Monday, August 13, 2007
Day 2 – Sun 5 August 07 (Lombok)
The van arrived at 8 am and after picking up more divers from the Sheraton down the street, we were headed for Bangsal Harbour, near Pamenang. From there we boarded an outrigger boat to Gili Air, the nearest island off the northwest coast of Lombok. The boat ride took about 15 mins.
Gili, in Sasak means ‘Island’. There are three cluster of islands, namely Gili Air, Gili Meno (middle) and Gili Trawangan (in the west, more touristy and pricey). We chose to visit Gili Air due to its proximity and ‘unspoilt’ nature. To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos (horse drawn carriages).
Upon arrival at Gili Air, we were taken to the Dream Divers hut by the beach. While most were back on the boat heading to the deep sea for their dive, we were provided with snorkel, fins and mask to swim along the shore by the white sandy beaches. At sea, we saw many of God’s wonderful creation of colorful fishes and corals, though felt very clumsy initially flapping into the sea with the big fins.
While admiring the marine life, I was unknowingly stung by a jellyfish on my right arm. I stood up and held my hand up as a stinging sensation shot through my veins. Thinking that it was just a sting, I continued my exploration while struggling not to drink any seawater as I breathe through the apparatus. I have obviously yet to master the proper way to snorkel though it was not my first trial!
It was when I got out of the beach for lunch that I noticed my arms have erupted into red spots resembling mosquito bites. We informed the diving instructor back at the hut, and were taught how to treat jellyfish stings. We need to apply vinegar to the wound, then soak the wound in warm salt water. Fresh water should not be used if the sting occurred in salt water, as a change in pH could cause release of additional venom. Rubbing the wound, or using alcohol will also encourage the release of venom.
We had our lunch at a restaurant serving wooden oven pizza and other local snacks. We got to sit/lie under one of those bamboo/straw huts along the beach while enjoying the warm food and lovely sea breeze. It’s really alfresco dining at its best with ballads playing in the background.
As it is not a private beach, there were a few hawkers hovering around selling fruits, necklaces, bangles, bookmarks, woodware etc. Still, we were relishing the moment and wished that it would last. After persistent touting by the hawkers and also tempted by the colorful fruit basket balanced on the top of their heads, we ordered a whole pineapple for dessert at RP10K. The hawker skillfully sliced and carved the pineapple into what looked like a candy cone.
In the afternoon, we got to go out to the ocean with the divers. The color of the water turned
from light clear blue to a darker blue as we venture further out to the sea. It was interesting to observe how the divers prepare their equipments for their dive, and how they together did a backward somersault flip into the water. Sam also very bravely jumped into the sea with his snorkeling gear, to check out the reefs and creatures of the deep sea. Regrettably, the spot was more suitable for diving and there was nothing much to see from the surface. The divers later told us that they spotted sea turtles at the bottom of the sea.
Needless to say, it was an enjoyable experience and we got sun burnt despite applying much protection. We were back at our hotel in time for the sunset at 6+pm . It was a pretty sight with the sun setting behind the mountain on Bali island opposite us. Unfortunately as it got darker, we were attacked by sand flies. We had thought that they were harmless, till the rashes appeared a week later back in SG. Sigh...
That evening, we returned to the same restaurant but ordered Thai food instead for a fiery feast. After dinner, we walked down the streets towards Sheraton, before heading back to the hotel.
Gili, in Sasak means ‘Island’. There are three cluster of islands, namely Gili Air, Gili Meno (middle) and Gili Trawangan (in the west, more touristy and pricey). We chose to visit Gili Air due to its proximity and ‘unspoilt’ nature. To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos (horse drawn carriages).
Upon arrival at Gili Air, we were taken to the Dream Divers hut by the beach. While most were back on the boat heading to the deep sea for their dive, we were provided with snorkel, fins and mask to swim along the shore by the white sandy beaches. At sea, we saw many of God’s wonderful creation of colorful fishes and corals, though felt very clumsy initially flapping into the sea with the big fins.While admiring the marine life, I was unknowingly stung by a jellyfish on my right arm. I stood up and held my hand up as a stinging sensation shot through my veins. Thinking that it was just a sting, I continued my exploration while struggling not to drink any seawater as I breathe through the apparatus. I have obviously yet to master the proper way to snorkel though it was not my first trial!
It was when I got out of the beach for lunch that I noticed my arms have erupted into red spots resembling mosquito bites. We informed the diving instructor back at the hut, and were taught how to treat jellyfish stings. We need to apply vinegar to the wound, then soak the wound in warm salt water. Fresh water should not be used if the sting occurred in salt water, as a change in pH could cause release of additional venom. Rubbing the wound, or using alcohol will also encourage the release of venom.
We had our lunch at a restaurant serving wooden oven pizza and other local snacks. We got to sit/lie under one of those bamboo/straw huts along the beach while enjoying the warm food and lovely sea breeze. It’s really alfresco dining at its best with ballads playing in the background.
As it is not a private beach, there were a few hawkers hovering around selling fruits, necklaces, bangles, bookmarks, woodware etc. Still, we were relishing the moment and wished that it would last. After persistent touting by the hawkers and also tempted by the colorful fruit basket balanced on the top of their heads, we ordered a whole pineapple for dessert at RP10K. The hawker skillfully sliced and carved the pineapple into what looked like a candy cone.In the afternoon, we got to go out to the ocean with the divers. The color of the water turned
from light clear blue to a darker blue as we venture further out to the sea. It was interesting to observe how the divers prepare their equipments for their dive, and how they together did a backward somersault flip into the water. Sam also very bravely jumped into the sea with his snorkeling gear, to check out the reefs and creatures of the deep sea. Regrettably, the spot was more suitable for diving and there was nothing much to see from the surface. The divers later told us that they spotted sea turtles at the bottom of the sea.Needless to say, it was an enjoyable experience and we got sun burnt despite applying much protection. We were back at our hotel in time for the sunset at 6+pm . It was a pretty sight with the sun setting behind the mountain on Bali island opposite us. Unfortunately as it got darker, we were attacked by sand flies. We had thought that they were harmless, till the rashes appeared a week later back in SG. Sigh...That evening, we returned to the same restaurant but ordered Thai food instead for a fiery feast. After dinner, we walked down the streets towards Sheraton, before heading back to the hotel.
Labels: Lombok
Penseur 6:09 PM
