Gili T

A van picked me up from my homestay at 8.30am along with a German couple. We were taken about 45 minutes north to the port of Bangsal. Well actually, instead of being taken to the port, they took us to their restaurant/cafe about an hour early and a five minute walk to the port. Firstly they want us to spend money in the cafe and secondly they want us to spend money on the horse and carriage to take us to the port. It's the same con that I've experienced over and over again and it's getting very old.

I got chatting to two French girls, Stéphanie and Marie, who were also getting the boat to Gili Trawangan (known as 'Gili T' by most tourists). The boat was full of locals, fruit and vegetables. It was very cramped and uncomfortable but it only took about 35 minutes so it wasn't a problem. We arrived on the island and walked to find accommodation. After failing to find somewhere suitable, Marie remembered a recommendation from her friend, a place called Little Woodstock. It turned out to be lovely and the right price. Here's a photo of my room on stilts above the swimming pool.

We had a swim with a nice cold beer and relaxed in to island life. We had lunch at a beach restaurant and enjoyed the stunning views with a few more beers. We were all exhausted so had a little afternoon nap before some cocktails and dinner in the evening. It's so nice being back on a small island!