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Published: February 10th 2009
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A bit of a stressful beginning to our trip to the Gilli's as having booked our tickets we arrived at the Perama office (I will name and shame!) to be told we couldn't go via the slow ferry we had booked yesterday! Basically we were told that the Perama boat was now fixed and we could go in the afternoon on their boat for an extra 100,000 rupiah each - I explained politely (to start )that we wanted to go the slow (and cheaper way) so they could either take us, give the money back or if they insisted on us using their boat we would go but for no extra charge - after a few phone calls the guy said we could go our way but would we mind staying in Sengiggi for the night - Yes - I would mind - another phone call and we're told everythings ok and jump on the bus - it later became clear that we were the only people travelling this way with them to the Gilli's today meaning a minbus and speed boat to ourselves when we got to Lombok! Even the slow ferry wasnt too bad - just a bit uncomfortable
as we sat on deck (on stools!) for 4 hours....
As we approached Gilli Trawangan, passing Gilli Meno and Gilli Air I knew we had made the right decision to come early - the sun was shining and the Islands are stunning...long sections of white sand beach and a turquoise sea circled by coral reefs..... We found a budget room quite easily although on exploring a bit more the next day the budget options are fewer than i anticipated. There was some stunning luxury accommodation (1 million rupiah a night) - we looked but i cant have!! We stayed in Beautiful life for the duration - although i had to start giving the breakfasts a miss as pancake and fried bread disguising itself as toast gets a bit much after a few days.
We spent most of our days relaxing, swimming, sunbathing and I agreed to a snorkelling trip to the other islands with Eliza and Marcus who we met - didn't quite go as planned as I freaked out in the water (well it was really deep getting in off a boat!) and then got sea sick as the others spent hours in the water while I
sat in the boat which was rocking from side to side constantly. Pete had a great time and I'm glad we went (even if I did throw up). I met a great 5 year old who having exhausted herself snorkelling stayed in the boat towards the end - i was meant to be the baby sitter but I think it was the other way round actually as she spoke sympathetically while i hung over the side!! Pete on the other hand saw a conger eel, starfish, angel fish, tiger fish (not to be messed with), giant clams etc...He also enjoyed playing with the underwater camera and got some good photos.
We had lunch in Gilli Air and a bit of a look around - it was much smaller and quieter than Gilli Trawangan which is really quiet and small anyway.
After the trip I tried snorkelling from the beach a few times - it feels much easier that way to me as I can work out how out of my depth I am. Pete also enjoyed a snorkelling session with Marcus...I have to say its been great meeting those guys and we got some top tips about Australia from them. We'll miss sharing meals and cocktails with them on the rest of the trip!
On another day feeling energetic we climbed the hill for sunset -being told to get there for 5:30 we set off in plenty of time with Pete saying we would be ridiculously early - on reaching the top and deciding we wouldn't see the 'amazing sunset' from here we started down the other side and watched the sun set at 7pm from the beach.
It was my turn to lock us out this time as we got ready to head for the internet one day I managed to push the button to lock the door, leaving the keys inside!! D'oh...Simple i think - Ally (the manager) will have a master key - but oh no...ours is the master key as another visitor lost the other one. Anyway what followed was various attempts to break in - using credit cards, knives and other stuff. Eventually a big carving knife succeeded in forcing the lock and we were in with Pete muttering at me about how hot and sweaty he was - how quickly he forgets he did this in the posh place and knackered the lock!!
Whilst in Gilli we re-arranged our flights to Australia via trailfinders to ensure we didnt overstay. They did for free what singapore airlines told me would cost $94 each - because they had to re-issue a ticket....I have an e-ticket - how hard can that be to reissue...
We really enjoyed the Gilli's and I would recommend it to beach lovers or those who like snorkelling / diving. You can see the developments though - but I guess nowhere really stays the same.
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Ceri
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Nice to see more photos!
Hi! Nice to see more photos. Lazy beach looked lovely and I think you looked so chilled in the hammock you might have to bring one home as a souvenir! Aled's been looking at tamborine mountain on the web and wants to know if you've seen any parrots, crocs and kangaroos yet?! Keep having fun! Cerixxx