Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, are three idyllic atolls, where the sand is still powdery white, the water a clear sparkling turquoise, and the sunsets over Bali’s volcano Mt. Agung in the west simply spectacular.
Gili means island but the word become misnomer as people formerly called them Gili as an Island.
There are three Gili which is now popular among tourism, Gili Trawangan the most popular, Gili Meno in the middle and Gili Air which is now getting mentioned by many tourism from Europe because less crowd than Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan is sometimes called as Party Island because so many pub, café and restaurant are so alive along the beach and they are looked as the longest beach club. The Gili Trawangan itself is only 3km long and 2km wide although he is the largest island among the Gilis.
Many young people from abroad like this atmosphere for fun and night life activity.
The unique of these islands is No car and No motorbike, only horse car; we call it “Cidomo” and bicycle used for transportation to hang around the island. The Gilis is also perfect for snorkeling and Diving or just sunbathing.
In 1990 these island are visited by young back packer, where there were less facilities and cheap accommodation is still easy to find. People who want to Gilis normally used public boat made from woods.
Gili Meno is between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, and more quiet smaller than the two island since it is not easy to access the island with boat. The beach mostly has coral and becomes perfect places for snorkeling and escaping from hustle and bustle. Most visitors arrive via Gili Trawangan then jump on a connecting island hopper boat for the fifteen minute trip over the channel. There are no set timings for the crossing to Gili Meno, it´s up to the captain once the boat is full but it is possible to charter your own public boat about Rp. 350,000 per boat for 5 people. Some fine accommodation is already built and still less than Gili Trawangan in quantity.
Gili Air is the nearest one to mainland; Lombok and the one with a well developed local community. Gili Air doesn`t have the full on party compared to Gili Trawangan but it still has enough entertainment to keep the traveler joyful as this island is ideal relaxation. It is the perfect place to escape from hustle and bustle and enjoy the sunrise. Villa Karang is one of our recommended hotel here. Most of the accommodation and other tourism facilities are on the south and east coasts, facing Lombok. The boat landing is in the centre of the south coast.
Swimming inter island is not recommended. Traveling between the islands requires either catching the infrequent shuttle boats or chartering one to take you across. The distances between the islands may seem swimmable, but do not attempt it; the currents can be fierce and several people have died trying.
Please check out our BALI – LOMBOK – GILI – Fast Boat Transfers
You must be logged in to post a comment.