May 10th: Depart Gili Meno, Bangsal to Mataram – 30 km
Day 209
We considered taking a speed boat back to Kuta but couldn’t rationalize the price. Either 700,00 IDR total for the speed boat or 150,000 for the slow boats and some peddling. We cut our trip by 3 days and prepared to retrace our steps.
Thanks to the calm sea and a little forsight, departing Gili Meno was much easier than arriving. Since we had our trikes and there were already enough people waiting to fill 2 boats. I asked if I could load our trikes early and they said ok. None of the locals seemed concerned that our trikes occupied the entire width of the boat as they worked there way around the wheels and pedals and took a seat without even showing a hint of annoyance. We are still amazed at the civility of the Indonesians in such crowded and hot conditions.
On our way in we followed the coast and on our way out we decided to go inland through the monkey forest. The inland route is 10 km shorter and much less hilly. Much of the road winds between the hills. Cher and I were grinning all day as we leaned into the sharp turns at the steep downhills.
It’s a beautiful road that cuts right through the jungle with the trees forming an arch over the road filled with shrieking monkeys. Before noon we were back at our original hotel and looking forward to our all you can eat buffet breakfast.
