Sunset Worshiper

Here they are, collection of photos depicting lovely sunset at some gorgeous location. Enjoy...!

Golden Hours - The Sun approaching the Sea - Location: Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Almost There, but, Lonely - Location: Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Let's go home kiddos -  Location: Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Shoot...! - Location: Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

Trees and Twigs -  Location: Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

Enjoying sunset - Location: Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

Tranquility - Location: Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

Great clouds and approaching sunset at Mahakam River, East Borneo.

Lombok's Getaway - Episode 2

The jetty connecting the boats to Gili Trawangan.

The boat which I took for the ride to Gili Trawangan swaying left and right then back and fort. For some people whose not get use to with the sea wave might end up vomiting. :D

After 15 minutes or so, the boat getting nearer to Gili Trawangan. I notice from a far the greyish-white sand and beautiful beaches decorated with the green trees and colorful boats.

The welcoming gate of Gili Trawangan.

Arrived at Gili Trawangan at around 2 p.m., I went straight to a Diving Shop where I suppose to meet the owner of missing boat. I better skip this boring working part and continue to the fun parts. :-D
 

Sunset on the western part of Gili Trawangan

The work day 1, finished around 5 p.m. Darn it..! Just realize that the golden hours was on the show.


I immediately, took the Cidomo, a 4 wheel cart with one or 2 horses pulling. Then, my instinct told me that the place I have to be is the western part of the island of course, to capture the sunset...!

Sunset on the western part of Gili Trawangan.

Lucky me, the sunset was still high. I was speechless, witnessing the majestic reddish-orange sky met a clear greenish blue sea. I have to admit that the sunset here is one of the best sunset I've ever seen.

Many people gathered in this western part of the island to capture the astonishing sunset. Although it was a bit cloudy, the beauty still could not be hidden.

Sunset on the western part of Gili Trawangan.

I took hundreds of frame like crazy with my HTC EVO4G during this golden moment. Some good, some blur but all of them were beautifully incredible (it's just me saying heheheh).

After spent sometimes enjoying the sunset, the sky is getting dark. But the nuance of the sunset still lingering on the farthest horizon.


Instead of taking Cidomo, I decided to walk along the beach back to the location of motels/cottages. The warm sands and the cool see water created unexplainable sensation.

The sea water was so clear that we can see algae, corals with just naked eyes. I reckon that this due to the location of the island that so far from pollution.

During my walk searching for motel to stay overnight, I took some photos and the result is quite awesome. Although the sun was no longer there, but the radiance of its ray made a unique colors to the sky.

Silhouette of Traditional hut just after the sunset.

After a few minutes walked, I found my self in front of traditional hut, with a magnificent sea view. The hut apparently belongs to Blue Corral Cottage, which then I decided to get a room there. With only Rp.250.000 c.a. USD.27, I enjoyed an air-conditioned spacious room with shower and free breakfast and free wifi...!

I ended the day with leyeh-leyeh in the sea-view hut, ate Quattro Formaghi Pizza and mix fruit for dinner and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

End of Episode 2.

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