We hired a motorbike today with the intention of going out of town, including to a waterfall. We didn’t get very far … about 10 minutes out of town, the road disappeared into a bumpy dirt track. We pushed on for about a further 10 minutes and decided that the ride was far too uncomfortable to continue for another 90 minutes.
To make the most of the bike, we explored the other roads. We found the beginning of the Trans-Flores highway which was sealed but badly potholed. The effect on one’s backside was actually worse than on a bumpy dirt track!
With diving and an overnight trip to follow, we decided to do as little as possible for the rest of the day and returned the motorbike. After dinner, we finalised our plans for a 2d/1n trip to Komodo and Rinca to see the dragons.
To save the walk uphill back to our hotel, we used a motorcycle taxi (ojek) each. Yes, it’s really great to hail down a motorbike on a dark unlit street. Tell the driver your destination, he hands you a spare helmet and you hop on as pillion without seeing his face. Finally, pay him when you arrive. Exactly what Mum taught you about personal safety … LOL!
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- Sunrise at Labuanbajo harbour from our room; these boats take guests out for overnight trips.
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- Labuanbajo harbour.
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- Labuanbajo harbour.
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- Labuanbajo harbour.
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- Resident monkey “Api” is chained because he wrecks everything. He was rescued from abusive captivity, nursed then released. He didn’t like his freedom and came back … his destructive nature means he can’t have a free rein 24/7.
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- Fields outside of Labuanbajo. Far cry from the green of Sumatra.
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- Fields outside of Labuanbajo. Far cry from the green of Sumatra.
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- “Road” to the waterfall … wouldn’t like to be here after heavy rain!
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- Near Labuanbajo town.
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- Labuanbajo harbour, looking up to town and the hill where we stayed.
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- Downtown Labuanbajo.
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- Downtown Labuanbajo.
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- Sunset at Labuanbajo harbour.
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- Sunset at Labuanbajo harbour.
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- Martabak man at work.
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- Martabak man at work.
