Indonesia in 2 weeks
Introduction
Bali has never been one of my dream destinations. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a sort of aversion to anything that is 'for tourists to see'. I often tell people who ask me that planning a trip to Bali is like dark chocolate. Sweet or bitter, it depends on your opinion. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go. Throughout the process I was faced with various existential doubts:
'Is this place too touristy?'
'Will I ever have another opportunity like this in my life to be there?'
'Won't there be too many people to enjoy it?'
It was in this constant dialogue with my conscience that I realized that although I didn't want to follow what was typical on a trip to Bali, I also wanted to be able to be in those places, compensating with places and experiences that weren't so 'instagrammable'.
And it's in this search for balance that this travel guide to Indonesia is born, to give anyone who wants my opinion the chance to follow our itinerary. To Indonesia? You ask. Yes, because Indonesia isn't just Bali, but a series of islands full of potential and many of them still to be discovered.
It's important to note that this itinerary was created based on my own itinerary, but also on what i think could have improved my experience.
Indice
1. How to get there?
2. Itinerary
3. The hotels that i chose
1.How to get there?
Most flights to Indonesia depart from Singapore. The most frequent airlines are Jetstar and Flyscoot.
Singapore is a vibrant and modern city-state located in Southeast Asia, known for its cultural dynamism, efficiency and impressive infrastructure. As one of the most popular destinations for stopovers, Singapore offers a unique combination of cultural, gastronomic and natural attractions that make a short stay a memorable experience.
2. Itinerary
In my opinion, this trip can be done in both directions, as I'll describe in the itinerary section, from Lombok to Bali, or the other way around, starting in Bali and ending in Lombok.
Day 1-2 (Lombok)
Why include Lombok in this itinerary? There are two reasons why I did it and why I recommend it. The first is that Lombok is an Indonesian island not as well known as Bali. And this is an obvious warning to include this place in your travel itinerary. A place far from mass tourism and full of incredible places to enjoy the authentic culture of this island.
Well, if there's a way to get there by plane, why do it by boat? And now you're telling me, but air travel is expensive. The point here is that since most people get to know the Gili Islands from Bali, a round trip by boat of 2 hours each is a waste of time for those who only have a few days to travel. What's more, the countless reports of potentially traumatic experiences on crowded boats, strong waves and the absence of air conditioning make people avoid this option as much as possible. So, in my opinion, even if the flight is a little more expensive, apart from avoiding the obvious, you still have the opportunity to get to know a place that "not many people" know about at the moment. Only points in favor, so let's move on.
In my itinerary you only stay in Lombok for one night. I arrived on the island in the late afternoon and enjoyed the whole of the following day until I caught the boat to Gili Trawangan in the late afternoon. In one day we visited mawun beach, a traditional sasak village and benang stokel and benang kelmabu. However, I didn't think it was enough to get to know this place. We didn't get to see the incredible beaches of the north, Sekotong, explore the beaches of Kuta, the volcanoes and other natural secrets that have yet to be discovered. That's why I'd say that if I'd had the time, I'd have stayed at least one more night.
Day 3-5 (Gili Islands)
From Lombok to Gili Trawangan is just 10 minutes by fast boat. The public boat is available at the port of Bangsal, but there are also private options that take you and the group for very affordable prices. In my case, I asked for the boat to be included in the excursion we took and this way we avoided the stress of having to arrive at a set time for the transfer to the islands.
I stayed three nights on Gili Trawangan and I have no regrets. Of the three islands (Gili T, Gili Meno and Gili Air) it is the liveliest and has the best infrastructure. It strikes a balance between nightlife, snorkeling in crystal blue waters, good restaurants and breathtaking sunsets.
The plan on this island was very simple: cycle around the whole island and stop off at the most beautiful places along the way. I could do this for days on end. Snorkeling at the turtle point in the morning in search of turtles, a coconut on the sun loungers and a sunset at the best beach clubs with fire shows. At night, the island turns into a real party where everyone tries to captivate passers-by in their own way. I love this side of the island, but I'd say it's best to stay further inland and not on the front line. My accommodation (chapter 3. The hotels that i chose) was in a spectacular location, in just 5 minutes I was in the restaurants and at the same time I didn't hear the noise of the party if I wanted to rest.
There isn't much to do from Gili Trawangan to Nusa Penida, the only way is by boat. The trip takes about 2h/2h30. The boat makes several stops: Gili Meno, Gili Air and Lombok. Only then does it start the journey to Nusa Penida. As you know, travel days are usually wasted days, but it's up to us to change this cliché. In my case, I took advantage of the fact that the long trip only started in Lombok and took a public boat to Gili Air in order to get to know one more island before I left. Now, this is my opinion and I may hurt sensibilities, but I think one morning was enough to get to know the island. It's much quieter than Gili Trawangan, but consequently has fewer facilities. Of course, for those who really want to relax, this island is a good choice.
After spending the morning on Gili Air. Finally, I took the boat to Nusa Penida.
Day 6-7 (Nusa Penida)
Nusa Penida is a large island compared to the previous islands. It takes two days to visit this island. One day on the east side and one day on the west side. The places are usually far apart, so hiring a driver is always the best option. Renting a motorcycle would also be a good option, but from what I've seen I think it's dangerous. If you've never driven a motorcycle, don't do it.
□ What to do on the west side:
• Snorkeling with mantas
• Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
• Kelingking Beach
• Crystal Bay
□ What to do on the east side:
• Atuh Beach
• Diamond Beach
• Teletubies Hills
Day 8-9 (Ubud)
After Nusa Penida, the road heads towards the island of Bali. I chose to arrive at the port of Sanur and continue on to Ubud.
In this city, you'll need at least two full days to visit the rice fields, the monkey forest, the royal palace, the waterfalls, the water temples and to taste the island's typical coffees and teas.
Ubud transmits an inexplicable energy of peace. From the endless temples along the road, to the yoga classes first thing in the morning and the smell of incense in the streets. It's not that Ubud is a quiet city, because the traffic and horns say otherwise, but the energy that lives there is there.
Day 9-12 (Uluwatu)
After recovering your energy in Ubud, it's time to start the journey towards the surf town of Uluwatu. It is a must-see destination in Bali, whether you want to surf its famous waves or relax on its paradisiacal beaches.
One of the experiences not to be missed is the famous dinner at Lucky Fish. Beach, sunset, seafood and grilled fish and an incredible atmosphere. What more could you ask for?
Day 13-15 (Canggu)
Canggu is the perfect representation of the exponential transformation that Bali has undergone in recent years with the arrival of tourism. From cafés full of digital nomads, to spas and restaurants that look fancy and overpriced, to traffic that loses its patience. But it's also this fast-paced energy and the good looks of the areas that captivate people to stay in Canggu for a few days.
3. The hotels I chose
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