Island Report

by 

Ans 

October 2000

I recently spent a week on Gili Trawangan and this is what I found. The island is small, and everything is within easy walking distance. If you want transport to go to the north end or around the island, for about 5,000 rupiah you can travel by 'dokar', horse and cart. The local people are extremely friendly. 

Accommodation. There is lots of accommodation available, from losmen to the 3-star Villa Ombak. I'm pretty sure it isn't necessary to book. If you travel there on the "Bounty" you arrive at midday and have plenty of time to find a place to stay. The Villa Ombak charges about US$85 per night for air conditioned accommodation. 

Money changers etc. There are several money changers along the beach road. We were getting only slightly less for our dollar than on mainland Bali. There are several internet cafes. Not expensive, but very slow at times. 

Snorkelling and diving. There are several PADI and other certified dive shops. You can hire snorkelling gear here or from little shops along the road. As the sand is gritty and there is coral in the water, it's advisable to wear reef sandals which you can buy there. 

Food and drink. All along the beach road there are cafes and restaurants that cater for all tastes. Food and drink are cheap, and there is a small supermarket. At the popular Blue Marlin cafe which is attached to the PADI dive shop you can get a nasi goreng for 8,000 rupiah. Grilled fish is more expensive, but pizzas, pastas etc are very reasonable. 

Party island. There were many Europeans staying there, a few Americans and Australians. Most visitors are under the age of 30. Full Moon parties are huge and go on till sunset. I believe Gili Meno and Gili Air are a lot quieter. 

Island hopping. You can explore the other two islands, Gili Meno and Gili Air, by taking the 'Island Hopper' which leaves Trawangan at 9.30 am, stops at Gili Meno en route for Gili Air. Tickets cost 10,000 rupiah return. The boat leaves Gili Air at 3 pm. There are money changers on Gili Air, plenty of small restaurants and good swimming. Here too, transport is by horse and cart. 

We travelled to Gili Trawangan by Bounty, the big yellow catamaran. It is very comfortable, but beware that the 'light breakfast' they offer, consists of coffee/tea and a piece of dry cake or muffin. You can, however, buy toasted sandwiches, drinks etc. The Bounty leaves Benoa harbour at about 9 am and arrives at Gili Meno by midday. You then have to take a local boat to Trawangan, unless you are staying at the Villa Ombak in which case you are picked up by their motor boat. On the way to Gili Meno, the Bounty stops at Nusa Lembongan and Sengigi beach in Lombok. 

All in all Gili Trawangan is a great place to stay and I can thoroughly recommend it.