Training Session #1

Last Monday we made an impromptu decision to head to KL via the LRT as an effort to train for our first family vacation abroad come March '17. Being the naive and inexperienced first time parents that we are, we hope to travel without the help of a stroller. This wouldn't be a problem a year ago when Mikabear was much much lighter, but he is now a whopping eleven kilograms worth of cuteness and baby fat! So it is inevitable that a few training sessions to build up our almost non-existent staminas are in order. 

Before Mikabear was in our lives, my husband and I were frequent LRT riders. We would take the train into the city just to satisfy our durian ice cream cravings or to indulge in calorie-laden milkshakes at our favorite milkshake parlour (which has sadly closed down). We were thrilled to take our son on a train ride especially since he currently possesses a massive train obsession. Our journey started at about 4PM with my husband first carrying our little dude in his Boba carrier. The train was close to being full when we first boarded, but all was good - dad's a-okay, baby's happy, mom's calm. When we arrived at KLCC, the first thing my husband said was "Dang, he's heavy.". 

Ha-ha. I mean... we haven't even entered the mall.

And yet we remained hopeful. Of course we headed directly for the durian ice-cream shop. All you durian lovers should give this place, Durian Durian (how apt) a go. They sell an assortment of different durian-related desserts, but we usually just go for their heavenly ice-cream. Even Mikabear liked it (but then again, he eats everything and anything). We decided to enjoy our afternoon dessert at the park. I know that KLCC is almost always packed with people, but that particular day was a whole different level. We could barely walk outdoors without accidentally bumping into random folks. We walked around for a bit, took a myriad of pictures as a memoir, and gave Mikabear an amateur tour of this minuscule part of the city centre. Somewhere around this point was when I had taken over the baby-carrying duty.

We then proceeded to give Aquaria a go - one of the many things that I've always wanted to do, but hadn't had any chances to. Mikabear was immensely exultant when we first entered the place. He kept repeating "Fiiiiish! Fiiiiish!" whilst running from tank to tank. His excitement was however short-lived - we happened to be greeted by a massive stingray at one of the many tanks we stopped at, and instead of being amused, my son was absolutely traumatised. My husband and I on the other hand couldn't help but to burst into fits of laughter - we found the whole ordeal somewhat comical. From then on, the sea creatures we encountered only grew bigger in size, and our little one was just mercilessly clinging on to his dad's neck as we went through the underwater tunnel, refusing to be let down. 

It was nearly 8PM by the time we were done with all the attractions at Aquaria, and as much as we had wanted to do more exploring, we had to rush off to my in-laws' for a family dinner. Although it was brief, our little trip into the city was an exceedingly tiring one - from carrying the little dude on my back to running after him in the mall. And as we were waiting to reach our destination (which happened to be the very last stop), my husband said "I mean... there's no wrong in bringing his stroller right? We could always leave it in the room when we don't want to use it." To be honest, I felt a sense of relief after hearing those words come out from his mouth. "Yeah, that's true. His stroller is super light anyways."

Ha-hahaha-hah-ha. Till the next training session, guys. 

Does Motherhood Ever Get Easier?

As a mother to a newborn who was barely surviving through life with minimal sleep and sore nipples, I remember plenty of people telling me that "it will get easier". Well, fast forward to a year and six months later, I still find myself fumbling and tumbling through this mothering gig. Don't get me wrong - yes, the whole motherhood business is wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but does it ever get easier? Or is it just a white lie mothers tell other mothers to make them feel better? I don't think I qualify as an 'experienced' mother just yet, given how young my little bubba still is, but this is just what I have come to conclude thus far. No, it does not get any easier (yes, you read that right). Okay, let me just break this down for you real quick.

The newborn stage: This is when I had experienced some of the hardest months of my life. Most days felt like a daze, and I was in and out of mild postpartum depression. Newborns are fragile and cry at the littlest of things. Most of the time you will be frantically trying to figure out why your helpless little human is crying and how to stop it from doing so. It's basically a 24-hour festival of pooplosions, piss, farts, cries and screams, vomit, and stomach gas. Oh, and did I mention that they are hungry all the time at this stage? The thought of fully giving up breastfeeding came to mind a couple of times, to be honest. The main goal is to just keep everyone alive (particularly the baby) by the end of the day. Other than all that, they are insaaaanely cute at this stage. 

The infant stage: Exhausting to say the least. Analogous to newborns, but this time they are mobile and have nastier smelling poop. Being mobile means that they are more prone to getting hurt (read: falling off the bed). Teething is a total nightmare for both mom and baby. Let me just say a prayer for your nipples if you're currently at this stage. They'll also start to eat solids which means that you'll have meal preps and more cleaning added on to your already overflowing to-do list. Yay!

The toddler stage: I feel that the word backbreaking was created especially to describe this stage. They run, fall, climb, bump their heads, bite, scream. They are basically on a mission of self-destruction which means that you have to watch and run after your kid every single second! I'm not sure about other moms, but I suffer through at least fifteen mini heart attacks on a daily basis. Toddlers also almost never nap anymore, and require your undivided attention 24/7 which means that you don't have time to do anything else but to cater to the needs of your child. They throw tantrums, they throw food, they throw their toys. Oh, and they are much much heavier now. 

So, there. I think it can be reasonably concluded that motherhood does not get any easier. What it does become is a different kind of difficult as time progresses. But (yes, there is a but!), I do believe that we mothers get better at living with uncertainty, with chaos, with tantrums, with throwing, and the never-ending task of picking up toys from the floor. Over time, you will acquire a bunch of parenting tricks in your bag - the silly expression that will make your child laugh, the bribe that will get them in the shower, and the mantra that works best at keeping yourself sane. You'll learn what different cries mean, and eventually will also begin to learn how to decode the complex baby language. Things get less burdensome once you know that "bergertbergertbergert" means yogurt and "iyealk" means milk.

You get better at doing your daily chores and/or tasks despite having a child hanging onto your legs. You get better at having a conversation filled with interruptions. You get better at doing your morning exercise whilst a twenty-five pound baby is trying to climb on your back. I'm even composing this post while putting my son down for his nap. I mean it's not that these things don't bug you (we are after all still humans), it's just that you will learn on how to get used to it.

Mom-ing is hard, and I am in constant fear of screwing everything up. I'm realistic though - I don't aim for perfection. I just want to be able to raise a decent human being (possibly more in the future). And sometimes I become a nervous ball of anxiety because how can I do that if I don't know what I'm doing most of the time?! I am still in the process of learning that it is okay to have days that feel like a struggle and be uncertain that I'm doing things right. I think that parenting doesn't get any easier because it never becomes less important - no matter what age your kid is at. 

Even though my son is on the verge of the "terrible two" phase and my patience is constantly being tested, I feel that the toddler stage is currently my most favorite one. You can see them slowly becoming a mini version of you and your husband whilst at the same time developing their own unique personality. It's crazy how much and how fast they learn, and it's even crazier that you'll learn more from watching them than they'll ever learn from you. Truth be told, I can foresee that I will miss all of the things that are making my life not so very easy now - after all, they're not young forever (/uglycries). So just enjoy the parts you like, dislike the parts that bum you out, whatever. You don't have to constantly rate your performance. That's the only way that things will get any easier and how you will get better at being a mom. 

But you know, we'll see how it goes five years from now - maybe my perspective will change and maybe things will get easier. Savor whatever stage you're in now, because change is probably around the corner... and we know that can't be easy.

Gili Trawangan

The third and last destination of our Indonesia '16 trip holds a profoundly special place in both of our hearts. Gili Trawangan, an island located on the North West of Lombok, Indonesia, is probably one of my most favorite places in the world. Out of the three leading Gilis (the other two being Gili Air, and Gili Meno), Gili Trawangan is the largest, most developed, and undoubtedly the liveliest. The island may be notorious for it's evolving party scene, but there is so much more to this place than just getting high on booze and magic mushrooms.

My husband and I first visited the island during our honeymoon last year. We had developed a strong bond with the island during our previous visit, hence it was a no brainer that a second trip was in order. Picture a minuscule island fringed by white sand, and swaying palm trees, sitting in a pool of turquoise water -  Gili Trawangan is a classic vision of island paradise, a true escape from reality. It is not hard to understand the island's unique appeal. Gili Trawangan has a very friendly vibe to it - it is full of people from all corners of the globe keen on getting to know one another. There are usually more international tourists than there are locals, making it easy to forget where you actually are most of the time. Yes, it may be regarded as one of the best party islands in South-East Asia, but you can still enjoy spending time on the island even if you're not into partying (we should know!) - there are more than enough snorkelling, diving, and sunbathing spots to keep your itineraries busy. You'll never want to leave Gili Trawangan; trust me on this one. Furthermore, the party atmosphere isn't too overbearing, and is only limited on the main strip, which is also the eastern side of the island.

Gili Trawangan is tiny - you can easily walk or bike around the entire perimeter of the island in two hours or less. The eastern side of the island is the most developed, and is home to a myriad of different accommodations, eateries, bars, diving schools that are able to suit various tastes and budgets. It is also where most, if not all, of the party-goes reside. The western side of the island on the other hand, is of a completely different world. It is much quieter, and is predominantly occupied by luxurious high-end resorts. And it is also on this stretch where Gili's infamous ethereal sunsets can be witnessed. Perfect for family holidays and/or a romantic getaway. In the case of you wanting to be close to where the action is without being in the thick of it, the north and south ends are ideal.

The best thing about Gili Trawangan I feel is that you can make it what you want. You can go there and party, snorkel or dive, laze on the beach, explore the island, ride bikes, or even learn how to cook Indonesian cuisines. There are plenty of accommodations and activity options spread in different parts of the islands, and the choice is yours.

However in the span of a year and two months, a lot of apparent changes could be observed. The main strip of the island have become eminently congested with foot traffic, bicycles, and cidomos (horse-drawn carts), making wandering the streets a somewhat tedious affair. Esteemed brands like Billabong, Quiksilver, and Havaiianas are now opened for business. The existence of fast-food joints. The sudden increase of resorts and accommodations (especially on the western side). And there were a number of stalls we remember from our previous visit that have now been taken over by bigger businesses. Despite the changes, my love for the island remains the same. I am already looking forward to our next trip, hopefully with the little one this time. I just pray that Gili Trawangan's unique charisma remain eternal.

Getting there

Gili Trawangan is accesible from the mainland of Lombok and also Bali. We have experienced both routes, and have found that none is better than the other. If you are heading to Gili via the mainland of Lombok, your plane will land at Lombok International Airport, and from there on you will have to hire a taxi/driver to take you to Bangsal Harbour. We hired the airport driver since it was our first time stepping foot in Lombok, and we knew close to nothing about this foreign land. The cheaper alternative would be to hire an independent driver. Once you head out of the airport, you will find a multitude of people enthusiastically offering to drive you to your desired destination. The journey from the airport to the harbour takes about two hours. Transportation to Gili Trawangan was part of the deal when we hired our driver, but in the case of you not having boat arrangements, you have a choice of heading to the island via a private boat that leaves whenever you want, or the public boat which leaves every hour or so. It takes about fifteen minutes to half an hour to get to Gili Trawangan from the Bangsal Harbour - depending on what kind of boat you go on.

If you decide to go via Bali, boats to Gili Trawangan leave from the Sanur Jetty which is approximately twenty minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport. You could book your boat trip at a tourist information kiosk like we did or you could head to the jetty, and arrange your trip with one of the many fast boat services that are available along the stretch. As mentioned in my previous post, we took the Scoot Cruise fast boat, and I highly recommend them - good service, pleasant boat, and very accommodating staff. The journey from Sanur to Gili Trawangan takes about two hours - probably not a preferred choice for those who are prone to sea-sickness.

Where we stayed

Le Pirate Beach Club 

This, this is my happy place. Le Pirate was the first place that we had stayed at in Gili Trawangan, and we couldn't have picked a better place to spend our honeymoon. In the words of the people at Le Pirate Beach Club, what they provide is "simple luxury for the adventurous traveller", and that is precisely how my experience at the gem of a place felt. We were lucky in the sense that at the time of our visit, Le Pirate had only been opened for less than three months hence everything still looked and felt brand new.

It's one of the more expensive places on the island, but I assure you it is well worth your money. Located on the west, and what I feel is the best side of Gili Trawangan, Le Pirate is nowhere near the crowded part of the island - peace and quiet is essential for an island getaway, we hear ya. Their private beach is also a prime spot to witness unbelievable sunsets. Together with their charming setup which consists of cute little fairy lights, hammocks, beanbags, and lounge music, you'll have some of the best evenings of your life here.

We stayed at one of their quaint beach boxes which is basically the ultimate island life accommodation. White wood and turquoise finishing, minimalist interior, gorgeous outdoor bathroom (you know I live for this), spacious veranda complete with a hammock and beanbags - it was like living in the beach house that I've always fantasised about.

Our days at Le Pirate were mostly spent swimming in their two awesome pools (one of them is opened to the public), lounging in hammocks on our veranda and/or by the beach, and devouring in their delicious food. A couple of nights a week, Le Pirate will hold outdoor movie nights for their guests - which we like to enjoy while taking a night dip in the pool or in the comfort of our own veranda.

What appeals to me the most about Le Pirate is their vibrant and truly friendly ambiance. The place exudes both sophistication and refinement, yet still remain fun and somewhat thrilling. They definitely attract a more young-at-heart crowd, thus making it a great place to meet other like-minded travellers. In more ways than one, Le Pirate feels like a playground for us adults. I have so many things to say about the place, and none of them are of negative annotations. Once you've stepped foot in their premises, you'll never want to leave - trust me.

Ricel Homestay 

We had stumbled upon Ricel when we were looking for a cheap accommodation around the main strip of Gili Trawangan. It is located just a few minutes walk away from some of the best restaurants and lounges that Gili Trawangan has to offer, yet not near enough for the late night parties to disrupt your peace and beauty sleep. The homestay's easy access to the main strip, beach and all the other necessities (ATM, clinic, convenient stores) makes it an ideal place to stay especially if you're on a tight budget (you can save on bike rentals and/or cidomo rides). 

Ricel Homestay had exceeded our expectations with their warm hospitality and spacious room (almost three times bigger than Le Pirate!). Though our room was fairly basic, it was more than adequate - it came with a queen-sized bed, both air-conditioning and fan, a desk, hot water, and even a little terrace outside of our room. The homestay also provide daily complimentary breakfasts, island tours, bike rentals, and laundry services upon request. 

Tamoa Boutique Hotel

This was the most recent place that we had stayed at, and I have to say that I love everything about it. Tamoa Boutique Hotel is the amalgam of eastern and western essences, resulting in a beautiful island getaway that boasts of modern tropical architecture. As soon as we entered it's doors, we were welcomed by a long outdoor pool that was complimented by a number of all-white sun beds, and along the sides of it were the rooms. White, grey, and turquoise are amongst the chosen palette that can be seen on the hotel's exterior and interior, giving the place a certain level of elegance, simplicity, and calmness.

My breath was taken away the instant I walked into our room. Our room was big and spacious, exquisitely designed, has ceiling-to-floor glass windows and/or doors, has a beautiful outdoor bathroom (YES!), and most importantly it's directly in front of the pool - which means that we can jump right into the waters from our room, and that we have a killer view. The hotel was newly opened during our visit, hence everything was very much pristine and immaculate. The only downside of our stay was that the hotel's restaurant wasn't in operation just yet, and they had yet to install televisions in the rooms, but let's get real - who needs a television on an island getaway?

Tamoa is located on the east side of Gili Trawangan, but far from the hustle and bustle of the main street. It takes a 10-minute walk (or a 5-minute cycle) from the hotel to the main street. I love how the hotel is perfectly positioned - it's near where the heart of the island is, yet still able to remain tranquil and exclusive. 

Transportation

Automobiles, and motorised vehicles are principally prohibited on the all three Gilis. The preferred method of transportation is by foot, bicycle, or horse carriages that are widely known as the 'cidomo'. However during our second visit, I witnessed a handful of locals using electrical motorcycles to move about. 

Bicycles are widely available for rent - most accommodations provide bike rental services. They usually charge on a per day basis, and the price really depends on your negotiating skills. It can range from 35,000rp up to 100,000rp per day.

Things to do

Snorkelling and/or diving

The Gili islands are reputable for their beautiful underwater life, hence this should be number one on your list of things to do. There are numerous amount of diving schools inhabiting the land of the three islands, especially Gili Trawangan. As for snorkelling, all sorts of different tours and packages are offered throughout the islands.

On our first trip to Gili Trawangan, we had booked a private glass bottom boat for a half day snorkel trip around the three Gilis. Our guide had personally led us in the ocean, where we got to experience an unparalleled beauty that is only accessible in the sea. We saw hundreds of different aquatic creatures, each anomalous in its own way. The highlight of our snorkelling trip was when we had stumbled upon a giant turtle, and got to spend a couple of magical minutes just soaking in it's majestic splendor. 

During our second trip, we had decided to rent snorkelling equipments and do our own snorkelling around Gili Trawangan's Turtle Point instead. But only do this if you have gone on a proper snorkelling trip around the Gilis!

Circumnavigate the island

As previously mentioned, Gili Trawangan is a small island that can be toured around in one to two hours. Other than the main road that circles around the perimeter of the island, we especially enjoy exploring through the small inland paths that lead to stunning palm tree fields, and also where the locals live. The inlands are of a total different world than the rest of the island, a breath of fresh air, really. Children chasing each other barefoot, horses and cows running freely, local families exchanging jokes and pleasantries outside of their houses - it was just like any other village. On one of our escapades, we even had the chance of witnessing a football tournament being held amongst the locals where everyone was gathering around the field, each enthusiastically cheering on for the participating teams. It was indeed an experience. 

Relax on the beach

Chill, tan, and swim - the whole island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and unbelievably clear turquoise waters, making it perfect for doing just that. Gili Trawangan is an excellent place to spend a day and do nothing but laze, unwind, and rejuvenate. Most bars and restaurants by the beach offer sun-protected loungers, and beanbags and/or sun beds where you can enjoy sipping on cold coconuts, or indulge in some good food whilst marvelling at an otherworldly view.

Movie night on the beach

There are a number of accommodations on the island that conducts movie nights, but most, if not all, of them are only for the guests. However so, there is an outdoor cinema that is opened to the public at Pearl Beach Lounge that plays two different movies a night (7PM and 9PM). Tickets are sold for 50,000rp per person and includes a small bucket of freshly made popcorn. The floodlit rocks, star filled sky, and the sound of gentle lapping waves provide a unique atmosphere that in turn will enhance your movie experience into something more monumental. I've always had a thing for open-air cinemas (what more if it's on the beach!), hence this is one of my most favorite things to do on the island after the sun has set. 

Sunset gazing

Gili Trawangan is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Just imagine layers of bright yellow, orange, and purple against the wide blue ocean. There is not a day that we forego watching the sunset whilst in Gili Trawangan - we absolutely love heading to the south side of the island everyday to see what assortment of colors mother nature decides to delight us with. Along the south side of the island, there are plenty of beach bars that allow you to catch these breathtaking sunsets whilst enjoying a drink or two. It is best if you head to these bars earlier as the more famous ones tend to be rather packed during sunset. Don't forget to get the classic "swing shot" at Ombak Sunset resort during sunset - be prepared to queue though!

Stall/Cafe hopping

There is not a corner or street of the island that is without a stall or a cafe. These stalls and cafes each posses their own unique essence, from the aesthetics of the interiors and/or exteriors, the choice of furniture, the music playlist, to the type of cuisine being offered. Along the main street of Gili Trawangan, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a place to hang out and unwind. Personally, both my husband and I prefer to go to the opposite side of the island where the smaller and more remote stalls and cafes are (and where there are less people!). Some of these stalls make do with the littlest resources by simply setting up logs and tree branches as furniture by the side of the road. But it is these type of stalls where we enjoy sipping on cold coconuts after hours of cycling and/or swimming. And it is here where you are able to connect with the locals and listen to their life stories. 

My all-time favorite hang-out spot would have to be Casa Vintage Beach. The place is beautiful in every way, with less to no crowd as it is on the west side of the island. Locate a day of your trip to just eat, drink coconuts, swing in hammocks, watch the sunset, shop vintage clothes, and/or take a nap on the comfy picnic rugs and pillows over at this little island haven.

Food

Night market

At 6PM daily, there will be a night market in front of the boat pier where you will be able to have a feast with minimum money. You will find a wide range of local delicacies offered such as fresh seafood, sates of all kinds, all sorts of rice and noodle dishes, vegetables, snacks, and desserts. This is basically where everyone on the island goes for dinner. My husband and I always opt for their seafood. We are able to choose which fish or seafood we want ourselves, and they will cook what we pick right on the spot. Our usual choice would be the freshest looking fish we could find, a couple of king prawns, and some normal prawns. These dishes usually come with rice, and vegetables cooked in sambal. 

Le Petit Grill

If you are more of a Western food kind of person, this is the place to go. It is located where the night market is, and is opened 24 hours. They've got a pretty decent sized menu that is filled with all types of Western food that you can think of. But the most important thing is that the food's good!

Street stalls

I feel that the stalls by the streets of Gili Trawangan are the best choice if you want a taste of some authentic Indonesian food. Most, if not all, of the bigger and more established restaurants tend to westernise (i.e. less spicy, less herbs) their local dishes to cater to the pallet of the many Western people on the island. So if you're looking for some good bakso, sate or mee goreng, go on and buy some from one of the vending push carts and/or the stalls by the beach. We had some of the best mee goreng and bakso from one of the unnamed stalls on the main street of Gili Trawangan. Their sambal was impeccable!

Travelling Tips

• Travel light, travel light, travel light. You're going to be in your swimming attire most of the time anyways.
• Everything on the main street of Gili Trawangan cost significantly higher, and everything inlands are significantly cheaper. Bicycle rental on the main street is about 80,000rp - 100,000rp a day, whereas it's only 35,000rp - 50,000rp inlands. This applies to food and accommodations as well.
• Make friends with the locals and do not be afraid to ask them for travelling tips. More than often, they are always tremendously obliging.
• Master the art of bargaining. This will come in handy especially when you are booking island hopping tours, snorkelling trips, etc.
• Last but not least, use your time in Gili Trawangan to slow down and unwind. Go on a digital detox and experience the true island life to the fullest.

Nusa Ceningan/Nusa Lembongan '16

I have been yearning to go to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan since the first time I learnt of the two islands. Imagine my happiness when I got to do just that. Lembongan and Ceningan are the kind of places that I am uncertain if I should and/or want to share about. There is a part of me that wants to tell everyone who would listen about this perfect slice of paradise, and the other part of me wants to selfishly keep it all to myself and do everything I possibly can to stop everyone else from going there.

The Nusas are tiny islands off the southeast coast of Bali, and are of completely different worlds from their big sister. They are often preferred by people who seek refuge from the rambunctious crowds of Bali's more popular spots. The rhythm of daily activities moves ever so slowly - there is no need to rush, and no need to worry. I was enamored with the simplicity of the life the locals lead. Even a gas station cannot be found on the island - only rows of bottled gasoline are on sale by the street side. When we arrived at the central of Lembongan that is Jungutbatu, I was expecting a cluster of shops and bars, but instead what welcomed us was simply a string of little restaurants, stalls, and homes that were also converted into mini marts.

Apart from being fishermen, the locals make ends meet by being seaweed farmers - working at green patches of seaweed fields in the shallow waters of Lembongan and Ceningan. Everywhere you go, you will see bundles of them, varying in different shades of green, drying under the sun. As we explored the back roads of the islands, local women and children were spotted selling seashells and handmade souvenirs. Some may regard the two islands as 'uncivilized' due to their lack of modernization and development, but to me it is just the most peaceful and relaxing place you could wish for - it is the perfect escape for some body, soul, and mind cleansing.

As in the rest of Bali, the people of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are devout Hindus. Beautifully and intricately decorated temples can be abundantly observed all around the islands. Traditions and religious ceremonies seem to be part of their everyday life, and these colorful and lively events will definitely be seen (and heard as they can be rather loud) at least once during your stay. I very much enjoyed watching the locals walk around barefoot, clad in their multi-colored traditional wear, with flowers braided into their hair.

My husband and I spent a total of five days over there, and it was just enough time for us to explore the whole of the two islands.

Getting there

My husband and I opted to go via Scoot Fast Cruise as we had read many good things about their services prior to our trip. Our boat transfer tickets were purchased a day before at one of the tourist information kiosks we stumbled upon whilst exploring the central of Sanur. For a one way trip to Nusa Lembongan, an open one way trip to Gili Trawangan, inclusive of hotel transfers, we paid 500,000rp (about RM150) each - a pretty fair deal if I do say so. We were picked up across from our hotel at around nine in the morning, and were first taken to Scoot Cruise's main office to check ourselves in. At the Sanur Jetty, we were given a short briefing by Scoot Cruises' owner regarding on board safety and also the history of the islands before we were allowed to board our boat. Our journey began at 10.30AM, and took a mere half an hour. Despite so, it felt like the longest boat ride that I have ever experienced. Unfortunately for us, the sea currents were ridiculously rough, and had caused more than half the boat to be sea sick. One poor boy was vomiting non-stop throughout the whole journey.

As we arrived at Jungutbatu and disembarked our boat, we were separated into different pick-up trucks according to our respective accommodations and where they were located. My husband and I had chosen to stay in Nusa Ceningan, which is linked to Nusa Lembongan via a gorgeous yellow hang bridge. Since the bridge isn't accessible by pick-up trucks (it is very narrow - only wide enough for scooters), we were dropped on the Lembongan side of the bridge, and continued our journey on foot. From here on, you have a choice of making arrangements with your hotel to pick you up, or rent a scooter from the locals. In our case, we were elated to walk to our hotel as it allowed us to breathe in every inch of beauty the island had to offer at our own pace.

Where we stayed

We stayed at Twilight Huts, Nusa Ceningan. It is located right at Dream Point, hence we were spoiled with an ethereal view of the wide blue ocean. There are only five huts altogether in their premises which is nice as it gives off a very private and intimate feel. Our hut was fairly basic but more than adequate - it came equipped with a queen-sized bed, air-conditioner and fan, a dressing table, an outdoor bathroom (always a win for us!) that has both cold and hot water (though they only have salt water, but it's just the way it is on the islands so it didn't really bother us). Outside, there was a spacious porch with a coffee table and chairs where we spent quite some time kicking back whilst enjoying numerous glasses of milkshakes. The only drawback for me was that the room was poorly lit.

Our stay at the hotel came with complimentary breakfasts consisting of eggs cooked in our choice, toasts, fruits, coffee/tea, and orange juice which we like to enjoy overlooking the ocean. They also have other choices of (non-complimentary) breakfasts, varying from western to Indonesian, to choose from if you prefer something different. For muslim visitors, unfortunately they do not serve halal food. With the exception of breakfast, my husband and I always choose to eat elsewhere for both lunch and dinner.

A point that I have to add is that the pool and restaurant closes at 9.30PM as that is when all the workers head home for the night. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Twilight Huts - great people, great place, great hospitality. 

Transportation

Scooters are the main form of transport around both islands, and they are widely available for rent. We rented ours directly from our hotel for 80,000rp a day. The roads are kind of rough and full of potholes though, especially in Ceningan as most of them have not been paved - but it really just needs a matter of practice and getting used to. For those who are not comfortable with riding by themselves, willing locals are more than happy to transport you on the back of their scooter for a fee. If the scooter is a total no-no for you, you have the option of renting a golf buggy, a bicycle, or you could get around on foot.

Other than the basic pick-up trucks used by most of the hotels, there are virtually no cars on the islands. But I have heard that some of these hotels and restaurants on Lembongan offer free pick-up and drop-off services to and from your accommodation.

Do not be surprised if you are given a scooter with no license plate to rent. Almost all of the scooters on Lembongan and Ceningan are without them. Helmets are also only given when requested. The only people who can be seen wearing helmets while riding on scooters are tourists to be honest. Proves how carefree life is over there - I love it.

Things to do

Dream Beach

Dream beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on the whole of Nusa Lembongan. A picturesque narrow strip of fine white sand, complimented by a wide pool of clear turquoise water - it is the ideal place to unwind while witnessing the relentless force of the ocean. Boy, did it live up to it's name. My husband and I didn't think twice about jumping into the oncoming waves, surrendering ourselves to the water and letting it's buoyancy sustain and carry us. The strong currents and massive waves do not exactly make the beach a suitable place for swimming (especially for children and non-swimmers), but my husband and I had a wondrous time getting our butts kicked by the waves regardless. We went to a number of beaches during our stay, but we always end up going back to Dream Beach to swim.

If salt water isn't your thing, and you don't enjoy getting sand in your hair (what are you even doing on an island?!), you can instead soak your body in the infinity pool at Dream Beach Huts which overlooks the gorgeous coastline of Dream Beach for a small fee. 

Devil's Tears

Massive waves break onto narrow niches on a cliff, producing dramatic swashes with merciless, thundering sounds. Thin wisps of ocean spray dampen everything and everyone on the shore. Devil's Tears, aptly named for it's daunting showcase of Mother Nature's raw power, is violently beautiful. It is majestic, exhilarating, and menacing all at the same time. No picture or video can do this place justice. It was undoubtedly my most favorite attraction on the whole of the two islands. Turtles seem to favor the place as well as we recurrently saw a number of them imperially ducking and diving through the ferocious waves. I made my husband take me to this spot everyday whilst we were there. Devil's Tears is also an idyllic place to witness celestial sunsets.

Blue Lagoon

Imagine a location that is so beautiful it takes your breath away. There is such a place in Nusa Ceningan and that is the Blue Lagoon. When I first caught sight of it, I couldn't believe at how turquoise the water was. It is the picture perfect ideal of an island paradise.

As we explored the area on foot, we stumbled upon what used to be Blue Lagoon's cliff jumping point. Remnants of what looked like a cafe complete with rock stools, tables, and a run-down hut could be seen at the area. The overhanging ledge where people used to jump from still exists to this day. What could be seen missing was the ladder used to climb back up the cliff, and this is apparently to discourage people from still jumping. Cliff-jumping at Blue Lagoon is now prohibited due to a number of unsuspecting tourists being hurt in the act.

Zipline

The zipline attraction is still relatively new and is located near Ceningan point. Be amazed by the amazing views as you 'fly' across the lagoon. All it takes is just 90,000rp.

Mahana Point

Mahana Point is a tiny little bar nestled on a small cliff edge at Ceningan that has a perfect view of the surfers below. For you adrenaline junkies, you can hurl yourself off the bar's cliff top and into the sea - yes, the bar is also a cliff-jumping point. Unfortunately, my husband and I didn't get to jump because the currents were too rough at the time. We instead spent the evening drinking milkshakes, and hanging out with the locals, whilst watching the sun set gloriously. 

Snorkeling

There are tons of snorkeling/diving packages that are offered throughout the islands. My husband and I paid 500,000rp for a private boat to take us on a three-spot snorkeling tour. Our first stop was Gamat Bay. Contrary to it's name, there were no gamats (sea cucumber) in sight. However so, the waters were overflowing with corals and colorful fishes. Buuuut, the sea currents were at it again, swaying me here and there until I got seasick. Who gets seasick from snorkeling?! I persevered and continued snorkeling, but not before I puked all my breakfast out just after we arrived at our second stop, Coral Bay. The water was clear and calm here, and there were more to see and witness. With that said however, my favorite had to be our third and final stop, and that is Mangrove Point. We didn't stay long though as we saw a number of jellyfishes lingering around.

Mangrove Tour

We saw a number of 'mangrove tour' signs around the island, and thought - why not? We've never been on a mangrove tour. Tours can be organized in Jungutbatu, but it is cheaper if you make your way there yourself and arrange a deal with one of the boatmen on the spot. The tour is operated by having a sampan boat going around the mangrove forest where you will experience an extreme quietness,  a relaxing, and an almost magical atmosphere. As you slowly move deeper into the forest, you will be welcomed by the sound of birds singing a variety of different melodies. The mangrove forest is indeed a unique place that I enjoyed much more than I had expected to. 

Beach Hopping

Needless to say, the beaches at Lembongan and Ceningan are all captivating, and they each have their own charm. If you want somewhere secluded and quiet to watch the sunset, Sunset Beach is the place. If you're looking for something a little adventurous and lively like water sports, head to Jungutbatu Beach. Fancy some drinks by the beach? Mushroom Beach has an array of cafes and bars along it's stretch. Secret Beach is for those who wants to unwind by the waves without the disturbance of large crowds.

Jungutbatu

Jungutbatu is the main village, and the most developed area in Nusa Lembongan with multiple resorts, eating outfits, tour booking offices, and mini marts. It has the longest beach on the island, and is filled with moored boats from Bali's mainland - making it somewhat unsuitable for swimming and/or snorkeling. Jungutbatu is also the one and only place on both Lembongan and Ceningan where you will find an ATM (yes, there is only one of them) and a clinic if ever you need one. 

Panorama Point

We actually stumbled by this place by accident. Panoroma Point is nestled on the hill up from Jungutbatu where you can see a bird's eye view of the main beach with the copious amount of boats, the red topped buildings of the village, the greens of coconut trees, and of course the crystal clear water surrounding the island. It is a view that will forever be etched in my mind.

Watch locals fish and harvest seaweed

My husband and I spent one of our mornings in Ceningan doing just this. Watching them is indeed a unique experience. The locals use self-made rods, spears, and various types of nets to fish - none of those modern day fishing tools. If you enquire, the locals will be more than happy to share with you regarding the methods they use for fishing,  some fishing tips, and/or about their catch of the day. As for seaweed harvesting, where else are you going to be able to witness that? Not in my country. 

Explore the islands

This. Just explore both the islands beyond what's written on the map. We found some amazing and incredible places by taking paths that are less traveled, especially around Devil's Tears and Blue Lagoon. I can't stress enough on how much beauty the islands have to offer. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are just full of treasures - from magnificent landscapes, wonderful beaches, to lush jungles. The more we explored, and immersed ourselves in adventures and the outdoors, the more we were amazed.

Food

As I previously mentioned, the majority of people on both islands (and the whole of Bali) are Hindu, hence finding halal food was close to impossible. When I was doing my research regarding halal food in Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, I found zero information. I thought that we would have to only feast on seafood and vegetarian delicacies (and I don't eat veggies) during our stay, but thank goodness we had stumbled upon a stall selling halal food in Nusa Lembongan.

They served the usual Indonesian food like bakso, mee ayam, ayam penyet (my favorite!) and such. I ate their ayam penyet every single day while we were there. Delicious, and cheap. We had asked them if there were any other stalls or restaurants that served halal food, and according to them there's only one other stall which sells satay. We only got to eat at Warung Madura during our second last day because they seemed to always be closed when we dropped by. They also had bakso, and mixed rice at this stall. We opted for their satay which was served with white rice. It was simple, but very pleasing to the taste - we even ordered an extra portion to be shared. According to them as well, there were no other halal restaurants and/or stalls around. 

I can't tell you where exactly the two places are as I don't know the name of the street where they are located, but you will find these two places on the way to Mushroom Beach.

I advise that you stock up on instant noodles and a variety of snacks before heading to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Pop Mie (Indonesia's Maggi) can be easily found on both islands - this is what we survived on when we were too tired to head out for dinner.

Traveling Tips

• Pack light. It would be tough to carry or drag bulky luggages especially since scooters are the main form of transportation. Overpacking will only cause you more trouble than do you good. During our ten-day trip, I had only packed three days worth of clothes, two pajamas, swimming attire, undies, and a pair of shoes. Laundry services can be easily found on the island, but if you are on a budget like us, you can just get a small pack of laundry detergent and hand-wash the clothes yourself. Anyways, we practically lived in our swimming attires so we didn't need that many clothes.
• Make acquaintances with both the locals and the tourists. A fundamental part of the travel experience is meeting new people, discovering different cultures, and sharing adventures with others along the way. My husband is the friendly type and would struck a conversation with everyone and anyone, and that got us making a bunch of friends. We got to know how the locals live on a more personal level, trade traveling tips with a bunch of Australians and Canadians, and we spent an entire evening with two moviemakers from Czech Republic talking about everything under the sun. 
• Everything on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan closes early. Although they don't have specific closing times, most restaurants and stalls close between 9 to 10PM. It is very quiet at night and there is basically no nightlife on the two islands.
• Bring enough cash for the duration of your stay. As mentioned, there is only one ATM on Nusa Lembongan and it is known to sometimes be out of order. The large resorts accept credit cards, but almost all the other places operate on a cash only basis.
• Don't wait to explore Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. There are already some resorts and developments, but they haven't taken over the place yet. Everything still has an authentic and down to earth feel. Tourism is growing fast however, and they are building a number of big resorts at the moment. So book your tickets now before they start to lose their charm!