The latest blog posts
Swimming with Turtles on Gili Air: The Best Free Activity You Didn’t Know You Needed
Some holidays are measured in cocktails. Others are measured in sunsets. Mine was measured in turtles (and a few cocktails). […]
The Real Locals of Gili Air (Hint: They All Say Meow)
When people picture Gili Air, they imagine swaying palms, turquoise water, beach bars, bicycles and that wonderfully slow island pace […]
The Gili Air Coke Zero Index: A Scientific Study of Island Affordability
The Gili Air Coke Zero Index: A Scientific Study of Island Affordability Anyone who knows me knows that I […]
My first two sunrises on Gili Air – same but different
One of the reasons I love travelling is that nature never performs the same show twice. You can stand in […]
The adventure begins
Two days ago, I began my latest journey to Gili Air, and as I sit here at the very beginning […]
When is the Perfect Time of Year Visit the Gili Islands?
I’ve come to realise that “perfect timing” means very different things depending on whether you value sunshine, savings, or simply […]
If You Like Piña Coladas, and Not Into Yoga (come with me, I’ll explain)
At my age, I have accepted a few truths about myself. I know all the words to songs that most […]
Top 5 Cultural Mistakes to Avoid in the Gili Islands
Behind the tourism of the Gili Islands tours lies a local community with deep cultural and religious roots. The islands […]
Why do we like holidaying on islands?
I’ve realised that islands are my happy place — and I don’t think I’m alone. First of all, islands have […]
An open air gym where the Flintstones meets Survivor
At 55, I’ll have learned that waiting for the “perfect time” to travel solo is a losing game. So this […]
I Travel Solo to Find Myself — Not My Ketut
I’m at that glorious age where I can remember the Naked Gun movies, I know that if someone says “Shirley…”, […]
Luxury on a Budget: Enjoying the Gili Islands’ Beach Clubs Without Being a Guest
When I first visited the Gili Islands, I assumed the beautiful beachfront lounges I saw—white umbrellas, infinity pools, cocktails served […]
Three of my favourite free things to do on Gili Air
When I first stepped off the boat onto Gili Air, I knew this island would suit me. Of the three […]
Getting to the Gili Islands from Bali – A Realistic Guide
I’ve travelled long enough to know that getting anywhere truly worthwhile usually takes a bit of effort. The Gili Islands are […]
Air-conditioned, central, with an ensuite bathroom for under $32 AUD a night
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a place that feels like a little secret — especially when it costs less […]
Spotlight on one of my favourite places to stay on Gili Air – PinkCoco
There are places you visit, and then there are places that feel as though they’ve been designed with your soul […]
How the ocean swings began on the Gili Islands, and why they took off
The very first ocean swing on Gili Trawangan was built around 2014 by the Hotel Ombak Sunset (sometimes just called […]
The Gili Islands stats and facts – size, population and demographics
Gili Trawangan — The Biggest & Busiest Size & Shape Roughly ~3 km long by ~2 km wide — the […]
Which Gili Island Is Right for You? My Take on All Three
I’ve now spent time on all three of the Gili Islands — and I can honestly say they each have […]
Why I Think the Gili Islands Are Perfect for Solo Travellers (Especially at 55)
As a 55-year-old Australian woman travelling on my own—with a camera permanently slung over my shoulder—I’ve learned that what makes […]