Under-Rated Lombok

**FB666Y** · 25th August 2009, 05:02 PM

As the sun sets over Kuta in Bali, we battled a scorpion that wandered into our hotel room, and wondered what the coming days would hold in unexplored and rustic Lombok.

With a brand new Honda Tiger that had 6000km on its meter we started out for Padangbai - our appointment with the ferry was pending. A few kilometres outside Padangbai the Honda Tiger had a slight disagreement with a local passenger van and came out worse. Entirely my fault, I was looking at road signs instead of paying attention to the road. I managed to decrease my speed considerably and was trying to steer around the van when I clipped his right taillights, the handlebars swung around and deposited me unceremoniously on the ground. With abrasions on our elbows and knees, but nary a scratch on the Tiger, we decided the best option was onwards.

We made the ferry and made it to Senggigi in Lombok by darkness.

The next 2 days we did day trips to the Gili islands.

**FB666Y** · 25th August 2009, 05:03 PM

Pictures from Gili Trawangan and Gili Air:

**FB666Y** · 25th August 2009, 05:04 PM

After our island jaunt we set off for Gunung Rinjani - following the coastal road north before plunging into the highlands. The coastal road, expecially around Senggigi is gorgeous, amazing beaches on one side and mountains on the other. As we move inland, Rinjani loomed big before us. We ended up in Sapit, and spend an afternoon walking around the tobacco fields around Sapit.

**Marco** · 25th August 2009, 10:10 PM

FB66Y

Nice man,, i really liked those colorfull fish pictures, looks like you have nice trip, looking for your next Adventure

**FB666Y** · 27th August 2009, 02:01 PM

Sapit and arounds

**FB666Y** · 27th August 2009, 05:03 PM

The next day we made our way south to Kuta - mostly highway riding with plenty of traffic.
The scenery improved the closer we got to Kuta.

**FB666Y** · 28th August 2009, 11:14 AM

Kuta Beaches:

**PICO-PICO** · 28th August 2009, 03:51 PM

Was on Bali until last week, was hoping to find an alternative to the rainy season in Thailand. Weather perfect, at least in Ubud. Dry, cool nights, dream people, they live their culture to the fullest. The volcanos , the mountains, gorgeous.
You pics of Lombok show a different side of these islands.
my regret was= no motorbike for me.
Must go back and try harder.
Pico

**FB666Y** · 1st September 2009, 03:33 PM

For our final destination in Lombok we made our way west from Kuta, heading towards Southwest Lombok. We could have had a smoother ride by staying on the highway, but we decided for the scenic route. Also known as the bumpy route. The roads west were broken, potholed and some sections had large slabs missing. The roads were so bad we didnt see any four wheelers.

The road follows the coast closely, and every now and then you burst onto some bite-shaped bay, complete with swaying trees and a sleepy village. By the time we made it to Sekotong the road improved and it was smooth tarmac.

**FB666Y** · 1st September 2009, 03:56 PM

We stayed in Pengantap, and managed a trip to Gili Ringgit.

That should pretty much cover the trip.
I will trawl through the deluge of pictures and see if there are any others that might pass muster.

**Davidfl** · 2nd September 2009, 12:02 AM

FB666Y
You little beauty. You certainly get around. Thanks for yet another superb photographic bike journey.

**siinthai** · 2nd September 2009, 07:21 AM

Sweet....great photos.....looks like a very cool trip...just made contact with an old mate who'se been living there for 14 years...good excuse for the trip down now...
Cheers

**johngooding** · 3rd September 2009, 06:55 PM

Those are really great pics, I know thats probably more the photographer than the equipment, but would you like to share what camera system you are using, because I do not think its just a compact. Thanks in anticipation.

**FB666Y** · 4th September 2009, 08:13 AM

Well, I have been using the Panasonic Lumix FZ5 for the longest time, and its takes brilliant pictures. Its by no means a DLSR, but it works very well, and most importantly the functions are very user friendly.

For this trip, considering I will be snorkelling, I decided to bring along the Canon D10. Considering how expensive underwater cases are, plus how bulky they can be, the Canon was perfect - waterproof up to 10m, compact, plus the pictures came out pretty good. Its also shockproof, and that helps when your're on a bike - you're bound to bang it now and then.

Here's a review and what the Canon D10 looks like:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209...roup/page2.asp

I'm not a professional photographer, I just point and shoot and hope for the best, but the cameras nowadays are pretty amazing with their range of capabilities - Im proof that you dont need to be a great photographer.

**KingMarty45** · 4th September 2009, 08:20 AM

Have you done any touch up work on any of the pictures?

If that is the quality of the pics you are getting straight out of that D10 I would consider getting one...

Great report and pics (obviously)

Cheers,

Marty

**FB666Y** · 4th September 2009, 08:33 AM

No - no touchups. However they were taken at 4000x3000pixels - that would be about 3 megapixels. The quality improves when the pictures are resized down, or when they are printed.

**johngooding** · 4th September 2009, 04:25 PM

Thanks for responding and for the link. I see why you bought it. Even if you are not going underwater, this camera is a lot more versatile for a motorcyclist wanting to take pics in all weathers. Must say I am tempted myself. However I cannot help feeling that you have been to modest and the results I would get would not be quite as striking.
I have a full Nikon D200 based DSLR system, but rarely get to use it as its just too much hassle taking on the bike. Maybe time to find a buyer and get something like the Canon D10

Look forward to more great trip reports and pics from you. Thank you.

**Franz** · 6th September 2009, 09:03 AM

FB666Y, and again amazing fotos of another astonishing trip. As David said, you do come around here in remote parts of Asia !! You're really a biker Legend !! Keep them coming !! Cheers & looking forward to your next report & pictures, Franz