After enjoying Ubud and Alam Jiwa it was time to head off. Despite pre booking our trip with Gili Cat, the promised transport did not arrive but thanks to the quick thinking of Komang at Alam Jiwa, who arranged a driver we arrived at Padang Bai just in time to board the boat. After 15 minutes or so one of the three engines malfunctioned so we turned back. After a changeover of a gear box we set of again BUT same thing happened again, so had to turn back!! Passengers were not prepared to chance the boat again so the owners arranged another faster boat and we arrived safely (if late) on the island. I think all of us who travel know that you just have to relax when things go wrong as no point in getting angry.
Despite our late arrival we were greeted by the smiling face of Putu from Alam Gili and clambered onto our cidamo (horse drawn taxi) and after a short trip arrived. Alam Gili maintains the reputation of the Alam Hotels. Set in beautiful gardens on the seafront it is also a haven of peace. Our room was comfortable, clean and well maintained. The weather of course was hotter than Ubud so we did run the air con overnight and had few problems with power supply. We chose to enjoy our breakfast on the veranda although we could have chosen to eat on the beach. The hotel offered a small menu of snacks and meals which we had for lunch although chose to return to Central for dinner. We had dinner every night at Café Fortuna where you selected fresh seafood is BBQ over coals and enjoyed with salad, potato and Bintang for around 130 K for two.
All the staff at Alam Gili was cheerful, helpful and well organized however seems that because of staff shortages they frequently have to work from 7 am to 10 pm with a short break. They were not happy about this so hope this is sorted soon so that the rest of the staff are not burnt out.
The snorkelling in front of the hotel was terrific only 30 or so metres off the beach. Great to see that the coral is recovering from years of damage from fishing. We walked a few metres down the beach at 6 pm each night to relax and enjoy great Pina Colada and watch the sunset over Bali.
We enjoyed a day trip to Gili Air in a glass bottom boat and saw huge turtles, many fish and a wide variety of coral on way. Had lunch and swam at Gili Air before heading back. No shopping on the Gilis apart from the odd beach seller with Lombok pearls and turquoise.
After 4 nights we were sorry to leave and pleased to report that the return Gili Cat trip and transfer were hassle free.
We stayed at Mutiara Seminyak, a pleasant but not outstanding hotel well situated off JL Oberoi and a short walk from Seminyak Square. We had a quiet time here as I came down with nasty gastro despite being super careful. Fortunately took suitable medication with us but not a great end to a wonderful trip.
Overall felt the Seminyak is overwhelming in terms of traffic and noise and won't stay again (Oh dear showing my age!) I think Sanur more my speed.
Trouble free trip home with Garuda and looking forward to next trip