The Gilis are three small islands located off the shoreline of Lombok. For those who do not know Lombok, Lombok is a tropical island located next to Bali. Being less popular, less developed, and comfortably reachable, Lombok serves as a peaceful hideaway to frequent visitors of Bali. However massive holiday investments have started to flow in and in the near future it will surely rise to follow its sister island.
The three islands consecutively named Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan are so small that no motor vehicles are allowed. More than strong legs the only available transportation are push bikes which are widely available to rent and cidomo, traditional horse carriage. Absence of motor vehicle is not something you will miss anyway as the islands are small anyway, instead, visitors like it as it gives them absolutely clean air to breath.
The theme here are lay back with sunbathing on their sand beaches and swimming their crystal clear waters as main activities. Those who want sweat can choose to play soccer or volley ball on the beach or just jog or bike the island. Adventurers can go below the surface to enjoy breath taking underwater paradise either by snorkeling off the beach or hire a boat and get to various diving sites nearby.
Do not expect too much happenings here. There are no large hotels, no supermarkets, no bars. All you will get are small simple accommodations and restaurants. However those who want to enjoy the island in luxury can rent the only private villa accommodation in the area. Located in the middle of Gili Trawangan, Villa Kelapa offers every luxury facility including private swimming pool. Do not expect a bathtub, though. As it has to be transported over from the mainland, fresh water is as precious as gold here.
The cheapest way to reach The Gilis is by catching regular public ferry from Bangsal pier, about 25 kilometers from the airport. Did I say ferry? Well, actually we are talking about motorized wooden boat carrying about 20 passengers in one go. Attached portable engine will take you to Gili Trawangan, the farthest island, in about 20 minutes. By spending a lot more you can hire a boat from Senggigi, Lombok’s most popular tourist enclave. If you book up market accommodation they will send a private boat to pick you up. Another option is direct from Bali on fast boat which takes about 2 hours.
I travelled to the Gili Islands, whilst travelling through the region last year and I have to say it was fantastic. Great article adiarifin, happy travelling!