While traveling Indonesia, I've been in awe of the beautiful island nation. From the beautiful people, to the breath-taking landscapes, I've been introduced to some amazing things while spending time in a few of the over 20,000 small islands. From beautiful, immaculate beaches, to vast rolling hills and even to the tops of volcanoes, Indonesia is a place everyone should take the chance to visit. While it would take a huge incident for me to backtrack on this statement, I did find myself in a bit of a Indo-funk after a visit to Senggigi in Lombok.
While Senggigi does have some beautiful aspects, one thing that is less than appealing is the ostentatious and overt pushes from hustlers trying to sell any westerner on the street a myriad of things. Be it bracelets to motorbikes, the hustlers on the street are something unavoidable in this part of the world.
It isn't a secret that hustlers are worldwide, but for someone who has traveled a decent amount, the hustlers in Senggigi have gotten under my skin more than most other places I have visited. One of the biggest issues is that these men will wait outside your accommodation, as well as follow you for days.
They will take the normal approach, complementing you, asking you questions, but will turn to ravenous hunters the second they think they may be near a sale. This includes walking into places you are dining in, or even cutting into conversations you are indulging in if they see you on the street. Their desire for a sale knows no limits.
The fact is, what makes Senggigi hustlers so bad is that Indonesians are actually quite awesome. They are nice, courteous and besides the bad brew here, know the limits of sales. Sure, they will try and sell you things all over the island nation, but the rest of Indonesia will take a no for a no…that is, unless you are in Kuta, Bali.
Enjoy traveling Indo, and make sure to have your guard up fully if you make it to Senggigi in Lombok.
Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor
0 comments