Gili Islands - The hidden gem of Indonesia

Back in the year 2020, when I was still working for my last employer I took this trip to Indonesia in Early Jan 2020. I had already been to Bali once for my Honeymoon and checked out the beaches of Kuta and seminyak and the pretty and scenic sunset in the temple of Uluwattu. This time we wanted to check out something offbeat, something quite new to the Indian tourists. In all our vacations we try to include at least one such hidden gem in our itinerary apart from the usual stuff and this time before heading there we were debating between Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands and finally zeroed in on the Gili Trawangan Islands simply because this was a vehicle free island!! We spent 2 nights and 3 days in this paradise and boy we loved it!!

The Gili islands in the Lombok region of Indonesia is an archipelago of 3 tiny islands known as the Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili air islands. Gili in the local language means small and all 3 islands are called Gili due to their tiny size. Gili Trawangan being the biggest and the most populated one attracts the maximum tourists and is such an ideal destination for anyone ranging from those who want to check out every single water sport activity out there, party hard or chill by the beach.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Fast boats and ferries operate on a daily basis between Bali and the Gili Trawangan islands and its about 2.5 hours apart. On arrival its always better to look for an accommodation as near as possible to the boat jetty as you would not find any vehicles in this islands, Walking, cycle and horse carts are the only means of transport there!!

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

Gili Trawangan islands has a host of accommodation options ranging from hostels and homestays to 5* resort options. Always ensure you book your accommodations well in advance and book it as close to the boat jetty as possible. For longer distances you could use the horse carts for transports but the horses are not treated in the best manner which would make you regret taking it for sure.

GETTING AROUND:

There is nothing much to see like a typical touristy spot, This island is for you if you are adventurous and would like to indulge in some snorkeling and scuba diving in a not so commercial and polluted zone, for the beach bum in you if you would just like to put on that sunscreen and laze around on the beach. This place is also for you if you are looking to party hard in the night after a calm or adventurous day. The sunrise and sunset are the most magical from here and do not forget to click away a lot of pictures at the swing by the sea for your gram!! The island is tiny enough and on a good day you could walk around to most of the spots, bicycles are also available for rent at various spots.

WATER SPORTS:

The major water sport activities there are snorkeling and scuba diving, while kayaking, para sailing, glass bottom rides, etc are prevalent, you are mainly taken to the other two islands while you snorkel or scuba dive and its very interesting to spot the statues under the water, some beautiful and stunningly colorful and rare varieties of fishes and turtles too. The world under the ocean is something else and you are totally transported to another universe which is sure to be a life changing experience. All the water sports are available in groups as well as private and you can pick and choose based on your experience and budget. They are always booked on a direct payment basis based on your fitness level, climate of the day .

Food:

International as well as Indian cuisines are available in this island and they are all pretty affordable and authentic in taste. The restaurants are all beautiful facing the see and with amazing ambience that you could be sure all your meals are going to be with amazing views. A beverage that is always available and is so healthy and amazing is tender coconut water. Sipping on a tender coconut and catching the sunset was my most favourite activity there!!

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