Around sunset, Blue Water Cruises' beautiful wooden sailing boat, Aliikai, set sail from Serangan Harbour in Bali. Cruising through the clear waters – accompanied by Tarik from Bali-based band Paramitsha on his Spanish acoustic guitar playing haunting gypsy melodies – over 30 guests from around the world headed to Gili Air for an overnight stay as they embarked on a 4-day trip; not to be forgotten.

This second of "The Boat That Rocked" cruises for 2012 had a special meaning, as this voyage was also to celebrate the birthday of Blue Water Cruises owner and hostess, Britta Slippens.

After a leisurely breakfast, the Aliikai cruised to Gili Trawangan to pick up more guests and then proceeded to beautiful Mentigi Bay on Lombok to pick up the last group of revellers. Now the real fun began.

As we sailed south along the Lombok coast, Paramitsha serenaded us once again into the sunset. The Desert Radio Band, a mainly self-taught Australian band from Dunsborough in Western Australia who have earned success by supporting such popular artists as Angry Anderson, James Reyne, The Angels and Matt Taylor from Chain, played into the night.

Lead singer, Neil, and two of his school mates started off jamming in their garage and playing small pubs around their area. They added to their trio when 'Johnny the Pom' joined them from Queensland, where he had been studying music. With his soulful saxophone adding to the blues and jazz inspired music of the group, they started to travel further afield. That was 10 years ago; today they had flown from Australia to play for Britta and be a part of this special weekend.

By 5pm, the Aliikai was really rockin' and Neil's sandpaper and silk vocals went down as smoothly as the free flow bar. Rean joined the band for a mind-blowing solo rendition of "Colt 45" by Afro Man. The Aliikai was alive with talented and eclectic guests sharing their passion for music. As midnight approached, DJ Malik Lomax and Stevie G cranked up the volume and we partied on into the morning.
   
The Mari sailed alongside The Aliikai and provided a peaceful haven for those whose spirits were willing to party on 'til daylight but whose bodies weren't. Boat tenders ferried guests back and forth on demand.

As music floated across the water and stirred us from our sleep, we rose to a glorious sunny day and the stunning surroundings of the southwest Gilis – Gili Asahan, Gili Layar and Gili Ringgit.

We shuttled back to The Aliikai for a full cooked breakfast, followed by swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and water skiing. Some just chose to spend the day lazing around reading, getting a massage or a henna tattoo, or chilling to some laid back sounds.

Later that day, we sailed back to Sengiggi and, after bidding farewell to some of the guests, the Aliikai headed back to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air for an early evening barbecue before setting sail for Bali.

To arrange your own liveaboard adventure or for more information go to Gili Paradise

original article from the Lombok Guide