essentialactivities
CLIMBING
DOWN A
LADDER
ONTO THE
BEACH
ESSENTIAL LOWDOWN
Type of activity:
WILDLIFE / ADVENTURE
Adrenalin level:
CHILLED
Price (US$):
VARIOUS PACKAGES AVAILABLE
Length of activity:
2/3 NIGHTS RECOMMENDED
Child friendly:
YES
Meal provided:
BREAKFAST INCLUDED
Gili T), just three kilometres by two kilometres
but the largest of the trio. Renowned as a
backpacker’s paradise with a party scene to
accompany the idyllic setting, there is much
more to it and there’s no reason tourists of any
ilk cannot make the most of everything this tiny
landmass has to offer.
1. Perfect setting: Is
there anything not to
like about this?
The charm is immediately apparent upon
arriving at Gili Trawangan after a speedboat
ride from Benoa, Padang Bai or Serangan.
To get your feet wet is an idiom that means
trying something for the first time. Here it’s a
literal interpretation as disembarkation from
the boat entails climbing down a ladder
onto the beach as the waves gently lap
against the shore, the water kissing your feet
as they touch the island for the first time. Fear
not if this sounds a bit extreme for those who
prefer more luxurious travel; our eventual
destination was far from basic.
Les Villas Ottalia is situated on the north-west
of the island, far enough away from the main
drag of bars and restaurants as to feel like
you’re inhabiting a different plane. In Gili T
terms it’s a metaphorical world away but just
a short cycle, or cidomo ride in reality. Cidomo
is the name given to the horse and carts that
represent public transport here, a great way to
traverse the island when you have luggage to
carry or have simply had enough of walking.
We hopped on and within five minutes arrived
at our home from home and we were not to
be disappointed.
With a combination of one- and twobedroom villas and an imminent addition
of individual rooms, this resort is a refuge
of peace, designed in a stripped-back,
elegant décor. Each villa has its own pool,
with most having an outside kitchenette. The
whitewashed wood combined with
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