The Gili Islands - Overview
The Three Gili islands are located of the the northwest coast of Lombo....more
The Gilis Today
In recent years the scene has changed rapidly on Gili Trawangan, where....more
Getting around
Motorised transport is banned from all three islands – you get around ....more
Money Matters
There are no ATM’s or banks on the Gili Islands, but most mid-range an....more
Security & Health Centres
With small, close-knit communities, and an increasing reliance on visi....more
Communications
The more upmarket hotels have IDD telephones in their rooms, but this ....more
Parties & Nightlife
Gili Trawangan is still the most popular island, and its legendary par....more
The Gili Islands - Overview
The Three Gili islands are located of the the northwest coast of Lombok, a little over 60 miles (100km) from Benoa harbour in Bali, around 20 miles from the Eastern Tip of Bali.
They were first discovered by back-packers back in the 1980’s, when they became a popular well-kept secret among a more adventurous crowd seeking to escape to an island paradise, far from the madding crowds of Kuta Bali and the like. The waters are crystal clear and teeming with marine life, the beaches pure white sand, you can snorkel straight off the beach and enjoy a timeless paradisic lifestyle.
Although the first to develop homestays was Gili Air (the nearest island to Lombok), it is Gili Trawangan that subsequently became known as the ‘party island’ – a young, adventurous European crowd having way too much fun far away from home. Simple bungalows with generator supplied electricity soon sprang up like mushrooms, to cater to a crowd eager to get off the beaten track.
The Gilis Today
In recent years the scene has changed rapidly on Gili Trawangan, whereas Gili Meno and Gili Air are developing at a far slower pace. Trawangan still maintains its timeless tropical paradise charm, but now has a wider range of facilities to cater to a broader spectrum of travellers. There’s still plenty of back-packer rooms priced around US$10 / night, but there are also some very chic boutique bungalows, villas and hotels complete with private swimming pools and all mod cons. All have been constructed in harmony with the islands’ local charms – natural materials and simple elegance being the dominant theme of most developments. No high rise hotels, and definitely no tour buses or McDonald’s, but plenty of Dive Centres to help you explore the islands’ fabulous coral reefs.
Getting around
Motorised transport is banned from all three islands – you get around on foot, by bicycle or by horse-cart. Bicycles can be hired for Rp. 10,000 – 15,000 / hour, or you can get much better daily rates. Horse-carts, known as ‘Cidomos’, charge according to distance. Agree the price before you leave with a bit of friendly bargaining. The walk around Trawangan takes anything from 90 minutes to all day, depending on your pace… it’s about 8 km in circumference.
To get between the islands, you can either charter a local boat for around Rp.155,000, or take the twice daily ‘Hopping’ boat which costs just Rp. 20,000 per person. Ask at your hotel or at the harbour for the latest schedules.
Despite the fact that the islands are only a few hundred meters apart, DO NOT attempt to swim between them – currents are deceptively strong. This is no problem when snorkeling near to the shore, but further out you can get swept away.
Money Matters
There are no ATM’s or banks on the Gili Islands, but most mid-range and upmarket accommodation and dive centres, take credit cards. There are also various places where you can get a cash advance on your credit card, but there is a standard 10% additional fee for this service. Money changers will change currency and travelers checks, but you’ll get a lower rate than on Bali or Lombok.
Security & Health Centres
With small, close-knit communities, and an increasing reliance on visitors to the islands, the local community ensure that theft and crime is almost non-existent. Sightings of uniformed police are extememly rare – the local security force is the SATGAS, whose office is near the harbour on Gili Trawangan. You wouldn’t know they are there unless you need them. As a precaution, however, use the safety deposit box facilities available in most hotels for your valuables.
There are two health clinics on Gili Trawangan – one at Villa Ombak, and another in the village. For more serious problems you’ll need to get to Mataram on Lombok or Denpasar on Bali.
Communications
The more upmarket hotels have IDD telephones in their rooms, but this is a luxury on the Gili Islands. There are plenty of internet cafes dotted around; connections are slow but perfectly usable. As in most small communities in Indonesia, there is a WARTEL (“Warung Telecommunikasi) which provides full telephone and fax services. This is located near the art market on Trawangan.
Parties & Nightlife
Gili Trawangan is still the most popular island, and its legendary parties continue to rock into the early hours. The various bars take it in turns to hold the late night bash, so you can be sure you’re not missing out on a better party somewhere else. Most places close up around 12.00pm, but there’s almost always a venue which keeps pumping until 4.00am, with guest DJ’s making regular appearances.
Gili Meno and Gili Air are far more sedate – plenty of beach bars and cafes, and the occasional full moon party, but Trawangan is where you want to be if you want to pump into the early hours.
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Benoa , Denpasar , Bali , Indonesia 80363
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