Senggigi, Lombok

We had a fairly interesting journey to Lombok. Firstly, there was a 3 hour journey in a rickety old people carrier – it was literally falling to bits inside with holes in the dash where instruments should have been. The driver took no prisoners on the road and undertook some imaginative overtaking manoeuvres which many a sane man would not have attempted.
We then arrived at a tourist office at the ferry port, most journeys seem to end at a tourist office (more about this later). After only a short wait we were told it was time to go, so we start to walk over when the guy from the ferry office says we need to hurry up because the ferry is leaving. With this, a guy appears out of nowhere to carry one of our bags. We were told to run, as we were nearing the ferry, cars were still being loaded but we guessed that pedestrian passengers must have to get on first. Slightly breathless, we got onto the ferry and the guy carrying one of the bag put his hand out, this is when it becomes apparent that we have been scammed, the ferry didn’t leave for another 20 minutes!
After a 4 hour ferry journey, we then get into a less knackered old people carrier for an hour and a half to be dropped at yet another tourist office – a pattern has already started to emerge! In between power cuts, the guy at the tourist office phoned around a couple of the places, that we wanted to stay but strangely there were all full, miraculously the hotel that he suggests has room! Fortunately, the place is just down the road but when we get there we’re not hugely happy. Despite being very tired, we head out and check out a few other places to stay so that we can move in the morning.
The following morning, we moved to nicer and cheaper accommodation. Senggigi itself is quite a nice beach resort although the Lonely Planet built it up as something idyllic which I don’t think it is. We checked out the town, local eateries and bought ourselves a SIM card. Chilled out by the pool from which you could see the ocean.

Senggigi - sunset

On day 2 we hired a moped so that we could get out and about and see some of the island. I considered this great fun although Emma seemed to insist on leaning in the wrong direction around corners.

Lombok with Gili's in background

We had a really nice ride around with only a few close shaves with other road users. Stopped at a forrest which was home to a lot of monkeys who seemed pretty happy for us to be relatively close to them and take pictures. Also went to a temple which is right on the beach.

Senggigi - Temple

Lombok, Indonesia