Situated a few miles off the north west coast of Lombok, the
three Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - were
discovered by backpackers in the 80s and until recently remained a
haven for budget travellers in search of paradise. The islands are
surrounded by glorious soft sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs
and crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for diving. There are
almost no roads or motor vehicles but small ferries transport
guests between islands, none more than twenty minutes apart. Most
of the accommodation is on Gili Trawangan, generally small bamboo
bungalows a few metres from the beach - like Thailand's islands
twenty years ago. Mainstream tourism is beginning to establish
itself here and a few exclusive hotels have opened up, most
recently on the smallest, least developed island, Gili Meno.
