The Best of Jogja & Lombok ~ Beautiful Lombok!

We had just transited in Bali, after having the nicest coffee at the airport so far on our trip from Yogyakarta in this Best of Lombok and Jogja trip. (See Jogja part of the trip). Having had an early morning flight from Jogja to Bali, nice warm coffee was very much appreciated, before we board another plane to Lombok island.
After some dillidallying, we finally made it onto the tarmac where the little plane with a rotor blade was waiting. It seemed that we were the last five passengers. There were only two rows of double seats on each side of the aisle and stowing our luggage overhead was quite a task.

We sat next to one of the wings of the plane, the propeller attached to it visible. For a moment I worried about how stable the plane would be as it was really so small - the tiniest plane I had ever ridden on. I was really worried of the safety. There were only about two air hostesses. Soon the plane took off and we were over the sea. It was interesting to see the propelling motion next to me, and surprisingly, the plane was so travelling at such a steady pace! It didn't seem we were cruising at very high altitudes as the sea was clearly visible below us throughout.

We soon reached Lombok Airport and the representative, Mr Awenk was already waiting to receive us. Flo had already arrived by the Garuda flight earlier as she had flown in directly from Singapore. We exchanged greetings and introduced ourselves before walking to Mr Awenk's vehicle and his driver that would take us on this Lombok part of our journey.

First Day in Lombok

Our first stop - lunch.

Lunch was a sumptuous flow of food at a hotel restaurant. Apparently there's only this table of us eating lunch and the manager was hosting us like VIPs...
The amount of food was so much that even with Mr Awenk joining us, we still could not finish all.

After lunch we were taken to a supposedly traditional weaving village known as the Sukarara Village - traditional weaving village of the Sasaks, the aboriginals in Lombok. We were brought around by a guide to look at how a young lady does weaving using a traditional tool and also walked around to see a kampung like way of life. There was a well and half washed clothing around it, as well as some livestock - goats. Upon questioning, the guide told us that these would be sold at the market for their meat. After touring the village way of life we were brought into their shop with lots woven clothing, mostly sarongs and scarves on sale. The price was not cheap and we felt that we were pressured into buying something at all. There was also two traditional houses near the entrance, most probably for photo-taking purposes.
My afterthoughts on this place was rather touristy and I left the place without any shopping doen, questioning how traditional this village is...

Traditional huts

A well and half washed clothes

Drawing water from the well

Traditional weaving of cloths

A look into the well

No, I'm not trying to do anything silly!

Next would be a long drive up the hills at Senaru, the foothills of Rinjani from which we would embark on our hike on the next day. Mr Awenk alighted halfway to get into his own car parked somewhere and instructed the driver to follow him from behind. We passed through coastlines, winding uphill then back to the coastline again ... we were puzzled ... when would we ever reach Senaru which was supposed to be at an altitude of around 600+m? The journey was so long  that we fell asleep from the lull of the vehicle in the lazy warm afternoon.

Finally I woke up to a sight of what looked like a simple town with shops that wooed tourists of souvenir T-shirts and stuff. As we were driven up a little further, a mass of height loomed ahead - our driver pointed out and told us "This is Mount Rinjani." Indeed it was a magnificent sight.

After what seemed like hours of travelling on the road, the vehicle finally turned into our lodge - Rinjani Base Camp. Read our adventure on Mount Rinjani here . The rest of the story here reveals our stay in Lombok after our Rinjani hike.

Comfort and Discomfort in Senggigi Hotel

We finally reached the destination of comfort after the torturous descent from Rinjani, being driven by Mr Awenk downhill from Senaru to Senggigi beach area. We were to have the ultimate sleep of bliss at our hotel -  the Santosa Villas and Resort.
Unfortunately, a flight of steps awaited us at the entrance to negotiate with our ultra sore and heavy legs. With a mixture of laughter and pain, we dragged ourselves, and our luggage to the lobby.
We decided to visit only 2 Gili islands the following day, as some of us really wanted a good rest after the hike. Mr Awenk told us that he would sleep in his car and bring us round the next day - he claimed that staying with his friends would render him lack of sleep as they would usually chit chat through the night.

After checking in and confirming on the timing to meet the next morning, we proceeded to our rooms.

To our horror of horrors, there was no elevator!

We had to climb two flights of stairs up to our rooms! OUCH!

That night after we washed our unwashed bodies and hair of two days, we gratefully tucked into our hotel beds.

Dirty nails against the hotel's sink

Gilli Islands

The soreness on the next morning did not get better, in fact, the muscles in those thighs were almost impossible to be coaxed to work. Needless to say, climbing down from our room to breakfast was the heaviest of all chores combined! Cheng and friends had a good bargain from buying T-shirts sold at the beach around our resort. The place was beautiful indeed.

After breakfast Mr Awenk was waiting for us at the lobby, taking us to the Gilli Islands. Even climbing up his car was an "uphill" task!

  

As Mr Awenk drove us up the coastal road again, I felt a little queasy, and uneasy. Before we took the boat to the islands, I popped a pill to quell any sea sickness, which I might feel later on.

As we boarded the boat, we could see Mt Rinjani and Mt Agung in Bali in the distance. Cool!

View of Mountains in the Distance

Our first island to anchor on was at Gili T., or Gili Tranwangan, the biggest and hippiest among the three Gili Islands - Gili Tranwangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Before anchoring, a part of the bottom of the boat was exposed so that we could see marine life underneath, through the glass panel.
A baby shark! They shrieked, but I missed it, busy trying to focus on the mountains in the distance as the boat bobbed up and down in the currents after the engines were turned off. One of the boatmen went down snorkeling. None of us decided to join in that day, preferring to admire the corals and the beautiful sea life that we could see from the glass bottom. Finally the boat moved off again and anchored at Gili Tranwangan's shore. It appeared to be a very touristy spot with lots of Caucasians sunbathing on the beach. It is basically a small town like island easy on the foot with rows of souvenir shops, beachwear shops, as well as eateries and drink bars in addition to schools with pools offering diving lessons.

Sun bathers

One of the Diving Schools

There are also many funny signboards found on the small island. Like these:

One can choose to walk, or rent a bicycle to cycle around the island. There were also horse carriages similar to the ones we saw in Jogja.

We strolled along the walkway, browsing at the shops before stopping at the Turtle Conservation Centre.

Turtle Conservation 

While waiting for Flo to finish her shopping, Cheng decided to feast her eyes on this graphic:

I think it was very well-captured.

Then we strolled on the beach back to our boat.

The Hub posing in front of our boat

We boated off to the next Gili Island. I have forgotten the name of this Gili Island, having written this one and half years later. And unfortunately, when getting down from the boat, my weak leg gave way and I slipped on the beach, and my calf was lodged between the boat and sand. The bruise was so bad that some shades of the bruise is still visible till today!

The "damage" done as seen after I reached home a few days later.

This part of the Gili Islands was less touristy and more peaceful.

We had our lunch at one of the many open air warungs (a casual cafe), walked around and then it was time to go. There were many shops selling handmade crafts and the most pleasant thing here was that sellers did not pester you to buy their ware. As we walked past a craft shop, the seller was offering us some of their goods and her partner replied for us, smilingly, "No thank you!" self mockingly, but without any offence meant.

One of many handmade craft shops

My impression of the Gili Islands is that the sand is soft and nice, waters clear and tranquil, but I would have preferred that of the waters in Krabi, Thailand, in comparison. However, I must say that we did not spend enough quality time on the Gili Islands as I have read that there are many beautiful spots on the islands to explore, which we did not. We merely walked along the main streets on the islands.

Senggigi Beach Area and the Santosa Villas and Resort

In the evening when we went back to Senggigi beach area, we requested Awenk to take us for some well deserved massage, which turned out to be so so and that tips were actually requested from us after the sessions.

We then went for a dinner at a local warung and did some shopping at a local market area and got some cheap clothing.

Crossing the roads fast and stepping onto kerbs which we had always taken for granted was super tough.

The next morning before departure was spent lazing around at our hotel. We decided to forgo the cultural village tour and instead opted to relax at our resort before flying back to Singapore. The Hub went for a dip in the pool, and a massage at a parlour outside the streets of our resort.

Our beautiful resort

The people of Lombok have greatly touched my hearts through their genuine personalities and humble nature. We had never once felt harassed by sellers and service providers to buy their products and services. An example was while walking along the street outside our resort, taxis were waiting for customers and asking if their services were needed. And if you just smile and shake your head, they would return with a "It's ok, tomorrow", smiling humbly. You are never compelled to buy from them anything. What a contrast to most areas where livlihood depends largely on tourism.

Separated by the Lombok Strait from Bali, Lombok in comparison is still an island of simplicity. Yet services provided are of quality and of utmost sincerity right from the heart. As I write these lines, I can still remember how our guide and team of porters helped us through the struggle of our Rinjani hike, despite them fasting during Ramadan, and it was tough on them as well in the mountains.

I hope Lombok does not get tainted by commercial consequences in the face of tourism, for many years to come.
And that it will still retain its simplicity when I next visit it.

Sengigi Beach Area

Goodbye Lombok

Soon it was time to leave for the airport as Mr Awenk took us in his car once again. We took a group photo with Mr Awenk at the airport, thanking him for taking good care of us throughout our stay in Lombok.

As the plane took off and flew above Lombok, we exclaimed excitedly, as we peered through the airplane's window over what we had travelled to Lombok for - a hike on the majestic Mount Rinjani, which is the natural landmark of Lombok, disbelieving that we had actually spent two nights somewhere, somehow on a spot on one of the cones beneath, truly humbled and inspired. Sitting back, we reflected on its wonders, and thinking of where and when our next adventure lies...

Mount Rinjani from the airplane

The Best of Jogja & Lombok ~ Jogja!

As I was questioning the Hub about the signs in the Bahasa Indonesia language around the Arrival Hall, a thunderous rumble suddenly sounded from behind, we turned around and to my astonishment, the Air Asia plane that we had just alighted from was merely meters away, engines on. By now we could also feel the impact of churning air from the close proximity of the gigantic machine. This was a totally new experience for me, at this little airport at Yogjakarta, in short Jogja, as the locals call it. More surprises greeted me after we cleared immigration and went to collect our luggage. The belt was only about 5-6m in length, even shorter than that of a sushi belt. One of our friends could not find her luggage. We assumed someone must have taken the wrong one, after searching for it among the many bags and cases strewn on the floor. Finally after some time, we spotted it. Apparently that person had realised that he/she taken the wrong luggage and abandoned it on the ground.

Phew we were finally out and Xplorea Indonesia's Vega received us with much warm hospitality and presented us with some really nice souvenirs. She saw us to our guide and driver as we began our adventure of our Best of Jogja and Lombok holiday, the highlight being a trek on Mount Rinjani in Lombok.

I had wanted to experience the Borobudur very much after reading about it, as well as Lombok, which was referred to as the undeveloped Bali, not excluding it's majestic mountain Rinjani which boasts such an unbelievably breath-taking view. As such I requested a customised itinerary combining the best of both.

As we settled into our minivan that was to take us to our first stop -- LUNCH!-- our guide introduced us to Yogyakarta (also known as Jogjakarta), and her earthquakes in recent years. We really prayed that we would not get to experience it during our holiday! Our guide asked if this of ours was a graduation trip...  Haha, we were extremely happy to learn that we appeared to be twenty years younger!

Prambanan

Prambanan was the next stop after a good lunch. It was scorching hot by then in the afternoon. I wish there was more explanation on the different temple structures, which our guide could not explain in detail, except that involving the legend of a princess.

In brief, Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple ground in Indonesia and is a UNSESCO World Heritage Site. Its temples were dedicated to the Hindu Gods of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

For  a detailed explanation of Prambanan, refer to:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan

I hope that one day I could visit it again and gain more insights into the various temple structures and their historical and heritage values.

Explanatory boards on the structures of Prambanan.

   

Ruins after the earthquake.

           

More ruins.

We exited the complex from another side and took a long walk in an open area that serves as a recreational park around the complex. There was a mini zoo of deers in an enclosure. At the end of the walk is a tourist "market" resembling those in Bangkok. It sold all sorts of souvenirs and knick knacks, as well as some snacks stalls around.
We were then brought to sight-see the local crafts such as batik and silver ware -- typical shopping kind of tour program --- which did not interest us...

We spotted these beautiful chickens outside some tourist shops.

Finally, it was time for our dinner. Dinner was at a rather special restaurant that appeared somewhat like on a rooftop. We chose to dine al fresco. The food was not bad and was later told that it was Balinese cuisine. After dinner we checked into our hotel -- the Cavinton Hotel. We would need to wake up at 3 am the next morning, to reach Borobudur in time to catch the legendary sunrise, as raved by many.

Borobudur

As usually so, I could not sleep well when I was expected to wake up extraordinarily early the next day. We met up at the lobby near to 4am and started our way to catch the Borobudur Sunrise. It seemed like a very long journey while we caught up with our sleep in the minivan. We passed through some remote villages before reaching a very nice resort like hotel lobby to collect our tickets.

It was very chilly and we put on our jackets. We collected a torch each, a sticker pass and off we went on a very dark path that supposedly led to the entrance of the Borobudur complex for the sunrise spectacle.

Directional board. Spot the bright moon! (Photo credit: The Hub)

This sign shows you the different gateways and how one should circumambulate the structure.

Soon we reached the foot of a flight of steps that would lead up to each terrace of the Borobudur.
It wasn't easy to climb up the steps as it was really pitch dark other than the moon, which appeared especially bright as contrasted to the pitch blackness around.

I suddenly saw some motion in front and below of me. My torchlight shone light on a frog jumping away...

The steps could be pretty steep, nonetheless it was not that taxing as soon we reached a dome that seemed to be the highest point. There were already many sunrise greeters around and each tried to settle for the best vantage point, sitting on the structures and around the Buddha statues as well.

Some faint colours of dawn in the distant. The moon above, and spots of lights from the torches climbing up.

More and more people gathered around and we waited for about an hour before we saw some glimmer of dawn in the horizon.

And gradually, dawning rays emerged, inching slowly from behind the mountains of Merapi.

All around us were snapshots to capture the views and the astounding surrounding scenery where nature meets with culture and history.

After witnessing the sunrise, we walked around the complex, now that light has shown on this magnificent place.

Borobudur is constructed of nine platforms, symbolizing the three realms of Buddhist cosmology, the highest, where we had gathered for the sunrise view being the highest realm. Buddha statues are erected inside bell-shaped stupas around the highest realm.
The construction of the monument is such that the reliefs carved on the terraces go from the most intricate on the lower levels (signifying man's desires ,etc) to the simplest and barest form of nirvana where emptiness lies. Pilgrims to the site will usually follow a path from bottom along corridors and staircases leading to each higher level platform till the top. However, for this sunrise trip, we had climbed up to the highest first, then follow each level down.
By the time I had reached the lower "realms" time was running out and I did not have the luxury of time to examine the beautiful reliefs carved on the walls.
Borobudur has really captured my heart. It has such a rich history and meaning to it, which I couldn't relish on my first visit. I wish to return again, this time has a pilgrim, taking my time to circumambulate and inspect the work properly.

For more detailed information on Borobudur, refer to:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borobudur

The highest Stupa.

Buddha statue.

Stone carved reliefs.

Broken statue.

Stone carved reliefs - some parts do not match after restoration.

The sun was shining brightly when we reached the base of the monument. Looking back in awe, we reluctantly left the place. However, it took us longer to reach the hotel lobby where we had first gathered hours earlier - our guide, having not been in this line for too long, lost the way back. We had to ask several people for directions.
We finally met up with the driver, and each of us received a small sarong as a souvenir.

Mendut Temple and Mendut Monastery

Our next stop enroute to our hotel for breakfast after the sunrise experience was to Mendut Temple. The Pawon Temple was on our itinerary too. But I did not know why we did not visit it... and I only realised so after I have reached home from the entire trip! Interestingly, the Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut Temples were built apart from one another other on a straight line.

Mendut is a 9th Century Buddhist temple. We had to walk past a nicely landscaped garden, and a row of souvenir stalls to reach it.

On the temple ground was a signboard explaining information about the temple. We had to climb up a flight of steps to reach the chambers housing the Buddhist statues. It looked like a less touristy spot and some ruins that have not been restored on the temple could be found on the surrounding grounds below.

Before we left, we visited the Mendut Monastery, which was the beautiful landscaped garden we saw earlier.

A path leads to the back of the garden where a stupa and statue of Buddha stood.

The lily pond near the entrance.

We walked around the well maintained monastery ground and discovered some shrines and prayer halls.
After this we went back to our hotel to get breakfast, only to be told that they have finished serving breakfast!
It must be close to 11 am by then. We told them the reason for turning up late for breakfast and they kindly let us in to get whatever that was left on the buffet table.
Breakfast was not fantastic, but we managed to fill empty stomachs starved since wee hours. We then went up to wash up and have a short rest before meeting at the lobby again to continue sightseeing for the day.

Sultan Palace Kraton

In the afternoon, we visited the Sultan Palace of Yogyakarta. A palace guide was there to bring us around but he only spoke Bahasa Indonesia so our guide had to be the translator.

There were displays of the traditional Javanese costumes through the eras and some cultural activities representations. The current Sultan (king) of Yogyakarta resides here with his family. We were only allowed to visit up to the hall. Beyond the walls that introduce more of the interior of the palace requires another kind of pass.

After the short tour of the palace, we were pleasantly surprised to be brought to have our lunch at a restaurant with a nice ambience. It was just located at the back of the Sultan Palace and we were told that we were actually eating some "palace food"! Wow!

Entrance of restaurant.

The food was served in individual sets exquisitely and the dessert was really nice!

Very refreshing cucumber salad with peanut butter dressing.

Soup

Main course of mixed brown and white rice, fried fish, chicken and prawns.

Delicious chocolate pudding dessert!

Taman Sari Water Castle

After lunch, we visited a very interesting place known as the Taman Sari which was a former royal garden site for the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. We were guided by an English speaking man, who told us he used to be a former servant of the Sultanate. 

As we were told, Taman Sari was a relaxation place for the ancient kings and their families and we were showed the so called "swimming pools" or bathing pools of the royal family.

There used to be three pools - one for the queen and concubines, one for the children and another that was in private, for the kind and the woman he had selected after he observed them and picked the chosen one to bathe with him for the day.

The guide told us that in the olden days, the water was spring water channeled from natural sources.

The tower from where the king would observe his wives and children.

Changing rooms.

The steep flights of steps that the king climbed on to the top of the tower.

To peep through the window.

The Hub posing as the "king".

The king's private pool with the chosen wife to bathe in.

After which they might proceed to the resting bedroom beside it.

Later when I read up on this place, I learned that Taman Sari was actually a lot bigger than what we have visited. Some of the connecting areas have already been destroyed or ruined or taken over by settlements. There were supposed to be a few gates and entrances to this royal site.

        

           Some gate-like structures with ancient ornamental designs.

Another old gate that used to lead to somewhere...

    

The map/plan of the entire royal estate.

We were led to exit from another side of Taman Sari, walking though a small path which was lined by houses. Not sure if this was an actual part of the royal garden turned settlement.

For more information on Taman Sari Water Castle, refer to:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taman_Sari_(Yogyakarta)

Last Evening on Yogjakarta

Our guide thought that it would be interesting to take us to a pet market, where we could see all sorts of "pets" being sold - different kinds of birds and their mealworms, iguanas and other lizards, fishes and the sort. We walked around for around 30 minutes. Upon entering our minivan, I knocked my knee against the leaned down front seat - Ouch! - I prayed that it would not get too bad for my trek two days later at Mount Rinjani.

Half way on our journey to the Malioboro Street in Jogja, our guide decided we should try the horse carriage for a short distance to reach there!

I was a little resistant as I could not imagine nor bear the horse (sometimes only one!) nor horses to take our weights of a few adults. Throughout the horse driven ride, I held tightly to the Hub's hand, fearing for the little jerks (motions that I sometimes get afraid of) and hoping that we quickly stopped and reached. The road we travelled on was super busy and the horses could stay on their lane calmly! I told myself not to ever ride in a horse carriage again. Finally we came to a stop at a roadside and our guide pointed the way to cross over to Malioboro Street where we could do some shopping. Our horse carriage had earlier passed by the famous shopping street where we saw many shops and stalls selling fashion, and more horse carriages lining up alongside! He also gave us directions on how we could walk back to our hotel, located about 15 minutes away, after we were done.

Our guide paying the horse carriage keepers. (Photo Credit: Cheng)

We decided not to go shopping but to walk back to our hotel for rest, considering the fact that we had to awake very early the next day to catch our flight to Lombok. We walked back, following his directions and passed by a 7-11 like shop which we did our only shopping in Jogja - snacks, tidbits, ice-cream and pantyliners! 

The Hub went to swim a little in the very little pool in our hotel and the ladies went for massage. I did neither as I was still having light period, lounging by the poolside while the the Hub swam and exclaiming the water to be super cold! The Hub later had the massage therapist come to our room to do his massage and we had our dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Goodbye Jogja

The next morning was another early morning. We needed to check out and catch our flight to Lombok, transiting through Bali. Our breakfast, consisting of buns and croisssants were packed by the hotel as it was too early to serve breakfast.

Our guide had told us that Yogyakarta has so much more to offer and see just that our stay was too short. He had shown me some interesting places to visit the day before.

After a super long wait at the airport and fanatically long queues that gathered only minutes before gates closing, we managed to catch our Lion Air flight to Bali.

See you again Yogyakarta, I would like to come back and explore more of you the next time!

Transiting in Bali.

And our Best of Jogja and Lombok Holiday continues in Lombok.....