Gili Trawangan gains more popularity<\/p>\n
By Wahyuni Kamah<\/p>\n
MATARAM, Lombok (JP): Mentioning the island of Lombok can
\nconjure up fabulous images of Senggigi beach. But there is more
\nto Lombok than just this famous retreat. There is Gili Trawangan,
\nGili Air and Gili Meno -- three tiny islands off the northwest
\ncoast of Lombok.<\/p>\n
These islands are still a popular destination among foreign
\ntourists, even after the riot that hit Mataram early this year.
\nGili means island in the local Sasak language. Gili Trawangan is
\nthe most populated island of the three, and it is the furthest
\naway from Lombok. The beach on this tiny island offers pearl
\nwhite sand and clear water.<\/p>\n
The trip to the island is served by a small ferry from Bangsal
\nharbor in West Lombok. The 45-minute trip costs Rp 2,000 one way.
\nWith this ferry you travel along with other locals of Trawangan
\nwho use the boat to transport their food and vegetables. The
\nwater, especially in the morning, is normally calm. On the way to
\nTrawangan, you can see other islands from a distance. Other
\ntransportation to the islands includes a shuttle, which is more
\ncomfortable, but of course costs more. The one-way trip on this
\nboat costs Rp 17,000.<\/p>\n
Cidomo (carts pulled by a horse) wait for visitors at the
\nsmall harbor of Gili Trawangan. They are ready to take you to the
\nhotel for between Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000, depending on your
\nbargaining skills. Most cidomo drivers speak a little English.<\/p>\n
Hotels in Trawangan range from cheap ones, starting from Rp
\n35,000 per room for one night -- to luxurious ones, which are
\nmostly situated on the main road by the beach in the east part of
\nthe island. It is only a question of money when selecting the
\nhotel you want.<\/p>\n
After staying on this island, you can continue your trip to
\nother destinations as there are some tour agencies which offer
\ntours, such as sailing to Sumbawa or Flores, trekking to Mt.
\nRinjani in Lombok and diving and night diving in the nearby
\nwaters.<\/p>\n
Facilities on Gili Trawangan range from restaurants, bars and
\nmoney changers to Internet cafes and small kiosks selling a
\nvariety of useful goods. However, the wartel (telecommunications
\nbooth) in Trawangan still uses a manual system for billing by
\ntiming conversations with a stopwatch.<\/p>\n
Despite declining tourism as a result of the January riot in
\nMataram, people of Gili Trawangan believe that tourists will keep
\nvisiting this tiny island, while some new hotels and homestays
\nare under construction.<\/p>\n
\"The island was only deserted for one week after the riot. We
\nhad to evacuate tourists from the island because the Lombok
\nPolice asked us to do so. However, after that, the tourists kept
\ncoming,\" said Gafar, the owner of Losmen Aldi. Tourists usually
\ncome directly from Bali on a cruise. \"In the peak season from
\nJuly to August, you cannot find a homestay in the middle range,
\nbecause all are occupied,\" Gafar proudly added.<\/p>\n
It is not difficult to enjoy the hot coastal climate during
\nthe day when you stay on this Bugis people-dominated island.
\nRiding bikes to explore a segment of the island is also pleasant.
\nBike rentals cost Rp 5,000 per hour.<\/p>\n
A road runs around the island, following its coastal line. In
\nthe center of Trawangan the road is good but heading to the north
\nis rough and you will have to give it your best to get through
\nthe sandy path.<\/p>\n
The northern part of Trawangan is not inhabited. You will only
\nfind a small wood and a field of grass there.<\/p>\n
Not all the beaches along the coast of Trawangan are good for
\nswimming because of the coral reef. Only an area near the harbor
\nis available for swimming and sunbathing. The sun is bright and
\nthe water is clear. Some trees are there to provide shade.<\/p>\n
Nightlife on Gili Trawangan is fascinating. Tourists and
\nlocals mingle on the main road of Trawangan beginning at about 7
\np.m. either for having dinner or just taking a walk. The center
\nof Trawangan turns into an entertaining spot at night. The beach
\nwhere most hotels are situated turns into an open restaurant. You
\ncan enjoy the fresh sea air at night while eating by the beach.
\nFresh fish is offered on tables at the roadside and you can
\nchoose any sort of fish you want to eat. Grilled red snappers and
\nother delicious fish should not be missed. Those who want to
\nparty can also visit the local discotheque. Small kiosks selling
\nliquor, such as vodka and whisky, are open only at night. Sounds
\nof laughter and various languages, such as English, German,
\nDutch, or Swedish, can be heard by the beach.<\/p>\n
The locals, particularly young men, seem to enjoy this
\natmosphere. They sit on the road and say hello to the tourists or
\nmake small talk in broken English. The entertainment lasts long
\ninto the night and from the distance the twinkling lamps of
\nMataram can be seen.<\/p>",
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