Ubud - Lombok with fast ferry and infinity pool

Early in the morning we drive off from Ubud towards Padang Bai, the port for the crossing to Lombok. At 6 am it is partly cloudy at 29 degrees. Because we have our suitcases with us, we have booked a car with a driver for this stretch. Our driver comes 20 minutes late but then drives like hell, like in the movie Fast & Furious, and manages to drop us off on time by overtaking all cars and scooters on the 1.5 hour drive.

The port is pure chaos but we manage to get on board our fast ferry, the Ekajaya. The crossing is very smooth compared to the rough drive this morning, but they play really loud party music at 8 am, as our first stop is Gili Trawangan, the party island before Lombok. It is one of the three small Gili Islands off the northwest coast of Lombok. The cover photo shows small boats with dark sails in front of blue mountain ranges.

As we arrive in Lombok we are very glad that the transfer is now in the past, and we are looking forward to our stay here, as we are in one of the best hotels. At 11 am we arrive at the port of Senggigi, under a clear sky at 28 degrees. From on board we see forested slopes with palm trees and radio masts, a few houses right at the shore and a sailing boat lying at anchor.

At 12 noon we are in Medana in West Lombok. Our hotel is the most beautiful hotel we ever stayed in, directly at the private beach with an infinity pool overlooking the palm trees and beach. In the evening the sky behind the palm trees turns orange, and the pool mirrors them in its smooth water.

We wear flower garlands around our necks and stand in front of the pool, with palm trees, parasols and the sea behind us. On a wooden tray stands a small layered snack with two orange pieces on skewers between two glasses of a yellowish brown drink, next to two rolled up white towels. We enjoy oriental food. On the board there is flatbread with herbs, cucumber strips, a light dip with oil and spice and a white dip with olives. And there is coconut to go with it.

On the beach a few stones lie in the light sand, a large tree stands at the edge, and in the distance a long jetty juts out into the water. At sunset the sun is an orange strip under a dark blanket of cloud and reflects in the calm sea.

On the lawn between the palm trees stand loungers, and behind them the sky glows orange. In the smooth water of the infinity pool the palm trees and the orange of the sky are reflected.