It was another hot and unpleasant humid day in Indonesian Island of Lombok.
The ship anchored in port Lembar early in the morning.
Lombok is an island of 3.5 million residents and located in eastern side of famous Bali.
Gangway was packed with passengers already.
They are waiting for tender boat to get on.
It was 9am when we came down to the lower deck.
Passengers who booked the ship’s tours had priority for tender boat this morning.
But, there were not enough of boats!
We waited in crowded gangway for half an hour while some has been waiting for more than an hour.
When we came back to the ship later, we met many unhappy people as it was rather chaotic operation of the ship’s management.
We had the biggest number of local dancers and musicians who are performing welcome ceremony so far.
The ship anchored in port Lembar early in the morning.
Lombok is an island of 3.5 million residents and located in eastern side of famous Bali.
Gangway was packed with passengers already.
They are waiting for tender boat to get on.
It was 9am when we came down to the lower deck.
Passengers who booked the ship’s tours had priority for tender boat this morning.
But, there were not enough of boats!
We waited in crowded gangway for half an hour while some has been waiting for more than an hour.
When we came back to the ship later, we met many unhappy people as it was rather chaotic operation of the ship’s management.
We had the biggest number of local dancers and musicians who are performing welcome ceremony so far.
One of pottery shops at Banyumulek village displaying Batik style pots.Renee, Greg and me hired a taxi at the pier for the day.
English speaking local guide whose name is Chiti escorted us to a van taxi after short negotiation of the fair.
We did pre research the places of interest on this island.
They are Banyumulek pottery village, Lingsar temple, Narmada water palace and Sasak weaving village…
Coconut tree lined terrace rice fields are fascinating as we were driving around the towns, villages and country sides.
Lingsar temple was particularly interesting as it is the only unified temple recognized by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and local worshipers of Sasak.
According to Chiti, 40% of island’s population is Hindus and others are Muslims and Christians.
But, I have never seen so many Muslim mosques anywhere!
Chiti took us a local restaurant called X.O specialized in Thai style steamboat.
Instead of having big lunch with steamboat, we ordered soft-shell crab with orange sauce, calamari with chili and mango salsa, seafood Nash goreng fried rice and whole steamed fish Kintari with garlic and soy sauce.
They were all exceptionally fresh and delicious!
The very best dish we have had so far this year!
It was excellent day with 5 hours culturally enriching interesting tour.
Renee, Greg and I all came back to the ship with big happy smiles.
The entrance of Lingsar temple
The entrance of Hindu temple
The entrance of Sasak temple
Inside of Hindu temple with three Hindu Gods; Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
Local guide only for Lingsar temple
Narmada Water Palace built in 1744 used to be summer palace for Balinese King
One of lakes through window of King’s bedroom
A frame of Indonesian Wajang hung on top of the palace door
Gathering hall with beautiful columns
One of large lakes in water palace with waterfall in a corner
Just for fun – training for rangers and green berets?
Holy water of spring well in the water palace. One can be forever young after drinking the holy water if you believe in it.
Nicely landscaped garden around the water palace
X.O is the name of restaurant in town of Mataram where we had the most memorable delicious lunch
Sasak house in weaving village Sukarara
