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 Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.

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Gemma
leblancjoel
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leblancjoel
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 4
Location : Canada
Registration date : 2010-01-20

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeWed Jan 20, 2010 3:17 pm

Hello,

First timer here. (It seems as though that's what you should do. Mention this simple fact, right?!)

Now I could pose several questions about my wife's and mine upcoming trip to Lombok for our much needed break from a Canadian winter, mixed in with a little honeymoon action, and spiced up with the fact that my wife is gonna graduate from 9 years of University....stuff.......... and now it is time to rock out....

We are REAL excited to get down there.

We land in Mataram and first plan is to head south towards Kuta, work our way to Gili Nanggu, head up towards Sengigi.... get humbled by Mt Rinjani, cruise back to Teluk Kode and boat over to Gili Air, a little splurge in Gili Trawangan, and then back to Mataram.

So, to begin in Kuta, we are looking at spending 3-5 nights in that area depending on....stuff. We have looked at all the hotels and places on the net, now it is time to figure this mess out with some local help. Smile Now, much respect is due to Mimpi Manis cause I read nothing but positives and we have this website to thanks as well. However, when we are looking for short term accom in a place with lots of real nice beaches, we kind of want to be close to those real nice beaches. And we kind of are suckers for pools. Now, not absolutely necessary, but it's nice. (remember, graduating from Uni, and a honeymoon...)

Can someone break down the local hotel scene for me. I have looked at Novotel obviously cause it looks great, but we are not keen on being stranded out there, forced to eat the same buffet every night for 20 bucks per person and breakfasts at 10 bucks per person. That's expensive. And we are not too keen to rent motorbikes to get us into town. (Question: Is there readily available taxis with a phone call from a lobby in Kuta????) If so, that might help some.
I am dangerous enough in my truck back home, I don't need to rip around without insurance in a foreign country on a motorbike, for your safety! So, to stay closer to the main part of Kuta, where we have a FEW options to go out at night for dinner by foot, we have seen places such as Surfer's Inn, Matahari Inn, Kuta Indah, Segare Anak Cottages, Tastura, Puri Rinjani and finally Lombok Baru.

Now I am confused. Help me.

We want simple, but tasteful. We like pools. We like closeness to beach. We like double beds or king beds. I don't understand this whole single bed thing. What is that? Anyways, we like nice people, good, but not extravagant food, we like beer, we like places with hammocks, or lounge chairs. We don't care about air conditioning cause it's creepy, we don't care about TV cause we don't even watch TV at home, but we like mini fridges to keep our beers cold, and we kinda like stuff that is under 30 CDN dollars a night...(same as 30 US dollars pretty much these days...we monies are at par)

If anyone responds, be honest but to the point. If there is a great place that has everything but no pool, whatever, not a big deal. If it has a pool, but has a reputation for poor management or poor rooms, then we aren't interested.

I appreciate all help and info.

Also, is there anywhere to try some surfing (we are beginners....surfed in Tofino, BC and Hawaii and Brazil...all beginner stuff.) I know there is tons of surfing in South Lombok, but let's talk about places where I won't die, after getting pummeled into the coral reef.)

How can we get to these nice beaches like Tanjun Ann. Mawan, and Segare (and others?) Can we rent bicycles (non-motorized) and ride to some of them. Can we walk/hike (we do tons of that back home). Or do we need to hire pricey transport?

Lastly, when we leave Kuta after our little visit, how can we get to Lembar (for our little visit to Gili Nanggu), having some fun. We would be up for the bemo routine, or simply a private transfer (approximate cost) , or taxi (approx cost)..... If we can do bemo with only a few transfers and not too much hassle (a little jostle is okay), then I am all for it. How long would it take to get to Lembar by bemo (probably transfering through Mataram, I would think.)

Or is it way more worth it, to just pay more money and get there easily and efficiently??

I thank everyone for having to read through all this and to anyone who responds...

Joel and Kristi.....snowing at home in Revelstoke, BC, Canada. yeeeyawwwww Lombok and Indonesia, can't wait.
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Gemma
Lombok Looney
Gemma


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

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeWed Jan 20, 2010 4:28 pm

Hi Joel & Kristi

I just dropped on when I have a couple of minutes... I need a bit more time to answer all your questions so will come back again later tonight or maybe tomorrow Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_biggrin
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Gemma
Lombok Looney
Gemma


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

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeWed Jan 20, 2010 11:56 pm

Okay, I am tired so I hope I havent missed too many points Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Sleep

My recommendation
especially is you are on honeymoon would be Novotel. It really is a beautiful
and romantic hotel. It is on a beautiful stretch of beach and though it isn’t in
town it really is easy to get into the resort by bike. I know you aren’t keen
on that but the roads in the area are very quiet and it is only 5 minutes from
Novotel to the main strip. So you can have the luxury of Novotel accommodation and
still enjoy the cheap eats out. Ou will need to rent bikes to get around to all
those other beaches you mention anyway.



There are no taxis
located in Kuta. The only time you might be lucky to get one is when one drops
someone off from the airport or Senggigi.



Unless you really
feel the need for the experience I would avoid long journeys by bemo. Although
a couple of transfers may be all that is needed, it will still take you hours
as the local bemos aren’t going just from point a to point b but they stop
anywhere and everywhere someone wants, so that could be every 50 yards at some
points. They are very uncomfortable and as a westerner you will pay more than
the locals almost for sure and could find your trip costs as much as the Perama
shuttle or a private car.



For Surf lessons and
or rental of boards check out Kimen Surf shop. Anyone will be able to point you
in the right direction.


Anything I have missed post again :-)
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leblancjoel
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 4
Location : Canada
Registration date : 2010-01-20

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeThu Jan 21, 2010 6:13 am

Hi Gemma,

thanks for your information. So, can I assume that there is a transfer service or some kind of shuttle service from Kuta to Lembar, possibly with a transfer in Mataram?? I have read about Perama Tours, but their website does not have much info from Kuta, Lombok to Lembar or Mataram. (Most of their info is for Bali)

Do they have a tourist shuttle bus that leaves daily (probably early morning) for other parts of the Island during late April?? I agree with you, about bemo transport and the length of time and the inflated prices for tourists. We may as well just take the Perama Bus which is what we will do.

Secondly, can we just rent bicycles and cruise around to some of the further beaches? Like Tanjung A'an or Mawi or Mawun or Selong Blanak?? I realize there is a big hill to battle to go west, but we are not afraid of some exercise. Besides, we like to get exercise on our trips. I imagine you could easily bicycle ride to Tanjung. But way more work to the beaches west of Kuta.

If it makes more sense to rent a motorbike, then do we need to rent two, or can you sit two people per motorbike?? And is there reputable places to rent a motorbike. I have read some bad stories about dealing with some shady people when it comes to renting a motorbike.

Thanks again Gemma.
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lovethegillis
Lombok Friend



Number of posts : 17
Location : California
Registration date : 2009-02-01

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeThu Jan 21, 2010 3:58 pm

If you are honeymooning, love beach and pool do not miss staying at the beach club bungalow #1 in sengeggi, wonderful place, google it
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outahere
Lombok Looney



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

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeSun Jan 24, 2010 12:05 am

Hi Joel & Kristi

Just some background information. Kuta Lombok is very very quiet and quite small. It really is just a few hotels, restaurants/cafes, some huts selling tshirts & sarongs and that's it. So no taxis. The roads are very quiet and have as many cows or chickens wandering around as cars or motorbikes. Isn't that wonderful Cool

Accommodation that part of the island for honeymooners really the best place is Novetel. Especially if you are a sucker for a nice pool. Go on, it's your honeymoon. Stay there. There isn't even a close second.

You can rent bicycles in Kuta. Most of Kuta is really flat so they are a good option. If you want to go around to Mawun it is a very, very, very steep hill. You will not be able to ride up it, and you will be hard going to push a bike up it - it is that bad. Some motorbikes can't make it up. What you can do to save on expensive transport is to get an Ojek to take you (or an Ojek each). That is where a guy gives you a lift on the back of his motorbike for maybe $2. He will come back and get you at an agreed time (or there abouts).

If you do go around to Mawun, make sure you stop at Ashtari coffee house on the hill. It is not open nights or Tuesdays (and maybe not Mondays). Great coffee, light lunches, homemade cakes, fabulous view.

Another thing to do is go fishing with Gemma's husband Made. I'm sure you would have a great day out on the water, and maybe some nice fish to BBQ for dinner. You don't have to be staying at Mimpi Manis to organise that.

Another poster mentioned Beach Club Senggigi, and I would also recommend that. In fact, I would recommend you make you way there after Kuta and then organise a trip to Gili Nanggu from there. It is much closer - about 1-2 hours by road, or 1.5 hrs by small boat (with scenic coastal tour thrown in). Beach Club has 4 bungalows, pool, locals bar & pool table, right on the beach. Run by an Australian couple, I haven't heard a bad word against it yet.

My preferred way to get to Gili Nanggu is from the Senggigi area so I can also stop at other uninhabited islands around Gili Nanggu. If you want to stay there you can, I'm sure Beach Club would look after your main bags while you go there for a few days. (if you are like most tourists coming from a long way away you will have big suitcases, not desirable to lug across to Gili Nanggu in what is not much more than a large dugout canoe with a 15hp outboard on the back, so plan to leave the big bags somewhere if you are staying there).

After that you can make your way back to Senggigi area then up to Rinjani and back track down to Gili Air.

Avoid travelling by bemo unless it is a short local trip just to get around. Chartering a car is not that expensive - you can charter a car and driver for a whole day touring the island for less than $50. There are plenty of taxis around the Mataram to Senggigi area, a taxi from Mataram to Senggigi is around $5 - $10. In Senggigi you can book your trip to Rinjani and also over to the Gilis.

Whatever you decide I would recommend that you book your accommodation at the Novetel and definately Beach Club as they only have 4 bungalows. Novetel is above your price bracket, but splurge. Beach Club is about right, maybe a tad more.
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Josi
Lombok Soulmate
Josi


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

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PostSubject: If you are in Lombok, then The Beach Club   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeSun Jan 24, 2010 10:20 pm

Joel and Kristi,

You may want to make your reservation at the Beach Club well in advance because it is becoming very popular.

If surfing and fishing are top priorities for you, then stay at Mimpi Manis and have fun.

If you want somewhat of a unique experience, then the Beach Club. You get the feeling of living in a modern thatched roof bungalow and can sleep without airconditioning because Cottage 1 is next to the beach with sea breeze providing cross ventilation and you can wake up to drink coffee or tea on lounge chairs early in the morning.

Owner Glenn has two labs and they will keep company but keep their distance. The staff have been well trained and you will get to know them very quickly. If you want to make a quick trip to the ATM, one of them will drop you off. Now I believe they have WiFi. Then it is a meeting place for expats who drop in for breakfast or beer or to watch Rugby.

It is a unique experience. If you want to see some personal photographs, please email me. I am sending my address through private message.

Josi
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leblancjoel
Lombok Virgin



Number of posts : 4
Location : Canada
Registration date : 2010-01-20

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeMon Jan 25, 2010 1:32 pm

Hello everyone,

Thanks to everyone who has posted info for us. We appreciate. We are taking advice and getting rooms at the Novotel and are looking at Beach Club Senggigi closely, and we are looking at Windy Cottages Resort closely as well, as they have had some good feedback on other websites.

Our trip to the Gilis is shaping up as well, with a stay at Villa Karang hopefully. (Anyone know about this place?)

This forum may not be the right place, but I am looking around for a reputable service for climbing Mt Rinjani. There is dozens of website, all look the same, all offering the same (plus or minus a few slight differences) and all charge anywhere from 140 US to 250 US per person for a 2 night 3 day Summit and Lake package.

Is there anyone with a story about Mt Rinjani trekking and who they went with and how much??

Once again, thanks so much, we are getting more excited.

Joel and Kristi
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Gemma
Lombok Looney
Gemma


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

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeMon Jan 25, 2010 4:35 pm

I think you will get a better deal by arranging the trek on arrival in Senaru. However if time is limited and you want to pre arrange it booking online may be the way to go. I can not recommend any online agencies though.

For accomodation in Senaru I like Pondok Senaru, for the great views. Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_biggrin
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outahere
Lombok Looney



Number of posts : 415
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Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeMon Jan 25, 2010 8:48 pm

Hi Joel
Windy Cottages in Mangsit is OK, but no-where near as nice experience as Beach Club. Windy underwent an upgrade a couple of years ago and reburbished their rooms and put in a small pool. Personally I find Windy a bit lacking in atmosphere. I stay in Mangsit when I visit Lombok and used to live in the village there so am quite familiar with the hotels along the Mangsit strip.

My favorite budget place along that strip is Santai Beach Inn. It is the sort of place that people come for 2 nights and end up staying their whole visit there. Traditional thatched roof bungalows with verandah and hammock, set in gardens, right on the beach, communal meals (everyone eats from a set menu each night seated on cushions around a low table). There is no pool and no air-cond, and most of the rooms are cold water only in an outdoor bathroom (with western toilet). I am usually in Lombok for a few weeks, so need to stay in a budget place otherwise I'd be broke. Santai is around US 15 per night for a couple incl breakfast

My favorite upmarket hotel at Mangsit is Qunci Villas.

Whereever you stay I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.
Freo
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Grapple
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Number of posts : 7
Location : Sydney
Registration date : 2009-05-23

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok.   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeWed Jan 27, 2010 7:26 am

yep the Novotel is awesome...I've been to Bali / Lombok twice ( and again in a week) and moved around lots and both times that's the highlight of my stay. There are drivers that will drive you anywhere so you don't need taxis. Also any restaurant will pick you up and maybe drop you off if you ask them...but I hire a scooter ...the road is flat and safe and it's not far to get anywhere. Actually not many people wear a helmet down there as it's mellow, safe roads. The Novotel pool is really nice as is the beach and bar area. drinks are bit pricey but 2 hour happy hour every night from 5 - 7.

Grupuk bay lots of people learn to surf...the reef is soft and if you go high tide you won't hit it anyway.

...to give you an idea of Novotel's isolation - its' really only a 15 minute walk to the first group of warungs on the beach. 1-2 minute ride on a scooter. you'll pass 3 or 4 locals going the other way on scooters too...2 lane sealed road hardly any traffic.
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Grapple
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Number of posts : 7
Location : Sydney
Registration date : 2009-05-23

Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
PostSubject: ps   Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Icon_minitimeFri Jan 29, 2010 1:43 pm

I'll be there in about 5 days...can't wait !
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Grab a coffee, tea, beer, ...cause I have questions about Kuta, South Lombok. Empty
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