Lombok Part 2

Monkeys are regarded as the pest of Rinjani, because these animals have been fearlessly pushing the boundary of the camp site. The monkeys are smart enough to operate a tent zip and were often caught red handed for stealing food. As stealing is not a crime punishable by dead, the speed of these monkeys is incredible, these monkeys continue their daring behavior.

The team stayed at the crater rim camp for another day before descending to the Lake Camp on 21^st Sep. The campsite next to the lake at 2000m ASL is scenic. We camped at the area which is directly opposite Gunung Baru, the new mountain at 2363m ASL. This mountain was created during a volcano eruption in the 1994. Locals believe the eruption was caused by the sprits. These sprits did some “renovating work” to by arranging the stones to beautify the way at the foot of the new mountain. The scenic view is captured and put onto all Indonesia ten thousands rupiahs.

There are nice sulphur hot springs near the lake campsite. Kian brought the team to the spring, the religious significant of these springs were explained while we were walking towards the volcanic water feature. After spending a lazy hours at the spring, the team gladly made the trip to the campsite where we enjoyed fresh fish food next to the lake. It is always nice to watch TV at home before sleeping. However, television program can never be as interactive as Patrick. He gave a talk on the TCS, SBC, Taiwan and Hong Kong Drama before we return to our tent.

We made the way up and down to the next campsite at 9am the next day. The route began with a 600m ascent to Senaru Crater Rim. Joanne, Jack and Thiam Huat claimed the crater rim is another “Kodak” point. We reached the 2641m ASL at noon time. I took some shot at the high ground. But I don’t think the shots were fantastic as the sky was overcast with cloud.

After a short lunch session we started walking down a “rocky stairway”. The way toward the campsite was covered with cloud then. It was raining when we reached the next campsite. Kian supervised the construction of tents and the food preparation. It was there that we realized our restless “alarm clock” can be eaten. We slept after enjoying another story telling session but Patrick.

We were out of the mountain by 23^rd Sep 05. Upon departing the jungle, the team went for a shower at a “new” waterfall. It is one of the best places on Earth where U can stand on the flat ground (evidence that it is a new waterfall) and enjoy water pouring from more than 15metres. The team returned to Mataram city. Thiam Huat, Alan, Patrick, Ivy, Karen and me decided to visit the Gili Islands the next when majority of the team chose to return to Singapore on 24^th.

Six of us spent three days at Gili Trawangan. Gili means small island, there are a lot of Gili around Lombok (Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Lawang, Gili Sulat, Gili Nanggu…) . It is always nice to visit one of these Gili. Though Gili Trawangan is the touristiest among the Gili, this Gili provide the best infrastructure. Looking at the bright side, the crowd is smaller compare to Bali.

We did snorkeling on 25^th Sep using one of the many glass bottom boats. I always thought divers should have good water confidence. I am very wrong, there are divers who find drinking sea water very intimidating. The scariest thing is when you realize one of them is your snorkel buddy.

Return to Singapore on 26^th Sep… It is another trip that I wish it could last longer.