The Island Explorer

Most people think that I have so much free time, since they see me traveling a lot. What people don't know is that my travels are all side trips from work, and most of these happen very quickly. I call it the speed tour. Recently, I made a trip across the country, landing in 6 provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, all in 5 days. In my next entries, I will sharing this speed tour: 5 Days, 6 Provinces.

This resort made me fall in love with Lombok. And I wasn't supposed to stay here. Because I missed my flight to Bali, a lot of changes were made, and all of them, fortunately turned out for the better. This resort is probably one of the best I have stayed in. Friends, welcome to Purimas Boutique Resort in Senggigi, Lombok Island, Indonesia. I wasn't really expecting much from the resort, since I made the booking at the last minute, and I was torn between a lot of other resorts. I was supposed to stay in Quincy Villas but a report told me that the rooms were already worn out, and not as pictured in their website. So I took my chances and booked the best value room I could find. That was how I discovered Purimas. I was really in for a surprise. My room cost only P2,100 (USD 45) and I didn't expect to check in something like this: and sleep in a bed like this: and shower in a bath like this. I didn't even show you the terrace and the day bed inside the room (that makes 2 b...

I honestly had a difficult time selecting where to stay in Gili T. I was already booked in Villa Julius, when for some reason, I decided to change my mind. I tried to look for a room in the more high-end Villa Ombok and Luce D'Alma, but they were already full. I also called Scallywags, the number one choice in Tripadvisor, but that was also full. Thus, I ended up in The Beach House, which was also highly recommended by travel blogs. I was picked up in Lombok and privately transferred via speedboat in front of the resort in Gili T. The Beach House had an ambience of a upscale accommodation for a backpacker. It had that backpacker vibe, but had more luxury. There were several accommodation types in the Beach House, from villas to tree houses. I booked a deluxe bungalow for P3,000 (IDR 500,000) a night. For this type of accommodation, that's already cheap compared to those you find here in the Philippines. The room was very spacious. It even had a walk in closet that was oddly bar...

From Senggigi, I was picked up by my resort in Gili T and drove straight to a private pier for around 10 minutes. I was amazed at the lush scenery and the view of the islands of the Gilis from the dramatic coastal road that I passed though. From the pier, I took a speed boat to Gili T. All of this cost me P1,500 (IRD 180,000). A bit expensive, but I didn't want to risk losing time. And besides, my goal was to relax. The Gilis are a cluster of 3 islands off Lombok. The largest of the islands, Gili Trawangan is the busiest and has the most resorts. Gili Meno and Gili Air are smaller, but also has their share of places to stay. The Gilis boast of white sand beaches, beautiful coral reefs and of course, true island vibe. My choice of resort was The Beach House, just near the pier at central Gili T. When I arrived, I realized that it wasn't the best choice. The oldest and biggest resort, Villa Ombak, looked to have the best value. More on The Beach House in my next entry. Gili T was...

Lombok has always been an elusive destination for me. Ever since I have been visiting Bali, I try to make a trip to Lombok, but to no avail. This time, I made it happen. Getting to Lombok is tricky for a lot of reasons. If you're coming from Bali, there are several options to choose from. Taking the fast ferry is perhaps the most popular, but is the most expensive. One way to Lombok or the Boracay-like islands of the Gilis will set you back P2,800 (IDR 450,000). And that's just one-way. You get there in 2 hours, through rough waters. Hence if you're not accustomed to the sea, then you'll be in pain all the way. The fast ferry though can take you straight to the Gilis, which is usually the ultimate destination of people going to Lombok. The other option is by plane, which is faster (30 minutes) and costs P2,400 one-way (IDR 400,000). Call it weird, but it is cheaper. However, the plane lands in Mataram, the capital of Lombok island. If you're going to Gilis, then it ...

Enchante is the newest and long overdue restaurant of Chef Jessie Sinsioco. I'm so glad that she decided to set up in Ortigas, where I live. I think that Ortigas has no good restaurant, until Enchante and Cafe 1771 arrived. Enchante was recommended to me by a friend, and I didn't think it would be this busy on a Sunday. Well, it was Mother's Day that day, so probably, they had more guests than usual. I like the bright interiors. Enchante is located in the Joy-Nostalg Center, where Oakwood is. It's not part of Oakwood, and you enter the ADB side of the building to get to the restaurant. Now let's go down to the food. This was the Smoked Salmon, Grilled Prawn and Sauteed Mushroom Salad (P495). There were two pieces of perfectly grilled prawns that had an unforgettable smoky flavor. I didn't care much for the Smoked Salmon though, but everything blended well in the creamy balsamic dressing. There was a Special Menu for moms, and it was my Dad who ordered the set (g...