Chilling on Gili Air

Heading to Gili Air

It was a bit of a wrench, but we left Ubud and headed across to Padangbai where we spent the night.

Padangbai is a small port town. There’s not a lot around – a few diving schools, various accommodations and a few bars and restaurants. it’s normally pretty busy though with people waiting to catch boats to the Gilis or Lombok.

We spent the night at “Absolute Divers”. OK room for one night.

Early next morning (the seas are calmest in the mornings!) we boarded the fast boat for Gili Air, via Lombok. Contrary to the work of art above, no sharks were sighted, nobody drowned (or even puked), In fact it was the smoothest crossing we’ve ever had 🙂

Route to the islands

There are 3 “Gilis” off the North West coast of Lombok. Trawangan, closest to Bali, is the biggest and brashest (party island). Air, next to Lombok and where we are now, is much quieter. Gili Meno, in the middle is the quietest of them all and our favourite.

The three Gilis

There are no motorised vehicles on any of the Gilis so, once you’re here, its feet, bicycle (difficult in the deep sand) or horse and cart.

Horse and carriage

arrival on Gili Air

We arrived on Air and walked to our home for the next 12 days – Bulan Madu. A beautiful place with outdoor bathroom and as we’ve stayed here before, we got it for the great price of 60€ p/n.

Bulan Madu: Home for 12 days

Bulan Madu

It’s very hot here and we spend the day walking around the island, jumping in the sea every 5 minutes to cool down and stopping for frequent drinks.

breakfast view

The favourite music here is Bob Marley and Jack Johnson and it can be heard at all the small beach bars. As it’s still low season we normally have the restaurants and bars pretty much to ourselves – Yes, life is pretty mellow 🙂