A grapefruit shaped boulder, balanced precariously on the edge of a cliff. Wait, it’s actually not balancing, it’s floating! You heared me right, I said defying-the-laws-of-physics-floating-like-a-Jedi-warrior, floating. Word on the street is that you can easily pass a rope under the rock, from one side to the other. Legend has it that back in the day, when people weren’t sinning so much and making Buddha mad/sad, the boulder would float higher, and chickens could easily walk underneath it. Do you believe in miracles? Monks do.
(above) off-camera flash camera right, balancing the sunset light.
(below) A pilgrim who had probably been praying at the rock for most of the day. As other pilgrims put sheets of gold on the rock, flecks would fall down and collect in his hair.
Share on Facebook
After two days and two nights of sailing, we finally entered the Komodo Islands in the morning light, while eating a special crepe, honey and fruit breakfast.
(below) the dragons on Komodo Island are completely wild. Though they can usually be found, there is no guarantee. This was a medium-large female.
(below) a smaller dragon who would have gone to the top of this hill to get some morning light and perhaps lay in wait of her next meal to come along the trail.
(below) Though famous for dragons, the Komodo Islands are also well known for amazing beaches and underwater life. Pink beach, the beach below, had the most amazing snorkeling that I’ve ever encountered.
Share on Facebook
Mt. Rinjani dominates the northern part of Lombok Island. Higher levels of shade and moisture create a micro climate that is perfect for growing rice. Dutch settlers created an extensive irrigation network so that spring-fed streams crisscross everything creating an overwhelmingly, garden-like atmosphere. Still extremely remote and rarely visited, it’s the perfect place to hike and search out some of the most beautiful waterfalls that I’ve ever seen.
We stayed at a place called Rinjani Mountain Garden. It’s owned by a sweet and accommodating German couple named Roland and Toni. If you visit, ask Roland to see pictures of their boat. Apparently they had quite the adventurous life, sailing the 7 seas, before they settled in this idyllic spot. They also have lots of pets… dogs, horses, cats and even a monkey that keep guests company. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in their restaurant, as there are no other places to eat near by. The food was great. I can’t wait to return.
(below) Tiu Kelep waterfall. If it wasn’t for our guide, we would have never found it. We walked several hours on unmarked pathways through terraced rice fields just to find the trail to get here.
Share on Facebook
I’m in awe of this place. Can’t wait to go back. We stayed in the Sempiak Villas. It was the best place I’ve ever stayed in my life.
We rented Scooters and drove over to a surf beach called Mawi Beach
Got lost looking for a market and had to ask this guy for directions.
Share on Facebook
Selong Belanak, Lombok is one of those special places, where everything kind of comes together. It readily feeds all of the senses. I put it in my top-10 favorite places list! I’m already planning my return, sometime in the first 15 days of June 2013. I swear that if you start posting facebook updates from this place, your friends will start to hate you. 
(above) Does anyone else think that this guys looks like Lil’ Wayne?
Share on Facebook
The Market in Kuta, Lombok is pretty extensive, and the people are welcoming to a stranger with a camera. It’s also just a couple hundred yards off the beach. Go in the morning for the best light, and the best deals.
(below) just picked coffee.
(above) mending the nets. (below) carrying the coconuts.
(below) This is one of my favorite images from Kuta. Even though it didn’t work out, I had a vision of just the girl in the middle posing against the fence behind them. I approached, made small talk, and then asked if I could take a picture. The answer was yes. Then, as I was setting up my light, she invited all the other girls to come in, and they lined up just so. I saw one thing, but when I joined with others it turned into something different. That may be the essence of traveling.
Share on Facebook
Lombok… what do I say? Lombok is not Bali. Lombok it like Turkey, where Bali is like Italy. If you’ve been to those four places, than you understand. South Lombok has some pretty nice beaches- which is a large understatement.
(below) OK, the beaches aren’t always empty.
Share on Facebook
(Below) Street food for the strong-of-stomach. 
(below) Deep-fried goodness. Eating low on the food chain is good for your, right? 
(below) Telephones, especially cell phones, are rare in Myanmar. Impromptu payphones are set up on the street, so people can make calls. They are disappearing quickly, as the government has lifted restrictions and insanely high taxes on SIM cards. 
(below) Local butcher. 
(below) At the night market, Anne and I bought some amazing spices from this gentleman. 
by P-Lo
no comments
add a comment link to this post email a friend