Lombok Information

Lombok Island
Lombok is about three-quarters the size of Bali and is estimated to have, surprisingly, approximately 2.5 million inhabitants making it slightly more densely populated than Bali. As well, Lombok lies only 8o (375km) South of the equator. As such, the weather is tropical. Days are almost universally 12 hours long with sunrise is approximately 6:20 a.m.; sunset at 6:30 p.m. depending on the time of year. The daytime temperature averages between 27o C to 32o C (80o F to 90o F) along the western coastal area (the main tourist venue). Average temperature inland is 29o C to 34o C. Moreover, if you plan to climb Mt. Rinjani bring a sweater, at 3,726 meters it is Indonesia's second tallest mountain and gets surprisingly cold up there.

Lombok's tropical monsoon climate has two distinct seasons; dry (May to September) and wet (October to March). Monsoon refers to the wind, not the rain. However, even in the wet monsoon the rain tends to be localized and short lived. Weather-wise May, June and July are generally considered the best.

The Lombok Strait is a strait connecting the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean, located between the islands of Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. Its narrowest point is at its southern opening, with a width of only 18 km, but at the northern opening it is 40 km across. Total length is about 60 km.

The Lombok Strait is notable as one of the main passages for the Indonesian through flow that exchanges water between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

It also marks the passage of the biogeographical division between the fauna of Indo-Malaysia 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 here. When sea levels dropped during the Pleistocene ice age, Bali was connected to Java and Sumatra and to the mainland of Asia and shared the Asian fauna, but the deep water of the Lombok Strait continued to keep Lombok and the Lesser Sunda archipelago isolated.

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.

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.


Paradise Island
Even though only 70 miles to the east of Bali, Lombok feels as if it is another country in another time. Lombok's beautiful landscapes are some of the finest in the Indonesian archipelago with only a fraction of the hustle and bustle of its neighbors, Bali and Java. Villagers commute unhurriedly via cidomo (horse drawn carts) along green terraced rice fields from town to town.

Even so, Lombok has never quite received the same international fame as Bali. This is a blessing for the traveler wishing to get away from mass tourist destinations. Lombok has a wide range of hotels from simple guesthouses to the finest 5 star hotels and resorts imaginable. There are many hotel areas to stay in Lombok depending on what type of holiday you prefer. For those of you who are a bit more adventurous and would like to experience Indonesia without too much Westernization, the Island welcomes you to explore Lombok and expectantly will appreciate this undiscovered jewel in Indonesia.

Today, Lombok is a harmonious blend of the Balinese and the Sasak people. It may no longer have the treasure chambers, but it is equally rich in culture. You will discover many traditional crafts and weavings with a Balinese influence. The infrastructure in Lombok is still in a perfect condition (in contrary to Bali sometimes). The island of Lombok is a voyage of discovery, an idyllic holiday adventure. Travelers find an unspoiled tropical paradise so rare in today's crowded world.


Senggigi (Indonesia's French Riviera)
Boasting the broadest range of accommodation possibilities, restaurants and entertainment facilities on the island, is the 30-kilometer piece of spectacular coastline running north from the old port town of Ampenan and up past central Senggigi.

Close to the airport and ferry facilities, headquarters on this stretch of beach land is the Senggigi area with its colorful beach road and beachfront loaded with classy hotels, slick restaurants, pubs with attractive themes, boutiques with racks of cool gear, antique stores fitted out like mini museums, hi-tech dive operations and a growing number of internet cafes.

And while two glistening bays separated by a thrust of white coral jutting out into the ocean form the Senggigi centre, the scenery changes dramatically to white sandy beaches and small palm-fringed bays as you travel further north. Here and there, classy resorts and small boutique hotels grace their own private beaches or nestle snugly into the hinterland.

The views up and down the coast and stretching out to sea as far as Bali are simply majestic. Swimming off the beaches is safe. The reefs are home to a variety of marine life and beautiful coral ideal for relaxed snorkeling.

In Senggigi, it is possible to arrange dive trips to the Gili islands and Rinjani treks as well as excursions to other areas of Lombok. Taxis and mini-vans provide transport within Senggigi and to Mataram and near-by towns.


Sekotong
45 km, South-West. Sekotong is the newly discovered paradise with its pristine beaches and dramatic landscaping to die for. Where else would you be able to find pure absolute beachfront land property for under US $1000 / 100 m2 land and views that bring tears to your eyes. The Sundancer resort in Sekotong is one of many villa property investment projects that are already developed or planned in Sekotong, Lombok.

The Sekotong region also consists of 16 small islands called Gili: Gili Genting, Gili Lontar, Gili Amben, Gili Batukijuk, Gili Bedis, Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong, Gili Nanggu, Gili Berairan, Gili Gede, Gili Asahan, Gili Layar, Gili Anyaran, Gili Poh, Gili Rengit, Gili Goleng. Only three of them are inhabited (approximately 2.200 persons): Gili Gede, Gili Asahan and Gili Layar. It is about 60 kilometres from the capital Mataram around 2 hours by car. Also possible to reach from Nusa Penida island (Bali), which takes around 3 hours by boat.

Tawun  
42 km, South-West. A beach of unspoiled beauty with particular view of the nearby little islands : Gili Nanggu, Gili Genting, Gili Sudak and  Gili Tangkong, all of which provide excellent beaches for the 3 S's (Swimming, Sunbathing and Snorkeling).

Kuta area
Kuta is situated on the southern coast of Lombok. The resort area is strung out along a sweeping golden beach. The sand at Kuta is unusual as it is perfectly spherical & as such does not compact like sand usually does making it difficult to walk on. Indonesian tourists to Kuta collect the sand to take home & use in their aquariums & ponds. There is little to no nightlife in Kuta. Once or twice a week you will find a band performing live music in one of the restaurants. When the tide is low the bay turn into shallow water pool and the color of the water turns into turquoise. The South coast of Lombok is also famous for the high waves.

One of the most popular pass times in the Kuta region is surfing. Many visitors come back year after year to surf the famous Kuta waves. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner you will find the surf spot for you. Surf boards & boogie boards are available to rent or bring your own. You will need transport to the waves from Kuta, most guests choose to rent motorcycles which come with a special surf rack attached.

For miles in each direction east & west of Kuta you will find the stunning deserted beaches of your dreams. Heading east is Segare beach, climb the hill here to watch the sunset. 5km east of Kuta is Tanjung Aan. This beach comprises of two sweeping white sand bays with perfect turquoise water. They are seperated in the middle by a rocky outcrop which you can climb. Tanjung Aan & the other beaches in this are can be reached either by public bemo or you can rent a motorcycle or bicycle.

All over Lombok you will find stunning scenery from the coastal beaches to the verdant rice paddies. The landscape is dominated by the Rinjani Mountain, the second highest peak in Indonesia, which even though in North Lombok can be seen from the south. Try to spend some time out of the main tourist areas, you will discover a people renowned for their friendliness & your holiday will be enriched because of it.
 
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 are 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 a 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.

Novotel Lombok is located on the Southern shore of Lombok Island, on a well known white sandy beach of Putri Nyale, right in the centre of the traditional Sasak culture. Just 20 minutes flying from the sister island Bali and 60 km from Lombok International Airport.

Sire area
In the Sire region you can experience great views of the largest volcano in Indonesia. Mountain Rinjani is said to be the home of the Goddess Anjani and is a site of great spiritual significance. A 2900-metre climb will take you to the most spectacular views of Lombok's west coast, Crater Lake - Segara Anak and the surrounding ocean. Just a short boat trip away, the Gili Islands are perfect for snorkeling.


Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club (Sire - Lombok)
Thomson, Wolveridge and Perret designed this tree-rich course. It hosts views of surrounding mountains, white beaches and the blue sea. Travel time may take a while; the closest area is the famous Senggigi area.

Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club is situated on the north-west coast of Lombok island. The golf course, located on Sire Bay, offers views of Mt. Rinjani in the north-east and the Gili islands across the bay to the west. It is 45 minutes drive from Selaparang airport and 40 minutes drive from the Senggigi resort area. The course was masterfully designed by Peter Thompson, Michael Wolveridge & Perrett with design philosophy deeply respecting the natural on-site contours of the land. The 18-holes championship course offers a unique, challenging and world-class
experience for golfers of all levels.

The golf course site has a serene atmosphere. The fairway landform is gently undulating, mild breezes come off the sea and dappled shade from the palm-leaf canopy overhead completes the pleasant environment. Greens are generous in size and smoothly undulating. Around the course there are numerous bunkers of various depth, size and shape, strategically placed to test all golfers.

Hole 1-9 facing the sea side include the signature No 4 hole adjacent to the white sandy beach. Holes 10-18 face the mountains and include No 12 longest hole on the course with its handicap of 1.


Golf Course Info
Year Built : 2001
Designer : Peter Thompson, Michael Wolveridge & Perret
Total Holes : 18 holes
Total Pars : 72 pars
Total Distance : 5,846
Owner : PT. Nugra Santana & Kosaido Dev. Co. Ltd
Green Fee : Green Fee & Caddy Fee : USD 80.00/person
Golf Cart : US$ 20.00
Facilities : Shoes for hire, Golf Club for hire, Pro Shop, Shower, Locker, Club House, Cart for hire, Driving Range.