Indonesia's Lombok Island is a top destination and in fact many prefer the more relaxed atmosphere it has, to Bali. The largest of its siblings, Gili Trawangan has a direct route from Bali by ferry, and an even shorter ferry route from Lombok. Gili Trawangan has your typical paradise Island charm, which is immediately noticeable as there is no traffic.
Yes, you read that correctly: no traffic. You get around the Island either on foot or by bicycle (or by horse and cart if you prefer) but no scooters, motorbikes or other vehicles. It's the same policy on all of the three Gili Islands.
On such small Islands ― Gili Trawangan is only 6km in length ― there aren't all that much going on or so it seems. And because of that the Gili Islands are perfect for spending the day there. Once you've experienced one you move onto the next. When there is none left you return to Lombok or Bali, happy.
The only sensible way to move around the Island is on a bicycle. You can walk around easily if you want or there is horse drawn carts. Most people rent a bicycle and start peddling. Our suggestion is though don't rent one that is the cheapest because there may be a fault with it. We heard one couple complain (loudly) that one of their bicycles had no brakes.
As the saying goes: spend a little more money and you get better quality. There are many spots that rent out bicycles so look around and be sure the contraption is safe before paying. You won't pay more than US$5 per person to rent for the day, by the way. Indonesia is inexpensive.
Note: However, if the bicycle has flat tires, that's normal, because it allows you to cycle on sand a whole lot better.
Many of you will lounge on the beach front with a beer or cocktail to watch the sunset. The sunsets are amazing, dimming the sky in dark orange and yellow hues. The perfect mood enhancer prepares you for a night party. If you've been there and done that the night before then going for a horse ride is one way to relax before calling it a day.
When you do holiday on Lombok it is unavoidable not to spend time on the Gili Islands. All three of them actually and it's our recommendation you go for a horse ride on a beach at least once. Gili Meno is more romantic and therefore the best Island for this experience.
But on compassionate grounds, please do not hire a horse and cart, or horse drawn carriage ― on any of the Gili Islands ― because the horses are badly treated.
One favorite pastime on any Gili Island is lounging in a hammock (if you were to be so lucky) or on one of the many stretches of sand, soaking up the sun. When you're done with that it's a dip in the sea for a swim or a little further out, snorkeling with turtles.
In any event the Island is there to rest and maybe recuperate after a night of bars and clubs.
Despite Gili Trawangan being the largest of the three Gili Islands it still is a small Island. Nonetheless there are parts worth exploring. There is a small hill on the Island that gives the grandest panoramic views of the Island and further out as far as Lombok.
Let's be clear.
Gili Trawangan isn't anything like Cambodia's Koh Rong Island in terms of wild and wicked street parties and alcohol fueled nightclubs. Nightlife is more laidback. There are bars and clubs, and music and they're all enjoyable with a great atmosphere. Only not as wild. Gili Air has a great nightlife too but there's a different "vibe" there. It's more akin to the rave scene of the 1990's.
Getting to any of the Gili Islands ― generally, Island hoping, our advice is to always use the fast boats. The reason why becomes clear when you get picked up from your hotel and dropped off at the port, all inclusive of the US$30 per person price. The public ferry is cheaper but much, much slower. It's not really an option, believe us.
All departures are from Padang Bai Port. The fast boats (or the public ferry if you insist) will, from here take you to Lombok's Bangsal Harbor too. The harbor has a ticket office where you can purchase a ticket for the shuttle service to any Gili Island. Costing US$2 per person, one way.
Peak season is July and August when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain (but more crowds). However, any time between April and October is a safe bet, it's Indonesia's dry season.
Your holiday mainstay will likely be Bali or Lombok. At a glance what doesn't figure in your plans ordinarily are the Gili Islands. So small and insignificant they are on the outside but once you touch down in Ngurah Rai International Airport it all changes. Only then do you grasp how much those three tiny Islands mean ― when listening to the chit-chat from those who've returned from there, makes you inquisitive.
What makes them so important is the fact they're small and lacking any meaningful attractions. You just go there to chill out and laze around on the beaches, that's the attraction. Swimming and filling your day walking around, doing very little. It's perfect, in three different ways.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.