Hello again, guys.

It is so nice to write another blog post since it has been a very loooooong time I kept this story. Now I am going to tell you about my latest trip in Lombok, which was so amazing!

Well, this was my first solo travel experience outside Java island. After I completed my bachelor degree, I decided to go to Lombok because I deserved it. After 1 year thesis research, lots of up and down moment during that time; I needed a getaway.

This 6 days 5 nights journey was very pleasant since I learnt so much new things. For instance, I tried to talk more especially to strangers (yup, I am always nervous when surrounded by strangers), then I also had the chance to meet very kind locals and fellow travelers.

So, how's the story? Let's start!

OCT 17 - DAY 1
My flight was at 5.00 am from Soekarno Hatta Airport Jakarta. Since I was still staying in Jatinangor, I went from Bandung to Cengkareng at 11.00 pm by taking bus. Arriving at 3.00 am, I still had plenty time to wait and check in.

After two hours flight, finally I stepped my feet for the first time in Lombok. I arrrived at 8.00 am but I could feel the heat was so intense that day.

I was taking Damri bus from Lombok International Airport to Senggigi. It only cost IDR 35.000 per person (around US$ 3) and my ride with the bus was pretty great. The driver even recommended me some places to visit since I had conversation with him from the airport until Senggigi (I was the only person who went to Senggigi in that bus).

The bus was small and only able to carry about 10-15 persons. One of nice things I could find, the bus had special storage for luggage so you don't have to worry about where to keep your big carrier or luggage inside the bus.

Oh, why I went to Senggigi? I thought Senggigi was closer to Gili Trawangan, then I could find minimarket, food stalls, and ATM at ease since it's a very popular spot in Lombok. The consequence was, it took around 1 hour ride to reach Mataram and 1,5 hour ride to South Lombok since they're pretty far from Senggigi.

From mini bus shelter of Damri in Senggigi, I walked to my homestay that I booked from booking.com, Borneo Homestay. It's really close to Senggigi Beach, only 3 minutes by walking. Thankfully I could get early check in so I was able to eat and take a nap first. I also rented motorbike for my trip here, and I could get cheaper rent rate, hahaha.

Since I was extremely exhausted after long trip Jatinangor-Bandung-Jakarta to Lombok, I decided to spend my first day wandering around north Senggigi. I rode my rented motorbike, looking around, and of course, I found so much interesting spots to see.

My first impression about Lombok? BEAUTIFUL. Period.



I gotta admit that I was totally amazed by everything I saw. Just... whoa!! The main road around Senggigi is very close to sea, so you can see those lovely views while driving. And one note: the road in Lombok is mostly so good!!! You can find very minimum damaged road here. But still, you have to be careful since there're lots of winding road around Lombok.

After some hours exploring north Senggigi, I found some best spots to watch sunset. I almost couldn't believe my eyes that time since everything were so magical.





Come on, how can you not dig those views???

I stopped on that spot (2nd picture above), parked my motorbike, then just sat on it. I enjoyed the view peacefully since I was alone. Since it went darker after sunset, I went back to Senggigi to have dinner then spend my night with some people I met at the homestay. Apparently my first day in Lombok was quite amusing.

OCT 18 - DAY 2

Actually I had plan to go to South Lombok this day, but unfortunately I had to postpone it since I woke up pretty late, hahaha. This is one of disadvantages I have since I am not a morning person. But well, I was exhausted yesterday; I only got 1-2 hours to sleep while on bus from Bandung to Jakarta.

So what's the alternative plan? I didn't have to worry much since I had 5 more days in Lombok. I decided to go to Mataram, Kota Tua Ampenan, then north Lombok again. For this time, I visited Pandanan Beach, Nipah Beach, and Melaka Beach.




Other fascinating views I saw while visiting those beaches. At first, the sky was so cloudy, I was a bit worried it would be raining that day, but the opposite happened.

It was almost dark here. I rode my motorcycle from north Lombok to go back to Senggigi. When I saw the right side of the road, I was completely distracted. This probably one of the greatest sunset I've ever seen. I stopped, I captured this beautiful scenery.

Then sky got darker and there was no around. In solitude, I enjoyed every seconds of this moment....


My second day started badly, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable day I had.

This trip apparently kept so much surprises for me. I couldn't wait to see what I'd get tomorrow since day 3 was the day I would explore South Lombok.

See you on the next post!