THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT
KUTA BEACH LOMBOK
The scenery of Kuta Beach
The best-known place on the south coast is Lombok's Kuta Beach (Sometime spelt Kute Beach), a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills rising around it, but not much else. It very small development with far fewer tourist than in famous Kuta Beach on Bali, but there are big plans to develop a whole stretch of the superb south coast with luxury hotels.
After many years of speculation there are signs something is happening, with the road from Praya completely remade and big new road running to as yet undeveloped beaches. Meanwhile, the low budget Losmen at Kuta are all on limited leases, and seem to trying to get maximum income from minimum investment-some of theme are looking decidedly squalid.Travelers are reporting some hassles here too. People flock to Kuta for the annual Nyale fishing celebration. Usually falling in February or March each year, with thousands sleeping on the beach. The main tourist season is August and for the rest of year it’s very quite.
Surfing.
Plenty of good waves break on the reefs around here – many supposedly
“Secret”. There are lefts and rights in the bay in front of Kuta,
and some more on reefs east of Tanjung Aan. Local boatman will take you out
for a few thousands rupiah. Go about seven km east of the Kuta to the fishing
village of Gerupak, where there are several potential breaks on the reefs
at the entrance of Gerupak Bay. Again access is by local fishing boat. There’s
more breaks further east and west, from Blongas to Serewi, but nearly all
require a boat: the charter rate is about 150.000 to 250.000 rp per day. Bigger
yacht from Bali do surf charters along the whole of LOMBOK south coast. There
aren’t many secrets
Nyale Fishing Festival
On the 19th day of the 10th month in Sasak Calendar-generally February or march-hundreds of Sasak gather on the beach. When night falls, fires a built and the young people sit around competing with each other in rhyming couplets called Pantun. At dawn the next day, the first Nyale a caught, after which it is time for the Sasak teenagers to have fun. In colorful procession boys and girls sail out to sea – in different boats - chase one another with lots of noise and laughter. The worm-like nyale fish are eaten raw or grilled, and are believed to have aphrodisiac properties. A good catch is a sign that the rice harvest will also be good.
GILI ISLANDS
Beautiful beaches
The Gili islands is a popular destination in Indonesia among tourists, especially young Europeans traveler's. They are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling and partying.
Most people have heard of the "Gili islands" but it is not the local name. Gili actually means small island and there are lots of other gili's around Lombok. Early island visitors might remember crudely constructed bamboo huts and open roofed, Indonesian style of bathroom (Kamar Mandi). The development for the last five years has change the island's look. Local businesses once get a soft loan from the local government to improve the tourist infrastructure to meet the today's standard of simple accommodation. Additionally, there are numbers of join venture between locals and European businessmen to develop the island. Gili Island's accommodation tarrifs on today's range from are between Rp. 45,000 to 100,000 per night for a simple room with fan, to an air-con bungalows style with hot water, in comfortable resort-style settings at up to Rp. 750,000 per night and everything in between, depending on the seasonal price fluctuations...
While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy all the islet has to offer, with accommodation prices at their lowest level. To get around the isle, you will not find any cars or motorcycles on any of the islands because they are prohibited by the locals living there. The only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.
Electricity supply is only available on Gili Air and Gili Trawangan, but a few places in Gili Meno have their own generators. The electrical voltage in Indonesia is 220 Volt, if you bring any devices which require recharged at lower voltage (110 Volt) bring an electrical voltage converter or ask the hotel where you stay for STAVOLT. Money changers are available in most Tourist Information, but usually give you a lower rate than changing on the mainland of Lombok. Internet rental are available in all the islands. Possible to make int'l phone calls on all islands.
Sanitation has improved on the islands. A Health center is also available with very simple facilities. However, always drink from bottled water or boiled water and avoid eating raw foods or salads from small non-reputable restaurants, because the water might not be sterilized.
There are no Police Station or Military Post on the islands, but there is a small police station in Bangsal harbor. The Islands funded non-uniformed community policing group, SATGAS, ensures visitor's security and safety. In the rare event of someone breaking the law or disturbing tourists, prepetrators are handed over to Police on Lombok and face banishment from the island for up to five years. For your own safety, deposit valuable items at the reception where you're staying at. Carry only small cash and necessary items.
Activities
There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. You can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes.
Scuba Diving
Dive and touch the turtles.
There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A must see: Turtles Point, Meno Wall, Shark (harmless) Point. Dive Schools available on all the islands with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical dives.
Snorkeling
Over 15,000 marine species
While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life living just off-shore.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep fishing remain the best on north west of Gili Trawangan. Carry your own equipment if you're not familiar with the traditional-style of fishing.
GUNUNG RINJANI NATIONAL PARK
The scenery of Rinjani
Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of celebrated “Ring of Fire”. The dramatic landscape has been created over millions of year of cone - building, violent explosions, and erosion.
Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and act as water - collectors for the hole of Lombok. For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. Segara Anak crater lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the hot springs. The endemic duck Belibis is found here and several species of fish are recorded. Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia was established in 1997.
Over 20 villages surround Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain , but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east.
The challenging three – day Rinjani trek route from Senaru to the stunning crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered on of the best treks in south East Asia . Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community based activities are focused on the Rinjani trek Center in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani trek Center embodies under one roof (Satu atap) the unique partnership of the National park, tourism industry and Local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.
Segara anak crater lake