The Gili Islands – Lombok

A speed boat from Padangbai, on the east coast of Bali, brought us to Gili Trawangan – one of the three Gili Islands which is part of Lombok. Nicknamed the party island, Gili T is a surreal and captivating place where as soon as you arrive, its white sand beaches,  close-knit community and contagious laid back atmosphere, make you wish you’d booked in for longer. We took an island taxi (smelly donkey and cart) to our bungalow, Bale Sampan which was a perfect location as it was close enough to all the action but yet a five – ten minute walk up the beachfront, so you can escape the heavy partying when you want. The beaches were packed out with uber tanned scandinavian blondes and bohemian types who look like they’ve been here for years. Everyone is kind of in ‘living the dream’ mode, riding rusty bikes, smoking pot and what not. An island where there are no police and shroom shakes are commonplace… and where westerners (we sighted two) have made the island their home, and stroll about with pet monkeys on a leash!

Sama Sama – the best reggae bar ever!

The ‘happening’ area was the beachfront on the east side (close to the jetty). This popular stretch is lined with funky cafes, Key West style beach bars playing chart hits or reggae music, and awesome restaurants with daily fresh BBQs. I loved The Beach House for atmosphere and Scallywags for the best food we’ve had in the whole holiday – I was craving steak and it was unreal how incredible it was here. Tir Na Nog, a popular Irish bar right beside these two restaurants, was clearly the place to be for pre and post dinner drinks.

The lost cats of Gili Trawangan. There were hundreds of them!