Bestemming Droomleven
Our tropical travel addiction + 5 islands outside Bali that you must see
Not a week goes by without us adding a new destination to our bucket list (which nowadays is a packed saved album on Instagram, hihi). Since we were little, we have traveled a lot with our parents and dreamed of waving palm trees, white beaches, and cotton candy skies... Can you be addicted to sun and beach? Probably yes. And thanks to Pinterest (addicted) and Instagram nowadays, all those explorer cravings are only fueled even more.
This week we are flying to Rote, a paradise island in the south of Indonesia, between Sumba and Timor. For a special project with our favorite fashion brand Faithfull the Brand, and to just chill, because Pris’ boyfriend Arnaud has finally arrived in Bali and had a birthday, and that must of course be celebrated with a memorable trip. Think: silky white beaches, wild piglets running to the water (too cute), untouched nature, endless coconut tree fields, breathtaking sunsets, and last but not least: good waves, yes! Instagram spam will follow this week, hehe.
Bali is surrounded by incredibly beautiful islands like Rote. The nice thing about Bali as a travel destination is not only that the island itself is fantastic, but also that there is so incredibly much nearby. Because did you know that Indonesia is the largest ‘island’ country, with no less than over 17,000 islands? *we spontaneously get FOMO from this. Our Travel Guide states it and we always tell everyone who asks us questions about their trip to Bali: “Really add at least one island outside Bali to your itinerary if you have time.”
Therefore, in this column for you: our 5 favorite tropical trips outside Bali.
1. Flores
When you think of the Maldives, these are the Maldives of Indonesia. Just an hour and a quarter flight from Bali, you arrive in this island paradise. The bluest water you have ever seen, volcanic lakes, uninhabited islets, pink beaches, the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets ever, Komodo National Park, and life-sized manta rays, turtles, and dolphins.
Tip: Book a boat trip with Le Pirate Explorer, a boat with which you will island hop for a few days. You sleep, eat, and live on the boat. This trip was one of the most beautiful we have ever made and unforgettable. Be early with booking, as it has now become a popular trip.
Time: At least 2 to 3 nights.
2. Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan & Penida
These three islands are just half an hour away from Bali by boat (we always book Rocky Boat, and to Penida the Maruti Express) and have now grown into popular destinations. When we were there nine years ago, there was only one resort, and the electricity went out on the island at night. Nowadays, you can find many nice beach huts, hostels, and resorts. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected by a bridge. You can cruise to the most beautiful beaches on your scooter, snorkel with manta rays, paddleboard, and eat fresh fish and gado gado at local warungs everywhere. Nusa Penida is really for adventurers: you will find untouched nature, secret beaches, waterfalls, and it is also a paradise for divers.
Tip: On Nusa Lembongan, you must catch a sunset at The Deck, on Nusa Ceningan you should go to Dream Beach for a whole day of salty hangs, and in Nusa Penida, you cannot miss Keling Keling Beach, Angels Billabong, and Crystal Bay.
Time: At least 2 to 3 nights.
3. The Gili Islands
Also one of the most famous tropical islands near Bali. Officially, these paradises belong to Lombok. After about three hours by boat, you arrive at the Gili’s. The Gili’s are car-free. Your taxi is a horse with a cart, and you walk or bike around the islands. The sea is crystal clear blue and the beaches are powder white.
Gili Trawangan is the largest island and popular with backpackers and party kids. The north and west of the island are still relatively quiet. If you really want to relax or are on a romantic trip, you should go to Gili Meno or Gili Air and do nothing but sip on your coconut on your beach bed and take a dip in the ocean from time to time.
Tip: On Trawangan, our favorite spot for chilling, eating, and sunsets all day is Casa Vintage Beach. Complete your trip by snorkeling with the turtles at Gili Meno.
Time: At least 2 to 3 nights.
4. Sumba
One of the most impressive trips we made last year was to Sumba. It is an island rich in untouched nature, has a rich culture and history, and is also an incredible surf spot. It is also called the Hawaii of Indonesia. We were super lucky to stay at Nihiwatu, one of the most beautiful and luxurious resorts in the world (and we haven't even mentioned the Nihioka spa, the most beautiful we have ever seen). If you have a honeymoon to celebrate, you must come here.
Tip: Another and more affordable resort is Watukaka. We will definitely be back!
5. Rote
Last but not least: Rote. You fly to Kupang in Timor and then fly another half hour to Rote. For surfers and non-surfers, this island is paradise on earth. There are beautiful resorts like Seed (we are here now) and Nemberala.
Tip: Go now, while most tourists have not yet discovered this island en masse. Okay, not all at once then, huh!
And we haven't even talked about the Mentawai Islands, Sumbawa, Java, the Moluccas... We could go on with our list, but we are now going to explore Rote first and plan our upcoming trips. The Maldives, Cape Town, and Hawaii in three months? Let’s do it!
Sea you next week!
xoxo
Pris & Eve
