Tag: gili island

This is Lombok, Having Finally Stepped out of Bali’s Shadow!

LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – Lombok’s time is here and now, having finally stepped out of Bali’s shadow, showcasing to the world its unique mix of adventure, pristine natural scenery and captivating art and culture. A new airport, international yacht marina and improved reads have made travel to and within Lombok much easier, but it is its untamed natural beauty and traditional charm that captivates.

It is an adventure-seeker’s paradise, home to world-class scuba diving, surfing and mountain climbing yet travellers looking for a cosmopolitan beach lifestyle and luxury creature comforts will not be short of options. Experience the best of Lombok with these recomended highlights and hidden gems:

Senggigi and The West Coast

Senggigi, just a short drive from the island capital Mataram is Lombok’s premier beach resort, extending along a series of sweeping bays. The main beach strip is fringed by a wide expanse of sand framed nightly by spectacular ocean sunsets.

It is a fairly spread out beach town that rarely feels overcrowded yet there is a board variety of places to stay, eat and socialse. There is a vibrant expat community here with lots of opportunity for sports and leisure, business networking and searching out those hard to find omported goods.

Senggigi Beach Resort (c) guidelombok.com

Senggigi is the beast place to arrange days out and guided trips to other parts of Lombok. The beach road then winds it way north to upmarket Mangsit, dotted with hip boutique hotels and villas among some of west Lombok’s most captivating scenery.

In all, the Senggigi area stretches for almost 10km along the west coast, and away from the main tourist centre, comprise numerous palm fringed beaches dotted with colourful fishing boats.

Gili Islands

A trio of tiny tropical island off the northwest coast, known simple as “the Gilis” are the go-to place for laid-back island life and the simple pleaseures of sun, sea and superb scuba diving.

Each of these three islands has its own distinctive atmosphere; the smallest is Gili Meno, a peaceful tropical island haven with few distractions other thatn deserted white sand beaches and a couple of chilled out beach bars.

Legendary “party island” Gili Trawangan is largest and most cosmopolitan of the Gili Islands with no shortage of swanky boutique villas, diverse dining and plenty of action after dark. Gili Air, located closest to the Lombok mainland, sits somewhere in the middle of these two extremes and has the most authentic local atmosphere.

The enduring appeal of the Gili Islands is the refreshing absence of any motorised transport making for a pleasant alternative to Bali’s congested beach resorts.

Scuba diving is still the main draw and it is one of Asia’s top spots to learn the basics and get qualified. For landlubbers, there are few better places to get horizontal on a tropical beach and soak up the unique island vibe.

Kuta and South Lombok

Like its namesake in Bali, Kuta Lombok is synonymous with worl-class waves but thankfully without the hassle of 24/7 traffic and infuriating beach hawkers. In fact, Lombok’s south coast surf breaks are more than a match for the best in Bali, and savvy surfers are heading here to enjoy miles of uncrowded, adrenaline-fuelled waves.

Kuta, invitingly close to Lombok’s new International airport, is the main tourist hub yet remains a fairly tranquil tropical haven favoured by both surfers and adventurous families. It makes for a great base for exploring the rugged souhthern coastline dotted with numerous breathtaking beaches. Scenic highlights include up-and-comping Tanjung A’an, Gerupuk and isolated Ekas Bay.

The Southwest

Lombok’s ruggedly beautiful southwest peninsular is largely unexplored by visitors but is now getting serious recognition with the discovery of superb offshore scuba diving and miles of deserted beaches.

The main gateway is Sekotong Bay, located just south of Lombok’s main ferry port Lembar and is the jumping off point for Lombok’s “Secret Gilis“. These small offshore islands feature pristine coral reefs and idyllic tropical beaches for a real castaway experience.

Gili Kedis, Sekotong West Lombok (c) canfly advertising

Heading south, the coastal road winds its way past tiny fishing communities and secluded bays all the way to the tip of the peninsular where the legendary surf breaks of Bangko-Bangko (Desert Point) are found-rated among the best in the world.

Mount Rinjani

For an alternative to surf, scuba and sandy beaches, a trek up the immense Rinjani volcano is hard to beat. At over 3.700 meters, this is Indonesia’s second highest volcano and makes for challenging 3-4 day trek but the views are definitely worth all the effort.

The mountain dominates much of north Lombok and the caldera alone covers a mind-boggling 50 square kilometres. Most climbers only go as far as the crater rim which offers vertigo-inducing views down into the volcanic lake but the extra effort to get to the summit will be rewarded with views as far as Java and eastwards across to the island of Sumbawa.

If this all sounds too arduous for comfort, the mountain’s foothills offer a wealth of leisurely hiking opportunities. Head to Senaru village for easy-going walks through remote weaving villages and dense jungle to uncover a succession of scenic waterfalls.

Source : My Lombok Mag, 26
Featured Image by : www.maxtrotour.com
Editor : Jackysan

A Globe Trotter Chef Brings His "French Touch" to Gili Trawangan

A Globe Trotter Chef Brings His “French Touch” to Gili Trawangan

LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – Francois Masson, A man who is, above all else, a passionate entrepreneur of French cuisine and an expert in taste exploration of local products for dishes to order up! Trawangan is the site to sample his delicious and gourmet creative flair!

Specializing in sauces and desserts, Francois takes pleasure in revealing the taste of each ingredient to get a dish that is unique in it’s culinary expression. He also creates a special presentation with each dish because for Francois attention to detail is, “of paramount importance. The dish is first enjoyed through the eyes and beautiful presentation whets the appetite!”

Francois is a character with a big heart who loves new culinary discoveries and sharing his findings. Having now resided in Gili Trawangan for six months, he is the head chef at the restaurant of Wilson’s Retreat Resort on the west of the island, owned in large part by Jakarta born Reeze and his wife. Indulge yourself here with euphoric tastes of all sorts while exploring the different dishes on the menu: clams Provencal, snails with parsley, the St Jacquest roast, Filet Mignon a I’Ancienne …as well as a medley of chocolatey, fruity, and aromatic dessert… Your eyes will widen and your taste buds will be tatalized!

The restaurant features a wine cellar with French selections and menu options also include traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng, mie ayam and sate…

Francois thoroughly enjoys the atmosphere of Trawangan and what he does and it is not uncommon to see him out of the kitchenl explaining his dishes and simply sharing his passion.

What he especially likes here is the closeness to the people and the challenge of making the semi -gastronomic French and local dishes, creating a new chapter for his sourced cuisine in the Gili Islands!

***

Francois was born in Lyon, the gourmet dining capital of France. He studied at the Hotel Scholl Balan in Ain and traveled throuhghout Europe as a leader in his field in Italy, England, Scotland and Denmark, where he met his wife, who is Indonesian!. His culinary experience has extended to the United States where he worked in pittsburgh and finally back to his hometown and where he became the head chef of Pell Mell restaurant.

Today he and his wife reside in Trawangan with their 10 month old daughter. And it is here that Francois is ensuring that Wilson’s Retreat stands to become “THE” reference of French gastronomy in Gili Trawangan.

Source : Gililife Magazine, 2015
Editor : Jackysan

Gili Trawangan Island Culture and History

Culture and History of The Gili Island

Traveler’s quote: the Gili island are not only a place where seas corverge but where lives and cultures converge into a very interesting reality where you constantly to pinch yourself”

The three Gili Island, composed of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are located off the northwest coast of Lombok. In sasak language, “Gili” means “small island”. There are more than 30 gilis around Lombok, but Trawangan, Meno and Air are by far the most frequently visited. Because of their proximity to the equator, they have a tropical climate throughout the year with an average air temperature of 28C and water temperatures ranging from 26 to 29C.

The rainy season runs from November to April and the dry season from May to October. The gilis bathe in the bali sea, at the convergence of the indian and Pacific Oceans and enjoy a drier micro-climate than the rest of Indonesia due in part to the fact that they are situated between two great volcanoes – Mount Rinjani on Lombok and mount Agung on Bali.

Like the majority of the Lombok community, the inhabitants of the Gili island are primaliry muslim and each island has a mosque [s] emitting sounds of live prayer five times daily. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language spoken that unites all of the country’s island but Gili locals speakm sasak Gili Air which is slightly different to sasak Lombok.

About 200 years ago, fishhermen from Sulawesi of Makassar, Bugis and Mandar ethnicities arrived on the Gili island. They began to settle temporarily because of the abundance of fish in the sea and the presence of fresh water on Gili Air and at that time, sectioning off a bit of land with string was enough to claim it.

These otherwise nomadic people began to settle in the Gilis and cultivate the land, planting peanuts, tapioca and corn whilst continuing their tradition of fishing. They sold and exchanged their produce in the markets of Lombok and also traded portions of their land for livestock, rice and other much needed items not native to the islands. Coconut palms are indigenous to the Gilis while mango, banana and papaya trees have been introduced over the years.

The firs western traveler to set foot on the Gili island came in 1984 to Gili Air. By the mid 1990’s Bali had gained international recognition as a travel destination and the Gilis began to be kniwn as an off-the-beaten-track paradise escape. Today, the Gili Islands are flourishing and are attracting all types of visitors from every coorner of the globe.

HISTORY

Over time the people of the Gili islands have adapted to a multitude of changes and cultural maintain their cultural identity. Historically the people here have seen their days of hardship when during WWII, Lombok and the Giliislands were occupied by japanese forces. The islands were used to contain prisoners of war and the locals endured forced labour.

A hil situated on the south of Trawangan was used as a lookout post and today remnants of the bunker still remain. Trawangan derived it’s name from the indonesian word “terowongan‘ meaning “tunnels“of which a network were dug by the occupying forces. The holes have since been fiiled in.

Hot Tip : Bear in mind that the Gili Islands are exposed to open oceans and can have incredibly strong currents running between and around them and trade winds that create coppy seas. For this reason-always check daily conditions before commencing oceanic sport and know that it is NOT recomended to swim between the island no matter you skill level.

Editor : Jackysan
Photo Source : indonesia.travel

Gili Trawangan Indonesia

Gili Trawangan, The Unforgettable Island of Fashion and Fun

LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – When you hear about Gili Trawangan you probably also hear the words “party island” yeah? Thought we should just address that straight away! Gili Trawangan gained this title because it is the largest of the three northern Gili Islands with the most development, hence it offers the greatest abundance of everything-including nightlife.

There are fantasticparties every night of the week that attract large crowds of people from all dofferent walks of life and every corner of the globe. Nightly features start with a sizzling local food market and advance into live music, beach parties and DJ’s. there’s also the option of watching movies screened at an open air beach “theatre” the romored growth of Trawangan from a backpacker island into something of a glam island is supported by the unveiling of new upscale boutiques, restaurant, resorts, spam, and now a heli-pad, however, it remains a hub of charm for a wide spectrum of travelers.

It’s an iconic island of variety with numerous options for every budged/lifestyle for eating, sleeping (backpacker dorms to luxury villas), entertainment and activities. Gili Trawangan has extraordinarily beautiful beaches and shimmering ocean waters of crystal-clear visibility for diving and snorkeling. this island boasts some of the finest coral gardens and the widest range of dive conters with the best socializing opportunities.

Although it is predominately known as a party island, Gili trawangan has much more to it and venturing away from the densely developed east coast, you can find a plethora of vacant beaches. renting a bicycle is a great way to see the island, bearing in mind there are some sandy patches! seeing how life works here can be very eye-opening: it’s not an escape from reality-just a slightly different one but understandably surreal nonethelles!

Swing at Gili Trawangan (c) talesofardour.com

CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION

There are several conservation organizations based here including Gili Eco Trust (GET) and the Gili shark foundation-ask around (try dive centers) about how you can get involved! As you may know-there is no motorized transport in the Gilis and what a sooting break that can be! surfing is popular off the south and it’s not unwise to speak to locals about the break. For a supreme viewpoint walk up the hill on the south that was previosly used as a lookout during WW II.

Gili T is the spicy island of Pizzazz with something for absolutely everyone!

Gili Meno, The Spiritual, Relaxing Island of Love

LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE – Set between Gili Air and GIli Trawangan, Gil Meno arguably offers the finest beaches of all the Gili Islands. The sands are white and soft beneath your feet and you can relax on vacant strethes of beach lined with coconut trees. Meno is the real escape to paradise where you can fill your days with activities like diving, snorkeling, surfing or just simply taking in the tranquil views.

This island is a treasure of local lifestyle where time seems to bend and life seems to slow down. It is the least developed island where you can completely relax amongst abundant nature. Meno is a holiday within an holiday. Here you can walk or take a cidomo (horse & cart) to attractions such as the salt lake where it’s possible to spot rare blue kingfishers and the elusive island monitor lizard, or venture to the eerie remnants of an abandoned resort -where a popular wrek-dive site exists just offshore.

There area no bicycle rentals in Meno but it’s possible to walk the island in an hour. Gili Meno offers great selections of local and western restaurants and most places serve a variety of the two. There are also traditional warungs for popular local dish – nasi campur.

There is a variety of accommodation on Meno and your options range from backpacker dorms, beachfront and village bungalows to luxury villas, apartments and resorts. There is also open air berugaq –style accommodation for the true outdoorsmen– er, and women!

Other points of interest on Meno include a bird park and the turtle conservation pools (which run entirely on donations). This island is primarily popular amongst couples and those seeking a more enlightening, recharging time. Yoga and meditation are up there with diving and honeymooning for making Gili Meno and ideal travel destination.

In the past, Meno was said to have a mosquito problem but this is not the case -in the wet season there area normal levels of what you would expect in a tropical place, perhaps even less, and in the dry season- tidak apa apa- no problem!

Gili Meno is the island of sweet simplicity and nature where you will sight with happiness

Source : GiliLife Magazine
Editor : Jackysan

Gili Air, The Island of Water, Charm and Balance

lombokdestinations.com – The closest island to Lombok, Gili Air is aptly named after the Indonesian word “air” meaning “water“. It’s the only Gili island to have natural underground fresh water wells. Gili Air is gem of a spot that allows you to sample the best of both worlds of the Gili Island – it has the relaxing charm of Gili Meno and a bit of the night life of Gili Trawangan.

Here you can take it fast or slow and enjoy an abundance of water sports from diving to surfing to kiteboarding and land activities such as yoga and cycling. in the evenings you also have the option of watching movies screened on the beach (weather permitting).

Gili Air Tourism — Gili Air Beach (c) gili-hotels.com

Gili Air has pristine beaches an clear turquoise waters that soothe and revive. it is the most locally populated island with 1500 residents and it’s not hard to see a special pride amongst the localsfor the awe that their land inspires. There is the biggest concentration of bars and restaurants on the east of Air where you can take in views of lush Green Lombok and the heights of Mt. Rinjani.

Gili Air Bike, Gili Island, Lombok Indonesia(c) (c) http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-318029165.html — Gili Air Bike, Gili Island, Lombok Indonesia via Mila Supinskaya

Venture to the northwest and you will find yourself on empty sands gazing at the majestic Agung volcano of Bali. For sunsets be sure to be on the north/west side of the island. Happiness is infectious on this island and it’s friendly inhabitants will never miss a chance to make you smile.

Gili Air has a great selection of restaurants including homemade italian ir mediterranean food, spanish tapas and exquisite cuisine options as well as a number of charming warungs seving all the best local dishes. There’s a range of accommodation for every budget from backpackers to bungalows (on the beach and in the village) and private villas and resorts.

Sunrise Resort Gili Air (c) sunrisegiliair.com

Sup Yoga in Gili Air (c) gilibookings.com

There are also a number of spas to choose from and you’ll be delighted to find quality shooping on the island! because of Air’s beauty and increasing popularity as a dive and travel destination the island is seeing rapid depelopment but somehow maintains it’s local charm and atmosphere. wander throughout the island to take it all in as you lose and find yourself here!

Featured Image : www.travelink.xyz
Editor : Jackysan