Gili island, little paradise

If you are in Bali, it´s worth getting close to the Gili Islands (Lombok); a group of three tourist islands famous for their beaches and a popular diving destination.

Padang Bai is the most popular departure point from Bali, but not the only one; you can also go from Amed, Sanur or Serangan. Once you´re there, you have two options:

• The slow and cheap option: take the public ferry that first stops in Lombok. If you´re on a low budget and not in a hurry to arrive it may be the best option (taking about 5 hours). The price of the ferry is less than 100,000 IDR per person. You´ll then need to move to Bangsal pier, a one and a half hour drive away, to take public boats to the islands that depart regularly. The price is under 50,000 IDR.

• The fast and expensive option: fast boat going directly to the islands. It usually takes an hour and a half, costing about 300,000 IDR one way, sometimes including transfer from your hotel in Kuta, Ubud, etc. You can also buy a return ticket with no fixed date, just ask for open return.

The largest island is Gili Trawangan, followed by Gili Air and Gili Meno. Gili Meno is famous for being a quiet island, perfect for families and couples looking for tranquility. Gili T is the opposite, famous for its parties, although there are also corners of peace. Gili Air is a balance between the first two.

The first thing that catches your attention when you arrive is the famous horse carts. There are no motor vehicles on the island to reduce pollution, so people use horses for transport. There are different opinions on the matter, with many people saying its animal abuse. What we can affirm, is that today the treatment of these animals is infinitely better than what it was, thanks to Horses of Gili, a reputable organization.

The islands´ star activity is diving and the moment you put your head underwater you´ll discover why. With 30 meter visibility and 29ºC temperatures, the conditions are amazing. There´s lots to see including octopus, cuttlefish, sea turtles, sharks… making diving really worth it.

It´s almost mandatory to rent a bicycle (IDR 50,000 for 24 hours) and get lost along authentic unpaved roads. Around the coast you will find the famous swings tucked into the sea, where you can take your iconic vacation photo. If you find yourself on the west side, you can contemplate some of the most beautiful sunsets and if the clouds allow it, with Bali volcano, Mount Agung, in the background.

If you are in Bali or Lombok, it really is worth exploring this little paradise.

See you in the blue