Padangbai, Gili Meno & Nusa Lembongan, Bali 2015 | Days 9 to 14

Days 8 & 9 | Padangbai

From Ubud we travelled to the port of Padangbai, ready to catch our fast-boat out to the Gili Islands. Padangbai is a little nautical town and is home to the local ferry to Lombok, as well as the fast boat service. Here we stayed for one night and ate fresh seafood. A total highlight was the hidden beach where we played in the waves and relaxed on the sand!

Days 9, 10, 11 & 12 | Gili Meno

Gili Meno is one of the three Gili Islands off the north-west coast of Lombok. The islands are each known for their individual personalities, Gili Meno being the romantic retreat. Cute, eh? We arrived at lunch time, fresh off the fast-boat from Padangbai. I had a nightmare crossing, turning bright green with seasick before hitting the top-deck for some air and getting sunburnt shoulders. Brilliant. Nevertheless, Gili Meno was a beautiful place.

The island can be slowly walked around in a morning and we took full advantage of the amazing beaches, cafes and snorkelling hot spots. Seriously, the reefs were amazing and only just off shore. We could even see fish swimming around our feet as we paddled. The water was incredibly blue and incredibly clear. Meno was a little piece of paradise. (+ there was a really cute baby turtle sanctuary and oh my goodness me so cute)

Day 12, 13 & 14 | Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is another island off Bali and is home to some of Bali’s best surfing. Sadly we didn’t have the time to hire a board as we were only there for one day, but Lembongan was fantastic all the same! On our day there we headed to the north of the island, again walking everywhere, and stumbled across the mangrove forest and beaches. Here we enjoyed fresh coconuts and warm water, walking back in the evening to watch the sun set over the ocean. I’ve never seen colours like it. Such gorgeous reds and oranges!

Lembongan was the last place we stayed, stopping briefly in Sanur on our way back to Denpasar airport. I am so blessed to be able to travel the world and see and experience such amazing things. Bali really was breathtaking and inspiring and I hope to travel to even more exciting places in the future. As for now, on to Paris I go!