If you are looking for a hippie and relaxed vibe, Gili Trawangan Island is for you. In the post, all the tips for reaching this heavenly place.
After a wonderful week in Bali focused on learning about the culture and the local population, we decide to dedicate ourselves to total relaxation: we take a ferry and in about 4 hours we arrive at Gili Island. The cost from Ubud by ferry is 160.000 rupiah (€ 16) while it goes up to 350.000 (€ 35) if you choose the speed boat which takes 2 hours.
The Gili Islands are 3 islands: Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan belonging to the province of Nusa Tenggara. Located north west of greater Lombok, Indonesia.
The atmosphere of Gili Trawangan
While Gili Air and Gili Meno are famous for being very quiet, almost desert, Gili Trawangan is known for combining the peaceful atmosphere of a small island a few kilometers long, with ahippie atmosphere "reserved" for young revelers from all over the world, especially Australians.
Despite being considered a "party" island, it is also great for those who do not necessarily want to party.
The beach, in addition to the center, is splendid and it is enough to swim a little offshore to meet some sea turtle and other bizarre fish.
There is not much to do on the island unless you want to take a scuba diving certificate, go scuba diving or snorkeling.
In short, the ideal place to laze completely, read a book, sunbathe or stroll on the beach.
How to reach Gili Trawangan
We arrive at the port of Trawangan and they literally unload our suitcases in the water, as the island does not have a docking port, I found this hilarious if you think that I was not equipped with a backpack but with a giant trolley (back from a tour of the eastern capitals).
The only road on the island starts from the "port" and runs parallel to the beach from head to head. And it is along this that the hectic life of Trawangan turns: the beach and the street are hubs of bars and guest houses, very crowded with people and boats.
However, a few steps along the road are enough to reach nowhere and sporadically meet someone. In some areas the road is not even equipped with electricity, and if there is no full moon, it is better to bring a mobile phone with which to illuminate the steps.
Along the way you will encounter neither cars nor mopeds, but only bicycles and a comings and goings of carts dragged by small horses that, like a taxi, starting from the port, carry tourists and their suitcases up and down the island .
Arriving at the port I found it embarrassing and meaningless, but then, given the distance to do with the trolley from the resort, I thought well that it was the most comfortable way: and so it was!
What to do in Gili Trawangan
Strolling along the deserted beach you get to the lively Sunset Bar where, at sunset, you can have a drink while the sun goes down behind Bali. The view is crazy, in front of our eyes there is the volcano of Bali and the island of Lombok, green and huge, which rises in its grandeur.
The town center is quite lively: small shops selling a bit of everything, bars, restaurants and a myriad of wellness centers where you can get wonderful massages, especially for those on the feet.
Sleeping and eating in Gili Trawangan
We stayed at the Pearl of Trawangan, a respectable not very cheap resort, located at the end of the lively part of the road.
There are countless restaurants we have dined divinely at Vintage Beach House, a restaurant located directly on the beach, at the end of the main road.
Just move a little towards the interior of the island, simply taking the first street perpendicular to the main street, to find both Guest Houses and super cheap restaurants.
If in fact a beach side room costs no less than 250.000 / 350.000 rupiah per night (in low season), 3 minutes walking from the main road, it is also for 80.000.
Fun in Gili Trawangan
Party nights are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The clubs fill up in an incredible way, especially with young Australians, who meet these 3 days a week to dance until dawn.
So, leaving the matured relaxation of days, in the evening, if you want, chaos is guaranteed!
