Welcome to Villa Almarik
Gili Trawangan - Lombok Island
Villa Almarik, Gili Terawangan, Lombok

Indonesia has over 16,000 islands; come and experience one of the most beautiful of them. If you've been dreaming of white sand beaches and clear blue water, look no further - you've found it - Welcome to Villa Almarik.

Villa Almarik is on the island of Gili Trawangan, near Lombok, Indonesia. Originally home only to a handful of fisherman, it is surrounded by underwater coral gardens and covered in tropical blooms and trees. Whether you're looking to dive some of the best sites in Indonesia, snorkel, explore or simply relax in sun, Villa Almarik is the place for you. We will feed you the best of local and international cuisine, show you the best parts of the island both on land and under the sea, spoil you with massages and make sure you have everything you want and need.

No cars or motors are allowed on the island. The hardest decision you'll have to make while you're here is whether to walk, cycle or take a horse-drawn carriage down the island's sandy roads. Villa Almarik is only a short distance from an area alive with bars and restaurants where you can dance the night away or just enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and sea as the sun sets and the skies light up with stars.

Gili Trawangan
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Gili Trawangan as seen from Gili Meno.


Gili Trawangan is the largest of Lombok's Gili Islands and is the only one to rise significantly above sea level. It is 3km long and 2km wide with a population of about 700. Of the Gilis, Trawangan has the most tourist facilities; the pub Tîr na Nôg claims that Trawangan is the smallest island in the world with an Irish pub. The most crowded part of Trawangan lies on the eastern side. It is administered under Lombok Barat Regency along with Senggigi Beach.

On Gili Trawangan (as well as the other two Gilis), there are no motorized vehicles. The main means of transportation are bicycles (rented by locals to tourists) and cidomo (a small horsedrawn carriage). For traveling to and from each of the Gilis, locals usually use motorized boats and speedboats.

Some of the first inhabitants of Gili Trawangan were from Sulawesi who are fishermen and farmers. Previously Gili Trawangan was covered in forest and deer lived on the island. (Source: Inhabitants of Gili Trawangan — no printed source available)

The economy of Gili Trawangan centres on tourism, as the island is too small to support any broad scale agriculture, and too remote to allow economically viable industry or commerce.

Photo taken from the top of the hill on Gili Trawangan just after dawn; foreground is Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is next and then Gili Air — Gunung Rinjani is backlit by the approaching dawn


Photo taken from the top of the hill on Gili Trawangan just after dawn; foreground is Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is next and then a bit of Gili Air — Lombok is in the distance to the right


Photo taken from Gili Trawangan; in the foreground are island hopper boats anchored off Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is the next island — Ginung Rinjani is in the distance

Trawangan Dive

Trawangan Dive was voted most improved dive center for 2008 by PADI Asia Pacific. For information about diving and accommodation, prices or bookings, please contact us at info@trawangandive.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or drop by our dive center on Gili Trawangan.

As a holiday destination, Gili Trawangan has a lot to offer. Day or night, there is as much or as little to do as you choose - long lazy days can be spent on the beach or in a hammock; or explore the island on foot, bike or horse and cart, as no cars or motor bikes are allowed. Learning to dive is a popular activity, as this is one of the most inexpensive places to do so on the planet. Amazing sunsets followed by gourmet meals under the stars, possibly followed by some lively night life make it easy to fill your evenings. The island offers you a large variety of accommodation, restaurants and bars, so something can be found to suit all tastes.

The real holiday fun, excitement and adventure begins when you venture beneath the warm tropical waters that surround the Gili Islands and go diving. If you do not have your scuba diving certification, Trawangan Dive has a diving school that teaches and certifies divers from beginner through advanced technical levels including rebreather, in one of the safest and most enjoyable diving environments in Indonesia.

Location
Trawangan Dive Shop Beach Front
The Gili Islands are located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia and comprise of three coral-fringed atolls, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, all surrounded by white sand beaches, crystal clear water and some of the best scuba diving and dive centers in Indonesia.
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Reef Restoration Program
Tunnel Biorock Regrowth
Trawangan Dive is launching an innovative program aimed at restoring their reefs and welcomes students from around the world to join in.
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Accommodation
Trawagan Bungalows Gili Trawangan
Trawangan Dive Bungalows offer hotel comfort in a relaxed tropical garden atmosphere and are situated conveniently next to our dive center, where breakfast and a morning dive await you.
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Trawangan Dive’s Mexican Café
Nachos On Table At Trawangan Dive
Resident culinary Chef Rodrigo Rodriguez has created a true taste of Mexico here on Gili Trawangan. His decadent chimichangas are legendary, and what could be better than a heaping plate of shared nachos washed down with frozen margaritas at the pool bar or on the beach after a dive?
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Diving and Courses
Diving Gili Trawangan Trawangan Dive offers daily Fun Diving and a variety courses and instruction from the following diving institutions. Recreational diver training and Biorock Specialty through PADI, Technical diver training through TDI and Freediving training through AIDA.
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Technical Diving
Technical Diving Gili Trawangan Trawangan Dive is dedicated to providing quality technical diver training, guided daily technical dive trips, as well as technical expeditions to Komodo National Marine Park, the WWII Wrecks of Balikpapan and other areas of South East Asia.
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Liveaboard Adventures
Ikan Biru Liveaboard Bow The Ikan Biru is an Indonesian Pinisi sailing vessel combining traditional design with all the modern comforts you would expect from a first-class liveaboard dive boat. She sleeps a maximum of 8 guests and caters to recreational and technical divers.
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World Record Dive (2010) Gili Trawangan
Will Goodman from the UK broke the World Record for staying underwater for a total of 48 hours and 9 minutes and 17 seconds
Will Goodman from the UK broke the World Record for staying underwater for a total of 48 hours and 9 minutes and 17 seconds.
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THE GILI ISLANDS - GENERAL INFORMATION

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.

Private Transfer & Tours Private Transfer Service Lombok Tours & Sightseeing Bali - Lombok by Sea Bali to Lombok by Fast Boat Public Ferry [ Bali - Lombok ]

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.

Gili Islands

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Gili Islands & Gunung Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia.

The Gili Islands (Indonesian: Tiga Gili [Three Gilis], Kepulauan Gili [Gili Islands]) are an archipelago of three small islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air — just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

The islands are a popular destination for Western tourists looking for a remote island experience. Each island has several very small resorts, usually consisting of a small collection of huts for tourists, and a restaurant. Most local inhabitants live on Trawangan in a township stretching along its east side just inland (which is also where most recent development is taking place). Automobiles and motorized traffic are prohibited on the islands by local ordinance, so the preferred method of transportation is bicycle or the horse-drawn carriage called a cidomo. Diving in and around the Gilis is also popular due to the abundance of fish life and attractive coral formations.^[1]

The name "Gili Islands" is a misnomer, because Gili simply means "small island" in Sasak. As a result most of the islands around the coast of Lombok have Gili in their names, although confusion is averted by referring (in English) to the other Gilis around the Lombok coast by their proper names only.

View of the west coast of Gili Meno looking south — Lombok is in the distance

Mount Rinjani from the south coast of Gili Air

Karimunjawa

is an archipelago of 27 islands in the Java Sea, Indonesia, approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Jepara.^[1] The islands' name means 'a stone's throw from Java' in Javanese.^{[citation needed]} The main island is also known as Karimun (2,700 ha). The second largest island is Kemujan (1,400 ha). The islands' population is 6,632 (as of 1997) who inhabit 7 of the islands, and they have a total land area of 78 km².^[2]

Islands and administration

Apart from the main island, Karimon, two of the larger islands are Kemujen and Parang. The island of Bawean lies east of this group, as part of Gresik District, West Java Province. The Karimunjawa islands are administered as an Indonesian sub district with five (5) villages (Karimun, Kamagin, Kemujan, Digimon, and Parang) administratively part of Jepara district (kabutops) of Central Java province.

History

Apart from use as a pirate base, the islands are believed to have been uninhabited until a penal settlement was established during the British occupation of Java in the early seventeenth century. The settlement was abandoned by the Dutch during the Java War (1825–1830), but the former convicts remained as settlers. Cotton plantations set up during the convict period became a major source of income, as did goldsmithing. [ karimun is home my wife ]

[edit] Ecology

The islands are influenced by the Northwest Monsoon during which winds from the west-northwest predominate and ocean currents are in an easterly direction. During the monsoon, rainfall averages 40 mm/day. During the Southeast Monsoon, dry winds from the east-southeast predominate and the ocean currents are in an westerly direction bringing water masses from the Flores Sea. Upwelled water masses during the Southeast Monsoon from the Flores and Banda Seas provides lower sea surface temperatures than in the Northeast Monsoon. The shallow slopes (5° to 15°) of the island shelves in the Java Sea (which rarely exceeds a depth of 55 m), provide environments for extensive reef development.^[3]

The archipelago consists predominantly of pre-Tertiary continental islands primarily of quartzites and shales covered by basaltic lava. Geologically, the islands are part of Sundaland.^[4]

Contemporary Karimunjawa

Twenty-two islands have been declared as a marine national park. Five more islands are either private and or under the control of the Indonesian Navy. The islands have known with extensive coral reefs; a mixture of fringing and patchy reefs. There are a number of dive sites and an upmarket dive resort. The source of income for the local economy is fishing (which is the islands' largest employer), followed by services and commerce.

THE ISLANDS OF KOMODO DRAGONS

INDONESIA JURASSIC PARK

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia. The island has a surface area of 390 km² and over 2000 inhabitants. The inhabitants of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed themselves with the Bugis from Sulawesi. The population are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu minorities.

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Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and forms part of the Komodo National Park. Particularly notable here is the native Komodo dragon. In addition, the island is a popular destination for diving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province.

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Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.

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