07-OCT - Mon - Kuta (Lombok) in review

The short version: We came, we experienced, now let’s get the [beep] out of here! The long version: If it weren’t for APEC and West Australian school holidays, we might not have escaped Bali to come to Lombok, which would have been a real shame. We are indeed glad we came, we are very happy to have experienced a destination like no other in all our previous travels, but we’re over it. Enough of water buffalos, cows and goats crossing the road; enough of the calls to prayer; enough of dogs growling at each other; enough of plastic and rubbish souring the experience. Time to go back to creature comforts of what these two city lads of the 20th century are accustomed to, time to go back to the super friendly and easy going Balinese people! A destination like this is not for tourists looking for beaches with the “complete package” of day beds, restaurants, cafés and shops. Be prepared to travel rough roads to a fantastic beach; understand that power blackouts are a daily occurrence, and at not pre-set times; expect very, very rural villages. The landscape is breathtakingly spectacular, the countryside a window into the past, the beaches more beautiful than the West Australian coastline. We have not been to central, Northern and Eastern Lombok, therefore our judgement is limited. Being at a destination were tourism is still under development, we felt that two guys walking the village side by side, at dusk/evening and not looking like surfers, or yobbos, nor looking like having just crawled out of some hole, did make people look inquisitively and making us very uneasy. Also knowing of being in a more rural setting and an Islamic country (and we are firm believers of freedom of religion, but what is it with the 4.30am call to prayer via 1950s shockingly poor quality speakers at full blast, really!?), we were conscious of not to smile, gaze or give a passing kiss to each other. Not being allowed to be ourselves is again something we are not used to, or if confronted with disapproval we have no hesitation at giving a piece of our own back; but not here, where we do not speak the language and being gay is obviously something not yet in the popular consciousness. We must stress that Kuta (Lombok) is a great destination, but seven or eight days of it is too much; make it four if you decide to come, and you’ll be more than satisfied with your choice. “Driver! Tomorrow morning, 0730 pickup at reception! Take us to the airport! Schnell, bitte!”