Lombok...a piece of heaven on earth

I’M IN LOVE WITH THIS ISLAND!!!

From the first time I landed my feet at this island, I just knew there is something about this island that will take me back again and again. 

The main attraction here is the beach and the small islands nearby, called Gili. But don’t get me wrong Pulau Lombok has various other natural attractions that would just mesmerize the whole family. There are local villages that are still hold strong their heritage tradition, even their floor are made from cow’s poop! Mount Rinjani will also take your breath away. The water falls are amazing as well, it is rumored that Jenny from the Block a.k.a Jennifer Lopez visited one of them.

         

So how to get to this beautiful island of Lombok?

If you are from outside Indonesia, you can take a connecting flight from Jakarta or Bali. Actually from Bali you can opt to use ferry from Padang Bai, cheaper but takes longer time. The domestic airlines that goes to Lombok International Airport is Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, and Batik Air. Plenty of flight times to pick from.

Touchdown!!

My favorite area is these hidden gems around Kuta. Yes, it has the same name with the famous beach in Bali. But this one fascinates me! Seeing the view already leaves me in awe, then the clear sea water, and the unique sand. If you are thinking what so unique about sand, well let me tell you, the sands are pepper-like, or as locals say "Pantai Merica", tiny marbles!

Pasir Merica at Kuta Beach, Lombok

With grandma... isn't it magnificent?!

Just can't wait to play

My hotel of choice has been Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. They have beautiful pool, nice clean beach to stroll, and definitely helpful staff. It is located in the city centre, however it takes approximately 1 hour from the airport.

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort from the beach

My little tiger enjoying his down time playing at the hotel's beach

But if you want to stay in hotel that is closer to the airport and near the infamous beautiful beaches in Lombok then I would suggest, Novotel Hotel.

Photo cred: Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas

Come and visit Indonesia's hidden gem!

Babymoon with my toddler Part One!

Hello my ladies! Hope you all are fine :)

I wanted to share on my first long haul travelling experience during pregnancy. It was actually a surprise trip because my dad won a hole-in-one from his golf tournament. He got a return ticket Jakarta - Sydney - Jakarta and gave it to me. I was so excited since my brother was studying there as well. 

Unfortunately, my husband couldn't come on this trip and my mother was only able to join towards the end of the trip. I guess I was too excited to think that I will be doing a trip, at 6 months pregnant, alone with my 3 years old son. Oh yeah, it is my first time traveling being pregnant without any adults accompanying me (HA!)

We took our flight in the evening by Garuda Indonesia. Thank God it was a smooth departure. Al slept all the way until we landed. After 7+ hours finally I could stretch my legs, phew!! We boarded off the plane and off to the toilet. Pregnancy made me have a shy bladder, hahaha! I asked Al if he needed to go to the toilet. Surely, he said No! 

About to wait in line for the immigration check and my cute little boy said he needed to go! So all the way back we went to the toilet. Lesson learned for me was just sit him at the toilet and just wait, don't just ask. He would eventually need to do his business!

With my circumstances, for my carry on, I tried to have less weight to carry on my shoulder. So I used a cabin size wheeled suitcase and I also put my handbag along with my son's stuff there as well. Turned out when he got tired while he was waiting, he could sit on it and I just pushed him around. Happy mama!

One of my concerns on this trip was on taking my luggage out of the baggage conveyor belt. I was ready just to pull and let it fall. Thank goodness for the nice man that helped me and made it settled on my trolley. Back in line for the quarantine check and finally remembered that I forgot to grab the stroller!!! Damn this pregnancy brain!!! 

All settled and finally en route to the hotel!

My next blog post on this topic will be about Preparing myself to travel while pregnant..

Stay tuned! ;)