Villagers in Lombok need to have a better awareness
CategoriesNews By Discovering Lombok

Villagers in Lombok need to have a better awareness of their surroundings

JAKARTA: Indonesian villagers need to have better awareness of their surrounding attractions so they are able to promote and support tourism development in regions they come from.

Tourism and Creative Economy minister, Sandiaga Uno, made the appeal when attending the Tourism Awareness Dissemination in Senteluk Village in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, reported Antara news.

In a statement on Sunday, he said the awareness among the local and regional communities, would eventually become part of the tourism and creative economy ecosystem’s strength.

“Later, investors will come on their own to develop homestay with local residents and produce creative economy products, hence automatically the number of tourists will rise,” he added.

Sandiaga said tourism awareness is expected to be able to form a mindset within the people so that they can become an active player within the development of tourism in their regions.

The awareness programme event was also held in four other villages: Pusuk Lestari in West Lombok, Gili Indah, Medana, and Jerowaru in North Lombok.

Sandiaga said the event is a government effort to improve the economy, create as many employment opportunities as possible, and raise awareness toward the tourism potential in the regions.

This is important especially since there is a number of major events to be held in West Nusa Tenggara such as MotoGP Mandalika, Pesona Senggigi, and Motor Cross Grand Prix (MXGP)

CategoriesSouth Lombok By Discovering Lombok

Mandalika MotoGP track open for visitors

Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) opened Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) for the public starting Friday, July 1, 2022, as part of the Mandalika Track Walk program.

ITDC Director of Operations and Business Innovation Arie Prasetyo said the Mandalika Track Walk is aimed at opening up opportunities for the public to experience visiting the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit.

“We want people to enjoy being on the circuit while raising their sense of belonging to this circuit,” said Arie on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.

The Mandalika Circuit is open every day at different time sessions;

06:30-09:00 local time on Monday to Sunday and

16:30-18:00 local time on Saturday and Sunday.

One session is limited to a maximum of one hundred visitors. Tourists are allowed to do sports activities on the circuit, such as running, walking, and cycling.

The ticket on Monday-Friday is Rp150,000 per person for domestic tourists and Rp250,000 for foreign tourists.
The ticket on Saturday and Sunday is Rp200,000 per person for domestic tourists and Rp300,000 per person for foreigners.

Ticket purchases and payments can only be made via the Xplorin application.
Visitors who bring two-wheeled vehicles made of rubber, such as bicycles and segways, will be charged an additional fee.

When registering, would-be visitors are required to fill in their ID number and e-mail address. Those bringing private vehicles are also required to register their vehicle numbers on the application.

Visitors are prohibited from wearing sandals, riding vehicles with wheels made of other than rubber, and throwing trash on the circuit.
Children under 12 years old and pregnant women must come with a companion.

ITDC as the operator of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone also bars visitors from carrying out activities that have the potential to damage the asphalt circuit, such as spilling lubricant, oily liquid, or other materials.

“Mandalika circuit is one of the nation’s assets and is a vital national object,” said Arie.

“We attempt to preserve this area well, especially in terms of order and security.”

CategoriesNews By Discovering Lombok

Busy at Lombok Airport during MOTO GP

The Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Lombok International Airport recorded a 74% increase in passenger traffic in Q1 of 2022 compared to Q1 2021.

As reported by Beritabali.com, 430,080 domestic and international air passengers flew via The Lombok International Airport during the period January-March 2022, while only 247,263 passengers passed through the airport in the same period one year before. 

In a press statement on Saturday, 02 April 2022, the General Manager of the Lombok International Airport, Nugroho Jati, said: “Aircraft movements (during Q1 2022) also increased. From 3,186 flights in Q1 2021, 4,125 flights were operating from Lombok’s airport in Q1 2022, increasing 29%.”

The increase in passengers handled and flight movements recorded were affected by the inaugural MotoGP 2022 held at the newly opened Mandalika Race Circuit in March 2022. Traffic through the Lombok air gateway surged in March compared to the volume measured in January and February 2022. In January 2022, around 126,00 passengers passed through the airport, with only 103,000 passengers recorded in February 2022. 

Meanwhile, in March 2022, the number of passengers rose dramatically to more than 200,000. In March, an average of 6,000 daily passengers used the airport, while in the January-February period, the average number of passengers was around 4,000. 

Airport management in Lombok remains hopeful that passenger numbers at the new and modern Lombok International Airport will remain strong as tourism in Indonesia continues to grow and the government deregulates passenger movements. 

The MotoGP 2022 Event held on 18-20 March 2022 at the brand new Mandalika Race Circuit saw an average of 18,000 passengers use the Lombok air gateway between 17 and 23 March 2022. In the same period, 98 daily aircraft movements were recorded to handle the influx of race spectators and participants. 

The peak in passenger arrivals was recorded on 18 March 2022, when 8,900 passengers landed in Lombok. The peak day for departures occurred on 21 March 2022, when 11,000 passengers flew out of Lombok.

In connection with the MotoGP 2022, The Lombok International Airport welcomed five cargo flights on 09 March and 11 March, carrying motorcycles and logistical support for the international race event. The five cargo Qatar Airways Aircraft flew in from Doha, Qatar, carrying 404 tons of freight.

CategoriesArticle By Discovering Lombok

Mandalika GP, everything you need to know!

Mandalika, Indonesia

Over 17,000 islands spread between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean; more than 600 ethnic groups with about 700 spoken languages bridging the continents of Asia and Australia; a multitude of amazing landscapes and biodiversity stretching along the equator line; this is the wonderful Indonesia, a land of endless spectacular wonders!

Situated at the heart of the world’s precious Coral Triangle and along the Ring of Fire, Indonesia’s countless wonders stretch from mountain tops all the way to the bottom of its vast seas. The diverse landscapes of Indonesia include the legendary getaway that is Bali, as well as Labuan Bajo, a tropical paradise lying on the northwestern tip of East Nusa Tenggara. Various unique wildlife such as the exotic komodo dragons, the jovial orangutan, the majestic cendrawasih – a bird of paradise – also lives among the rich landscape of Indonesia.

Far away from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, you can find an astonishing gem featuring some of the most enchanting tropical panorama known as Mandalika. Lying along the southernmost coast of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, in Mandalika you are able to find breathtaking beaches, eye-soothing green hills, as well as a thrilling racetrack.

Official Programme

Grab your Official Programme! It’s over 70 pages of jam-packed, must-have content brought to you from inside the MotoGP™ paddock. Along with a series of spectacular photos and updated graphics, each publication includes the Grand Prix timetable, a circuit map, all the information you need about your favourite teams and riders, plus an ‘Inside MotoGP™’ feature with up-to-date stories from this week in the Paddock.

There are guides to all three Grand Prix classes – MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ – as well as a Riders Guide, which will help you match names and faces, and riders with their new 2022 colours! The Official Programme is the perfect guide to the events that will unfold over a race weekend!

Why we love Lombok

A circuit surrounded by spectacular tropical view. Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit can be found on the southern edge of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Situated along the mesmerising coastline of Mandalika, the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit offers wonderful tropical scenery and unforgettable experiences. Indonesia itself is a country with the second longest coastline in the world, boasting a total length of 54,716 kilometers. Lombok is also strategically located. You are able to land here through Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Lombok International Airport in Praya District, or land through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, then reach Lombok by using a ferry.

With many hotels and resorts available across Lombok, you can choose to spend the night along near the gorgeous coastline of Mandalika or any other areas around the island. You can even stay at several unique hotel and resorts available in Bali if you want! Pick between a multi-story hotel with a panoramic view of the city or a luxurious resort with a private infinity pool overlooking the vast blue sea. A camping ground, as well as other special accommodation options, will also be available near Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit for the duration of MotoGP™’s visit.

Useful information

Capital: Jakarta
Time Zone: GMT +7 (Jakarta); GMT +8 (Mandalika)
Currency: Rupiah (sign: Rp, code: IDR)
Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
Electric Plug Type: C and F

Important Telephone Numbers:

Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112 (from satellites and mobile phone)

Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119

Search and Rescue: 115

Call Operator: 100 and 106 (Domestic); 101 and 107 (International)

Tourist Information: +6221 2828899 (Bureau of Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy)

Websites:

Exploring Mandalika and other stunning spots in Lombok

Once a surfer’s secret, Mandalika Beach in Lombok has been unofficially dubbed as the ‘new Bali.’ If you’re looking for another tropical escapade other than Bali but don’t want to compromise the stunning views and magnificent beaches, then Mandalika is the perfect place for you! A 1,250-hectare sanctuary, Mandalika features upscale resorts, spas, and fantastic food.

You can also enjoy several exciting activities at other Lombok’s best spots! Sail along the pristine waters of Tanjung Bongo, rejuvenate yourself at yoga retreats available around the island, take an adventurous trip to the top of Mount Rinjani, or do an island hopping to Bali or even Labuan Bajo.

Tips for Visiting Lombok and Wonderful Indonesia

Always bring some sun protection, an umbrella or raincoat with you as the weather is unpredictable. Please be aware of the changes in weather especially in some areas. Bug repellent is also mandatory to avoid uncomfortable bug bites.

ATMs can be found easily, especially in tourist areas and big cities. When you are exploring the remote areas of Indonesia, it is better by having some cash in Indonesian Rupiah. Remember to only change yours in the legal money changer to avoid scammers.

Most public places are offering WiFi in Indonesia. But if you want to explore the neighborhood, picking up a local SIM Card is necessary so that you can conveniently be connected to the internet. You can buy it once you arrived at the airport or get one at a SIM card shop near your hotel.

Please be mindful of the dress code when visiting Indonesia. Modest clothing is a sign of respect when you are in public places, while a swimsuit is acceptable in swimming pools and beaches.

Explore the unique culture and heritage of each region in Indonesia by experiencing these 5 wonders: nature & wildlife; culinary & wellness; arts, culture & heritage; recreation & leisure and adventure. Some exciting ideas for you to experience in Mandalika are: