BY FAST BOAT DIRECT FROM BALI OR BY AIR VIA MATARAM AIRPORT

By far the quickest and easiest way of getting to the Gili Islands from Bali is with the new Fast Boat service, operated by Blue Water Express (www.bwsbali.com), established in early 2006. This has rapidly become the most popular way of getting to the Gili Islands, provides a convenient one-stop transportation direct to the Gili beaches.

The Blue Water Fastboat includes fee air-con transfers to and from the Kuta area in Bali, which is just 20 minutes from Benoa Harbour. From here it takes around two hours to get you direct to the beaches of Trawangan, Meno or Air. Price is USD 75/person (one way)

Other Direct Fast Boat Service available is The Gili Cat (Island Xpress), depart every day from Padang Bay to Gili Trawangan, V.V. Price is: USD 70/person (one way)

BY AIR FROM JAKARTA

There are many daily flights from Jakarta - direct or via Surabaya - stop over. If you arrive at night, you may need to stay over in Mataram or Senggigi before crossing over to the Gilis.

During the peak holiday season or even regular low season, major airlines are fully booked by locals and expats who wish to spend their weekend on Gilis. If you are outside the country you'll find difficulties to book and purchase tickets online, therefore since August 2008 we setup a Branch Office in Kuta Bali (located 5 minutes from Denpasar International Airport) to give a full assistances and service from the time of your arrival in Denpasar International airport until you safely arrive in gili islands Lombok Indonesia. Our system is now fully integrated with PayPal, so you can make an online booking from your home country, pay instantly with PayPal and get your tickets delivered at the airport in Bali or at the hotel where you stay.

Lombok Network Holidays Branch Office in Kuta Bali

Jl. Kartika Plaza No 97, Kuta Bali, Indonesia

T: +62 361 8757904, F: +62 361 767631, M: +62 817361392

Email: bali@lombok-network.com

Garuda Indonesia Airlines serves two daily direct-flights;

GA 430 (ETA 12:10) and GA 432 (ETA 22:55).

Lion Air serves one daily direct flight from Jakarta on JT 650 (ETA 21:55PM) and two daily flights via Surabaya on JT 8382 (ETA 12:20) and JT 8388 (22:55).

Batavia Air serves one daily flight from Jakarta via Surabaya on 7P - 345 (ETA 19:35PM).

Merpati Airlines have one daily flight from Surabaya direct on MZ 831 (ETA 11:40 AM)

BY AIR FROM DENPASAR (BALI)

Merpati Airlines serves 6 daily flights from Bali to Lombok V.V;

MZ 6600 (ETA 01:30 AM), MZ 6602 (ETA 10:00 AM), MZ 6620 (ETA 16:00 PM) and

MZ 6608 (ETA 17:00 PM).

Indonesia Air Transport serves two direct flights; IT 01 (ETA 08:00AM), IT 05 (ETA 16:10PM).

Trigana Air also serves 2 daily flight from Bali;

TGN 542 (ETA 08:30 AM) and TGN 540 (ETA 16:30PM)

One way airfare are between IDR 385,000 - 425,000/adult.

BY AIR FROM SINGAPORE

From Singapore, Silk Air fly direct to Lombok 3 times a week; MI 126 (ETA 18:05PM) every Monday, Thursday and MI 122 (ETA 10:40AM) every Saturday.

If you arrive between 17:00 - 19:00 PM we suggest you to book our private transfer service in advanced.

PUBLIC BOAT FROM BANGSAL TO GILI ISLANDS

From Mataram Airport, take airport taxi service direct to Bangsal or get a public transport/bemos from Rembiga to Pemenang, then to Bangsal by Cidomo (horse cart). Use your bargaining skills to negotiate the price. From Bangsal to Gili Islands, the only transportation is by regular public boat or boat charter.

The Koperasi Angkutan Laut (Sea Transport Co-operative) is the boat owner cartel which monopolizes transport to the islands. Try to get to Bangsal at around 09:30AM or 10:30AM as most boats go in the morning. The public boat office in Bangsal close at 16:30 PM.

PRIVATE TRANSFER SERVICE (AC COACH + PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT)

Most upmarket hotels on Gili Trawangan give extra service and conveniences to their clients by providing their private modern speedboat and skip the hassle in Bangsal Harbor. There is an alternative private harbor runs privately by hotel's owners at Teluk Nare or Teluk Kodek (another 10 minutes drive from Bangsal).

This option is effective and hassle free. It takes only 10 minutes to Gili Trawangan.

You can pre-book online for a private pick up and transfers service through Lombok Network Holidays. Price per person: USD 30/one way or USD 50/return (min. 2 persons). If you're in a group or with family of maximum 5, the price is USD 80/family (one way) or USD 140/family (return). This service includes; private AC Coach + Private Speedboat. Our guide will meet and greet you upon arrival at Lombok airport, arrange your luggage, and escort you to the harbor and organize the speedboat for you.

BY REGULAR FERRY FROM BALI

Ferry service from Bali - Lombok - Bali available 24 hours, depart every two hours. It takes up to 4,5 hours from Padang Bay (East Bali) to Lembar (South West Lombok). You will spend almost the whole day on the bus and ferry and by the time you reach Bangsal, you may have to charter the boat to get the gilis at unusual price.

From Lembar Harbour, take a bus to Mandalika bus station, choose destination Tanjung, and stop at Pemenang. Get a local transportation called Cidomo (horse cart) to take you to Bangsal Harbour. Once there register your name at the ticket office and wait until the list is full. Boat leaves when number of passengers reached 20 pax.

BY FAST BOAT DIRECT FROM BALI OR BY AIR VIA MATARAM AIRPORT

By far the quickest and easiest way of getting to the Gili Islands from Bali is with the new Fast Boat service, operated by Blue Water Express (www.bwsbali.com), established in early 2006. This has rapidly become the most popular way of getting to the Gili Islands, provides a convenient one-stop transportation direct to the Gili beaches.

The Blue Water Fastboat includes fee air-con transfers to and from the Kuta area in Bali, which is just 20 minutes from Benoa Harbour. From here it takes around two hours to get you direct to the beaches of Trawangan, Meno or Air. Price is USD 75/person (one way)

Other Direct Fast Boat Service available is The Gili Cat (Island Xpress), depart every day from Padang Bay to Gili Trawangan, V.V. Price is: USD 70/person (one way)

BY AIR FROM JAKARTA

There are many daily flights from Jakarta - direct or via Surabaya - stop over. If you arrive at night, you may need to stay over in Mataram or Senggigi before crossing over to the Gilis.

During the peak holiday season or even regular low season, major airlines are fully booked by locals and expats who wish to spend their weekend on Gilis. If you are outside the country you'll find difficulties to book and purchase tickets online, therefore since August 2008 we setup a Branch Office in Kuta Bali (located 5 minutes from Denpasar International Airport) to give a full assistances and service from the time of your arrival in Denpasar International airport until you safely arrive in gili islands Lombok Indonesia. Our system is now fully integrated with PayPal, so you can make an online booking from your home country, pay instantly with PayPal and get your tickets delivered at the airport in Bali or at the hotel where you stay.

Lombok Network Holidays Branch Office in Kuta Bali

Jl. Kartika Plaza No 97, Kuta Bali, Indonesia

T: +62 361 8757904, F: +62 361 767631, M: +62 817361392

Email: bali@lombok-network.com

Garuda Indonesia Airlines serves two daily direct-flights;

GA 430 (ETA 12:10) and GA 432 (ETA 22:55).

Lion Air serves one daily direct flight from Jakarta on JT 650 (ETA 21:55PM) and two daily flights via Surabaya on JT 8382 (ETA 12:20) and JT 8388 (22:55).

Batavia Air serves one daily flight from Jakarta via Surabaya on 7P - 345 (ETA 19:35PM).

Merpati Airlines have one daily flight from Surabaya direct on MZ 831 (ETA 11:40 AM)

BY AIR FROM DENPASAR (BALI)

Merpati Airlines serves 6 daily flights from Bali to Lombok V.V;

MZ 6600 (ETA 01:30 AM), MZ 6602 (ETA 10:00 AM), MZ 6620 (ETA 16:00 PM) and

MZ 6608 (ETA 17:00 PM).

Indonesia Air Transport serves two direct flights; IT 01 (ETA 08:00AM), IT 05 (ETA 16:10PM).

Trigana Air also serves 2 daily flight from Bali;

TGN 542 (ETA 08:30 AM) and TGN 540 (ETA 16:30PM)

One way airfare are between IDR 385,000 - 425,000/adult.

BY AIR FROM SINGAPORE

From Singapore, Silk Air fly direct to Lombok 3 times a week; MI 126 (ETA 18:05PM) every Monday, Thursday and MI 122 (ETA 10:40AM) every Saturday.

If you arrive between 17:00 - 19:00 PM we suggest you to book our private transfer service in advanced.

PUBLIC BOAT FROM BANGSAL TO GILI ISLANDS

From Mataram Airport, take airport taxi service direct to Bangsal or get a public transport/bemos from Rembiga to Pemenang, then to Bangsal by Cidomo (horse cart). Use your bargaining skills to negotiate the price. From Bangsal to Gili Islands, the only transportation is by regular public boat or boat charter.

The Koperasi Angkutan Laut (Sea Transport Co-operative) is the boat owner cartel which monopolizes transport to the islands. Try to get to Bangsal at around 09:30AM or 10:30AM as most boats go in the morning. The public boat office in Bangsal close at 16:30 PM.

PRIVATE TRANSFER SERVICE (AC COACH + PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT)

Most upmarket hotels on Gili Trawangan give extra service and conveniences to their clients by providing their private modern speedboat and skip the hassle in Bangsal Harbor. There is an alternative private harbor runs privately by hotel's owners at Teluk Nare or Teluk Kodek (another 10 minutes drive from Bangsal).

This option is effective and hassle free. It takes only 10 minutes to Gili Trawangan.

You can pre-book online for a private pick up and transfers service through Lombok Network Holidays. Price per person: USD 30/one way or USD 50/return (min. 2 persons). If you're in a group or with family of maximum 5, the price is USD 80/family (one way) or USD 140/family (return). This service includes; private AC Coach + Private Speedboat. Our guide will meet and greet you upon arrival at Lombok airport, arrange your luggage, and escort you to the harbor and organize the speedboat for you.

BY REGULAR FERRY FROM BALI

Ferry service from Bali - Lombok - Bali available 24 hours, depart every two hours. It takes up to 4,5 hours from Padang Bay (East Bali) to Lembar (South West Lombok). You will spend almost the whole day on the bus and ferry and by the time you reach Bangsal, you may have to charter the boat to get the gilis at unusual price.

From Lembar Harbour, take a bus to Mandalika bus station, choose destination Tanjung, and stop at Pemenang. Get a local transportation called Cidomo (horse cart) to take you to Bangsal Harbour. Once there register your name at the ticket office and wait until the list is full. Boat leaves when number of passengers reached 20 pax.

Gilimanuk Harbor

Bali's west gateway, it is the cheapest inland way to reach Java.There are ferries that sail every minutes to deliver people and vehicle from Bali to Java.
The beauty of Gilimanuk's beaches is rarely mentioned. It has a wide range of coral beaches, white and black sand beaches and mangrove forest. The exquisiteness of the underwater coral awaits anyone willing to dive in and go for snorkeling.

There are two small islands in the bay, which are barely more than sandbars - Pulau Kalong (Bat Island) and Pulau Burung (Bird Island). For tourists who want know further about the history of Bali, there is also a museum containing pre-Hindu archeology.

The villages around Gilimanuk contain a mixture of Balinese, Javanese, Madurese and Bugis architecture unique to Bali. No less beautiful are the various boats belonging to these ethnic groups.

Gilimanuk plays its role as a west seaport of Bali. Daily ferry service (Bali - Java) are run. It also offers a beautiful view from the busy harbor.

Gilimanuk Harbor

Bali's west gateway, it is the cheapest inland way to reach Java.There are ferries that sail every minutes to deliver people and vehicle from Bali to Java.
The beauty of Gilimanuk's beaches is rarely mentioned. It has a wide range of coral beaches, white and black sand beaches and mangrove forest. The exquisiteness of the underwater coral awaits anyone willing to dive in and go for snorkeling.

There are two small islands in the bay, which are barely more than sandbars - Pulau Kalong (Bat Island) and Pulau Burung (Bird Island). For tourists who want know further about the history of Bali, there is also a museum containing pre-Hindu archeology.

The villages around Gilimanuk contain a mixture of Balinese, Javanese, Madurese and Bugis architecture unique to Bali. No less beautiful are the various boats belonging to these ethnic groups.

Gilimanuk plays its role as a west seaport of Bali. Daily ferry service (Bali - Java) are run. It also offers a beautiful view from the busy harbor.

THE GILI ISLANDS - GENERAL INFORMATION

Impian monalisa-Located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the three islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Bali and Lombok. They are now easily accessible direct from Bali with the new fast boat service, or by plane and local boat from Lombok.

All three islands feature superb, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs, and the best snorkeling and diving to be found anywhere on Bali and Lombok. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving, beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis – although there is now a wide range of accommodation available, the islands have maintained the lazy rustic charms of a tropical paradise.

Getting There

We highly recommend visitors to use a Private Transfer Service to avoid hussle and bustle at Bangsal (public harbour to gili islands). Local street vendors who try to sells things with pushing and pressure, or those who grab your luggage and ask too much for a porter service could be annoying. Paying a little extra for a comfort and easy settlement for a wonderful holiday break is worth it, especially those who travel with kids.

Private Transfer Service includes pick up, meeting and greeting service at the airport/seaport/hotel, land transportation with fully air-con deluxe coaches, private boat charter, and check in assistances at the hotel.

To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

ISLAND'S HOPPING

Traveling between the islands requires either catching the infrequent shuttle boats or chartering one to take you across. The distances between the islands may seem swimmable, but do not attempt it — the currents can be fierce and several backpackers have died trying.

The Natives & History

A few years ago, sailors from Bugis, Mandar and Makassar (Sulawesi) occupied Gili Air and establish coconuts plantation and expand the fishing activities.

As visitors started to visit Lombok and some came to the Gilis on day trips and then began to stay for longer periods in local homes. The islands have become enormously popular. Their popularity may be a problem, as numbers sometime exceed the available rooms and put pressure on the island environment, especially the supply of fresh water and the capacity of septic system to cope with waste and there is always pressure to build more and better facilities.

Big business interests are trying to cash in on the popularity of the Gilis and the local government is keen to promote upmarket tourist development.

Gili Air and Gili Meno retained much of their unspoilt quality, but Gili Trawangan has become more touristy and pricy. The islanders are majority Muslims and visitors should respect their sensibilities. In particular, topless or nude sunbathing is offensive to them, even though they won't say so directly. Away from Beach, it is polite for women to cover their shoulders and thighs. Many visitors are appallingly insensitive to local standards and so many of them walk around in skimpy clothing that it's easy to get impression that the local people don't mind anymore. In fact, they do.

The development for the last five years has change the island's look, especially Gili Trawangan. Accommodation tariffs on today's range for a simple room with fan are from between Rp. 90,000 (equivalent to USD 9.00) to 150,000 (USD 15.00) per night , to an air-con bungalows style with hot water, in comfortable resort-style settings at up to USD 200.00 per night and everything in between, depending on the seasonal price fluctuations. Demand often outstrips supply, so prices tend to be noticeably higher than on Bali or Lombok.

While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy all the islet has to offer.

Electricity and Communication

Electricity supply are now available on all the three Gilis. The electrical voltage in Indonesia is 220 Volt, if you bring any devices which require recharged at lower voltage (110 Volt) bring an electrical voltage converter or ask the hotel where you stay for STAVOLT.

The islands have no supplies of fresh water and very spotty electricity supply; it's not uncommon for power to be off for hours at a time. Most upmarket hotels, restaurants and dive shops have generators for the back up.

Mobile phone towers ensure you're never out of touch, and there are several Internet cafes on Trawangan for feeding your Internet addiction, although connection speeds tend to be painfully slow. Printing is possible in a few Internet cafés and you can even hook up your laptop in some.

MONEY

There is now a Bank Mandiri ATM on Gili Trawangan, in front of the Vila Ombak Hotel, but it's not always working so it's better to bring along enough rupiah to tide you over. The rates offered by moneychangers are noticeably poorer than on the mainland. Credit cards are accepted by some of the more upmarket places and all dive shops; some will also arrange credit card advances, but with hefty fees on the order of 7-10%. For your own safety, deposit valuable items at the reception where you're staying at. Carry only small cash and necessary items.

Health and Medical

Sanitation has improved on the islands. There are two health centers on Gili Trawangan; 1) located near the soccer fields for locals and 2) located in Villa Ombak with better facilities for Tourist. Gili Meno also now have a health centre which funded by local's businesses. Gili Air also have a health centre located near the main village. The health centre is known locally as "Puskesmas". To stay fit and healthy, always drink from bottled water or boiled water and avoid eating raw foods or salads from small non-reputable restaurants, because the water might not be sterilized. True to the hippie vibe, magic mushrooms are widely available and openly advertised. Their legality is questionable, as are any physical and psychological effects. Small but annoying jellyfish are common in the waters around the Gilis during August only, so wearing a full-length wetsuit or surf skin in the water is advisable.

...

Security

There are no Police Station or Military Post on the islands, but there is a small police station in Bangsal harbor. The Islands funded non-uniformed community policing group, SATGAS, ensures visitor's security and safety. In the rare event of someone breaking the law or disturbing tourists, perpetrators are handed over to Police on Lombok and face banishment from the island for up to five years.

Activities

There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. You can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes. There are no sights as such on the islands themselves, but the snorkeling and diving all around is a major draw.

The locals living on the island are pretty interesting. If you walk behind the main road you will see how the locals live which is much different then the beautiful bungalows the tourists stay in.

Scuba Diving

There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A must see: Turtles Point, Meno Wall, Shark (harmless) Point. Dive Schools available on all the islands with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical dives.

Snorkeling

While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life living just off-shore.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep/bottom fishing remain the best on north west of Gili Trawangan. Carry your own equipment if you're not familiar with the traditional-style of fishing.

THE GILI ISLANDS - GENERAL INFORMATION

Impian monalisa-Located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the three islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Bali and Lombok. They are now easily accessible direct from Bali with the new fast boat service, or by plane and local boat from Lombok.

All three islands feature superb, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, spectacular coral reefs, and the best snorkeling and diving to be found anywhere on Bali and Lombok. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving, beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis – although there is now a wide range of accommodation available, the islands have maintained the lazy rustic charms of a tropical paradise.

Getting There

We highly recommend visitors to use a Private Transfer Service to avoid hussle and bustle at Bangsal (public harbour to gili islands). Local street vendors who try to sells things with pushing and pressure, or those who grab your luggage and ask too much for a porter service could be annoying. Paying a little extra for a comfort and easy settlement for a wonderful holiday break is worth it, especially those who travel with kids.

Private Transfer Service includes pick up, meeting and greeting service at the airport/seaport/hotel, land transportation with fully air-con deluxe coaches, private boat charter, and check in assistances at the hotel.

To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

ISLAND'S HOPPING

Traveling between the islands requires either catching the infrequent shuttle boats or chartering one to take you across. The distances between the islands may seem swimmable, but do not attempt it — the currents can be fierce and several backpackers have died trying.

The Natives & History

A few years ago, sailors from Bugis, Mandar and Makassar (Sulawesi) occupied Gili Air and establish coconuts plantation and expand the fishing activities.

As visitors started to visit Lombok and some came to the Gilis on day trips and then began to stay for longer periods in local homes. The islands have become enormously popular. Their popularity may be a problem, as numbers sometime exceed the available rooms and put pressure on the island environment, especially the supply of fresh water and the capacity of septic system to cope with waste and there is always pressure to build more and better facilities.

Big business interests are trying to cash in on the popularity of the Gilis and the local government is keen to promote upmarket tourist development.

Gili Air and Gili Meno retained much of their unspoilt quality, but Gili Trawangan has become more touristy and pricy. The islanders are majority Muslims and visitors should respect their sensibilities. In particular, topless or nude sunbathing is offensive to them, even though they won't say so directly. Away from Beach, it is polite for women to cover their shoulders and thighs. Many visitors are appallingly insensitive to local standards and so many of them walk around in skimpy clothing that it's easy to get impression that the local people don't mind anymore. In fact, they do.

The development for the last five years has change the island's look, especially Gili Trawangan. Accommodation tariffs on today's range for a simple room with fan are from between Rp. 90,000 (equivalent to USD 9.00) to 150,000 (USD 15.00) per night , to an air-con bungalows style with hot water, in comfortable resort-style settings at up to USD 200.00 per night and everything in between, depending on the seasonal price fluctuations. Demand often outstrips supply, so prices tend to be noticeably higher than on Bali or Lombok.

While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy all the islet has to offer.

Electricity and Communication

Electricity supply are now available on all the three Gilis. The electrical voltage in Indonesia is 220 Volt, if you bring any devices which require recharged at lower voltage (110 Volt) bring an electrical voltage converter or ask the hotel where you stay for STAVOLT.

The islands have no supplies of fresh water and very spotty electricity supply; it's not uncommon for power to be off for hours at a time. Most upmarket hotels, restaurants and dive shops have generators for the back up.

Mobile phone towers ensure you're never out of touch, and there are several Internet cafes on Trawangan for feeding your Internet addiction, although connection speeds tend to be painfully slow. Printing is possible in a few Internet cafés and you can even hook up your laptop in some.

MONEY

There is now a Bank Mandiri ATM on Gili Trawangan, in front of the Vila Ombak Hotel, but it's not always working so it's better to bring along enough rupiah to tide you over. The rates offered by moneychangers are noticeably poorer than on the mainland. Credit cards are accepted by some of the more upmarket places and all dive shops; some will also arrange credit card advances, but with hefty fees on the order of 7-10%. For your own safety, deposit valuable items at the reception where you're staying at. Carry only small cash and necessary items.

Health and Medical

Sanitation has improved on the islands. There are two health centers on Gili Trawangan; 1) located near the soccer fields for locals and 2) located in Villa Ombak with better facilities for Tourist. Gili Meno also now have a health centre which funded by local's businesses. Gili Air also have a health centre located near the main village. The health centre is known locally as "Puskesmas". To stay fit and healthy, always drink from bottled water or boiled water and avoid eating raw foods or salads from small non-reputable restaurants, because the water might not be sterilized. True to the hippie vibe, magic mushrooms are widely available and openly advertised. Their legality is questionable, as are any physical and psychological effects. Small but annoying jellyfish are common in the waters around the Gilis during August only, so wearing a full-length wetsuit or surf skin in the water is advisable.

...

Security

There are no Police Station or Military Post on the islands, but there is a small police station in Bangsal harbor. The Islands funded non-uniformed community policing group, SATGAS, ensures visitor's security and safety. In the rare event of someone breaking the law or disturbing tourists, perpetrators are handed over to Police on Lombok and face banishment from the island for up to five years.

Activities

There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. You can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes. There are no sights as such on the islands themselves, but the snorkeling and diving all around is a major draw.

The locals living on the island are pretty interesting. If you walk behind the main road you will see how the locals live which is much different then the beautiful bungalows the tourists stay in.

Scuba Diving

There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A must see: Turtles Point, Meno Wall, Shark (harmless) Point. Dive Schools available on all the islands with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical dives.

Snorkeling

While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life living just off-shore.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep/bottom fishing remain the best on north west of Gili Trawangan. Carry your own equipment if you're not familiar with the traditional-style of fishing.

Cruising along the Venice of the East

The Grand Palace.

There was a buzz of anticipation at the River City pier. A couple stood at the edge of the pier, eyes locked on the slow-moving Grand Pearl ship.

Like many others who crowded the pier, the couple was waiting to board the ship that would take them cruising along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River, while having a romantic candle lit diner.

When the ship eventually docked, the crew welcomed them aboard, singing Latin songs accompanied by an acoustic guitar. The couple rushed into the ship, followed by others who were in a hurry too. They were about to have a romantic dinner sailing down the canals of Bangkok, the Venice of the East.

Diners enjoy candle lit dinners with fascinating view of Bangkok aboard the Grand Pearl.

In this ship that could accommodate up to 350 guests, people were free to choose where they sat, either inside the air-conditioned cabins or outside. I opted to sit in one of the cabins with other journalists and a Jakarta-based travel agent, given the strong wind outside.

A welcome drink was immediately served as we sat down. The fruit cocktail was very refreshing. I suspect the night wind had made us all thirsty. Two hours prior, we had also indulged in a renowned Thai massage at the Rarinjinda Spa in downtown Bangkok.

As the ship moved, the city lights reflected on the river water. Our two-hour romantic cruise had officially kicked off.

Traditional Thai music filled the air. A woman, dressed in a traditional Thai costume, climbed the stairs to greet the guests. She cast a friendly glance across the hall before gracefully performing a typical Thai dance.

Traditional food minus Thai’s signature soup Tom Yam are served on a long table.

Once the dance finished, the captain welcomed the passengers over a loudspeaker, asking guests to sit down at a long table for dinner. To my surprise, Tom Yam, Thailand’s signature soup, was missing from the table. Instead, there were dishes of mouthwatering lime and chili steamed squid, duck grilled in red curry, deep fried fish, and roasted chicken with salt.

Music played in the background while we walked back and forth between our table and the buffet, helping ourselves with food. I sampled the grilled beef with a green pepper corn sauce, before digging into a fettuccine carbonara and some sushi. I finished off with slices of watermelon.

Live music draws people to dance while cruising along the Chao Praya.

King Rama VII, another ship covered in blue lights and filled with dinners, sailed past us, down the 370 kilometers river.

When it was time to head back to the River City pier, our tour guide Tom started telling us about all the historical places located along the river.

“That’s the Grand Palace,” he said, pointing to a huge structure with a golden roof. The Palace was well illuminated, with lights creating a fantastic spectrum of colors contrasting with the dark sky.

“It was built by King Rama I, the first monarch and founder of the Rattanakosin period, as an exact replica of Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, with a temple built within the compound to house the Emerald Buddha. It is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.”

Across the Grand Palace, one could see the Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. The landmark temple is 79 meters tall, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. King Rama II and his successor King Rama III enlarged the compound. Renovations were completed during the administration of King Rama IV.

The Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this temple for a brief period before King Rama I built the Grand Palace.

After Wat Arun, we passed the Old Royal Palace and the Wichai Prasit Fort.

“The royal palace spreads along riverside from the Wichai Prasit Fort to a canal, north of Wat Arun,” Tom said.

“The building reflects Ayutthaya’s architectural style. The Wichai Prasit Fort or Bangkok fort was built during King Narai’s reign and is the only remaining fort of the Ayutthaya period.”

As we approached the Pier, we started talking about modern Thailand, one of the world’s most visited tourist destination. Thailand’s tourism business was once hit hard by political unrest.

When protesters “occupied” the Svarnabhumi Aiport last year, Tom said it greatly affected the tourism industry.

Impian Monalisa-To-be passengers swarm a registration table to board the ship.

“The number of visitors significantly decreased. There was no cruise at all,” he said.

“But now, it seems that it’s going back to normal,” he added.

Many Thais, whose livelihood relies on the tourism industry, also hope the situation has returned to normal. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assured the world an incident such as the airport closure would not happen again.

“I assure you that there will never again be a repeat of the closure of our main gateway airport. The Cabinet has approved laws to protect our major airport from any disruptions in the future,” he said.

Even though we were very close to the pier, people around me were still dancing to the music, as if they were reluctant to leave the ship.

As I was walking back to the hotel, I reflected back on the cruise, and thought it was a spectacular experience that should definitely be added to other adventures in the beautiful Venice of the East.

— Photos by Arief Suhardiman

Cruising along the Venice of the East

The Grand Palace.

There was a buzz of anticipation at the River City pier. A couple stood at the edge of the pier, eyes locked on the slow-moving Grand Pearl ship.

Like many others who crowded the pier, the couple was waiting to board the ship that would take them cruising along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River, while having a romantic candle lit diner.

When the ship eventually docked, the crew welcomed them aboard, singing Latin songs accompanied by an acoustic guitar. The couple rushed into the ship, followed by others who were in a hurry too. They were about to have a romantic dinner sailing down the canals of Bangkok, the Venice of the East.

Diners enjoy candle lit dinners with fascinating view of Bangkok aboard the Grand Pearl.

In this ship that could accommodate up to 350 guests, people were free to choose where they sat, either inside the air-conditioned cabins or outside. I opted to sit in one of the cabins with other journalists and a Jakarta-based travel agent, given the strong wind outside.

A welcome drink was immediately served as we sat down. The fruit cocktail was very refreshing. I suspect the night wind had made us all thirsty. Two hours prior, we had also indulged in a renowned Thai massage at the Rarinjinda Spa in downtown Bangkok.

As the ship moved, the city lights reflected on the river water. Our two-hour romantic cruise had officially kicked off.

Traditional Thai music filled the air. A woman, dressed in a traditional Thai costume, climbed the stairs to greet the guests. She cast a friendly glance across the hall before gracefully performing a typical Thai dance.

Traditional food minus Thai’s signature soup Tom Yam are served on a long table.

Once the dance finished, the captain welcomed the passengers over a loudspeaker, asking guests to sit down at a long table for dinner. To my surprise, Tom Yam, Thailand’s signature soup, was missing from the table. Instead, there were dishes of mouthwatering lime and chili steamed squid, duck grilled in red curry, deep fried fish, and roasted chicken with salt.

Music played in the background while we walked back and forth between our table and the buffet, helping ourselves with food. I sampled the grilled beef with a green pepper corn sauce, before digging into a fettuccine carbonara and some sushi. I finished off with slices of watermelon.

Live music draws people to dance while cruising along the Chao Praya.

King Rama VII, another ship covered in blue lights and filled with dinners, sailed past us, down the 370 kilometers river.

When it was time to head back to the River City pier, our tour guide Tom started telling us about all the historical places located along the river.

“That’s the Grand Palace,” he said, pointing to a huge structure with a golden roof. The Palace was well illuminated, with lights creating a fantastic spectrum of colors contrasting with the dark sky.

“It was built by King Rama I, the first monarch and founder of the Rattanakosin period, as an exact replica of Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, with a temple built within the compound to house the Emerald Buddha. It is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.”

Across the Grand Palace, one could see the Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. The landmark temple is 79 meters tall, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. King Rama II and his successor King Rama III enlarged the compound. Renovations were completed during the administration of King Rama IV.

The Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this temple for a brief period before King Rama I built the Grand Palace.

After Wat Arun, we passed the Old Royal Palace and the Wichai Prasit Fort.

“The royal palace spreads along riverside from the Wichai Prasit Fort to a canal, north of Wat Arun,” Tom said.

“The building reflects Ayutthaya’s architectural style. The Wichai Prasit Fort or Bangkok fort was built during King Narai’s reign and is the only remaining fort of the Ayutthaya period.”

As we approached the Pier, we started talking about modern Thailand, one of the world’s most visited tourist destination. Thailand’s tourism business was once hit hard by political unrest.

When protesters “occupied” the Svarnabhumi Aiport last year, Tom said it greatly affected the tourism industry.

Impian Monalisa-To-be passengers swarm a registration table to board the ship.

“The number of visitors significantly decreased. There was no cruise at all,” he said.

“But now, it seems that it’s going back to normal,” he added.

Many Thais, whose livelihood relies on the tourism industry, also hope the situation has returned to normal. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assured the world an incident such as the airport closure would not happen again.

“I assure you that there will never again be a repeat of the closure of our main gateway airport. The Cabinet has approved laws to protect our major airport from any disruptions in the future,” he said.

Even though we were very close to the pier, people around me were still dancing to the music, as if they were reluctant to leave the ship.

As I was walking back to the hotel, I reflected back on the cruise, and thought it was a spectacular experience that should definitely be added to other adventures in the beautiful Venice of the East.

— Photos by Arief Suhardiman

American space tourist buys return ticket to orbit

Impian Monalisa-Two-time space tourist: A Saturday, April 7, 2007 file photo taken from a broadcast on Russian RTR Russian Television Channel, Space tourist U.S. billionaire Charles Simonyi, left, is seen aboard the space craft before the launch of the Soyuz TMA-10 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Simoni will become the world's first two-time space tourist when he leaves Earth behind Thursday, March 26, 2009 and heads back to the space station. (AP/RTR-Russian Television Channel)Recession or no, billionaire Charles Simonyi couldn't pass up another shot at space, even if it meant shelling out $35 million more.

Besides, it may one of the last times the Russian government allows tourists to hitch a ride to the international space station.

"It's now or never," said Simonyi, who has now spent $60 million for a couple of space vacations. The first was $25 million.

A computer genius who helped build Microsoft, Simonyi (sih-MOHN'-ee) will become the world's first two-time space tourist when he leaves Earth behind Thursday. He'll be accompanied by two professional astronauts — a Russian and American — who will be going up for a six-month stint at the space station.

His own trip will last under two weeks, and it will be his last.

"I'm not getting any younger," the 60-year-old told The Associated Press in a recent telephone interview. He'll be one of the older men to fly in space, though nowhere near John Glenn's record at age 77.

Besides, he's promised his new wife, Lisa Persdotter, a 28-year-old Swedish socialite, that this will be his final spaceflight. He told her about his plans when they got engaged and "she was very supportive, but, BUT to a limit, mainly. Just once," Simonyi said with a chuckle. He's quick to point out this is his first marriage, and he's taking one of their engagement rings with him into orbit.

The Hungarian-born Simonyi, who lives in suburban Seattle, is among six rich people who have bought tickets to space through Virginia-based Space Adventures.

NASA, the major stakeholder in the space station, may not love the idea of hosting tourists — "spaceflight participants" as it calls them. But the initial concerns back in 2001 have eased over the years with the addition of guidelines.

Space station program manager Mike Suffredini has spoken to Simonyi, just as he has with everyone going up, to make sure the visitor understands his limitations at the orbiting complex.

"It really has to do with their safety," as well as the safety of the others and the space station itself, Suffredini said. "They're extremely restricted" in what they can do on the American side.

All this may soon be moot: Russian space officials have indicated that after this year, there will be no more seats available to tourists. That's because the space station crew is about to double in size to six — hopefully by the end of May — and professional fliers will fill all the slots.

After he returned from his two-week space station trip in April 2007, Simonyi said Russian cosmonauts told him how different and rewarding it was to go back up a second time. With doors closing on future tourist flights, Simonyi did not want to miss out.

Because the training for his first flight was so recent, Simonyi got the abridged version, three months at cosmonaut headquarters in Star City, Russia, versus six to eight months before. He will return to Earth on April 7 in a Soyuz capsule.

"I look at it as a continuation of the first flight," Simonyi said. "The reasons are the same. It's to support space research, it's to popularize civilian space flight and communicate the excitement of sciences and engineering to our kids."

Simonyi's own interest in space was kindled in childhood. He represented Hungary as a junior cosmonaut, when he was 13, and won a trip to Moscow to meet one of the first Soviet spacemen. His interest in computer programming eventually led him to the United States; he's been a U.S. citizen for 27 years.

Simonyi — who has a doctorate in computer science and is a licensed pilot — led the development of Microsoft Word and Excel. He left Microsoft in 2002 and founded Intentional Software Corp. as well as the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences.

He's offered to do medical and radiation experiments while he's up there, and will use Windows on Earth software to photograph Earth. The view and the feeling of weightlessness are drawing him back as well.

"It's a super-wide screen, and the Earth is fantastic blue," he said.

His wife of four months will be at the launching site in Kazakhstan, along with about a dozen other family and friends. Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates, who was an usher at Simonyi's wedding, can't make it.

It's ironic, Simonyi said, that he left Hungary in 1966 as a teenager, frustrated by Soviet secrecy, and now Russia is allowing him to fulfill his dream — again.

"Who would have thought? The irony of this is amazing," he said./TJP

American space tourist buys return ticket to orbit

Impian Monalisa-Two-time space tourist: A Saturday, April 7, 2007 file photo taken from a broadcast on Russian RTR Russian Television Channel, Space tourist U.S. billionaire Charles Simonyi, left, is seen aboard the space craft before the launch of the Soyuz TMA-10 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Simoni will become the world's first two-time space tourist when he leaves Earth behind Thursday, March 26, 2009 and heads back to the space station. (AP/RTR-Russian Television Channel)Recession or no, billionaire Charles Simonyi couldn't pass up another shot at space, even if it meant shelling out $35 million more.

Besides, it may one of the last times the Russian government allows tourists to hitch a ride to the international space station.

"It's now or never," said Simonyi, who has now spent $60 million for a couple of space vacations. The first was $25 million.

A computer genius who helped build Microsoft, Simonyi (sih-MOHN'-ee) will become the world's first two-time space tourist when he leaves Earth behind Thursday. He'll be accompanied by two professional astronauts — a Russian and American — who will be going up for a six-month stint at the space station.

His own trip will last under two weeks, and it will be his last.

"I'm not getting any younger," the 60-year-old told The Associated Press in a recent telephone interview. He'll be one of the older men to fly in space, though nowhere near John Glenn's record at age 77.

Besides, he's promised his new wife, Lisa Persdotter, a 28-year-old Swedish socialite, that this will be his final spaceflight. He told her about his plans when they got engaged and "she was very supportive, but, BUT to a limit, mainly. Just once," Simonyi said with a chuckle. He's quick to point out this is his first marriage, and he's taking one of their engagement rings with him into orbit.

The Hungarian-born Simonyi, who lives in suburban Seattle, is among six rich people who have bought tickets to space through Virginia-based Space Adventures.

NASA, the major stakeholder in the space station, may not love the idea of hosting tourists — "spaceflight participants" as it calls them. But the initial concerns back in 2001 have eased over the years with the addition of guidelines.

Space station program manager Mike Suffredini has spoken to Simonyi, just as he has with everyone going up, to make sure the visitor understands his limitations at the orbiting complex.

"It really has to do with their safety," as well as the safety of the others and the space station itself, Suffredini said. "They're extremely restricted" in what they can do on the American side.

All this may soon be moot: Russian space officials have indicated that after this year, there will be no more seats available to tourists. That's because the space station crew is about to double in size to six — hopefully by the end of May — and professional fliers will fill all the slots.

After he returned from his two-week space station trip in April 2007, Simonyi said Russian cosmonauts told him how different and rewarding it was to go back up a second time. With doors closing on future tourist flights, Simonyi did not want to miss out.

Because the training for his first flight was so recent, Simonyi got the abridged version, three months at cosmonaut headquarters in Star City, Russia, versus six to eight months before. He will return to Earth on April 7 in a Soyuz capsule.

"I look at it as a continuation of the first flight," Simonyi said. "The reasons are the same. It's to support space research, it's to popularize civilian space flight and communicate the excitement of sciences and engineering to our kids."

Simonyi's own interest in space was kindled in childhood. He represented Hungary as a junior cosmonaut, when he was 13, and won a trip to Moscow to meet one of the first Soviet spacemen. His interest in computer programming eventually led him to the United States; he's been a U.S. citizen for 27 years.

Simonyi — who has a doctorate in computer science and is a licensed pilot — led the development of Microsoft Word and Excel. He left Microsoft in 2002 and founded Intentional Software Corp. as well as the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences.

He's offered to do medical and radiation experiments while he's up there, and will use Windows on Earth software to photograph Earth. The view and the feeling of weightlessness are drawing him back as well.

"It's a super-wide screen, and the Earth is fantastic blue," he said.

His wife of four months will be at the launching site in Kazakhstan, along with about a dozen other family and friends. Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates, who was an usher at Simonyi's wedding, can't make it.

It's ironic, Simonyi said, that he left Hungary in 1966 as a teenager, frustrated by Soviet secrecy, and now Russia is allowing him to fulfill his dream — again.

"Who would have thought? The irony of this is amazing," he said./TJP