I morphed from land shark to mermaid in four days on Gili Air. I couldn’t believe how difficult it was, and then how simple. Something had to click in my mind. Then, like magic, I could fin down to 16 meters on a single breath-hold. Most sports require strength and endurance, but freediving is different. […]
Review: Rumah Pohon Treehouse in Nusa Penida
There have been many brilliant sunrises in my life, but it’s hard to top the one at the Rumah Pohon Treehouse in Nusa Penida, Indonesia. The way that the sun rose over the jagged islets, lighting up the entire bay in layers of orange, pink, and gold, all while I watched from the perch in […]
The Ideal Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months
Where should you spend your time in Indonesia when you visit? With so many islands, how do you narrow it down? The first time I visited was in 2008, and since then, I’ve returned 10 times, most recently in 2024. Indonesia quickly became one of my favorite countries (after visiting 65 of them). Here are […]
Nusa Penida’s Secret Spots
I remember hearing about the Nusa Islands off of Bali in Indonesia years ago. People said it was like Bali used to be before the tourism and development took over. Ever since I’d imagined how it would be – jungly, with friendly people and rocky roads, rugged beaches, and hidden treasures. When I arrived in […]
Where to Stay in Bali: Dreamy Komaneka at Keramas
When I dream of Bali, the Island of the Gods, my mind drifts back to my first trip there in 2007, before Eat Pray Love. I recall arriving and feeling like it had really lived up to the promises of beautiful beachfront resorts with those pools in the villas facing the ocean. I’ve always thought […]