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Published: March 30th 2014
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We arrived from Bali on the speed boat safe and sound to the island of Gili Trawangan last Tuesday. The Gilis Islands actually consists of three small islands of which we are on the largest and most developed.
Gili Trawangan is a very cool little island. Only a few kilometres long there are no cars or motorbikes. The only modes of transportation are foot, bike and horse & buggy! There is only one rough road that goes around the island with a few narrow lanes branching off. We rented bikes the other day and rode around the island. It was fun except there were a few spots where we had to push the bikes through sand so it was a good workout.
When we arrived we hired a horse and buggy to take us to our hotel. It was like a scene from the past loading up the cart with our bags and trotting down the narrow road. It 's amazing what these little horses can pull. "Gili Hideaway Hotel" is a perfect name for our week accommodation in that it is tucked away in a garden full of shrubs, flowers and narrow stone paths leading to the palapa
covered wooden cottages. The entrance is like stepping into a medevial castle! We opted for an Eco friendly hotel with a cold outdoor shower and a fan only. We love the outdoor shower, so refreshing after a hot day at the beach. We are comfortable at night with the fan and it's surprising how you adjust to no air conditioning. There is a lovely pool and lounge area where we have our breakfast. Banana pancakes, eggs, omelettes, fresh fruit and French pressed coffee are offered every morning. It's so good and included in the price.
The whole island is trying to reduce their environmental footprint with recently developed recycling programs and coral regrowth projects. The other amazing thing about the island is there is no crime and no police! Apparently there just isn't any problem with security. The people are so nice and trustworthy. It is sad when you learn what little wages the workers make. But they all seem happy and I suppose glad they have a job. We are heavy tippers and they seem to appreciate it. In general there are more young people here but there are old people like us too! There seem to be
Horse and Buggy
One of three modes of transportation on the island. more Europeans and North Americans here as opposed to mostly Australians we encountered in Bali.
There is a very fun and funky vibe to the island. Along the main road there are lots of beach restaurants with relaxing music and bean bag chairs scattered on the beach. Cool little bars, shops and massage parlours line the street and beach. Of course the main attraction is the beach and water itself . . . . beautiful blue turquoise water with white sand, snorkelling and diving. I love that we can go snorkelling right off our beach as the reef is only about 50 metres out. It's some of the clearest water I've snorkelled in and we have seen lots of colourful fish ans giant sea turtles.
The restaurants are excellent with great Indonesian food, Western food and of course wonderful seafood. We had grilled tuna last night that was surperb. Many of the restaurants have good live music so it makes for nice evenings. We seem to continue with regular massages. They are a little more expensive than Bali but still a deal at $10! I don't know how we will survive without them at home!!
Our last
stop is the nearby island of Lombok for our last two weeks and the home mid April. Thanks for reading and hope all is well with everyone.
Mallory and Warren
P.S. The weather has been perfect. I can't believe this whole trip we have been lucky with ideal conditions.
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