Bali to Lombok

The port of Padang Bai on the central East coast of Bali is only an hour's drive from Ubud but it's laid back, seaside ambience is a world away from sophisticated Ubud. The place was crowded with backpackers at lunchtime but the pace was unhurried and uncomplicated.

We were catching the Perama boat to Senggigi Beach, Lombok, via Gili Trewangan and Gile Air (both islands).  I was a little alarmed as I lined up with all the very youthful backpackers on the beach at Padang Bai that we were boarding the (bigger) boat via this little boat, and I had to walk through the water and climb into it.  You can see our Samsonite case with the blue tape around it, loaded in with all the backpacks, ready to head out to sea.  I can report I completed this task with all the dignity I could muster granted I was wearing a skirt and carrying a handbag.

The trip across the Lombok Straits was rather beautiful, a chance to totally relax in the cool of the passenger cabin or out in the sun on the top deck.  The crew really looked after us with plenty of fresh fruit and tea breaks and a substantial, freshly cooked supper late afternoon.  I was thrilled to be out on the deck when a pod of dolphins chose to do some showing off in the wake created by the boat.

The sun was setting as we left Gile Air.  It was a wonderful time to be on the top deck with the warm wind sending light sprays of sea water over us as we watched the most amazing sunset unfold around us.

It is especially magical when you can see Mt Agung, the highest and most spiritual mountain in Bali, so clearly in the late afternoon light.  (It really is there - in the middle of the picture.)

Disembarkation on Senggigi Beach, Lombok in the dark was amazing.  The crew only had one torch to guide them.  I had to jump out of the little boat onto the beach in the dark and then with Rob, claim our luggage, sitting ever so safely and ready for us on the sand in front of us.  This was another time I wondered if I was too old to be doing this!  (I'm not!!)

One of the crew members walked us up from the beach (in total darkness) through a little laneway to the main Senggigi Beach road where we caught our first Taksi of the trip up to the Puri Saron.  The 2km trip cost us 90c.  Senggigi looked untidy and poor as it always has.  Our first reaction coming to Lombok is always one of slight dismay after experiencing the gentle beauty and sophistication of Bali.