Asian Paradises

— I n d o n e s i a — – 82 – www.paradises.com PO Box 1050 Senggigi 83355 Lombok INDONESIA Tel: +62 370 693013 Fax: +62 370 693286 Email: info@puribungalombok.com www.puribungalombok.com P U R I B U N G A B E A C H C O T T A G E S Discover the natural scenic beauty and unique culture of Lombok at Puri Bunga Cottages. One of Indonesia's emerging tourism destinations, Lombok is a mere 20-minute flight from Bali and there are many direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Perth. Located in the centre of Senggigi, this unspoiled paradise offers access to a range of adventures from trekking the mighty volcano Gunung Rinjani, exploring cascading waterfalls, or simply enjoy the natural scenic beauty and relax with a luxurious massage on the beach. Puri Bunga Beach Cottages has a variety of charming Deluxe and Suite Cottages that open out to private balconies. All rooms are air-conditioned and have hot water, mini bar, television, telephone, Wi-Fi internet access and coffee making facilities. Located across the road is an art and crafts market, a small supermarket and a variety of cosy beachfront restaurants. Or guests can choose to dine at the hotel's restaurant with a variety of Western and Indonesian favourites offered. The hotel's large swimming pool is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cooling dip, or discover Lombok's pristine waters. The new and exciting Dive Centre, operated by DSM Lombok, has state-of- the-art equipment and welcomes everyone from absolute beginners to experienced professionals. For a relaxing and affordable getaway, Puri Bunga Beach Cottages offers a perfect tranquil retreat. Nestled amidst delightful surroundings and lush gardens, the hotel has sensational views over the vast ocean. during this month-long fast. Lombok has a reputation for amazing, woven textiles. Songkets (hand-woven textiles) and ikats (intricate dyed fabric) can be used, amongst other things, as sarongs, wall hangings, or tablecloths. The design woven is unique to each weaver and it is passed down through the generations. There is a traditional handweaving village in Puyung in central Lombok where visitors can try on a traditional Sasak costume, and the village of Sukarare is a must visit for kain ikat or handwoven textiles. Lombok is also known for its magnificent South Sea cultured pearls grown in pristine waters around the island. Lombok pottery has gained in popularity and is now shipped all over the world. There is a wide range to choose from and the pottery can be custom-made to your requirements. There are many other traditional handicrafts that make perfect gifts or souvenirs including wooden masks, baskets made out of ketak grass and wooden boxes decorated with shells. Visit the village of Banyumulek where arguably, some of the best pottery is produced. Public transport in Lombok comes in the form of buses and bemos (a small minibus). The main bus terminal is Mandalika at Bertais. Hiring a car or motorcycle is a convenient way to explore the island. Hotels and travel agencies offer the most competitive rates for car and motorcycle hire. For a local experience, take a leisurely ride in a cidomo or horse cart. This traditional mode of transport may not be the fastest way to get around the island, but it's certainly a great way to immerse yourself in your surrounds, and soak up the magnificent scenery. To get to Lombok, you can travel by air, ferry or fast boat. There are daily f lights between Denpasar, Bali and the capital of Lombok, Mataram. The public ferry travels between Padangbai (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok) multiple times a day, and the trip takes roughly four hours. Both motorbikes and cars can be taken on the ferry. Ferries also travel between Labuhan Lombok and Poto Tano on Sumbawa several times a day, and this trip takes one and a half hours. Please be advised however, if you are prone to seasickness—the trip can be rough. Another option is by fast boat—Blue Water Safari's run express boats from Bali to Lombok, the Gili islands and Lebongan Island. Lombok is the island with something for everyone. Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, you can fill your days with something to do or somewhere to visit.

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