Flashed back 5 years ago, I have made a decision to take a break in my life after more than 12 years working life. A 6 months break without a job and 2 weeks Solo Trip to Lombok.
Looking back now and these are the priceless experienced that I gained where no one would understand on such crazy decision that I made to some people.
It’s never common when I decided to quit and go for a break like 5 years back. Many comments that I have gotten are not positive as people are just wondering why and how you gonna survived? Just few people know about taking a break is essential. This is because they have been through it and totally agreed that we need a break before carry on our life back.
And why Lombok? Lol. I never heard of this island but by chance an Indonesia girlfriend who come from Lombok has introduced me her hometown, this beautiful island. Lombok is just situated next to Bali. Bali is bit more commercialize those day compared to Lombok.
Without much research and I booked a direct flight from Air Asia to Lombok for 2 weeks. At first, I wanted to give it a try like those Foreigner Travellers where they just booked one way ticket to a place, go with the flow and do not know when is the return ticket all. Unfortunately, being an Asian and I am pretty much skeptical 😅😅😅.
I have booked my return tickets and booked 3 different hotels in differents area (Kuta Lombok, Gili Air & Senggigi) . That’s about it. I have no idea what to do and where to go in my itinerary. Guess that is the bravery thing I have ever done. ✌️✌️✌️
I brought 4 books with me as I thought it’s gonna be bored being travel alone for 2 weeks. Ended up, I do not have a single chance to take a book from my bag. Ridiculous and funny when friends are checking on the numbers of books read. 🤣🤣🤣
My 1st feeling being on Solo is it’s open up my observation compared to those days traveling with friends or family. I tend to look around and observe more on the surrounding. As well, trying to get eyes contact with someone so I can smile and say hi. 😊😊😊
Photo Taken when all of them thought I’m Korean but ended up Malaysian. They feel warm and ask for photo.
Lombok, overall has giving me a good memory as well eliminated my worry to be alone with Indonesian around. Most of the time I was surrounded by a group of nice friendly staffs with me. They are really taking care of me and brought me to witness the local culture after their work time. What’s a blessed.
They have no intention, no request and of course not expecting a return to offer me such a good experience to be closer to local culture. What is the opening between me and the local most of the time is, they will greet me in Korean. Annyeonghaseyo! Then I will reply ‘Apa Khabar?’ (means How are you in my National Language). They all will start to feel curious where am I coming from. I said Malaysia. Then we converse in Malays. That is making them so warm and give me lot of helpful information.
Photo showing the local stick fighting competition. 95% locals.
Photo showing horse riding by kids.
Photo showing me on motorcycle ride to Seger Beach for their annual big event, Bau Nyale Festival. And this the Nyale, worms. Believe after eating this will keep you young. 🤣 I tried though. But I’m not going to show the photo with me eating it.
Photo showing my friendly part time driver cum Tourism teacher. I followed him to his class, met the students and his wife& kid.
Photo showing the American girl that I known through the trip. It’s just a click for both of us and talk non-stop till she followed me to the last destination. Traveling a year from Europe to Asia. Lombok is her 1st Asian country.
Trust me, you gotto at least experience it once in a lifetime. No regret and a good memory for me. 😍 😍 😍
All About Life and Balance 