The summer may be winding down but there is no let up in the Gili Islands. Its business as usual with a host of new happenings, events and attractions to try as we head into the quieter shoulder season. If you seek a good night out, head to Gili T’s lively Bora Bora Beach Club for sundowners and a party vibe, or top Latin America cuisine on the beach at Gili Meno’s newest fine dining venue Pomona.
Looking for a luxe staycation with a mindful, wellness focused ethos? Your perfect detox is found at Slow Villas on Gili Air. Or chill in the perfect sunset spot at Sunset Pearl Resort. With the pace of life slowing down now on the islands, it’s the ideal time for a Gili romantic getaway. We show you how to get the most out of a couples’ weekend away.
This issue we have a couple of insightful interviews: The art of craft beers with Mike of Island Brewing and just for feline lovers, with Beth, founder of Lumi cat clinics. You can also take a look back at the Colour Run, which took place on Gili Trawangan.
THE BAD GUY NOTICE
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of PT Lima Elemen Grafika. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the authors and mygilis disclaims any responsibility for any errors, ommissions or complaints arising there from. The publisher will not be held responsible for copyright infringement on images supplied by advertisers and or by contributors.
Photo by: Charlie & Charlotte thewanderlovers
GET TO KNOW GILIS
ENJOY A ROMANTIC GETAWAY
LUNI LOMBOK
COMPASSION, CARE AND CREATURE COMFORTS
EXPLORE
GET TO KNOW THE GILIS
Enjoy A Romantic Getaway
It might be a birthday or a special anniversary. It might be time to reignite the spark in your relationship. Or it might be for no other reason than finding some ‘alone time’ for you and your special ‘other’.
Whatever the reason, there aren’t too many more attractive options than a romantic island getaway. And when you consider what the Gilis have to offer, it might only be a question of ‘Which one?’
Each of the three islands, just northwest of Lombok, has its own character and particular appeal. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three, has seen the most tourism-related development and is renowned for its nightlife and ‘party’ atmosphere.
Gili Air offers a wide range of beach and sporting activities, with lots of shopping and entertainment facilities. It has a range of private, even secluded, accommodation options for your romantic time away.
A stay on the smallest and least populated Gili Meno can be an even more tranquil experience. The island’s beautiful beaches, glamorous accommodation options and many opportunities for encounters with marine life make it especially attractive to those seeking out some peace and quiet in stunning natural surroundings.
Yes, Gili Meno has been called the ‘honeymoon island’ but any one of the three Gilis could be the number one choice for your romantic getaway. It’s all about what the perfect retreat means for you and your partner.
Do you want solitude, adventure, great food and drink, a lively social setting? All of the above? Whatever you prefer, the beautiful Gili islands will be the ideal setting.
Besides, who says you have to choose just one? You can go islandhopping and enjoy the very best of what each island has to offer. Now that’s romantic!
Here are six suggestions that might feature in your very own love story.
Horse Riding on the Beach
Why not choose a guided horseback ride along the shoreline on Gili Trawangan? Sunset or early morning rides are the ultimate romantic experience. You can enjoy cantering along the sand at the quietest times of the day and pause, in the shallows, to appreciate the coastal views. It’s a unique way to appreciate the island and an experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Swimming, Snorkelling and Diving
If you want to get into the water and experience nature, Gili Meno and Turtle Point, Gili T are brilliant places to swim with sea turtles. Gili Trawangan also has a Turtle Sanctuary, dedicated to providing a safe place for baby turtles.
You can take a guided boat trip or choose a self-guided trip and go snorkelling among the many species of brightly coloured tropical fishes. There are underwater sculptures and plenty of coral reef sites to visit.
Learn to dive together. The Gilis have countless opportunities for all levels of experience. ‘Those who dive together, thrive together’ could be your new motto.
Cycling or Walking the islands
Stay on land, perhaps, and rent a bike. Take your time as you cycle around the island. Remember, there are no cars on the Gilis, so the trails are all yours and you’ll enjoy the escape from the noise and the fumes.
You might want to stay off the wheels altogether, especially if you stop at a few beach bars along the way. A quiet, self-paced walking tour is a great way to reconnect and enjoy one another’s company. Give yourself plenty of time to pause and enjoy the views. From all three of the Gilis, you can even see Bali’s Mount Agung, out to the west. Stop at a secluded beach and have a quiet moment together. Could be just the right time for a picnic, or a relaxed lunch in a beachside café.
Time for a change of pace? The key word here is ‘pampering’. You deserve it. Try a simple Balinese massage in one of the islands’ beachfront massage huts or choose the full treatment, for couples, at one of the many resort spas. It can be a de-stressing technique to get your romantic getaway off to the best possible start, or a soothing ‘winding down’ after your day out together. Either way, it sets a mood….
Romantic Beach Dining
For many couples, romance means an intimate meal together. Candlelight dinners create a beautiful atmosphere but truthfully, who really needs candles when you have a million stars above you in a tropical night sky? You can enjoy dinner, with your favourite wine, right on the shore at one of the Gilis’ beachside restaurants. Soft music, the sound of the waves… what could be better?
For something less formal, try taking a cooking class. Learn how to make a traditional Indonesian dish. You’ll probably enjoy it more because you made it together. And if not… well, you’ll share a laugh.
You might choose to share a meal at a night market. Try the island’s specialities and choose a dish you haven’t tried before. What about an Indonesian barbecue? Eat on the beach in the moonlight, among lanterns or beach bonfires. Catch some local entertainment or join in the dancing.
Sunset Viewing
At the end of every day, however you’ve chosen to spend it, one thing is certain. There’ll always be a sunset. With a drink in your hand and your partner by your side, this is romance with a capital ‘R’.
The Gilis have sunset beach bars that are ideally positioned to let you enjoy the spectacular changing colours as the suns slips away. Or look for your own viewing point. You’re sure to find your favourite sunset spot and go back time and again. This is what memorymaking is all about.
Whatever you decide, the Gilis won’t let you down. You’ll find all the ingredients for the perfect recipe for romance. The only thing left to add is the two of you.
BORA-BORA BEACH CLUB
Lively Gili T Sunset Hangout with
Live Entertainment
There are many different vibes to experience in Gili Trawangan’s burgeoning beach club scene, from a laid back loungey scene to a vibrant beach party. Bora-Bora Beach Club ticks all these boxes seamlessly , as it progressively transforms from relaxed day to sunset lounging to night time party destination.
It’s a stylish yet unpretentious place to meet and mingle, sip cocktails and savour top quality sushi. It has an inventive sushi focused menu featuring spicy salmon and tuna rolls, as well as ocean fresh seafood dishes, ice cold beers and creative cocktails. The bar is large and well stocked and the menu also includes sharing plates, and western comfort food.
Comfortable loungers, sofas and chairs are spread across the sand beside the main under cover dining space with period rustic décor topped off with traditional Alang Alang thatched rooves. The beach club has a busy entertainment schedule featuring regular DJ sets, live music performances, and fire dancers.
It transitions from chilled and relaxed afternoons, and quickly fills up for sundowners, and continues through the evening until 11:00 pm. In short, come for the early evening happy hour and spectacular sunsets moments and stay for the lively social scene. It’s the ideal hangout for couples and groups with a convivial atmosphere to mingle and share good times.
+62 811 3888 339 bora_bora_gilit
MICHAEL KING, ISLAND BREWING
Good Beer, Good Friends, Good Times
Michael King was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. After qualifying in Business Administration, he took a job in the bar at a brewery and found his niche. He spoke with mylombok recently about his work with Island Brewing and what has led him to life as ‘a brewster’.
How did you get involved with Island Brewing?
I started at the Brew Pub chain in New York, and then moved to Colorado, where I worked for two years at the Rock Bottom brewery in Denver—one of the busiest pubs in the States.
I spent another two years or so in Hong Kong, working for Hong Kong Beer Company, before deciding to move to Bali, where there was virtually no craft beer being produced at the time. It was at Black Sand Brewery, where I met Mattia, founder of Island Brewing. After returning to the States due to the pandemic, I eventually came back to Bali—mainly to learn to surf—though that didn’t quite happen! I received a number of job offers and one of them was from Island Brewing
There were a few offers on the table from other companies but then I spoke to Mattia Di Bitonto, the founder. He’s Italian but he grew up in Bali and has been here for 25 years. I realised our visions about beers were aligned. The styles, branding and messages all made sense to me. It was a new brewery and an exciting opportunity to ‘start from scratch’ and help make it a success. I also found that brewing scratched a lot of my itches; it involves so many different aspects, such as chemistry, engineering and recipe development.
Island Brewing has seen non-stop growth and it’s now in its fourth year. When we started, we produced 10,000 litres a month and now it’s 100,000 litres.
The brewery production space, as well as the accounting and finance office, are in Kaba-Kaba, Tabanan. The sales and marketing office is in Berawa.
The work has been great and also a challenge. We’ve had super fun times and super hard times. That’s what makes it special.
Tell us more about your products.
Pilsner is our most popular beer—our signature or ‘flagship’ product. There wasn’t a full flavoured lager that was drinkable so we made one. It’s very flavoursome—a super unique beer and I’m very proud of it.
We created our Summer Pale Ale to stand up to those from Australia. We focused on drinkability – you can sit around, have five or six and still want to take another sip. It’s super popular when the Aussies come to town in the high season.
Our Small Hazy is also about drinkability. We wanted a craft beer—not too soft, not too bitter—with all the flavours. We literally got it right just before we launched it.
Our Light lager has a story. Mattia wanted a beer that was like a midi, so we asked friends to bring over some Australian mid-strength beer. I took the idea from that and combined it with Mexican style beer to come up with the Light. We got it right and Mattia is a huge fan.
We also have our Black Sands brands. Kölsch is similar to a lager and it’s light to drink. I am super proud of our IPAs (India Pale Ales); they’re ‘easy drinking’ and best-sellers.
There are Limited Releases, too, such as the Big Hazy and the Double Hazy IPA in the keg. We make some beers with fruit—for example, Mango Beer and Pineapple Beer. That’s the fun part; they’re often seasonal and keep our brewing brains happy.
Tell us about a typical day at work. I used to brew everything but not so much these days. I still try get involved every month to see how things are operating but now I’m more focused on planning, people management and developing the team, which is a constant challenge.
We have 44 people on our team. As we grow, we need more people to take on different roles. Our head brewer is Connor, who’s Irish, and he works alongside our two senior brewers: Tatenda, who is from Zimbabwe, and Smita from Indonesia. Smita started with some homebrewing experience and has grown with us over time. Watching people learn and grow is one of the best parts of the job.
Who has inspired or influenced you?
I’m always inspired by other brewers and market industry leaders—for example, Firestone Walker, Russian River, Ommegang —and how they maintain their excellence. We all want to produce beers people will fall in love with and appreciate. And here in SE Asia we’re making great beer.
When I was in Denver, my brewmaster at Rock Bottom, John McClure, gave me a solid foundation in brewing skills. I also enjoyed working with Duane, our other founding brewer, who was closely involved on the Black Sand side when I first joined Island Brewing.
One of my biggest inspirations and mentors is Chris White. He runs White Labs, one of the largest production laboratories that supplies yeast to breweries all over the world. He’s a great mentor in business and really understands what’s going on.
What have been the main challenges?
There have been quite a few challenges. Indonesia has no existing brewing infrastructure, so we’ve had to build everything from the ground up. One of the biggest hurdles is managing the supply chain for key ingredients like barley and hops. On the operational side, the engineering aspects are complex—from CO2 delivery and CNG gas supply to water filtration systems and machinery maintenance. We also have to factor in the technology
needed for high-quality production: canning lines, boxing systems, spare parts, and more. Taking all of these into account, infrastructure and logistics remain our biggest challenges.
Also dealing with the rules, which seem to change in a blink of an eye. That’s part of living here and we just have to adapt. Basically, I have to plan six to eight months ahead.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
We might have tried different marketing for some products but that’s business. If I had to pick one thing, it would be managing waste water; it’s a huge task to understand it, to do it and to be better prepared to do it. We made some mistakes, but in the end we’ve overcome the problems we faced, and that’s allowed us to build the business we have today.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I try to play golf once a week and my cats take up some of my time. I also like to travel and even though I live on an
island I like to get away for some city energy. I go to the States once a year, to see my family and go to industry events, where we pick and purchase our hops for the year.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Bali?
Bali is unique. It’s ‘organised chaos’. You need to embrace it but it’s a pretty simple life and still moderately affordable. I work normal office hours, whereas most people here work flexibly. I have the pleasure of mixing with the local people; they are insanely friendly. And I’ve developed so much as a person by being around them. And of course the quality of life is great!
How would you sum up what Island Brewing is all about? The business works because it was built on the foundations of friendship and good beer, which bring people together.
Our slogans touch on that. ‘Beer causes friends’ is one: beer is designed to be accessible and drinkable and social. Another is ‘Time well spent’. We invest time in making the beer—definitely well spent!
We believe in living what we sell and staying consistent in everything we do. Brewing is a craft that demands continuous learning and improvement—and that never stops for us. We’re committed to using top-quality, natural ingredients to create lower-alcohol, high-flavour beers that are fresh, highly drinkable, and accessible at a fair price.
To make great beer you have to be doing all the small things 100% of the time.
islandbrewing www.islandbrewing.beer
INTERVIEW WITH BETH FROM LUNI LOMBOK
Compassion, Care and Creature Comforts
Beth was born in Bristol, England, and grew up in the Devon countryside. She began her career in veterinary practice when she was just 16 years old, starting as a nursing assistant and eventually becoming a clinic manager. She spoke with mygilis recently about how her dedication to animal care brought her to Gili Air and LUNI Lombok.
Have you always had a special love for animals?
Yes, I’d say so. It really started with my mother, who has always been a veterinary nurse, so I grew up in a house full of the various animals she’d bring home. I feel so fortunate that I have been able to follow in her footsteps as a nurse, and even more lucky that I got to work alongside her for many years.
When did you first become involved with LUNI Lombok ?
I spent some time travelling and, two years ago, what was supposed to be just a four-day stop in Gili Air quickly turned into something much bigger.
Earlier this year, as a veterinary nurse, I was involved in a TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-release) event at Oceans5 Gili Air. It was through this event I met Nina and helped her set up the new LUNITO Gili Air clinic which opened in April. Recently, I have also taken on managing the Gili T LUNI, which has been a super fun project!
How did the practice first begin? Who began it and what were the circumstances?
Nina originally started LUNI in Gili T. There was a lot of suffering, due to overpopulation and no access to veterinary care on the Gilis. The goal was, as it is now: to reduce suffering, to improve animal welfare standards on Lombok and the Gili Islands and to create a compassionate community where animals and people can live side by side in harmony.
What does it mean to you to work at LUNI ?
Having the opportunity to manage the LUNI clinics feels like a dream come true. It means so much to be able to combine my passion for animals with meaningful work that makes a real difference every single day. Being part of LUNI isn’t just a job; it’s a privilege to be able to improve the lives of animals and to be surrounded by a team and community that share the same compassion and dedication.
Have you been inspired or influenced by anyone in particular?
There are so many incredible women in my life. Nina, the founder of LUNI is a constant source of inspiration. Her work is changing animal welfare standards across Indonesia, Singapore, and now in Thailand. It’s amazing.
I’m also inspired by Rebecca from Rob’s Dogs in Koh Samui. Her dedication has created such meaningful change. Then there are the amazing women behind Yayasan Kuta Lombok Dogs, who are transforming the lives of animals in Lombok.
Having these strong, compassionate women to look up to constantly reminds me why I do what I do.
How would you sum up what makes LUNI Lombok stand out?
Despite being on a small island with limited facilities, LUNI provides diagnostics, treatments and surgeries that many animals here would otherwise never have access to. Above all, we genuinely care for every single animal that comes through our doors, and we treat them all with the same compassion as we would if they were our own.
There seems to be a focus on cats. How did that come about?
Our focus on cats came about quite naturally, as cats are the main species living on the Gili Islands. The islands are predominantly Muslim and there are rules and customs about which animals can be kept. Cats have become the natural main companions here.
What other pets or wildlife do you often treat?
It’s not all about cats. We also treat cows, deer and goats every week. We also rehabilitate snakes, such as pythons or cobras for Kerandangan National Park, in western Lombok. Just recently, we rescued a python who had her face taped up. It was awful to see, but there was a happy ending. It was great to see her released into the National Park where she can now have a safe, carefree life.
Tell us about a typical day at work.
Every day is different. It’s also unpredictable, which is part of what makes the job so exciting. I usually start the morning by checking on the LUNITO clinic on Gili Air before hopping on the boat to Gili T. Once there, I do inpatient rounds, plan out the day’s surgeries, and assist with consultations. In between, there’s always admin and fundraising to catch up on. By the evening, I’m back on the boat to Gili Air to continue overseeing LUNITO and, of course, I’m always on call for any emergencies that come up overnight.
What is the most unusual animal you’ve treated?
The most unusual one recently was an Asian leaf turtle, who came in with a neck abscess. It’s not every day we see turtles in the clinic, so it was definitely a unique and memorable case!
And the most interesting case?
The most interesting cases recently have been perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgeries for cats, which we did while visiting vets were helping at LUNI over the past month. In simple terms, the surgery involves unblocking the urinary tract. It’s complex and not something we often get the chance to do on the islands, so it was an amazing opportunity to give the cats a second chance at a healthy, comfortable life.
Most memorable experiences?
One of my favourite memorable moments has to be our LUNI Sharkbites bingo and auction events; they’re always such a blast. They bring people on the island together, and they raise awareness, and money, for the clinics. And all that while we’re having loads of fun.
What is the best thing about being involved in LUNI Lombok ?
The best thing about being involved in LUNI Lombok is seeing the difference we make. Animals come in sick, or injured, or scared and then we see them heal, able to trust again, and even find a forever home. It’s incredibly rewarding and makes all the long working days worth it.
What are the most difficult obstacles or challenges?
One of the biggest challenges we face at LUNI is funding. That’s because the demand for help is always greater than the resources available. We also don’t have easy access to advanced diagnostics on the islands, which means we can’t always rely on the same tools that bigger clinics use. But in a way, that’s shaped us into being incredibly adaptive. We’ve learned to solve problems effectively, think creatively, and make the very best use of what we do have. I think that kind of resilience is part of what makes our work have so much impact.
Tell us more about your team.
Our LUNI team really is like one big family. We work hard together, but we also laugh a lot and share the little moments that make the long days easier. One of the highlights is always lunch. Reni, our Ibu Kucing, is the most amazing cook, and sharing her food brings us all together. That sense of family and support makes the work so much easier. We’re also lucky to have our local vet, Drh Titi, who is incredibly skilled and dedicated. Sometimes it feels impossible to get her out of the clinic to take a break because she cares so deeply about every single patient.
Tell us about your typical clients.
We have a mix of western and local clients. The way LUNI works is that for pet cats we charge full price, locals get a discount if they agree to sterilise the cats, and treatment of
homeless cats is funded by the Yayasan (the foundation) and the finders, who can choose whether to make a donation towards the treatment.
What do people appreciate most about what you offer?
A lot of people tell us they’re grateful because without LUNI, their animals wouldn’t have access to this kind of care on the islands. Knowing we can give their pets a chance to be healthy and happy really means the world to them—and to us as well!
What would you say were the most important skills needed in animal care?
I’d say the essentials are compassion, of course, and having good observation skills. Great teamwork and communication are also absolutely necessary.
What is your dream for the future?
Feline parvovirus (FPV or Parvo) is a contagious and dangerous viral disease in cats. It’s devastating, it spreads quickly, it’s incredibly hard to treat and, sadly, it’s often fatal for kittens. My dream for the future is to eradicate it on the Gili islands. We can do this by vaccinating as many cats on the islands as possible during the TNVR events, which is when cats are safely trapped, treated and released. Being able to stop that suffering through vaccination would be life-changing for so many cats here.
I would also love to be able to fund a larger clinic in Gili Air and be able to have the same diagnostics there as there are at the Gili T clinic.
What do you like most about living and working on Gili Trangawan and Gili Air?
Honestly, it’s a perfect mix. The people here are so warm and welcoming, the diving is out of this world and, of course, I absolutely love cats. It really feels like a match made in heaven.
There is a new culinary vibe on Gili Meno, bringing a touch of LatAm flair to the island’s west coast. Just meters from the beach, Pomona showcases sultry Latin American style and fine food created with bold flavours. In short you get the Carnival spirit all year round.
A striking departure from the usual Gili Meno restaurant fare, Pomona celebrates the eclectic culinary heritage of Latin America. It serves up an array of traditional flavours with a fresh, modern spin.
The menu encapsulates the entire region from authentic Mexican tacos, Colombian arepa's, ceviche from Peru and much more. Expect an innovative contemporary touch to each and every meal. Still, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Pomona has curated a shared brunch menu perfect for casual, all-day dining among a group of friends or family and filled with a host of distinctive Latin American flavours.
The menu in its entirety is gluten free, so the whole menu can be enjoyed along with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant’s cocktail menu is also imbued with Latin flair, showcasing cocktail classics like Margaritas and Pisco Sour. Alongside these are tropical house creations made for sipping on the sand and kicking back into island life.
Pomona also houses a stylish fashion boutique. The colourful apparel includes trendy resort wear and high-end swimwear made from high quality Italian fabrics. The boutique also soon plans to stock locally sourced jewelry and pearls.
It’s just steps from the sand, unlocking sweeping sunset ocean views. The restaurant features bold orange hued geometric décor with archways opening up onto a grassy courtyard area for al fresco dining and drinks. It leads out onto more dining space on the fine sandy beach for chilled island lounging in front of the inviting seascape.
Gili Meno, Lombok, NTB, Indonesia pomona_gilimeno
SLOW VILLAS, GILI AIR
LIVING THE SLOW LIFE WITH INVIGORATING SPA TREATMENTS
PEARL SUNSET RESORT
ADULTS ONLY HAVEN FOR PERFECT SUNSET MOMENTS
SLOW VILLAS, GILI AIR
Living the Slow Life with invigorating Spa Treatments
SLOW Villas, which this year celebrates a decade in Gili Air, is aptly named. An exclusive complex of 10 contemporary luxury villas, this is the oasis you need to take things slow for a digital detox and mindful relaxation. Unwinding and embracing a slower pace of life is a part of the resort’s DNA—this includes slow cuisine with a personal home chef for private in-villa dining and a strong focus on restorative wellness.
SLOW Villas was established by Belgians, architect Christian Lechien, Dominique Pissoort, and Julie Thonnard, to create a new concept of harmonious luxury in Gili Air. Villa guests can embrace the Slow way of life in a multitude of ways.
It features a collection of one and two-bedroom villas with private pool, a perfect retreat for couples or a family seeking the quiet life. They have been designed for laid back island living. Set within a shady coconut grove, each has a sun dappled patio with cosy sunbeds, fully equipped kitchen facilities and a dedicated work space to stay productive.
The resort has collaborated with interiors stylist Valérie Barkowski to perfect the low key island design concept. The villas come in a vibrant palette of colours, and exude that sense of barefoot luxury everyone craves in a small island getaway. The villas are expertly crafted from natural stonework, bamboo and wood beneath traditional alang alang thatched rooves, radiating a rustic island vibe. Expect spacious open bathrooms, elegant in and outdoor lounging space along with wall art and topical motifs.
Each of the individually designed villas boasts a large manicured garden area surrounding the private pool deck. If your motivation is pure, unadulterated adherence to the island lifestyle and reconnecting with nature, SLOW ticks all the right boxes.
Slow Spa is an integral part of the resort, and serves as a haven for recharging mind and body. It’s a serene space for massage and blissful body treatments, with a sumptuous soaking tub for pure relaxation.
Guests can book a range of soothing massage treatments, facials and bespoke manicures and pedicures. It uses natural products, including fresh aloe vera, direct from its own permaculture garden, plus locally sourced coconut oil. There is invigorating movementbased therapy in the dedicated pilates/yoga studio to uplift mind, body and soul with bespoke private classes.
Yet this is just the start. Slow Retreats expands on this with a fully organised small group retreat service for yoga, meditation and holistic workshops. This brings together like-minded groups for customised wellness programs in a conducive atmosphere.
Also onsite is the Slow Shop, where guests can browse a trove artisanal craftsmanship. This boutique sells an exclusive selection of Indonesian clothing and products, from intricate textiles to handcrafted décor, which have been sourced from all corners of the Indonesian archipelago.
The shop houses a dedicated eco corner, with sustainable, environmentally friendly products that don’t compromise on style or quality. In short, it’s an eclectic mini marketplace of timeless Indonesian heritage alongside innovative green living products.
With a front row seat to Gili Trawangan’s iconic sunsets, abundant style and a kid free haven, what’s not to love about Pearl Sunset Resort. It is one of those rare pleasures in the Gilis—an adults only beachfront retreat perfect for friends, young couples and empty nesters on a weekend getaway.
Just steps from the beachfront on the quieter side of Gili T it has a distinctive vibe with two pools to relax by, an early evening beach club atmosphere, fine dining and fresh gelato. There are few better options to relax and recharge amid the sun, sand and sea with the unmistakable backdrop of Bali’s Mount Agung on the horizon.
This full-service haven features fine food throughout the day in the restaurant, fresh juices and cocktails while lounging by the pool, as well as a serene spa and boutique shops. The Cookies & Cones Cafe is there to satisfy that caffeine craving or that sweet tooth, with your favourite coffee brew, irresistible cakes and home-made ice cream.
The resort itself is an eye-catching, unique mix of east meets west design, with curvaceous lines constructed in bamboo that seem to defy the laws of gravity. The flowing roof mimics the ebb and flow of the sea, and sandy beachfront. This same naturalistic design ethos extends to the accommodations too.
There is a range of accommodation options, with garden view rooms to ocean facing luxury suites. All feature air conditioning, flat screen TVs with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and more.
The modern rooms are awash with custom rattan, bamboo and hardwood fixtures alongside dramatic wall art in bold tones, signifying the natural environment on canvas, from tropical greens, to sunny orange and yellows and various shades of aquamarine blue. Bathrooms are light and spacious and there is abundant lounging space both inside and out on a sunny verandah or balcony. These stylish spaces have multi-faceted modern flair and all the functionality you need—be it for work, rest or play.
The outdoor public spaces are filled with meticulously manicured greenery with plenty of areas to kick back and chill. There are strategically placed gazebos within the grounds and on the beach to while away the hours with a cool drink or two. Along with the inviting pools and beach, it’s just what convivial resort gatherings are all about. Whatever your mood, it serves up those memorable sunset moments effortlessly.
Gili Festival Colour Run
This August, Gili Trawangan got a vibrant new tradition with its first-ever Gili Festival Colour Run—and what a way to kick things off! On August 18th, over 100 locals and tourists ran side by side through the island’s sandy streets, throwing colour, sharing laughs, and celebrating Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day in the most joyful way. With crowds cheering from every corner and the incredible support of the community, the energy was electric. Congratulations to the winners and everyone involved—your spirit and participation made it all possible!
Images courtesy of @JerryUnderh20
Rabbit Jump Beach Club’s ELEVATE Event
Rabbit Jump Beach Club, Gili Trawangan lit up the island with its electrifying ELEVATE event on September 26–27, part of the global Negroni Week celebrations. The two-day beach party drew lively crowds and delivered an unforgettable atmosphere, combining top-tier entertainment with Gili Trawangan’s iconic tropical charm. Guests were treated to captivating performances from LDS Friendship, Onad Saxxo, and a dazzling fire dance by Ade, all set against the backdrop of Gili’s stunning sunsets. Highlights included a vibrant foam party, beachside jumping board fun, and nonstop music that kept the energy soaring. Stay tuned to Rabbit Jump Beach Club for more exciting events on the horizon. Instagram: @ rabbitjumpgili. WhatsApp: +6285971181942.
THIS IS THE GILIS!
GETTING THERE
From/to Lombok: There are public outrigger boats from each island direct to Lombok throughout the day starting around 7.00am. A faster (more expensive) option is the hourly speedboat service stopping at all three islands.
GETTING AROUND ON THE ISLANDS
Refreshingly all forms of motorized transport are forbidden on the Gilis. That leaves travel by “Cidomo” horse cart, bicycles or let those feet do the walking. All three islands can be circumnavigated on foot within about two hours. There are numerous bicycle rental kiosks along the beachfront on all three islands—both traditional bikes and increasingly, e-bikes.
ISLAND HOPPING
A scheduled twice a day island hopping service by outrigger boat runs between all three islands in the morning and afternoon, meaning you can visit another island for several hours and return in the late afternoon. A more flexible option is the hourly speedboat service to and from the Lombok mainland which connects Gili Trawangan, Gili Mano and Gili Air throughout the day.
MONEY MATTERS
There are money changers and a wealth of ATM machines situated on each islands’ main beach strip. All accept Mastercard and Visa withdrawals.
POWER
Electricity coverage is 24/7 but power outages are not uncommon. The good news is they are generally brief and many hotels and restaurants have a back up generator. Power outlets use two-pin plugs. International plug adapters are available for sale. Free wi-fi is available at many hotels, guest houses and restaurants.
HEALTH
Each island has health clinics able to treat minor ailments and illness, and you’ll find pharmacies for most over the counter medicines. For dental work or more serious injuries, you’ll need to go to the Lombok mainland.
STAYING SAFE
Even just metres from the shore, currents can be sudden and strong. Know your limits when swimming or snorkeling. Never attempt to swim between the islands.
BE A RESPONSIBLE VISITOR
There are many ways each visitor can do their bit to help keep the Gili Islands as pristine as possible. Conserve water where possible and turn off unnecessary power when leaving your hotel room, such as fan, lights s and air conditioning. Don’t litter streets or the beach —use the trash bins and when shopping, use a reusable bag. There are many ways you can get involved to help keep the Gilis clean, such as weekly beach cleanups where all are welcome.
THE DIRECTORY
EAT
Gili Trawangan
BORA-BORA Sunset Beach Club
+62 811 388 8339
@bora_bora_gilit
Kayu Café
+62 878 6239 1308
@kayucafegili
Pearl Beach Lounge
+62 819 9715 6999
@pearloftrawangan
La Cala
+62 8177 2852 855
@lacalagili
Chappies Bar
+62 812 3788 9378
@mantadivegilit
Gili Sands
+62 823 3945 3707
@gilisandshotel
Pearl Sunset Resort
+62 8113 9009 050
@pearlsunsetresort
Pesona Lounge
+62 8133 8088 963
@pesonaloungetrawangan
Pizzeria Da Marco
+62 818 1827 9613
@pizzeriadamarco24
Rabbit Jump
+62 859 7118 1942
@rabbitjumpgili
The Roast House
+62 8174 9160 04 @giliroasthouse
Gili Air
Flow Gili Air
+62 813 3943 9078
@flowgiliair
Papaya Beach Club
+62 819 0784 7382
@papayagili
Gili Coffee Roasters
+62 859 6034 2360
@gili_coffeeroasters
Kopi Susu
+62 821 4737 1516
@kopisusu_giliair
Pachamama Cafe + Cantina
+62 821 4649 5915
Yanai
+62 853 3829 5422
@yanaigiliair
Poke
+62 822 3667 9253
@poke.gili.air
Sabai Sabai
+62 822 4791 2464
@sabaisabai_giliair
Gili Meno BASK
+62 812 3764 7471
@baskgilimeno
WELLNESS
Gili Trawangan
Azure Spa
+62 823 3910 4881
@azurespagili
YOU SPA
+62 821 4456 7093
@youspaexperience
DIVING
Gili Trawangan
Blue Marlin Dive
+62 877 5936 7889
@bluemarlingilitrawangan
Dive Central
+62 812 2956 9183 @divecentralgili
Lutwala Dive
+62 859 5521 6926 @lutwaladive
Manta Dive
+62 812 3788 9378 @mantadivegilit
Gili Air
Blue Marlin Dive
+62 813 3283 9446
@bluemarlinair
Gili Meno
Blue Marlin Dive
+62 812 3727 0361
@bluemarlinmeno
HEALTH & LEISURE
Gili Trawangan Utopia Catamaran
+62 821 4456 7079 @utopiacatamaran
D’Gilis
+62 812 3610 3613 @degilis. Adventure
Rabbit Jump
+62 859 7118 1942 @rabbitjumpgili
NGO
Gili Trawangan
Gili Eco Trust
+62 813 3960 0553 @giliecotrust
Horses of Gili
+62 878 4332 0545 @horsesofgili
Yayasan LUNI Lombok
+62 812 3949 5308
@luni_lombok
Proyek Penyu @proyekpenyu.gili
Gili Air
Yayasan LUNI Lombok
+62 812 3949 5308
@luni_lombok
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Ambulance
P: +62 370 623 489
Emergency Call: 119
Fire Brigade
P: +62 370 672 013
Emergency call: 113
Lombok Police
Jl. Gajah Mada No7, Ampenan
P: +62 370 693 110
Emergency Call: 110
Tourist Police Senggigi
Jl. Raya Senggigi km 1
P: +62 370 632 733
CLINICS ON THE GILIS
GILI TRAWANGAN
Hotel Villa Ombak Clinic
Gili Trawangan
P: +62 370 642 336
D’Gilian Clinic Center
P: +62 878 6567 4141
Trawangan Clinic Center
P: +62 819 1745 1861
GILI AIR
Gili Air Clinic Center
P: +62 878 6206 0248
Gili Air Medika
P: +62 819 0747 3113
Blue Island Medical Clinic
(100 metres from the harbour)
P: +62 81 999 705 703
P: +62370 6198097
GILI MENO
Pillar Medika Meno
P: +62 811 3904 2042
Blue Island Medical Clinic
(50 metres from the harbour)
P: +6281999705702
Gili Emergency Medical Service
P: +62 821 4444 5015
HOSPITALS
Siloam Hospitals Mataram
Jl. Majapahit No.10, Mataram
P: +62 370 6001100
Harapan Keluarga
Jl. Ahmad Yani, Selagalas
P: +62 370 617 7000 / 617 7009
Risa Sentra Medika
Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Cakranegara
P: +62 370 625 560
New Mataram Public Hospital
Jl. Bung Karno No.1, Mataram
P: +62 370 645 045
Mataram Public Hospital
Jl. Pejanggik No.6, Mataram
P: +62 370 623 498
Siti Fajar Moslem Hospital
Jl. Panca Warga, Mataram
P: +62 370 623 498
Anthonius Catholic Hospital
Jl. Koperasi, Ampenan
P: +62 370 621 397
Police Hospital
Jl. Langko No.54, Ampenan
P: +62 370 633 701
Army Hospital
Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No.11, Mataram
P: +62 370 621 420
Central Lombok Public Hospital
Jl. Jen Basuki Rachmat, Praya
P: +62 370 654 007
East Lombok Public Hospital
Jl. Prof M. Yamin No.55, Selong
P: +62 376 216 80
HEALTH CLINICS
Biomedika Clinic
Jl. Bung Karno No.143, Mataram
P: +62 370 645 137
Medika Husada Clinic
Jl. Raya Senggigi
P: +62 370 664 480
Klinik Prodia
Jalan Pejanggik No.107, Mataram
P: +62 370 635 010
Jolie Sourire Dental Care
Epicentrum Mall
P: +62 370 668 1797
PHARMACIES
Guardian Pharmacy
Mataram Mall
Jl. Pejanggik, Mataram
P: +62 370 629 921
Kimia Farma
Jl. Sriwijaya No.295, Mataram
P: +62 370 633 211
Jl. Pejanggik No.48, Mataram
P: +62 370 638 502
Jl. Catur Warga, Mataram
P: +62370 634 774
TAXI
Bluebird Taxis
P: +62 370 627 000
IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Department of Immigration
Jl. Udayana, Mataram
P: +62 370 632 520
POST OFFICES
Central Post Office
Jl. Sriwijaya, Mataram
P: +62 370 632 645
Jl. Langko, Ampenan
P: +62 370 631 642
Jl. Raya Senggigi
P: +62 370 693 711
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Mandalika Intercultural School
Kuta, Lombok
P: +62 813 5357 8345
Nusa Alam
Kompleks Grand Natura,
Jl. Bung Hatta
P: +62 370 647 510
FAST BOATS
Bluewater Express
Gili Trawangan
P: +62 811 380 9555
Gili Air
P: +62 811 380 7555
Bangsal
P: +62 811 380 9555
Einstein Fast Boat
Gili Trawangan
P: +62 82341077750
Gili Air
P: +62 82341077750
Bangsal Office
P: +62 823 4107 7750
Eka Jaya
P: +62 819 1601 9775
Wahana Virendra Fast Boat
P: +62 877 7679 0777
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES
Gilitrans
P: +62 813 1313 7732
FREIGHT/COURIER COMPANIES
JNE Express Gili Air
P: +62 851 7247 4779
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Electricity (PLN)
Jl. Langko No. 25, Ampenan
P: +62 370 632 182
Jl. Raya Sengiggi
P: +62 370 693 535
Water (PDAM)
Jl. Pendidikan No.29, Mataram
P: +62 370 632 510
Jl. Raya Sengiggi
P: +62 370 693 886
CONSULATES IN BALI
Australia (Also consular service for Canada and New Zealand nationals)
