Gili for First Timers: The Fascination of Whole Year Island of Summer

Have you ever wonder to have a life like those typical summer movies? When the sun is out 365 of 365 days per year, and the party keeps rolling on almost every night. Gili Trawangan, one of the most discussed island in Indonesia is the home of youngsters who seek for chillaxing afternoons and hectic nights of party. Last month, I visited this island to pay my curiosity.


How to Get To Gili Trawangan

To get to this island, there are several options you can choose depending on your starting point.

Departing from Lombok: Make your way to Bangsal Port (click for maps), then take a public boat for about Rp 40,000 or $3 for a return trip. There are some more options offered by other private boat company, however you can also buy the tickets from them. But if you're traveling on a budget, I recommend you to take the public boat. Although the boat is crowded but the island crossing merely take 30 mins. And crossing the island in the morning or afternoon is recommended because the tide is high when the evening come and they will not serve any crossing to the Gilis.

Departing from Bali: There are 2 options you can choose; by fast boat (departing from Padang Bai) or by plane (departing from Ngurah Rai airport) however those two options offer the similar price in total about Rp 400,000 or $29.

• By fastboat: Make your way to Padang Bai port then buy your ticket to Gili. You can also take a connecting pass (bus + fastboat) from private companies like Perama. They got many options of pickup points in Bali area. (recommended for solo travelers)
• By plane: Buy your plane ticket then fly to Lombok airport. From Lombok airport, take a car or taxi to Bangsal Port, then make the crossing like mentioned above. (This option is cheaper when there's a plane ticket promo and when you can share the taxi cost.

Arriving on Gili Trawangan, you can choose three types of transportation; Bike, Cidomo (local saying for horse wagon), or by feet. However, I prefer to rent a bike to explore the island and take Cidomo only at the time of arrival and departure to bring me and my carriers to and from the resort or hostel.

Accommodation at Gili Trawangan

According to the locals, it's better to book your stay in advance, especially on the high season. There are usually a lot of travelers who don't get a place to stay and ended up sleeping in the beach at night! :o . About the price, this island offers a bit more expensive accommodation than Bali so it's best to prepare your wallet! Some travelers choose to stay in a tent to avoid those accommodation expense.

Cheers!
Roselind

To read next: Things To Do in Gili! How to Enjoy Gili to the Fullest

Things To Do in Gili! How to Enjoy Gili to the Fullest

Whether you're planning your first visit to Gili Trawangan or planning your second one, this article will help you to leave Gili without any regret!
The Gili brothers, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are mainly known for partying and snorkeling. But other than that, you can do much more thing while you're in Gili!

Beach Club Hopping!
There are plenty options of beach clubs here in Gili, especially Gili Trawangan. The famous ones are Le Pirate, Ombak Sunset, and Pearl Beach Lounge. Whether sharing a platter with friends or enjoying a sip of Bintang (the famous local beer), it's a perfect way to spend the afternoon in a chill way.

Le Pirate Beach Club, Gili Trawangan

Bike or Walk the Island!
In Gili, there still a lot of hidden places to discover. The Gili islands are small that it can only take 1 hour bicycle ride to explore the biggest island, Gili Trawangan. Make sure you negotiate well with the rental and don't forget to ask for a bike lock! It's important if you want to stop somewhere in the middle of your mini adventure.

Hidden spot at Gili Trawangan

Sunset watching

Watching the sunset with chill out music and a Bintang is certainly a must on the Gilis!

Take a bumpy Cidomo ride!
 Cidomo is a local saying for horse wagon, beside it's the main transportation (no car in the Gilis!) it  also offers a bumpy - ATV like ride along the way! A must-try when you get in Gilis.


Go out for the nightlife & attractions!
It's identic with Gili Trawangan Island, the party. The island got party schedules arranged every week, so you'd better ask fellow islanders about the schedule. There will also be some attractions at night waiting for you to see! ;)

Fire show at the beach!

 Go snorkel, Kayak, or take a diving certificate!
All 3 Gili brothers offer a wide options of underwater adventure. There are one snorkeling equipment rentals in every corner of the islands! Plenty diving schools are also here to help you get those PADI or SSI certificates!

One of the diving schools in Gilis. Courtesy: www.giliislandsdiving.com

So those are the things to do in Gilis that I could remember. There still a lot of things you can do beyond the list! Remember to be creative with your own vacation and start exploring!

Cheers!
Roselind

To read next: Gili for First Timers: The Fascination of Whole Year Island of Summer (How to get there and accomodation tips!)