Lombok, Indonesia

Just east of the Island of Bali, across the Lombok stait... lies the island of Lombok. Smaller and less touristic than Bali, their main city of Mataram is small in comparison to Denpasar. Heading into the city, through the market you'll still see Donkey drawn carriges... a way of life for the villagers. One doesn't come to lombok to shop [which disapointed my mother], but to soak in the culture, enjoy the beautiful weather and get away from it all. It's my idea of an "all inclusive" vacation, without the "all inclusive" ;). We took the Catamaran "Bounty cruises" from Bali, through the Lombok strait... first stopping off at (what my cousin calls 'mushroom island' - don't ask) Nusa Lembongan... before making it's way to the west side of lombok. the lombok strait is actually quite choppy, so if you're one get motion sickness, either take some gravol prior to boarding, or fly there (approx the same price as the catamaran) as it is only a 20 min flight.

Bounty Cruises 
Crossing the strait reminded me of a story my cousin dave told me while he was heading to Nusa Lembongan on a fishing boat. Fearing for his life, he clung onto the only thing that would float. A volleyball. Just in case the boat went under. I thought to myself "he's crazy!!"... cause i was fairly nauseated for the 3-4 hour ride.

Upon arrival to Lombok, i was thinking. Where are we? the dock was pretty primative.. having to trek through non paved ground towards the parkinglot. Our meet and great service took us to our hotel, and on our way, we couldn't believe the breathtaking views along the coast line. Almost all of the islands in indonesia are volcanic - allowing for rolling hills in certain areas... One thing i noticed, was that Lombok was pretty much a kept island. Yes there are Hotels (espeically in the Senggigi area), but noting in comparison to Bali...

Our hotel of choice was a newly opened Quinci Villa. The hotels were designed by a dutch architect. outside was typicaly indonesian, and the interesiors were quite minimalist. You had basic amenities - bed, desk, air conditioning, balcony, but no TV. No problem. Couldn't understand the programming anyways, plus we weren't there to watch tv.

Upon arrival they quickly took us to our hotel room, and presented us with a welcome fruit place. a very nice touch.

Welcome Plate 


Quinci Villas - Room 

Quinci Villas, like Sri Phala is a small boutique hotel. I believe there are only 25 rooms at the hotel, and since we were there they have added 2 luxury villas to rent. Quinci Villas is located just outside of Sengiggi [which is the main tourist area ont he island]. There are some restaurants and bars on the strip, but they mainly cater to the tourists.

The Hotel restaurant [open air], is quite good, but pricy. Breakfast is included with a night's stay. There is not like waking up in the morning and having breakfast to the sounds of the waves crashing :D


restaurant 

There is a pool on site. Not very big, but neither is the resort.

view towards pool 

But nothing really compares to the Lombok Sunsets...



Quinci Villas Sunset - shilouette of Bali's Mr. Agung 


if the sunsets don't get you, there is plenty more to do on Lombok. You can complete a 3 day hike up Mt. Rinjani, visit some temples, visit a sasak village, head south on the island to Lombok's own Kuta, or take a boat to the gili islands where snorkelling is abundant, cars are not allowed, and bottled water is the only fresh water you'll have on the island.


sasak village & people 


Gili Islands 


I miss Lombok and can't wait to go back.

Bali

I thought i'd post my recount from my trip to Bali and Lombok, Indonesia. Even though it has been over a year since i was there - the blue sky and beautiful sunsets are still in my memory.. forever.

Bali is one of the thousands of islands in indonesia, located just east of the main island of Java. It is know for it's unique hindu culture.. unique to a land which is 95% muslim. Bali has been thought of to be an island paradise, and it is. Though overcome by commercialism, i'm not sure what is worse. To see a land that was once vibrant with tourists, or to come back to a land which, where their main source of income was hit hard by the bombings. Kuta, the main beach area in Bali was a ghost town in late '03.. but i've heard it has since been increasing.


Kuta Beach Sunset on a cloudy day 


Kuta Beach, Bali 

Due to the jakarta bombing in early August 2003.. we decided to stay away from the large american hotels in Bali, and opted to stay on Sanur on the east side of the island. I'm a pseudo "off the beaten track" kind of traveller... but i don't like roughing it. We stayed in this newly opened boutique hotel called 'Sri Phala'. It' looked beautiful from their website, and upon arrival it did not disappoint. It's very typical balinese in architecture, and the service was impecable. It is not located right in the Sanur hotel strip, but off of a fairly busy road. The fist building (in front of the hotel) is the Sri Phala batik centre (they make indonesian batik - fabric printing). But right behind is a little hidden gem. Lush vegetation. cute swimming pool, outdoor covered restaurant, and amazing service.


Sri Phala 


Sri Phala [view of the restaurant] 

Breakfast is included with the cost of a night's stay. the food caters to a tourist crown, where you had the option of banana pancakes, eggs with bacon [i think], or your standard typical nasi 'rice' dish - if you want to eat like the locals. you had a option of juice and coffee/or tea all served with fresh fruit.

Aside from this beautiful hotel, Bali has a wonderfuly artistic culture specializing in painting, woodworking and silver... and for the surfer in you, one can try their luck on kuta beach with the beginner waves.