Gili and Lombok- Senggigi

Obviously we made the most of our last morning in Gili with a dip in the pool, followed by a walk to the beach to relax in the sun and have a swim. We all enjoyed a lunch on the beach before heading to the boat to sail back over to Lombok for our last night.

We stayed in the Senggeggi resort which wasn't so exciting, but had a massive pool the shallow end was 1.30m! 

We then all had one last dinner with the group and a few drinks, Anthony on karaoke! And said goodbyes to those who were leaving in the night! 

Gili Island- TURTLES 🐢

Yesterday- 4th June 2015 

This was the day I had been most excited for all week, going snorkeling! I've only ever done it on the shores in Greece so being out deeper was going to be different. 

 

We snorkelled in three different areas between the islands, with a slight moment half way to the third place when the boat engine decided to temporarily brake! The reefs were not as good as we were hoping in terms of fish, as there wasn't a huge amount going on down there however we did see quite a few turtles, which made my day. I love turtles and have never actually seen one in the sea before! 

We then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool before heading off to a night market to get some grub. The market was pretty cool, with all your food cooked in front of you, and stands with amazing cakes and doughnuts for after. This was then followed by a few cocktails on a beach bar to finish our last night on the Gili Islands. And just to keep you all up to date with my tanning process, yes I did burn even with lots of sun-cream on! 

Gili Island- 'Paradise'

3rd June 2015 

We started at 8 this morning in order to get down to the waterfall before check out! It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen and we got to swim in it to. It was an experience I will never forget! 

We then took a 2 hour journey from senaru to the Gili Island where we finally got to go in the sea whilst eating for our food. (Yas and I were like the children for the group, going for a play!). When we arrived at our hotel Trawangan Oasis we were shocked to have more then basic with nice rooms, a pool and wifi that worked! Obviously the first thing we all did was jump in the pool! 

In the evening we had a lovely meal on the beach and few few drinks to end the day before heading back to our bed big enough for at least 5 people with a mozzie net and air con!

Lombok- Mt Rinjani

We had another early start with a long journey ahead to a hotel on Mt Rinjina on route we stopped at a local market, it is nothing like our markets, it's packed, smells and there are flys on everything! There are also hundreds of horse and cart (the poor horses) and lots of motorbikes. Obviously we are as much of an attraction to the people here as they are to us as they wouldn't usually get that many tourists. 

We then went to see how bamboo weaving works, and got the chance to have a go, I was a natural! I purchased a sunglasses case which cost me about £1 and we then headed to our next hotel. 

After taking the wrong route and ending up on the east side of the island instead of the west we reached our hotel with the most amazing views of the island, volcano, waterfalls and monkeys!

In the afternoon we visited a traditional village where they lived in wooden huts with little light and had about 18 living there! There lifestyle is definitely not something I would be able to get used to! To end the at we went to a restaurant which had steak and chocolate cake, so my day was made, more my kind of living! 

                 

Lombok- Rice fields, Weavers, Pottery and Crackers

1st June 2015. 

We set off in the morning to learn about the lifestyle in Lombok as it is very different to home (wouldn't be my ideal life). we stared by walking around the various rice fields seeing how much work goes into getting those few grains of rice! The answer is a lot! 

We then headed back to the hotel for a shower before heading to a local weaving village for a buffet and to see the weaving in action! It's mad they live in little stone/muddy streets with tiny houses and only the women weave because they men are not 'creative' enough! 

We then visited a cracker making village and then a pottery village. Each village in the community is known for one skill and they exchange products between villages before selling in the markets. It definitely made us realise how lucky we are especially as they have the extra heat to make working harder. 

Lombok- The Green Orry Inn

Written on 31 May 2015 

Today we headed off early to catch the ferry to Lombok to start the first part of our journey. On arriving at the ferry we were told that it  take 4 to 7 hours to cross! (I know bit of a difference!)

Luckily for us it only took just over 4 hours and was nice to have the sea breeze instead of the humid heat. We then had a further journey stopping at a huge supermarket. I was surprised to see that they had a MacDonald's and bakery in such a traditional place! We also got the chance to witness two weddings on Lombok as we drove through. 

The hotel we are staying in for the next two nights is very basic but livable in, Yaz is scared of the insects and mozzies but I'm more concerned about actually getting some sleep in this heat! The WiFi also doesn't seem to work for me so I shall be posting this when I next get WiFi! However wherever we go the people are so lovely and welcoming which is really nice to witness!  

Bali- Mad drivers and Monkey Mischief

So yesterday we got our flight to Bali from Singapore, apart from a very slight delay it all went well (no sick on this flight). We then arrived in Bali and got a taxi to Ubud. When I tell you it was one of the scariest journeys on my life I mean it! I'm so used to cars not driving to code to one and other but this was major tail gating, mopeds and bikes literally swarming everywhere and going in every direction, there are definitely no certain rules on the roads in Bali!

We arrived at Artini 3 hotel to stay for the one night which was lovely, slightly deserted, but lovely. We woke up the next morning to heavy rain fall, not what you want when you are planning to go the the sacred monkey forest! 

Luckily for us it cleared up and we got to go and see the monkeys! We even got a chance to have a Monkey sit on our shoulder! It is definitely with a visit if you are staying in Ubud as it only cost around £1.40 (it's so cheap here). 

After we got a free ride from one hotel to our next 'Inata Bisma Hotel' courtesy of Artini. After a swim in the pool and drink we meet up with the tour guide and others who are joining us on the Discover Lombok Intrepid tour, luckily they all seem lovely! After our meeting we headed into Ubud as a group and found a nice place to eat which cost us £2.90 each for a meal and drink! Before heading back for some sleep before the early start tomorrow.