A Romantic Trip of Mr and Mrs Chang from Taiwan

As a travel mate that focuses on romantic and family trips, it's always been an honor to assist new wed couples whose desires are to have an ultimate romantic, yet adventurous, journey in Lombok.

We've been dealing with numerous couples and we'd like to share the romantic and adventurous journey of our latest clients, Mr and Mrs Chih Chang, from Taiwan.

They spent 5days 4nights, 2 nights in Gili Trawangan and 2 nights in Qunci Villas. We  had a great time discussing and arranging their trip. They shared their dreams and expectation and we did our best to make them happen and suggested an itinerary which they finally accepted after 2 months of discussion :-)

So here is a glimpse of their journey in Lombok. Enjoy!

PS. All pics are courtesy of Mr and Mrs Chih Chang

The awesome view from Airport to Kokomo's Private Harbour to Gili Trawangan

We arranged a speed boat transfer
to take them to KOKOMO in GTrawangan

KOKOMO - Gili Trawangan

KOKOMO - Gili Trawangan

KOKOMO - Gili Trawangan

KOKOMO - Gili Trawangan

sunset at cloudy Trawangan

Gili Trawangan

During The Glass Bottom Boat Trip around 3 Gilis

Moved to Qunci Villas
and stay at Ocean View Room

Gili Kesun Exploration

Gili Kesun

Lunch at Menega

Awesome Qunci

Romantic decoration at Qunci Villas

Romantic Dinner at Novotel Hotel

Our Valentine's Day Gift to them

Want to have your Romantic Getaway in Lombok?
Feel free to contact us:
Email: abbatourandtravel@gmail.com
Tweeter: @YourTripMate  
Whatssap: +6287878405640

XOXO

Your Trip Mate

Marina Srikandi Fast Boat

One way of getting in to Lombok from Bali, besides by flight or (4-6 hours) ferry boat, is by using fast boats. There are so many fast boat organizers you can choose. One of the most recommended one is Marina Srikandi.

Boasting for its realiable, fast boat services from anywhere in Bali to Senggigi, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Mainland Lombok, Marina Srikandi makes it possible for you who are in Bali and want to cross over from Bali to Lombok without the hassle of spending more time on the road from the Lombok International airport to, let's say, Senggigi Area or Gili Trawangan.

Moreover, their service includes pick up and drop off in Bali. Let's take a look closer to what Marina Srikandi can offer us!

Marina Srikandi's publish fare is IDR 450K/one way
We have #PromoDeal of IDR 375K/one way/pax
valid until 31 March 2014

To be able to give a good review and recommendation to our clients, we took a return trip from Senggigi - Bali - Senggigi. And we'd like to share our experience using them.

From Senggigi to Bali

Our trip back, from Padang Bai to Senggigi

One thing we can highlight from Marina Srikandi is that they are on time. They were on time arriving at Senggigi Harbour and on time to pick us up in Bali with their van to take us to Padang Bai as well. So we won't complain about their time arrangement.

The jetty in Senggigi

For the boat itself, we are happy to see that it is clean and neat. The seats are comfortable enough for us to spend approximately 75 minutes. They also provide 1 bottle of mineral water to each passenger. 

Comfortable interior

In general, it was a smooth sailing for us. We were able to see the other side of Bali and Lombok from the sea. The view when the boat is approaching Padang Bai Harbour or Senggigi Harbour or the Gilis is awesome.

Sophisticated boat design

So, Marina Srikandi is really a good alternative if you want to cross over from Bali to Lombok without wasting time on the flight and on the road from BIL to Senggigi or Gili Area, indeed :-)

Feel free to contact us for more info and details.

Cheers,

@YourTripMate   

Romantic Dinner at Holiday Resort- Mangsit Beach

Indonesian candlelight

Siomay Bandung

Steamed chicken and shrimp dumpling served spicy peanut sauce

*****

Bebalung

Clear ox-tail flavored with young tamarind leave soup

*****

Lemon Sherbert

*****

Tenggiri Steak

With sambal mentah sauce served with steamed rice

 garden vegetables

or

Rendang Padang

Served with steamed rice & sautéed julienne vegetables

*****

Bubur injin

Rice porridge with palm sugar and coconut milk

******

Coffee or tea

ROMANTIC SEA BREEZE CANDLELIGHT

Seashell with olive oil lime dressing

*****

Tamatar Kha Shorba

Spicy roasted tomato soup

*****

Lime Sherbet

*****

Pan-Roasted Rack of Lamb

with potato gratin and  red chili curry sauce

Or

Pan-fried Norwegian salmon

with boiled potato and cauliflower purée

******

Tiramizu

*****

Selection of Teas or Coffee

RATE: USD 65/Couple

Contact us for details and reservation.

Gili Cooking Classes

Whether Indonesian food is your favorite one, or cooking is your hobby, or maybe just out of curiosity, there is no better way to learn Indonesian cooking than once you are in Indonesia.

​

‘Gili Cooking Classes’ are 3 hours courses, conducted in English by Indonesian professional chefs. Their experienced teachers will guide you through a session of “completely hands-on” fun filled courses with emphasis on the art of fine Indonesian cooking in a relaxed social environment.

The courses are focused on traditional Indonesian cuisine using the freshest local & seasonal products. During the class, you will learn traditional and practical techniques, as well as the substitutions to Indonesian local ingredients as to ensure you can prepare the dishes authentically and innovatively back home.

Located right in front of the Night Market Place in Gili Trawangan, ‘Gili Cooking Classes’ will immerse you right in the atmosphere of local life and Indonesian culture. You will prepare every dish by yourself before enjoying a nice and friendly outdoor dinner sitting around the bar.

After taking a ‘Gili Cooking Class’, you will be able to test your new found skills at home with family and friends, using their helpful recipe guide of traditional Indonesian dishes.

Half day Program:

Morning session: From 11:30 AM – 02:30 PM

Afternoon session: From 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM

PRICE FOR THE COOKING CLASSES

​

The price is rp 385,000 per person

Group prices

for 4 guests: rp363,000 
5-6 guests: rp330,000 
7-8 guests: rp297,000

• It includes free tea, coffee and water during the class
• The price includes your dinner or lunch (with the food you have cooked ^^)

Feel free to contact us for details.

Why You Should Use A Travel Consultant For Your Honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon while planning your wedding can definitely add extra burden and stress! 

Let us try to describe why you should use a travel consultant for arranging and preparing your honeymoon.

One of the first decisions couples face when planning their honeymoon is whether to use the services of a travel agent. A do-it-yourself approach may sound alluring and adventurous, especially if you have a preconceived notion of your honeymoon. However, going it alone may pan out more adventures than you signed up for!

We realize that wedding planning can be quite stressful and time consuming. We feel that planning a honeymoon should not be. We begin with an initial meeting with you.  Getting to know you helps us guide you through the entire honeymoon design and honeymoon planning process holding your hand every step of the way.

Like working with a bridal consultant, a travel consultant can offer you many perks. In addition to doing all of your booking (for accommodations, transportation, and anything else you'll need in advance), you will also benefit from the agent's globetrotting expertise and access to insider discounts. In many cases, agents can obtain better deals for you than even the most discounted travel websites, and in some cases, your agent will be able to get you package deals.

Think how you’d handle these situations:
    1.    A few days before the wedding, you get a call.  Your flight is cancelled, and you had booked your own air online.
    2.    You also have booked your own accommodation, transport, etc.
    3.    Furthermore, you didn’t know about travel insurance.

So NOW, you have to figure out who to call first, what to do.  

In any of these instances, the services of a travel agent would prove invaluable. You would not have to worry. Your travel consultant would make sure alternate arrangements are made. Despite what you may think, your travel agent will probably save you money compared to what you could book on your own. And, if this is the first big trip you’ve ever planned, you really need a travel consultant – things go wrong, airlines change schedules, natural disasters get in the way, you name it. 

I handle my clients’ travel arrangements directly, so if the resort they have reserved goes on sale, for example, I am notified and can match the sale price for them.

I can also help troubleshoot problems.

If there is a flight schedule change or cancellation, I can act right away to resolve the issue.

With an online booking site, you don’t get that personal service.

They don’t know you or anything about your trip

- See more at: http://www.estateweddingsandevents.com/wedding-planning-2/why-you-should-work-with-a-travel-agent-to-plan-your-honeymoon/#sthash.CcqktnCh.dpuf

A travel consultant handle your travel arrangements directly, so if the resort you  have reserved goes on sale, for example, she will let you know. A consultant can also help troubleshoot problems. If there's a flight schedule change/cancellation, she can act right away to resolve the issue. One more thing is that with online booking sites, you don’t get that personal service. They don’t know you or anything about your trip.

So, now that you’ve decided you’d rather leave it to the experts, you need to find an expert – travel consultant, that is.

Many travel consultants, like us, require a nominal, nonrefundable deposit upfront. Don’t be discouraged by this policy. Often, it means you’re taken seriously, and your travel consultant will take her time in planning your honeymoon. Keep an open dialog with your travel consultant, and the end result is the perfect honeymoon for you.

Finally, keep your mind open to suggestions your travel agent may have.  

I handle my clients’ travel arrangements directly, so if the resort they have reserved goes on sale, for example, I am notified and can match the sale price for them.

I can also help troubleshoot problems.

If there is a flight schedule change or cancellation, I can act right away to resolve the issue.

With an online booking site, you don’t get that personal service.

They don’t know you or anything about your trip.

- See more at: http://www.estateweddingsandevents.com/wedding-planning-2/why-you-should-work-with-a-travel-agent-to-plan-your-honeymoon/#sthash.CcqktnCh.dpu

I handle my clients’ travel arrangements directly, so if the resort they have reserved goes on sale, for example, I am notified and can match the sale price for them.

I can also help troubleshoot problems.

If there is a flight schedule change or cancellation, I can act right away to resolve the issue.

With an online booking site, you don’t get that personal service.

They don’t know you or anything about your trip

- See more at: http://www.estateweddingsandevents.com/wedding-planning-2/why-you-should-work-with-a-travel-agent-to-plan-your-honeymoon/#sthash.CcqktnCh.dpuf

I handle my clients’ travel arrangements directly, so if the resort they have reserved goes on sale, for example, I am notified and can match the sale price for them.

I can also help troubleshoot problems.

If there is a flight schedule change or cancellation, I can act right away to resolve the issue.

With an online booking site, you don’t get that personal service.

They don’t know you or anything about your trip.

- See more at: http://www.estateweddingsandevents.com/wedding-planning-2/why-you-should-work-with-a-travel-agent-to-plan-your-honeymoon/#sthash.CcqktnCh.dpuf

I handle my clients’ travel arrangements directly, so if the resort they have reserved goes on sale, for example, I am notified and can match the sale price for them.

I can also help troubleshoot problems.

If there is a flight schedule change or cancellation, I can act right away to resolve the issue.

With an online booking site, you don’t get that personal service.

They don’t know you or anything about your trip.

- See more at: http://www.estateweddingsandevents.com/wedding-planning-2/why-you-should-work-with-a-travel-agent-to-plan-your-honeymoon/#sthash.CcqktnCh.dpuf

xoxo

YourTripMate

-Travel Consultant -

Feel free to contact us thru:

Email: abbatourandtravel@gmail.com

Twitter: @YourTripMate 
LINE: yourtripmate
Whatssap: +62 87878405640

Common Travel Mistakes We Should Avoid!

Even the most meticulously planned trip is subject to snafus, but with a little insider know-how, you can avoid making the common mistakes that can derail a vacation. Stick to the guidelines below, and you're more likely to have a trip that's memorable not for lost luggage and rushed sightseeing, but for the thrill of discovering a new place and savoring it.

1. Overpacking

At home, with your complete wardrobe available, there's no reason not to run through work, workout and working-the-clubs outfits in a single day.

But when your life is crammed into a couple bags, your fashion morality changes.

Those socks you wore on the plane should be good for another go.

The purple tee you slept in ought to be alright for a third wear.

Yesterday's undies? Well ...

According to a recent survey by Travelodge, two-thirds of travelers typically return from a trip with at least six unworn outfits.

The lesson: You don't need a new set of anything for each day of a trip. Figure on at least two wears for (almost) everything.

2. Not buying something you like as soon as you see it

You think you're gonna circle back to that shop.

You think you'll see a cheaper, better version somewhere else.

You won't.

That evocative street painting or those Metallica nesting dolls you didn't buy? Now not having them will haunt you for the rest of your life.

When you see something you like, just buy it and live without regret.

3. Trusting "near city center" descriptions

"Near city center" is like a Bible verse -- open to vast interpretation.

When you find the money you saved on your "near city center" hotel is being spent on 30-minute commutes and outrageous taxi fares, you know you've committed one of the cardinal sins of travel.

Online booking websites do not describe specific location of the accommodations they put on. Discuss what you want and dont want to your travel consultant.

4. Taking the "super" shuttle

Wait on the curb for a ride in a sweat-soaked van or bus (i.e. DAMRI BUS) and risk being the last one dropped off on a nine-hotel run, all in the name of saving a few bucks?

Your time is worth more than that.

Adam Carolla brilliantly sums up this classic travel blunder in his book, "In Fifty Years We'll All Be Chicks."

"The shuttle is the worst a few Rupiahs you'll ever save. It adds 90 minutes to whatever a Town Car or cab would have been. You have the unenviable choice between being dropped off last or being dropped off first and having a bunch of losers who can't afford cab fare and have no friends or loved ones with cars knowing exactly where you live."

The lesson: Take our private car service where we will take you directly to wherever your destination is after landing at Lombok International Airport.

5. Trying too hard to chisel out a bargain

There's no faster way to become embittered with the locals than going toe-to-toe with a market full of hungry sales people and shopkeepers.

Yes, we understand there's principle involved, but do you really need to whittle the equivalent of fifty cents off the price of an embroidered handbag that's going to sit in the back of a closet anyway?

Just buy the damn thing and spare your heart the cortisol burst for when it actually needs it.

6. Buying cheap flip-flops

You think, "I'm only gonna wear 'em for a week, I might not even take 'em home, why buy the good ones?"

The answer comes when you blow out a toe strap and shred the bottom of your foot a mile into a hike across the local lava beds.

And now you have to go back.

7. Fearing street food

No one wants to get sick on vacation, but why travel all the way to Lombok and not eat the local grub?

The locals don't like food poisoning any more than you do. If they're in line, consider the place vetted and assume you're going to be fine.

Click here for ideas on local food Lombok can indulge you.

8. Over-reliance on guidebooks

Making a travel plan using only your guidebook is like making a plan to stand in line at the bank for a week.

Guidebooks are great -- we use them all the time -- but it's best to pull just one or two suggestions per day from a guide that thousands of like-minded travelers have read or downloaded.

Again, plan your trip with a travel consultant will save you from wasting a lot of money, effort, and possibilities of becoming stressful in arranging your trip. 

9. Obsessive photography

The obsession/obligation to document every street scene, templs and starter course kills the spontaneity and visceral experience that should be the backbone of travel.

It's now so easy to take photos that one click leads to another.

Before you know it, you have 300 pictures on your phone comprising old buildings, blurry sunsets and plates of food.

Congratulations. Your trip is now defined by low-quality images on a handset that, trust us, nobody back home wants to spend 20 minutes scrolling through.

10. Not printing out reservation details

They're already on your phone and computer, so why bother with hard copies of your hotel name and address?

Because your phone, computer, tablet and other electronics might not work with the local network as soon as you land, especially after crossing oceans.

Now where are you supposed to go? 

*This post is inspired by this.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

For starters, SPF stands for sun protection factor. The numbers don't refer to how long you can spend outside without getting a sunburn, they refer to the amount of UVB protection the product offers. Sunscreens with SPF 15 filter out 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 filters out 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays.

The thing is, wearing a sunscreen with a higher number won't allow you to stay out longer, since the effectiveness of sunscreen decreases over time. Plus if you're active, either swimming or sweating in the sun, the moisture can wash sunscreen away, leaving your skin less protected. So choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15. If you have fair skin that burnseasily, choose a higher SPF. Since UVA rays lead to wrinkling and sun spots, you want to make sure the bottle also says it's a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours — don't wait to see if your skin is turning red before reapplying since a sunburn may take up to 24 hours to appear fully.

The sunscreen aisle of the grocery store or drugstore these days is big and confusing. The shelves are loaded with gels, sticks, sprays, and oil-free versions in addition to the traditional lotions we grew up with.

What's the best kind to get? That depends on you, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

The best sunscreen is the one you're willing to use every day. The next step is to ask yourself these six questions to help make a perfect sunscreen match:

6 Questions to Ask

1. Are you sporty? Then the gels are best, as they adhere well while you move and sweat, he says.
2. Do you break out? Then the oil-free kind is best. Do you have dry skin? Use a creamy sunscreen. 
3. Do you have sensitive skin or rosacea? Then stay away from chemical blockers, opting for mineral (or physical) blockers instead. They use either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface. Chemical blockers are absorbed into the skin and can be irritating.
4. Are you shopping for your kids? Then the stick kind is best as its formulation is waxy, which keeps it from dripping into their eyes. If you have a baby or toddler, choose a mineral/physical sunblock (think zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that may be less irritating to the skin. But if you have a baby who is less than 6 months old, you should keep her out of the sun. "Babies have much more sensitive skin than adults, and sunscreen should be avoided," states the American Academy of Dermatology's web site.
5. Are you bald? It doesn't matter what kind of sunscreen you use, just make sure to slather the sunscreen all over your head. Or better yet, wear a hat. Even better? Do both, said Whitney Bowe, MD, assistant medical director for cosmetic and laser services at Advanced Dermatology PC in Westchester, N.Y. 
6. Are you hairy? Then the sprays and gels are best as they don't take forever to rub in, clinging to hairs like creams do, Zeichner says.

Apply It Right

Apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go outside so that it has a chance to adhere to your skin in a cool environment. If you put it on while you're outside, you could sweat it off, Bowe says. 

You probably need to use more than you think: at least 1ounce -- or a full shot glass worth -- for your whole body every two hours, more often if you've gone swimming or have been sweating, Bowe says. Your face needs a nickel-sized amount. 

Seems like too much? It's not. Research has shown that most people only apply a quarter to half the amount their body actually needs. And that can leave you, well, burned. "Applying half the amount will effectively give you protection of the square root of the SPF," Zeichner says.

Reapply right after swimming and sweating. If you've been using a water-resistant sunscreen, check the label to see how long the water resistance lasts.  

Don't forget your lips, which need a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Got an old bottle of sunscreen? It may be time to replace it.  If you’ve had it a year or more, check the expiration date on the bottle.

With sunscreen has already been applied on u,
u can have a blast in Lombok for sure! ^^