Saying goodbye to the cool climate of Malang and the memory of Rawon Setan (whose name still gave Andrea slight shivers) felt both sweet and full of anticipation. The next destination: Lombok! An exotic island in West Nusa Tenggara promising white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and, of course, a new culinary challenge ready to test The Corrs' taste buds (and patience).
The flight to Lombok Praya International Airport went smoothly. This time, Jim didn't ask too many questions about the aircraft engine; he seemed still engrossed in contemplating the mystery of the Bromo volcanic dust. Andrea was better prepared with an eye mask and a calming music playlist to preempt turbulence (which never arrived). Sharon was busy reading a book about Sasak culture lent by Nisa, while Caroline was occupied editing the apple-eating contest video from yesterday to upload to her private Instagram account.
As soon as they landed in Lombok, the difference in atmosphere was immediately palpable. The air was warmer, drier, with a faint scent of the sea. The welcome at the airport was, of course, arranged by the joint Palace and local government protocol team, but Nisa ensured the atmosphere remained relaxed. The rhythmic, pounding music of Gendang Beleq greeted them, making Caroline immediately nod her head to the beat.
"Now this is music that lifts the spirit!" she cheered.
The drive to their accommodation in the southern Lombok coastal area (a secluded location was chosen for maximum privacy) offered a different landscape from Java. Barren but exotic limestone hills merged with the stunning blue coastline. Local houses with distinctive Sasak rice barns (lumbung padi) looked unique along the road.
"This place feels... wilder? More raw?" commented Sharon, trying to find the right word.
"Exactly, Sharon. Lombok has its own charm. It's quieter than Bali, but its nature is no less spectacular," Nisa replied, pointing towards the white sandy beach visible in the distance.
Their accommodation wasn't a grand five-star hotel, but rather a complex of beautifully private villas, located in a hidden small bay with direct access to a deserted white sandy beach. Each villa had a small private pool and a terrace directly facing the sea. Truly the definition of paradise on Earth for relaxation.
"OH MY GOD! DID WE JUST STEP INTO A TOURISM BROCHURE?!" Andrea shrieked upon seeing the view from her villa terrace. An expanse of clean white sand, clear turquoise-blue gradient seawater, and swaying coconut trees. She immediately dropped her handbag and ran toward the shore, ignoring Alex's shouts reminding her to put on sunblock first.
Caroline and Sharon were no less mesmerized. They immediately pulled out their phones, busy capturing every angle of the private beach's beauty. Jim? He found a large rock on the beach and immediately sat on it, gazing out at the open sea with a contemplative look. Who knows what was on his mind this time. Perhaps the relationship between the ebb and flow of the tide and the blue whale's menstrual cycle, who can say?