The Gili Islands – Overview The three Gili islands are located of the northwest coast of Lombok, a little over 37 miles (60km) from Padangbai harbour in Bali, and  20 miles from the most easterly cape of Bali. They were first discovered by back-packers back in the 1970’s, when they became a popular but well-kept secret among an adventurous crowd seeking to escape to an island paradise, far from the madding crowds of Kuta, Bali .The waters are crystal clear and teeming with marine life, and the beaches pure white sand where you can snorkel straight off the beach. The Gilis are the best place in Indonesia to enjoy a tropical island life style .Although the first to develop home stay was Gili Air (the near east island to Lombok), it is Gili Trawangan that subsequently became known as the ‘party island’ – a young, energetic European crowd having way too much fun far away from home. Simple bungalows with generator supplied electricity soon proliferated catering to a crowd eager to get off the beaten track.   The first tourists began to arrive in Gili Trawangan in early 1980, when a basic pension built on a hill. Gili Air was actually initially started out as a tourist destination, but at the end of 1990, growth has exceeded that Gili Trawangan Gili Air, and now attract more visitors. On the island there is a secular religion, and a nursery school, kindergarten, one primary and one secondary. Children who wish to continue their education should do so in the continent. Almost all residents of the ‘island is a Muslim. There are two mosques on the island call the faithful to prayer five times a day. While Gili Trawangan is a tour of the island, visitors are expected to conduct themselves with respect to religion, and the like is preferable to sunbathe topless.

Activities

Diving

The Gilis are most renown for their diving attractions – pristine water, colorful corals and a profusion of fishlife and turtles. The choice to swim, snorkel, dive or just sunbathe is the biggest decision most tourists deal with all day. With more than seven internationally accredited dive companies, the choice is not easy!! Blue Marlin Dive and Dream Divers are probably the biggest, with Manta Dive quickly closing up the gap. Big Bubble has excellent staff and is the acknowledged leader for marine conservation on the island.

Surfing

There is a shore break on the southern tip of Gili Trawangan  that has waves year round, and some of the best in Indonesia on those rare days of “the perfect conditions”. A trip to Desert Point on the SW point of Lombok provides world-class waves for those with the skills to ride them. Surfboards and instruction are readily available on Gili Trawangan.

provider fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan : Wahana Gili Boat  Marina Srikandi , Blue Water Express , Ocean Star