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FireFlyz | 25
The main coastal
strip lined with retail
and grocery stores,
eateries, beverage
kiosks, hotels, villas
and dive schools
Sea-kayaking is another exciting activ-
ity requiring professional guides provided
by establishments like Karma Kayak,
which is managed by Astrid, a former
champion stunt kayaker. In northwest
of Trawangan, deep or bottom fishing
is the pastime
du jour
. Bring your own
equipment if you are not accustomed to
the traditional way of fishing.
Pricier
Notably, Trawangan’s location is ideal
for visitors to witness awe-inspiring
sunsets over Bali’s Mount Agung and
sunrise over Lombok’s Mount Rinjani.
Due to a lack of time, I was not able to
go “island hopping” to Air and Meno, as
it required either taking the infrequent
shuttle boats or chartering one. Swim-
ming to the nearby islands is not an
option for anyone either, after several
backpackers died attempting it due to
strong currents.
Gili Air and Meno are still unspoilt
by mass tourism, but Trawangan has
become more crowded and pricier, for
essentials like accommodation food
and beverages. Sometimes, the limited
number of hotels, luxury villas and bou-
tique bungalows cannot cope with large
number of visitors, thus putting pressure
on Trawangan’s environment, especially
the supply of fresh water.
I had put up at Cotton Tree Cot-
tages, which showcases local Sasak
architectural style. There are several
well maintained cottages on pillars
with woven bamboo walls and curvy
thatched roofs made from the
alang
alang
(cogon) grass found locally. The
cosy boarding is just a 10-minute walk
from Market Square, where food stalls
open in the evenings, serving affordable
local delights. Tuck into grilled fish and
chicken,
gado-gado, sate lilit
and local
desserts without burning a hole in your
pocket.
On my last day in Trawangan, a sunset
cruise on South Sea Nomads — Trawa-
ngan’s sole party boat complete with
a well-stocked bar — was in order. At
300,000 rupiah (about RM80) a person,
inclusive of shared snorkel gear and a
delicious meal, it was great fun splashing
in the sea, in the safety of the boat’s
netting.
It was a great taste of island life for
me and I would definately visit again.
Clear blue skies
and beautiful
beaches as far as
the eyes can see
Food stalls open every
evening at the Market
Square, offering affordable
local delights
Checking into the cosy
Cotton Tree Cottages, a
short walking distance
from the Gili Trawangan
jetty terminal