Kepulauan Gili - paradise islands a stone's throw from Bali

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FREEDOMtravel is today hosted by Henrik Ulleryd who runs Balance sheet experts and organises trips to Bali and the surrounding area. Here is an inspiring post about the Gili Islands, which belong to Lombok and are easily accessible from the coast of Bali.

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Warm rays of sunshine seeping through the curtains and exotic birdsong bring a smile to your face, and when breakfast is accompanied by freshly squeezed coconut juice, watermelon and pineapple, it's hard to keep yourself from pinching your arm. Welcome to Gili Kepulauan.

Chalk-white beaches

With chalk-white beaches, crystal clear waters, and a quiet, relaxed pace where motorised vehicles are banned, Kepulauan Gili, the Gili Islands, has managed to ruin many visitors' travel plans. It's simply hard to leave this exotic archipelago once you're here. And once you're living in your exotic bungalow right on the beach, a few steps away from a refreshing dip in the sea, it's not hard to see why.

Welcome to the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are located just off the north-west coast of Lombok and consist of three small islands; Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. Although the islands are only a short boat journey apart, they have different characters. Gili Trawangan is the largest island in the archipelago, and also where you'll find the most settlements and activities.

Gili Air is usually preferred by those who want comfort, but a slightly quieter and more relaxing pace. Gili Meno is the smallest and also the most unspoilt island. You can easily and comfortably explore the different islands as there are several boat trips between them, which makes it easier to find out which one is your personal favourite.

To make the islands even more idyllic, motorised vehicles are not allowed, which makes for relaxing walks or bike rides. Locals make use of horse and cart, which also serve as a taxi service to transport goods.

Snorkelling and diving

Just a few strokes from the shore, a fantastic underwater world opens up, with fish and coral in an exotic array of colours. Large schools of octopus. Turtles swimming by your side. A dream? No, the everyday life of the Gilli Islands. Of course you can also dive, and there are several different diving clubs that organise both courses and fun dives.

Getting to the Gili Islands

Getting to the Gili Islands is easy both from the east coast of Bali and from Bangsal and Teluk Nare on the west coast of Lombok. You can choose from more slow and comfortable boat transport to fast speedboats, depending on your preference.

So much more than just perfect beaches

The Gili Islands offer so much more than just beaches surrounded by clear blue waters. With its rich marine life, it is an excellent destination to tickle the taste buds and enjoy fresh seafood caught by local fishermen early that morning. For the surfing enthusiast, surf-friendly waves are often on offer and, of course, fishing trips are often high on the visitor's to-do list. Or why not walk around Gili Trawangan and get an insight into the daily life of the locals?

These are just a few examples of what this wonderful archipelago has to offer, and alternating this with relaxing with a good book on a chalky white sandy beach with a view of Lombok's mighty Gunung Rinjani volcano rising in the background is hard to beat.

Book your trip to the Gili Islands and immerse yourself in this seductive paradise setting, and as I said, make sure to set aside a few extra days so as not to jeopardise your entire travel plan.

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