Gili Terwangan

Tourist islands without autos are not all that unusual; our expectations for Gili Terwangan are based on experience. But Gili T exceeds those expectations by a quantum leap. 

The island is ringed by white coral sand beaches and turquoise waters. The surf breaks gently over the offshore reefs. 

Tourists are welcomed and catered to. 

One immediately notices the main assisted transport modes. More on that later. 

Eve and I walk the coast along the southern half of the island. We cross the middle of the island back to our start to experience the interior, such as it is on this small island. 

Pausing for a beer near the boat terminal, we observe the goings on at the island’s “freight harbor“. The shipments brought by boat are laboriously carried to land and loaded onto mule drawn carts for carriage to their final destination. Auto free also means truck free. 

We stroll a bit down the coast to find a spot where we can catch the sunset. Despite the heavy clouds, we are entranced. 

For dinner, we choose a spot on the water to enjoy our grilled fish platters on this lovely, balmy night. 

One final remark on the local transport. Mopeds and scooters are everywhere, but they are all electric. And silent. Imagine an island without a single gasoline powered engine emitting fumes and noise into the night. 

As befits a tourist island, night falls, and life really gets underway. Fortunately, there are lots of taxis (mule drawn) to get one back home.

A delightful day. Eve and I love Gili T.