The Three Gilis (Packed With Tourists)
THE PACE of development in the three Gilis in North Lombok, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air is a very positive sign. Up to this September the number of visitors, both local and foreign, is very high and in fact the Gilis feel overloaded. Some visitors cannot even find hotel rooms with the hotels already 100 percent booked for the last three months. As a result some of the tourists stay with local residents while most of them have no choice other than to erect tents and sleep on the beach. Right now the three Gilis are not encouraging any more visitors as they are already full.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Culture and Tourism Service of the Province of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Gita Aryadi, says that the total number of domestic foreign tourist within the last months has been growing. In the three Gilias area particularly, Gita adds, the number has been fantastic. This year marks a record number of tourists visiting the three Gilis, even though the exact figure is not yet available.
80 Overseas Buyers (Confirm Participation In Time)
Following many meetings and much lobbying, as of now 80 Overseas Buyers have confirmed they will attend the Tourism Indonesia Mart and Exhibition (TIME) which will be held this October at The Santosa Hotel in Sengigi. The organizer is aiming for around 150 overseas buyers to attend TIME. The secretary of Lombok Sumbawa Promo, Rosa Stuart, will soon go to Singapore Tourism Market (NATAS), and promote TIME and register participants who will attend this event.
Meanwhile, the Head of Lombok Sumbawa Promo, Misbah Mulyadi, says that preparations for the upcoming TIME event are 70 percent complete. He adds that his office continues to coordinate with Pacto, the event organizer, regarding preparations for the venue, arrival schedule, and a welcoming ceremony for the participants. Read more
Taking A Peek At Lombok
While it takes only 20 minutes of flying time of Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 737-400 to bring you from Ngurah Rai airport in Bali to Mataram, the capital city of Lombok, the two islands are actually worlds apart.
Lombok’s quite and undeveloped environment stands in marked contrast to that of Bali’s, beckoning travelers seeking a relaxed pace and spectacular natural beauty.
Most well-heeled tourists tend to gravitate towards Sengigi, a 10-kilometer strip along the coastal road north of Mataram, where most star-rated beach resorts and nightlife are found.
Lombok is just as large as Bali and offers many tourism sites that suit all kinds of visitors. And the right time to visit Lombok is May, when the climate is perfect bright, sunny days amidst lush greenery.
The population of Lombok, which forms part of the Province of West Nusa Tenggara is no more than three million. As such, many with no hidden interest of pretense actually wish to see Lombok remain as is: quite, natural and pure.
But such thoughts may not be fair to the local community, which can make strides only if the tourism business grows. On the other hand, that can only happen if physical development in the forms of infrastructure and other public facilities takes place.
Lombok is not a place that offers surfing, diving and snorkeling opportunities only, but also beautiful woven textiles like Songkets and Ikats that can be used as sarong, wall decoration and tableware. Check out the traditional hand weaving village in Puyung, Central Lombok, if you’re a collector of fine textiles. Read more