Gili Island

Countrywide there are no bans on liquor.

Gili Trawangan is the biggest chunk of the popular Gili Islands and is almost 30 m above sea level. This area is almost 3 km long and 2 km wide which manages a population of around 1500 residents. The name Trawangan has been taken from the Indonesian dictionary which means ‘Tunnel’. This is due to the availability of a cave tunnel which was created during the Japanese occupation in World War 2.  Trawangan is tagged as one of the most gorgeous tourist places in Indonesia. Tourism is this region is very active with the presence of amazing accommodations wrapped in the arms of nature.  The main concentration of recreation, settlement as well as diving business is present on the eastern side of the island. There is an Irish pub present in Trawangan which is admired by locals and tourists.  You will be amazed to know that, on Gili Trawangan there are no motor vehicles. Transportation in this area means bicycle which the tourists can rent from the locals living on the island. Apart from this, a cidomo, a small horse drawn carriage can also be hired for travelling to different places. Motorized boats and speedboats are available for touring the different Gili Islands. One of the first inhabitants of Gili Trawangan used to be farmers and fishermen from Sulawesi. The economy of Gili Trawangan is centered towards tourism since the area is very small to support any type of agricultural activity. One can also visit the mosque which is visited by travelers who visit the island.

Gili Meno is the middle island of the group of three Gili Islands present in the northwest coast of Lombok. This region holds a population of about 500 inhabitants who are concentrated in the central region of the island. Electricity is supplied using underwater cables directed from Lombok. Tourists must keep in mind that this island has no access to cars or motorbikes. The main source of income in this region is because of tourism, fishing and coconut plantation. You can explore the island on foot which is a wonderful way to absorb the surrounding natural greatness. There is a small shallow lake which is admired by tourists. The most impressive aspect of Gili Meno is the presence of swimming beaches spread out across the whole island area. You can also visit the famous Turtle Sanctuary without any hassle. Though the island attracts lesser tourists as compared to Gili Trawangan, but is equally rich in terms of sightseeing locations. One can surely plan a honeymoon trip to this serene destination which is quite fascinating in terms of exotic sites.

Gili Air is known to be the second smallest island out of the group of three Gili islands. Moreover, it is the closest to Lombok which makes it a popular honeymoon destination for travellers who seek a pleasant retreat. The population count on Gili Air is 1,800. You can access water activities like snorkelling and scuba diving available on the east coast. Tourists cherish visiting this area because it is filled with turtles that can be seen near the coral reef. Different water sports such as paddle boarding and kitesurfing can also be tried in this area. Several investment plans to support tourism on these islands have helped in the development of numerous accommodation and resorts. Gili Meno is also popular for its many restaurants and party spots making it a happy destination equipped with adequate services. You can travel to different Islands using an easy boat ride.

This is the classic at the Gili Island. No wonder, these exquisite islands have a vivid underwater world. In each of the three islands of the archipelago, there are diving schools. However, most of these are cantered around the Gili Trawangan. You can even borrow or rent a snorkel equipment at every stall round the corner. Diving and snorkelling are the best water sports to do here.

You can easily take a stroll around the Gilis Island for 1 to 2 hours. When you are at the Gili Trawangan, you can rent a bike which is available just about everywhere however, the prices here are negotiable. Often, near the island, if you rent an accommodation, they’ll have a facility of private bike rental too. Make sure you get a lock and use it everywhere you take a stopover. If no locks exist, then it is necessary for you to be alert and not leave the bike unobserved. On the Gili Meno, you can go about exploring the food which is indeed going to be lip smacking delicious.  

Twice in a day, the public boats leave to the other 2 islands. You can rent the first boat at 9:30 AM. This boat leaves the Gili Trawangan and takes you on an exploration tour to two other islands. Post that in the afternoon, this boat will return from the Gili Air over the Gili Meno and further back to the Trawangan. Depending on the destination of the boat, the cost of this trip can range from 20,000 to 23,000 rupiah for a one way ride. To avail this trip, you can buy the tickets directly at the harbor. Avoid making a booking on the ticket booth on the islands or via a travel agency as then you’ll be liable to pay some commission for the same. Further, you can also charter a boat. This may be pricier and will cost you about 1,90,000 for a one way journey or 3,50,000 for a return journey. If you are traveling in a group of over 10 people, this journey can be a good one.  

Water sports are extremely popular in the Gili Island. One of the most prominent water sports here is the standing paddling. Standing paddling is also known as the “Stand Up Paddling”. This lets you comfortably paddle along the island. Here you can also rent a kayak or a canoe for two people. Kite surfing is another important adventure activity here. Whenever, you are up for a water activity, make sure you don’t underestimate the currents that can get really strong sometimes.

You can also find some surf spots on this island. These are mainly centered on the south east end of the Gili Trawangan however, there are many near the Gili Air and Gili Meno islands. The most popular surfing grounds are found in Lombok.

Fishing tours are most commonly offered in Gili Island. Here, you’ll be driven by the boat and catching and fish and even grilling the same is an important thing to do here. This perhaps doesn’t get tastier or fresher than this. Spear fishing is also possible here.  

Another manner in which you can explore the underwater world is by touring with the glass bottom boat. This tour is offered together with the activities such as diving, snorkeling or island hopping

Some of the most exquisite and happening music is played at the Sama Dama. However, during the daytime several jamming sessions are organized here. So, you can participate in one of them to put forth your talent to the world. These plays assure 100% fun, so don’t miss out on this.

Forum: Trip Advisor

Website: Gili Paradise