Indonesian adventure
Gili Islands, Indonesia
06.11.2011
24 °C
So after a long couple of days travelling we touched down on the Indonesian island of Bali. We were all very excited as we made our way to the tourist town of Kuta, and when we got there we were met by hundreds of small shops selling fake goods (Ray Bans, designer hand bags etc), some budget hostels, and a long, busy beach. We checked into a very averaqe hostel, then ditched our bags to jump in the warm sea - somewhat of a change compared to the freezing NZ ocean. So we stayed in Kuta for a couple of days and had 2 big nights out, as well as doing a bit of surfing as Kuta beach is ideal for beginners. We also did a day trip down the coast to 'dreamland' (surf beach) and some cliff top temples at Ulu Watu. After this, we were desperate for a bit of culture so headed north to the 'cultural centre' of Bali called Ubud where we had amazing massages, ate in some really cool restaurants, and went on a day tour of some temples.
After Ubud we got a ferry across to Lombok which was much less touristy and felt like Bali probably did 20 years ago. After watching a really nice sunset in Sengiggi, we travelled down to Kuta in Lombok which is dubbed as the 'antithesis to Bali's version' by Lonely Planet. It certainly was, with very basic shacks on the beach, though we stayed in a nice hotel. It was seriously hot down there so we felt pretty lethargic, but on the second day Gooch, Olly and I went surfing where we got taken out in a boat to a reef. The waves were pretty big and I don't think I stood up once! We had a good time, but all got seriously sunburnt on our arms/legs after 4 hours in the water.
Having had a good but not amazing time in Indonesia as of yet, we were somewhat cautious as we travelled up to get a boat to the Gili Islands. This was not helped by a horrible stint at the small port with the locals threatening violence if we did not pay them an extortionate amount of money for the boat ride (they later told us this was a big joke...'haha'!) However, all fear evaporated as we reached Gili Trawagnan - the largest of the 3 islands, and the loction from which I'm writing this blog post. The water is crystal clear, there is no traffic - just horse and carts - and the beach is lined with lovely bars and restaurants. We have been here a couple of nights and have had a very nice, chilled time. We are going to stay here a week and do some snorkelling and diving as there is lots of coral and turtles around here. After that, we will head back to Bali which will signal the end of Olly and Tom's trip, and the start of Dom, Gooch and my trip to India.
