The maps that appear below are of the 1st country we hit (Indonesia) and our 1st stop (Bali), Lombok and the Gili Islands. If you take a close look at the attached map of Bali, it is almost the exact same shape as the island of Maui in Hawaii. However, I believe Bali is 3X the size of Maui.
VISA –
A visa can be obtained on arrival and is valid for a 30 day stay. Indonesia can be hard work to travel through properly — and the limiting 30-day visa on arrival does not help those really wanting to explore the 17,000-island archipelago fully. However, if you desire more time, you can apply for a 60 day tourist visa prior to departure or you can extend the 30 day visa on arrival for an additional 30 days by visiting the immigration office, once in Indonesia.
Aside from the popular island of Bali, Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s least explored countries in terms of backpacker hordes and mass tourism.
The Gili Islands of Lombok, are real popular for their amazing beaches and partying. The three Gili Islands include: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. We were able to visit Gili T and Gili Air. We will leave Gili Meno on deck for a future visit to this region.
Our month in Indonesia has come to an end and we really barely even scratched the surface. We were able to cover a good portion of Bali and only a small part of Lombok (Gili Islands). Our 30 day visas have expired and when we return to Indonesia, we hope to visit the mainland of Lombok. Also, the island of Java, and specifically, Yogyakarta with its famous nearby temples of Borobudur and Prambanan which I have heard are pretty amazing sites. I have also heard good things about Rote Island from my peeps here in Bali.
Bali was a real special place. I will never forget the smiles on every single local I came in contact with (whether they were involved in the tourist industry or just local villagers). They all appeared so happy and content with their slow and simple lifestyle and a prime example that less can be more. They clearly have the right outlook on life, living in peace with nature and themselves in their local villages. The Gili Islands of Lombok are absolute must visits for their super laid back beach atmosphere and are a fantastic tie-in with a Bali visit.
This video perfectly encapsulates the sights and sounds of a visit to Bali…. A true paradise.
Now onto Bangkok and the journey continues thru Thailand. (The Land of Smiles)
Big Doug & Barbie Drop Out of Society 