With the location being a surprise destination, the only hint I got from C was that it was "off the grid", which made me even more curious and anticipative of where he was going to bring me. Upon reaching Lombok International Airport, we were whisked off to the secret location. The journey was about 2 hours. By the time we arrived at the destination, the sky was pitch-dark and I was told to retire early for the night. There was very minimal light, we used a lantern lamp to guide us back to the resort and I could barely make out the surroundings.
Snapped a quick picture before we rested for the night
What greeted me the next morning was a sight to behold. Opened my eyes to this amazing view! I could really get used to this!
And so, it was finally revealed to me that the secret location was Jeeva Beloam, deep in a 55-hectare nature forest preserve and facing the Timor Sea. Our resort, home for the next few days, or Beruga Pantai as they called it, was one of the eleven Berugas in Jeeva Beloam (yes only eleven, for the exclusivity as well as preservation of nature).
As the Beruga is built using wood, bamboo and alang-alang roof, it provides a cooling shelter from the afternoon sun and allows the sea breeze to waft in. The sleeping area is actually air-conditioned but most of the time we loved to laze round in the terrace on the daybed, feel the sea breeze and listen to the waves crash against the shore, over and over again.
Due to the exclusive location of Jeeva Beloam, all three meals were provided for daily with a varied selection of Western and Indonesian cuisine. The menus were rotated regularly and for the period we were there, we got to try different varieties.
The chefs were also very accommodating to special requests. As a spicy food lover, I have to highly recommend the sambal chilli, it is spicy and provides a punchy kick!
And off we went to explore around Jeeva Beloam!
Oh glorious sun, sea and sand! This place is an untainted paradise, where we truly experienced the beauty of nature along the beach facing the Alas Strait, so untouched and clean.
For two days, we took a short drive to Pink Beach and set sail on a local fishing boat into the blue to the nearby islands for snorkelling and water activities!
The waters are so clear that we could see the corals and sea bed just by looking in. How precious are these clear blue waters, I hope this little piece of God's creation will remain unpolluted for the longest time possible.
Our guide brought us to a sand bank, which is a deposit of sand forming a shallow area in the sea, seemingly disguised as an island. What a surreal experience being the only two persons on it!
Here's a photo I googled for better illustration:
Photo credit to Source
On our last night, the staff at Jeeva Beloam arranged a barbeque by the campfire. I did not manage to capture any stills, but it was a night full of stars. So beautiful. My heart was filled with so much gratitude that night.
It has been an incredible experience. Many thanks to Jeeva Beloam for the awesome hospitality and C for planning this surprise birthday trip!
+62 (0) 370 693 035
res.beloam@jeevaresorts.com
Jalan Pantai Beloam, Tanjung Ringgit,
Sekaroh, Jerowaru
East Lombok - Indonesia