Gili T and Sleeping on Curtains

After backpacking through the main land of Java, we decided to give Bali – and the island of Gili Trawangan, a try. I forgot to mention previously that I have done all my traveling with my old uni buddy, Gabi (said gaahhrr bie – like a pirate because shes Afrikaans). We have spent the better part of the last two weeks in the sun with heavy backpacks on our shoulders. 

A restaurant on the beach overlooking the sea- Gili T, Indonesia.

Gili T is a gorgeous spot of land off the Eastern coast of Bali, full of backpackers, beach bars and places to snorkel. If your looking to sit back, relax and drink Bintang (Indonesian beer), Gili T is your place. The Gili's consist of three islands between Bali and Lombok – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. While Air and Meno are seen as the quieter of the 3 with family resorts, Gili T is full of tanned 20-something backpackers looking to soak up the sun and party – often on a tight budget.

Umbrellas and smoothies! -Gili T, Indonesia.

The beach- Gili T, Indonesia.

Bintang beer at a beach bar - Gili T, Indonesia.

The island takes approximately a hour to cycle around and no cars are allowed on it. There is the almost constant click-clacking of horses hooves against the cobbled streets, dragging tourists in carts to their hotels while locals try to sell you coconuts and beaded bracelets.

For one the days we hired bicycles and cycled around the islands. The bikes cost us about $5 dollars for the day and the cyle took about an hour to circle the entire island.- Gili T, Indonesia.

We spent four days soaking up the sun and snorkeling off the islands reef while having too much fun playing beer pong against Finnish surfers. We have to sadly admit that we suck at beer pong – but really enjoyed all the beer we got to drink... paid for mostly by two Finnish backpackers. Score.

Cocotails on the beach- Gili T, Indonesia.

Obligatory knee shot while tanning- Gili T, Indonesia.

One of the only negative moments of this leg of the trip was the accommodation. Although we are already able to laugh about it, we were less than impressed that they decided to close our hostel for renovations during our stay. Eventually we were put in a Homestay. I would suggest that anyone who enjoys sanitation and electricity avoid Bannera Homestay. For all intensive purposes I have nicked named it 'Buthole Bannera'.

We found more than one cockroach in our room, there was no hot water and we were never given sheets, blankets or towels. Eventually we took the curtains off their railings and slept under those. The bathroom was the type of place where you can brush your teeth, have a shower and take a dump all in the exact same position. The best we could say is that Bannera has character. We laughed every time we saw someone new moving in, “ Enjoy...your in for a lovely surprise”.

The curtains we slept on.

Gabi sleeping under the cutrains

However, despite our gross little home, we really enjoyed our stay. We took a package tour (it was only $15) to go island hopping and snorkeling at three different spots. The price included fins and a snorkel set. We really enjoyed getting to swim with fully grown turtles in the open ocean and diving down to see a Japanese ship wreck. 

Gabi having her feet cleaned by the fishies. I wouldn't do it because I am far too ticklish- Gili T, Indonesia.

Baby turtles at the turtle sanctuary- Gili T, Indonesia.

$1 sweet corn. We ate these as snacks many times during I stay. They roast the hob over hot coals and cover it in butter and garlic. -Gili T, Indonesia.

If your looking to stay on an island full of life and European tourists, Gili T is a beautiful and affordable option.

Next stop – back to Bali to see Ubud.