LR
Travel Report
Gorgeous Gili Tra-La-La A Symphony of Pleasurable Pastimes
J
ust off the coast of Lombok lie the Gilis – a trio of tiny, sparsely inhabited satellite islands. The most visited with the most resorts is Gili Trawangan, which doesn’t even have cars (or dogs, apparently). Visitors arrive by boat and are then transported by horse and cart (cidomo). Some call it simply “Gili T,” but the locals have helped visitors by also christening it “Gili Tra-La-La,” for those who can’t pronounce or remember “Trawangan.” There are speedboat taxis from Lombok, but if you stay at Hotel Vila Ombak as we did, they have their own private boat shuttle. As we arrived, it was as tropical paradise a scene as you’ll get – tall palms, aqua seas and bikiniclad tourists (mostly from Australia) sunning on blindingly white sands. Hotel Vila Ombak is the first international standard 5-star resort on the island, and directly beside it is the main tourist strip, a lively and colorful crush of shops and activity operators. Snorkeling, diving and boat tours are the most popular in these idyllic waters, and it’s called “The turtle capital of the world.”
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Unfortunately, it was a full moon that day, making the waters uncommonly rough, so our snorkeling tour was sadly canceled. But we did take solace in the massive seaside circuit of wonderful waterfalls, lively pool bars and luxurious hot tubs instead. My suite was gorgeous, with a spacious outdoor lounge of its own, a semi-outdoor bathroom with a rain shower – spouting seawater only – and a freshwater cistern to rinse with. The seaside dining spot was also superb. We enjoyed a lunch of local fare and a tropical international dinner there, and a massive buffet breakfast at their charming poolside restaurant. They also have a first-rate spa, but we didn’t have time for a treatment. The main reception building is also noteworthy for its intricately carved wood exterior. I found it so inviting there that I could have easily spent an entire week, but I’ll have to be satisfied with just a small taste of Gili Tra-La-La. It was so palatable, though, I will certainly sing its praises. Visit: www.gili-paradise.com. SUSAN CAMPBELL Twitter: @suectravel