Gili's, Lombok
All my recommendations about the Gili's. Favorite places to stay, to have breakfast at or what to do on the Gili islands.
Oceans5 diving school
Oceans5 diving school is on Gili Air and even though I decided after a one day tryout that diving is just not for me (right now) I still wanted to highlight the dive school because there were really amazing and patient with me. So I'm kind of afraid about swimming in the ocean but I have seen so many beautiful videos about the ocean I wanted to give it a try anyways. I started with a scuba diving tryout day and that is something I would recommend to everyone that is doubting about diving. In the morning you start in the swimming pool and in the afternoon you will make your first dive in the ocean. I had the luxury of having two dive instructors with me and they really took their time explaining everything and showing things multiple times if I wanted to see them again. After 2,5 hours in the swimming pool I had a nice break with my friends and then we went to turtle heaven. And yes it definitely was turtle heaven. I saw three turtles and one was 1,5 meter big! But when I went down to 5 meters I was all fine and all of the sudden I had to cough so I went back up. Then they told me you can cough in your mouth piece so that would make everything a lot easier. So I went down again to 5 meters to let my ears adapt to the pressure and from there on we went slowly down to the maximum of 12 meters. They showed me how I swim easier from point A to B, how I should stay calm and they always checked in with me if I was fine. So if you are close to Gili Air and you would like to try out diving. Visit Oceans5 diving school because they are totally worth it and have a great experience with beginners and experts and are on point with teaching and safety rules.
Snorkling
Snorkeling is really easy and a lot of fun to do when you are on the Gili Islands. You just go to the closest beach rent the gear for snorkeling which only cost you around €1,50 for a day and you can enjoy the view underwater. There are so many colorful fishes and when you are lucky you will not only see one turtle but multiple. Best time for seeing turtles is in the early morning or around 17.00h in the afternoon because then they are getting food from the coral close to the beach. Enjoy Dory, maybe Nemo and a lot of other colorful fish and sea creatures but just remember, we are in there territory so don't touch them! Animals are always the most beautiful when they are in the wild.
Breakfast at Cremoso
When you visit Gili T, there should be one place really high on your list for breakfast: Cremoso!
They have so many options for breakfast, also for vegetarians and vegans, but the most important thing for me was the taste of the food and the service that came with it. They have a nice spot near the beach and my absolute favorite for breakfast are the croffle's with fresh mango and white chocolate. Another nice option is the ciabatta with egg and bacon and one of my favorite options for drinks was the lemon iced tea.
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If you ever go there, please let me know what you ordered!
Atlas Hostel Gili T
Definitely one of my favorite places to stay! I actually booked this hostel by accident, because I had some problems with my Credit Card, but in the end it was a really good mistake I made. When I arrived everyone was so welcoming, not only the staff but also the people that stayed there. I went on a sunset tour organized by the hostel so that means only people from the hostel can join and that is definitely the best way to meet more people and to go to a party after the tour. The rooms were really clean and the beds were comfy. We had everyday free dinner at the hostel which they called family dinner and it really felt like that. All together at a big table talking, having fun and playing games. For all the solo travelers you should definitely have a night at this hostel.
Gili T(rawangan)
Gili Trawangan also known as Gili T is officially known as the party island of the three Gili islands. In low season there aren't that many parties though but still enough to enjoy yourself. The things you should really do on Gili T is going for a sunset tour to watch the sunset from the ocean, go for a snorkeling or diving trip. I did a guided snorkeling trip to the three islands and got a glass bottom boat and go pro material included in my 150.000 roepia. Not all the organizations includes go pro material in their prices so in case you want that make sure you ask. The third thing I would recommend is to rent a bike and slowly bike around the island. There are some amazing bars and beach front places where you can have a drink or go for lunch/dinner. Window bar has live music every single night and affordable food and drinks.
