Indonesia 2024

After spending six incredible weeks road-tripping along Australia’s west coast, Carmel and I were ready to set off on our next adventure. I had always dreamed of visiting Indonesia, and this was the perfect time to make that dream come true. The year before, we had visited Vanuatu instead, and the timing hadn’t been ideal due to the wet season in Indonesia. But now, just after leaving Australia and before the rainy season kicked in, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Our initial plan was to explore Komodo Island and the Raja Ampat Regency, two of Indonesia’s most famous destinations. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit both, so we adjusted our itinerary and decided to explore all of Bali, along with the three Gili Islands. And little did I know, Carmel had a huge surprise planned for me!

DAY 1 – Wednesday 02.10.24

( Night at: The Kirana Ungasan, Jimbaran )

( Sunrise at the airport in Adelaide )

I woke up at 4:30 AM, quickly got ready, grabbed all my stuff, and Carmel drove me to the airport for my Qantas flight to Melbourne, which was scheduled to depart at 7:05 AM. Once I arrived in Melbourne, I managed to find a quiet spot where I could do some writing and update my Instagram. After that, I waited for Carmel, who I finally saw just minutes before her boarding time. We had a brief moment together before she had to head to her gate, and I went to mine. My next flight, also with Qantas, was at 5:45 PM. It was a long flight—about 6 hours—but luckily, I had dinner on board. I spent the time watching a couple of movies: The Idea of You and The Way, My Way. I finally arrived in Denpasar around 10 PM, paid for my visa, and went through the police check. I met Carmel at the luggage area, and together we headed out, where our driver was waiting for us. Once we reached our accommodation, we checked in, paid, and immediately went to sleep, completely exhausted from the long day.

DAY 2 – Thursday 03.10.24

( Night at: The Kirana Ungasan, Jimbaran )

( Frangipani at Kirana Usangan, Jimbatan )

After a long day of travel, we woke up at 7 AM, still feeling the effects of yesterday’s journey. We had breakfast on the balcony, soaking in the view and taking it easy. The weather wasn’t the best—it was pretty cloudy—but we made the most of it, still feeling pretty tired from the long travel day. We spent some time taking a few pictures around the accommodation, and then decided to chill by the pool. Despite the overcast skies, it was still a great spot to unwind. For lunch, we stayed in and ate on the balcony, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Afterward, we took a much-needed nap to recharge. We had originally planned to go out to Savaya for a party, but our exhaustion caught up with us, and we decided to stay in instead. Instead of partying, we took the opportunity to plan out our itinerary for the next few days. We ordered dinner to be delivered to the balcony, where we continued to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere. After a quiet evening, we went to bed early, ready to be fully rested for the adventures ahead.

DAY 3 – Friday 04.10.24

( Night at: The Hut Hut, Uluwatu )

( Savaya club, Uluwatu )

We started the day early at 6:30 AM, enjoying breakfast on the balcony before heading out to grab a SIM card near our accommodation. Once that was sorted, we took some time to snap a few pictures around the area before packing up our things for check-out. After checking out, we hopped into a Gojek and made our way to The Hut Hut Bungalows in Uluwatu, where we dropped off our bags. We then jumped into another Gojek to head to Lucky Fish Lounge for lunch. The food was delicious, and afterward, we took a leisurely walk around Bingin Beach, snapping a few pictures along the way. On our way out, we made a quick stop at Morabito Art Cliff. It was originally where we had planned to have lunch, but since it opened a little later, we couldn’t dine there this time. Regardless, the stop was worth it for the stunning views and the unique vibe of the place. Afterward, we headed back to the accommodation to rest up and get ready for the evening. Our plan for the night was to visit Savaya, a popular beach club, to watch the sunset and enjoy the party atmosphere. The sunset was absolutely breathtaking, and surprisingly, the venue wasn’t as crowded as we expected, which made the experience even better. We had a great time, soaking in the music and the vibe, and the party wrapped up around 9 PM. We grabbed a Gojek to take us back to our accommodation, ready for some rest after a busy, exciting day.

DAY 4 – Saturday 05.10.24

( Night at: Gravity eco boutique Hotel, Uluwatu )

( The Hut Hut, Uluwatu )

We woke up at 7 AM, feeling pretty hungry after the previous evening’s events. So, we decided to treat ourselves and ordered some McDonald’s for breakfast, alongside a complimentary fruit platter from the accommodation. After fueling up, we spent the morning taking a few pictures around the villa and enjoying the slow pace of the day. A quick swim helped us relax before we decided to head to our next accommodation. By noon, we grabbed a Gojek and made our way to Gravity Hotel, arriving around 1 PM. After a brief wait for check-in, we wandered around the hotel, taking in the stunning surroundings while sipping on some refreshing coconut water. The place was absolutely gorgeous, and we made sure to snap plenty of pictures. Later in the afternoon, we started getting ready for our dinner reservation at El Kabron, scheduled for 5 PM. When we arrived, the view was absolutely breathtaking, especially just before sunset. The atmosphere was incredible, though, as expected, the prices were quite high. We kept it simple with a cheese platter and two mocktails, savoring the moment while enjoying the beautiful evening sky. Afterward, around 9 PM, we decided to head back to the hotel. We ordered a Gojek and returned, ready to relax after a lovely evening out.

DAY 5 – Sunday 06.10.24

( Night at: Legong Keraton Beach Hotel, Canggu )

( Me at Gravity Hotel, Uluwatu )

I woke up at 6:30 AM and started snapping some photos of the hotel. Afterward, we enjoyed breakfast by the pool, taking in the views and capturing a few extra pictures until check-out time. We checked out, but decided to stick around a bit longer to enjoy the pool and take more photos. We also ordered lunch and relaxed at the hotel until around 3 PM. Once we were ready to go, we grabbed a Gojek and made our way to Uluwatu Temple. The temple was beautiful, and we were entertained by the many mischievous monkeys roaming around the area. After visiting the temple, we headed to Single Fin to catch the sunset. We enjoyed a refreshing drink while watching the vibrant colors fill the sky. After soaking in the view, we returned to Gravity for a bit of rest before our next journey. We took another Gojek ride, heading up to Canggu for our next accommodation. The ride took about three hours, and we made a quick stop at a mini market along the way to grab some chips for the trip. Once we finally checked in, we were absolutely exhausted—sunburned and tired from the day’s adventures. We went straight to bed, ready to rest up for the next part of our journey.

DAY 6 – Monday 07.10.24

( Night at: Legong Keraton Beach Hotel, Canggu )

( Sunset at Finn’s Club, Canggu )

We woke up at 7:30 AM and had breakfast at the accommodation while watching the surfers catch waves just off the shore. After breakfast, we tried to get our nails done, but every salon in the area was fully booked, so we decided to just wander around Canggu for a bit. We returned to the hotel, and I gave Carmel a little surprise by coloring her hair—something a bit fun for the day. Later, we had a lovely lunch by the sea at the accommodation. In the afternoon, we took the opportunity to fly the drone and capture some stunning aerial views before settling in for a quick nap to recharge. When we woke up, we decided to head to Finn’s Club for sunset. The place had a great vibe, and we stayed until closing, enjoying a few drinks while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Things got a little heated between us during the evening, but we made up and returned to the hotel for a brief rest before heading back to the club. Fortunately, it was super close to our accommodation. By midnight (or a bit later), we finally headed to bed, ready for some rest after a fun and eventful day.

DAY 7 – Tuesday 08.10.24

( Night at: The Club Villas, Seminyak )

( Bath decorated with flowers, The Club Villas Seminyak )

We woke up at 6:30 AM and enjoyed breakfast at the hotel by the sea, watching the surfers ride the waves while snapping a few pictures. At 10 AM, we went to AUnails for a quick nail session, which only took about an hour. Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Milano Restaurant, just a short walk from the accommodation. We decided to swing by Finn’s Club for a few quick pictures before heading back to the hotel. From there, we hopped into a Gojek and made our way to our next accommodation in Seminyak. Upon arrival, we checked into the villa, and the staff kindly helped us with our luggage. The villa was absolutely stunning—spacious with a private pool, exactly what we wanted for a relaxing afternoon. We spent the rest of the day chilling by the pool, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. For dinner, we ordered McDonald’s and took it easy while enjoying our cozy villa. In the evening, we got ready and headed out to La Favela, just a few minutes’ walk from the villa. It was a great night out, and after having a blast, we made our way back to the villa to get some well-needed rest.

DAY 8 – Wednesday 09.10.24

( Night at: Boho Canggu )

( Luna Beach Club, Bali )

I woke up around 7 AM, but unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling great—likely caught the dreaded Bali belly. It wasn’t the best start to the day, even though we had a beautiful floating breakfast scheduled for 8 AM in the private pool. The breakfast looked amazing, but I couldn’t even touch it. I just took a few pictures to capture the moment before not feeling up for much else. By 12 PM, we checked out of the villa and ordered a Gojek to head back to our accommodation in Canggu. Once we checked in, we took a few pictures of the new place, and I managed to squeeze in a short nap to rest and recover. Later in the afternoon, we started to get ready for the evening. We decided to head to Luna Beach Club to watch the sunset, taking another Gojek to get there. The sunset was beautiful, even though it was a bit cloudy, and we enjoyed some ice cream while snapping a few pictures around the beach. After a relaxing time at the beach, we waited for a Gojek to take us back to the accommodation. By the time we got there, I was feeling very tired and still not fully recovered from the virus, so we called it a night and went straight to sleep.

DAY 9 – Thursday 10.10.24

( Night at: Boho Canggu )

( Breakfast at Boho Canggu hotel )

We woke up at 9 AM and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the accommodation, taking in the beautiful view of the rice terrace fields. After breakfast, we decided to take a nap and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, as I was still feeling a bit tired. While I rested, Carmel went out to get her lashes done. When she returned, we headed out to watch the sunset by the pool, which offered a stunning view of the rice fields. It was the perfect way to unwind after a low-key day. For dinner, we ordered a poke bowl, keeping things simple and tasty. Afterward, we called it a night and went to sleep, ready for the adventures ahead.

DAY 10 – Friday 11.10.24

( Night at: Bali Jungle Camping by Amerta Experience, Tabanan )

( exotic fruit at the hotel, Tabanan )

We woke up early and had breakfast at 8 AM. I spent some time taking a few pictures around the hotel, while Carmel was still in bed, feeling a bit under the weather—similar to how I had been a few days earlier. By 12 PM, we checked out of the hotel and ordered a Gojek for our journey to the next accommodation, which took about two hours to reach. We finally arrived around 3 PM, and although we had to walk a short distance to get to the accommodation, it wasn’t too bad. Once we checked in, we took some pictures to capture the beauty of the place before heading out for a walk through the nearby village. Later, we had dinner at the accommodation, and I was relieved to see that Carmel was starting to feel a bit better. We ended the day with a peaceful sleep, ready for the next part of our adventure.

DAY 11 – Saturday 12.10.24

( Night at: Bali Jungle Camping by Amerta Experience, Tabanan )

( Rice field viewpoint, Tabanan Regency )

We woke up at 7 AM and had breakfast at the accommodation, taking a few pictures before getting ready for our 3-hour motorbike tour organized by the hotel, which started at 10 AM. Our first stop was the stunning Blahmantung Waterfall, followed by a visit to the Vihara Dharma Giri temple. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter the temple since we didn’t have any cash on hand. Our third stop was a beautiful rice field, but things took an unexpected turn when Carmel accidentally crashed the drone while trying to capture the view. We spent some time searching for it, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find it, so we decided to head back to the accommodation for lunch and think about where it could be. After reviewing the footage from the last videos, I figured out the drone’s location, and we asked the guys at the accommodation if they could take us back to search for it. Fortunately, within 10 minutes, we found it—amazingly, it seemed to be in perfect condition! We drove back to the hotel, tried charging it, and thankfully, it was working just fine. After the excitement of the day, we took some time to relax before having dinner at the accommodation. We ended the day on a positive note and went to sleep, relieved that everything turned out okay in the end.

DAY 12 – Sunday 13.10.24

( Night at: Sumberkima Hill Retreat 2, Pemuteran )

( Sunday school in Tabanan, Bali )

We woke up at 7 AM, hoping to capture some early photos, but unfortunately, the camera wasn’t cooperating due to the humidity. After a quick breakfast, we headed out at 9 AM to visit a local school. It was an eye-opening experience, and we really enjoyed seeing the community. Once we returned, we quickly checked out and asked the accommodation staff to request a taxi for us, as Gojek wasn’t available in the jungle. Fortunately, a driver was available and arrived before 1 PM to take us to Sumberkima Hill. The drive took about 2 hours, but the scenic route made it quite enjoyable. Upon arrival, we checked in and were shown to our little chalet. We took some time to settle in, organize our plans for the next day, and simply chill. We had a meal and refreshed ourselves before heading out to catch the sunset. For sunset, we went to Kima Restaurant, and the view was absolutely stunning. We enjoyed an iced tea while soaking in the scenery. After the beautiful sunset, we made our way back to the accommodation and went to sleep, ready to relax after a wonderful day.

DAY 13 – Monday 14.10.24

( Night at: Sumberkima Hill Retreat 2, Pemuteran )

( Pool in Sumberkima Hill Retreat )

We woke up at 7 AM and decided to check out the Lingga Pool. It was quiet and peaceful in the early morning, so we took a few pictures to capture the serene atmosphere. Afterward, we had a lovely breakfast at Senja Restaurant in Sumberkima Hill Retreat, which was a perfect start to the day. We spent some time relaxing at the main pool before taking the shuttle back to our accommodation. After a quick change, we went for lunch at Kima Bar & Resto, which was amazing. The food was top-notch, and the setting was beautiful. In the afternoon, we indulged in a spa experience, which included a sauna and cold ice bath, all while enjoying stunning views of the nearby volcano. It was incredibly refreshing and calming. Later, we went to watch the sunset and had dinner at Suma Restaurant. While the sun didn’t set on that side, the views were still breathtaking, and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food. We went to bed early, as we had an early start planned for the next day, feeling grateful for such a relaxing and picturesque day.

DAY 14 – Tuesday 15.10.14

( Night at: Container Smart Stay, Bedugul )

( Beautiful sunrise at Gili Putin Sumberkima island )

We woke up bright and early at 5 AM, quickly got ready, and then the driver arrived to pick us up from the cabin. We headed to the port where we caught a boat to a small island called Gili Putih Sumberkima. We stayed there to watch the sunrise, which was absolutely breathtaking. Afterward, the skipper took us back to the port. We then went to Mangrove Bay Restaurant and Hostel for breakfast, which was delightful—great food with a perfect setting. Afterward, we called the shuttle to take us back up to the retreat. We checked out at 12 PM, and then took the shuttle back down to Mangrove Bay, where we had to wait about an hour for a Gojek. Eventually, the Gojek arrived, and it turned out to be the sister of the driver, who took us to pick up her husband. He had driven up the mountains to take us to our next accommodation near the lakes. Once we arrived, we checked in and then went for a walk around the village. We stopped for dinner at a lovely local spot called Warung Buk Made Mus, where we enjoyed a traditional meal. Afterward, we headed back to our room, took a quick shower, and went to sleep, ready for the adventures of the next day.

DAY 15 – Wednesday 16.10.24

( Night at: Alam Kawi Ubud Resort & Spa, Gianyar )

( Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall, Bali )

We woke up at 7 AM, got ready, and were greeted with a delightful breakfast delivery from the accommodation. We enjoyed it in the garden, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. By 8:40 AM, the driver for our day tour arrived, and we quickly checked out, took our luggage to the lobby, and hopped into the car with Putu, our tour guide. I had done this tour four years ago, but I was excited to revisit it with Carmel. Our first stop was the iconic Bali Handara Gate, which was wonderfully quiet in the morning. We then headed to the stunning Ulun Dan Beratan Temple, followed by a visit to Wanagiri Hidden Hill Bali for some scenic photos. Next, we made our way to the Luwak Coffee and Tea plantation for a tasting session, before going to the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. The hike to the falls was a bit challenging, but totally worth it for the beautiful view. After the tour, we asked Putu to stop for a quick lunch at Warung Buk Made Mus, a lovely local restaurant where we had a delicious meal. We then made our way back to the Container, did a quick check-out, and Putu drove us to Ubud, which took about two hours. By the time we arrived at our accommodation in Ubud, it was nearly dark, so we unpacked quickly and went straight to the hotel restaurant for dinner. After a long day, we were ready for some rest, so we headed back to our room and went to sleep.

DAY 16 – Thursday 17.10.24

( Night at: Alam Kawi Ubud Resort & Spa, Gianyar )

( A monkey in the forest, Ubud )

We woke up at 7 AM and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, taking some photos around the property to capture the morning vibe. After breakfast, we decided to check out Cretya Ubud, but by the time we arrived, the clouds had rolled in, as we were running a bit behind schedule. So, we changed plans and headed to the Monkey Forest in Ubud instead. The Monkey Forest was an incredible experience! We spent the entire afternoon there, enjoying the lush surroundings and the playful monkeys. Afterward, we took a leisurely walk around Ubud, soaking in the local charm, before stopping at Folk Pool & Garden for a well-deserved break. I had visited this spot five years ago and loved it, so I was excited to return with Carmel. It didn’t disappoint — the ambiance was just as beautiful as I remembered. After a relaxing dinner, we took a Gojek back to the hotel to rest after a lovely day of exploring.

DAY 17 – Friday 18.10.24

( Night at: Anja Villas Ubud )

( Anja Villas in Ubud with the private pool )

We woke up at 7 AM and had breakfast at the hotel, then got ready to head to Cretya Ubud by 9 AM. We took a few pictures and enjoyed a refreshing juice before moving on to our next stop. We made a quick visit to Pura Tirta Empul, a place I had been to before, but it was nice to return and witness a ceremony happening at the temple. After that, we headed back to the hotel, packed up quickly, and checked out. We spent a bit of time relaxing by the pool, snapping a few more photos before taking a Gojek to our next accommodation at 2 PM. When we arrived, we were absolutely in love with the place! Though the weather wasn’t perfect, we made the most of it by chilling in the villa, organizing our things, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. For dinner, we had Pop Mie, enjoyed a cold beer, and spent some time chatting before heading to bed for a well-deserved rest.

DAY 18 – Saturday 19.10.24

( Night at: Shigar Livin Bali )

( Overlook on the pool and the nature )

We woke up at 7 AM and started taking pictures around the accommodation, which was beautifully immersed in nature. By 8 AM, breakfast was delivered to our villa, and we continued enjoying the morning while snapping a few more photos of the serene surroundings. By 12 PM, we checked out and stopped by the Amertha Restaurant on-site for lunch. We tried to arrange a Gojek to take us to the next accommodation, a bit further out from Ubud. After a bit of waiting, we finally managed to find a driver, and the journey took just over an hour. We arrived at our new villa around 3 PM, where our things were already waiting for us. The villa was absolutely stunning — peaceful and surrounded by the forest. The room itself was outdoors, set up like a cozy porch with a bed, allowing us to truly connect with nature. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal, so we spent the afternoon relaxing with hot tea and coffee, taking in the calming atmosphere. In the evening, we ordered food from a little restaurant next door that was offering delivery service. Dinner was simple but delicious, and the setting was incredibly peaceful—just the two of us in the jungle. Afterward, we settled in for the night, even though it was a bit cold and humid. The quietness of the jungle made it the perfect place to rest and unwind.

DAY 19 – Sunday 20.10.24

( Night at: Bali Cliff Glamping )

( Breakfast in the bed of the accommodation )

We woke up at 7 AM and had breakfast in the room. Unfortunately, the weather was still cloudy, so we decided to just relax in bed and soak in the jungle vibes. A bit later, we managed to take a few pictures around the glamping site, despite the overcast skies. At 12 PM, we checked out, and our driver, whom we had arranged the day before thanks to the lakes tour guide’s recommendation, was ready to pick us up. The drive was smooth, lasting just an hour, though we did try to find an ATM along the way, but had no luck. When we arrived at Bali Cliff Glamping, we found that we couldn’t check in just yet, so we decided to have a quick lunch at the on-site restaurant. We had an amazing view of the pool and the ocean while we ate, which made the wait totally worth it. After checking in, we spent the afternoon chilling in the tent and organizing our plans for the upcoming days. Before sunset, we took a driver from the hotel to go find an ATM and make a quick stop at the supermarket. Once we returned, I colored Carmel’s hair, and we had noodles for dinner. We spent the rest of the evening organizing things before heading to bed, pretty tired after the day’s travels.

DAY 20 – Monday 21.10.24

( Night at: Bali Cliff Glamping )

( The pool at the Bali Cliff Glamping )

We woke up at 8 AM, still feeling a bit tired from all the traveling, so we decided to take it easy. We headed to the pool, took a few pictures, and enjoyed breakfast by the water. Afterward, we spent the morning lounging by the pool, just relaxing and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. By noon, we decided to venture out and explore the village nearby, hoping to find a local restaurant. Unfortunately, nothing really caught our attention, so we made our way back to the tent. For dinner, we kept it simple and had noodles, then spent the rest of the evening unwinding before heading to bed.

DAY 21 – Tuesday 22.10.24

( Night at: Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili Trawangan )

( 22.10.2024 Carmel proposes to me )

We woke up early at 6 AM, packed everything up, and got ready to leave our room. The driver from the accommodation arrived at 6:30 AM and took us to Padangbai, where we caught the Wahana Virendra ferry at 8:40 AM. It departed a bit late, but the journey was smooth and took about an hour and a half. We finally arrived at Gili Trawangan around 11 AM. Upon arrival, we hopped into a horse and cart (Cidomo) to head to our accommodation. Once we checked in, I went straight to chill by the pool, while Carmel went to the reception to finalize some details. Afterward, we had lunch at the hotel, and I was pleasantly surprised by the room’s beautiful setup. They had arranged flower petals that spelled “Happy Anniversary,” which was a lovely touch. As we settled in, Carmel told me to get ready for a special activity. A few moments later, some guys knocked on our door, and I could tell Carmel was a bit nervous. I still wasn’t sure what was happening, but when the photographer asked to take some pictures with a ring, it all clicked, and I realized that Carmel was about to propose to me! She was so sweetly nervous, and I was beyond happy. We spent the next few hours taking beautiful photos around the area, by the sea, with the sun setting behind us. Then, as the sun dipped lower, Carmel asked me to marry her. It was the most heartfelt, magical moment, and I couldn’t have been happier. The photographer stayed to capture the beautiful moments, and once we were done, we sat down to a wonderful dinner together. Afterward, we relaxed, talked about our future, and went to bed, still floating on the joy of the day.

DAY 22 – Wednesday 23.10.24

( Night at: Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili Trawangan )

( The Nest in Gili Meno island )

We woke up at 7 AM, had a quick breakfast, and then rented bikes to head to the port for our Gili Island snorkeling tour, which we had booked on GetYourGuide. Honestly, the tour wasn’t as great as we expected. While seeing the turtles was definitely a highlight, the first spot we visited—the “nest”—wasn’t very enjoyable. By the time we arrived at 10 AM, it was overcrowded with people, so it wasn’t as peaceful as we had hoped. However, the next snorkeling stops were absolutely amazing! We got to swim with the turtles, which was incredible. After the snorkeling adventure, we headed to Gili Air for lunch at Black Sweet Restaurant & Bar. The view was breathtaking, with the sea stretching out before us. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. We then made one last stop on Gili Meno to see the baby turtles, which was a sweet end to our tour. The whole day was filled with beautiful sights, and we had rented a GoPro to capture a few extra memories underwater. We made our way back to Gili Trawangan around 4 PM, returned our bikes, and took a well-deserved rest. Later in the evening, we got ready for sunset photos. The wind had died down a little, which made the golden hour much more enjoyable. We snapped some more pictures before finally heading to bed, exhausted but happy after such a full day of adventure.

DAY 23 – Thursday 24.10.24

( Night at: Cafe Gili Beach Bungalow, Gili Meno )

( Sunset by the beach in Gili Meno )

We woke up at 7 AM and had breakfast, and today was extra special—it was our two-year anniversary! I had a surprise planned, so we spent the morning taking a few pictures to capture the moment. At 10 AM, we headed to the spa for a massage, which was my first-ever experience with one. To be honest, it was a bit different than I expected, so I’m not sure if I loved it or not, but it was definitely worth trying! After the spa, we went back to the room, packed our bags, and checked out around 1 PM. We took a horse cart, arranged by the hotel, to the port. Our ferry departed at 2 PM, and the ride was smooth, though I can’t remember the company name since Carmel organized it. Once we arrived, we took another horse cart to our accommodation. That’s when we realized I had accidentally booked the wrong month for the hotel. Luckily, we were able to cancel the reservation, and we found a place next door to stay. We checked in, and while waiting for the room, we grabbed some lunch. After settling in, we changed and went to watch the sunset by the beach. At 7 PM, we enjoyed a fire show at Malfina Beach Bar & Resto, which was so much fun. Later, we celebrated our anniversary with a lovely dinner at Bachlux, enjoying the evening together before heading back to our room to rest and recharge for the next adventure.

DAY 24 – Friday 25.10.24

( Night at: Cafe Gili Beach Bungalow, Gili Meno )

( Beach at Gili Meno )

We woke up around 8 AM and had breakfast at the accommodation. After enjoying the morning, we took a few pictures around the area before renting snorkeling gear for the next day. We then headed to Le Pirate for a relaxing lunch, which was just perfect. Later in the day, we took a leisurely walk around, grabbed a freshly cooked corn on the cob, and stopped for refreshing coconut water. We made our way to Bubbles Bar & Restaurant to watch the sunset, soaking in the breathtaking views. Afterward, we walked back to the accommodation, feeling peaceful and content, and ended the day with a good night’s sleep.

DAY 25 – Saturday 26.10.24

( Night at: Island view Bar & Bungalow, Gili Air )

( Riding a horse during the sunset in Gili Air )

We woke up early at 5:30 AM, excited to head to the nest for a swim. This time, instead of the tour, we walked there from the shore with the snorkeling gear we rented near the accommodation. The experience was a bit better than the day before since there were fewer people, and I was able to take a few pictures. However, it wasn’t as enjoyable as I had hoped, as many private tours were already there. Afterward, we walked back to the hotel for breakfast and spent some time taking pictures on the beach. By 11 AM, we checked out and ordered a horse cart to take us to the port for our ferry to Gili Air. It was another short ride, and once we arrived, we hopped into another horse cart and checked into our new accommodation. It was beautiful! We spent the afternoon organizing our things before heading to a beachside restaurant for lunch. After exploring the area, we had a relaxing nap. At 5 PM, we went for an unforgettable horseback riding experience along the beach during sunset. It was absolutely amazing. Later, we stopped at the ATM, grabbed a beer at the bar, and then called it a night, feeling content and happy with the day.

DAY 26 – Sunday 27.10.24

( Night at: Kiki Village Paddy Field, Canggu )

( The written on the bed in Kiki Village Paddy )

We woke up at 8 AM and started the day with breakfast at the bar by the sea. After a peaceful meal, we took a few pictures around the area and relaxed for a bit. Once we packed up, we headed to the restaurant by the sea, which was part of the accommodation, to have lunch before checking out. We left the accommodation and took a horse cart to the port, where we boarded the boat at 2 PM to head back to Bali. The boat ride was about three hours long, with stops in Lombok (Pamenang Port) and Nusa Penida, before finally arriving in Bali around 5:30 PM. Once we got to Bali, we waited for our luggage and the driver, who had already been arranged by our previous drivers. The drive from the port to the villa took quite a while due to traffic, but when we finally arrived, we checked in, ordered some poke bowls, and relaxed by the pool. It was the perfect end to a day of travel, and we went to sleep feeling relaxed and content.

DAY 27 – Monday 28.10.24

( Night at: Kiki Village Paddy Field, Canggu )

( The Lawn beach club, Canggu )

We woke up at 8 AM and were delighted with a beautiful floating breakfast, which we enjoyed while taking a few pictures. Afterward, we spent some time getting organized, including working on my thesis. For lunch, we ordered a poke bowl, which hit the spot. After a quick nap, we decided to head to The Lawn Beach Club to catch the sunset. The views were incredible, and it was the perfect way to unwind. Once the sun had set, we headed back to our accommodation to freshen up. Later, we went to Brick Lane to say hi to Carmel’s friend, followed by a stop at Old Man for a refreshing beer. Afterward, we made our way back to the accommodation and called it a night, feeling content and relaxed after a lovely day.

DAY 28 – Tuesday 29.10.24

( Night at: Kiki Village Paddy Field, Canggu )

( The pool at Kiki Village Paddy Field in Canggu )

We woke up early, and Carmel ordered a delivery breakfast, so we had a relaxed morning in bed. After breakfast, Carmel headed to Seminyak to get her tattoo, while I stayed home, working on my thesis. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling great, so I took a nap around noon to recharge. In the evening, I hopped on a GoJek bike and went to visit Carmel at the tattoo studio. We spent some time together before heading back home around 10 PM. We ended the day with dinner (of course, another poke bowl) and then went to sleep, ready to rest after a low-key but productive day.

DAY 29 – Wednesday 30.10.24

( Ready to fly to the next country as an engaged couple )

We woke up at 8 AM and ordered some McDonald’s for breakfast. After a quick meal, we took a few more pictures around the accommodation while packing up. By noon, we did the check-out and made our way to the pharmacy. From there, we hopped on a GoJek to get our nails done at AUnails, which was a nice treat. At 3 PM, we went to Miss DD Lashes for a lash session. They did a great job, but it took quite a while, and we didn’t finish until 7 PM. Afterward, we grabbed another GoJek bike back to the accommodation to leave our belongings. The lady at the accommodation kindly arranged a driver for us to the airport. We arrived pretty early, so we had dinner at the airport before heading to our flight. Our flight was at 11:30 PM with Jetstar—nothing too bad for a short 3-hour trip to Singapore. We landed at 1:46 AM, and now we’re ready for the next adventure.

Four weeks in Indonesia recap:

– 17 different Accomodation including: tree house, huts, glamping and containers

– Countless Gojek, Grab and local drivers

– Bali belly the first week (and maybe again later)

– Rode on scooters, bikes, horse cart and horseback

– Took six boats

– Smashed a drone into a palm tree ( Carmel )

– Nearly drowned in a rice field

– Visited a local primary school

– Tried the Luwak coffee

– Ate plenty of non-recommended local food, including pop mie daily

– Swam with turtles and local fishes