We left Sumbalu and headed out through an alternate route toward east Lombok where Ellie planned to take us to a big waterfall. The forest was slightly different on this side of the mountain which was a bit drier, but still very beautiful. The drive was quite long one to the waterfall, but we got there early afternoon and paid 80k for entrance and a guide who led us down the steep path, initially paved, to the first cascade that thundered into the river from the side bank. We were then onto a bush track for 30 mins or so with one high crossing on an aquaduct about 60 mtrs about the ravine which Eunmi wasn't keen on, and then followed the channel feeding the aquaduct to an area where the water was captured into the channel. Shortly afterwards there was river crossing across some slippery rocks and a few minutes later we could hear the waterfall and feel its spray.
We came around a bend and were confronted by dense spray and quite a strong breeze emanating from the waterfall which towered about 80 ft or so above.It came from a ledge and went straight out for 10 ft before curling down and smashing into the large pool it had formed at the bottom, bursting out in waves of heavy spray, generating quite a strong wind.
Eunmi was changed and in straight away, sitting at the edge revelling in.
Ruby crossed to the other side and tried a massage from a smaller tribute waterfall but found even that a bit rough. I think you'd be totally battered if you went inder the one and the guide advised not to.
I wimped out a bit as it felt quite cold with the strong breeze and spray combined, so I got out and waited with Elly and the kids and a few other tourists until Eunmi came out, saying she could have spent all day there.
Walking back was a bit quicker and we stopped at the first waterfall where Eunmi insisted on another splash. It started to rain so I got the kids out under a barong and Eunmi came out to help get them changed. We discovered a massive caterpillar about 4" long and thick as my finger had attached to the sarong Eunmi had been wearing.
On the quite steep climb back up we came across a small troop of monkey near the path and left them some of the custard apples for a treat.
At the top the kids had some noodles at the warung before we left.
We then pushed on towards Bangsal where Elly would part come along and catch a boat to Gili Trawangan.
They took us right into the port and accompanied us to avoid the touts and get tickets without any major grief.
Luckily, we'd stopped a bit earlier and found on ATM and topped up with cash for Gili, so we managed to secret some money under the seat for Elly to cover expenses and help pay the driver as well, because she wouldn't take it earlier.
After a quite emotional departure we got on the boat and they waved us off until we couldn't see them any longer. It was quite sad because we'd all got on so well.
We're very hopeful that Elly can come to London at some point so we can return the hospitality. We look forward to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment