Is this heaven, or just the base of a volcano?

This week, we continue our journey around the massive base of Mt. Rinjani. Starting in the north, we were absolutely gobsmacked by the sheer abundance of life. Thanks to the volcano's nutrient-rich soil, there are rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see. It genuinely felt like we’d stepped into a tropical heaven.

But the real adventure began when we handed the reins to Divina. Following an "accommodation-led" hunch, we headed to Sapit with no idea what to expect. What we found blew us away: the Hidden Gillis. Not a single tourist in sight—just pure, untouched beauty and the kind of discovery you only get when you trust the journey.

To wrap it up, we headed to Tetebatu, a dense tropical village where the clouds finally burst. Between the heavy rain and a rough bout of food poisoning, it wasn't exactly a spa day—but even being stuck in bed couldn't take the shine off this incredible part of the world.

We threw away the map and handed the compass to Divina. Hit subscribe to hear why the best rewards are often hidden exactly where you didn't plan to look. Follow the adventure on Instagram @ExceptionalDecisions

One island is a hidden rural paradise; the other has absolutely "popped off."

This week, we’re putting the Gili Islands to the test. We compare the rural, minimal-tourist vibe of the Secret Gilis with the high-energy, world-famous Gili Islands. It’s a fascinating look at how travel changes a landscape, and we’re diving deep into which one won our hearts.

Speaking of diving, we experienced some of the best snorkeling of our entire lives—even if the ocean had other plans for Russell. We share the story of how a peaceful swim turned into a survival mission when Russell was nearly dragged out to sea by the intense currents.

And if that wasn't enough adrenaline, we have to talk about the journey there. The boat ride to the Gilis was easily the most dangerous we’ve ever been on. Let’s just say it was giving Titanic. We genuinely weren't sure we’d make it, but we survived to tell the tale!

Despite the danger and the currents, the trip turned into a beautiful experience surrounded by a big group of friends. Through the sketchy boats and the wild tides, Divina kept us exactly where we needed to be.

Follow the journey on Instagram @ExceptionalDecisions.

Paradise found... and then it bit us.

We’ve officially touched down in country number four: the stunning Indonesian island of Lombok. After the sensory overload of Bangkok, this island is exactly what Divina ordered.

This week, we explore why Lombok has stolen our hearts. We talk about the locals—the friendliest we’ve encountered yet—and the persistent, charming children who are the island's most determined salespeople. We spent our days on a "greatest hits" tour of the coastline, hitting a different, world-class beach every single day.

But it wasn't all slow living. We swapped the sand for the smell of burning rubber at the MotoGP, watching motorcycles fly around the track in a blur of speed and adrenaline.

However, an adventure wouldn't be an adventure without a crisis. The trip took a sharp turn when Russell got bitten by a dog, sending us on an urgent, day-long quest across the island for the right rabies vaccine. It’s the ultimate reality check in the middle of paradise.

We threw away the map and handed the compass to Divina. Hit subscribe to join us for a story about island bliss, high-speed racing, and why you should always check the local medical facilities! Follow on Instagram @Exceptional Decisions