Brook Mitchell

Somewhere East of Bali

Brook Mitchell
December 07, 2011
Filed in: photostories

Seaweed farmers at sunset. Seaweed farming is the major industry here, with most of it exported to Japan.

Travellers enjoying the evening

Local Ikat seller. Ikat is the name given to hand woven cloths. Each region in Indonesia has its own distinct style. Each one can take weeks or months to make.

Another local seller, showing his beetle nut smile

One of the many stunning places to see on this Island

Only a trickle of travellers make it here in dry season, almost none over the wet.

The islands residents are predominately Christian, thanks to a strong Dutch presence during colonial times. There are a few Musilm villages scattered around. This particular place is home to the 'bungus' - a name given to fisherman famous for their seafaring abilities.

The previous mans wife, shy but keen to have a picture I'll bring back for her next year.

A young kid looking for lunch on the reef

A full bag of sea urchins, the taste of which is certainly takes some getting used to.

Man fishing in a mangrove lined lagoon just off the beach. Sea snakes are a constant here, as is the solitude.

Seaweed farming

Weaving Ikat on an outer island. The island has no running water and generator power in one house.

Being a Christian area pigs are largely aloud to roam free through the villages, feeding on crabs off the reef at low tide. They also provide solid obstacles while negotiating the village at night.

Local housing

While many of their parents can't swim, local kids here are fast becoming great little surfers.

The next Kelly Slater perhaps? Probably not, but amazing talent on a broken board bigger than he.

One of the main attractions for travellers.

Snacking on sea urchins.

Some of the most intensely beautiful sunsets you could hope to see.

Happy local faces

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More about this Photo Story

The Islands in these images sit in the Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, with the next stop Australian waters and Darwin.  The place is little frequented by tourists, thanks to a long journey and a few other hazards.  Last year there was a severe typhoid outbreak here and malaria is a constant threat.

Despite the difficult travel the locals are some of the most open and friendly people you would hope to meet, and the place as close to day dreams of tropical paradise as I’ve been lucky enough to visit.  I hope my pictures do it some justice.

Learn more about: Brook Mitchell

I'm just on the wrong side of 30 and have been fortunate enough to have seen much of the world, leaving me broke but content. I have a degree in History and Political Science and a work history that's a mixed bag of jobs, none of which I have any interest in pursuing. I'm from Melbourne, Australia and also hold a Czech passport. My love of photography is quickly developing into something I would like to pursue as a career. I hope joining here will help get me some feedback on my photos, and that others might enjoy what I…

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