THE GILI ISLAND ( Unique tropical escapes )

THE GILI ISLAND

Unique tropical escapes!

Three perpect corai island –Gili –Trawangan ,Gili Meno and Gili Air – fringed with white sands and swaying palm trees,lay in the sparkling ocean just off the north-west coast of Lombok.

Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for  their pristine waters,great diving and snorkeling opportunities,and laid-back charm.

The world Gili actually means”small island”,and so these islands have come to be known as”The Gilis” by travelers.the Gilis are Lombok’s most popular islands and are consistently rated as top SEA island destinations by travelllers and travel publications.

Although previously popular mainly with backpackers ,the Gilis now attract a diverse range of visitors – serious diving enthusiasts,sun seekers looking for the perpect beach gateway,singles,families,and couples of all ages find something to attract  them to the Gilis.

There is a good selection accommodations,restaurant and bars on all tree islands,with the biggest range of Gili Trawangan.

While nobody comes to the Gilis for shopping,each island has many small shops selling essentials such as sunscreen,mousquito repllent,toiletries.cold drinks,snack and more.In addition,there are cheap clothing and t-shirt,sarongs and local handicrafts stalls.

Activities include walking,ridding bikes horse riding and kayaking on Gili T,yoga message and beuty treatments,glass bottom boat trips and island hopping,live – aboard  dive trips and cruises to nearby islands,fishing,sailing,surfing and all kinds of water – based activities.

The island provide ample opportunities for visitors to swim,relax,sunbathe,explore,snorkel or scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operatos based in Lombok.

Snorkeling is easy in the calm waters directly off the beaches,with planty of colourful fish to see.

At greater depths  and at specific dive location around the tree islands,the pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals,aquatic life ans thousand of spesies  of tropical fish.

An impressive array of sea life can be seen,including green and hawksbill turtles,morays,barracuda,reef sharks,occasionallyleopard shark and manta rays,and much more.

Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range;and water  temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F).

Currents around the islands can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm.

Many of the popular dive companies are ownedaand operated by westerners  PADI and SSI licened dive operators,with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness,exist on all three islands.

Each Gili has developed independently and at different paces,giving each a different “personality’ or style,and catering to different types of holidaymakers and travelers.

This means that travelers have a good choice,depending on their individual tastes and what type of island escape they prefer.

Gii Trawangan is the most develoved and popular of the three,with the greatest range of facilities and activities;while Gili Air has a relaxed,laid-back style and is popular with coupels and families.

Gili Meno is the quitest of the three,perfect for really getting away from it all.

Choose the island that suit you most,or it’s easy to combine an island – hopping holiday to sample the best of all three!