lombok

from the ferry we were transferred to Senggigi.  we were dropped at the office of the local transport company where they set about organising us for the next few days.  and in a weak moment we agreed.
So it was 2 nights in Senggigi, a trip to kuta lombok on the south coast with car and driver, drop off at south west corner of lombok, 2 nights there and then a transfer back to Senggigi. 
all sounded good.  $200 for the transport, accommodation and breakfast.  and it has been good, but the agent has also made a big profit.  a lesson learnt.
we went for an outing to Mataram by public bemo, to check out the system.   it is a big city and we were not hassled by sellers at all.   we went to the mall, and did some shopping.  big displays of motorbikes there.  about $1500 for a 125cc honda scooter.  
the trip to kuta lombok was hijacked to go to a weaving village.and a local sasak village.  then on to kuta beach which looked glorious but had really coarse sand.  so course it was like quicksand.  but the beach just to the east  (Tanjung Aan) was amazing with proper white sand.  we then headed to our next destination - palm beach garden bungalows.  on the west coast of lombok about 7km from the end.  the surfing beach bangko bangko is at the end.  when the waves are up the big boys arrive to watch.  and only the bravest or craziest go surfing.
we stayed in a lovely spot on the waterfront.  with a very laid back german host.  we were the only guests. yesterday we had a private snorkelling trip to 2 islands.  lots of fish and still lots of coral.  simple local food.  we drank palm wine with the local policeman who was a regular visitor to the bar. 
today we are back in Senggigi.   they do not have enough passengers yet for the boat, so we are working on our options. 
we have nice accomodation with a pool and AC and hot showers tonight.   so we are lazing by the pool again.