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Mount Rinjani National Park
The volcano and the caldera are protected by the
Gunung Rinjani National Park established in 1997.
Tourism is increasingly popular with trekkers able
to visit the rim, make their way into the caldera or
even to make the more arduous climb to the highest
point fatalities, however, are not uncommon. In July
2009 the summit route was closed due to volcanic
activity at that time and subsequently reopened when
the activity decreased. During early 2010 up to and
including May 2010 access to Rinjani was at times
again restricted due to volcanic activity.
The park is popular for mountain climbs and trekking
and represents an important nature reserve and water
catchement area. The park is officially 41,330
hectares within the park boundaries and includes a
further 66,000 hectares of protected forest outside.
The mountain and its satellites form the Mount
Rinjani National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani)
- officially 41,000 hectares within the park
boundaries and a further 66,000 hectares of
protected forest outside. In 2008, the Indonesian
government proposed to UNESCO that Mount Rinjani be
one of the world's official geoparks. If this was
approved by UNESCO, Mount Rinjani would become the
first such geological park in Indonesia.
It has been claimed that the preliminary
documentation required for UNESCO registration has
not received sufficient support from the Nusa
Teggara Barat government offices. Among the
requirements to become a geo-park sufficient
information must be supplied to show that the
location has sufficient and appropriate management,
information services, access to educational
instruction to facilitate "knowledge-based
geotourism", the implementation of a sustainable
regional economy, biodiversity conservation, and to
have established public access to the park area.
Mount Rinjani has obtained the World Legacy Award
from Conservation International and Traveller
(2004), and was a finalist for Tourism for Tomorrow
Awards (2005 dan 2008) from the World Travel Tourism
Council (WTTC).
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The best areas to stay on Lombok
Lombok geographically is almost the same size as
Bali and, just as there are popular tourist areas on
Bali, so Lombok offers a variety of destinations to
suit different holidaymakers' tastes. Following is
an overview of the most popular areas to stay in
Lombok.
Senggigi is the main tourist area on the mainland,
with the town stretching along several fantastic
bays on the west coast, and is only 20 minutes from
the island's Selaparang airport. It is the ideal
base from which to explore the island, and all major
tourist attractions can be reached by day trips from
Senggigi, including boat trips from Senggigi Bay out
to the Gilis.
The Gili Islands are one of the most popular
destinations on Lombok; every year thousands of
people flock to these three small islands just off
the northwest coast of Lombok. With many fast boat
options such as Gili Cat and Blue Water Express
providing easy transfers between the Gilis and Bali,
the islands have become a popular getaway not just
for overseas travelers but for those living on Bali
too.
Kuta, the main tourist area on the south coast of
Lombok, is not to be confused with its famous
namesake in Bali. Kuta, Lombok, is a peaceful beach
destination that has found fame due to the great
surf locations that surround the small town.
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Kuta Beach South Lombok
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, famous for its surfing spots.
Kuta Beach Lombok attracts visitors for its
beautiful virgin beaches and surfing spots. Surfers
from all over the world find Kuta Lombok as a surfer
paradise.
South coast of Lombok is famous for the high waves
and Kuta Lombok is a good base for the surfers.
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.
The new International Airport is now being developed
and 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, Kuta and South Lombok is now getting
famous and raise visitor's curiosity.
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THE GILI ISLANDS TRAWANGAN , MENO & GILI AIR -
GENERAL INFORMATION
Located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the
three islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili
Trawangan are rapidly becoming one of the most
popular destinations for visitors to Bali and Lombok.
They are now easily accessible direct from Bali with
the new Fast Boat service, or by plane and local
boat from Lombok.
All three islands feature superb, white sandy
beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral
reefs, and the best snorkeling and diving to be
found anywhere on Bali and Lombok. Visitors from all
over the world are attracted to the simple pleasures
of sun, snorkeling, diving, beautiful beaches, and
socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and
hawkers adds greatly to the leisure of staying on
the Gilis – although there is now a wide range of
accommodation available, the islands have maintained
the lazy rustic charms of a tropical paradise.
Getting There
We highly recommend visitors to use a Private
Transfer Service to avoid hussle and bustle at
Bangsal (public harbour to gili islands). Local
street vendors who try to sells things with pushing
and pressure, or those who grab your luggage and ask
too much for a porter service could be annoying.
Paying a little extra for a comfort and easy
settlement for a wonderful holiday break is worth
it, especially those who travel with kids.
Private Transfer Service includes pick up, meeting
and greeting service at the airport/seaport/hotel,
land transportation with fully air-con deluxe
coaches, private boat charter, and check in
assistances at the hotel. To get around the isle,
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.
ISLAND'S HOPPING
Traveling between the islands requires either
catching the infrequent shuttle boats or chartering
one to take you across. The distances between the
islands may seem swimmable, but do not attempt it —
the currents can be fierce and several backpackers
have died trying.
The Natives & History
A few years ago, sailors from Bugis, Mandar and
Makassar (Sulawesi) occupied Gili Air and establish
coconuts plantation and expand the fishing
activities.
As visitors started to visit Lombok and some came to
the Gilis on day trips and then began to stay for
longer periods in local homes. The islands have
become enormously popular. Their popularity may be a
problem, as numbers sometime exceed the available
rooms and put pressure on the island environment,
especially the supply of fresh water and the
capacity of septic system to cope with waste and
there is always pressure to build more and better
facilities.
Big business interests are trying to cash in on the
popularity of the Gilis and the local government is
keen to promote upmarket tourist development.
Gili Air and Gili Meno retained much of their
unspoilt quality, but Gili Trawangan has become more
touristy and pricy. The islanders are majority
Muslims and visitors should respect their
sensibilities. In particular, topless or nude
sunbathing is offensive to them, even though they
won't say so directly. Away from Beach, it is polite
for women to cover their shoulders and thighs. Many
visitors are appallingly insensitive to local
standards and so many of them walk around in skimpy
clothing that it's easy to get impression that the
local people don't mind anymore. In fact, they do.
The development for the last five years has change
the island's look, especially Gili Trawangan.
Accommodation tariffs on today's range for a simple
room with fan are from between Rp. 90,000
(equivalent to USD 9.00) to 150,000 (USD 15.00) per
night , to an air-con bungalows style with hot
water, in comfortable resort-style settings at up to
USD 200.00 per night and everything in between,
depending on the seasonal price fluctuations. Demand
often outstrips supply, so prices tend to be
noticeably higher than on Bali or Lombok.
Accommodation On Gili Islands, Private Villas,
Boutique Resort, Budget Hotels
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.
Electricity and Communication
Electricity supply are now available on all the
three Gilis. 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.
The islands have no supplies of fresh water and very
spotty electricity supply; it's not uncommon for
power to be off for hours at a time. Most upmarket
hotels, restaurants and dive shops have generators
for the back up.
Mobile phone towers ensure you're never out of
touch, and there are several Internet cafes on
Trawangan for feeding your Internet addiction,
although connection speeds tend to be painfully
slow. Printing is possible in a few Internet cafés
and you can even hook up your laptop in some.
MONEY
There is now a Bank Mandiri ATM on Gili Trawangan,
in front of the Vila Ombak Hotel, but it's not
always working so it's better to bring along enough
rupiah to tide you over. The rates offered by
moneychangers are noticeably poorer than on the
mainland. Credit cards are accepted by some of the
more upmarket places and all dive shops; some will
also arrange credit card advances, but with hefty
fees on the order of 7-10%. For your own safety,
deposit valuable items at the reception where you're
staying at. Carry only small cash and necessary
items.
Health and Medical
Sanitation has improved on the islands. There are
two health centers on Gili Trawangan; 1) located
near the soccer fields for locals and 2) located in
Villa Ombak with better facilities for Tourist.
Gili Meno also now have a health centre which funded
by local's businesses. Gili Air also have a health
centre located near the main village. The health
centre is known locally as "Puskesmas". To stay fit
and healthy, 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.
True to the hippie vibe, magic mushrooms are widely
available and openly advertised. Their legality is
questionable, as are any physical and psychological
effects.
Small but annoying jellyfish are common in the
waters around the Gilis during August only, so
wearing a full-length wetsuit or surf skin in the
water is advisable.
Security
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,
perpetrators are handed over to Police on Lombok and
face banishment from the island for up to five
years.
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. There are no sights as such on the
islands themselves, but the snorkeling and diving
all around is a major draw.
The locals living on the island are pretty
interesting. If you walk behind the main road you
will see how the locals live which is much different
then the beautiful bungalows the tourists stay in.
Scuba Diving
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
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/bottom 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.
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