Today, it seems that Bali is the closest thing a traveler can get to “paradise,” or at least the travel industry has made it seem so. Yet many are frustrated when they arrive to traffic jams, beaches littered with trash, and waits for photos at popular Instagram spots. The reality is, Bali gets a staggering […]
Indonesia Bucket List: 50 Things to Do
It’s hard to think of a country with more to do in terms of culture, amazing landscapes, incredible beaches, and delicious food than Indonesia. I love how each island has something different to offer in terms of all of those things. Some have incredible wildlife encounters, some are all about diving and surfing, and others […]
The Ultimate Kuta, Lombok Guide
A gecko scurries past my head as I write this from the porch of my bamboo bungalow on Kuta, Lombok. Unlike its neighbor with the same name in Bali, Kuta Lombok is laid back, chilled out, and uncrowded, at least for now. I first came here four years ago and it’s blown my mind a […]
Tips From the Banker: The Real Cost of Travel in Indonesia
2018 update: I originally wrote this post in 2013, traveling in Indonesia on a shoestring. I returned this year with a bigger budget, spending more on accommodation and transport, though some categories, like food, have remained the same. You’ll see both options in this post. Indonesia, like Malaysia, had a lot of varying reviews from fellow […]
Gili Air: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Sleep
Gili Air directly translates to the ‘water island’, a fitting name, indeed. One of three of the Gilis off of the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, this is my favorite of the islands because it has the most balance. It is calmer than Gili Trawangan and has a bit more going on than the quiet […]