If you’re dreaming of a tropical Christmas, you can’t
go past the Gili’s as an idyllic location to chill out
and enjoy some Christmas cheer. Although it’s the rainy
season in Indonesia, the weather in Lombok is still warm,
with mostly sunny mornings and rain in the late afternoon.
The evenings are usually clear and refreshingly cool after
the rain. The Gili’s get less rainfall than mainland
Lombok, so they’re a good choice for those seeking an
island escape to the sun and warmth.
Most travel guides have information on how to get to the Gili’s,
but in Indonesia things change so fast that, by the time guide
books are published, they’re already out of date. In
this issue, we’ll give you the latest ways to get to
Lombok and the Gili’s, so you can enjoy your holiday
time with the minimum of travelling fuss!
FAST BOATS – Three new fast boat services between Bali
and Lombok were introduced during 2007, all providing fast
and comfortable transfers between the two islands. Gili Cat
comfortably seats 16 passengers under cover and has ample
storage room for luggage. The crossing between Bali and Lombok
takes approximately 80 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
The 12m fibreglass Australian-built catamaran departs from
Padangbai Harbour on Bali at 9.00 am every day and travels
to Gili Trawangan and Lombok, before making the return trip
to Bali, departing Gili Trawangan at 11.30 am. Lombok mainland
pick-up and departures are daily from Teluk Kodek, (just next
to Teluk Nara), arriving at Teluk Kodek at 10:30 am and leaving
at 12:15 pm. Their service also includes free transfers between
Padangbai, Kuta and Sanur on Bali. Phone (0361) 271680 for
information and bookings.
Mahi Mahi Fast Boat Service is another fast boat that started
operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan in August 2007.
The 12m aluminium motor yacht has a cruising speed of 32 knots
and can make the crossing between the islands in around 2
1/2 hours. Passengers have a choice of seating including a
comfortable inside area with tables and chairs for 16, an
aft deck with two rows of 5 seats and, if the captain invites
you up to the bridge deck, there is more seating for 4 and
deck cushions for another 5 passengers, to relax on and watch
the spectacular scenery. Mahi Mahi departs daily from the
beach at Serangan harbour, in front of the Royal Bali Yacht
Club, (15 mins from Kuta) at 7.30 am, arriving at Gili Trawangan
at 10 am. Departures from the harbour in Gili T are at 11
am daily, arriving in Bali at 2 pm. For bookings and information,
phone 0818 0530 5632. Mahi Mahi is operated by Island Promotions
who also offer a ranger of other transfer options, tours and
accommodation on all three Gili’s. See their website
for more details: www.gili-paradise.com
Blue Water Express is operated by Blue Water Safaris, providing
transfers between Bali and the three Gili’s –
Trawangan, Meno and Air. The sleek Swedish-designed Azura
seats 8 passengers in comfort and, with a comfortable cruising
speed of 35 knots, makes the crossing between the islands
in just 2 hours. Blue Water Express departs from Benoa Harbour
in Bali every day at 8 am and from Gili Trawangan at 11 am.
Fares include air conditioned hotel transfers in Bali. Blue
Water Safaris also provide a range of charter, cruising, and
sport fishing options. See their website for details: www.bwsbali.com
FAST PLANES – International flights into Lombok, direct
from Singapore, are operated by Silk Air. The Singapore Airlines
subsidiary has three flights per week between Lombok and Singapore,
as a convenient connection for European travellers. From Bali,
three domestic airlines operate flights between Lombok and
Bali every day. Flight time between the islands is only 25
minutes, so it’s a fast and easy option. Tickets can
be purchased direct from the airline counters at the domestic
airport in Bali, or from local travel agents. Merpati Airlines
operate 4 flights daily, with one way fares currently at Rp
391 000, or Rp 782 000 return. Indonesia Air and Trigana Air
are the two other airlines operating domestic flights between
Bali and Lombok, with each having two flights per day.
BUDGET OPTIONS – There are a number of local travel
agents offering low-cost, all inclusive transfers between
Bali and Lombok, with the most professional service offered
by Perama Tours. Perama operates daily transfers to and from
Lombok or Gili Trawangan for Rp 200 000 one-way. Price includes
tickets on the public ferry from Padangbai Harbour (Bali)
to Lembar Harbour (Lombok) and shuttle transfers to Mataram,
Senggigi or Gili Trawangan. Shuttle transfers from major points
in Bali to Padangbai are also available for a small fee. In
peak seasons and good weather conditions they substitute the
public ferry crossing with a much faster transfer on their
private boat. From Senggigi, Perama provide a one way trip
to Gili Trawangan for Rp 70 000 or an island hopping option
to all three Gili’s for Rp 200 000. Visit their site
at www.peramatour.com for details.
