Leisure
A Destination to Suit
All Travellers
Bali
Bali is a small island nestled between Java and
Lombok in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
Despite popular opinion, Bali has much more to
offer than just picturesque beaches and excellent
surf. Notwithstanding its natural beauty, there are
about 10,000 temples in Bali and a vibrant arts
culture. Moreover, Bali is a great departure point
to explore Indonesia’s beautiful islands, including
the Gili Islands.
Gili Islands
Scattered just off the northwest coast of the
mainland, the Gili Islands are Lombok's most
popular tourist destination. These three islands
became popular on the backpacker trail in the
1980s, and it’s not hard to see why. With their
coconut palms, white sand beaches, and turquoise
waters, the islands are pure paradise. Times have
changed of course, as upmarket hotels and tourist
activities now dominate the islands, particularly on
Gili Trawangan. Still, the islands lack motorised
vehicles and there is a slower pace on the Gilis than
mainland Bali. Each of the three Gilis has its own
unique personality and reasons for visiting.
Gili Meno
Gili Meno sits between the other two islands and
is the smallest and most sedate of all. Perfect for
your desert-island fantasy, it offers more of a
serene nature retreat experience. There’s a bird
park, featuring over 200 species of Asian and
Australian birds, as well as a turtle sanctuary.
Nonetheless, the biggest drawcard is the idyllic,
secluded swimming beaches all around its fringes.
Gili Meno has three main dive spots, favourites
with scuba divers—Meno Wall, Sea Point Turtle,
and Point Coral Blue. Most accommodation lines
the east coast, near the most picturesque beach.
Inland you’ll find scattered homesteads, coconut
plantations, and a salty lake. However, the once-
lonely west coast is seeing some high-profile
development, including an enormous beachside
condo project. The effect of this huge resort on
little Gili Meno is likely to be profound.
Gili Air
Gili Air is the most laid back of the three Gilis,
with a distinct “local” feel to it. Gili Air is great
if you want to embrace the island way of life, with
just a hint of a nightlife. The white-sand beaches
are arguably the best of the three Gilis, with diving
and snorkelling among the most popular activities.
The perfect opportunity to view the colourful
coral formations and abundance of marine life
BALI & GILI
ISLANDS
surrounding the island. The circumference
of Gili Air island is travelable by foot, in
around two and a half hours. But be sure to
pack some supplies, as you’re he