Live Small, So You Can Live Big.

Fishing with the traditional fishermen on an early morning reminds me every time again of one of my favorite stories — Live Small, So You Can Live Big. The parable of The Tourist and the Lombok Fisherman is one of my all-time favorite short stories.
The original version was written by German author Heinrich Böll in ‘Anekdote zur Senkung der Arbeitsmoral’, an anecdote concerning the lowering of productivity, published in 1963.
Over time, the story has been told, re-told, and beautifully adapted. I’m grateful that a Lombok-inspired version found me a few years ago.

Below, I’ve shared this local adaptation for you to enjoy. And remember to always ask yourself: “… Then what?”

The Parable of the Lombok Fisherman

One morning, an eager tourist was walking along the coast when he spotted a local fisherman resting in his small wooden boat. Inside were several large, glistening yellowfin tuna.
Impressed, the tourist said,
“Those are wonderful fish! How long did it take you to catch them?”
“Only a little while,” replied the fisherman.
Surprised, the tourist asked,
“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more?”
The fisherman smiled.
“I have enough to meet my family’s needs,” he said.
Curious, the tourist continued,
“But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
The fisherman answered,
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, istirahat with my wife Ayu, and stroll into the village each evening to sip beer and play guitar with my friends. My life is full and happy.”
The tourist straightened up proudly.
“I’m a Harvard MBA,” he said, “and I can help you. If you fish longer, you could buy a bigger boat. Then, with the profits, more boats — a whole fleet! Instead of selling to a middleman, you could sell directly, maybe even open your own cannery. You’d control the product, the processing, and the distribution. Eventually, you’d leave this small village, move to Jakarta — or even New York — and run your own company!”
The fisherman thought for a moment and asked,
“How long would that take?”
“Maybe fifteen to twenty years,” replied the tourist.
“And then what?” asked the fisherman.
The tourist laughed.
“That’s the best part! When the time is right, you’ll sell your company shares to the public, become very rich — make millions!”
“Millions,” the fisherman repeated softly. “And then what?”
The tourist smiled.
“Then you’ll retire. Move to a small coastal village, sleep late, fish a little, play with your children, istirahat with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings, sip beer, and play guitar with your friends…”

Reflections from Lombok Island

This simple story changed my life a few years ago — and it still reminds me of what truly matters. It’s even one of the many reasons I prefer to live in Lombok.
In the story of the Lombok Fisherman, a small boat was enough to create a beautiful life. I’ve learned the same lesson: that living smaller, with fewer obligations and more intention, makes life infinitely sweeter.

True happiness isn’t measured in wealth — it’s measured in peace, in freedom, and in the joy of simple days well spent.
Because you can’t put a price on a happy life… not even a million dollars.

Escape the complexities. Embrace the calm of Lombok.
Experience simplicity at its purest in Lombok.

BOOK YOUR MORNING FISHING TRIP NOW

Ibu Antje

I’m Ibu Antje; Founder, Owner and 'Chief of Magic' at The Lombok Lodge Hospitality®. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, I am passionate about creating meaningful and bespoke travel experiences across the breathtaking island of Lombok and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. My love for Lombok comes from the island’s breathtaking beauty, its rich traditions, and the warmth of its people. It inspires me every day to share this special place with others by creating meaningful and memorable experiences that allow guests to truly feel the spirit of Lombok and the Gili Islands. Follow my daily life in Lombok & Gili - and more things I adore - on Instagram @ibu.antje

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