Getting Gili Island
Lombok Indonesia.
Getting Gili
island ( Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air ) is quite
easy, we can visit Gili island by fast boat from Bali island
or by flight from Bali, Lombok and Gili island by car or by
boat.
Gili island is located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the three
islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are rapidly
becoming one of the most popular destinations for visitors to
Bali and Lombok. They are now easily accessible direct from
Bali with the new Fast Boat service, or by plane and local
boat from Lombok. All three islands feature superb, white
sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs,
brilliantly coloured fish and the best snorkeling and diving
to be found anywhere on Bali and Lombok.
Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the simple
pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving, beautiful beaches, and
socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers
adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis – although
there is now a wide range of accommodation available, the
islands have maintained the lazy rustic charms of a tropical
paradise.
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Under Water View in GIli
island |
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Under Water View in GIli
island |
Getting There
We highly recommend visitors to use a private transfer service
to avoid hussle and bustle at Bangsal (public harbour to gili
islands). Local street vendors who try to sells things with
pushing and pressure, or those who grab your luggage and ask
too much for a porter service could be annoying. Paying a
little extra for a comfort and easy settlement for a wonderful
holiday break is worth it, especially those who travel with
kids. Private Transfer Service includes pick up, meeting and
greeting service at the airport/seaport/hotel, land
transportation with fully air-con deluxe coaches, private boat
charter, and check in assistances at the hotel.
The Natives & History
A few years ago, sailors from Bugis, Mandar and Makassar
(Sulawesi) occupied Gili Air and establish coconuts plantation
and expand the fishing activities.
As visitors started to visit Lombok and some came to the Gilis
on day trips and then began to stay for longer periods in
local homes. The islands have become enormously popular. Their
popularity may be a problem, as numbers sometime exceed the
available rooms and put pressure on the island environment,
especially the supply of fresh water and the capacity of
septic system to cope with waste and there is always pressure
to build more and better facilities.
Big business interests are trying to cash in on the popularity
of the Gilis and the local government is keen to promote
upmarket tourist development.
Gili Air and Gili Meno retained much of their unspoilt
quality, but Gili Trawangan has become more touristy and
pricy.
The islanders are majority Muslims and visitors should respect
their sensibilities. In particular, topless or nude sunbathing
is offensive to them, even though they won't say so directly.
Away from Beach, it is polite for women to cover their
shoulders and thighs. Many visitors are appallingly
insensitive to local standards and so many of them walk around
in skimpy clothing that it's easy to get impression that the
local people don't mind anymore. They do.
The development for the last five years has change the
island's look, especially Gili Trawangan. Accommodation
tariffs on today's range are from between Rp. 50,000
(equivalent to USD 6.00) to 100,000 (USD 12.00) per night for
a simple room with fan, to an air-con bungalows style with hot
water, in comfortable resort-style settings at up to Rp.
950,000 (USD 110.00) per night and everything in between,
depending on the seasonal price fluctuations. Accommodation On
Gili Islands, Private Villas, Boutique Resort, Budget Hotels
While the island is busiest from May through August, the
quieter off-season from January to April provides a better
opportunity to enjoy all the islet has to offer, with
accommodation prices at their lowest level.
To get around the isle, the only means of transport are
Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available
too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food
and goods must be brought over from the mainland.
Electricity and Communication
Electricity supply are now available on all the three Gilis.
The electrical voltage in Indonesia is 220 Volt, if you bring
any devices which require recharged at lower voltage (110
Volt) bring an electrical voltage converter or ask the hotel
where you stay for STAVOLT. Money changers are available in
most Tourist Information, but usually give you a lower rate
than changing on the mainland of Lombok. Internet rental are
available in all the islands. It is possible to make int'l
phone calls on all islands.
Health and Medical
Sanitation has improved on the islands. There are two health
centers on Gili Trawangan; 1) located near the soccer fields
for locals and 2) located in Villa Ombak with better
facilities for Tourist.
Gili Meno also now have a health centre which funded by
local's businesses. Gili Air also have a health centre located
near the main village. The health centre is known locally as
"Puskesmas". To stay fit and healthy, always drink from
bottled water or boiled water and avoid eating raw foods or
salads from small non-reputable restaurants, because the water
might not be sterilized.
Security
There are no Police Station or Military Post on the islands,
but there is a small police station in Bangsal harbor. The
Islands funded non-uniformed community policing group, SATGAS,
ensures visitor's security and safety. In the rare event of
someone breaking the law or disturbing tourists, perpetrators
are handed over to Police on Lombok and face banishment from
the island for up to five years. For your own safety, deposit
valuable items at the reception where you're staying at. Carry
only small cash and necessary items.
Activities
There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the
islands. You can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving
course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat
to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes.
Scuba Diving
There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the
islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling,
which can be reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A
must see: Turtles Point, Meno Wall, Shark (harmless) Point.
Dive Schools available on all the islands with many dive
programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical
dives.
Snorkeling
While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those
who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins
and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000
species of marine life living just off-shore.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands.
Deep fishing remain the best on north west of Gili Trawangan.
Carry your own equipment if you're not familiar with the
traditional-style of fishing. |
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