> south of Lombok: On my previous trips to Lombok, we always stayed around the north-western part of the island, which is facing Bali. However, we kept hearing from locals and tourists alike about the beautiful south … the area surrounding Kuta. It seems that the southern part of the island has ben designated as the new tourist area, where new hotel developments will be sprouting up anytime. Moreover, they are building a new large airport very close to Kuta … so given the large investments in infrastructure, I guess all the claims we've heard are not unfounded. So one day … we got into a car and went exploring the south of Lombok. I have to say I was disappointed! The south is very dry, far from the lushness that you see in the area around Mt. Rinjani in the north. The land is brown, parched and primitive. And the sea … well, the surf breaks away so far from the beach, that it's pretty much impossible to swim in the water due to the shallow reef that extends far into the water. It's one of those situations where you can see the sea in front of you, but you can't do much with it! All-in-all, I'm glad we went to see the area surrounding Kuta, yet for me it doesn't come anywhere close to the natural and lush beauty of north Lombok.
> Novotel Kuta: Hmm … very interesting design for a Novotel hotel. Currently, it's the only major hotel on the Kuta beach. The design is quasi African safari … you don't quite feel that you're in Indonesia. And given the brown dry surrounding, you could nearly pretend to tele-transport yourself to an African steppe. On our way back to Singapore we were talking with some Dutch tourists that stayed in the hotel … and their first comment was that they felt isolated there. This of course is more a reference to the area, than the hotel. However, if you want to stay in Kuta and want a star-rating for your hotel … this is your only option for now.
> Ashtari Restaurant - Kuta: we were told that this is a must go restaurant in the Kuta area … serving all natural delicious food. Sitting high up on the hill immediately west of Kuta beach it commands a stunning vista of the whole area. Unfortunately, we were there on a Monday, the only day they're closed :-( But heard very good things about this place.
> Hotel Oberoi - Tanjung: we have stayed in several Oberoi Hotels in India … and they are renowned for ultimate luxury. Beautiful private villas, luxurious surroundings, attention to detail, fantastic service and always done in the local style. This hotel in Tanjung is no different. The only disappointment … there were barely any guests. And you know how it feels to walk into a beautiful place which is deserted. The soul is gone. Hopefully only for a short time though … for the Xmas holidays are just around the corner and tourism should be picking up!
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