Getting there via speedboat from Lombok was quick (around 30minutes) and fairly uneventful. Yes the water was on the choppy side but it was manageable.
It was still dark as we made our way towards the boat, the first 20 minutes were fine except for the horrifying background music they were playing full blast (an awful disco version of Hoobastank's The Reason sped up 50x!), but okay, I just put on my earphones and eye mask and proceeded to take a nap - Only to be awakened by a deep sinking feeling in my stomach. Our boat was swaying violently left! right! up! down! Add to that a strong smell of gasoline, 0 air in the cabin + rising temperatures. Just when I was beginning to think it couldn't get any worse than it already was, the engine stopped. Some people started to get excited about "some dolphins". I thought they stopped the boat so we could take some photos. All I could think about at that moment was "CAN WE JUST GET ON WITH IT AND GET IT OVER WITH?! FOR SURE THERE ARE DOLPHINS ELSEHWERE!!!!" (LOL-ING at my panic NOW BUT) Turns out, we were stalled because SOME FISHING LINE GOT CAUGHT WITH OUR PROPELLER!!! So there we were, extremely hot with no air on a stationary boat swaying back and forth on top of 10-15foot waves. I began to feel my Nasi Goreng breakfast creep back up (and eventually out 〣( ºΔº )〣)
It felt like forever but finally, after about 3 hours, we arrived safely in Bali.
ps. this was not an isolated incident, turns out there are a hundred similar stories on the internet.
And before the queasy get turned off, let me just say that GILI is worth the pain (and sometimes tears.)
HOW TO GET AROUND GILI
To preserve the island, all types of motor vehicles are prohibited but they also aren't necessary.
Measuring only 3km long and 2km wide, it only takes about an hour to get around the entire island by foot.
Bikes are also available for rent at just 50,000IDR/$3 day or you can hitch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage called a "Cidomo" for 100,000IDR/$7 max of 3 people.
I'm telling you, it's such a welcome relief to be free of the sound and fumes from running engines even for only a few days.
WHERE TO STAY IN GILI TRAWANGAN
Just like everywhere else in Indonesia, hotels and hostels at Gili are very affordable (and quite plentiful).
You can choose hotels that offer traditional Lumbung Huts like this one at Villa Ombak with a private terrace and lounge chairs:
This was my first room on the island. Queen size bed, refrigerator, Wifi, flat screen tv...very comfortable.
I especially loved my private lounge on the ground floor:
My only problem with this hut was that the toilet was also located on the ground floor. I have a small bladded and I enjoy having several bottles of Bintang before bed so this was quite a dilemma for me so I asked to be transferred to a "regular room".
This is what I got. It was huge, 2 king size beds and a whole lotta floor area. Just ask for an extra mattress and you could easily squeeze 10 people in this one room:
MUST DO's ON GILI TRAWANGAN
Since the island is small and only takes awhile to explore, you have pretty much the entire day to fill with other activities such as...
Getting a traditional authentic Balinese massage or go snorkeling with some fishes on Gili Air.
There's a little something for everyone here wether you're more of the adventurous or laid-back type.
On Gili, there are spas everywhere! Prices vary from around 150,000IDR/$11 and up.
I got mine at the
Roemah Spa of Villa Ombak Hotel. I think I paid around 350,000IDR/$26 but it was so worth it. This was the room they gave me. At times a bit noisy from the commotion outside but other than that, it was air-conditioned, very comfortable and the quality of massage excellent.
After your massage, you can walk around the island to shop!
There's quite a selection of stylish, locally made indie labels to choose from...
And just like in Bali, there are also a couple of Billabong boutiques that offer price drops as much as 70%!
There's also lots of cheap souvenirs such as batik bags and clothes + unofficial Bintang merchandise.
My favorites are these wood carvings and curios I spotted while walking around the island one afternoon...
Warrior masks, spears and elephant door hangers...
I feel bad about leaving without this humpty dumpty statue...
And these bargain Bintang beer cozies...
For the more active lot, there's lots of snorkeling and dive shops around as well as various water sports...
Some hotels even offer FREE yoga and meditation classes in the morning!
If your prefer to chill all day...
Make sure to catch the pretty pink sunset of Gili at the Ombak Sunset Swing...
Have a few cocktails...a bottle of Bintang only costs around $3 and they also have Buy 1 Take 1 drinks for just $5!
Don't forget to queue up for an actual photo on the swing! There's several but the one at Ombak Sunset is the most iconic
Be careful, it's trickier than it looks and requires a bit of balance. You can take a solo shot like this...
Or give it a go with the entire family in tow!
＼(￣▽￣)／
You can also rent some horses for a few IDR for a leisurely trot along the shoreline...
With one of the prettiest sunsets I have ever seen as your backdrop!
WHERE TO EAT IN GILI TRAWANGAN
Despite its small size, the island is brimming with topnotch culinary choices from all over the world. For some delicious seafood and organic food, try Scallywags:
Their grilled lobster with lemon butter sauce is to die for.
There's LOTS of nice coffee shops and restaurants to while away the time.
Wether you feel like having some local fare + sambal, Thai food, Burgers, Indian Curries, Kebabs, you'll find a restaurant to satiate your cravings.
I had a really good plate of Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini at Trattoria Cucina Italiana...
My waiter happened to have a sister based in Manila as a nun. He's also a big fan of Manny Pacquiao!
In the evening, you can have some drinks with Sheesha for only 80,000IDR/$6
Catch an outdoor midnight show beneath a veil of stars at Villa Ombak Hotel...
Seats are these oversized bean bags plus you can order popcorn and refreshments from the adjacent resto
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