What to Do on Gili Trawangan
I’ve long been a friend of Tripfilms, the New York City-based hub of online travel videos. I’ve only done some minor projects with them, and so I was very excited when they commissioned me to put together two “What to Do in Gili Trawangan” videos.
These were a challenge for me. I have a background in filming and editing thanks to my time working as an underwater videographer. I love being behind the camera, and in front of the editing suite. I’ve enjoyed making my music-video style films from Iceland and Hawaii, but that’s not really the kind of content that Tripfilms commissions. Still, the idea of appearing on film made me cringe! So I compromised and decided to do voiceovers instead. Unfortunately, those still make me wince — I just don’t think hosting is for me! No matter what I do I can’t seem to seem natural. I think that I was trying to avoid sounding like an over caffeinated Minny Mouse, but I kind of swing the other way and sound like a baritone who took a couple Valium. Ah well, it was a fun experiment… but I’m not sure if I’ll do it again unless I can get someone else to do the narration for me. Gili Trawangan is a joy to film in though, and I shot some truly great footage — if I do say so myself!
Click the small HD icon in the lower right corner for best quality
Believe it or not, this is my very last Indonesia post. I wanted to share some final photos from my time on Gili Trawangan, as some of my shots reflecting every day life didn’t seem to make it into any posts this time around.
Surely I’ve shared some photographs of colorful rainbows and local markets, but you can’t fault me for wanting to post these one last time, can you?
I don’t ever want to forget my time on this little island, where horses and bicycles are the means of mass transit.
A place where justice is taken to the streets in a method that seems to be from another century.
A place where home is made of four thin walls and a thatch roof.
An island where little creatures will be your new roommates, whether you invited them or not.
Where time is marked by the call of the mosque.
Where “a quiet night over at your friends’ place” translates to “sunset drinks on your pals’ houseboat.”
Where a tough day at the office means a strong current at the dive site.
Where happy people come to play.
Till next time, Gili Trawangan.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the videos! Any advice for
acting/sounding more natural on camera?
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Last chance! I know you guys are like, shut up already about this darn survey! But for those of you who haven’t filled it out yet, there are just a few more days to have your voice heard!
What a great post, Alex! You did an excellent job on both videos (on both the filming and the commentary). Loved the photos as well. What an amazing experience…
Thanks Krystle! I appreciate the feedback!
Hi Alex, I just found your website really helpful ! I love the video’s , nice ! I can’t wait to get there. I’ve never been to Lombok or the Gili’s so I’m really excited. Your information has helped me relax, just chill about the details of this trip. Now to figure out where to stay while We’re there? any clues ? ideas ? heading there in a wk , stopping in Bali then over to your paradise ! Thanks again for making this adventure fun…I’m smiling.
Hi Gina! I really enjoyed staying at Hook’s Guesthouse. Check out my post on the costs of Gili Trawangan for some photos 🙂
I also enjoyed the videos! The commentary was good and there was nothing wrong with your voice…..the background music is another story though…..looking forwards to visiting Gili!
Unfortunately it is very difficult to find music that has the correct license for commercial use :/ I definitely struggled with that!
I have visited Lombok but didn’t sidetrip to the Gilis, instead rented a moto in town and attempted to ride around the island, which is impossible. The final villagers were amazed I was still alive and the moto was intact, but next time, I’ll just go to Trawangan. I was updating Indonesia Handbook for Moon Publications…
I have friends that have motorbiked around Lombok, so the roads must have improved since then! 🙂
Oh, I also wanted to mention I’ve been on national TV several times in regard to my various guides to SE Asia and most of them were bad, especially the 6am interview here in San Francisco due to a roaring hangover and the strangeness of the TV interview room downtown. The Arthur Frommer interview for Travel Channel was much better, but I was sober and it was a lovely afternoon in Sausalito on the waterfront facing the bridge. Learning how to interview and do voice overs is a learned technique, so relax, get wild and don’t give up. I think you have a future in travel videos!
15,000 monthly readers!! It’s just keeps going up!! Your doing Amazing! Xx
Thanks Kirsty! I check my stats on the first of every month and it’s so exciting 🙂
Also….your narration was fab! No one likes hearig their own voice though (hearing back the Scottish accent is the worse thing ever I think!) you should def do more 🙂 x
Ha, awww… I am always so comforted when I hear that accent 🙂 Makes me think of all your lovely people!
Alex, you had me a little worried when I read your intro to the film, but you were fabulous! The commentary sounded very natural. Don’t sell yourself short, you have more talent than you give yourself credit for!
Thanks Amanda! That is very sweet and I appreciate it 🙂
Great videos Alex! Your voice sounded very natural – I know what you mean though, I absolutely hate hearing recordings of my voice!
Thanks Caroline! The positive feedback is really heartwarming!
I spent the summer there in 1998. Met the manager of Blue Marlin dive shop on Koh Pei Pei in Thailand while on a 2-week vacation. A friend who went there suggested to the manager (Alina, is she still around?) that I go back with her, build there website and in return dive for free for as long as I wanted. Ended up back home in Brooklyn 4 months later. Trip of a lifetime.
Alina is indeed still around! Glad to hear you have such happy memories in Gili 🙂
I would be grateful if you could put us in touch. My email is in the comment for fields, thank you, that would be one heck of a reunion.
Dave, unfortunately I don’t have her contact info! I only met her around the island and I just checked, I can’t even find her on Facebook through our mutual friends. Sorry I couldn’t help!
I hate hearing my own voice too, but you don’t need to worry about anything. The videos are great! You should do more actually.
Thanks Tammy! They are a TON of work so we’ll see how many I really do put together. Luckily Anders loves doing them so once he joins me you can definitely expect more.
Great videos! That was the only one “improvement” i suggested in your survey and im so glad you’ve been listening! I just love seeing your pictures and the videos really make me feel like im there with you!
Thanks Jennifer! I do love filming and editing. Just need to get used to the speaking bit 🙂
Hi Alex,
Will be visiting LOmbok next month, and thingking to stay in Gili T. WHere’ is the best place to stay for 2 nights ? Any advice about the cost from Lombok airport to the island?
Thank you
Hey Chriszy! There are a million little homestays all over Gili T — I loved both Hooks and Koi Gili. Unfortunately I never flew into Lombok Airport, so I can’t help you there. I’m sorry!
I am thinking about going to Bali in September hoping to stop in Gilli (not sure if it’s easy to get to) and learn how to dive since I didn’t have the time in Thailand. Any suggestions or dive shops recommendations in Gilli T?
Thx, Daisy
Hey Daisy, it’s definitely easy to get to… just a speed boat away! I did my diving with Big Bubble, but since I left they have changed location and management. I would check them out plus just have a stroll down the main strip and see if anything catches your eye 🙂
i love your pics, that was great, hope i can go to there soon
Hope you can, too, Ary 🙂 Good luck!
Hi Alex..
What a nice article. Thank you for writting of Indonesia, my country.
There’s another island or place that really beautiful too..like Lombok, Lake Toba, Bukit Tinggi, Raja Ampat..
I have been to Lombok and loved it! The rest I hope to hit up next time 🙂 You have a beautiful country.
Hi Alex!
I’m headed to Gili T for Xmas this year – and CANNOT WAIT. Do you have recommendations on where to stay? I think I’ll book in advance because I assume it’ll be extra busy during Christmas (tons of Aussies?).
Thanks!
Hi Tobye! I don’t know if the places I’ve stayed even have websites, but you can find a summary here. Hope that helps and happy travels!
Hi Alex,
I’ll be doing an impromptu visit to Terawangan at the end of the month to dive. Can you recommend a cheap but nice home stay and a dive center that are close to each other and preferably facing the beach please? 🙂 Thank you!
Anyway I’m the same girl that have dropped a comment your blog before asking about Rinjani remember? 😉
Zita
Hey Zita, the good news is the island is crazy small so basically everything is close together, and all the dive shops face the beach 🙂 The home stays do not — they generally are slightly inland. This post has info on the two guesthouses I stayed in on the island. Hope that helps!
Hi Alex,
I’m indonesian, and i just know that the thief will be punished by “show” them around in the street in Gili. Haha.
I suggest you to visit borneo, komodo island and papua.
Have fun!
Yup, I saw the perp walk take place once on Gili Trawangan! Was quite the sight to see. I look forward to returning and seeing more of Indonesia someday!
I am very proud of your visit to Indonesia , I love the pictures and videos you website and i like it.
You have a beautiful country! Thanks for having me 🙂
I’m off to Gili Air to do my DM in October, reading this post got me so excited!
I’m so happy to hear that, Francesca! Have you read all my DMT posts?
Alex, lovely photos!
But I must say, you seem to love the place because of its horses, markets, bikes, and general – “from another time” – laid back feeling, but then show contempt when their punishment style is also from the same mindset and era. It’s hard sometimes to put your self in others shoes but important when traveling.
Gyan
Hi Gyan, perhaps I did a poor job of expressing myself because I certainly did not feel contempt over the style of punishment in Gili Trawangan. I certainly marveled at it quite wide-eyed as it is a million miles away from what I’ve always known! But that is indeed why we travel.
Wow super inspiring. A friend showed me your site and I am thinking of going to Indonesia to do my divemaster certification and this gorgeous little island seems like an awesome spot. thanks for the writeup!
I’m so grateful I chose Gili Trawangan to do my divemaster. Some of the happiest times of my life! Good luck and happy diving, Jason.
Great post! Im looking forward to go there in a few weeks time…Lets just hope the fire will be under control then
Indeed! I couldn’t believe when it was affecting airport closures all the way up here in Thailand. However, from my understanding the fires are in a different part of Indonesia and are not affecting Gili Trawangan.
Love Gili T! One of the best Islands in the world! NO Cars, just dirt walking paths for peddle bikes! If you looking for a true island to hang out and enjoy life Gili T is it! The diving is also 5 stars!
I miss it terribly! Would love to head back and visit again someday…
nice post, I wish someday I can visit one of Gili.
They are beautiful islands, Yocta!
Wow I can’t believe that guy being paraded through the streets. Another world!
I know. One of the things I love about travel and living abroad — having my eyes opened to how diverse this world can be!
Hi Alex,I’m visiting Gili Trawangan this September, what bars can you reccomend to go at night?
Hey there! The bar scene changes so fast anywhere that I’d be afraid of offering an out of date recommendation. But the good news is Gili is teeny itty bity tiny, so basically just stroll around the streets and see where the party is 🙂 Enjoy!
I have been thinking to visit Gili islands again and gave the underwater experience there for the second chance. When I was there, I saw the corals were ruined 🙁 although there were plenty of turtles around the islands, overall it was still a good experience. Thanks for the post and you took good video 🙂
There is indeed a fair amount of coral damage throughout the Gilis and Southeast Asia at large. Hopefully it is an eye opener for the people who dive and snorkel there to take conservation seriously! Thanks for commenting.