Gili Island Lombok Indonesia :: Gili Island Indonesia General Information

The word of Gili actually means Small Island, Gili Islands located just north off west coast and south west of Lombok, the three small islands Trawangan, Meno and Gili Air, so these islands has be come well known as The Gilis by the travellers. Over the past decade, each of the three islands has developed a unique personality or style, catering to different types of holiday makers and travellers. The Gili islands has rapidly become famous holiday destination of Bali and Lombok. They are now easily accessible from Bali by charter boat or even fast boat from Bali, somes of the accommodations is provides boat charter as their services to the customers, or by short 20 minute flights from Bali and local boat from Lombok. All these islands feature superb, white sand beaches, Gili island Beaches crystal clear water, amazing colorful reefs, ton of colored fishes, and the best snorkelling and diving areas.

Visitors from all over the world are attracted to simple pleasures of sun, beautiful beaches, diving, snorkelling and socializing. The absences of car and motorbikes on the islands by local people living there its offer the cozy leisure and paradise holiday on the islands. Although now the wide range accommodation is available, the island has maintained the lazy rustic of charm of a tropical paradise.

The Native and its History

A few years ago, sailor from Bugis, Mandar and Sulawesi (Celebes) occupied Gili Air and established coconuts plantation and expand fishing activities. As visitor beginning visit Lombok and Gili islands on day trip and started to stay longer periods at local houses.

The islands have become enormously popular. their popularity may be as a problem, as a number exceed availabilities of rooms and put a pressure on the island environment, specially on supply fresh water and capacity of septic system to cope with waste and there is always pressure to build more better facilities

Big business are interest trying to cash in on the popularity of the Gilis and the local government is keen to promote up market tourist business development. The Native majority are Moslem and visitor should respect their sensibilities.

Transportation

The only mean transport on Gili island are Cidomo and push bike as no cars or motor bike are allowed by the inhabitant.

Accommodation

The are various of accommodations on the Gilis ranging from Luxury villas to the simple home stay or bungalow, most of the affordable and luxurious accommodation are located on the beach, the bigest range is in Gili trawangan.

Getting To The Gili Island

The Gili are easily reached from the mainland Lombok or Bali, either by public transport or boat charter out of Bangsal or Teluk Nare on the north west coast or through the Lombok Tourism com which is provide daily transfers by speed boat charter from Teluk Nare.

From Bali

The fast boat service are great option provide direct service to Gili Trawangan. The Gili Cat, Blue Water Safaris, and the Mahi - mahi fast boat are provide daily transfer to Gili island for ticket booking contact Lombok Tourism Com.

From Bangsal Harbour

Catch a Taxi or Bemos to Bangsal harbor, a small remote harbour on the north coast, 30 minutes drive from Senggigi. The public outriger boat depart regularly to all three islands and charter are availble, price depending on the number of the passanggers and your bargaining skills.

From Teluk Nare / Teluk Kodek

The small port on the north west coast of Lombok, The port opreated specially for charter boat to Gili Trawangan or Meno by normal or speed boat. For charter daily boat transfer from this port contact Lombok Tourism Com for details information.

From Senggigi

Lombok Tourism Com provide a one way either return trip by shutle Bus + boat to the three Gilis at Rp. 75.000/person/way contact Lombok Tourism Com for further details Phone: +62 370 6650238 or Mobile: +62 (0) 8175773060.

What To See and Do

There are many options for enjoyable your holiday on the Gilis. you can rent snorkelling gears, joint diving course, kayaking, fishing, or take glass bottom boat to see the magnificent of coral reefs and fishes.

Health and Medical

Sanitation has improved on the Gilis there are two health center on the island one is at Gili Trawangan located at Hotel Villa Ombak with better facilities for tourist, Gili Meno also have one of the health center which is funded by local business, and one is in Gili Air located at main village, locally known as Puskesmas.

Security

There are no Police station office or military post at Gilis, but there is Police station at Bangsal Harbor. The island funded uniform community policing group (SATGAS), visitors 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.