17/12/2009 Budget Dolphin Cruise

Woke at 5.30am and had final dip in the pool at the Oasis before heading up the coast to Padang Bai where the boat leaves for Lombok. Of course we were hassled by hawkers trying to get 10 times the price for the public ferry but we arrived at the terminal unscathed and were early enough to catch the 8am ferry (we were planning for the 9am ferry). We bagged seats on the stern with the locals and all their gear and didn’t discover until too late that the inside was air-conditioned with plush seats and a bar! Anyway we moved around to catch the breeze and were lucky enough to sight a pod of dolphins midway across the straight! They followed us for ages diving and fooling around- what an awesome sight (especially considering the 5 hour trip cost us $3). Arrived in Lembar Harbour and tried to find a Bemo but there were none to be had so we negotiated with a minibus driver to get us to Senggigi (only ½ km of haggling before we got in – not too bad as we negotiated down from 350,000 Rp to 90,000).
Arrived at our accommodation (Batu Bolong Cottages) and discovered it was great – air-con, fresh towels and fairly clean overlooking the garden. Across the road was our pool overlooking Senggigi beach with the Batu Bolong temple visible on the rocky outcrop at the end of the beach. We went for a walk on the beach and got mobbed by the hawkers – 2 sarongs, a few necklaces and a manicure later we were free! The painted flowers on my nails were pretty good actually. That night we went across the road to Sunset House for dinner on the beach – wonderful food, great service and discovered their amazing juices. (Oh and free wi-fi).