WEEKEND GETAWAY : GILI ISLAND
THE GILI'S, LOMBOK
The name "Gili Islands" is a misnomer, because Gili simply means "small island" in Sasak.
The Gili Islands are a group of 3 tiny islands :
Gili Air
Gili Meno
Gili Trawangan
It is near the coast of northwest Lombok Island. Characterized by sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, they're known for their coral reefs just offshore. The islands are a popular destination for tourists. Each island has several small resorts, usually consisting of a collection of huts for tourists, a small pool and restaurant. Scuba diving and freediving in and around the Gilis is also popular due to the abundance of marine life and attractive coral formations. Most famous diving spots are Shark point, Manta point and Simon's reef. These Gili islands could also be a perfect for your honeymoon package. Moreover, those beautiful Gili islands provide you a romantic sensation.
THINGS TO DO at GILI'S
1. Scuba Diving
Whether you simply want to try scuba diving, do fun diving or go all out and complete a dive course or dive master program, here is the hub of Lombok diving with a heap of dive schools and dive sites to choose from. Small wonder, because the islands have a wonderful underwater world. Lionfish, scorpion fish, cuttle fish, octopus, and different types of rays make the waters around the islands their habitat.
2. Go Snorkeling
Swimming in crystal clear water with a sea turtle is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. You can rent snorkeling gear for half a day from one of the centers near the beach and If you are with a large enough group or join other people do take a private boat. Check with your hotel for the best spots of the moment to snorkel with the sea turtles.
3. Island Hopping
Twice a day the public boats ply around the islands. In the morning the boat leaves Gili Trawangan at 9.0 am. In the afternoon it returns from Gili Air over Gili Meno back to Trawangan.
4. Bycicling
Gili Trawangan is a relatively small island. It takes approximately one hour to cycle around it. You can get bikes almost anywhere or check your hotel since they usually also have bikes for rent. Remember to chain and lock the bike when you leave it anywhere.
There are no motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan, only bikes and horse drawn carts called "horse carriage". So bikes are your best transport to get you around the island.
5. Walk to the vantage point for sunset
The hill is located on the southern end of the island and can be reached within half an hour’s walk from most places on the southern part of Gili Trawangan. This is the best vantage point to admire sunsets.
6. Local Culinary
A daily night market serving heaps of Indonesian delicacies at bargain prices, is worth your to visit. Located in front of the boat pier it opens at 6 pm or before sunset, this main public dining spot will satisfy your craving for seafood and local delights with a good variety of menu items to choose from.
(by Wonderful Indonesia)
WHAT to BRING
Sun Block
Sun Glasses
Comfort dress and flip flop
Your favorite book
Underwater Camera
You may also wonder to visit beaches, waterfalls, tribe villages, and semi trekking activities to Senaru (First point of Rinjani Mountain).
The name "Gili Islands" is a misnomer, because Gili simply means "small island" in Sasak.
The Gili Islands are a group of 3 tiny islands :
It is near the coast of northwest Lombok Island. Characterized by sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, they're known for their coral reefs just offshore. The islands are a popular destination for tourists. Each island has several small resorts, usually consisting of a collection of huts for tourists, a small pool and restaurant. Scuba diving and freediving in and around the Gilis is also popular due to the abundance of marine life and attractive coral formations. Most famous diving spots are Shark point, Manta point and Simon's reef. These Gili islands could also be a perfect for your honeymoon package. Moreover, those beautiful Gili islands provide you a romantic sensation.
THINGS TO DO at GILI'S
1. Scuba Diving
Whether you simply want to try scuba diving, do fun diving or go all out and complete a dive course or dive master program, here is the hub of Lombok diving with a heap of dive schools and dive sites to choose from. Small wonder, because the islands have a wonderful underwater world. Lionfish, scorpion fish, cuttle fish, octopus, and different types of rays make the waters around the islands their habitat.
2. Go Snorkeling
Swimming in crystal clear water with a sea turtle is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. You can rent snorkeling gear for half a day from one of the centers near the beach and If you are with a large enough group or join other people do take a private boat. Check with your hotel for the best spots of the moment to snorkel with the sea turtles.
3. Island Hopping
Twice a day the public boats ply around the islands. In the morning the boat leaves Gili Trawangan at 9.0 am. In the afternoon it returns from Gili Air over Gili Meno back to Trawangan.
4. Bycicling
Gili Trawangan is a relatively small island. It takes approximately one hour to cycle around it. You can get bikes almost anywhere or check your hotel since they usually also have bikes for rent. Remember to chain and lock the bike when you leave it anywhere.
There are no motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan, only bikes and horse drawn carts called "horse carriage". So bikes are your best transport to get you around the island.
5. Walk to the vantage point for sunset
The hill is located on the southern end of the island and can be reached within half an hour’s walk from most places on the southern part of Gili Trawangan. This is the best vantage point to admire sunsets.
6. Local Culinary
A daily night market serving heaps of Indonesian delicacies at bargain prices, is worth your to visit. Located in front of the boat pier it opens at 6 pm or before sunset, this main public dining spot will satisfy your craving for seafood and local delights with a good variety of menu items to choose from.
(by Wonderful Indonesia)
WHAT to BRING
You may also wonder to visit beaches, waterfalls, tribe villages, and semi trekking activities to Senaru (First point of Rinjani Mountain).
