How to go to Gili Trawangan Islands from Bali?

One of the most question asked about Gili Trawangan is How to get in Gili Islands from Bali? The article below will answer that question.

How to go to Gili Trawangan from Bali?

The island of Lombok is one of the main constituents of the Lesser Sunda Islands and lies in West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. According to the regional geographical pattern, it is somewhat similar in density and size with the neighboring Bali Island that lies to the west of Lombok. The two are separated by the Lombok Strait. Lombok has a number of smaller islands called the Gilli Islands. Tourism is one of the biggest income earners for Bali and Lombok. Majority of travelers visit Bali-Lombok region to view the different hot spots in the region. Each has something to offer and this generates better and luxurious transport systems.

Transport between Bali-Lombok-Gili Islands is mostly based on sea and air. By air, travelers can go to Lombok International Airport which lies on the south western part of the city of Lombok. It is currently the only international-class operational airport within the region. In Bali, there is the Ngurah Rai International Airport which located near Jimbaran in the southern part of the island which offer air travel to a number of local and international destinations. Daily flights are available from Bali and Lombok. Travelers can also choose a wide variety of airlines services in the spot.

Alternatively, travelers can reach Lombok from Bali through sea transport that is easy to access. The cheapest is via public ferries. The ferries depart from Padang Bai on the eastern part of Bali to Lembar on the western part of Lombok at 2-hours intervals with a 24-hours transport system, carrying goods, passengers and vehicles. The ferries are quite basic and slow, with a time span of between 4-5 hours per trip.

Fast boats are another option under sea transport and operate along Bali to Lombok to Gili Islands. Private fast boat are available for hire at Serangan Harbour and Benoa Harbour in South Bali, and Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali. Those fast boats are equipped with standard safety measures for passengers, making transportation very safe and efficient. Charges are quite expensive when compared with ferries and air transport to Lombok. However, you will reach Lombok and the Gilis within 2 hours.

The region around Bali, Lombok and Gili islands has much to offer. Each transport option should be chosen based on travelers budget. Fast boats with a special offer are considered the best for budget travelers. Travelers can take a sunbath on the boat roof during the trip and get chance to see swimming dolphins.

There are many budget fast boat from Bali to Lombok. One things that travelers should do is examine whether a fast boat have passenger insurance or not. Visit each company website for Bali Gili Islands special offer.

Gili Trawangan, One of the Best Diving Spots in Asia

Do you know that Gili Trawangan Islands is one of the best diving spots in Asia? Below the article I get from internet. There are 5 best diving spot in Asia according to this article. Check this out!

Gili Trawangan Islands, Best Diving Spot

One of the most popular extreme sports nowadays is cliff diving. There are a lot of people who are joining in on this activity because it offers them an adrenaline rush that cannot be matched. If you're planning to take part in this sport, you might actually want to know where you can do so.

Below are 5 spots in the continent of Asia where you can jump off cliffs to your heart's content:

1. Longqing Gorge, Chine - This is a 164 foot drop which can be found a little less than 60 miles away from Beijing. The drop is surrounded by clear waters and grass filled mountains. There isn't any need for you to actually wear protective gear for this, and you can even expect the instructors to push you off the cliff once you're all set.

2. Ariel's Point, Boracay, Philippines - Aside from being such an exquisite beach that many tourists all over the world travel to all year round, Boracay also offers a unique cliff jumping experience. There are 5 different platforms to choose from, with the highest being 13 meters. However, if you're not up for this activity, you can still engage in some snorkeling, rafting and other fun activities which will surely give you a whole lot of enjoyment.

3. Ba Ho Waterfalls, Vietnam - Located just north of Nha Trang on your way to Doc Let, you'll definitely find a string of huge boulders to climb, treating you with such a huge and magnificent valley that's surrounded by crystal clear waters. You have 3 spots in where you can jump. The highest spot measures nearly 40 feet, and this can be enough to let you scream all the way down to the waters.

4. Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia - This is a location which doesn't have an organized group of cliff divers to work with, which means it's essentially free for all to take advantage of. The jump can go as high as 25 meters, which can be more than enough to make you wet your pants, but the surrounding scenery would definitely put you at such a calm state of mind that you'll only start to feel the adrenaline pumping in your veins once you're on your way down to the waters.

5. Railay, Thailand - There are several islands wherein you can engage in cliff diving. You'll be guided along by several of the local folk, and find you the best possible spot, which can vary from low to rather tall heights.

Fast Boat to Gili Trawangan

How to get to Gili islands? That's the most asked question. And the best answer is 'Fast Boat'. The Gili islands just got closer with currently 12 fast boat services operating between Bali, Nusa lembongan and Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

I don't have any relation with any of them, but I'll introduce one of them. Blue Water Express, Fast Boat Service.

The British-owned Blue Water Express is the pioneer of high speed transport to the Gili Islands and Lombok and has the longest track record than any other service with a 100% safety record, started with the cooperation of Island Promotions.

They carry full international safety equipment, have fully accredited captains and English speaking crew, and are a highly recommended choice as being the pioneers of high speed transport to Lombok and the Gili islands.

The BLUE WATER EXPRESS service offers daily departures with 3 boats and is the quickest way to get to and from the Gili islands or Lombok from Bali.

By using the excellent facilities at Serangan harbour, (20 minutes from all main South Bali areas: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Jimberan and Nusa Dua, this avoids the long road trip in heavy traffic to and from Padang Bai.

How about the schedule? I'll write it in next article. Stay tune.

Gili Trawangan, New Ibiza?

I get this article when I googling about Gili Trawangan. The writer tell his story in Gili Trawangan, and compare Gili Trawangan with Ibiza. What do you think? Do you agree with him?

Ibiza

I've been visiting Ibiza for years, captivated by its bohemian character, music scene and relaxed cosmopolitan vibe. I liked the island so much I wrote the original Rough Guide to Ibiza, a wonderful, intoxicating and exhausting project that must rank as about as much fun as you can have on planet Earth in the name of a job.

But times have changed and my love for the White Isle has faded as bling has replaced boho and the club scene has become increasingly predictable. It has also become insanely expensive: entrance to Pacha cost €64 (£57) on my last trip, and a beer was €10.

Gili Trawangan

I have been increasingly drawn to Indonesia, first to Bali and later to the tiny tropical island of Gili Trawangan, whose zeitgeist is right here, right now. Just as Ibiza's halcyon days were in the early 60s (when the first wave of beatniks arrived) and the late 80s (when acid house exploded), this tiny island off the north-west of larger Lombok is shaking off its reputation as a backpacker hangout and starting to register with a hip crowd from Asia and Europe.

The scene is quite raw, unpretentious and hedonistic, with stylish bars, vibrant nightlife, a hip hotel or two and very decent diving. Designers from Hong Kong and fashionistas from Tokyo mix with travellers from the UK, scuba nuts and Indonesian creative types.

A veritable speck in the tropics – the island is just a couple of miles long and a mile across – Trawangan is an hour or so by fast boat from Bali. (It's also 1,500 miles from the earthquake-hit Padang area of Sumatra and was completely unaffected by the devastating quake there three months ago.)

All the desert island clichés are present and correct: dazzling white-sand beaches fringed by coconut palms, turquoise waters and a coral reef. It's still possible to live the tropical dream – snorkelling, feasting on fresh seafood, then lounging or dancing under the stars – for a fistful of Indonesian rupiah.
But if your budget is bigger and your comfort zone narrower, there are some superb new accommodation options. Seriously stylish thatched-roofed cabins (most built in local "rice barn" style) are replacing creaky old A-frame huts. Expect polished timber floors, hand-carved beds with gorgeous linen, and open-air bamboo-walled bathrooms. Those at Dream Village (around €50 a night) have front decks facing the island's best sandy beach.

Of course, there are plenty of idyllic islands in south-east Asia with decent hotels and a lively bar or two. Gili Trawangan's trump card is that there is no traffic: no cars, motorbikes or motorised transport at all. Not one moped. Nada. This is not accidental; locals have opted for relatively sustainable development, determined to avoid the mistakes that have turned southern Bali's paddy fields into a traffic hell. The only way to get around is aboard a cidamo – a kind of horse-and-cart "taxi" – on foot, or by bicycle. You can walk around the entire shoreline in a couple of hours along a delightful path that meanders between coconut palms.

Trawangan may be increasingly prosperous but the atmosphere remains bohemian, with a sandy high street where magic mushrooms ("Take you to bloody heaven and back – no transport necessary") are on sale alongside hand-made jewellery and sarongs. The main drag has rickety timber warung (canteens) rustling up nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) juxtaposed with sleek bars such as the über-stylish British-owned Horizontal, with its decadent cocktail list and modern menu.

At night these beachfront bars play lounge music and chilled electronic tunes next to the waves, while later the action gravitates to one of the designated party venues – Friday nights at Rudy's are a blast, the dancefloor bouncing to pumping house and trance. There are no entry fees to these low-key raves, which are packed with an unlikely mix of living-the-dream travellers, Asian clubbers and long-haired Trawangan beach boys.

Until a year or two ago, a party night in Trawangan meant an excess of industrial-style repetitive beats courtesy of a local DJ of dubious repute. Times have changed, and now DJs over from Bali often spin the discs, with the odd superstar turntablist dropping by – Timo Maas played here in 2009. Globally renowned DJs are prepared to play the Gilis for free, revelling in the joy of playing to a relaxed crowd on a dream beach.

During the day, most people gravitate to the coral reef that fringes Trawangan and its two neighbouring islands. Trawangan's marine environment is on the road to recovery after years of overfishing (and the effects of El Niño in 1997-8, when soaring water temperatures bleached the coral). Four years ago the islands' six scuba diving schools cut a deal with locals to safeguard the reef. Fishermen would be paid not to fish in the area, and it was hoped that marine life would recolonise the coral.

The effects are remarkable. Not only have the top predators (metre-long white and black-tip reef sharks) returned in numbers but smaller species (including ghostly looking pipefish and several types of sea horse) are prolific, too. Scuba-nuts can be fairly sure of spotting turtles, and vast schools of lumbering bumphead parrotfish cruise by on full-moon evenings, gobbling up coral spawn. The sea is usually so clear that it's possible to pick out individual grains of sand as you snorkel offshore.
In tandem with the fishing embargo, a reef regeneration project called Biorock ensures that stray or loose living corals are collected and transplanted onto frames beneath the sea. Electrodes supplied with low-voltage currents cause electrolytic reactions, accelerating coral growth and ultimately creating an artificial reef. These Biorock installations are just off the main beach, at a depth of about eight metres, and make a great snorkelling experience, with clown fish darting in and out of the coral and purple-and-yellow nudibranch sea slugs clinging to the embryonic reef.

The fishing moratorium has been a great success but it has created a cultural conundrum. Trawangan was uninhabited 50 years ago; the first settlers were Bugis fishing people from the island of Sulawesi. Their descendants' way of life is now very much tied to tourism rather than fishing. Virtually all locals are Muslim, and it's good to respect sensibilities. Bikinis on the beach are fine (though topless sunbathing is a no-no) but it's best to wrap a sarong round your waist for strolling around. Alcohol is widely available and though most locals fast during Ramadan, and parties are suspended for the month, visitors are free to consume food and drink (including alcohol).

Party head or not, the island remains a delightful place to kick back for a week or so, spending days horizontal in a hammock, or suspended over a coral reef, snorkel in mouth.

And if Trawangan sounds a tad too developed, consider one of the other two Gili islands: Meno is totally tranquil, with a population of just 300 or so, while Air has a little more going on, with a strip of beach restaurants, though no nightlife (Original Source)

Unforgettable Moment at Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has one of the best facilities around the Gilis and all you have to do is to grab yourself a ticket to the Gilis and choose to visit Gili Trawangan for the best of service and excitement. 

Gili Trawangan is the most popular of the three islands. And therefore if one needs a perfect holiday, where you will swim in crystal clear waters, pool cocktails, seaside BBQ and so much more, Gili Trawangan is perfectly the best. This place has bungalows to stay in especially for those who need peaceful quiet places to stay in. The island is also referred to as a party island with the main streets full of shops, accommodations as well as restaurants. 

Diving on Gili Trawangan

You will also realize that prices at the island always double in the peak seasons; July-August, December-January. Gili Trawangan has one of the best facilities around the Gilis and all you have to do is to grab yourself a ticket to the Gilis and choose to visit Gili Trawangan for the best of service and excitement. The island has a spectacular outlook, beautiful sunrises, breathtaking sunsets, coupled with warm hospitality from the community. It feels good at Gili Trawangan due to the best of nature's offers. You get almost everything you would ever want to have at this part of the world. There is no need to get worried when you reach the Gilis because you will immediately experience the different climate at the Island. 

You can reach Gili Trawangan through a number of means and these include; air, road and boat. At mataram's Selaparang airport, you get daily local flight. From the airport, it is a 40 minutes drive in a taxi to Bangsal harbor and from the harbor to Gili Trawangan it will take you between 35 to 40 minutes when you use a public boat and this departs after 20 people have been registered so one has to strongly adhere to the rules of the place. It is also OK if you are in a hurry to buy yet remaining air ticket to get the boat moving.

Within Trawangan, there are a number of transport means and these include; bicycles, Cimodos, and also walking on foot. Which ever is comfortable for you is what you decide to use. There are also a number of sports at the island, these include; Diving which has over seven dive operators on the island who run a range of courses, such as the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course also known as the Open Water, as well as Instructor courses during the year.

There organized Fun Dives by schools with local dive masters who have extensive knowledge about every site. You will also find dive centres almost every where for everyone, where big busy school like Blue Marlin or Manta Dive, and also smaller groups at laid back schools such as Vila Ombak Diving Academy and Trawangan Dive competing with one another.

Some of the schools have been customized to absorb only French speaking divers commonly called Big Bubble and also German speaking divers famously known as Dream Divers. Diving done here is very easy and varies from walls, slopes and plateaus hence, the maximum depths at many of the sites range from 24m-18m, so beginners will highly benefit it as well as more experienced divers. All the dive sites can be easily accessed by boat within 10 minutes.

You will also find attractive marine life such as; turtles, leaf fish, octopus, black and white tip sharks, frog fish, ghost pipe fish, moray and ribbon eels, pygmy seahorse, eagle rays, cuttlefish, snakes and bumphead parrot fish. Gili Trawangan is really incredible and people should try to see that they never leave or visit Indonesia without visiting Trawangan. The island is the most enjoyable among the three Gilis with slightly larger expanse of land and also having most beautiful and fascinating views and other wonderful things that you will enjoy and want to stay.

 The island has a daily market which arrives by boat at around 11am going through noon. A number of women unload their fresh fruit and vegetables, meat as well as other goods and set up shops next to the village head's office, just besides the harbour. It is a busy and colourful affair, with the usual fun, hustle and bustle common at all local produce markets. The island has one secular playschool and one religious playschool, one primary school and one junior high school. Children who want to continue their education must by all means go to the mainland. The local population found at the island is almost Muslim with two mosques which call people to pray five times a day.

Although Gili Trawangan is a 'tourist island', visitors are expected to behave with respect to the religion, and so such things as topless sunbathing are very much frowned upon. It is against these countless values and great sceneries that one ought to visit and see what we talk about when we say Gili Trawangan and maybe believe what they hear.

Sunbathing in Gili Trawangan Island

Beside diving, there are many activities to do in Gili Trawangan. One of the most favorite activity is sunbathing on the beach. Many people really enjoying sunbathing in Gili Island. Below is one article I found in Internet about Basking or Sunbathing in Gili Trawangan Islands.

Sunbathing in Gili Islands

Couples get stressed preparing for their wedding, but they definitely look forward to spending their honeymoon in a remote island, basking in a white sandy beach, and spending their special intimate moments without the hubbub of ordinary life. Definitely romantic, isn't it. But finding the perfect and romantic spot for your honeymoon is something worth looking into. And one of the prime spots couples should consider is Gili Trawangan.

It definitely sounds a mouthful but the paradise-like island is worthy of a visit. Gili Trawangan is one of the three Gill islands in Lombok, Indonesia. The other two islands are named Gill Air and Gill Meno. However, Gili Trawangan is by far the largest and most popular island of the three. It has been dubbed as the Party Island by its inhabitants and visitors alike. It may not be as popular as the Maldives and Hawaii, but it surely is worth your visit. The island's no motorized vehicle policy is definitely unique and eco-friendly.

Riding astride a bicycle or hiring a horse-drawn cart will definitely make your trip not only quaint but definitely worth remembering for the rest of your life. Is your curiosity now peaked'? You can't wait to visit this wondrous isle named Gili Trawangan? Then why not visit your nearest travel agent for more details or better yet, look it up in the internet and get all the salient details about this fast rising tourist destination. It is important to note that the island does not have any airport. Therefore getting there by hiring a Gill fast boat is definitely the way to go. But where do you hire a fast boat to Gili Trawangan? There are a lot of starting points to choose from and a good number of shipping firms which will transport you to Gili Trawangan by motorized boat.

 It is highly advisable that you consult a travel agent for a more stress fee means of reaching your final destination. One of the reasons why tourists love to visit Gili Trawangan is because of its beautiful weather which is mostly fair and sunny during the day and cool and refreshing during night time. The island's peak season is every July-August and December-January. It is important to note too that the island's rainy season falls on November to April. Because of the island's size, only a few kilometres in diameter, being able to traverse the whole island by walking is very much feasible. However, if you feel tired and sluggish and would need conveyance, the island offers bicycles for rent or they have horse drawn carts available which will take you to any destination within the island for a fee. What attracts tourists to the Gili Trawangan island'? Aside from its to die for view of the ocean and pristine waters, tourists can do scuba diving and snorkeling. However, if you are not fond of water sports, then sunbathing or relaxing in the beach front's open styled huts with a great book or indulging in friendly chitchat with your friends or the hospitable locals in the island's stylish cafes are definitely a must-do activity for stressed out visitors.

Best of all, learn all you can about this beautiful island and once there, bask in its friendly and stressed-free atmosphere.  

Gili Island, Best Diving Spot!

This another information we get from Internet about Gili Island, especially for Diving activity. Gili Trawangan Islands, well known as Gili Island is one of the best diving spot in Indonesia. You can read many review about diving in Gili Island in internet. Read the review below

Gili Island, Best Diving Spot

Being in any one of the Gili Islands is definitely an unique experience, considering the geography of the islands.It is just 20 minutes away from Lombok. An interesting fact is that no motorised vehicles are allowed on any of the 3 islands. Gili Meno has a population of only 400 people and fresh water has to be imported daily. It is definitely a place to soak in the tropical atmosphere especially with great beaches all around, friendly locals and also the laid-back setting that you can see all around.

Best time to visit Gili Trawangan Island.
The average temperature in Lombok is 29°C to 34°C. It is warm year round. So anytime would be a good time, though the peak periods are in June-July.

How Much Money You Need to Relax in Gili Island?
Our budget was US$339 for 9 days in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands.

Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan Island
 If you are at Gili Islands, you should not miss out on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving. You can purchase these packages from the local travel agencies. The price offered to us was 200,000RP for Snorkeling and 600,000RP for Scuba Diving inclusive of transportation. The best thing about it all is that even when you snorkel, the boats will take you to the middle of the sea where you can actually sea beautiful corals and marine life.

Watersports in Gili Island
Gili Trawangan would be the island where you can do your watersports. They do not have jet-skis. However, they do have para-sailing, wake-boarding etc. Those keen on surfing can also surf. A good spot would be the southern end of the island. Surf boards are available for rent at the island. For any of the above activities you can approach any of the local travel agencies to make arrangements. Kayaking is also an activity to be considered.


Deep Sea Fishing in Gili Island
Deep Sea Fishing is also one main reason why people go to Gili Islands.They have packages where you can stay on board for days they will take around the islands for good fishing spots. The Blue and Black Marlins are definitely a prize to aim for. 


Beach and Relax 
 Other than beach-related activities, the other thing which you could is relax and enjoy the tropical setting.One place you can visit is "Beautiful Life". It has a big screen television, 6 huts with DVD players. There are also live bands playing at night. Given the above setting, just sit back and enjoy.