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Published: March 3rd 2010
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We booked a bus to take us to Padang Bay, so we could catch a ferry over to Lombok island. Once we got on the bus we realized that the bus was not going straight to Padang Bay....oh no....it was going to be making a couple detours. I thought I was going to be stuck on this bumpy, hot bus for hours. It ended up taking us to Ubud, which was about 2 hours. We transfered to another bus which was "the bus from hell". It was a coach like bus ( I know what you're thinking....what a princess!) But REALLY, the air con was actually just recycled air and I do not think that anyone moved or spoke for the duration of that bus ride. I felt like I was melting. We made it to the bay and as soon as we got off the bus we were swarmed with men working for transport companies, asking us to purchase a ferry ticket, including a pick up on the other side. We had to make a quick decision so we could get on the ferry. We took a chance and bought a ticket through them. The next thing we know, some
Kevin
we named him kevin, he begged for food by our table men are pulling our luggage towards the ferry ahead of us. i was under the assumption that they were working for the transport company...but no no....they were actually porters working for....who knows. They carried our bags up 2 flights of stairs in the ferry and then basically cornered R and I to pay up. At the same time we had multiple women with baskets full of fruit, asking us to buy buy buy. It ended up being a pretty stressful situation because they were threatning to take out bags away if we did not pay them. I tired offering them a smaller amount than they were asking for, but they just laughed at me. We ended up giving them money, just so they would leave us alone. The next hour was spent complaining about getting ripped off and getting settled in for our lovely 5 hour ferry ride, on a ferry with no bathroom.
We sat at the back of the ferry facing the water, along with about 10 other foreigners. It's a good thing I did not have to go to the bathroom, because the only one I saw was "for men" and looked like a trough for pigs,
but came up to my waist....still not sure how that is supposed to work out.
When we finally arrived at Lombok island, it looked beautiful and untouched. We did end up having a pick up on the other side, which was great. Our guide in the van was named Giovanni, or June....that's what we called him. He drove us to our hotel, Sengiggi hotel in Sengiggi. We had a mini-meeting and ended up booking our next 2 days with him, as well as a flight back to Bali (cause the ferry back was just not happening again).
The first day we went on a day trip to the Gili Air island. We took a traditional boat over, with about 15 people on board. The island was in the midst of celebrating for a festival, and there was a parade as we were docking the boat. This island was incredible. There were no cars, motorcycles, just bikes and walking. We spent the day snorkelling, eating lunch on the beach and exploring the small island. Since it was the low season, it was very quiet and there were not many people walking around. The locals were very friendly and wanted us to
come party with them. I wished I stayed the night (but I did not know you could stay on the island). There were several small bungalows, but nothing big or commericalized.
When it was time to go back on the boat I was sad and did not want to leave....I would really like to go back.
The next day on Lombok island, June took us to see a water temple, a weaving village, a traditional home and Kuta beach (different than in Bali). It was really cool to see the villages and the people who lived there. They all work together and any money made is pooled. The traditional house was made from bull dung and clay. Kuta beach was amazing!! It was basically deserted, except for us and some locals selling some sarongs and braceletts. A few of the little boys tried selling us things and when we refused, we said "come swimming" instead! So we all went swmming together. That was definately a highlight for me.
Another highlight was the people in the town of Sengiggi, where we were staying. Every time we went out into the town we could barely get down the street without
In the van
going to Gili Air island people stopping us to chat. We made friends with a bunch of people, like Eddie, who owns a small store with a book exchange. We ended up all buying a book for Eddie. We also made friends with the staff at Yessy Cafe. They were so generous and kind to us, that we went back 2 nights in a row. The owner at the Happy Cafe also was kind and generous and "forced" me to order a pina colada. The power went out more than once while we were on Lombok and it was something really different to experience. It's pitch black and silent.
I could not help myself, but indulge in a pool side massage and the swim up bar on the last day on Lombok. No regrets there.
The flight back to Bali, felt like 10 mins in the air. We returned to The All Seasons once again. The last two days, I spent surfing at the beach and visiting the monkey forest in Ubud, Kintamani volcano and Tthe anah lot temple.
At the end of the 9 days, I did not want to leave and was already planning on when I could go back.
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anonymous
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Going back ! Lombok
Hey Genelle, sounds like paridise ! Looks awesome ! When are we going back ? Big Blubb !