Just a hop, skip and a fast ferry ride from Bali, lies the serene and relatively untouched archipelago of the Gili Islands.
This heavenly hideaway, sitting just off the coast of northwest Lombok, is a triplet of sun-bleached shores, azure waters teeming with colourful aquatic life, devastatingly good diving and a rustic charm that has resisted the modern trappings of neighbouring Bali. While Gili Trawangan, and its little sisters Gili Meno and Gili Air, attract a vast number of tourists, the Gili laid back vibe, lack of motor vehicles and bare-foot culture keeps things pleasantly simple and tolerably populated.
Get there
Use Good Living Asia to arrange your seamless passage. We were whisked from Villa Kakatua near Canggu Beach by shuttle to the awaiting Gili Getaway fast boat to Gili T – as it’s affectionately nicknamed. Our chariot – the Gili preferred form of transport of a horse and cart – and the uber-friendly staff from Gili Villas awaited us on the shores of this quaint little island paradise.
Stay
Just back from the shoreline and main drag, sit the four luxury abodes of the Gili Villas. Each with a generous private pool, these spacious, modern and well equipped havens provide a comfortable retreat after hours of some of the best diving on offer in the world.
Stay With: Gili Villas
Do
When we weren’t peacefully exploring the island on our pushies, being carried around by horse and cart, we were chillaxing at The Beach House, with a cocktail, coconut or some of the best tuna sashimi we’ve tasted.
Dive
We were in the expert and friendly hands of the Manta Dive team for some sub-aquatic adventures – of the awesome kind. Not only did Anthony and the team keep us safe and sound from the seven (yes, SEVEN) sharks we encountered in the deep blue, but Manta Dive took us to several awe-inspiring dive sites, kitted us up in top quality equipment, gave us top-shelf advice and support and shared a fun and, more importantly, cold beer with us at the end of the diving day.
Dive With: Manta Dive
