Information about Gili Trawangan

Imagine an island that boasts crystal clear aquamarine waters, pristine white sands, stunning sunrises and sensual sunsets where the only means of transport are walking, cycling or horse-drawn cart…. Sound idyllic?

Located to the east of Bali and just off the coast of West Lombok lies an island that provides the modern day traveler with their creature comforts, whilst retaining the charm and local spirit of the indigenous people.

It was only thirty years ago that Lombok’s native Sasak people came to settle on Gili Trawangan where farming on the islands fertile soil and fishing in the crystal clear water was the main source of income. Over the years the island has developed into one of Indonesia’s top draw holiday destinations for foreign visitors. As Bali becomes more and more overcrowded many people are turning to Lombok and the Gili’s as an alternative destination for a paradise island get-away. With Lombok’s International airport due to open in 2010 Gili Trawangan will become even more accessible to visitors outside of Indonesia.
Without the noise and pollution of cars or motorbikes, life on Trawangan ambles along at a laid back pace making it one of the many reasons people return time and time again.

Activities

To quote the cliché, Gili Trawangan really does have ‘something for everyone.’ Diving, snorkeling, cycling, horse-riding, surfing not to mention soaking up the rays on the clean, white sandy beaches are just some of the activities you can enjoy. Day trips around the other two islands Gili Air and Gili Meno are a wonderful way to while away a day here on paradise.

Click here to view more pictures		Diving If you are coming to Trawangan to experience the diving there is an abundance of dive shops to choose from all offering PADI courses from Open Water to Technical Nitrox. Some of the underwater wildlife you can expect to see is white and black tip sharks, rays, nudibranches and lots of turtles amongst many other species. Diving in Lombok is widely regarded as having some of the best dive sites in Indonesia.
Click here to view more pictures		Eating Out Eating out is an important part of any holiday. Bad food = Bad holiday. Not on Trawangan. With a huge variety of restaurants to choose from and all catering for different tastes and budgets you certainly won’t go hungry. From Sushi at Ryoshi to Indian at Pesona, from fajitas at The Irish to wood fired pizzas at Coral Beach you’ll be spoilt for choice. However, freshly caught fish barbequed to perfection is the main speciality with prawns, snapper, lobster and barracuda as just a few of the different types of fish you can sample. Almost all restaurants cater for western tastes whilst including traditional Indonesian fare such as nasi goreng, fish and chicken curry, and beef rendang.
Click here to view more pictures		Nightlife Trawangan has been dubbed the ‘party island’ of the three Gili’s and rightly so. With evening entertainment at various bars there’s no shortage of good nights out. You can hear Live Reggae music every night at Sama Sama Bar, fly to the sky at Rudy’s and dance the night away at Blue Marlin on a Monday night. Alternatively, if big nights out aren’t your thing then why not watch a dvd at The Irish, catch a movie at A Beautiful Life or simply take a walk along the beach.

Other things to know

• There are now plenty of ATMs located on the island so you don’t need to take out a lot of money before you come. Most restaurants accept credit cards too.

• Internet – There are plenty of places to check your email and most now offer broadband services. You can also buy phone credit for your mobile if you have an Indonesian number.

• Transport back to Lombok or Bali. We can help you arrange your departure either by fast boat or flying from Mataram to Bali.

• Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country and whilst Gili Trawangan is very relaxed in its approach please bear in mind that it is not advisable to go topless on the beaches here.

• Getting Around Gili: Cidomos (horse drawn carts) bicycles or your own two feet are the only means of transport but as the island is only 8 kms long, nowhere is very far!!

• There is a small clinic at Villa Ombak that will deal will with minor illnesses and common holiday ailments but for anything more serious the nearest hospital is in Lombok.