Posted by Sas on Friday, 2. October 1998 at 12:52 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Gili Trawangan posted by BaliJo on Thursday, 1. October 1998 at 19:06 Bali Time:
The changes that tourism has brought to these small islands over the past few years is frightening. I have just come back and spent 2 days on Gili Trawangan and 4 days on Gili Air. Air is by far the nicest of the small islands and a great place to snorkle, swim and just relax. The people on the island are great and you can even have a laugh with the hawkers.
Okay if you are into luxury accomodation forget it. Everything is basic but isn't that what coming to third world countries is all about, immersing yourself in THEIR way of life and culture. I don't see the point in staying in western style hotels and eating western food, you might as well have stayed at home!
Do catch an early long boat over as the waters do get rather coppy after about 11am.
Do go snorkling, the fish are amazing, even if most of the coral has been distroyed.
Do eat at the small local Indonesian warangs, the food is the best. I was very disappointed in the restuarants in Bali as a whole as they tone down the food and it was no where near as spicy as the authentic stuff. Plenty of Sambal I say! And I had no Bali belly at all. It's well worth booking for the banquet dinner at Safari, great food and nice atmosphere.
Enjoy.