Christmas in a Tropical Land

This year Christmas was definitely different. I stayed with friends in North Bali for a few days before heading to Kuta, Lombok, the island east of Bali. North Bali was so beautiful and peaceful and exactly what I wanted for Christmas. We drove from North Bali down to the port in Padang Bai to catch the ferry that would take us to Lombok.  The drive was the most beautiful ride ever! Ocean views, mountains, rice paddies, palm trees. It was simply beautiful and it was so nice to see the Bali landscape. The ferry only took 3 hours but we ended up waiting 2 hours at the port in Lombok before we could get off. Luckily I was with a great group of friends so it didn't matter! We also got to see one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen.

Life in the Ring of Fire: volcanoes in the distance (East Java)--photo taken from Bali port.

Resort life: We stayed at this beautiful resort right on the beach for Christmas. 

Christmas Eve Dinner--Balinese dance performance to follow!

There was a Christmas tree!

The path to our bungalow! It had the coolest outdoor shower!

Cute facets

We ended up staying at a different place each night. Each with its own character. Here are some photos of the place we stayed at on Christmas day night. 

Ferry ride to Lombok. Lombok is much less developed than Bali so not as crazy and touristy which was wonderful.

Matt manning our bags

So model-esque: motorbike attire at it's finest.

On the ferry we saw one of the most beautiful sunsets of all time. I took tons of photos ..here are a few. The photos simply cannot capture just how incredible it was.

The first place we stayed in Lombok is below. It is about an hour from the Lembar Port. There were many beautiful shells washed up along the shore.

A temple in the water

Kuta, Lombok (a little over an hour from where we stayed the first night). The beaches are divine. Turquoise water, mountains, palm trees, warm water..heavenly. We had a great time in Kuta! I also ate the most delicious ikan bakar (grilled fish) I have ever had.
 

Making friends

Kuta Beach in Lombok is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to and I cannot wait to return with Sean when he visits!