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General
Information
Located just off the northwest
coast of Lombok, the three islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili
Trawangan are rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for
visitors to Bali and Lombok. They are now easily accessible direct from
Bali with the new
Fast Boat
service,
or by plane and local boat from Lombok. All three islands feature superb,
white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs,
brilliantly coloured fish and the best snorkeling and diving to be found
anywhere on Bali and Lombok.
Visitors from all over the
world are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving,
beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and
hawkers adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis – although
there is now a wide range of accommodation available, the islands have
maintained the lazy rustic charms of a tropical paradise.
Getting There
We highly recommend visitors to use a
private transfer service to avoid hussle and bustle at Bangsal
(public harbour to gili islands). Local street vendors who try to sells
things with pushing and pressure, or those who grab your luggage and ask
too much for a porter service could be annoying. Paying a little extra for
a comfort and easy settlement for a wonderful holiday break is worth it,
especially those who travel with kids. Private Transfer Service
includes pick up, meeting and greeting service at the
airport/seaport/hotel, land transportation with fully air-con deluxe
coaches, private boat charter, and check in assistances at the hotel.
The Natives & History
A few years ago, sailors from Bugis, Mandar and Makassar (Sulawesi)
occupied Gili Air and establish coconuts plantation and expand the fishing
activities.
As visitors started to visit Lombok and some came to the Gilis on day
trips and then began to stay for longer periods in local homes.
The islands have become enormously popular.
Their popularity may be a problem, as numbers sometime exceed the
available rooms and put pressure on the island environment, especially the
supply of fresh water and the capacity of septic system to cope with waste
and there is always pressure to build more and better facilities.
Big business interests are trying to cash in on the popularity of the
Gilis and the local government is keen to promote upmarket tourist
development.
Gili Air and Gili Meno retained much of their unspoilt quality, but Gili
Trawangan has become more touristy and pricy.
The islanders are majority Muslims and visitors should respect their
sensibilities. In particular, topless or nude sunbathing is offensive to
them, even though they won't say so directly. Away from Beach, it is
polite for women to cover their shoulders and thighs. Many visitors are
appallingly insensitive to local standards and so many of them walk around
in skimpy clothing that it's easy to get impression that the local people
don't mind anymore. They do.
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The development for the last
five years has change the island's look, especially Gili Trawangan. Accommodation
tariffs on today's range are from between Rp. 50,000 (equivalent to USD
6.00) to 100,000 (USD 12.00) per
night for a simple room with fan, to an air-con bungalows style with hot water, in comfortable resort-style settings at up to Rp.
950,000 (USD 110.00) per night and everything in between, depending on the
seasonal price fluctuations. |
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While the
island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from
January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy all the islet has
to offer, with accommodation prices at their lowest level.
To
get around the isle, the
only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most
things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.
Electricity and Communication
Electricity supply are now available on all the three Gilis. The
electrical voltage in Indonesia is 220 Volt, if you bring any devices
which require recharged at lower voltage (110 Volt) bring an electrical
voltage converter or ask the hotel where you stay for STAVOLT. Money
changers are available in most Tourist Information, but usually give you a
lower rate than changing on the mainland of Lombok. Internet rental are
available in all the islands. It is possible to make int'l phone calls on all
islands.
Health and Medical
Sanitation has improved on the islands.
There are two health centers on Gili Trawangan; 1) located near the soccer
fields for locals and 2) located in Villa Ombak with better facilities for
Tourist.
Gili Meno also now have a health centre which funded by local's businesses.
Gili Air also have a health centre located near the main village. The
health centre is known locally as "Puskesmas". To stay fit and healthy, 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.
Security
There are no Police Station or Military Post on the islands, but
there is a small police station in Bangsal harbor. The Islands funded
non-uniformed community policing group, SATGAS, ensures visitor's security
and safety. In the rare event of someone breaking the law or disturbing
tourists, perpetrators are handed over to Police on Lombok and face
banishment from the island for up to five years. For your own safety,
deposit valuable items at the reception where you're staying at. Carry
only small cash and necessary items.
Activities
There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. You
can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go
fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs
and fishes.
Scuba Diving
There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the
islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be
reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A must see: Turtles Point,
Meno Wall, Shark (harmless) Point. Dive Schools available on all the
islands with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced
technical dives.
Snorkeling
While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who
prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are
never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life
living just off-shore.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep
fishing remain the best on north west of Gili Trawangan. Carry your own
equipment if you're not familiar with the traditional-style of fishing.
PT. LOMBOK NETWORK HOLIDAYS
Jl. Intermilan 85 - 87 Puri Meninting,
Batulayar, Lombok-Indonesia
Ph: +62 370 6628139,
Fax: +62 370 634 162
Mobile: +62 81 8369619
Email: info@lombok-network.com
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