Laidler Family at Gili Meno

Grandma & Poppy are here!!! As well as Aunty Jess, Uncle Adam & Uncle Xakk - a very close family friends of the Laidlers - ALL in Bali! woohooo!

And who's enjoying the attention very very much????

ngada-ngada je kan?

showing off her swimming skills to grandma

kicking around with Aunty Jess & Uncle Xakk

We just spent the last 4 days in the very beautiful secluded amazing island called Gili Meno - the one mentioned in the last chapters of the book "Eat, Pray, Love". (if you still haven't read it just go to the bookstore and have a peek at the last few pages!)

There are 3 most famous Gilis in Lombok - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air. Trawangan is the biggest and the most happening, some say it's getting more & more like Kuta. Gili Meno is the quietest and most secluded one, suitable for honeymooners, some say the most beautiful one too. Gili Air is somewhere in between.

It's a 3-4 hour boat ride from Sanur OR a 1/2 hour flight to Lombok + 40 min drive + 10 mins speedboat ride to Gili Meno. It probably works out about the same time to get to the paradise destination but we went with the latter because it worked out cheaper. Also the little fact that I don't do well on long boat rides, I get sea sick like crazy and was SO glad the flight thingy was cheaper and everyone else agreed with that option! Phew!!

The flight from Bali to Lombok was super quick but the drive from the airport to the boat is about 40 mins. The moment we arrived in Lombok, I could feel a different kinda vibe already. Lombok is mainly muslims so the familiarity of it all warms my heart a lil bit. I love the fact that I wouldn't have to worry about the food cos it's all halal! woohoo! There's mosques everywhere instead of temples. It's very peaceful and serene. It's a beautiful beautiful place. The scenic route to get to the boat was breathtaking, with rows and rows of palm trees surrounding the white sandy beaches with mountains and hills as the backdrop.

The 10 min boat ride was quick & fun. Upon arriving we thought of getting the Cidomo - cart & horsey, the only mode of transportation on the island by the way, to our accommodation. But because we're told it was really close by and the Cidomo can only take 2 pax at a time, we walked not even 5 mins to Tao-Kombo, our port of relaxation for the next 3 nights.

It was a cheaper option, with just the basics. No tv, no phone, no air-cond, not even little complimentary soaps & shampoos. But we don't need them really. Well, except for soap - my MIL bought a bar of soap to share and I have Ayisha's little baby wash packets. But truly, we didn't miss the other stuff. Our days were spent hanging out at the magnificently clear blue water beautiful beach, snorkeling, walking around the island, eating, reading, having massages. And at night it was just so peaceful (except for the 1st night where we could hear the partying from Gili Trawangan! sabo jek) we'd hang out at our special comfy favorite spot at Tao Kombo for dinner & games, with the very lovely staff accommodating to all our needs, they were just excellent!

Our fav spot - where we eat & hang out 70% of the time

a.m.a.z.i.n.g

Cidomo

must-do with dad

It's definitely one of the best vacation destination that we've had and it made it all the more special and doubly fun to have our loved ones to share it with. When I see how much fun Ayisha's having and how so very comfortable she is with everyone, loving their company & attention, it makes me so very happy I could cry! ;)

Jess, Adam & Xakk will be leaving soon but Grandma & Poppy will be here for the next 2 weeks. Also, Ayisha's turning 2 in 2 days and we're going to have a par-taaaaaaaaay this coming weekend! Yipppeee! (as always, mum lah yg over!)