About Gili Islands

Gili means small island in local language. Located about 20 km north of Senggigi, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are paradise to divers or marine activities and marine life lovers. There are many dive shops and schools on any of the 3 Gilis. Either you are novice divers or certified ones, you can explore the underwater magnificence of the Gilis no matter on which island you base yourself. You can choose the dive spots you want to experience based on the information provided by your dive master. Or if you don’t dive, simply enjoy your swimming or snorkeling time there. Each of the 3 Gili has beautiful beach and crystal clear water.

To get to the island, just head to Bangsal harbor and buy public boat ticket at the booking clerk at fixed prices. If waiting long for sufficient other passengers is inconvenience for you, then take a chartered boat at higher rate but it sails you promptly on private arrangement.

Gili Air is the closet island from the harbor thus sailing to the island takes only 20 to 25 minutes and Gili Trawangan is the furthest, the biggest and the busiest one. Located across Gili Meno – the less developed and visited – it takes no less than 45minutes to get to the island of Trawangan and there is an opportunity to experience a bumpy sea ride on certain time or seasons.

All of the 3 Gilis offer various ranges of accommodation, restaurants and dive shops meeting your taste and budget. Nevertheless, Gili Trawangan seems to have more to offer since Trawangan magnetizes more visitors a long the year. While, Gili Meno is least developed and visited and is, therefore, less exploited or spoilt. There is quite large variety of choice for dining or staying, though. Gili Meno is good for relaxing.

GILI TRAWANGAN
Now appear to head the list as the most popular island – it has long had a reputation as the the “ Party Island”. Mainly through a concentrated and central foreshore area of restaurants, café, diving company and hotels including some luxuries boutiques and villas choice.

GILI MENO
Still the quietest island is a place to escape and although it has a smaller list of accommodation option those that it has are tending towards a more up-market clientele. Snorkeling off beaches of pure white sand the coral is superb.

GILI AIR
Has the largest local population and while it has more of lived – in feeling that the other two island for some that is quite possibly its attraction. On Gili Air it’s possible to like wide enjoy the marine possibilities but also one can absorb some of the local culture missing on the other island.

GILI GEDE AND GILI NANGGU
These two island off the north coast of the peninsula are now becoming popular for those seeking retreat from the more popular luxurious holiday spots. Accommodation is comfortable, through fairly basic, and entertainment and food is mostly left up to one’s own devices. Popular for those seeking a more alternate holiday life style with the freedom to do as one wishes without restriction both island can be reached by small skiff from Lembar or by other skiff departing from near Tawun.

Anak Lombok Foundation

YAYASAN ANAK LOMBOK (ANAK LOMBOK FOUNDATION)

Lombokvillas.org in cooperation with Yayasan Anak Lombok funds several Orphans and children whose parents can no longer afford to pay them school tuition and other related costs caused by the inflation that follows the frequent fuel price increase.

To support the funding program, Lombokvillas.org shall contribute US$ 1 directly to the Yayasan every time Lombokvillas.org guests buy our products. The fund shall be used to cover most of the main cost a school child may need to survive at the school. The funding may include school uniforms, tuitions, books, and stationery, etc.

So, book our product and safe the poor children’s future. Be part of our struggle and enjoy our best-arranged traveling leisure. Donate your little penny in the most pleasurable way and let us be your vacation organizer and your social investment manager.

Lombok Travel Tips

MANNER
When traveling in any foreign country it helps to know a few of the more basic local custom, mainly to avoid offending anyone unintentionally. Handshaking is customary as a greeting in Lombok or Indonesia, but do not use your left hand. Avoid also using your left hand to give or receive anything. Using your index finger to summon someone is impolite. And climbing over places of worship or local monuments is disrespectful.

CUSTOM
Custom alloy on entry a maximum of 1 liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, Video Cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. The must be declared to custom.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE
US Dollars or Euro and other major currencies in bank notes or travel cheque are easily exchangeable in bank or at authorized money changers in main tourist destination but it is advisable to carry ruphiah in sufficient amount before traveling to minor towns. Daily rates are posted in banks or star rated hotels.

LANGUAGE
Whilst in Lombok, the local language called Sasak but the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, is widely understood even at the remote are or village, so if you are traveling to the more remote areas, it will help if you know a few word Such As “ Selamat Pagi” – Good Morning “ Selmat Siang” – Good Day” Selamat Sore” – Good Afternoon and “Selamat Malam” – Good Evening.

In the more traveled areas, English is reasonably well understood, just speak slowly, be patient, and you will find the Lombokers very helpful and friendly.

COMMUNICATION
Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International direct dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels to 240 countries and more.Long distance, IDD facsimile and internet services are also available at the telecommunication office or internet café in major cities and star rated hotels.

OFFICE HOURS
Government office open from 08.00 am to 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday in Jakarta and close on Saturday and Sunday. In the provinces they close at 3.00 pm and open on Saturday till 1.00 pm. Bussines office have staggered hours. Some open for 8.00 am to 5.00 pm or 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Some stay open for half day on Saturday. Money changer in hotels stay open longer hour till the evening.

SHOPPING
The big cities have shopping complexs, supermarkets and department store where prices are fixed. The stay opens from 08.00 am to 08.00 pm everyday and some evening Sunday. At small shop bargaining might be very important.

CLOTHES
Because of the climate, light and airy casual cloths are practical and acceptable in most places. In difference to local customs, scanty clothing is not advisable in public places, short are not permitted in mosques, temple or at any a holy places and women should have their head and arms covered, waist sashes should be worn when visiting temple. Because of mosquitoes, light color trousers and long sleeved shirt are advisable.

FOOD
With such a diversity of races and cultures its not surprising that Indonesia is a gourmet’s paradise. From spicy Sambal to piquant Chinese favorites, the spread is endless. There is also a wide variety of International Cuisine including Italian, American, Japanese and Thai. You can choose to dine in the comfort and elegance of a 5 stars restaurant, and some of them cultural shows as well. A variety of beverages are available everywhere including very good Indonesian Beer.
Take a few simple commonsense precaution to void any problem.Drink only bottled water (Most hotels provide this in rooms) and avoid adding ice to your drink. Purchase only unpeeled fruit from stall and be cautious about eating salad outside restaurant or hotels. If you are not used to eating spicy food, allow your body time to adjust.

Quite often your itineraries include lunch in a local restaurant, which will give you chance to try some of the more intresting local dishes Such as “Pelecing Kangkung and Ayam Taliwang” a boiled water spinach and grill local chicken, do not despair, you will find them.

RELIGION AND FESTIVAL
Lombok is predominantly Moslem, beside Christian, Catholic and Hinduism. If you find one day the street suddenly clear of people, they have all more like gone to Mosque or Temple.
During certain time of the year, festival such as Ramadhan will means some aspect of your tour may need to be adjusted, but this means you will often be fortunate enough to witness activities that occur only during these times.

SECURITY
Any traveler anywhere in the world needs to be careful of belonging; keep your cases locked, expensive items in the hotel safety deposit box, and your passport close to your body, not in your luggage.
DO……………………!
Trust your instinct. If you are in a situation or location in which feel uncomfortable, LEAVE IT!.
Always take your copy passport or others ID with you all the times.
Inform some reliable people of your where about and where you are going.
Check the expiry date on your visa and ensure that it is either renewed or that you leave the country before it expires.
DO NOT……………………………!!!!!
Place yourself in situation that may be expected to attract threats, e.g. political rallies.
Use drug. It is illegal and can carry the death penalty.

HEALTH
The health care approach in Lombok addresses the problem of availability, accessibility, and appropriateness of services up to village level.
There are currently 4 hospital at the district level and one public hospital in Mataram, the main for delivery of health services to the community are the Community Health Center (PUSKESMA). Over 100 health center are headed by doctors, and assisted by several trained professional staff: Midwife, Nurse, Nutritionist, and others. Community basic health program organized through integrated health services delivery post (POSYANDU) are very important for health and family planning services for young children and mothers.
Efforts are undertaken to control and prevent diseases. A hepatitis laboratory is in Mataram, along with other general laboratories. The strategy for communicable disease control emphasizes prevention of mortality from diarrhoeal dehydration, acute respiratory infection and malaria. In addition, priority has been given to improving water supply and sanitation services in Lombok – West Nusa Tenggara.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Immediate medical assistant is available on 4 til 5 stars accommodation with one phone call to reception or hotel’s operator. Check the tour condition section for further information regarding health, passport, visas and insurance.

TICKET RECONFIRMATION
Please be aware of missing your flight, always reconfirm your local flight, due to some delay, cancel or even change the time while you have an international connecting flight.
Please find below listed local airlines telephone in Lombok Area.

Garuda Indinesia ( Phone 62-370 - 646846 )
Lion Air or Wings Air ( Phone 62-370 - 6627444 )
Merpati Airlines ( Phone 62-370 – 636745 )
IAT ( Phone 62-370 – 6625565 )
Trans Nusa Air ( Phone 62-370 – 6162433 )

AIRPORT TAX
An airport tax of Rp. 75.000,- till Rp. 100.000,- levied by the airport authority for travelers on International routes and Rp. 20,000,- till Rp. 30.000,- for those on domestic routes.

Lombok Charity Excursion

LOMBOK CHARITY EXCURSION

This excursion is exclusively design for those who love to see Lombok children’s smile by distributing their school needs such as: Books, Pencils, Shoes and any other school equipment.

This program is aiming at helping poor and orphan students living in remote areas and away from city development. We are expecting your direct contribution to the children which at the same time you may learn that how meaningful your help or contribution is.

Meet them in schools or at homes and hand down your contribution personally and see their smile and appreciation. (Tailor Made Tour). Opt any destination or places to visit.

DURATION
Half Day : 4 Hours
Full Day : 8 Hours

Lombok Tour Arranggement

LOMBOK SIGHT SEEING TOURS
We, De Tours, gladly welcome you to our beautiful island of Lombok and wishing you a pleasant holiday with us. De Tours, is a tour operator providing you with various quality tour product such as an excursion to find Lombok Handicraft center and rustic traditional village, Golfing, Diving and fishing, Rinjani trekking and many more. All tour are provided with high quality, comfortable coach and friendly traveling companies and safety conscious chauffeur.

If you are thinking of getting rid of your routine while you are in Lombok, just feel free to let us know what you have in mind. Our charming staff will be pleased to assist you to find your way out to paradise on eart.

“PROUD ON YOUR SIDE”. We assure you that we will do our utmost to provide you the ultimate services for your peace of mind. For further information and reservation, please contact us:

Lombok Online Vacation Ltd
Member of: ASITA: License: 707/8.2/BPW/IX/96

Address :
Jl. Lazio 114-115 Puri Meninting - Batu Layar - Lombok
Nusa Tenggara Barat - Indonesia 83355
Phone : +62(0)-370-6609477, 6579425
Facsimile : +62(0)-370-628737
Mobile : +62(0)-81-8362905
E-mail : info@lombokvillas.org
Website : www.lombokvillas.org

THE WONDERS OF THE SEA NANGGU ISLAND TOUR
An exciting Full Day excursion discovering deserte south west coast of Lombok . Driving through beautiful scenery of green paddy fields and verdant hills on the way to Lembar harbor where we boar the outrigger motorized boat for a short sail to Gili with its golden white sandy beach and fantastic under water garden off shores, an ideal place for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing or just lazing around and enjoy the art of doing nothing.

SASAK ARTISTIC & FANTASTIC SOUTHERN COASTS
Getting to know Sasak people with their cultures, tradition and arts is a life time experience, this tours start with a visit to Banyumulek pottery making village, see the local women at work at Sukarara for both Ikat and Songket hand woven fabric, beeswax Batik maybe seen on the way down to Sasak typical village of Rambitan, after lunch at the local restaurant spend the rest of the day for swimming and sun bathing on the stunning white sandy beach of A’an bay. Afternoon drive back to hotel.

CYCLING & COUNTRYSIDE TOURS
Enjoy an easy walk through paddy fields, under the shady trees of central Lombok rain forest and meet the friendly mountain tribes, or cycling along the country roads with its scenic landscapes. After picnic lunch served, drive to Narmada a royal kingly garden or “ Water Eternity”. Mandalika one of the biggest local market in Lombok . Before returning to the hotel stop at Batu Bolong a rocky temple that jut out to the ocean.

HOME PRODUCTION TOURS
To see the way locals making home production stuff by visiting: Grisak a tofu and soybean cake production center. See the whole process of buffalo skin cracker making at Seganteng. Getap black smith village. Jangkuk hand made craft. Tanjung Karang shell accessories and back to hotel.

SENGGIGI SUNSET FISHING TOURS
Leaving from Senggigi at 15:30 on fisherman boat heading to the best location either for fishing or cruising around for sunset will be another experience on your holiday, try to catch fish with traditional fishing gears provided while waiting for the most spectacular sunset over looking mount Agung in Bali . Any fish you catch be your own barbeque. At 18:00 pm back to the harbor.

LOMBOK WEDDING CEREMONY TOURS
This excursion will give you fully chance to get involved in the Sasaknese wedding ceremonial day. You will be part of the participant dresesed in the traditional sasak custom joining the bride and the groom accompanied by a full gamelan orchestra. Generally the groom family by walking a long the street to introduce the newly married couple to the public, since the marriage is not generally through the process of engagement but most commonly by kidnapping or MERARIK in the local language.

WATERFALL NORTHERN COUNTRYSIDE TOURS
Drive through fascinating coastline of north Lombok while enjoying the breeze and the beauty of the gorgeous blues ocean. Stop over at picturesque Malimbu vantage point, from where you can enjoy the blend of green valley, blue ocean and highest and holiest Bali mountain in the distance. Meeting sasak indigenous people and experience their way of life at isolated Segenter Village is also part of your journey before finally take shower in Sendang Gila Waterfall. While enjoying the scenic beauty of the landscape, lunch will be served by the waterfall. After lunch, drive back to the hotel through Pusuk Monkey forest to see our “ ancestor “ in the wild, waiting for some peanuts from tourists passing by.

How to Reach to Lombok

Lombok is very easily accessible both by air and sea. Since Lombok gain its popularity, many airlines recently start flying to and/or from Mataram in addition to the already existing state owned airlines, Merpati and Garuda. Lombok is mostly reached by visitor from Bali as there are so many connections from many countries. In spite of the connections available in Bali, Lombok can also be reached from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore served by Merpati Airlines and Silk Air respectively.

BALI TO LOMBOK BY AIR
It’s easy to get to Lombok from Bali!. Buy tickets direct from the airlines counter at the domestic airport or contact us.. in both Bali and Lombok

Merpati Airlines
Flies direct between Bali and Lombok, with four flights daily.
Price : US$ 43/Ticket/Way

Trigana Air and Trans Nusa Air Service
Flies direct between Bali and Lombok with two flights daily, morning and Afternoon.
Price : US$ 40/Ticket/Way
Starting July 15, 2007 Trigana Air and Trans Nusa Air Service flies direct between Bima (Sumbawa Island) and Denpasar (Bali) with three times a week.
Price : US$ 42/Ticket/Way
Mataram – Sumbawa – Mataram three times a week.
Price : US$ 33/Ticket/Way
Sumbawa – Denpasar three times a week.
Price : US$ 43/Ticket/Way

Wings Air operates three flights between Bali and Lombok daily

BALI TO LOMBOK BY SEA
Traveling by bus can be an unforgettable experience despite the time and energy consuming. Air-conditioned executive buses are available at Ubung Bus Station in Bali, some of which starts at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Taking a regular shuttle bus is also a possible alternative to travel by bus to Lombok. Just inquire at any shuttle ticket sales counter in places of interests like Kuta, Ubud, or Sanur. However, traveling by public buses for such a long distance is not recommended as the public buses constantly stop either to drop off or pick up passengers along the way. Even if the bus is not yet full, it might keep looping around the station or town looking for more passengers. Taking a public bus in this case also will make your time and schedule very unpredictable. Instead, self drive a hired car from Bali and cross to Lombok by ferry is worthwhile considering.

Public ferries depart every two hours for the sea voyage between Padang Bai Harbor (Bali) and Lembar Harbor (Lombok). The crossing between the island takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. One Way ticket cost is US$ 3 per person. The cost for transporting motorbike is US$ 9 including biker, and for a car is US$ 53.

Padang Bai harbor is approx. 1.5 hours by car from Kuta and South Bali.Lembar Harbor is approx. 1 hour south of Senggigi, Lombok. Arrange your own transfers and buy tickets direct from the harbor, or use a reputable tour company to provide through service.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Selaparang Airport in Lombok currently handles international arrivals and has full visa on arrival facilities, with efficient and fast visa processing.

Silk Air (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) flies direct between Lombok and Singapore, three times per week.

Merpati Airline has flight to Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia (via Surabaya) everyday
Garuda Indonesia has international flight to all major Indonesian capital cities, with connecting flight to Lombok.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT
Lombok is easily accessible from BALI, JAKARTA, SURABAYA and JOGJAKARTA and is important connection for travel to the eastern islands, in particular Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores.

Garuda Indonesia has direct flights between Lombok and Jakarta everyday.

Lion Air has regular flights between Lombok, Jakarta and Surabaya.

Wing Air flies direct between Lombok and Jakarta.

Merpati Airlines has flight available between Lombok, Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Sumbawa, Flores, Kupang and many other Indonesian destination.

LOMBOK TO SUMBAWA ISLAND BY SEA
Lombok is also accessible by sea as ferries sail from Padang Bai Bali to Lembar Lombok, and v.v, regularly, if often less comfortable, round-the clock. From the east sea entrance, ferry service is also available from Poto Tano Sumbawa to Kayangan Lombok, quite regular. Ferries from both Padang Bai Harbor Bali in the west and from Poto Tano Harbor Sumbawa in the east can take cars and passengers.