White sand , clear blue water , what else could you ask for? Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are all just beautiful.
Offering activities such as outside movies, bike rides around the island, snorkeling trips, diving, sunset and most importantly , seeing a turtle up close and personal! They seem to have it all for a relaxed stay.
A bit about the islands
The islands themselves do not allow motorised vehicles , so a horse and cart or bicycle is the only way around the island. Personally , I didn't take the horse and cart as the horses aren't treated very well, but that's up to you. The islands are small enough to walk around in an hour or two , and even quicker on a bicycle. It makes a peaceful stay and you feel like you've gone back in time a little.
A local warung is a lot cheaper to get food from, (£2) for a dish, not only a yummy dish but also contributing to a family than a big business. In my experience I have had the best food in a local place so get yourself one of the traditional Indonesian dishes !
Bikes are available to rent on each island and you should not need to pay more than 50rph. Similarly , the snorkeling trips which are available go to each island , with lunch you shouldn't need to pay more than 125 rph so barter if you can!
Snorkeling activities
If you're not a confident swimmer , then this is the best place to comfortably snorkel by hiring snorkeling equipment (50,000rph) on the beach , to search for turtles in the shallow shores of the island. The ' turtle points' are marked out , so make sure you go there so you don't miss your chance to see turtles.
If you're a water baby then get yourself on the snorkeling trip. The boat visits the outskirts of each island, with the opportunity to view the beautiful coral in the the depth of the sea, the underwater statue of men and to follow round some turtles in their natural habitat.
A sunset you will not forget ...
The sunset points ... Go and see the sun set down behind the volcanos on Bali's mainland and soak a view you've not quite seen before.
My suggestions...
Gili Air
- H20 yoga centre - this places has it all with a hotel/hostel, restaurant and yoga/meditation facilities. Yoga is available nearly everyday, and with a special night for the full moon for meditation. The full moon meditation is slightly different to your normal meditation but definitely worth doing ! The cost price of 100,000rph goes towards rebuilding the lives of those who were effected by the earthquake in Lombock last year. Not only great for your health but also for a great cause !
Gili T
- If you like to party, Gili T has several different bars to go to with huge dance spaces. It however , is an island where you can do a bit of both, so you can relax if you want to! I stayed in MBox hostel and booked a private room which was relatively inexpensive and quiet. There is a DJ on every night but shuts off at 11. The bar there also does 241 drinks during certain times. The hostel also offers the snorkeling trips, bike hire and breakfast !
Gili Meno
I didn't go here but the underwater statue is located just off from this island. Unfortunately the history of it being there isn't quite as ancient as you would think. Sadly, this was placed here 3 years ago for a tourist attraction. However , still impressive !
Tips and information :
- there are no dogs on the islands, just cats
- trips from each island to the other is cheaper by getting it from the ferry office for 40,000rph.
- it's perfectly safe to book from the ferry offices in padangbai and should only cost you between 125,000 to 150,000rph as long as you barter.
- people do try and sell you drugs on the islands , as per most of Bali, so just politely decline and you will not be hassled
- the cycle path around the island is pretty sandy in parts so be prepared to push your bike at times
- it's a lot warmer on these islands so layer up on the suncream
How they have changed...
To those who have been before.. these islands have changed over the past few years. Since the earthquake last year there is more wasteland in the centre of the island and a lot of renovation work being done. The government have imposed a new law whereby restaurants and bars were moved off the beaches , so they are now further set back. These islands are really great for some time to detox , take in one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever see and enjoy the sealife ! They will really surprise you and are definately worth a visit!
If you're short on time , I recommend 2 days on both Gili Air and Gili T. My second favourite place in Bali to visit