Returning to Lombok

Medana Bay Marina

In February 2024, we returned from France to Medana Bay Marina (MBM) on Lombok where Manuka had been on the hardstand since June 2023.

State of the yacht

With the tropical conditions the Port side, that was under a big tree, was soiled with mould and everything. Cleaning took a while.

Last year we had followed the marina’s advice to cover all accessible openings, to prevent birds and other animals from nesting. Even though we did that with all due care, we found four nests in the main sail and one inside the mast. All openings on the hull were covered with mesh, but next time we will add tape so no bugs can nest there.  We had folded the ladders so we found no rats on board, unlike another vessel.

Staying at the marina

Hotel rooms are simple and comfortable, so the reasonable price made us book a room instead of living on board. As last year, the restaurant is fine, with limited choice and opening hours but lots of smiles and efficient service. We enjoyed very much the company of other yachties there.

Services and jobs carried out on Manuka

We asked Peter (Marina Manager) to provide us with the right contacts from his seemingly unlimited knowledge of local businesses. So, we share them for fellow cruisers below:

Board Batteries

Toko Aki Abc, Manager – Pak Andrean +62 817 369 666, andrean_ang@yahoo.com
Bad surprise – our four 200 Ah board batteries were out of usage after only five years. We went to Mataram and within less than 10 days new ones were shipped from Djakarta. The Manager gave us good advice in the choice between several possible options and was attentive to the fabrication date, features and quality. When the batteries arrived, he checked and charged all batteries and organized the delivery to the marina efficiently.

Teakwood work

Classic Furniture, Sengiggi (on the shore side of the road), Manager – Mahazin +62 370 638 831, Premier worker – Naim +62 812 3705 393.
Job done: one slatted board, two floor boards, one spice shelf, plus some little jobs.

With our drawings, we visited this shop where they make plain teakwood furniture. Nice and well done. We got a good insight into their capabilities. The Manager, who was not there at the time we visited the shop, wanted to come and see and check on the boat. He came with his premier worker and double checked everything. All was made within the 10 days period we gave them and they delivered everything to the boat. We were very happy with the result and the price.

Upholstery

Henny from Kapuas +62 859 4089 2888 (new number)

She comes and checks everything. She provides material not from the known brands in Europe (like Sunbrella, Ferrari), but she has similar quality products, some at hand, if not what you want, she will order from your choice.  Last year she made waterproof covers for our two foldable bikes. Perfect. This year I asked for a new cover for the steering bench, plus some winch covers for a friend’s yacht. Well done, reliable, good prices.

Hardware

There is a full clustering of various shops in the area of Super Store (Jl Raya Mataram-Sikur N° 30), which is not a supermarket, but a well-stocked hardware shop. Niaga Hardware is a little bit further down on Jl Raya Mataram.

Fastening hardware

It seems to be the unique place where to find stainless steel bolts and nuts. Everything is on display at the front of the shop (see photo below). On the other side of the street from Super Store.

Fridge

Eko +62 8 191 6025 477
Efficient repair of our fridge and good follow-up.

Food shopping

Western style supermarket Fresh Market (the one in Sengiggi has more choice than the one in Mataram).  On the budget side – Toko Susana in Mataram.  Frozen food and canned food much cheaper than in regular supermarkets.

Farmers market every morning in Tanjung, which is 2-3 km from the marina on the left side of the road.  There is also a small supermarket in Tanjung: Berlian Raya on the left side of the road.

We left the marina with regret; we felt almost at home there. We must say that when Peter is present everything is under control and falls in order. From our point of view the next team, even if very serviceable, has to build some more experience.

Flores – Ende – March 2024

We had to stay behind the peninsula for five days, waiting for better weather.  We stopped by the Coast Guard’s office, just after the ferry terminal. One of them spoke English so he was able to help  us and he willingly called a taxi for us.

Visa extension

The next day we went to Maumere, the capital of Flores for our visa extension. Beware: 150 km and 4 hours to go on a windy, steep, little mountain road, enjoy the scenery! We had left at 07:00. At 11:00 we were waiting for them to complete the paperwork in the Immigration office. Then we went to a bank to pay for the visa extension (2 million IDR each for 60 days), which took us two and a half hours. Back to the Immigration Office, wait again … Just after 3:30 we were granted our new visas. The Immigration Officer didn’t commit to deliver the visas the same day, but made his best effort successfully. Office closes at 16:00! So quick lunch then back to Ende, 4 hour journey again.

Diesel

Again, we asked the Coast Guard for some help. We brought our jerrycans. He called a friend with a small pick-up truck. All of us went to the petrol station. Quick and smooth. We paid the regular price (15 100 IDR / liter of Dexlite). We paid the truck driver for his service – a small fee as well. It was a big change from Belitung, where they charged us twice the price of the diesel last year.

Saumlaki, Tanimbar Island – March 2024

Harapan Indah hotel

They still accept willingly that we tie our dinghy to their terrace. They still don’t speak English.

Checking out: not so smooth! It took us two days all in all.

Harbor Master office

At the entrance of the port enclosure. The Harbor Master doesn’t speak a word of English and wasn’t so helpful. He is the last stop when checking out.

Quarantine

Conveniently situated on the other side of the road from the Harbor Master office, outside of the port enclosure. Green building. Very helpful, good English. Visit on the boat was replaced by an e-mail with pharmacy picture and pharmacy list.

Immigration office (Pos lmmigrasi Saumlaki)

Located in a small house. Exiting the Harapan Indah hotel, turn left, pass the Mosque, and turn right just after the hotel Penginapan Pantai Indah, and go up to the office, on the right side.

Customs

Exiting the Harapan Indah hotel, turn left. Located 2 good km from the hotel, on the left side of the road. Just hail one of the small pink vans that work as buses. If you call them Customs will come to the hotel. They requested to visit the yacht.

Diesel and petrol

Bobby is a local guide and helper and speaks reasonable English. +62 812 4092 0220.  We asked Bobby to help us.  As we didn’t have enough jerrycans he lent us the two he had. We went together with a taxi (same van as the buses, green) to the petrol station. So, as in Ende, we paid the regular price to the station and the service from Bobby and the taxi apart.

We didn’t tie the dinghy up at the hotel (you don’t want to go though this nice place with jerrycans!), but south of the port enclosure, where the local taxi boats put their long lines, beware! It is located on the other side of the large place that follows the port enclosure.

Food & restaurant

There is a farmer market and a beautiful fish market along the right road to the port.
From the port the large place on the right has several good local restaurants, and a nice coffee shop – Joas.

Arne & Dominique
SV Manuka

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Read Dominique’s previous reports for Noonsite:

• SE Asia: Updates from Borneo and Belitung
• Malaysia:  Competent Repair Services
• Thailand:  Anatomy of a Refit

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.

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