Gili Islands
The three small islands of Gili are considered to be a real Garden of Eden, located in the very center of a larger paradise called Indonesia. It seems that time slows down here, reality is pushed into the background, and worries cease to bother.
History of the Gili Islands
During World War II, the Japanese used the Gili Islands as prisoner of war camps. Not far from the island of Eyre, you can still see the remains of a patrol boat, which is popular among diving enthusiasts these days. In 1971, Lombok Governor Wasita Kusama sent prisoners here to grow coconut plantations, many of whom later stayed on the island to live. But there were many difficulties with cultivation, and over time the residents switched to the tourism business, helped by the flow of tourists from the neighboring island of Bali. Diving centers and hotels were built in 1980-1990. The diving industry has grown rapidly. In 2000, the Gili Eco Trust was founded to protect coral reefs and improve the environment.
A few facts
The small Gili Islands still captivate visitors with their magnificent beaches and detachment from the problems of the outside world. They are located in the Lombok Strait and mean "small island" in translation. There are several such small land areas in the sea passage, but only 3 islets are popular: Trawangan, Meno and Air. There are no vehicles here at all, so you'll have to walk, cart, or bike around the area. There are no police here either, but Muslim customs are quite strict, so you should not worry about the safety of things and ensuring order.
Description of the islands
All three Gili Islands do not differ much from each other: white sand beaches; a street with cafes and restaurants, hotels and bungalas; azure ocean waters, characterized by special tranquility; charming coral reefs hiding hundreds of fish with a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors; the beauty of the surrounding nature. Nevertheless, Trawangan is called the most noisy and party island. It is great for young people who prefer to spend their nights at discos and nightclubs.
Ayr may seem completely uninhabited, but in the evening you can find several entertainment places here, striking with some special warmth. The place is more suitable for those who appreciate complete privacy. There are only a few hotels here. In addition to tourists tired of the hustle and bustle, newlyweds come to the island, enjoying each other's company surrounded by the most romantic surroundings. Communication between the Gili Islands is very well developed, so you can settle on any of them and change your place of stay at will.
What to do?
Of course, lying on the beach, enjoying the warm sun, pleasant waters, and the softest sand. When you get tired of a carefree vacation, you can walk around the entire territory of the selected island or move to the neighbors. It will only take a couple of hours, but the tourist will know exactly where the most picturesque places and cafes with the most delicious dishes are located.
Here you can also dive into the ocean waters with scuba gear or just with a mask. This can be done directly next to the beach (you only need to clarify about the currents, which can be quite dangerous) or rent a boat and go explore the underwater kingdom on the most beautiful atolls: locals are ready to take tourists to the most visited or completely deserted places. The Gili Islands are perfect for training beginners and diving experienced divers, and there are also freediving schools that allow you to unlock the hidden capabilities of the human body.
The islands are also suitable for surfing. Inexperienced surfers will especially like the local places: there is practically no excitement here, except for certain periods when the sea is quiet with fairly steady waves. But most of the time, the Gili Islands are used as a place for a complete emotional and mental reboot.
