Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, the Gili Islands are
three idyllic atolls where the sand is still powdery white, the water a
clear sparkling turquoise, and the sunsets over Bali’s Agung in the
west simply spectacular.
Home to the largest Irish bar on the smallest island in the world, an
authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, a turtle hatchery, ominous
sounding dive sites like ‘Shark Point’ and miles and miles of white
sandy beaches, Lombok’s Gilis, make a surprisingly ideal getaway
destination. Getting there is easy and whichever way you chose, you will
be guaranteed to see some of Bali and Lombok’s breathtaking scenery.
No motorised transport
Fortunately all three Gili Islands will not permit any type of
motorised transport on them and therefore rely on bicycles or horse and
carts, locally known as ‘Cidomos’. Bicycles can be rented from any of
the kiosks and cost from around Rp20,000 an hour, or better value, ask
for the daily rate. Cidomos (local horse and carts) are easily located
all over the islands but tend to hang around the harbour and busy spots,
arrangements can be made if you are staying in a more remote place on
the island, for instance a late ride home…. Haggling is the norm, and
always agree a price before your journey.
Families
Although originally discovered by backpackers in the mid eighties,
and with a reputation as a party destination, the Gilis now boasts
themselves as a great destination suitable for families of all ages.
Various new hotels, luxury villas, and boutique bungalows now cater for
children and offer good value, some have baby sitting services, and with
lots of activities on the islands families are sure to enjoy their
holidays to the full.
