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Gili Islands

If you are in search of a picture-perfect tropical island with sparkling azure waters and soft golden beaches, then look no further than the Gilis. Situated just off Lombok, these three small satellite islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are the Western beach lovers’ paradise; boasting long hot days, easy-going locals, and enough palm trees to impress even the most well-travelled sun-seeker.

In recent years, it is the largest island – Gili Trawangan (or ‘Gili T’ as it is commonly referred to) – that has undoubtedly gained the most renown. Reached by speedboat from Bali or neighbouring Lombok, Gili T has become a mainstay on the backpacker trail and tends to attract a slightly younger and livelier crowd than Gili Meno and Gili Air. Nightlife here continues until late, with most nights ending up at the island’s largest Irish bar ‘Tir Na Nog’ or one of the many buzzing beachside bars along the coastline. For those in search of a more relaxed evening, the island is also well endowed with upmarket restaurants serving mouth-watering food at incredibly reasonable prices. Health junkies will love the nutritious fare on offer at 'Pituq', and those preferring refined European cuisine will be undeniably impressed by the offerings at 'Scallywags', where diners are treated to breathtakingly beautiful Indonesian sunsets every night.

For those who are apprehensive about Gili T’s raucous nightlife, we recommend instead a visit to Gili Air or Gili Meno. The second largest island of the archipelago, Gili Air is delightfully peaceful and exudes laid-back charm: like its neighbouring islands, this is due in large part to the local authorities’ ban on all motorised vehicles which has limited transport to quaint bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Free of any landmark sightseeing spots, time spent on Gili Air is best spent blissfully relaxing along the stretching coastline, reading a good book and peeking out at the sparkling sea beyond. Gili Meno offers much the same draw – although with fewer tourists still and arguably a more authentic Indonesian atmosphere (not to mention the chance to see sea turtles at Turtle Point!).

Although the landscapes of these islands are undeniably breathtaking, it is the underwater world offshore that remains the real gem of this archipelago. Fortunately dive schools are in abundance across the Gilis, offering support and instruction to divers of all levels as well as reasonably priced PADI certification courses. We recommend a visit to Shark Point off Gili T for a chance to see larger marine species including reef sharks, rays and green turtles, as well as a dive at Wreck Point near Mentigi Beach to explore the decaying remains of a sunken ship.

With each island possessing its own unique character, there truly is something for every type of traveller in the Gili Islands.

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There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

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We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
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Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
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Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
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- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
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- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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