Lombok's Getaway - Episode 3

The dawn was finally there. I still recalled my good night sleep was interrupted by the shutting down of power from the one and only PLN's Power Generator in the island. Yes, later on, according to the cottage manage, there is only one unit of Generator to light up the entire island.Thus, the local residence and the cottage owners must prepare the small generator on their own.

As if the I was in a hurry, I jumped off the bed, had my morning ritual and prepare my HTC Evo4G for early morning sunrise hunting.

Lucky me...! The sun was on its way to say the world. I speed up my steps to the eastern part of the island, which is only 5 minutes walking. And there it was. The majestic Mount Rinjani with a ray of rising sun. Astonishing, mesmerizing, breath-taking, all the words could not describe the sensation I felt.

The warm sun ray, the cool sea water, the clear majestic sky. All become a part of me I won't let go.


After enjoying the sunrise, I took a walk further to round the island. The people activities has begun. Cleaning the restaurants and bars. Arranging beach chairs. Many people in the island working in the Lombok mainland. This goes vice versa. Therefore, the wooden boats already going here and there since the break of the dawn.

Perempuan Tangguh Gili Trawangan

There was no motor vehicle allowed in the three Gilis. the main transportation mean are bicycles and cidomo (horse-pulled cart). Watching children go to school and others people activities just make the morning so joyful.

Perempuan Tangguh Gili Trawangan

And there was a extraordinary view of several women carrying bags of sand from the wooden boat to the shore. Apparently they are usual labor in the island to carry cargoes from the boats to the shore. I took some picture of them. Later on this picture won local contest of #simPATIPictFest.

Bersiap Menjala

After satisfying my self with the beach-walking and taking a lot of photos, I walked back to the cottage, had breakfast and prepare for check out.

I have another appointment in Lombok mainland and have to say good by to Gili Trawangan.


End of Episode 3.

Lombok's Getaway - Episode 1

Investigating missing pleasure boat? Tiresome!

The location is at Gili Trawangan? Woohooo, let's go!

It's early October 2011. Due to a missing boat, I traveled 3 days 2 nights free of charge to this lovely Lombok and the Gilis. This is my first trip there. Excited? You bet!
As I have traveled quite a lot, it becomes my habit to conduct a small research about the places I've never been there before. So, googling and some calls had me some confidences for a go.

Located in the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat, it only took me 2 hour flight from Jakarta. I arrived at the newly launched Lombok International Airport just before the lunch time.
It was only a day before this airport was officially operated. The old airport, Selaparang is no longer used as it too close to the main city of Mataram, the capital of this province. Meanwhile, the new airport is 90 minutes away from Mataram.

The new airport is not completely finished. There are still some construction works being carried out. The unusual view is that many local people around the airport come to look at the aircraft. This airport is new thing to many local people there.

People around airport come to see aircraft.

From the airport, I took a cab straight to Bangsal Harbour. The road taken were smooth and quite busy. To get to Bangsal Harbour, I had to pass through the busy city of Mataram and of course the incredible Senggigi beaches!

Amazing Sengigi Beach, with the Three Gilis on the distance.

The Senggigi beaches are breath-taking, clear sky, white sands, greenish-blue sea and dark green bushes made it all astonishing! After 2 hours relaxing drive, I arrived at Bangsal Harbour. This is a relatively small harbor used for transportation from Lombok mainland to the famous three Gilis (Trawangan, Meno, Air). Gili is local language for Island.

Several small wooden colorful boats with the lengh of 10 meters ready on the shore for transporting local people, convenience good, raw food and tourists for only IDR.10,000 per person..! (about USD.1.20)

Yes, tourists. International tourists seem to fall in love for the beautiful Three Gili. Bali is for amateurs, Gili is for the pros, or so they said. Lombok, especially the Three Gilis and Rinjani Mountain, have become international tourists attractions. Government involvement to promote this haven and to refine the infrastructure definitely is a must!

Colorful wooden boats waiting

While awaiting for my call to aboard the small wooden-boat, I had myself buying some snacks and waters for my one night stay at Gili Trawangan. This is to avoid outrageous price in the Gili as in Bali. Later on I realize that the prices are normal.

Boat trip from Bangsal Harbor to  Gili Trawangan took only 15 minutes. Although the Island is only 2 mile away, the wave is quite high. That's why the boat master must take precautions and sail his boat carefully.


End of Episode 1

It's begin...

Sunrise, symbol of a new day, a new beginning.
Just like my self start blogging to share my life, my purpose, my passion.
Don't wanna perish without a trace.