Staying on the island of Gili Air

So, with our bags packed we headed down to Jungat  Bado Port on Nusa Lembongan to catch the Samayaone Fast Boat. The 2 1/2 half hour ferry (costing IDR 275,000 (NZ$ 28)) each, was actually a two step process with the boat stopping in Penida Island where all passengers and luggage was moved to another boat for the final leg before reaching our next stop of Gili Air.  

The Gili’s are comprised of 3 islands just off the coast of Lombok, with each one having its own unique personality. Gili Trawangan is the furthest offshore and is known as the party island – which meant we decided to bypass it.  Gili Meno being the quietest (we’ll be heading there next) and Gili Air being a mixture of entertainment and also the closest to Lombok. Also, as the island only being 1.2 kms by 1.2 kms there are no petrol scooters/cars, therefore travelling around is by foot power or bicycles – although the locals have electric scooters and horse drawn carts!

To protect the environment all passengers are required to pay a Tourist Tax (IDR 20,000 (NZ$ 2.10))..  

With the boat ride completed, we dis-embarked onto the Island of Gili Air and headed to our accommodation at Mirna Homestay (IDR 1,900,000 (NZ$ 195)), which was only a 10 minute walk from the port.  

The island has a very relaxed way of life, which we quickly adapted to, although on our first full day we still managed to walk 12.28 kms exploring the island. Of course Alan was in his element as he was on the hunt, seeking out turtles and other sea-life.  As always he managed to find the turtles, and they were huge (1.2 metres long), and he managed to get some amazing close up shots.

It was so nice eating breakfast at the Mirrna Homestay, and the banana pancakes were scrumptious- followed by 3 different types of fruit and (strong) coffee for Alan, Helena was healthy having Orange Juice.  One our last night the owners also invited us for dinner that our hosts had made, which included rice, curried eggs, shredded coconut prawns and vegetables.

During the day we have a routine to get up, go for a walk, breakfast, respond to emails/WhatsApp, head to the beach and then return Mirna Homestay. At night we dropped back into our habit of eating locally – rice with a mixture of fish, tofu, egg, shedded coconut, chicken, prawns, beans – plus a curry (vegetable).  Each meal cost us IDR 15,000 each (NZ$ 1.50)), and yes we even found a supplier for the local ‘rice wine’.

Our time on Gili Air is now complete and we are heading over to the middle island of the Gili’s, Gili Meno.