HELP Gili Trawanagan

Hi,

I am travelling to Gili T via Mataram. I arrive in mataram airport at 13:45 and have heard that ferrys may take a long time to fill up in the day, so have contacted a dive centre in Gili T to see if I can arrange a collection by speed boat. Has any one done this journey?

Also, what is the practical information regarding gili T, How expensive is it food + drink etc. I've heard there are no cash points on the island so will need to take exact money to ensure that we don't run out. Could some one give me a gu-estimate based on their average spending per day.

Thanks so much,

Steph

Hi Steph

Assuming that you are travelling from Bangsal - you will not be taking a ferry to Gili T but a traditional Prahu. Though you still need to wait for it to be full it doesnt take so many people to fill one. On arrival at Bangsal the touts are likely to try and tell you that there are no more guests and you need to charter one yourself but ignore them and head down to the beach and go to the building to your left. That is the official ticket office and they will tell give you a straight story. I think at that time you may have to wait a bit but there will be others arriving from Bali. After about 4pm is when you would likely have trouble getting a boat.

Didn't read your post properly and see you are only arriving at the airport at 1.45. Its about an hour to Bangsal, allowing for time to delays, time to disembark get bags etc Yes you will be cutting it fine for a boat straight away. You mayu be better off spending a night in Senggigi - or of course you could charter a boat but not sure how much you would be expected to pay.

I agree with Gemma that it would be best to stay the night in Sengiggi. Try the "Bukit Sengigg" or at the opposite side of the road "Linas".
From there you can walk up to Dream Divers on the main street and book a trip for the following morning to Gili T. They bring you to Teluk Nare where they have a boat waiting for the 20 minute boatride to Gili T. It's a very scenic and beautiful trip on the coastal road to the harbour from Sengiggi.

Thanks so much for your replies.

I have actually booked a speedboat and airport collection with the hotel I'm staying with and diving with on gili T, this transfer only takes 15mins, which I think is the most convenient means of travelling.

I am still quite confused about how much money to take though, we are there for 10days and it doesn't say on any of the forums how much an average meals costs. As there isn't an ATM on the island it is quite vital to get this right.

I would say an average main course in a tourist type restaurant would be around Rp40,000/50,000.

Soft drinks are from Rp5,000 /10,000.

Large Beers are Rp25,000/30,000

You will get cheaper in local warungs.

Hope this helps.

I read on thorn tree forum last year that there now is an ATM on gili T. Perhaps check with your hotel. I also read a post about the airport pickup/speedboat and they were very happy with the service and recommended it.

I hope Steph doesn't mind but I am going to move this post to the Lombok Travel section as Gili T is part of Lombok rather than Bali