5 well-rated resorts & villas in Lombok, Indonesia to stay in 2025

Royal Avila Boutique Resort in Lombok

Heard of Lombok?

I first saw it via an article somewhere and did a search because it was my first time hearing of the name too.

Anyway, if it’s your first time too, Lombok is apparently an Indonesian island east of Bali and it’s only less than 3 hours from Singapore.

Flight time, yeah?

I think it’s a lesser-known area worth exploring if you’re into beaches, surfing, and snorkeling.

So to aid you in your planning, here’s a quick list of well-rated resorts and villas in Lombok, Indonesia to stay in 2025.

Thank us later! ☺️

Pearl Sunset Resort

Pearl Sunset Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (1.6K+ reviews)

First up at Pearl Sunset Resort, you can access the sands of Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach in a six-minute stroll.

Stake your claim on a sunbed with an ice-cold cocktail from Malibu Beach Club and soak up the Indonesia sunsets while waves lap at your feet.

When it’s time to turn in, take your pick from deluxe rooms to suites overlooking the sea.

Royal Avila Boutique Resort

Royal Avila Boutique Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (720+ reviews)

Or consider this resort on a cliff’s edge between a turquoise sea and hillsides.

The Royal Avila Boutique Resort is a 5-star Lombok accommodation mere minutes from Malimbu Hill, one that seduces with luxury and Balinese magic.

Whether it’s a premier room you book or you choose to splurge on an oceanview suite or penthouse, picture-postcard scenery awaits.

There’s also an on-site infinity pool overlooking the waves.

Kaleydo Villas

Kaleydo Villas

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (720+ reviews)

Here’s your slice of paradise just 500 m from La Cala Beach Club Gili Trawangan.

Kaleydo Villas offers various villa options including deluxe twin and family villas.

Honeymoon villas are available too!

For indulgence at its peak, you may want to book a villa with a private pool for undistracted dips under the stars.

Of course, you will also have access to the shared pool when you’re in the mood to see other humans.

However you spend your days in Lombok, returning to your Kaleydo villa is like the cherry on top.

The Oberoi Lombok

The Oberoi Lombok

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (670+ reviews)

Next, we have The Oberoi Lombok, a 5-star beach resort with its stretch of sand and blue waters just steps away.

Unwind in pavilion rooms, luxury villas, or royal ocean-view villas with private pools.

The resort’s location is right on The Lombok Lodge Beach and a walkable distance to Medana Bay Marina Beach means more shores to explore.

Shape up at the on-site pavilion-style gym if you’d like or opt to lounge poolside if calorie-burning isn’t a priority.

For home-like stays, the royal villas offer full kitchenettes.

The Chandi Boutique Resort

The Chandi Boutique Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.4K+ reviews)

Last but not least, situated just a short stroll from the Makam Batu Layar scenic spot and a 6-minute drive from Senggigi Beach, we have The Chandi Boutique Resort offering various room options including standard ones and garden/ocean villas.

The pool area also has ocean views—a great spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset.

Speaking of drinks with a view, the resort also offers al fresco dining.

Read More...

4 best-rated skin/beauty studios in Bali to get your facial fixes at

a man getting a facial mask

Heading to Bali and can’t wait for that aroma oil massage session?

Why not book yourself a facial session too while you’re there for some extra pampering?

We’ve got a quick list of best-rated skin/beauty studios in Bali to help you get started.

Healthy Look Aesthetic at Ubud Nyuh Bali Resort

Website: healthylook-aesthetic.com

Google Rating: 4.9 (100+ reviews)

Address: Raya Silungan St, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

This premier medical spa in Ubud offers results-driven facials tailored to reveal your best complexion.

For a quick glow-up, try ‘The Essential’—an express 45-minute (IDR 490K = approx. 40 SGD) deep cleanse featuring massage and potent actives chosen for your skin type.

Or revive your radiance with the ‘Glow and Go’ facial, a 45-minute (IDR 590K = approx. 49 SGD) rejuvenation featuring gentle dermabrasion exfoliation, electroporation to infuse hydration, a tightening treatment and nutrient-rich mask.

Here’s their full list of facials and prices: healthylook-aesthetic.com/medi-facial-ubud-bali

Skin Studio Aesthetics

Website: skinstudio.id

Google Rating: 4.9 (70+ reviews)

Address: Jl. Bumbak Gang Pulau No.47 A, Kerobokan, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Your complexion craves customized attention, so don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all facial.

Go for Skin Studio Aesthetics’ tailored Dermalogica treatments instead.

Their thorough skin analysis ensures each facial caters to your skin’s needs, whether you opt for the 30-minute Express Skin Revival (IDR 500K = approx. 41 SGD) or the clarifying 60-90 minute Essential (IDR 800K = approx. 66 SGD).

The Express facial rapidly rejuvenates with deep yet gentle cleansing and intense hydration, banishing dullness to unveil a luminous glow.

For the congested and lackluster, The Essential facial restores clarity through purifying, pore-minimizing, and refining.

Browse other facial packages here: skinstudio.id/facials 

Body Lab

Website: bodylabbali.com

Google Rating: 4.8 (470+ reviews)

Address: Jl. Raya Basangkasa No.10, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Body Lab’s 3-in-1 Oxygeneo super facial is a triple threat that sloughs off dull surface cells, floods skin with nutrient-rich serums, and sends oxygen coursing through your complexion for that coveted glow.

This microdermabrasion-style treatment buffs your canvas to better absorb active ingredients.

Then, CO2 bubbles prompt a response, increasing blood flow and metabolism so skin looks brighter and firmer after a single session.

Or you can try their Hydrate Activating Facial which goes beyond cleansing to nourish with rejuvenating anti-aging serums and advanced technologies that create visible radiance.

Both are 90 minutes long each and cost IDR 890K (approx. 73 SGD).

You can also choose to do a top-up of IDR 300K (approx. 25 SGD) to include a 20-minute neck care routine.

View their list of face treatments here: bodylabbali.com/face-treatments

Anaya Aesthetics Bali

Website: anaya-aesthetics.com

Google Rating: 4.8 (260+ reviews)

Address: Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.10, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Last but not least, Anaya Aesthetics Bali brings you some serious facial magic with packages that pamper every complexion concern.

Their 45-minute Skin Polish facial (from IDR 850K = approx. 70 SGD) is a radiance revelation: a chemical peel sweeps away dullness while a collagen mask minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

Say “see ya” to pigmentation and acne for a mega-watt glow.

There’s also an interesting 60-minute “Bootylicous Facial” (IDR 1,050K = approx. 86 SGD), a booty treatment that will have your butt cheeks blushing.

Includes a microdermabrasion routine to buff and deep cleanse your bikini zone for the beach reveal in Bali.

Choose your preferred facials here: anaya-aesthetics.com/facials-new

Read More...

Travel Thursday: 3D2N Itinerary to Surabaya, Indonesia at $204.30/pax (flights + hotel + breakfast)

3D2N Surabaya Itinerary Main Banner Edited

One more day to the long weekend!

If you’ve not planned yourself a trip out of Singapore for Labor Day, boohoo.

Haha, just kidding.

It’s never too early to start planning for the next getaway and for this Travel Thursday, we will be looking at a 3D2N trip to Surabaya, Indonesia.

Best of all, it’s just $204.30/pax and includes flights + hotel + breakfast.

Since Vesak Day falls on 2 June, a Friday, this itinerary’s prices will be based on research done for 2 June to 4 June 2023 (2-to-go):

  • Batik Air flights, round trip per pax: $166.30

Singapore to Surabaya

  • The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya (superior room + breakfast): approx. $76 including taxes via Agoda ($38/pax)

The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya Superior Room Price

Ready for a detailed itinerary? Let’s roll.

Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing.

2 June 2023, Friday

Flight: Batik Air

8.50 am Reach Singapore Changi Airport T3 for check-in

11.50 am Flight to Surabaya

1.10 pm (local time) Touch down at Surabaya Juanda International Airport T2

Hotel: The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya

2 pm Take your ride to the hotel

The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya

Address: Jl. Sumatera No.16, Ketabang, Kec. Gubeng, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60272, Indonesia

2.40 pm Reach The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya (estimated time is about 40 minutes but that depends on the traffic too)

Check-in is from 2 pm so you should be able to drop your luggage and freshen up a little before heading for lunch.

Late lunch: Sansekerta – The Authentic Taste Of Indonesia

Let’s fill our tummies first before we start exploring, shall we? 

Take a 4-minute ride or 10-minute walk from your hotel to Sansekerta for a real taste of Indonesian food.

Indonesian food

Image Credits: Yunita Wijaya on Google Reviews

Or you can head straight to Grand City Mall Surabaya for more dining options.

4 pm Take a 7- to 10-minute walk from your lunch place to Surabaya Submarine Monument, a museum that offers tours. Or you can go free and easy, snap your quick pics, and let’s move on to the next location.

5 pm Walk your way to Bambu Runcing, about 15 minutes away from the Surabaya Submarine Monument. This landmark monument will certainly prove that you’re in Surabaya. Ha!

Bambu Runcing

Image Credits: tourism.surabaya.go.id

*Plan ahead*

Since you’re in the district, you may want to book yourself a massage session for tomorrow night (3 June). RATU MASSAGE SURABAYA (massage panggilan) is right around the corner from Bambu Runcing so drop by to book yourself a massage appointment.

5.30 pm It’s almost dinner time and from all the walking, you should be ready for some food. A 10-minute walk will take you to Apsari Park, an urban green space with street eats. You will instantly know you’re at the right place if you spot the Monumen Patung Gubernur Suryo.

6 pm If the food stalls are closed, you may want to take a short walk to Tunjungan Plaza instead. You will never go wrong with a shopping mall, yeah?

Tunjungan Plaza

Image Credits: Yemima Eve on Google Reviews

Enjoy your dinner, and drinks, do some shopping, or even catch an evening movie at the Tunjungan 5 XXI cinema. It’s your holiday so do it your way!

Once you’re done, your hotel is just a less than 15-minute drive away.

Take a swim, or wash up and get some rest; I’ll see you tomorrow.

3 June 2023, Saturday

8 am Rise and shine, and get changed because it’s time for hotel breakfast.

9 am After breakfast, grab yourself a taxi to Surabaya Zoo. It will be a short 10-minute ride from the hotel.

Surabaya Zoo

Fun fact: Do you know that looking at cute animals can lead to reduced stress levels? Science has backed this up. So all the sake of our happiness and well-being, here’s a zoo trip planned for you.

11.30 am We’re heading for lunch soon but before we go, let’s drop by Bungkul Park, just 600 m from the zoo.

Bunkul Park is a dog-friendly popular green space so just take a walk through and snap some pictures for keepsake.

12 pm Let’s head to Marvell City Mall for lunch. It’s a 5-minute ride away from the park or if you prefer to clock more steps, take a 12-minute walk to the shopping mall.

Have your lunch, shop at LOTTE Mart if you wish and I’ll see you at 2 pm.

2 pm We’re heading far out so make sure you stop by the washroom to relieve yourself before we grab a ride to Surabaya North Quay.

It’s going to take 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the traffic) to get to the famed tourist attraction by the waters. 

2.45 pm There’s a rooftop deck over there, so feel free to grab yourself a drink at the cafe and soak in the port and sea views and vibes while you’re there.

Surabaya North Quay Rooftop

Don’t forget to look out for the Monumen Jalesveva Jayamahe by the corner!

4 pm Call yourself a cab because we’re heading to Chinatown. More specifically, we want to snap some pictures of Kya Kya Surabaya, a historical landmark marked by red “gates” and golden dragons.

Kya Kya Surabaya

Image Credits: suarasurabaya.net

You’re in the Chinatown district so take some time to walk through the streets before you walk yourself to ITC Mega Grosir Surabaya (shopping mall) for some cool air and respite. And of course, food!

Pasar Atom (another shopping mall) is just right around the corner so we have options ya.

7 pm Let’s grab a cab to RATU MASSAGE SURABAYA (massage panggilan) for your massage session.

9 pm All relaxed for bed? You’re just a 5-minute ride or a 15-minute walk back to your hotel.

Pack up, wash up, and hit the sack early because we’ve got a morning flight to catch tomorrow.

4 June 2023, Sunday

4.45 am Hop on your taxi to Surabaya Juanda International Airport T2 (it will take roughly 40 minutes)

5.45 am Reach the airport for check-in

7.45 am Take your flight back to Singapore

Batik Air plane

Image Credits: travel.kompas.com

11 am (local time) Touch down at Singapore Changi Airport T3

Hope you’ve had a superb trip in Surabaya!

See you soon for our next flight out 😉

Read More...

What stocks to invest in 2015?

New York Stock Exchange

It is just like the eternal question every year again – what stocks to buy and what to ignore. The question is simple, but the answer is somewhat complex, as there isn’t any easy and straightforward way to respond to it. Investors can choose however different strategies. Like every year there are always certain companies that will grow no matter what the state of the economy does. These rather save investments are perhaps one of the best strategies to follow. But there are also sectors and industries that will be particularly flourishing in 2015.

Certain stocks have been climbing for four years in a row. Better judgement might suggest that there is an end to it. However, certain companies are simply not giving in. Furthermore, the December sell-off is the perfect opportunity for investors to enter the game. Companies like Apple (APPL) have been trending and created nothing but revenue for investors. The Apple stock has generated profits for five consecutive years and there isn’t any indication that 2015 will be different. The reputation of the company’s iOS operating system is better than ever and iPhones are leading the smartphone market. Apple appears to be a no-brainer.

The same holds for other IT stocks. The social media platform Facebook (FB) has enjoyed a 40% increase in the last year alone. Instagram, which is part of Facebook Inc., just reached 300 million active users and is said to have a vast potential for growth. With potential video ads launching on Instgram this year, the Facebook stock is set to climb further. Next to Apple and Facebook stands another giant, which has similar prospects – Google (GOOGL). The market share of the company is beyond belief and easily surpasses the ones of the competitors. No matter whether mobile phone market, online search or services and applications – the sails are set into one direction. Investing in any of these IT brands could be a risky undertaking considering their extremely long runs up the market ladder, but they are clearly not finished yet. Therefore, any of them should be a save investment for 2015.

However, these are not the only stocks, which are predicted to go up. Many other information technology stocks are said to behave similarly. Even the famous heavyweight Goldman says that investment in this sector will bring favourable profits. The growth predictions for this particular industry are set around 9%. This will ensure decent returns for shareholders.

Another investment tip given by many important financial institutes are the big global stock market indices. At least within the first half of 2015 the major indices are expected to grow. Especially the S&P 500, the American stock market index, is according to the forecast of the financial institute Goldman Sachs continuing to increase in value. Since the crash in 2009, the index has doubled in points and even climbed over the value it has had before the crash. Analysts calculate with at least another 5% increase in the first few months of 2015. Also the TOPIX, the Tokyo Stock Price Index, is on an upward spiral and estimated to be even steeper than the American index. Although the Japanese economy has suffered various setbacks in the last years, the predictions for the second most important Japanese stock market index are positive.

Investments not to make are material stocks. As the Chinese economy is experiencing stagnation, the demand for raw materials is going back. The stocks have increased in the last years, however the prediction for 2015 is dim. Most likely the stocks fall deep before they will increase and stabilise again. One should wait until they fall though. The moment when they will fall is unclear, but the fall itself is almost certain. Once the material stocks have considerably decreased, one should consider investing again.

No matter whether coal, oil or base metal – the price is weak. The oil price hit a five-year low and the coal price even went below its 10-year average. The wheels of the commodity super-cycle seem to be stuck in the sand. With oil and coal having increased up to a ten-fold in the last 15 years, the growth has been cut. China and other emerging nations had been responsible for a massive demand of materials. However, slow economies and decreased demand, especially in China, are now creating the halt.

Although major economies, such as Russia and China, are slowing down for different reasons, the Asian market is expected to grow in 2015. The emerging markets of China and India as well as South Korea and Indonesia are not to be underestimated in the next twelve months. Reforms and different policy chances have reduced bureaucracy and enable so economic growth. Furthermore, through policy changes unproductive and ineffective industries and sectors will be more exposed to the order and self-regulation of the markets. One of the best performers of the Asian markets in 2014 was the Deutsche X-Trackers Harvest CSI 300 China (ASHR), which increased by 47%. The steep trend increased especially in the last two months of the year and is therefore a top contender to watch and invest in for the first few months of the New Year.

While still in trouble is 2013, India and Indonesia have stabilised their currencies in 2014, while Korea, Taiwan and Singapore had suffered compared to the US dollar. This however has helped India and Indonesia to push reforms and growth their own markets. The Indonesian iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (EIDO) grew by over 21% and the Wisdom Tree India Earnings Fund (EPI) could improve by more than 27%. Both of them can be interesting for investors in the next six months. Although both experience occasional setbacks, one could consider them as a long-term investment, as their potential growth could be up to 20% for the next two years.

In general 2015 isn’t looking bad at all. The US market as well as different Asian markets, such as the Indian and Indonesian markets, are expected to grow further, although some have already been growing too long in the opinion of some analysts. Investing in information technology stocks will be the safest bet though.

Read More...