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 Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?

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marie06
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 5
Location : UK
Registration date : 2009-11-27

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PostSubject: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeFri Nov 27, 2009 9:29 pm

Hi everyone,

It's been about 18 months since I last logged on, in fact I forgot my username etc and have had to re-register!

We were in Lombok in March 08, we spent a couple of days at Mimpi Manis, and at the time were thinking of moving there (my husband is Indonesian). I loved the place, so much more natural than Bali, but it's a long way from the UK, and we had to consider the fact that we would barely ever see our sons.

At the time there was a lot of talk about the Emaar development, and the new international airport. From what I have read on here and elsewhere today, the Kuta project looks very doubtful now (to be honest I could never see it happening), but I can't find any info about the airport. Did it ever get built, or is it just an empty space still?

How about property prices? I just had a look on one estate agents site, and there are a couple of villas for sale that haven't sold in over 2 years. Are they any more affordable than 18 months ago? It's still my dream to relocate to that part of the world one day. A huge step, but I can dream lol!
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outahere
Lombok Looney



Number of posts : 415
Location : nowhere
Registration date : 2008-07-02

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeSat Nov 28, 2009 7:38 am

Hi Marie
The Emaar project is not dead, but has had a lot of delays. If you google Emaar Lombok you will find some articles and press releases. The latest is that a futher extension to 31 Dec 2009 has been agreed for Emaar and Indonesia to work out the finer points of the joint venture deal and modelling for the project. So, unfortunately, it is not dead. I don't know if yesterdays news about the Dubai financial crisis will have any affect.

The airport is well and truely underway. The runways are complete and the buildings are going up. The last I heard, back in March this year, was that it was to be complete in October this year and operational next year. I'm pretty sure it isn't 'complete' as there would have been press releases to announce that. So running behind schedule, but it will be a reality.

The opening of the airport will change the dynamics of Lombok somewhat - it will make the trip to the main tourist areas of Senggigi and the Gilis a much longer trip. Eventually Lombok plans to build a new bypass road that will connect the international airport with that area, but that is also some time away and bearly in the planning stages, let alone under construction. I couldn't even get confirmation from the planning office as to exactly where the planned road would go.

It is assumed by many that the existing airport in Mataram will continue domestic operations. Probably, but I wonder at the cost of Lombok operating two airports and how sustainable that will be.

Tourist numbers have definately improved to Lombok. This high season was like the old days with most hotels being fully booked right through July to September.

But life is still laid back and Lombok is still beautiful and unhurried. You are still unlikely to experience a traffic jam unless you are in the heart of Mataram during peak hour, or anywhere near Batu Bolong during Lebaran Ketupat!

Property prices are expensive in the developed tourist areas, but there is still very well priced land a little out of those areas. For example, in September I looked at land in Mangsit about 1km from the beach asking 20 million per are. There is some beach land just north of Mangsit that is asking 100 million per are. I also looked at land about 5-6 kms north of Mangsit also about 1km from the main road (but with access) asking 8 million per are (but you had to buy 40 are). So some bargains to be found if you can afford to buy a larger lot - but that also has the potential to subdivide and sell off later.
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Gemma
Lombok Looney
Gemma


Number of posts : 591
Location : Kuta Lombok / Jimbaran Bali
Registration date : 2008-07-01

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeSat Nov 28, 2009 12:03 pm

The airport is due to open next year. I heard a few weeks ago that they were going to be flying the first plane in on a test run - shortly.

And Marie - as a fellow Brit I can tell you there is nothing I miss from back home or can not live without. Hopefully if you do make the move your sons can come out often to visit you. sunny
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http://www.mimpimanis.com
marie06
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 5
Location : UK
Registration date : 2009-11-27

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeSun Nov 29, 2009 8:45 pm

Hi Freogirl & Gemma,

Thanks for your replies. I read through the recent posts before I posted, and saw on one that the airport would be operational by next year, which is why I asked about it. I must say I am surprised it got built. When I saw it, it was an empty field with a couple of earth movers not doing much, and it had been that way for months.

Freogirl - I'm curious as to why you are against the Emaar development? As an outsider I'm not sure what to make of it. But I really hope Lombok doen't become a copy of Bali, a beautiful island which, in my view, has been ruined by tourism. Kuta is like Blackpool with sun - yuck!

Gemma - I won't bore you with all the details, but our son's aren't the only consideration, although they were the main reason we stayed in the UK. Even though they all live in London now, they still come up for the weekend at least once a month. For one thing, our house here would fund the move, and we'd now have to wait until it recovers some of it's value after the recent fall in property prices here. 3 years ago would have been the perfect time to do it, but that ship has sailed!
We didn't get to meet you when we stayed at Mimpi Manis as you were in Bali, which was a shame. I was really looking forward to chatting about expat life on Lombok, which you can't really do via posts. Seems to me you have the best of both worlds, dividing your time between the two islands. By the by, I really wanted to get a tattoo after I saw Made's, but as he'd had his bone in Bali I decided against getting one on Lombok. Laughing
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Gemma
Lombok Looney
Gemma


Number of posts : 591
Location : Kuta Lombok / Jimbaran Bali
Registration date : 2008-07-01

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeMon Nov 30, 2009 12:54 am

oh dear.... I nearly cried laughing reading that!

You do know Made's latest tattoo wasnt filled cos he was too much of a baby!

His good friend in Bali does our tattoos (I have 6 by him and Made 3) Ayay (Wayan) also has one by him.

You can see more pics here. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss anything more personal about life in Lombok/Bali.


https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=11288&id=547771311&l=36864ee298
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http://www.mimpimanis.com
Josi
Lombok Soulmate
Josi


Number of posts : 200
Location : USA
Registration date : 2008-08-05

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PostSubject: Is Emaar good or bad for Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeMon Nov 30, 2009 3:25 am

Marie,

Freogirl is likely to give you some credible comments about your query but this is my sense:

1. They will require lot of water and power which are in short supply in Lombok.
2. There is a sense that the developer wants a Beirut in Asia for the rich Muslims.
3. It will not have any positive effect on the local population and
4. Their aim is to attract well heeled tourists.

Josi
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http://www.sarojini.org
marie06
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 5
Location : UK
Registration date : 2009-11-27

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeMon Nov 30, 2009 8:26 pm

Gemma - Glad I gave you a laugh Very Happy Just had a look at your photos, and I really like your gecko! If I ever get back to Bali, I'll look your friend up. But I am just as much of a chicken as Made. When I got my ears pierced years ago, I almost told him to leave the second one after he did the first! How anyone can say it doesn't hurt is beyond me Laughing
BTW - If that's your little boy in the last photo he is gorgeous - just like my sons.

Josi - From what I have read about it, it does sound rather elitist. And I can't see it doing the local ecology any good either. For me, that areas attraction is it's unspoilt natural beauty, and the fact that you can have a whole beach to yourself! Absolute heaven. We only spent a few days down south, but the locals we met were nice, friendly people. I hope their attitude to foreigners doesn't change if this goes ahead.
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Josi
Lombok Soulmate
Josi


Number of posts : 200
Location : USA
Registration date : 2008-08-05

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PostSubject: Impact of foreign domestic investment on local population   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeMon Nov 30, 2009 9:39 pm

Marie,

I have noticed a built in cultural practice in Indonesia that will have a minimal impact on Kuta in Lombok if there is a potential for rapid development. That is the personal loyalty to the family and the "kampung".

It is good because it functions as a safety cocoon but it is not good when this loyalty comes in the way of qualified members of the family to go after jobs that will match their training and growth potential.

I have an anecdote of two university graduates working as interns in La Taverna Bali in Sanur, Bali - one was named after Princess Diana - but they both said it was inconceivable for them to go after better paying jobs in Jakarta because of "family".

Another reason could be the fact that Indonesia has so many cultures and the geography helps to preserve that.

Indonesian government seems to be determined to do whatever it takes for the major investments in Lombok to attract top spending tourists. Dubai crisis may delay this for a while. I do hope however, Lombok will not become another Bali. May be the sasak culture will remain intact.

What I really wish is a foreign investment to make Lombok the fresh fruit basket for the developed countries in that part of the world. If Israel can ship its organges all over the world, so can Lombok.

Josi
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Gemma
Lombok Looney
Gemma


Number of posts : 591
Location : Kuta Lombok / Jimbaran Bali
Registration date : 2008-07-01

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeTue Dec 01, 2009 2:15 am

Quote :

BTW - If that's your little boy in the last photo he is gorgeous - just like my sons.

Yes but that was about a year ago and he's grown up a lot in that time. Very Happy
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marie06
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 5
Location : UK
Registration date : 2009-11-27

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeMon Dec 07, 2009 7:28 pm

Hi Josi,

Thanks for your PM. I don't have enough posts yet, so I have to reply here.

I'm English, originally born and bred in south London, but moved to Norfolk 16 years ago. I've been married to Ron, who is Chinese Indonesian and from Jakarta, for 32 years. We have 3 sons. Top of my 'bucket' list is to visit one of the Orangutan rescue centers. I well up whenever I see them on TV! I love animals and have 3 dogs - 2 English Bulldogs and a Dogue de Bordeaux (Turner and Hooch). In fact I bred them for 12 years and was secretary of 2 UK breed clubs, but retired from breeding due to health reasons. I love being outside and spend as much time as possible in my garden. One of the attractions of moving to Lombok was being able to have a tropical garden I could enjoy all year round.
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tom
Lombok Lover



Number of posts : 98
Location : usa
Registration date : 2009-03-17

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeTue Dec 08, 2009 12:46 am

Remember Emaar is the company that, among other things, built an indoor ski resort in the middle of the desert. Along with their proposed land development in Lombok they plan a marina. All built in "an environmentally friendly manner".
I do believe there would be some good come from their development but it would be much outweighed by the negative. We shouldn't have to worry ourselves with it for quite some time anyway since I don't think Emaar is in a financial position to proceed.
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outahere
Lombok Looney



Number of posts : 415
Location : nowhere
Registration date : 2008-07-02

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PostSubject: Re: Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok?   Just a catch up - has anything changed on Lombok? Icon_minitimeWed Dec 09, 2009 7:10 am

Quote :
Freogirl - I'm curious as to why you are against the Emaar development? As an outsider I'm not sure what to make of it. But I really hope Lombok doen't become a copy of Bali, a beautiful island which, in my view, has been ruined by tourism. Kuta is like Blackpool with sun - yuck!

For the reasons you mentioned, and Josi has pretty much nailed it too. Big developments of this nature have a history of being bad for the locals in developing nations. I see no signs of this being any better.

Tom, the 'environmentally friendly' statement from Emmar is spin. What are they doing to address that? Very little.

If the sea grasses in the bay are affected by marinas, chemical run-offs and rubbish from this development, the waters will no longer be the beautiful clear blue they are now. The ecology in Kuta is very similar to where I am from, in fact I like Kuta because it reminds me of home. I know how fragile the environment is, and how easily it is damaged. I have not seen any signs to date that any development in Lombok has been mindful of what they are doing to the environment, and in other areas you can visibly see the devestation.
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