Island hopping in Indonesia part 3

...after a long day of travelling by plane, taxi's and a chaotic boat trip, we finally arrived in the North of Lombok. A few hours before, we saw our flight from Bali to Lombok getting cancelled due to the outburst of the Rinjani volcano. So we took a gamble in trusting a taxi-driver who promised us to get us on the last boat of the day, who was leaving from Padangbai to Lembar in Lombok. It was the only option left, to make it in time to our hotel. When we finally arrived, 2 guys took our bags out of the trunk and told us to hurry up. We paid the taxi driver and entered the boat just before he took off. Next to me sat a young English guy, who was complaining on the phone that the boat had a delay of 2hrs. I felt for him and all the other passengers, but after all I was very grateful to the staff and the taxi-driver who did everything to help us and a few other travelers who saw their flight to Lombok getting cancelled.

Finally arrived in Lombok, we had to find a taxi who was prepared to drive us from Lembar to Selong Belanak in the South. It was already dark and the boat trip was very exhausting due to a strong current in sea. At the arrival point we were told by the captain to look out for a Bluebird Taxi, as they were the only reliable Taxi company. The first 20 minutes while we walked to the main street, we were approached by dozens of hustlers. They were only trying to scare us off, by following us and telling that nobody would take us that far.They were quite annoying and rude,but we remained calm and refused to give up in our search for a Blue Bird Taxi. And it paid off! We finally found one who was willing to drive us for more than 3hrs down south.

When we finally arrived at Sempiak villa's in Selong Belanak, we were welcomed by their staff. They had waited for us, and did everything to make us feel comfortable at their place. Although the restaurant was supposed to be closed, they offered to make us a lovely diner with cocktails and wine. We couldn't wish for a more gracious welcome.

The next 5 days became the pinnacle of our trip. Selong Belanak is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches I've ever been, and Sempiak villa's offered everything needed for the perfect honeymoon.

The South of Lombok is still developping, but it won't take long anymore before it is recognized as a touristic paradise.

The bay of Selong Belanak

Candlelight diner on the beach. Just the 2 of us in the perfect setting.

the perfect spot for some Yoga sessions

Tanjung Aan, another pristine beach in the area