We were about to dock on one of the Gili Islands off the northwest tip of Lombok in Indonesia when I noticed how clear the water was. I asked our boatman if I could jump into it and he nodded in approval. It was high noon and the clear azure water plus cerulean sky was just too perfect. I dove and floated away in so much joy; I was waiting for this lovely moment since day one.
Emerging from Lombok International Airport, we were swallowed up by the
vastness of Lombok. Wide open spaces, lush vegetation and few people on the
streets. It had a laidback vibe that’s perfect for slackerhood.
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| Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia |
Mainland Lombok is located at Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province
which is separated to the famed island of Bali by a 4-hour ferry ride or
25-minute plane ride. We had three days to explore the mainland and some of the
famous Gili Islands (gili in Bahasa Indonesia means island) around Lombok (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Lombok).
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| 50 shades of blue |
Sade Village
Entertained with a traditional musical ensemble, we were welcomed in Sade Village like royalties while offering some woven scarves around our necks. Everyone’s in festive mood as we converged on an open space that prompted the start of a cultural show.
Entertained with a traditional musical ensemble, we were welcomed in Sade Village like royalties while offering some woven scarves around our necks. Everyone’s in festive mood as we converged on an open space that prompted the start of a cultural show.
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| Peresehan or battle between two men |
Handwoven sarongs, ikat weaving, bracelets and other knickknacks
were showcased on the porch of the houses. I sat on a long bench in front of a
house and watched some kids playing under a tree. Amidst the tourism developments around the
village, I find the community a legit one as shown on their way of life. It is also
worth mentioning that the young ladies here are being taught by the older women
on the art of ikat (a technique used
to pattern textiles with resist dyeing method) weaving.
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| Ikat weaving |
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| Next in line |
Gili Islands
There are three islands off Lombok’s northwest coast that is frequented by travelers who wanted a quiet time, far from the party scene on the neighboring island of Bali. The trio of tiny islands is truly a paradise. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three, is where you should go when you want to have great beach parties. Gili Air is a good base if you want to experience immersion to locals’ way of life. Gili Meno is where you just loosen up and perfect the art of slackerhood.
There are three islands off Lombok’s northwest coast that is frequented by travelers who wanted a quiet time, far from the party scene on the neighboring island of Bali. The trio of tiny islands is truly a paradise. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three, is where you should go when you want to have great beach parties. Gili Air is a good base if you want to experience immersion to locals’ way of life. Gili Meno is where you just loosen up and perfect the art of slackerhood.
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| Totally captivating |
We ventured out several hundred meters into the sea and passed by Gili Meno. Traditional cabana huts and sun beds dotted the island. Lounging and relaxing would be perfect here. I felt the urge to go back on this particular island to just chill and drink Bintang beer all day as we sailed passed the island.
We halted somewhere, anchored the boat and started snorkeling: Happiness!
I had so much fun diving and swimming that I was the last one to emerge
from the water. The corals weren't that vibrant as well as the marine life but nonetheless, it was fun as we got tips from some of the good freedivers in the group.
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| First dip of my spanking new full face mask :) |
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| Febrian, an influencer based in Jakarta, showing off his freediving skills |
Gili Air is sandwiched
between the clear azure water and cerulean sky. The boatman was about to
anchor the boat when I asked if I could jump into the water. After his approval I
dove directly from our boat only to realize that it was merely waist-high. I
stretched out and started to float away. The beach was great that it could
rival the best ones in Thailand.
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| Gili Air |
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| Stunning |
With some of my Filipino and Thai friends, we slumped on bean bags and enjoyed the late afternoon beer sesh with the nice beach as our view. It was lovely that I wished we had more time, even an hour or more. But then we had to carry on and leave the beautiful island, for something great.
Me and my buddy were planning to explore this part of Indonesia on our summer backpacking trip next year and fortuitously, we were able to visit it earlier. The mainland of Lombok and the Gili Islands are not as popular as their neighboring island of Bali. But you know what? It’s the charm of an unexpected gem that made me love these islands. We will surely come back here. For now, we are heading to our next destination, Flores Island (Komodo!).
Check here for discounted hotels in Lombok
Special thanks to Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism for making this trip possible.
As always, opinions and opinions are all mine.
Website: www.indonesia.travel
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#WonderfulIndonesia
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Amazing pictures Carla. Nice to meet you there!
ReplyDeleteAwww. Same here Wilson! :)
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