How Bilebante Village becomes a new favorite eco tourism destination

How Bilebante Village becomes a new favorite eco tourism destination

A Green Tourist Village Jari Solah is a new tourist destination in Lombok Island located in Bilebante Village, Pringgarata District, Central Lombok District. This tourist village has a natural beauty that stretches as well as the expanse of rice fields, forests, mountains, rivers and much more. With the beauty of this village is able to make local people and foreign tourists to visit.

One of the Favorite Destination tourist icons in Bilebante is the "Valley of Gardena". It offers a country-style atmosphere with Traditionalist Houses made of bamboo and interspersed with lined Gazebo-Gazebo.


We will also be spoiled by the sound of water flowing and falling in the pool around the gazebo surrounded by colorful flowers in every corner.

pic. google.com

pic. google.com

pic. google.com

Bilebante Village, once covered in dust now a favorite green village

One of the highlights of the upcoming Lombok Fishing Market event by the Indonesian Charms Generation (GenPI) West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will be the Bilebante Tourist Village.

The tourist village was established in 2015 and has become a favorite destination for tourists, especially those coming from overseas.

In the past, the village was called dust village due to so many sand mining sites located there, until the head of the village alongside the local youths decided to turn it into a green village.

Several activities that visitors can do in this village are witnessing rice-planting activity, exploring the making of kekere traditional hat and cycling.

While cycling, tourists can explore places like local houses, river, paddy fields, vegetable and fruits garden, Five Bridge which was built in the 40’s during the Dutch colonization era and Pura Lingkar Kelud, the oldest temple in Central Lombok. (asw)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/11/24/bilebante-village-once-covered-in-dust-now-a-favorite-green-village.html

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Things you should see on Lombok

Things you should see on Lombok

Lombok – an island east of Bali, but less famous than its neighbor. While every year millions of tourists are attracted to Bali, many places on Lombok are still untouched. Over here mass tourism is still unknown.

Lombok offers many empty and often isolated dream beaches, friendly and interesting people, tasty food and fantastic nature. This year, after a stay of more than two months, Lombok and the Gili islands became my personal favorites – at least so far.

In this article you will find a few must-sees on Lombok.

Lombok: 15 fascinating sights you shouldn’t miss

The Gili islands

3 paradise islands – which seem tiny compared to Lombok – are located only 20 minutes away by boat: Gili Trawangan, the main island, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

homeiswhereyourbagis

homeiswhereyourbagis

homeiswhereyourbagis

The Gilis are very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling but also for relaxing, swimming and partying. Backpackers and tourists visit especially Gili Trawangan often. Over here you can feel the lively reggae-ganja-magic-mushroom-vibe.  The Gili islands are a MUST!!!

Mount Rinjani

The second highest volcano of Indonesia is definitely one of THE highlights of Lombok! You can book multi-day, guided tours to the Crater Lake and even to the top at all touristy spots. The pictures speak for themselves…

Senggigi

Most tourists arrive in Senggigi because many hotels are located over here. It’s also great for going out at night or eating. One of the most popular surf spots for locals and tourists alike is Senggigi Beach.

At this beach the vendors and locals aren’t pushy at all but you can have a nice small talk if you like (mainly about football since Indonesians love football).

From Senggigi to Pemenang

To explore this road next to the coast it is best to use a scooter, which you can rent for example in Senggigi. One of the highlights is the viewpoint at Malimbu Hill 1 and 2. It offers a marvelous view over Malimbu and Nipah Beach and the 3 Gili Islands. Check out the other view points and beaches that you can find on this way as well since they are worth seeing, too.

If you leave Lombok with the public boats to the Gili Islands and would take a taxi from the airport or from Lembar (where the public ferry from Bali arrives) you will probably use the very same road (or you tell the taxi driver your preferred route) since this road goes directly to Bangsal, where public boats are leaving.

Pusuk Monkey Forest

Taking a winding road through a breathtaking mountain landscape is the second option to get to Bangsal. It’s were you find the so-called monkey forest, named after the numerous wild monkeys in the jungle and near the street. Feed the hungry and annoying little bastards at the view points if you like.

But be careful and look for your bags, backpacks and such. You can go there by scooter as well, but always “Hati Hati”, like the Indonesian says.

Kuta

After Senggigi, Kuta is probably the second tourist hotspot on Lombok. It offers beautiful beaches as well and lots of accommodations and restaurants.

From here you can explore the dream beaches of Mawun, Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak since they are very close by (see below). Even Kuta Beach itself is worth a look.

Mawun Beach

Now I will introduce you some of my favorite beaches of Lombok. One if them is Mawun.

Depending on the weekday and the time of the day, this beach with its soft white sand and turquoise water is still mostly deserted. Sometimes the waves are heavier over here. The beach is secluded and located west of Kuta in an almost enclosed bay, which you can easily reach with your scooter as well.

Selong Belanak and viewpoint

I believe I rarely saw such a wide and shallow beach like Selong Belanak somewhere else. You can perfectly surf or swim at this long beach.

I strongly recommend taking a look at the near viewpoint overlooking the beach and the bay. It’s located a bit north of Selong Belanak Beach. It’s still an insiders’ tip and you shouldn’t miss it when you do a scooter tour.

Tanjung Aan

Turquoise sea and white sand, the way I love it! Even here you can climb a rock to enjoy a breathtaking view over the two bays and beaches of Aan. A must-see!

Pink Beach

It’s not really an insiders’ tip anymore, but still worth a visit! The drive is quite difficult since in my opinion the streets on the Ekas Peninsula (where the Pink Beach is located) cannot be called streets anymore. At least they are being improved bit by bit every year. If you actually make it there, you will be rewarded with a desolate quiet beach. It is called after its pink sand that consists out of coral.

The view from the near viewpoint is marvelous as well and the also worth seeing cliffs of Tanjung Ringgit are situated close by.

Mosques and Hindu temples

In contrast to Bali, Lombok and the rest of Indonesia are mainly Muslim. That is why you can see and especially hear mosques everywhere. If you book your accommodation in advance, you should inform yourself if it’s closely located to a mosque. Especially around Ramadan it could become very noisy.

The Balinese minority on Lombok got its temples like Pura Meru, Pura Lingsar, Pura Narmada or Pura Batu Bolong as well. 2 true insiders’ tips are Pura Gunung Sari north of Mataram and Pura Suranadi.

Most of them are located at the western part of the island in and around Mataram/Cakranegara or Senggigi.

Waterfalls

Lombok got numerous waterfalls, mostly in the northern part of the island. Among others, there would be Tiu Teja, Tiu Kelep or Sendang Gile. In the center of Lombok you will find a few decent ones as well, for example the Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel or Jeruk Manis near Tetebatu.

There is no fresher water than this! Drink it, swim or just let the ice cold water hail down your back – superb!

Sasak culture

The Sasak are the indigenous people of this island, which today make about 85% of the total population of Lombok. Their culture is fascinating and as a visitor you definitely need to experience it.

Their food known for its spiciness, their handicraft, their music and dances, the typical Sasak houses or a Sasak wedding with (extreme loud) street parade with “Gendang Beleq” musicians you need to experience. There are plenty wedding parades on Lombok, especially on the weekends. Must-see!

By the way, many of the Lombok natives still speak the Sasak language, especially the older. But everyone speaks and understands the official language Bahasa Indonesia. English only helps in tourist spots.

Traditional markets

The markets are typical Asian with fresh veggies, spices, fish and so much more.

I recommend the traditional market in Ampenan. Every now and then locals look in astonishment at a “Bule” (westerner) since they don’t come often over here. There is no cheaper or fresher place to do food shopping even though as a “Bule” you should consider paying more than a local. It is of advantage to speak a little Indonesian.

For stuff like clothes, jewelry or other souvenirs you should visit the Cakranegara Market (Pasar Cakranegara) in Mataram.

Mataram, Ampenan and Cakranegara

Counting around 420.000 inhabitants, Mataram is the capital of Lombok and the province Nusa Tenggara Barat.

Close by you find places like Ampenan where you can still find some old Dutch colonial style buildings. In the district Cakranegara (short: “Cakra”) are a few lovely Balinese temples and the Mataram Mall with its numerous shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants as well as fast food chains on different levels.

Even bigger and more modern is the recently built Lombok Epicentrum mall at the main street Sriwijaya.


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Indonesia is a favorite destination for millennial muslims

Indonesia is a favorite destination for millennial muslims

The Mastercard-HalalTrip conducts research on the motivations, habits, needs and preferences of Muslims. The survey of Muslim-based millenial tourist survey focuses on 372 respondents aged 18-36 years with various educational backgrounds and jobs living on five continents namely Africa, America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.

The result, Indonesia is in second position, after Malaysia who was in first place. In addition, in position number three after Indonesia is Japan.

News and full results can be read in the article below (by thejakartapost):

Indonesia is second favorite destination among millennial Muslims

According to the result of Mastercard-Halal Trip Muslim Millennial Travel Report, Indonesia is the second favorite destination among millennial Muslims, with Malaysia crowned as the winner.

This shows that Indonesia’s status has improved from last year where it took the fourth spot.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya was grateful for the achievement and determined to topple Malaysia off the first place in the near future.

“Our emotional rival is Malaysia, while Thailand is our professional rival. We need to find ways to defeat our rivals and how to catch up with them,” Arief said.

The minister urged his team to make improvements, especially in human resources since Indonesians are still lacking in foreign language skill, “We are good at providing Muslim-friendly facilities. In fact, we took home 12 awards out of the 16 categories at the World Halal Tourism Award,” Arief said.

Below is the list of millennial Muslims’ favorite travel destinations according to Mastercard-Halal Trip Muslim Millennial Travel Report

1. Malaysia

2. Indonesia

3. Japan

4. Thailand

5. Australia

6. Singapore

7. United Arab Emirates

8. United Kingdom

9. United States

10. India

(asw)

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VIDEO: President Jokowi promotes the new Special Economic Zone, Mandalika

President Jokowi promotes the new Special Economic Zone, Mandalika

President Jokowi with Lombok people are pleased to show the world a new special economic zone in the province.. He shows his support with pleasure through his recent vlog.  And now, thanks to Jokowi, Lombok has a new special economic zone that will boost the local economic.



For more details, read the news below:


President Jokowi promotes Mandalika, NTB through vlog

During his visit to Mandalika in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to inaugurate Mandalika becoming a Special Economic Zone (KEK), President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo recored a vlog to promote the place.

He posted the video both on his official YouTube and Instagram accounts with the caption #JKWVLOG INDAHNYA MANDALIKA (#JKWVLOG The Beauty of Mandalika) on the former channel.

In the 01:27 video, the President appears alongside NTB governor M Zainul Majdi.

“For 29 years this region couldn’t finish its [development] and as of today, this place is officially open. Investment has been pouring in and we hope it will bring a positive impact to the people of NTB,” he says in the video.

“Thank you pak President, welcome to Mandalika. Mandalika is ready to welcome you all,” adds the governor.

The video also showcases the beauty of white-sand beach, clear blue seas and a road surrounded with greeneries. (asw)

thejakartapost

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Diving in Batu Bolong, Komodo

Diving in Batu Bolong, Komodo

On our trip in Komodo during live aboard, we dive in Batu Bolong. The name "Batu Bolong" means rock with a hole and that's exactly the place to entry and came back to the surface after dive.

Batu Bolong has a wall decorated with coral reefs and a lot of fishes, especially anthias, they were all over the place during dive. You can also meet the friendly sea turtle, I called it friendly because the sea turtle seems doesn't care even when I approach and get so close to it.

More about this dive spot, just see this video!

Video shootings using Canon G1x with underwater housing by me. Edited by simple Final Cut Pro.

Also visit my blog:
www.marischka-prudence.com

too see that there are a lot of places to dive, esp in Indonesia

Twitter:
@marischkaprue

videosource: Marischka Prudence

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Octopus in Gili Trawangan

Octopus in Gili Trawangan

Diving in Gili Islands, you find find a lot of under sea creatures. We found an octopus changing color and pattern during our dive. Video by Mike Tamalihis from Bee Diver Gili Twitter: @marischkaprue

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Amount of Tourists Climbing Mount Tambora Increases

Amount of Tourists Climbing Mount Tambora Increases

TEMPO.CO, Mataram - Head of Tambora National Park Budi Kurniawan predicts the number of climbers of Mount Tambora in 2017 is to reach more than 2,000 people. This figure increased significantly compared to the year before, when as many as 1333 people climbed the mountain.

pic. google.com

According to him, the number of tourists who climbed Mount Tambora in the last two years continues to increase. The number of climbers during the period of January-July 2017 reached 800 people, both domestic and foreign climbers.

But if added with the number of climbers who commemorated the 72nd anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2017, as many as 1,000 people climbed the mountain, the total climbers of Mount Tambora has reached 1,800 people during January-August.

"Usually in the new year holiday season, the interest of climbers is high, we are optimistic that the number of climbers of Mount Tambora in 2017 is more than 2,000 people," he said.

According to him, the increasing number of climbers is due to the effects of the promotion of natural tourist areas by central and local governments.

pic. google.com

Moreover, the local government also has a routine agenda. The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government together with Dompu and Bima Regencies hold a Tambora Festival regularly every year. This is done in order to increase the number of tourist visits to the island of Sumbawa, especially Tambora National Park.

"It could be that the increasing number of climbers are significantly impacted from the Tambora Festival," Budi said.

Budi said as the tourist interest of climbing Mount Tambora increases, the supporting facilities will be improved.

The facility that needs attention is a decent retreat for climbers. The location must be equipped with facilities of bathing, washing and toilet facilities (MCK), as well as landfills.

The effort to build and organize the climbing route is done by BTNT together with the Nusa Tenggara Barat Tourism Office and Dompu and Bima Districts. In addition, with other relevant parties.

"We have learnt from the current condition of Rinjani to not let the national park become a garbage dump by climbers," said Budi.

Tambora National Park is located in Dompu and Bima Regencies, Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara. ANTARA

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Lombok Ready to Promote Sekotong as Tourism Destination

Lombok Ready to Promote Sekotong as Tourism Destination

Jakarta. The Mandalika special economic zone in West Nusa Tenggara has been in the spotlight after it accelerated the construction of Gili Mas Lembar Port and added tourist attractions in Sekotong, West Lombok.

pic. google.com

The small islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong, Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak, Gili Layar and Gili Rengit will be more actively promoted.

"In these islands, tourists can snorkel in the calm of the sea and relax on the white sandy beaches," Hiramsyah S. Thaib of the Tourism Ministry's "10 New Balis" team said on Saturday (15/07).

"We've proposed several tourism packages to these small islands. In Sekotong, tourists can stay in hotels, bungalows or homestays that have already been there for quite some time," he added.

The islands, however, still lack access to clean water.

Around 300 people visit the islands every day.


SOURCE

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