Every traveller to a new place needs to know the essentials… the best places to stay, where to eat, where to go, what to do, etc. In the first chapter of “Lombok Essentials” we told you about the best bars in Senggigi; in this second issue we give the bars on Gili Trawangan the thumbs up!
Rudy’s Bar is an institution on Gili Trawangan; one of the original old bars that still has heaps of appeal today. Situated in the south part of the east side of the island, known as “Sentral”, Rudy’s is a lively place any night of the week. Locally owned and operated, it’s the place to meet people from all over the world, rubbing shoulders with expats and locals.
Food: Tasty and inexpensive island-style food, ranging from snacks and pizzas, through to international dishes and fish barbecues. Drinks: The usual range of drinks and cold beer, with some typical local Gili T specialties. Ambience: Friendly and casual. On busy nights, guests spill out onto the street and beachfront. What’s great about it? Friendly and fun atmosphere and an eclectic assortment of tourists, residents and eccentric local characters. The party nights, every Friday, are legendary.
Sama-Sama Bar and Bungalows is further up the beach, away from Sentral but still within easy walking distance. The quaint thatched bungalows are clean and comfortable, and overlook a nice stretch of beach. The bar has gained heaps of popularity in the past year, mostly because of the great live music and impromptu jam sessions that take place behind the bar almost every night.
Food: Reasonably priced local and international meals, as well as tasty snacks all day. Drinks: The usual selection of drinks and beer, as well as local whisky, vodka and arak blends and concoctions. Ambience: Very laid-back and cool. The garden is a good place to mingle and meet people, and can get quite busy at times. What’s great about it? A good sound system and really top-notch live music, as well as jam sessions featuring some very talented musicians.
Imagine an Irish Bar on Gili Trawangan! Tir Na Nog, while not a typical Irish pub, is owned and operated by friendly Irish expats and has been popular ever since it opened. Situated beachside in Sentral, the main inside bar is large enough to accommodate the crowds that sometimes pack the place, especially on “Party Night” every Tuesday. There are often “theme’ parties with a kitsch but fun 60’s, 70’s and 80’s flavour. The berugaks (lounging pavilions) at the front are popular during the day with tourists relaxing in the shade after a morning on the beach. They come equipped with comfy cushions, individual TV’s and a selection of DVD’s to while away the time, whilst eating and drinking.
Food: A very good selection of snacks and main courses, including Irish Stew of course! Drinks: A full range of beers, spirits and cocktails, all at good prices, as well as special house cocktails and brews available by the pitcher. “Silly Sunday” features great discounts on drinks. Ambience: Friendly, laid-back and lots of fun at night. What’s great about it? It’s a welcoming place, by day or night. The berugaks are a relaxing place to hang out and escape the heat during the day, while munching on delicious baguettes or Mexican snacks. Parties, theme nights and special events are lots of fun and a great way to meet people.
Horizontal Lounge is further up the beach, away from Sentral, on the best part of the beach for sunbathing and snorkelling. This stylish and happening place has been infamous ever since it opened a few years ago for the extravagant special events Horizontal regularly features. There are comfortable sun lounges out the front, as well as huge cushions on the beachfront. Tables for dining flank the entrance before opening into the main bar area, with seating at the bar or on comfortable lounges. Out the back in the garden area are unique “escape pods”: moulded circular structures perfect for hanging out with a group of friends and watching the action on the dance floor. Construction has already started on the “H Rooms”, a group of very chic private suites for accommodation at the rear of the property.
Food: Surprisingly good quality, with an international selection of gourmet main courses and delicious snacks available all day. Parties and Sunday Roasts are a must for food-lovers. Drinks: Arguably the best selection on the island. Apart from a good range of beers, spirits and wines, there are tempting specialty cocktails such as Banana-berry Margueritas and Mojitos. Ambience: Stylish, chic and cool. Horizontal is equally popular for dining as for partying. At night the bar comes alive with chill out and funky house music. What’s great about it? Everything! Fantastic food, trendy atmosphere, friendly and entertaining staff at the bar, and a great selection of drinks. When they feature special guest DJ’s, the place is packed… New Year parties are unforgettable. For parties and special occasions, the beautiful people from Bali flock to Horizontal.
