Bali and Lombok behind, the big Java left

Trip Start Jun 14, 2005
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Trip End Jun 13, 2006


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Friday, April 14, 2006

After flying into Denpasar airport in Bali, I headed out on a public bus (called a bemo) only to have 2 guys trying to rob me by opening the pocket in my backpack... and again I caught them in the act. This time however, I gave them the book from the pocket they had tried to rob much to their dismay. After that nuisance and a whole day full of hassling, ripoffs and disorganisation, I made it to Lombok and to Mataram for the night, absolutely knackered and aggravated.

I headed up to Senaru the following day, to a whole different world it seemed. No hassling, no hot climate, little litter, friendly people!! I climbed most of the way to the Gunung Rinjani crater but didnt bother with the 1am start so also didnt get to see inside the crater, calling it quits after a lovely, although drenching, freezing walk. Left Senaru the following day and headed over to Gili Trawangan for a few days of scuba diving. After hearing about the dynamite fishing there, the need to 'pay off' the local fishermen to not destroy the reef and the local guides who love to touch the delicate coral, I decided to skip the diving and just enjoy the island, running around it many times. After a few rainy days on the island, I headed back to Bali.

Stayed in Padang Bai before heading to Denpasar to pick up Catherine, a friend I made in Belize months before who had come out to travel with me. Rented a motorbike and after about an hour, decided the roads in Indonesia (yep, the whole country) were in fact the worst possible place in the world to ride. I got caught by the police doing an illegal move (bizarre or what?!?!? especially considering the lack of ALL road rules) and had to bribe them as per standard practice. Another horrendous ride was required to pick up Catherine, signage completely arbitary and random, I ended up seeing her plane flying overhead to direct me to the airport!!

Spent the next day visiting Tanah Lot temple and Ubud before dropping the bike off and heading to Candi Dasa. Spent a day chilling and sorting out some diving for the following day. Left from Padang Bai to dive Gili Lembongan and see some fantastic coral, despite wanting to drown the dive master for his total disregard for the underwater life. Had a hairy-as-hell ojek (motorbike taxi) ride back from Padang Bai with me, Catherine and the driver!

Then headed to Tulamben through some lovely mountains to do some diving. Rented dodgy gear, never knowing what the real depth was or how much air the tank had and did my 100th dive, leading with Catherine, and yes, according to protocol for those who know what happens on the 100th. Did a few more dives including a freaky night dive on the Liberty wreck.

We were invited to a local wedding of an Australian guy to a Balinese woman which we went to and loved! The experience was truly memorable and such a welcomed change from the tourist-facing side of Bali.

Headed over the north of Bali towards Java but due to bad atmosphere with the locals constantly hassling us we decided to head for Java without stopping over any more on the north coast.
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