Indonesia - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 290

one of the hammocks. Also excellent grilled fish and a
lip-smacking coconut, chocolate and banana pancake.
Jungle Bar Tao' Kombo . One of the main late-night
chill-out spots, with cool music and plenty of drinks. The
jungle juice cocktails (around Rp50,000) are as wild as
they sound. Hosts traditional dance performances with
local people in high season.
★

TREAT YOURSELF
Shack 58 & 59 In the north of the island
(no telephone) W shack58.net. Despite the
unprepossessing name, these are two
charming a/c bungalows in a tranquil
spot ideal for a romantic tryst: #59 is
inland, and slightly cheaper (Rp720,000);
#58 is right on the beach, and worth the
extra (Rp800,000). Very popular, so book
well in advance.

★

Yaya Warung Just north of the harbour area, over-
looking a sandy cove. Simple shack serving up economical
juices, smoothies and warung staples (under Rp20,000)
such as nasi goreng and nasi campur .

DIRECTORY
Banks and exchange No ATMs. Moneychangers at two
kiosks, one south of Mallia's Child and one further north.
Boat tickets The o ce is under a tree in the harbour area
of the east coast - by the red hand-painted sign nailed to
the tree.
Bus tickets The Perama agent is at the Kontiki hotel in
the south of the island.
Internet access There are numerous internet cafés on the
east coast, and virtually everywhere has free wi-fi access.

days (from around Rp30,000 per day).
here are also several dive operators on
the island (see box; p.295). For boat trips,
search out Dean ( T 0813 3950 9859),
one of the boat captains; he's often in
front of the Blue Marlin dive shop. He'll
take you on fishing trips and to see
dolphins (best in March-Aug & Nov) in
the sea off the north coast of Lombok
(around Rp400,000 per person).
ACCOMMODATION
Amber House In the north of the island T 0813 3757
9728, E [e-mail]. A quiet
choice, Amber House has basic thatch-and-bamboo
bungalows with squat toilets and salt-water bathrooms
set slightly back fro m the beach . Options with fresh-water
showers cost more. Rp250,000
Sunset Gecko In the northeast of the island, north of the
lake T 0813 5356 6774, W thesunsetgecko.com. Despite
the variable standards of accommodation, the low rates
make this a popular option. Both the “backpacker” rooms
and the A-frame bungalows have shared bat hrooms; ask
to see a fe w before mak ing your choice. Room Rp210,000 ,
bungalow Rp310,000
★

4 Gili Air

GILI AIR stretches about 1.5km in each
direction and takes a couple of hours to
walk round. It's a pleasant cross between
lively, social Gili Trawangan and peaceful
Gili Meno; however, as there's no more
land available on Gili Trawangan, the
island is, sadly, becoming increasingly
developed. Although accommodation is
spread around most of the coast, it's
concentrated on the southeast and
northeast corners.
he beach in the southeast corner is
popular, with good snorkelling.
Snorkelling gear is widely available for
rent; try Ozzy's Shop on the east coast
(from Rp30,000 per day). For snorkelling
further afield, boat trips are advertised
pretty much everywhere (around
Rp100,000 per person including
equipment; 9.30am-2.30pm) and take in
sites off all three islands. here are several
dive operators (see box, p.295).
ACCOMMODATION
7Seas Backpackers Southeast corner of the island
T 0811 385 1212, W 7seas-cottages.com. The dorms and
private rooms here are good value and generally well
kept, and there's a pool, though service is so-so and noise
can sometimes be an i ssue. Acco mmodati on-and-dive
packages available. Dorm Rp80,000 , double Rp300,000

Tao' Kombo' In the southeast of the island, 200m
behind the beach; take the turn inland just south of
Mallia's Child T 0812 372 2174, W tao-kombo.com. This
place has a large bar (with live music in the high season),
garden games and welcoming staff. The six bungalows
have fans and fresh-water showers, and there's also a
good-value “ family room” sleeping up to four (Rp640,000).
Rp480,000

EATING AND DRINKING
Opening hours vary depending on the season, but generally
speaking most places are open daily 8/9am-9/10pm.
Bibi's Attached to Villa Nautilus just south of the harbour.
Bibi's serves delicious, authentic, wood-fired pizzas (from
Rp45,000) under white parasols overlooking the sea.
Diana Café In the north of the island. A great spot for a
sundowner (beer around Rp25,000), especially if you bag