A 15 min trip from my accommodation to near Bangsai Harbour where I met Andy the boat skipper.
We boarded his 20 foot speedboat from the beach and zoomed across to Gili Air – only 10 minutes away.
Here we waded to shore and then walked down to check out Mowies Bungalows – recommended on Trip Advisor.
Seems pretty laid-back. Might have to come back to stay sometime.
Then Andy took me for a walk. It was hot and humid. Everywhere we went there were beachfront restaurants, bars and resorts. After 20 minutes of sweaty walking I asked Andy was it time to head back. He replied “A little further”. After 30 minutes my shirt was soaked in sweat as we dodged the occasional pony cart or bicycle. Lovely beachfront scenery. I asked again – Andy replied “A little further” again!
We walked on for almost an hour total and finally, he suggested we rest at a lovely beachfront bar. We sat dripping on some comfy beach lounges and shared a litre bottle of water. I also partook in a Bintang.
I then slipped into the cool clear water and had a swim.
After a good rest we headed off again. In the same direction!!! I was getting worried that we had a LONG hike back in the other direction when it was time to go back. Little did I know that 1) I had lost sense of direction and 2) had taken me right around the island!! Ten more minutes and we were back at the boat!!
Oh – forgot to tell you – we ran into the Rolling Stones!
After an enjoyable couple of hours checking out Gili Air we returned to the Lombok mainland in Andy’s boat
Back on Lombok, my driver was waiting for me. Andy spoke to him then invited me back to his village for coffee. I jumped on the back of his scooter
and we took a 5 minute ride to his little village. Here we shared Lombok coffee – black, strong and sweet.
All in all – quite an adventure.
