Tuti And I - Chapter 3: That Lombok Backpacking Trip

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate

Although we were very much relunctant to leave Sembalun, we were nevertheless grateful to have reached 'home'. Our room at Lina Cottage was awaiting our arrival so there was no issue about having to scout for rooms. Mokhs and I spent the rest of the day, lazing by the beach. As we were letting our bodies recuperate, we looked through our Lonely Planet and discussed about the next pit-stop. Of course we already had one of the Gili Islands in mind we just could not decide which one to set foot on. Given only a few days left of our vacation, Mokhs and I felt it would not be feasible to visit all three islands. In the end, we decided on Gili Meno, the one which was the most laidback,with no party animals or pathetic drunks! The best part was choosing a place to stay. Call us spoilt brats on a backpacking trip but I find it hard to feel guilty for having chosen a higher end lodging to crash on Gili Islands after we have sweated it out at Sembalun.

It was decided. We had booked ourselves a 'classy, spacious and stylish' bungalow at Hotel Gazebo Meno. We were to leave Senggigi for Gili Meno the next day in the early morning.

That evening, just a few hours before the sun had set, we rented a motorbike to travel along the coasts of Senggigi. I loved the ride. Mokhs was a safe rider and I am proud of him for that. We rode uphill and downhill and past by gorgeous panoramic viewing spots. On some occasions, we stopped and took pictures. At most viewpoints, we could see the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. On our way back to Lina, we happened to come across a sign that said 'Coconut Hut'. We were curious and followed the sign. The trail led us through tall coconut trees and on our right and left were two cozy cafes. The end of the trail was the beautiful coastline with waves crashing and smashing against the reefs. Wow, at that moment, we felt like we had entered a sacred sanctuary. Somehow, the place was magical. The sun had not made it's way down the horizon. Our surrounding was still bright but somehow, the feeling was special. While having a drink and enjoying the sight of the magical ocean, we got to know a few villages. In fact, Mokhs saw them first and started taking pictures of them. They were children and were so excited at the attention Mokhs was giving them. I joined the lot and snapped away at my camera as well. The children were laughing and posing for the camera as if they had done it a thousand times before. An old man, whom I had assumed was the father of some of the children chatted with Mokhs while I was playing along with the children. They were a beautiful group of people. Again we felt sad to say goodbye. We had to leave early before it turned dark. However, our memories of that moment were preserved in the many pictures that we took when we were there. Thanks to the sign 'Coconut Hut' or we would have never discovered the hidden beauty behind the trails.

It was time to head back. But it was still quite early. And since we were quite close to 'home', we thought we should sit at one of the warungs that was situated along the road, at the top of one of the many hills that lined the coast of Lombok. It was great nibbling on corn and enjoying the wind and listening to the music of the ocean. All our five senses were activated at that time but I can assure you, there was nothing more relaxing than letting yourself flow in the lure of the ocean songs of Lombok.

As we sat by the beach at Lina Cottage that night, Mokhs and I chatted about what we would do at Gili Meno the next day. It was at Gili Meno, where the idea for the story 'Tuti And I' was born.

I thank Allah first and last for without His Mercy, nothing is possible, nothing is blessed.

All praise and thanks be to Allah, My Lord. - Jaslina Yassin