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It was 10 o'clock noon, but the cloud around the Gulf of Nare, North Lombok did not dampen my intention to cross over to Gili Trawangan. The biggest island is directly adjacent to the island of Bali. Gili Lombok itself in the language of the island or homeland. Gili's is a small island located off the coast of the island of Lombok. There are three Gili directly adjacent to the island of Bali, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

Strong winds and waves that are not friendly to make a lot of ships in the harbor crossings choose lean. Motor boats and fast speedboats are not rushing to welcome tourists who want to cross over to Gili Trawangan.

Nearly half an hour I spend time enjoying a black cloud on the beach. Every now and then ask if there is a speedboat that will go across. Because the actual location of the crowded crossing at the Bangsal Port, North Lombok, about half an hour from downtown Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara.

Actually to get to Gili Trawangan can be reached via two pathways, namely by browsing to the tourist area of Senggigi. Through this path we can enjoy a cluster of three dyke, Air, Meno and Trawangan from the vehicle. Moreover, it can also be reached through natural attractions Pusuk yan forest is famous for a tame monkey.

From Bangsal Port we only spend about 10 thousand to cross by boat motors. But the new boat will depart if the charge is full of passengers. Whereas if renting or chartering costs could reach 300 thousand.

But with the weather conditions are less friendly, so I chose to use a speedboat than a motor boat. So I arrived in the Teluk Nare, a small port for the crossing by speedboat.

When engrossed in photographing the atmosphere of the Teluk Nare, a speedboat came back with a pile of life vests in it. Finally accomplished too I thought. Because without my mental life vest fall also saw the black clouds and high waves in front of me. The driver asked where I was, because apparently it's a speedboat from a five-star hotel in Gili Trawangan. Without thinking I said yes only the driver's intended destination.

Life vest already I'm wearing, exactly at 11 noon with a high speed maneuver against the driver of the speedboat hit the waves. He occasionally slow down for fear of damaging the wood waste speedboat propeller. The driver-did not answer when I asked the origin of the wood waste. He just might be afraid to disrupt the quiet concentration.

About 20 minutes against the lacing waves, the boat finally rests on a special dock owned a hotel of international standard. With my face still a little tense due to high waves, welcome with friendly smiles I receive from officers inn. Fruit punch as a welcome drink and a small wet towel given that the hotel clerk.

Welcome to Gili Trawangan he said. The officer immediately told that the inn was full bokking. The officer explained that in Gili Trawangan know most of the inn twice the high season or holiday season with the densest traffic. For the first high season in July through September. And the second fell in December to January.

So if visitors are not ordered before the month, then do not expect to get lodgings. Although not close the possibility of visitors only come in the morning and return late afternoon. Just release the fatigue and the "eye wash" the clerk said.

After explaining my intentions, the officer was immediately invited to enjoy the beauty of this island. Without thinking straight leg is stepping on the white sand that is so natural and beautiful. Although my own costume when it's wrong, but never mind running in the white sand with a special trackking hikking shoe to the mountain.

A foreign tourist with a fun walk on the beach. Occasionally seen taking a small fraction reefs in the clean white sand. While not far from the coast of a foreign tourist engrossed with the laptop. Accompanied by a glass of beer and fries at a small table while overlooking the ocean expanse. Jazz music playing softly from a cafe on the beach piggir add a warm ambience. Although the sun was partially covered with black clouds.

Some foreign tourists walking with a small bag and wet clothes after a swim in the sea. There are no merchants offering gift merchandise, or people who annoy them. Activity will likely end up in the morning.

Gili Trawangan is the largest exotic island of the three small islands or dyke located in the northwest of Lombok. Gili Trawangan included in the Village area of Gili Indah, Pemenang District, North Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Island of 340 hectares with long pants about 3 km and a width of 2 km is home to about 800 inhabitants. Population density precisely centered on the east side of the island.

After a while the sound echoing Athan, suspended some activities Gili Trawangan residents. They-were rushed to a mosque for Friday prayers pilgrimage. Some tourists also choose to relax on a chaise lounge at some inn. While others, chose to sit at a table near the bar without walls accompanied by a servant.

Of the few people that I met explained that this island was once used as prison inmates landfills are full time. King ruling at that time throwing hundreds of rebels into the island. Recently around the 1970's began crowded by nomads from Sulawesi who eventually settled on this island. In 1980 the island is experiencing fairly rapid growth as a tourist destination.

The location is adjacent to the island of Bali making the island became a tourist alternative choice for foreign and domestic tourists. Tourism in Lombok had experienced a downturn in 2002. Bomb blast in Bali directly carry considerable influence. Such "suspended animation" said resident here.

Foreign tourists in particular, immediately vanished. Motor boats as well as direct speedbot lonely passengers. The bomb blasts that make the most of an exodus of foreign tourists. Although Lombok is not the scene but are geographically adjacent to Bali. And Bali is still a tourist entrance. This is different to the Bali bombings in 2005. Foreign tourists mainly indirect exodus away.

But when I arrived here, the passion to rebuild the tourism especially in Gili Trawangan has been seen again. Some construction workers seem wrestle with wood and mortar. Construction or renovation visible everywhere. A variety of accommodation, cafes, restaurants to grocery stores to be easily found here. Even some houses transformed into a simple inn.

Price inn itself diverse, ranging from 30 thousands to millions of dollars. Of jasmine grade hotels to international hotels also exist. Even during high season second in December, many foreign and domestic tourists do not hesitate to set up tents along the beach just to enjoy the "feast" on Gili Trawangan. Because here is known as "paradise" to enjoy his youth singles. No wonder the population of a claim if the holiday season the island is more crowded than Kuta Beach in Bali.

According to some residents, the island of Gili Trawangan is the most thick feel of "party" night other than the second dyke. The number of the party all night which is always rotated in some places the crowd, makes a lot of foreign and domestic tourists, especially young people are coming to this island. A resident who I met explained if there are any evening event organizers who held a "feast". So it is not wrong if many emerging lodging here to accommodate visitors.

After enjoying the white sand on the beach, my footprints stopped. A simple horse-drawn carriage passing by slowly. Cidomo, the designation for simple transportation. Cidomo already commonly used in Lombok. Fees on Cidomo any different for foreign tourists and local residents. If foreign tourists for a ride Cidomo cost you about 50 thousand dollars with a passenger maximum of 3 persons. As for the local population is only about 25 thousand dollars only. But if you want to get around Gili Trawangan with a distance of 6 kilometers will be subject to cost about 75 thousand dollars.

Cidomo actually physically similar to the existing carriage or wagon in Java. Only difference is the use of a car tire on the wheel Cidomo. Although it is not known exactly since when the use of car tires. Because it was previously used tires that come from wood.

Across the street I saw a foreign tourist engrossed in chatting with an attractive horse Cidomo. Holding the horse's head occasionally foreign tourists like to talk and say hello. While the coachman Cidomo stunned silence, probably thinking why does not he just treated that way. Or maybe this is just my imagination alone.

Finally I turned around, right in front of a five-star hotel I found a building Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Thought I remembered the last words of the population. Many "parties" in the evening on the island. So the existence of an ATM machine on the island is really needed.

Several foreign and local tourists using bicycles visible utilizing the facility. The bike rests on a fairly large tree that stood right in front of the building's ATM. A foreign tourist wearing only shorts and go barefoot with ease. Only here maybe it can be done.

In Gili Trawangan and Gili on the other two, there is a local rule that has been agreed. That prohibits the use of motor vehicles to activities on the island. Cidomo and bicycles being the only means of transportation. So here there are many bike rental at the rate of 15 thousand to 70 thousand per hour for one day of use. Smoke pollution and vehicle noise is almost nonexistent. If anything, it comes from the engine generator at one inn or a large restaurant alone.

Garbage was strewn across the road I do not find. Only the dead leaves which provide much in the way of this island village. Garbage cans are colorful with various categories of litter found along the way. From organic waste to paper and plastic are separated in each barrel. In each bin is written "Keep Gili T Green & Clean" with quite large.

Awareness of the garbage on the island is pretty thumbs up. They realized that this island economy relies heavily on tourist visits. So cleanliness is always maintained on the island. In addition to hygiene problems, the population of the island is also maintaining security. Both safety and security of the island for tourists.

I did not find a police station here. Or the sinister-looking men wearing security guard uniforms. Gili Trawangan in effect a kind of awig-awig (custom rules), one of which set of security issues.

One fairly serious sanctions if the culprit is a local resident it will be discarded or can no longer live in Gili Trawangan. Given the attractions in the gili's (including Gili Trawangan) are still the mainstay and the belle of the regional tourism to attract as many tourists. So that tourists can visit in peace to enjoy the island. Foreign tourists can sunbathe in peace all day at the beach. Or go diving without the fear of a bag that was left on the beach is lost.

My journey paused at the sight of two foreigners fun playing giant chess pawns under a shady tree. Not to sit down but stood up to move the pawns. Occasionally seemed to laugh when I took a picture. They are two tourist from Australia who want to spend the new year on this island. One of them whom I met after playing chess, said he chose Gili Trawangan for its beautiful natural beaches are not crowded and the atmosphere is like in Kuta Bali.

Together with some friends, he already was on the island this week. However, when I asked you choose one of Bali or Gili Trawangan, Indonesia itself only answer is beautiful. I can only smile. Because I can not every year traveling to exotic places in Indonesia as they were. Just lucky I had the assignment coverage to Lombok. So that could be seen directly without having to hear his story alone.

Just behind me, there is a building bearing the health clinic. I think good is also the establishment of this clinic, because given the considerable distance to get to the hospital in Lombok. I took time to ask the clerk there. Health clinic is equipped with a doctor and first aid equipment.

This clinic is actually standing in the neighborhood of a five-star hotel that welcomed me earlier. The clinic was only for hotel guests and employees. However, its development in the island's residents can take advantage of the existence of the health clinic. Relief officials here said there is temporary, if it looks worse then a speedboat are ready to bring the patient to a hospital in Lombok.

Time runs fast like here. The black cloud that afternoon did not go away too. So today seems increasingly visible in the afternoon. A casual tourist sitting on a bench with a large duffel bag at his side. I ventured to open a conversation. With English falters, which is important he understand what I mean.

But not unexpectedly, it was the answer I received in the Indonesian language. He was not a tourist, but a worker at one of the hotels on the island. Eric, Belgian citizens who have long settled in Lombok. So do not be surprised if the language is fluent Indonesian. Besides his wife of Indonesia.

Eric was about to return to Lombok to meet his wife who was pregnant. Every two weeks he returned to this island. Eric is a diving instructor who already hold a diving certificate. He taught at one of the Academy Diving in Gili Trawangan.

According to diving here is very beautiful and natural as life under the sea is still awake. Not inferior to other dive sites in Indonesia, such as Bunaken and Raja Ampat he said. Although Eric does not specify where lies the beauty beneath the sea around Gili Trawangan.

However, Eric gave the example that the beauty beneath the sea around the gili filled by a very beautiful stretch of coral. In addition to coral expanse, here divers can also enjoy the beauty of marine life around the island. Such as squid, octopus, blue ribbon eels, scorpion fish and turtles. Also in Gili Trawangan is famous for its exotic coral reef blue.

So it is not surprising that many emerging tool rental places even courses for diving on the island. Eric explained that the rates follow diving courses are still rational for the size of local tourists like me. Without revealing the specific price that is offered to follow such a course.

Too bad chat fun we both disconnected. Eric speedboat which will take across the Bay to the Port of Nare, Lombok has arrived. Before we parted, Eric offered my services to teach diving courses. I can only say, "next time Eric". Because I do not know what could possibly go back to the island.

Speedboat which brought Eric has been crossed off. I decided to walk towards the international luxury hotel. Because according to the story Eric himself working as a diving instructor at the hotel.

When the small rain soaked island fell, some foreign tourists still walk to the beach. Carrying food and soft drinks they frolic. Black clouds and ships that rely on a cloudy afternoon into a panorama.

For a moment I forget the noise and congestion in Jakarta. Forgetting fatigue when spending time on the streets of the capital intensive with a motor vehicle. Here there is only a passing bicycle, and a constantly moving Cidomo carrying passengers.

Something that becomes more value for Gili Trawangan is the peace and tranquility. Privacy is really awake so that they can enjoy a happy holiday without disturbance souvenir hawkers offer. This is what makes Gili Trawangan tourist looks so natural, because like returning to nature.

Time shows at 14.30, when a motor boat leaning. Some people are queuing up the ship. Wooden benches are almost fully occupied. When the ship was about to pull a strap, a passenger yelled to wait a minute. Some are left behind he said. The driver asked him to fast, because the waves will be higher.

I actually wanted to feel the "party" a la Gili Trawangan at night. It's just a change of clothes I was already living in Mataram. I'm curious as to what "party" is always mentioned visitors who stay overnight on this island. Although I did not much like the word "party" itself.

My satisfaction is not yet fulfilled all. Activities range scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or swimming in blue sea nevertheless be lived. Watch the sunset with a silhouette of Mount Agung in Bali Island, has not been accomplished.

The driver of the speedboat that I was riding was waving. While asking whether I stay or return to the Port of Bay Nare, Lombok. I also said it will return soon. Speedboat and then redirected to the beach.

I was determined to return to Mataram. Although in my heart longed to spend the night here. Bids see "party" night of the hotel staff seems hard to resist. But because the next day I had to move on to other sights, then I am forced to reject.

By saying good-bye I just say the word, "someday I'll be back again". The driver gave life vest to wear. Speedboat engine is turned on. As he gave a sign to leave the driver told me to hold on. Not forgetting he asked, "Did you already see the" natural "on the island". I frowned thinking about the nature of the island.

Arriving in the middle of the trip, the waves hit fairly hard hit speedboat. Sometimes the speedboats position under the waves visible while on it. Not long struggle finally Nare Harbour Bay visible in plain sight. The wind was still strong at that time. After leaning on the dock, I do not forget to ask about the nature of Gili Trawangan on the driver. Casually he replied, "many foreigners who naturally could be seen". I can only laugh and understand the meaning.

| @thomazfoto | love traveling | photojournalist |

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