Our trip to Indonesia took us across two islands—Lombok and Bali—each offering completely different landscapes, cultures, and surprises. From earthquake-scarred villages to holy waters and giant butterflies, every day felt like a new chapter.
Lombok: A Year After the Earthquake
We arrived in Lombok with curiosity and concern.
It had been a year since the devastating 2018 earthquake, and we wanted to see how the island was recovering.
Even after twelve months, there were still piles of rubble, collapsed buildings, and one of the main roads remained blocked. The damage was sobering, but the resilience of the people was incredible—shops open, smiles wide, life continuing.
A Small Earthquake of Our Own
While staying at our guesthouse, we experienced a small earthquake ourselves.
It was gentle, just a tremor—but enough to send waves rippling through the swimming pool, a surreal moment that made our hearts skip.
A Local Boat to Gili Meno
We boarded a local wooden boat to visit Gili Meno, wading knee-deep into the sea to climb aboard. The boat sat very low in the water, loaded heavily with bags of rice and supplies for the island.
Gili Meno was peaceful—quiet beaches, simple life, and sea views that calmed your mind instantly.
Chasing Waterfalls on the Back of Scooters
One of our favourite days in Lombok was spent waterfall hunting.
Local riders offered to take us on their scooters—off-road, off-map, off everything.
We zipped through villages, forests, and muddy tracks until we found a hidden waterfall, powerful and perfect. It felt like stumbling upon a secret kept just for us.
Bali: Banana Trees, Holy Waters & Adrenaline Drops
From Lombok we flew to Bali, settling into a quiet spot near Keramas Beach, surrounded by banana trees (pisang), coconut palms (kelapa), and the soft sound of waves.
Butterfly Encounters & Giant Moths
At the Bali Butterfly Park, something magical happened.
An enormous Atlas moth, one of the largest moths in the world, landed right on my son—its wings huge and patterned like something out of mythology.
Daily Offerings & Beach Duck Herders
Bali’s charm is everywhere, especially in the little things.
We loved seeing the canang sari—daily offerings of flowers, leaves, and incense—placed outside homes and shops each morning.
And on Keramas Beach, we watched the duck herders guiding long lines of ducks (bebek) across the sand. It was one of those tiny moments that stay in your heart.
We also watched the rice fields flood and get ploughed, a timeless process that felt like witnessing the island breathe.
Waterbom: Back to the Kids’ Favourite
We had to return to Waterbom in Kuta—the place our kids insisted was the best water park on Earth.
Slides, splashes, sunburns, laughter… hours of joy.
Waterfalls & Holy Waters
We visited Tegenungan Waterfall, where the roar of water fills the air, and immersed ourselves in the sacred pools at Tirta Empul, submerging in the holy water as part of a purification ritual.
It was spiritual, peaceful, and unforgettable.
White Water Rafting: Total Madness
Then came white water rafting—eight of us packed into one raft, waves exploding over our heads, bouncing off rocks, shouting, laughing, clinging on.
A chaotic highlight of the trip.
Pura Puseh Desa Batuan
We ended our Balinese journey with a visit to Pura Puseh Desa Batuan, a beautiful temple rich with ornate stone carvings and ancient Balinese architecture. It felt serene and grounding—an image of Bali at its most traditional.
Indonesia: A Trip of Contrasts, Beauty & Brave Moments
From Lombok’s earthquake recovery to Bali’s spiritual calm, from wild rafting to peaceful rice fields, this trip was full of contrasts.
The kids saw nature’s power, people’s resilience, and the beauty of two islands that stay with you long after you’ve left.
It was a journey of adventure, reflection, and unforgettable moments.
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