Gili Islands - Where the mermaids and nomads are
- Dec 1, 2016
- 5 min read
The Stylish Dish curates a guide that gets you exploring the Gili islands on land and under the sea.
Off the coast of Lombok, are three glittering green specs dotted like constellations on the inky waters of the Bali Sea. The Gili islands as they are collectively called, can be viewed from each other and float above a sea kingdom that is reputed to be one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. The three islands are named Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno; while Gili Trawangan is the island of choice as it is the most commercial with shops, atms hostels and pubs - some tourists prefer the secluded and more pristine waters of Gili Air and Gili Meno.
Gili Trawangan
A bustling island hub surrounded by azure waters and traditional Indonesian boats wading lazily by the shores. Jalan Panatai, the main road has the chaos of an Indian bazaar- on either side, shops, hotels and cafes entice you with their wares, while the road itself is swarming with huge numbers of horse carriages, cyclists and tourists alike. Step onto one of the side roads, and the mood instantly changes as the noise dims down.
The Stylish Dish Checks-In to Sahara Sands
After wheeling our suitcases in the tropical heat for what seemed like hours (but in reality was less than ten minutes), we finally came upon the turning we had been looking for. A bamboo gate with a wooden sign that read ‘Sahara Sands’. Relieved to escape the crowds, we entered a most picturesque beach-styled villa. A spacious two storey home, with a common living space and kitchen, accented by tropical plants, beachy colours and thatched roofs. Our private patio complete with sliding doors, revealed a white washed and blue room (with beds you could dissolve in). We absolutely loved our home on an island.
Check out the property here.
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Other places that caught our fancy
Ombak Sunset - A favourite with the honeymooners, this resort has its own private beach. It is located on the quieter side of the island, so budget cautious travellers need to look away.
Little Coco Gili - A budget savvy resort with breakfast included, and not to far away from the main action of Gili T.
Swim with turtles, dive to sunken wreckages
While bronzing under the sun, should be on the list - be sure not to miss the sights under Gili’s turquoise waters. Snorkelling is usually organised by the island’s tour operators, who take you to 4 spots around the 3 islands where you are guaranteed sightings of tropical fish and coral. Our favourite was Turtle Bay, where we swam with turtles. At one particular spot, we were allowed to feed the fish, a thoroughly colourful display.
If you have taken the plunge with snorkelling, then brave the deep and try out diving. Granted it can be a bit daunting for newbies, but you don’t have to enrol in a full-fledged course to explore the depths of the ocean. The main road of GiliTrawangan has many reputed diving schools, most of which offer an introductory Discover Scuba Diving experience. After a quick lesson in the pool on how to manage your equipment - you are jumping into the open sea. We trained under Big Bubble Dive, and as this was our first time diving, we had our reservations. But once we got down to the peaceful surroundings of the ocean floor, we were mesmerized. From octopus and unicorn fish (yes they have horns), to sunken ships overgrown with coral and huge fish swimming in the distance as their silhouettes flickered in the blue waters, the ocean was teeming with life.
Underwater Camera Equipment
We wanted to capture underwater videos and photos, but did not want to invest in a GoPro since it was our first time. This is where Book My Lens came to the rescue, as we rented a GoProHero4 which was such easy to manage underwater. Admittedly it was tricky at first, as this model does not allow for the display screen to be used underwater. While it is not exactly budget friendly, it is worth the price to capture memories of a lifetime.
Enjoy a little video, courtesy of The Stylish Dish
Eat, Swim, Rave - Repeat
On land, watch the island turn into a party zone with music, beach-lit shacks and strobe lights all over the street. The restaurants and cafes have fresh catches of the day to wood fire pizzas and happy hours cocktails. Here’s a tip - befriend some of the locals, and get to know where the island locals meet up, as there is different a spot for every day of the week. Before you start the shenanigans for the night, visit sunset point - a gorgeous stretch on the other side of island to catch, you guessed it - the sunset. An element of surprise was the swings over the waves, the inner child in us was squealing with glee.
The Stylish Dish discovers - Casa Vintage
Walking along Sunset Point, we chanced upon a store on the beach- a gorgeous beach shack strewn with fairy lights, suspended pineapples and tables by the waves. Instantly we were smitten. Casa Vintage is a restaurant and a store-, which showcases vintage tropical finds. The food was absolutely delicious - and had us gorging on a collection of yummy goodies. Check out their Facebook page.
A little bit of history
If you are an avid history buff, visit the hill, with a World War 2 Japanese bunker on top - a place used as a look-out point and to store ammunition. Located by the Sunset Point stretch, this place carries a little bit of history and is a lesser known spot. The climb is hardly ten minutes and is definitely worth it for the view.
The Enchanted (haunted) Forest
After we feasted on dinner, it was time to walk back to our resort - the restaurant staff told us that if we wanted to save time, we should follow a path that cut right through the island. What they did fail to mention was that this path was a through a dark forest. Ten minutes into our walk, we realised that we were unmistakably in a dense dark forest. Local legend has it that the forest of Gili Trawangan is haunted by the ancestors of the island natives buried there, and the trees that grew from their burial spots are believed to host guardian spirits - and hence no one walks through the forest at night. Although of course nothing happened, we were only too happy to run towards the chaos of the main roads. Should you have the nerve, do plan a little ghost walk for yourself and who knows, you might spot a certain something or, someone.
Gili Air and Gili Meno
Taking only a few hours to walk across the entire islands, they are more spread out with budget friendly cottages, restaurants, bicycle shops and boutiques. Apart from snorkelling around, walk through the island scenery, visit a yoga studio and enjoy a relaxed pace. Try your hand at surfing and rent a surfboard, to while your day away.
Gili Air - Stay
Gili Air Escape - Affordable luxury, in a traditional Balinese setting - enjoy a 5 minute walk to the beach.
7 Seas Cottages - A collection of cottages from villas where you can jump into your own pool from your bedroom, to family style bungalows set by the beach.
Gili Meno - Stay
Villa Nautilus - If the plan is to park yourself by the beach, and splurge then Villa Nautilis is the property of choice. Snorkeling, bingeing on food, lazy walks by the beach and lounging about is the way of the life here.
Mahamaya - Cocktails by the beach, and personalised service is as good as it gets at this luxurious villa setting. Make use of their exclusive spa, with a range of treatments that use marine products.
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