Gili Island, Lombok

Lombok has been compared to Bali and is often referred to as how Bali was 50 years ago. However the island is very different from its easterly sister in culture. Yes, the island of Lombok is located east of Bali. Tourism is not quite as developed yet as Bali and it is that reason which makes Lombok the perfect getaway. Escape to picturesque mountainside landscapes to white sand beaches of the Gili Islands.

Lombok is still undiscovered paradise with lush tropical, which will attract every heart with fascination. I would describe the island as the only holiday resort where you may relax and recover. Plenty of glistening white sandy beaches are found on almost all of the entire island boundaries, but this is not all that offer, the smaller island to the north namely Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and to the southwest Gili Nanggu, Gili Gede, Gili Genting and many others, only some of which are inhabited.

The people of Lombok called Sasak comprising 90 percents of the 3 million inhabitants of the island. Moslem is the dominant religion. the Balinese with their Hindu, faith are mostly centered in the western part, therefore temples and shrines are available and the Balinese way of living prevails.

In general, Gili Islands are the three islands off the northwest coast of Lombok that are known as Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. These are the most popular of all the islands that surround Lombok which previously visited mostly by divers and have become tourist destinations. With lovely beaches that are surrounded by coral the islands now attract day trippers for simple pleasures of sun, partying, snorkeling and other water sports.

In the local dialect the word Gili means small island. As such there are many islands using the word "Gili" that are found off the north, west, east, and south coasts of Lombok.

Gili Air Nearest to the mainland Gili Air is well developed with several smaller hotels and inns that cater to families, newlyweds and people looking for a quiet, remote retreat that is off the beaten track.

Gili Meno
The middle island, Gili Meno is the smallest and least developed island. It's ideal for those individuals who looking for peace, quiet and solitude.

Gili Trawangan The largest, the furthest west from Lombok's mainland, most vibrant and extensively developed of the three islands, Gili Trawangan offers a wide range of accommodation from low budget to three star hotel that mainly cater to divers, snorkelers and their friends who are looking for a fun beach atmosphere.

On the islands, fresh drinking water is brought in. As there are no natural basins for catching rain water on any of the three islands, fresh water has to be bought in from the mainland for cooking and drinking. Furthermore since no fresh water on the islands swimming pools and showers use salt water - kind of sticky the first day but everyone adjusts after a day or two.
(Note: a real advantage of the salt water is that the islands are, for the most part, mosquito-free since mosquitoes do not breed in salt water)

Electricity supply is only available on Gili Air and Gili Trawangan, but a few places in Gili Meno have their own generators. Internet rental are available in all the islands. Possible to make int'l phone calls on all islands.

Sanitation has improved on the islands. A Health center is also available with very simple facilities. However, 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.

As well the islands can be very dark at night as there is no street lighting, therefore I recommend if any of you plan to go there to bring your own torch (flash light) because when you go out at night and your hotel is some distance from the restaurant. I also advise to bring extra supplies as some basic items are in limited supply and prices, while not outrageous, tend to be a bit more expensive since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

To get around the island, you will not find any cars or motorcycles on any of the islands because they are prohibited by the locals living there. The only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. On the islands - cidomos are the only source of ground transportation. Rides cost between Rp. 10,000 - Rp. 15,000 to go to any hotel from the harbor. If you are carrying a lot of luggage it is a good idea to use the cidomo as walking on the sand can be difficult with luggage. Cidomos usually stop running at about 8.00 pm If you go out to dinner and do not want to walk back to the hotel in complete darkness it is advisable to make prior arrangements with the cidomo driver for your return trip. Bicycle rentals are available too.