We got to Sengiggi on Lombok by way of a quick stop in Gili Trawangan and made our way to Windy Beach Cottages with pretty minimal effort. Another hotel; another infinity pool and so, of course we got involved immediately. After a nice swim, we took a stroll down the beach and watched an absolutely amazing sunset. I left my El Nido Play It By Ear Day purchased "Angry Bird" flip flops on the beach by our hotel and when I returned they were gone! Serves me right for leaving gear that fresh just laying around, but still...gutted!!
For dinner that evening we headed into town to check out the strip. It is much more developed and touristy then what we'd encountered on Lembongan, and we walked the gauntlet of restaurant touts, perusing menus, before settling on a middle of the road spot that had promised a free cocktail and free desert each. Both of the freebies were predictably mediocre, but the food was OK.
The next morning we had arranged for a rental car to have a day of exploring Lombok, but at the last minute we decided that it was worth the extra 100,000 Rupiah (US$11) to get a driver for the day to save from me having to navigate the traffic filled and signless roads of the island. It was a good decision.
We'd been recommended a trip down to Gili Nanggu by our flamboyant hotel receptionist who assured us the island was "absolutely fabulous" for snorkeling. So, when our driver "Evol" arrived, we had him point the vehicle south and we made for Nanggu. Along the way Evol was able to identify and explain points of interest and answer a number of cultural and geographic questions; between this and his expert navigation through Mataram (the traffic choked capital city of Lombok) he paid for himself in about 20 minutes...I would have been screwed trying to figure it out behind the wheel of a car.
We arrived at the small jetty where boat transport and snorkel gear is arranged out to Gili Nanggu and before too long we were sorted on both accounts and found ourselves in another fishing boat headed out to the tiny island.
Gili Nanggu is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Coconut and palm trees adorning a bright white sandy beach in front of a lush jungle interior and beside a bright turquoise sea that is teaming with coral and sea life. There is only one hotel with one small restaurant on the whole island, so there aren't a whole lot of people to be found. We had 2 snorkel sessions, split by lunch at the restaurant; surprisingly good pizza. The snorkeling was "fabulous" as we'd been promised, but I'm not sure it was any better then what we'd had at Lembongan. But really, comparing 2 stunning places like that is just splitting hairs; they're both incredible!
We made our way back to the mainland to find our driver dutifully awaiting our return and we loaded back into the car. We'd spent longer then we thought on the Island so we were short on time to explore Lombok further a field so just asked him to take us back with a couple quick stops along the way. One stop was a beautiful Hindu temple that stretched along a headland on some cliffs above the ocean not far from Sengiggi. There were services taking place during our visit, so we kept it brief out of respect.
That evening we decided we couldn't be bothered to head back into town so just ate at Windy and enjoyed a few last Bintangs with each other before saying goodnight on our final night together.
We took it slow on the final morning; eating breakfast, packing and taking a leisurely morning swim. At noon, Evol showed up again as we'd arranged for him to drive us to the Airport to drop Mom & Dad off before bringing Gina and I back to Sengiggi. We loaded our bags and bid farewell to the very cheerful team at Windy Beach Resort.
We stopped along the way to do some last minute shopping and to see a few sites too. The cultural stop of note was at the Water Palace which is a large Hindu Temple complex in Mataram. We took a 30 minute tour; very interesting. The most notable shopping stop we made was in a textile shop. There old ladies weave beautiful traditional tapestries and fabrics. Part of the show is them dressing you up in a Traditional Wedding outfits for a photo opportunity; which we did. Of course, it's all part of the "pitch". We ended up with a scarf for G and a nice tapestry for the wall in Mom & Dads room. By no means were they "cheap", but we haggled till a fair price for all parties was reached. All good.
Then, sadly, it was time to face the inevitable and hit the airport. We walked Mom & Dad in to make sure there were no hitches on the first of their 3 flight, 30+ hour jaunt back to Cali. Lombok- Bali- Seoul- SF... Brutal.
We said our goodbyes and exchanged hugs and kisses. It was a great trip and had gone all too fast. We were sad to say goodbye; but super thankful to have had the time together and to have been able to explore such beautiful places.
Big thanks to Mom and Dad for making the trip and for all the generosity while they were here. We had a blast. Love you guys!