Arranging, Managing and Leading a trip to Bali, Gili Isles and Rinjani

What if u have one week holiday and you could do nothing in your city? As some friends asked me to go somewhere out this city Jakarta. I eventually dreamed of coming to Bali and Lombok during my Lebaran Holiday
Gee.. planning a trip to Rinjani is the most difficult one. Two friends of mine in this never went on an adventurous trip before while the three of us (in the group) never knew how it felt on mountain hiking. It’s me the one who would lead Ricky (a man whom I met on my trip to Krakatau), my Devi, Lince (the one whom I called ‘mamak’) and the last one my giant friend named Bastian.

The first problem that appeared was the ticket to Bali but my biggest anxiety came from leading four other persons in this trip. I’ve got to cope with many matters but in fact pleasure and fun followed and joined us in the trip
Unimaginably, all of found breathtaking view for sunset and sunrise in gilis Mount Rinjani was obvious during sunrise as if the sun was hidden on its valley but in sunset time I could see the sun hidden in Mount Agung as we could see it in a distance
Success? At least I could say the five of us returned safely and joyfully from this trip

Our sane activities

I believed the activity might be something that we could hardly do personally, so rafting, snorkeling, trekking and finally mountain hiking are the choice we had. Exhausting? Don’t ask since I needed to be an ‘impromptu’ masseur to my friends, not to mention I badly need this too.

Finding infos

Our guide book, lonely planet, is quite helpful from a map till list of budget hotels available in Bali and Lombok. But the most precious ones came from some friends I met in the mailing list. They helped me indeed with their valuable reference. Thanks to Risna who helped me with his info about Mas Bengkok.

Backpacking?

It’s probably beyond our imagination that we could pay only Rp.70.000,- for one night in a hotel located 100 meter from Kuta beach, where we could get free breakfast (I like the pancake and their hot orange), a cozy room, plus a pool and a swimming pool as well.

This is the first time someone thought I’m a foreigner from Malaysia hahaha, a friend was greeted in English perhaps after seeing us with huge backpacks (sorry we’ve got to go to many places). I’m so thankful they didn’t think I’m European ;-P (no way, see my complexion man…)

At last I’m so thankful for Him for His blessings, Thanks my Lord, for my cheerful friend who wanted to be a part of my journey, for my sweetheart (I know you could make it), for Risna (once more) and for many friends who helped me in my journey, thanks