Yesterday was just a teaser to what was in store for us today. We woke up bright and early, out ready to catch the first ferry out from Sanur to our next destination - Nusa Lembongan Island.
We arrived in good time, with 10minutes to spare before the ferry leaves for Nusa Lembongan at 8am. Yet to have breakfast, we bought biscuits and nasi bungkus ayam at a dodgy-looking stall at the port. And on board we went!
We found ourselves sandwiched between the locals and backpackers from around the globe. Joining our convoy were also live chickens (and also dead ones when I glanced at the family beside me having KFC), and scooters. To add to the experience, my senses were confused with the occasional faint whiffs of ikan masin (preserved salted fish) from the cargo, the KFC fried chicken from the boys next to me and the smell of salty sea water carried by the crisp wind that morning. It was hard to decide whether it was a pleasant or a non-pleasant ride. But it definitely was an interesting one. (Regretfully no photos here :s)
2.5 hours later, we landed at Nusa Lembongan Island. Thankfully, we (the tourists) were let to alight first before the rest. That was as long as my butt allowed me to stay seated on one plank, hardly 20cm wide.
"Pak... Pak! Where do you want to go?" one of the locals called out.
We weren't exactly sure. We've only decided to come here after recommendations from good ol' trusty Lonely Planet and the brochures we picked up along our way. After a few minutes of further discussion with the locals, he decided that we will head to Dream Beach at south coast of Lembongan Island, said to have the best white sandy beach, never over populated - a dream come true for those who appreciate quietness in a pristine beautiful beach.
"60000 rupiah return on a scooter?!?!" he jumped.
"Cheap.. cheap, Pak. Tak bisa jalan kaki. Up, down, up down... scooter takes only 15 minutes."
$$ we can't save. So it was IDR120,000 for both of us on a ride from the port to Dream Beach
Dream Beach did not disappoint.
I still can't get over the sheer magnitude of the imploding waves.
Sunnies and Smiles
We are sooo blluee!
We were ready to jump straight into the sea.. but not without energy source.
Banana Jaffle - toasted banana + cheese sandwich
Mee Goreng - fried local noodle with bullseye egg drizzled with yummy kicap manis!
Brewed Balinese Coffee
Banana + Lime Juice
Lovely experience dining with a sight to behold.
We made our way down...
Found ourselves a nice little spot..
Took a few random shots..
Front
Back
Front
Back
Rubbery find
Intermittent rest before running into the sea again.
And so that was how we spent our afternoon - in and out of the cold waters. The current was strong! I was literally swept off my feet a couple of times but once deeper (away from the shore), it was gloriously exciting to swim with the waves, oaccasionally fighting hard against the current - careful not to be carried away. I love the feeling.
My joy did not rest just there. I was tickled to watch him struggle to keep his footing. Being near the shore, he ended up crashing together with the waves most of the time. It was comical to see him clumsily being tossed around. And it wasn't just me. I could see that the waves were having the same joy playing with him too! ;)
If we had stayed on this island, these will be our huts.
Rustic little looking ones.
2 hours out, and it was time for us to catch the last boat home. Whilst waiting for it, we rested at a little cafe, absorbing the local feel around us.
Salt water left him hygroscopically thirsty.
Say hi to the dog he made friends with.
A Balinese woman walked passed.. I believe this would be shortly after an upacara.
A shot of a happy child & her obliging mother.. possibly the cafe owner's wife and daughter.
There is always a Pura (temple), regardless how small the place is.
Boats bobbing gently, just a couple more hours before sun sets.
The journey back to Bali Island was a lot shorter - only 45minutes via speed boat.
With just enough time to have a good warm shower, we headed out again to grab dinner.
"Jimbaran?", he suggested.
I gave a smug smile. Oh yes! We are going back to the beach again, although we were exactly there just last night! This time, he opted to try a different restaurant. With so many options to choose from, we decided to follow the taxi driver's recommendation.
Ikan bakar, grilled mussels & stirfry kangkung.
But it was a total disappointment! :( The sambal was a far outcry from last night's and that brought the whole meal down. Note to self: Don't listen to taxi drivers in future.
We will not let the night end this way. Hence, we went for the corns... again!
Yum! No sharing this time, Mr Sweet Tooth had TWO all to himself; I was contented with one :p
What a DAY! :D
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