The New Bali, Gili Islands

Bali may have the most electrifying beach parties in the world and Phuket may be the tropical paradise of your dreams but with all the hype and fame surrounding these places the prices of accommodation and other facilities have sky rocketed in these two tourist hotspots. Considering the current recession in the global economy most of us can not spend that much on our vacations but idea of a relaxing vacation in a tropical island of South East Asia is so attractive that most of us cant resist the temptation.

So, experienced travelers that have spent a few years traveling to the south east Asian islands will tell you to search a little for places in the region that are as beautiful as Phuket, Langkawi or Bali and yet they don’t have the same hefty price tag attached to them. We have one recommendation for you if you are looking for spending a memorable vacation on an island with lush surroundings and white sandy beaches; it’s the Gilli Islands of Indonesia.

Located between Bali and Lombok the gorgeous Gili islands have remained off the sight of the tourist who have just recently acknowledged the true potential of these beautiful islands. Their soft sandy beaches, excellent settings, stunning sunsets and lush surroundings are attracting more and more tourist each year and it is believed that soon the islands will be flocked with the tourists. But till that time comes the islands are mostly deserted and there are enough places to find solitude and to get a full body tan.

For getting to the islands you will have to take a cheap flight to Bali and then take the shuttle service that goes to Lombok and makes a short stop at the Gili islands. The tourism infrastructure of the islands is pretty basic but recently with the increasing influx of the tourists more and more hotels are opening up in the area that caters to all the needs of the tourists. There are three islands in the Gili archipelago Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Taravangan with each one of them having its own flavor and attraction. If you are looking for a peaceful island and want to relax in its solitude then head to Gili Meno with its lush surroundings and peaceful beaches.

But if you are interested in some beach parties then staying in Gili Taravangan will be a better idea as it has most of the nightclubs and bars of the area and also is the place with the liveliest nightlife. Gili Air is much of a fusion of both of other gilis as it has a vibrant night life but you can also find enough deserted places on the island to relax in. There are plenty of water sports to indulge your self in ranging from snorkeling and scuba diving in its clear waters to Para gliding and sport fishing. Most of the Gili beaches are open for swimmers and swimming in the lukewarm waters of the islands can be a memorable experience.