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No Motor, No Car, No Polution. This is quite and peace place.
 The Gilis, as they are known collectively, are located a few kilometres off the west coast of Lombok just north of Senggigi beach. The three Gili Islands, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Terawangan, are one of Lombok's most popular tourist destinations. These island are considered special because of the diversity and abundance of marine life that finds its home in the extensive coral waters that surround each of them. It is these coral reefs that are home to the blue coral, a coral said to grow in only two places in the world, the Carribbean and here, off the coast of Lombok. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes serving up delicious food, and fresh fish grills. There are no cars or motorbikes on this islands. People can walk around, or pick up the local transport (cidomo) horse cart, rent bicycle or ride a horse here.
People travel to the Gilis to enjoy the relaxation, beaches, snorkeling and diving. There are now many up-market restaurants, bars and accommodation on the islands. Note that there are no ATMs on the islands, so bring plenty of cash with you.
From east to west, the islands are:
Gili Air , the closest to the mainland and with the largest local population. It a great island for families. It is a quiet place with all that you never, however, lose the magic feeling of staying on a serene tropical island. There are a few bars are mixed in with the trees and shrubs, while lodging tends towards the comfortable and upwards range.
Gili Meno , the smallest and most peaceful island, low-key with some simple places to stay. It is an exclusive place, with less accomodation possibilities but those are somewhat more up-market than you will find on the other two islands.
Gili Trawangan , the largest and furthest island from the mainland. It is known as the party land, where a foreshore strip of bars and restaurants tucked in among many simple losmen churn out music till the early hours. The busiest and heavily developed of this island provide some very comfortable accommodation in combination with the more simple backpacker beach pads.
Strictly speaking, the name "Gili Islands" is rather redundant as gili simply means "small island" in Sasak, but the name has stuck and is universally used and understood in Lombok.
How To Go to Gilis
Day trip with a difference
HIRING a jukung (local fishing boat) from the beach around Sengiggi can be a great way to see the three western Gilis Trawangan, Meno and Air in one day. The boats generally come with captain and guide. The trip to the outer island of Trawangan takes around an hour and then you can island hop at your leisure, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, retire to a beachfront pavilion for lunch, have a massage and get a general feel for the different characteristics of each island all in a day. Be sure to agree on the boat hire price before departure.
Pick up dry, drop off wet
IF you make the trip to Gili Trawangan from Bangsal harbour with Dream Divers, they will collect you from your Senggigi hotel around 8 a.m, for the mini-bus trip and boat transfer and disembark you at their beachfront eatery around 9am. Return departure generally is at 4 p.m, giving you a full day to explore and enjoy Trawangan. Don't be surprised if your captain makes sure you get a final spray or two of sea water on the way home. The afternoon sea breeze can get fairly robust off the Gilis. The waves aren't really all that big, but the local matelots certainly know how to make a splash.
Photo opportunity
ONE of the loveliest things to witness on the Gilis is local children frolicking in the ocean. The kids seem to love the water and are natural swimmers. It's not unusual for one of them to cling to your boat to give you a personal escort part of the way home. Don't worry, though, they know just when to let go and swim back to their island home. And it's a great opportunity to click off some really memorable holiday happy snaps. |
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