A collection of small tropical islands, bordered by coral, scattered with palm trees, and accessed solely by horse-drawn carts and bicycles… the Gilis are a realm of travel folklore. Our boat glided onto the sands of Gili Trawangan, the largest island in Lombok, Indonesia’s six-mile-square archipelago. Three unclothed children splashed in the waves, while their grandfather, donning his traditional kopiah cap, kept a watchful eye. We rolled up our trousers and walked through the surf towards the primary dirt road.
The street was filled with reggae bars, upscale eateries, beach nightclubs, and scuba diving shops. Paradise had been discovered…not by us, but by backpackers in the 1980s who spread the word globally. Over the past three decades, Gili T has evolved from a tranquil fishing isle inhabited by a handful of Muslim families to one of Indonesia’s premier resort hotspots. It was clear the island was buzzing, and so were we…
Gili Back Roads
Departing the lively eastside in a horse-drawn carriage, we trotted through the coconut plantations at the island’s center. We emerged onto the northern shores, home to the tranquil Gili Eco Villas.
Gili Eco Villas
The family behind Gili Eco Villas recognized the island was beginning to buckle under its booming popularity and opted to create a sustainable getaway. Utilizing solar and wind energy, a biodegradable wastewater system, waste recycling, and organic farming, they are pioneering responsible tourism in the Gilis. We were guided through the bougainvillea-covered arches to our Joglo-style home, featuring an open-air living area, a fully stocked kitchen, a hammock-laden patio, and views of the sea… and discovered the Gili T we had hoped for.
Lovely Lazy Days
Days here revolve around relaxation and unwinding. We’d alternate between the beach and the pool, squeezing in some snorkeling, snacking, and volleyball in between.
Biking Gili T
Measuring only four miles in circumference, we had to explore the entirety of Gili T. Upon rounding the corner from the artsy-chic eastside, we were pleased to find ample untamed beaches, modest homes, and local life on the island’s western side.
When in Rome
When an island gains fame for its nightlife, you must party at least one night. We kicked off our evening at a beach bar fashioned from an old fishing vessel, enjoyed a couple of Bintang beers, then indulged in dinner from a street vendor that served spicy soto ayam soup, and wrapped it up with a reggae jam session at the iconic Sama-Sama.
Snorkeling Gili Meno
The Gilis are encircled by a coral reef, with numerous dive and snorkeling excursions available. We boarded a boat towards Gili Meno and encountered sea turtles, lionfish, boxfish, clownfish, and local surfers riding the waves between the islands.
The Main Island of Lombok, Indonesia
Ooo la la Oberoi
We were fortunate to evaluate the Oberoi Lombok, a fantastic hotel for Honeymoons.com, and let us share this with honeymooners, anniversary celebrators, or anyone seeking a slice of romantic island luxury…this is the place. Spanning 24 acres with meticulously maintained gardens, pools with palm islands, and opulent villas decorated in enchanting Indonesian style…it was truly a delight.
Kayaking Lombok
We took the kayaks out for a spin alongside local fishermen wielding long bamboo rods under traditional conical hats. In between paddling, we would hop out for a snorkel with tropical fish and swaying sea grasses.
Many classify Lombok and the Gilis as paradise…whether partygoers, divers, volcano trekkers, luxury seekers, or backpackers. It all depends on the observer’s perspective.
Gili Eco Villas and Oberoi Lombok graciously hosted us; however, all views expressed are our own.