Para...Para...Paradise

As we hadn't had our fill of rest and relaxation in Bali, we decided to head to the Gili islands off the Lombok coast for some more beach time and cocktails.

With a recommendation of 'one of the top 10 places to see before you die' from the Lonely Planet we were expecting a lot. We were not disappointed.



Made up of three islands, the pace of life is slow and focuses upon snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing.

It is a diver's paradise and has some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, particularly well known for its sea turtles. After our experience at the Great Barrier Reef we were excited at the prospect of getting to see these magnificent creatures again. So we invested in a snorkelling day trip to get to the hidden coves and deeper water sites. On the trip we were lucky enough to see about six turtles in the deeps, and even got close enough to touch one who seemed totally unfazed and allowed us to swim with him (or her) for about five minutes. Unfortunately my stupid husband's GoPro had run out of battery by this point! He did manage to get lots of lovely pictures of coral and fish though. Its not like we don't have millions of those already.

Aside from snorkelling we spent time exploring each island which have their own identity. Gili Trawangan, where we stayed, is known as the party island. As we were there during the low season it wasn't too busy but there are lots of beach front bars to enjoy an aperitif or two.

There is also a fab night food market which is definitely worth a visit. We ate there almost every night. The corn on the cobs were 'to die for' :) Honestly I don't think I could eat a better corn on the cob if I tried. Garlic butter, salt and chili cooked on the BBQ. They also had a fab cake stand with all local delicacies.

The islands are Muslim and don't allow dogs or cars/motorbikes which helps to keep a sense of calm and rustic life. It does, however, have cats. A lot of cats... and kittens. We got a bit obsessed. We even found our own Gili Mylo and Gili Gizmo.

The other islands Gili Meno and Gili Air are similar but a lot quieter and less built up. We headed over to each for day trips.

I can't really say much more about Gili. It truly is paradise and Mike and I spent many an evening watching the sun go down, plotting how to turn vacant land plots into our new empire. Here's hoping.