Amazing day with Eddy and Omar, who really looked after us on the trek! Totally unique experience - not for those who might struggle with a hard trek, lots of climbing involved, but it’s all part of the fun!
For me, this was easily the best day of my trip. This was because;
- Moderately physical so I got a decent workout
- Informative - lots of information and local knowledge provided by both our driver guide and walking-tour guide
- Got to have a little insight into how the locals live
- Beautiful scenery and immersion in nature
We got picked up on time by our guide and driver Chandra from our resort in Senggigi. We had great conversations during our drive, learning lots of interesting facts abut local culture that we never would have learnt otherwise, and he filled us with lots of interesting stories - he was also very funny and easy-going.
Our first stop was a temple - unfortunately we couldn't go inside because there were special prayers happening, however we explored a little of the perimeter and got a small taste of a temple built for both Muslims and Hindu's. Chandra provided us with great facts along the way.
We then drove to the start of our walking tour and was introduced to our walking guide who took us the rest of the way.
Our walking guide took us for approx 2.5 hour walk through the rice terraces where he provided us some knowledge on harvesting and the process. Our guide's English was at a basic level, however we were definitely able to understand him and communicate and he was able to communicate with us in explaining some parts of the harvesting processes.
The views were simply breathtaking - one of those things you really have to see for yourself to fully appreciate.
There was a coffee break around this point where we got to try some of the local Tete Batu coffee. I love trying anything local, so really appreciated this. also grateful for the boost of energy.
We then walked for approx another 1.5 hours (approx only as we didn't have watches with us) to 2 separate waterfalls which you could swim at both, we only swam at the second one and the water was so refreshing after walking for so long.
We had lunch soon after this which is included in the tour price - simple menu with local dishes - in all honesty not sure if it is because it is cooked with fresh and local produce, or because i had such a good day, but this was probably my favorite meal of my whole trip. All in a tiny rickety hut, it was delicious.
We then walked to Monkey Forrest - so different from Balinese Monkey Forrest where you get your things stolen. Here, the monkeys were happy sitting in their trees and eating their berry's and didn't come near us at all. A much better experience here being able to see them in their habitat, without too much interference from humans. They were happy, i was happy.
Our driver guide Chandra picked us up from here as it just started to rain, so we didn't have to walk the last part back to the car in the rain.
It is worth noting that it does state "moderate fitness". It is really true in this case and you might find in slightly challenging in parts if you are not of moderate fitness. Although the pace was slow, there were some inclines, and you really had to keep your balance walking along the rice fields as the areas we walk between the fields were quite narrow, also keep your eyes out for quite a few hidden holes along the rice fields. As we went on the cusp of wet season, it was also very slippery in a few places.
To get to the waterfalls, a couple of crossings were bamboo poles, some slippery rocks and a couple of bridges that made me nervous - but to me, these were also the best part of this tour, getting me outside my comfort zone, and putting complete trust in our guide - I had so much fun and loved it every step of the way.
I highly recommend good shoes/trainers as it was slippery when we went - I was also happy with my decision to bring a pair of thongs (flip-flops, slippers) as I have quite sensitive feet and there were some parts requiring to walk along river beds in the water. - Definitely bring your swimmers/bathers and towel if you plan on going for a swim.
Definitely remember to wear sun-screen and a hat as it is a long tour, although half is in the shade. I didn't bring mosquito repellent and surprisingly didn't get many bites, although i think there is potential for that.
ALSO - Remember to check for leeches when you get home. My partner had a big one coming out of shoe on the drive back.
All in all this was an incredible experience and I would have done more tours with Chandra if we had more time. When the world is ready for tourists again and we visit Lombok again, we will definitely call Chandra for all our travel and touring needs. A big thank you to Chandra, our walking tour guide (whose name i have forgotten) and also to all of the local people we met on this tour, they were all so beautiful.