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I'm reminded of a well known Christmas song called "Day Trip to Bangor" I think it was number 1 during a Christmas period approx 35 years ago or there about's. I suggest for those that would like a trip down memory lane that they look to grooveshark to see if they carry the track. Any way I digress as this blog is about Gili or Gili Trawangan to be precise. As we took an overnight trip to this beautiful part of our planet, somehow this ties into my opening statement lol, artistic licence perhaps. Gili is a collection of 3 islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air by far the biggest is Trawangan. To access these fabulous little desert islands you have to travel either from Lombok or from Bali via a high speed catamaran. From Bali the trip takes about an hour, Lombok considerably less as you can see these islands from Lombok, either way its a fun experience but don't expect an airport as there really isn't space to put one, so access will remain from across the "foamy briny". We stayed on the Island of Gili Trawangan. which has the mountain ranges of Lombok and the sandy beaches of Gili Meno as a superb backdrop. The first thing you notice when you arrive is just how quaint this place is, I've lifted a para from the Gili Tourist website to explain this better: ":The Gili Islands, NO cars ! NO motorbikes ! NO worries ! Turtle capital of the world. Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, are three idyllic atolls, where the sand is still powdery white, the water a clear sparkling turquoise, and the sunsets over Bali’s volcano Mt. Agung in the west simply spectacular. Home to the largest Irish bar on the smallest island in the world, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, a turtle hatchery, ominous sounding dive sites like ‘Shark Point’, 62 Bio Rock reef regeneration projects, and miles and miles of white sandy beaches, Lombok’s Gili islands, or The Gilis for short, makes a surprisingly ideal getaway destination for everyone of all ages and abilities. INFORMATION ABOUT THE GILI ISLANDS Arcing away from the northwest corner of Lombok, the Gili Islands are three idyllic atolls where the sand is still powdery white, the water a clear sparkling turquoise, and the sunsets over Bali’s Agung in the west simply spectacular. Home to the largest Irish bar on the smallest island in the world, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, a turtle hatchery, ominous sounding dive sites like ‘Shark Point’ and miles and miles of white sandy beaches, Lombok’s Gilis, make a surprisingly ideal getaway destination. Getting there is easy and whichever way you chose, you will be guaranteed to see some of Bali and Lombok’s breathtaking scenery. No motorised transport Fortunately all three Gili Islands will not permit any type of motorised transport on them and therefore rely on bicycles or horse and carts, locally known as ‘Cidomos’. Bicycles can be rented from any of the kiosks and cost from around Rp20,000 an hour, or better value, ask for the daily rate. Cidomos (local horse and carts) are easily located all over the islands but tend to hang around the harbour and busy spots, arrangements can be made if you are staying in a more remote place on the island, for instance a late ride home…. Haggling is the norm, and always agree a price before your journey. Families Although originally discovered by backpackers in the mid eighties, and with a reputation as a party destination, the Gilis now boasts themselves as a great destination suitable for families of all ages. Various new hotels, luxury villas, and boutique bungalows now cater for children and offer good value, some have baby sitting services, and with lots of activities on the islands families are sure to enjoy their holidays to the full." A couple of days here is just heaven as there really is nowhere like this, the closest I know is the island of Sark which is part of the Jersey, Guernsey islands off the English, french coast as there too you will only find 'push' bikes, horse and carts. The beaches here on Gili Trawangan are sandy (although there is too much washed up coral for delicate feet lol), the sea is turquoise and the climate spectacular with 'barmy evenings' on tap. You are treated to an array of different cuisine from the beach side cafe's all of which are reasonably priced and provide a fabulous atmosphere. By day you can laze on the beaches, lying on one of the many sunbeds which are available and provided by the cafes, free of charge all you have to do is commit to buy drinks and perhaps a snack as the day progresses and for that you get to enjoy the beach, the sea and the sun. The beaches have and good plantation of coconut trees which provide ample shade for the fairer skin. For the more adventurous; the seas off the coastline provide a vibrant colourful life ideal for scuba or just snorkeling activities. Organized dive trips are in abundance as are many glass bottom boats as all are able people to enjoy, the life that exists below. If you wish to enjoy the sights then you can take in the whole coastline in about 1 to 1.5 hours, to walk around this coastline can take approx 2 hours if done at a leisurely pace, stopping periodically for much needed refreshment. Over ways to travel the island are horse and cart, and by cycling, beware to cycle much of the terrain is soft sand although that is slowly changing as cobbled ways come on stream, either way this trip is a must as the scenery is spectacular, the air is clean making for an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Accommodation is safe, clean and comfortable although 5* retreats are few and far between. be-aware many accommodation providers provide water from a hybrid system of salt and fresh water. which is OK but liquid soap is a must if you want to feel clean.. Remarkable Bali, Remarkable Bali Private Villas, villas that are stylish and elegant. In all seriousness I would recommend a look at the pages of Booking Villas in Bali for all the Villas in Seminyak as there is a comprehensive list of Seminyak Villas ideal for Holiday rental. In the meantime you should take a look at the pages of The Leading Villas of Bali for the many splendid stylish Villas, Bali Private Rental Villas that have grown in the beauty of their surroundings. http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com This collection of villas can also be seen on the pages of http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com Due their superb pricing you can also see this collection in http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com As if this is not enough then take a look at the pages of The Villas Bali. http://www.thevillas-bali.com To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk See us on Amazines http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908 http://www.youtube.com/user/Nigelsaywell?feature=mhee
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