LOMBOK ISLAND: Soothing Paradise on Earth

Sugary-sand beaches against lush forests… Sharp-vivid mornings and dramatic sunsets… And a looming active volcano right in the middle of it…it doesn’t get any better than this. Honeymooners… this is a great alternative to Bali.

Lombok is a paradise island just 30 mins away from Bali and an 1h55m away from Jakarta by flight. It has some of Indonesia’s most vivid and stunning landscape.

Others refer to it as Bali’s “baby sister”, well, maybe because it’s just nearby. Others call it as “the unspoiled Bali”, ha! And who says Bali is spoilt? Ha!

Although it looks almost exactly like Bali; the beaches, the sceneries, etc., etc., Lombok’s character is quite different. It’s quieter; more laid back, fewer tourists which add up to “less parties”. *good to some, not for me* This is mainly because Lombok has a predominant Muslim settlers as opposed to Bali’s Hindus – and this, again, adds up to “alcohol isn’t always available”. *Bugger!*

The most popular places here are:
Senggigi, an ultra-scenic and strikingly postcard-card-like beach area where coral reefs are just a few hundred meters from the shore. This is the most developed of all tourist areas in the island and most standard hotels are found. Kuta Beach (same name as the one in Bali) is known as one of Indonesia’s most scenic and picturesque beaches with surfing! Tanjung Aan is excellent for surfing beginners, it has strange colored sands! Batubolong Beach where you can bask in dramatic sunsets overlooking Mt. Agung in nearby Bali in the west.

Just like a proper paradise, Lombok is not just about beaches. There are lots of things to do here for the hardcore nature trippers. Trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, snorkeling, scuba diving… you can do it here as if you’re the only one in the island.

Lombok is home to the magnificent Rinjani Volcano (3,726m);Indonesia’s 2nd tallest volcano. The bad-ass Tambora Volcano can be seen in the east on Sumbawa.

Daily flights from Jakarta to Mataram (Lombok’s capital) and from Denpasar (Bali). Singapore’s SilkAir flies direct 3x weekly and Merpati Airlines from KL. Boat services from Bali are also available.

We suggest a fully-inclusive, all-arranged travel to Lombok Island to avoid inconveniences especially for first timers. Hotel suggestions? -- The Oberoi Hotel in Medan (US$300-1,000/night) for those who love themselves and/or Novotel Lombok in Mandalika (US$75-100) for those on a budget. Anything lower… head to the Gili Islands for backpackers hostels.

-- Pisanu in Lombok Island
07 Feb 2008

YOUR GUIDE TO BALI’S BEST BEACHES

Whoever says the beaches of Bali is too touristy, too crowded and too busy can kiss my sun-tanned a*s through eternity. For all I know, they never been to Bali AT ALL! Ha!

And before we go on, one more thing – I have already told you the importance of knowing what kind of beach you are looking for before actually heading anywhere. This would ensure you’d enjoy it and won’t spoil somebody else’s holiday…

Anyways, enough of the bitchin’… here’s your guide to Bali’s best beaches according to 14 BISEANers. Let’s categorize it into 3:

[1] For watchin’ bronzed gods & goddesses / displaying yourself / Party Zone
[2] For the family oriented / Quiet solitude / Drama Queens (and kings!)
[3] For the rich & famous / nouveau riche / social climbers

Category 1

Kuta Beach – Absolutely the most popular beach on the island No shortage of beach babes and dudes, super party zone, Hard Rock. Kuta’s 5 km stretch is the longest beach in Bali. Even those who fancy Categories 2 & 3 comes here. Lots of surfing, water sports, activities and a beach culture of its own. Here is where the action you are looking for.

Dreamland Beach – Lots of action, very vibrant. 15 minutes from Kuta. Surfer dudes and babes galore. Lovely crowd.

Uluwatu & Padang Padang – Surfer god’s paradise + sunset parties + spectacular views + quiet lagoons.


Category 2

Sanur Beach – The center of it all; starting point to see the rest of the island, pale pink sands, white sands, fashion shops, boutique hotels, for thos who love culture.

Legian Beach – Comfy guest houses, boutique hotels, activities for the family, lots of kids, honeymooners, behaved but still has a wicked night life. A few minutes drive from Kuta.

Seminyak Beach - Very cosmopolitan but casual ambiance, classy restaurants, fine dining, local designer shops. Tanah Lot's is walking distance from here. Good for surfing in dramatic sunsets.

Candidasa – Well… not really the best. But what makes this special is the tranquility you’re looking for. For those who’d like to have some peace and quiet with the family. Or self-pity extravaganzas.

Category 3

Jimbaran Beach - Sterile, clean, organized and picturesque. Like the one’s on post cards. The Four Seasons, The Intercon and the Ritz Carlton dominate the beach.

Nusa Dua Beach - One word: Prestige. Another sterile beach where everything is in its proper place. International celebrities head here.

Bali’s 10 Best Beaches according to BISEAN.

2008 is Visit Indonesia Year. Come and visit.

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PARADISE ON EARTH: El Nido Island

We were taken by surprise when we landed here a few days ago. The island is so splendid we wanted to enjoy it to ourselves and also take the chance to have a little break from blogging.

El Nido is absoloutely the Philippines’ answer to the best islands in our region. THIS IS IT! – We found another paradise and no other island in this country (highly hoolaballooed or over-hyped) cannot compared to El Nido. *But I’m reserving a slot for Siargao, of course*

Think Phuket without the speedo-clad tourists walkin’ about. Think Halong Bay with white sand beaches, warm weather and crystal clear waters. Think Langkawi without the sterilized resorts – That’s El Nido. It is the one place in the Philippines that could ever come close to Bali. *violent appeals would be swiftly retaliated*

“I am so happy you chose to visit my hometown.” These are the first words of a total stranger. And these words, which we seldom hear from Southeast Asia’s prime island destinations, hit the nail. We knew instantly we found another paradise.

El Nido is an island in the Palawan group. The showcase of what the Philippines has to offer. Scuba diving, snorkeling, lots of water sports, hopping on its 45 islands and islets, meeting the locals are just the tip of the ice berg. If you’re into quiet and secluded existence, this is the place for you. Hiring a kayak to find hidden lagoons is the best thing we ever did.

We came in a cool month. Hot temperatures are in May and April but still, December is warm and sunny. No rains to spoil the day. Electricity goes off at 1am and won’t be back after 12 hours. Bring your plastic cards and traveler’s cheques, no ATMs here. Internet connections? Dream on! El Nido is so breath taking; you won’t have time for net surfing.

El Nido is 1hr10mins flight from Manila. The only direct flight from Manila to the island is served by only 2 local airlines – ITI (+632.8515674) and Southeast Asian Airlines (http://flyseair.com), both have daily flights. If you want a hassle-free transfer, then book through resorts here (high end) and here (budget).

We'll limit our description of El Nido here -- because we all want you to find time to visit this paradise. This island is about discovery. It's about detaching yourself from the rest of the world enjoying at your own pace, in your own sweet time. Everything here is waiting to be discovered.

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SIHANOUKVILLE: Our New Tropical Paradise Hotspot

The world has a new tropical paradise destination – Sihanoukville. Relatively new, unspoiled, crystal clear, softer-than-sugar white sand, empty beaches that are almost all to yourself. Who would have thought that Cambodia can offer such a place? I bet you didn’t.

Sihanoukville is a small coastal city in southern Cambodia facing the Gulf of Thailand. It was only established in 1955 and development was arrested during the repressive regimes of the 70s. It wasn’t until the 90s did the new chapter of development came, so basically, the town is still unfinished.

It is known by the locals as - Kompong Saom or Krong Preah Sihanouk. But seasoned visitors affectionately call it “Snooky”. The town was named after King Norodom Sihanouk.


The key to enjoying this place is knowing what kind of beach you fancy. Sihanoukville offers an impressive array of world class beaches by category – there are touristy ones with majorettes twirling fire, there are quiet ones for self-pitying dramas, high-traffic ones to display yourself, exclusive ones for the can-affords, shallow ones for the kids, for serious swimming, for sailing, for chilling out and a lot more. As the Cambodian tourism office put it – we have all kinds of beaches.

There are 5 main central beach areas -- Victory Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Ochheuteal Beach and Otres Beach.

Victory Beach is a busy beach and ever popular with the first time visitors and travelers because it is near to the backpackers’ enclave of Victory Hill. Very commercial with lots of small bars, hawkers selling junk, food stalls and alike. It’s divided into 2 beaches – Port Beach and Hawaii Beach. The sand is narrow and real estate development is on full swing here.

Next to it is Independence Beach – it’s more quiet, less crowded and good for one of those self-reflecting-cum-self-reassessment walks on its long sandy catwalk. Less crowd means less hawkers so you can enjoy a nice and quiet sun soaking here without anyone poking you on the back ruining your tanning lotion. Argh! They don't understand!


Sokha Beach is for the more exclusive bunch. It’s clean, sterile, sanitized and immaculately manicured. Sokha Beach is privately owned by Sokha Beach Resort, a typical international standard hideaway for the "can affords". Think “non-paying-visitors-not-welcome” kinda feel to it. Here is where me and my friends stayed because I lost the voting 4-1. *I wanted Serendipity Beach*

Nearby to the south is Ochheuteal Beach /’oh-‘shur-‘teel/ – the grandest, the busiest, the carnival of beaches. Lots of bars, seafood restos, guest houses, souvenir kiosks, and people to watch and people to impress…oh this is one big kahuna! Serendipity Beach is a part of this area and it’s where the cool people hang around and chill out.


You like isolation and solitude? Otres Beach is the place for you. Its wide and relatively long curve is the least developed of all the 5 central beaches. Here is where the water sports junkies head to. The beach is wide, the water is great and you won’t hear chuckling hyenas if you fall off your jet ski. Ha!

Sihanoukville is a wide area which means everything is kms away if you fail to choose the right beach for you. As I said, the key to enjoying Sihanoukville is knowing the beach you fancy. The hype and greater crowd will surely catch up to this new tropical destination sooner or later.

So pack your bag, get on a plane to Cambodia and head straight to Sihanoukville – and make your friends green with envy if they can’t come along.



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HIDDEN TREASURES: East Timor

I had the chance to visit the youngest kid on the block in November 2006. East Timor (or Timor Leste, as they would like to be called) is the youngest country in Southeast Asia and one of the youngest in the world. They are independent of Indonesia since August 1999.

My trip to East Timor was more like of a “pilgrimage”; it’s more of spiritual than a pleasure trip. Because this country has been on my advocacy since I took on world issues. I have campaigned for the freedom of East Timor in my own way.

My main advocacy issues are dominated with either them or Tibet…and it was such a spiritual (and personal) fulfillment to see them independent again…*sighs with a sweet smile*.

If you get the chance, visit them and see how they have faired. They will not be the youngest country for long. See how they have moved on and fulfill their own destiny…

This is Timor Leste… the other predominantly Roman Catholic country in Asia...

One of Southeast Asia’s hidden treasures indeed. Unspoiled, white sand beaches… serene environment and genuine culture. The smiles are real and their spirit is inspiring.

Since its’ independence, Timor Leste now shares the distinction with the Philippines as being the only 2 predominantly Roman Catholic (Christian) nations in Asia. This is mainly because Timor Leste is a former colony of Portugal and used to be called Portuguese East Timor until 1975. They are also pending admission to the ASEAN as the 11th member.

Atrocities and human rights violations are rampant since Indonesia invaded in 1975 when the Portuguese left. And this peace loving people has been held capture on their own land ever since. My gosh, I’m sounding like my old self back in the 1990’s!!! – enough of this! Whew!

This huge, huge statue of Jesus Christ was built by the Indonesians on their last day on Timor. Hmmmm....very Sao Paolo though...well. They have facilities for scuba diving although I don't do that. But I surf! I hope they could discover this on Timor. Their premier beach destination is in Dili (the capital city) and Com. Wonderful places.

Anyway, my point is, if you have seen everything in Southeast Asia already and you’re into isolated beaches, simple living and no tourist at all…visit our brothers in Timor Leste. Tell them I sent you!!!

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And here's their tourism website... no eyebrow raising please...it's written in English and Portuguese...TAKE THAT!

http://www.turismotimorleste.com/

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SUMMER IN PARADISE; The Best Beaches In Southeast Asia to Display Yourself

Summer is here! I see blue, green, white and bronze-skin gorgeous babes and dudes. Pack your things and we'll head to the beach. Don't forget your tanning lotion and your collection of shades of eyewear and your skimpiest bikinis and speedos. Nature lovers stay home...we are goin' hunting. We want to see and be seen...These are the 10 Best Beaches in Southeast Asia (for the moment) where the beautiful people go.

10. PHAN THIET (Vietnam)

Now, this is the next big thing in the beach vacation scene. Beautiful people are starting to come here and oh they are so fu**in’ fabulous. Just a few hours from Saigon, Phan Thiet is the latest getaway in Vietnam. Oceanside development is in full swing here, and there are some great boutique resorts along the stunning white sands of Mui Ne Beach.

9. TANJUNG RHU (Langkawi, Malaysia).

This huge secluded cove has one of the longest stretches of private beach I've ever seen. Wide with soft sand, the beach has cooling shady spots provided by palm trees overhead and beautiful deep blue waters for good swimming. Best of all, there's only one resort here (and the beach is kept picture perfect), so you won't have to elbow for space or suffer jet skis.

8. SABANG BEACH (Puerto Galera, Philippines) This is the most “happening” of all the beaches on this *sigh…absolutely gorgeous Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island in the Philippines. You wanna see bronze gods and goddess doing all water sports and…uhmmm…other things? Here is where you should go.


7. NGAPALI BEACH (Thandwe, Myanmar)

No eyebrow raising please…I know that Myanmar (formerly Burma, I like Burma better) is not famous for beaches and stuff. But hey, this beach is a playground for the elites who don’t want to be recognized and keep a low key profile. How gorgeous can they get? Take that! Brace yourselves… this beach can’t be reached by road. Hell no! There is no suitable road to reach this place. I can recommend a good travel agent for air lift if you want.

6. KUTA BEACH (Lombok, Indonesia).

This is the best alternative to Bali. The pure white-sand beaches of Lombok, with clear aqua-blue water lapping against them, are sometimes so private that you can have one all to yourself. And Lombok is just a short hop from neighboring Bali. Gorgeous Bali-going guys and babes come here instead. Take that!

5. AO NANG BEACH (Krabi, Thailand)

Although this beach is a little laid back for my taste…it has a very good serving of ultra-gorgeous beach goers. The unbelievably crystal clear water and powdery white sand is a perfect back draft for those tan gods and goddesses sun bathing! It will make you hurt down there.

4. PATONG BEACH (Phuket, Thailand)

If I haven’t been to other beaches around SE Asia, I would say that this beach is way too crowded. Well, hey! How can you be seen if there is no crowd? This is for the potato-eaters. Asians who fancy white people (why does that sound so politically incorrect? – no pun intended). But there is also a good serving of gorgeous Asian with their shiny-bronze skin struttin’ their stuffs! I love it.

3. WHITE BEACH (Boracay, Philippines)

I consider this as the No.1 in natural beauty, hands down. Well, because Bali is, well, “non-recommendable” at the moment. This is the playground of the Philippine’s elite and beautiful people (that includes the noveau riche movie personalities). Beautiful people all around you and they are even visible underwater because it’s crystal clear!

2. SILOSO BEACH (Sentosa, Singapore)

I really can’t decide whether this beach is man made or not. It’s too …ummm…seems everything is in the right places. Well, that is Singapore is all about. Let me remind you all again that this countdown to the best beaches in SE Asia focuses on “being seen”. And if you want to see and be seen, Siloso Beach is the rightful No.2. Why are the people here so fucken gorgeous? My neck gets stiff watching so many beautiful girls and boys on this beach.

A N D T H E M O S T H A P P E N I N G B E A C H I S....

1. CHAWENG BEACH (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Were you expecting Bali? LOL. Not at the moment please. I wouldn’t recommend Bali for the mean time because of the current situation there. Wait…did the Western countries (and Aussie lifted the travel warning already?)...Who cares! This spot is for Chaweng Beach. Full moon parties are great for beach babes watching under the glistening moon. But it’s real fun in the sun as well. Those gorgeous people who’s not into night cruising. The beach itself is gorgeous, with bungalows nestled in the trees just beyond the sand. Gorgeous, gorgeous guys and babes galore!!!