Exploring Lombok by scooter

Today we continue towards Senggigi, on the west coast of Lombok. The first curious incident happens when we try to order a taxi in the morning. We actually want to order a Blue Bird Taxi (the official taxis here in Indonesia). So we call the central. When the man on the other end of the line realizes that our English is better than our Indonesian, panic and chaos break out in the taxi central. Shouting wildly, the man tries to find someone who speaks English. Sought, found. However, the colleague explains to us that there are often conflicts between the official taxis and the private drivers, and because of that the Blue Bird Taxis do not pick up customers in Kuta.

So we organize a private driver through our accommodation.

The drive to Senggigi shows us the beauty of the landscape once again. Even along the "highway", rice fields stretch out. In the background, the faint outlines of the island's volcanoes can be seen, and numerous mosques line the roadside. The road leads us through the largest city in Lombok: Mataram. Mosques, markets, and small shops give the city a certain charm.

Arriving at the accommodation, the Hotel Ibludan, we rent a scooter for the next few days and ride to Senggigi to have something to eat (Gado Gado and Olah Olah at Warung Amalia). The rest of the day we enjoy the pool and take care of further travel planning.

The next morning we are served breakfast (fruit, smoothie, coffee, homemade muesli with yogurt). After the morning strength, we set out to explore the coast. The coastal road north of Senggigi is said to be one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Asia. Although we haven't really seen many coastal roads in Asia yet, we still believe it's true. It's breathtakingly beautiful here!

The ride reveals incredibly impressive views. The viewpoints Malimbu Hill 1&2 are definitely our favorites. From here you can see the flowing transitions of the landscape. Dense hilly rainforest in the interior gives way to a palm landscape and white sandy beach, which in turn ends in turquoise blue water.

About a kilometer beyond the last viewpoint, one of the many beaches hides, which we have picked out for a break (we decide on Pandanan Beach). Except for the locals who want to sell their coconuts at the stands, we have the beach almost to ourselves. Fantastic!!

In Senggigi, on the way back, we make another stop and eat fresh fish from the grill in a small restaurant (Nuf' Said) right on the beach.

After a little cooling off in the pool, we hop back on the scooter and drive to a nearby bar to watch the sunset. Sitting on beanbags on the beach, we enjoy our dinner while the sun disappears behind the mountains of Bali.