Lombok and the Gili Islands: Paradise Found or Paradise Lost?

Looks idilic doesn't it! Beware it's not what it appears.

Quite a few years have passed since we visited Indonesia and the prospect of a quiet relaxing holiday, away from it all, certainly appealed. I had memories of the Caribbean Islands I'd visited in the 80's, with beautiful beaches, sun and of course rum cocktails.

Well part of the holiday went to plan and I have to say that the trip to Senggigi on Lombok was easy. We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel, which was as one would expect, to a high standard of service and facilities.  Things started to go down hill after the taxi trip to the port for Gili Air and the serenity of Senggigi was replaced with the hustle and stress of the Gili Islands transport system, of lack of it.

Leaving the "ferry" on Gili Air, so much room, not!

Many friends have raved about the Gili Islands, there are three islands, and we chose Gili Air as it was a non party island. To say I was disappointed with what we found would be an understatement. What is it about some destinations? How can you ruin a pretty island? Well they have managed to do just that, and I suppose to some extent, we as tourists seeking that "get away from it" destination are too blame. We want the remoteness and scenery, but also the bars, restaurants and all mod cons!

Our accommodation was in a lovely looking, but lethally designed, local styled hut. The stair case to the first floor and bedroom alone was a death trap.

I think the one thing that shattered the dream was the Duff Duff music, so much for a quiet island. One day the music from the Paradiso bar ( several hundred metres away) started at 4:00 pm and didn't finish until 4:00 am. So loud was the bass that the room vibrated. Do read my comments on TripAdvisor for the Sunrise Apartments, Gili Islands, Lombok, and if you're thinking of visiting, be aware that this area is not quiet!

All was not lost, we did enjoy a pleasant day snorkelling around all the islands. A trip to Gili Meno did show what it could be like if you don't over develop. As far as Gili Twenggan is concerned, it is as grubby and as bad as where we were staying.

Of course no visit to Indonesia would be complete without a dose of Bali Belly and I spent a number of days incapacitated.

So it was with some relief that we decided to evacuate from the islands and headed back to Senggigi. The Senggigi Beach Resort provided a very pleasant escape for a few days to recuperate and at $5.00 extra to what we had paid on the island, provided a fantastic view and accommodation. Do read the TripAdvisor report, it is a great place.

Our Table in the Restaurant Overlooking the Gardens an Beach.

I was so pleased to be heading home and thanks to the Sheraton Group, we were able to enjoy the facilities of their lounge at the airport and enjoy a pleasant interlude before boarding the Jet Star plane home.

Stay tuned, we're back and readying ourselves for the sea kayak trip to Denham and Dirt Hartog Island.