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[westozgal]

Tropical paradise or environmental vandalism?

If are you grasping for a cheap holiday a visit to the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok and Bali, will ultimately have a cost beyond the rupiah.

Everything you buy, or service you use - all fresh water, food and the staff of the places you will eat, drink and stay, are freighted onto this desert island. So, it’s a fantasy set up for tourists that is environmentally unsustainable.

Although we didn’t dive we did hire a glass bottomed boat to do some island hopping and snorkelling amongst the mostly bleached coral reef where we attempted to dodge the plastic flotsam.

Our cravings for dining out and eating a genuine Indonesian/ Gili Island meal were left unmet in this fake place where the only restaurants are those set up on the beach for tourists.

If you have any compassion for living things, don’t try saving rupiah by overloading all your luggage and travel party into one poor pony cart. The price for two won’t blow the budget... and you’re on holiday so take the luxury of having the the driver slow down, see the sites and spare the sweat of your pony. And just spare a thought for the services cart ponies who must ferry all goods from the harbour. Look with open eyes and don’t use a pony which is lame or suffering pain if you must take a ride rather than walk. When choosing your driver for getting to and from your accommodation and warung tell them you won’t tolerate. a skeletal horse or one with sores around the girth. Let your money talk.

Overall ,we were really disappointed with Gili T, especially after all the hyped reviews we had read. What really spoiled our stay was the treatment of the ponies, many were underfed, overworked in high temperatures, often overloaded by lazy western tourists who seemed oblivious to the plight of the poor beasts. I am pretty ashamed of the huge environmental footprint I made by staying on this island.

[starlagurl]

Interesting. I think that most people here would agree that places overloaded with tourists are generally bad for the environment. Right?

[sqm]

The part about the ponies really got to me. I often assume the humane treatment of animals because animal rights are highly regarded in Canada. I don't think I'll be going to Gili Islands. If I do, I'll be bringing my "FREE THE PONIES" signs with me.

[azreal]

Interesting. I think that most people here would agree that places overloaded with tourists are generally bad for the environment. Right?

You would know Mz. Niagara Falls.

[starlagurl]

Would I, Mr. Mysterious?

[azreal]

and the plot thickens.

[balifamous]

No problem

Go on holidays to Bali than :-)

[symai]

I stayed at Gili for 5 days this summer. The treatment of the horses was terrible!!.. most of the horses had big open sores around the girth (orange size) and were very skinny! They worked all day in the sun (and night) and I could not see them get water.. I`m sure some of them will not last longer than this summer..they looked very sic!! When I confronted the drivers with this, they got angry and told me that it was no problem.. This was a problem for me and will be a problem for them if they dont start treating the horses better.. I understand that they have another culture..but another culture does not give you the right to treat animals bad..!!

Making horses work to earn money for your family is OK. That`s not the problem..But the horses need food, wather, some rest and the open sores must be treated. That`s all I`m asking for..If you are Indonesian living on Gili, please take responsibility for this and help the horse owners learn how to treat their animals!! If you are a tourist visiting Gili; DO NOT SUPPORT THIS ANIMAL CRULTY BY USING THE HORSE TRANSPORT!! Please!!

[danstravelworld]

Wowee, I stayed across the Gili's this year for a couple of weeks and yes the horses weren't the best. But, I'm not trying to defend what you may have seen, bear in mind the horses are very expensive to the locals there and the worse they are, the less work they get out of the horse and resultant income to the family. Some of the guys we met on the other Gili's looked after their horses pretty darn well. After all, no horse, no money...

If you only stayed on Gili T then I agree, the Gili's are terrible. Gili T was solely there for the purpose of dive resorts and anywhere that already has an Irish Bar is going to have that type of atmosphere. Kuta for example...we couldn't get off quick enough.

Gili Meno and Gili Air were a lot nicer. We were lucky enough to stay somewhere and eat local food (mainly freshly caught fish!) daily. Agreed, they had options for the slightly 'less adventurous' tourist but it was available nonetheless. The family we stayed with were born on the island, but educated on Lombok. The water was ground source, the vegetables were from their garden and the fish from the seas around the island. Breakfast was eggs from their chickens and baked bread. There was limited electricity and the main imports were fresh water and alcohol. I didn't consider this too bad. I think there is plenty of choice available for the more discerning traveller. I'm the first to admit I'm probably not the most enviro-conscious traveller - I try my hardest - but at the same time I still believe there are options about to suit.

I think all in all the Gili's are only really a dive resort that has thrived because of the good quality of sights there and hence there's nothing on the islands. I enjoyed my time on Gili Air and Gili Meno. I wouldn't recommend a trip to Gili T though.

Avoid the horses or bear in mind the previous advice when using one, but don't ignore Gili A & M altogether. The waters are amazing. I didn't see any rubbish. I did see a fantastic underwater life and some huge turtles though.

[kimadam]

I have visited Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia first time. I really enjoyed the trip with my friends. We did enjoy a lot.

[kimadam]

I have visited Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia first time. I really enjoyed the trip with my friends. We did enjoy a lot.

[kimadam]

I have visited Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia first time. I really enjoyed the trip with my friends. We did enjoy a lot.






peregrine travel

[villaholidays]

There are tons of guests going to Gili Island so I assume the place is left with lots of trash and also, probably worn out. For me it's quite exploited by the people since thousands are visiting the island every year. The best thing to do for the local authorities is to reinforce the maintenance and the clean up drive of Gili.