During the boat journey to Lombok, I read about a remote island off Lombok, called Gili Meno. Small enough to walk around in a day and at that time, had no electricity. Although, I think they do now.
Back when I was there, the deal was, you wait for a boat to take you over, from Lombok to Gili Meno, which could could take hours of waiting. Or better still, chip in with some other travellers you meet standing around wanting to know what to do. I talked to the other travellers, told them it will cost us about $2.00 each, we may get a few locals bum a ride, without asking, but we can hire a boat and go straight away. That is what I did.
Horses and carts were waiting on the beach. A little negotiating and we were off, until I found the hut I wanted to stay in and wow! I was in paradise. No electricity, no cars.
I could have spent my entire time here.
So relaxed, great snorkelling, not many tourists, or at least the tourists you don't mind bumping into and sharing this remote little piece of paradise with. Thankfully, from what I have read, not a lot has changed.
I could have spent my entire time here.
So relaxed, great snorkelling, not many tourists, or at least the tourists you don't mind bumping into and sharing this remote little piece of paradise with. Thankfully, from what I have read, not a lot has changed.
Upon arriving, I realised very quickly, the thing to do was, buy a hammock, string it up on your private verandah of your hut, lie back and wonder what everyone else is doing at Kuta! It couldn't be as good as this.
I still have that hammock and every time I use it, all these years later, wonderful memories of Gili Meno come flooding back.
The next day I walked around the entire island. A swim and and a snorkel here and there. Just when I was feeling like I was the only person on the island and it was time to strip down and take a skinny dip, two girls appeared from nowhere to sell me some natural pearls. Well why not. I have since had them re-strung and still wear them from time to time all these years later.
A little later I came across Good Heart Restaurant, it consisted of a lean to, a few chairs and tables, on the beach, some tea lights in old jars and a beautiful sunset.
When it was time to have dinner, I talked about my interest in Balinese food and my cooking lessons in Ubud. Before I knew it, I was invited back to the 'kitchen' which consisted of an area where the food was prepared to watch and learn more about Balinese culture and cooking.
The owner mentioned, how he would like a sponsor, a business partner, his dream was to build some huts, so he too, could provide accommodation for tourists.
I thought long and and hard about this, for many months but upon my return to Australia and the rat-race, time and life moved on. Every now and then, I wondered, what it would be like to share that dream.
His dream came true!
I found this little you tube clip - which shows it hasn't changed much since I was there last, accept now, he has some huts!
The owner mentioned, how he would like a sponsor, a business partner, his dream was to build some huts, so he too, could provide accommodation for tourists.
I thought long and and hard about this, for many months but upon my return to Australia and the rat-race, time and life moved on. Every now and then, I wondered, what it would be like to share that dream.
His dream came true!
I found this little you tube clip - which shows it hasn't changed much since I was there last, accept now, he has some huts!
After my cooking tips, some great conversations, a beautiful sunset, it was time to head back, in the dark, to my hut.
On the journey back, I wondered how I would find my hut in the dark, with my little torch. I needed not to wonder. As I approached, the path and the steps were lined with lanterns and my hut had a warm and welcoming glow of light for my arrival.
On the journey back, I wondered how I would find my hut in the dark, with my little torch. I needed not to wonder. As I approached, the path and the steps were lined with lanterns and my hut had a warm and welcoming glow of light for my arrival.
The hut was wonderful and very basic. Not quite as elaborate as my two storey hut that awaited me in Candidasa but simple, clean, sheets and a mosquito net, for $7.00 a night with breakfast, a bargain.
The bathroom consisted of a typical open roof, tiled area but with a big drum full of water, called a mandi. There, you scoop some water over you, soap up and then scoop more water over you, to get rid of the suds. The water is tepid and heated from the rays of the sun from the open roof and refreshing in the heat of the Balinese tropics.
Some friendly tips:
A torch is always handy, I never travel without one.
Towels are not always provided. Take a bath towel and buy a bali blanket for the beach.
Gili Meno is not, sandy beaches but coral, so surf shoes are a must, thongs, don't keep your feet safe and they can double as walking shoes.
If you have room and are concerned about wearing snorkeling mouth pieces that many have used before, might also be good to bring your own, especially if you are walking around and want to have a random snorkel.
Some friendly tips:
A torch is always handy, I never travel without one.
Towels are not always provided. Take a bath towel and buy a bali blanket for the beach.
Gili Meno is not, sandy beaches but coral, so surf shoes are a must, thongs, don't keep your feet safe and they can double as walking shoes.
If you have room and are concerned about wearing snorkeling mouth pieces that many have used before, might also be good to bring your own, especially if you are walking around and want to have a random snorkel.
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| It is so relaxing at Gili Meno, even the geckos make love |
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| They Good Heart Restaurant had signs dotted along the beach, promising the best sunset views on the island |
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