
| Trawangan Practicalities |
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This small exotic island lies between blue corals and clear turquoise waters. Gili Trawangan is the perfect destination for those seeking total relaxation, excellent diving and romantic walks on its white sandy beaches. No motorized traffic is permitted on the island and you make your way around by walking and cycling, or rides on beautifically decorated pony carts called “cidomo”.
There are over 300 rooms available on the island and prices range from Rp 50,000 per double for basic “losmen” accommodation to $100 plus for the luxury of Hotel Vila Ombak and Vila Almarik. To compliment the rooms, there is an equally wide range of dining choices. Trawangan is famous for its “ikan bakar”, or grilled fish, and restaurants display the day’s catch on ice next to roadside barbeques. There is a huge range of cuisine available - Japanese, Indian, Italian, Tapas and International as well as delicious Indonesian. Gili T is renown for its nightlife and there is a revolving party every night somewhere on the island. Money Exchange There are a number of money changers on the island, but exchange rates are on average Rp 350 per dollar less than found in Bali. Change your money before coming to Gili Trawangan. Internet Access There are at least three public internet cafes on Gili T. Prices are Rp 300 per minute and internet access is via satellite with download speed of 100 megabit. Transport Bicycles are readily available for hire at Rp 50,000 per day, or Rp 10,000 per hour. Cidomo carts on Gili T charge Rp 20,000 per ride. Electricity The island has its own power generator operated by government owned PLN. There is a total of 380kva available for the entire island, and power is often interrupted for unforseen reasons. The larger hotels have back-up generators to provide interrupted electricity for its guests. Electrical power on Trawangan is 220v. Water The water on Trawangan is slightly saline. Cooking is done with fresh water imported from Lombok. While showers are salt water, most boutique hotels provide a terracotta jar with fresh water for a final rinse. Special soaps for salty water are recommended. Villa Alamarik has a desalination plant so unlimited freshwater is available there. There are ample supplies of bottled drinking water available for purchase. Diving There are seven PADI dive operators on the island. Diving rates are standard on Trawangan and start at US$25 for a recreational dive. Technical and wreck dives vary according to type and operator. |