On to Lombok

After a long day of travel by boat, taxi, and plane we arrived on our fifth Indonesian island--Lombok. After each of our flights we’ve had a driver from our hotel meet us at the airport and it has been totally worth it. Instead of running the inevitable gauntlet of transport touts swarming outside the airport, having a driver ready and waiting to deliver you directly to your hotel after a long travel day is priceless. This time was no exception--a friendly local driver picked us up for the 25k trip north to Senggigi.

Lombok and Bali are different in a number of ways. The “Wallace Line” passes between them for one. Wallace was a scientist who noted that the plants and animals on opposite sides of this line exhibit different characteristics--on one side they are more like those of SE Asia and on the other they have more in common with Oceana.

Another difference is that the people of Lombok are predominantly Muslim versus the majority Hindu Balinese. Lombok is also a relative new comer to the tourist circuit. But thanks to better transport to places like Senggigi and the offshore Gili Islands, Lombok’s tourism trade seems to be taking off. Not sure if this is a good thing or not.

We are staying at a place called Windy Beach Hotel about 5 km north of Senggigi. Another “Lonely Planet” pick. It’s a nice enough place with lovely grounds and beach. And Anna loves the pool. The manager reminds me of Lerch from the Adams Family. He pops up at the strangest times and is just very interesting.

Yesterday we spent most the day just swimming and walking on the lovely beach right outside the hotel grounds. There are many Dutch families here with young children too. We ran into several at the restaurant in town that night, De Quake. It was by far the best meal we’ve had on our trip. And the most expensive. About $45 U.S. Court got her steak and potatoes. Anna had pasta and scallops. And everyone had dessert. It was truly divine. So much so we went back again tonight after a day of snorkeling, rainstorms and a lively Muslim wedding procession coming down the street outside the hotel.

Tomorrow we catch the boat and head to Gili Air -- our last stop before we head home Friday through Bali and Oasaka airport. We have definitely adjusted to island time but logistics always have you planning one step ahead to get from point A to point B.