I’m sitting at the East end of the Island of Melenge in Lestari Bungalows. There are two Lestari’s here. The one near the dock in Melenge is the Losmen. Take a boat from there to the bungalows about 20 minutes away. Lovely beach, very quiet, hammocks on the porch of bungalows. Newer bungalows with private bath are currently $150,000 including all meals. Older bungalows with shared bath are $100,000.
Mr. Rudi has been very helpful. When we first approached the dock in Melenge and I was a bit taken back as it wasn’t nearly what I’d expected. He told me we would be there five minutes then go on to the bungalows. Relieved and curious, I waited until we set off.
The bungalows are approached through a small bay behind. It was dark and I couldn’t see what awaited me but could hear the ocean gently lapping through the trees. Lights across the way illuminated Bajo village, the Sea Gypsy village. Stars filled the night as no clouds or city lights obscured the view. Amazing stars so close you could almost touch them. I tried!
Sunrise revealed what I hadn’t seen before, gorgeous white beach, turquoise colors reminiscent of the Caribbean, and stillness all around. I spent the day reading, relaxing and writing. Eventually, I got out my snorkeling gearI could easily have stayed a week relaxing and exploring. Snorkeling at Reef #5 was great ($50,000 per person), the food was excellent (local fisherman delivering fresh catch each day) and the family was very helpful.
This is my favorite resting spot of the trip so far. It’s peaceful, profoundly so. I wake at night realizing it’s the absolute absence of any noise that’s waking me. Then I drift off to a deep and restful sleep. From the hammock, I listen to the sounds of the waves gently lapping the shore, their rhythmic cycle lulling me to deep relaxation. There’s fresh water for showering, many bungalows use sea water. The family is great, Cat and Mike are great company: you get the idea!
I’m headed to Fadhila Cottages near Katupat tomorrow then on to Bomba. The current schedule is for ferries to travel from Katupat to Wakai to Ampana on Sunday or Tuesday or Thursady at well, sometime. I’ll know more when I get to the ferry terminal.
I’ve been told there are many options from Katupat to Bomba including talking to the captain on the all white boat from Wakai to Ampana. Buy your ticked to Ampana, talk to the captain explaining you want of in Bomba, they will drop you and with a phone call, pick you up to complete the journey to Ampana. I’ll let you know how that part works when I get there.
Next update, I’ll write a quick note once I arrive at Fadhila’s Cottages.