Generally the Gili islands are small, flat coral islands with sparse vegetation and rainfall, and it can seem much hotter there than on the mainland. There is no fresh water on the islands, so be prepared for salty showers in most of the small hotels and home-stays. Water is drawn mainly from wells or otherwise shipped from the mainland, so there is a need for conservation to preserve the limited resources. There are no cars or motorbikes on the islands, and the main form of transport, apart from walking, is by horse and cart (cidomo).
Although the Gili’s are generally laid-back, it’s important to remember that the local people are majority Muslim. Nude and topless sunbathing is offensive to the island locals. Please respect local customs and keep your clothes on!, The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim, sunbathe, snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok. While much of the coral in the shallow waters has been destroyed, there is still an interesting array of fish to see in the waters directly off the beaches. In greater depths and at the specific dive locations around the three islands, the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals, aquatic life and thousands of species of tropical fish.
Gili Air is the island closest to the mainland and the most quickly accessed of the three Gili’s. This island has the largest local population of the three and combines the charm of a tropical island, with access to the people and culture that make Lombok so special. Diving facilities abound and there is nice snorkeling directly from the shore, particularly from the east and northeast beaches. Gili Meno is the middle island and the smallest of the three Gilis, with the lowest population. It is not as developed as Trawangan or Air, but has its own special tranquil style.
The snorkeling from the northwest side is still in good condition, with patches of blue coral, and the area is known to be home to the many turtles that live in the clean waters around the Gilis. Try diving or snorkeling to experience the grace and beauty of these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The pace is much slower on Gili Meno, with the laid-back charm of a true castaway tropical island experience. Small hotels and basic beach-side huts provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun, with unpopulated beaches, clean waters and quiet walks under the star-filled skies at night.
Gili Trawangan is the largest island and furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than an hour by local boat. This is the most famous of the three Gili’s, with a reputation as “the party island”. While this reputation refers to the many fun parties held at different bars and restaurants on the island, it is a misleading description of this lovely place. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Gili Trawangan, ranging from simple home-stays to up-market hotels with swimming pools. Good quality restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, particularly toward the southern end, known locally as “Sentral”.
Snorkeling is extremely easy just off the shore and there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy. The island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok. The Gili’s are easily reached from the mainland, either by public transport or boat charter out of Bangsal Harbour, or through the tour and dive operators in Senggigi who provide transfers daily. Many of the larger hotels on the islands now provide speedboat transfers for guests enquire when you make your booking. Diving on the Gili’s and staying in Senggigi is possible, if you want to use the mainland as your base. Most of the dive companies offer transport from Senggigi areas out to the Gili’s and back each day.
Source explore-indo.com
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