18 December 2018
After Bali’s neighboring island of Lombok was rattled by a series of strong earthquakes in July and August 2018, we here at Destination Asia Indonesia wish to provide you with an update of the current situation on the island. In mid-November, three months after the devastating quakes, Destination Asia Indonesia sent a team to Lombok and the Gili Islands to provide a first-hand update of the recovery process for our agents and the current situation on the ground.
Below we are sharing all the information our team gathered. Regular updates will be made as repair work progresses.
Travelling to Lombok and the Gili Islands
Lombok International Airport did not suffer any damage during the quakes and continues to operate normally. Fast boat services connecting Bali with Lombok and the Gili Islands, as well as local boat services between Lombok and the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air, Nanggu, Kedis and Sudak) have resumed and are operating on usual schedules.
Lombok Mainland
Senggigi, the main tourist destination of Lombok has largely recovered and shows very few to almost no visible impacts along the roads. Travelling further north to Pamenang area, there is still debris of destroyed buildings along the roadside, damaged structures and ongoing reconstruction work. Areas south of Senggigi, including the white-sandy beaches in South Lombok were mostly unaffected by the earthquakes, showing little affects – if any. The road connecting the north of Lombok with Senggigi, the airport and the southern areas of the island has been quickly repaired by the authorities, and is now fully functional. Normal daily activities can be witnessed taking place now in every village on the island.
Tours to Tetebatu Village on the slopes of Mt. Rinjani are fully operational. Trekking routes on Mt. Rinjani via Sembalun are still blocked after the landslides, but the alternative route via Senaru has been cleared. However, due to the rainy season, Rinjani National Park is currently closed and is expected to reopen again in April 2019.
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air
The Gili Trawangan jetty was destroyed during the earthquake and has been replaced with a new floating jetty. Restaurants nearby the jetty are mostly open, including shops, ATMs and minimarkets. Plenty of debris and destroyed buildings can still be seen along roads around the island with ongoing construction and renovation work at this time. Towards the south and western parts of the island less activity can be observed with the majority of the restaurants and shops remaining closed. While Gili Trawangan is already welcoming back a moderate number of tourists, Gili Air and Gili Meno are still largely empty, despite most of the hotels and restaurants being operational or conducting only minor repair works.
Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak
These three Islands in the Sekotong area are fully operational and were not affected by the earthquakes; though the number of visitors is currently still small. Activities of locals can be witnessed depending on the number of guests on these islands.
Hotel Information:
Lombok
- Holiday Resort: Operational. Moderate pool renovation.
- Qunci Villas: Fully operational.
- Puri Mas: Operational. Moderate construction for new lead-in room category and renovation of Presidential Villas.
- Sudamala: Closed until 31st May 2019.
- Jeeva Santai: Fully operational.
- Katamaran: Operational. Four rooms still under renovation incl. the 2 Penthouse suites, which are in re-construction and the gym.
- Jeeva Klui: Fully operational.
- Lombok Lodge: Fully operational.
- The Oberoi: Closed until 31st January 2019.
- Tugu Lombok: Operational. Presidential Villa and new Family Rooms under construction.
- Sheraton Senggigi: Fully operational.
- Jeeva Beloam: Fully operational.
Gili Trawangan
- Vila Ombak: Operational. Moderate renovation on Deluxe category. Expected reopening January 2019.
- Ombak Sunset: Partly open at the new Akoya Villas. High renovation work in progress.
- Kokomo: Closed for renovation. Reopening date unknown.
Gili Meno
- Mahamaya: All operational. Minor renovation at pool.
- Karma Reef: Closed. Expected reopening date March 2019
Gili Air
- Manta Dive: Operational. Moderate renovation/construction of three new rooms. Diving pool closed due to leakage but 2 other pools open.
Gili Sudak
- Nirvana: Fully operational.
Gili Nanggu
- Gili Nanggu: Fully operational.
The islands continue to offer exceptional travel experiences, with visitors warmly welcomed and plenty of opportunities to connect with the islands fascinating historical and natural heritage.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our team in Indonesia
[email protected]
