|
Gili Lombok
The Gili Islands are three small islands located of the North West coast of Lombok and are becoming a popular and yet still largely
un-crowded addition to a Bali or a Lombok holiday. The attraction of the Gili islands lies with the true tropical bliss of a small island that can be walked around in a very short time. There are no cars or motorbikes, street hawker or frowns on the Gilis which gives these islands a very serine and tranquil atmosphere. The largest of the three islands is Gili Trawangan followed by Gili Air and Gili Meno. Gili Trawangan now has the most luxury and middle of the range accommodation where as the other two islands do have luxury accommodation but are largely untouched in comparison to Gili Trawangan. The Gili Islands are famous also for the fantastic diving that surrounds them and attracts many tourists to come and stay for a few days. There are also luxury and budget hotels and villas that are specifically marketed towards divers and integrate courses and dives into the accommodation and often hire kit and have pools that are great for both learning and chilling by in the afternoon and evening.
Reaching the Gili islands has never been easier with boats and planes leaving from both Bali and Lombok every day. From Bali you can catch on of the many fast boats that leave from Benoa harbor or Padang Bai on the east coast and will reach the Gili Islands in less than couple of hours and is likely to cost around $50 depending on the facilities of the boat and if there are cruise luxuries and activities included, or use the public ferry to Lombok which lands close to Lombok and from here take a bemo to the next port where can catch another boat to the Gilis. This route takes a lot longer and will use a day if you travel casually although it will save the budget travelers a lot of money and also means you get to visit Lombok on the way.
Facilities are still fairly basic on the Gili Islands but they are improving fast particularly on Gili Trawangan where there is 24/7 electricity and many tourist facilities but the other islands are a little more basic and often have trouble with electricity. This will no be a problem if you are staying in a hotel or villa which are of excellent standard and have generators that overcome these issues but this is a good way to underline the type of tropical bliss that you will find outside your villa.
With the main activities being fishing, diving and General Island hopping style sight seeing and traveling the Gili Islands offer a fantastic experience for those who are looking for the kind of tropical island tranquility we all dream of. What’s more there is a relaxed culture among the locals who are friendly and host the occasional party particularly on Gili Trawangan. |
