Above: Beautiful Gili Meno.
This is the day off that I had earned. Actually, the whole time here was meant to be for chilling but I ended up doing my Advanced dive certification instead! Absolutely no regrets as I enjoyed all the dives.
“My” island of Gili Trawangan is the most touristy of the three Gili islands. I decided to go visit Gili Meno (the neighbouring island, the least touristed one) today. The remaining island of Gili Air is somewhat in-between in terms of development and character.
I took the 0930 boat over. The ride was about USD2.50 and took about 15 minutes; that’s quite expensive as it was only USD1.00 from the mainland to Gili Trawangan (taking perhaps 45 mins). The former operates for tourists where as the latter operates for locals, both using identical boats … that, together with supply-and demand explains the pricing difference.
On Gili Meno, I explored the east and north coasts where most visitor accommodation was centred. It was a 30 minute walk between these two areas, taking me through the centre of the island which was very local and undeveloped.
I swam and ate at both beaches. Soon enough it was time to catch the 1515 boat back to Gili Trawangan.
Once back, I had enough time for a massage but couldn’t fit yoga in.
While in the Gilis, I’ve met a few locals who have worked illegally in Malaysia (or even in Kuching). Some were smuggled across by land through Pontianak. They have no resentment against Malaysians for “abusing” them in this manner, perhaps because it was a good deal for them too? Illegal immigrant labour is a very big problem in Malaysia, judging from how often I meet people who have been across.