Angkor Wat. Be prepared to lose all sensation in your bum after galloping over numerous pot holes on your moped.

6. India: Tea time in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a region cut off from the rest of India by the foothills of the Himalayas. It is located in North Bengal and surrounded by incredible scenery, including one a view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

Many of the local population travel here for their summer holidays when it gets too hot in Calcutta. A unique way to get there is via the Darjeeling toy train, a small gauge train, introduced by the British, which heads up a mountain face from 100m to 2,200m.

The tea from this region is world famous and, as well as doing some hill walking, it is worth joining the Darjeeling tea tasting club for a small fee.

7. Vietnam: Beaches and party time

Still synonymous with war and the Viet Cong, it is worth visiting the Chu Chi tunnels to the North West of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) to experience what it was really like for Vietnamese soldiers.

Vietnam also has some stunning beaches which are often combined with some basic but homely beach houses. These areas provide the perfect places to relax after the heat, humidity and claustrophobia of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

One of the better places is Na Trang which has a reputation of a party town and has some excellent bars and restaurant. Just beware of the rice vodka and bamboo straws.

8. China: Mount Emei

Situated in the Sichaun province, ‘Emei Shan’ is the western most, and tallest of the four sacred mountains of China.

Buddhists regard the mountains as being the ‘Gateway to the Gods’, and because of this, temples line the track all the way up to the summit.

It takes around three days to hike up and down, possibly the longest staircase in the world.

Most people stay overnight on the first evening in on of the monasteries and spend the second at the Golden Temple in order to see the sunrise.

The summit is incredible - a pocket of land that seems to rest on a carpet of clouds at 9,800 feet.

9. Laos: Chillax in Si Phan Don

Right on the border with Cambodia in the Mekong Delta, Si Phan Don, can be translated as four-thousand islands because of the plethora of islets that jut out in dry season.

Don Khon is probably one of the best to stay on if it is tourists you are looking to escape. There is often a day trip from Pakse, but the visitors only tend to stay on the island for an hour or so.

By getting an early morning boat trip you can catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins or explore the old French colonial buildings which remain.

Take in the Li Phi waterfalls or just stroll leisurely through the villages. Once away from the accommodation centre of the island you can really get a taste for the true Laos.

10. Indonesia: Surfing in Bali and Java.

This area is one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations. The Bukit peninsula (Bali) includes some of Bali’s best waves and breaks including Dreamland, the Impossibles, and Padang Padang. It also has white-sand and some glorious undeveloped beaches.

For the less experienced surfers, head to the fishing village of Pelabuhan Ratu (Java). It has a great village atmosphere and friendly locals, with options to suit all levels.

IF Bali is Bugs Bunny then Lombok is definitely Daffy Duck. Honestly Lombok is better for what it lacks. But westerners generally want more, so Bali gets the tourists. Lombok gets less. That’s just the way it is. Actually the director of tourism for Lombok was quoted in the local press blaming Lombok’s low numbers on the Sasak people’s darker skin tone. No degreee for this guy. (more…)