It's not about the money, it's about the hassle, Indonesia is becoming more and more ridiculous... Tourist tax, arrival tax, departure tax, daily tax, snorkeling tax, clown tax... 🤡
A local from Lombok here. It is always a better option, albeit more pricey, to fly from Bali to Lombok, stay in Lombok (if possible), then take the boat to the Gilis. Less hassle, less stress mentally and physically. And don't forget to being bottled water everywhere, especially on the boat, the heat just sucks the energy out of you.
So happy we've been there 1992. Just a deserted little island in the ocean, like in a picture book...(There were no shops, no streets, just five huts and a vast, white, clean beach.)
I wish we got to experience that. We kinda did I guess during Covid when no one was on the island but it was a ghost town and all the shops were closed
Same, travelling there is a nightmare, we didn't have to pay tax. Our boat was cancelled on the way back. Next time ( if we go back ) fly to Lombok and get a boat from Lombok to Gili T. Hotel was fantastic.
I just left Gili T. I’m only a few minutes into you’re video but I can tell you I will never go back. From the inconvenience of the ferry’s, to the bullshit made up “taxes”, to the insane crowds, to so so so much more. Not at all what I was expecting. Grateful for the experience but not interested in returning. *Not sure why you’re not allowed to be honest about your experience. Commenters taking offense to it is wild! I wish I would’ve seen this video sooner actually.
Thanks for watching Melinda! Yeah the experience is abit chaotic the government can def do more to make the process smoother. I think if we ever do decide to visit again we’d try the smaller island of Gili air where there aren’t as many tourists from what I hear
We are in Ubud, its been ten years, everyone told us Bali is ruined. I would have to say I agree. Its really sad. The people are still amzing, its still beautiful, but its not the same as it once was. But honesly I think your splitting hairs on the tax of under $4 dollars. Thats the price of a water in western countries.
it has changed a lot. Yeah I know the price is cheap, what I'm getting at is that they could of done a better job of streamlining the process as it was just chaos for everyone arriving
I read you in the comments saying that you haven’t been to other Gili islands although you have been to Gili T more than once. That’s a bit shame, also because this video doesn’t help out me to decide to go there or not because putting together all the Gilis it might add up to a worthwhile experience.
thx, great video. i am planning to go tomorrow to the gili islands. (i am now at Bali). But your video makes me doubt. i dont like the hassle at all. What is the price for the horse carriage?
afaik the tax on arrival is a harbor tax, if you get in somewhere else (like the ferry from lombok the locals also take) you won't pay this, we hopped off onto the beach and that was it not that it's a lot of money either way, but the lines seem annoying tbh I found getting there and back (via lombok) pretty straightforward, the reason I won't be going back again is that the entire island of gili t reeks of desperation and selling themselves and their island to tourists still very pretty though
Thank you for the heads up ! People are missing the point of this video. Its not about the money! Its about all the disorganization . Now I am more prepared for THIS part. After this I Will enjoy the amazing Gili 🥰
You’re only pointing out all the negatives! Which is a shame as some ppl will watch this and might decide not to go. You will draw attention in life to things that matter most, if tax and charges of whatever is what matter most then you’re missing the point of your surroundings. Don’t forget how lucky you are to be visiting a place on Earth that’s so beautiful and which most ppl will never have a chance to visit!
This is only my experience and my point of view. You can see many other people documenting the same thoughts i'm not the first and i won't be the last. Whether people decide to go through the same headache of getting there is up to them.
Alexandre’s experiences are exemplary for this type of mass tourism lead by the TikTok generation. I completely agree with his statements. Last visit Gillis for me was in 2015, and promised myself to go never ever back to the Gili’s. In June I stayed on Bali and Lombok much more relaxed and distanced from the tiktokkie-insta-fluencers-sheeps.
thats right, i wanted to go tomorrow , i already booked a guesthouse. But this vidoe makes me doubt. I am not a big spender and i dont like all the hassle, just a quitte traveler.
Gillis were over more than 15 years ago. I remember when it was mostly bamboo huts and a few upscale rentals. Boats weren’t allowed to anchor on front beach. Passed through on my way to Desert Point on Lombok around 6 years ago and was horrified. Never again!
better option to go there is by plane. stay in a nice villa in Kuta lombok on the 1st day , then go to Gili T from the lombok side. it is less crowded and the boat ride is shorter. to go back to bali.. if you check out from Gili by the morning, you should be able to catch a 3pm flight to denpasar. longer route but less hustling. stay in a nice villa at kuta lombok again on the way back is also an option. So many nice and cheap villas in kuta lombok too
Is it the same case for other Gilis? That crowd though. I never been to Gili Trawangan but Gili Air pre Covid time. It was one of the best. Less crowd and I could relax the whole time there. Good to see tourists are back to boost up the economy, but I'm not a fan of touristy places.
Yeah so I believe everyone has to enter through Gili t and then they take the ferry to the other Gili islands at least that’s what we saw other passengers do. I’m sure the other ones aren’t as packed since Gili t is the most popular
@@alexandwhite That is not true, you can go directly to all the Gili's either from Lombok or Bali. Gili Meno is very quiet and Gili Air is a little busier but not as busy as Gili T
local govt(mataram autorities) should take over this mess and make it simpler how hard is it to be included in your boat tickets… those 10k here and there would just go to random pockets, nothing about cleanliness or taking care of the islands…. such a shame..
Thanks for this video, my wife and i were trying to decide whether to stop there for a few days between Lombok and Lembongan and with all this hassle it just doesnt seem worth it ❤
Hopefully this means all you complaining tourists will go elsewhere and Gilli T will go back to what it used to be. The taxes are so damn cheap and the only reason they started charging them was there were too many tourists.
This is a very one sided view of a beautiful remote destination that takes a bit of effort to get to. You admit that you made a few mistakes and it is good to warn people, but whinging about paying the odd dollar or cent here and there is a bit pathetic, next time just smile, enjoy your trip and accept that these people have far far less than you, so maybe give them a little leeway. The Gili's are stunning but unfortunately you went to the busiest Gili - Gili Trewangan, at the busiest time of the year so frankly what do you expect? i suppose you got your video clicks so you're happy, but I don't think this is a really representative viewpoint
I’ve been to Gilis plenty of times, not my first. My videos are here to provide information to you. Im not the only one complaining, so are the Indonesian local tourists who are also being nickeled and dimed. So it’s not really one sided when you say “it’s just the odd dollar here or there” it’s every island now. The money isn’t really the issue but more of the inconvenience this causes every traveler with the long lines. if people don’t point out the issues, things don’t change.
I’ve been to GT a number of times and it’s a place that’s designed to rinse tourists of money, as simple as that. And if you’re happy being conned out of money then you’re just the tourist they’re looking for. I agree with this video.
The gillis were stunning some time ago. Your statement just shows you have no idea what they once were. Waters have become polluted because of more reasons that i can go into, the main island is way overcrowded in high season with infrastructure that can’t cope which has caused the erosion of many reefs and the disappearance of many marine species that were once seen in abundance. Shall i mention the leaking fuel from every boat which has contaminated the entire area! You are part of the problem with tourists that only see things on the surface. 😊
I hope the port taxes go to reef restoration or island or port improvements, it’s such a small amount but can add up with constant flow of visitors who really impact the beauty of the islands…it’s smart they have a tax to prepare for these negative impacts
To be honest, i was there last december. Wasn't my first time, so i guess i knew my way around and had some local friends. I just came early, payed my tax, and left the pier to have a beer 😂 no hassle. Theres also a cheap local boat to Lombok for about 15k idr. Worth it!
The easy way go to gili actually from lombok island .n the boat also cheap from there only about $1-8 for 30 minutes.n if you want go to bali from Lombok island by air plane that only take 30 minutes cost lest then $100
Those fees will only increase. I knew this was coming. The total fees is not bad. Just the extra hassle. Indonesian tourism is not really good at organization. I wouldn’t call this a scam. If this was Thailand, it would be all bundled in one price with much more organized process. That bartender did scam you. I always tell the scammers that bad karma will come their way with a smile on my face after i paid them my scam haha
I think the problem is too many tourists & foreigners/bule living in Bali now make the place too crowded & a bit pricey & locals start charging everything in dollar value...not like it used to be where I could get drink or food much less..& rarely see bule tourists..now everything change for the worst w/ tax & unregulated fee we called it PUNGLI ( PUNGUTAN LIAR😂 )
@@johang8789 when i go back, I’m going to bring USD in small bills so when they quote me in usd , i will pay them in USD lol my favorite is when they do that at a temple. Literally the most insulting way for a local to represent their own culture, sad but funny as hell
Well..just avoid all those cattle places.. Gili T, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, even Ubud center... So many better places to enjoy and experience Bali, and Lombok has plenty of other Gili's (small islands) which still are what Gili T was 25yrs ago. Although Gili Air is still pleasant. As for those fast boats; a disaster will sooner or later happen. Same as with Lion Air; no way I will go on those things. Not many know that the ocean between Bali and Lombok is one of the most dangerous and tricky seas in the world. Very unpredictable as it crosses the Walace Line (border between S.E.Asia and East Asia. Only 2 of those fast boat companies are reliable: Bluewater and Eka Jaya. As for the taxes and no prices; nothing wrong to empty the pockets of tourists ...
Indeed, typing this from Gili Gede. 3 hotels on whole island as big as Gili t 😂 And the harbour fee is just to use the new pier btw, taking the public boat to lombok avoids that + not busy on the boat (and way cheaper!) 😅
In Gili right now. The “fast boat” was pretty dodgy. The first boat didn’t leave the harbour because one of the outboards was experiencing electrical issues. When we got out of the port you could see the tide really running very hard. The waters here are extremely treacherous. You’re probably right… a few accidents will happen.
STAY AWAY from GILI & Bali..there are many places/ countries Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore with much better in term of transportation & food
Thank you so much for your video. We stayed in Uluwatu and it was an absolute madness! Traveled up to Ubud, a little bit better but still very busy and the traffic is bad. We were thinking about heading to the Gili's until we saw your video. No thank you. The fact that they charge everywhere for everything makes for not the best experience. Heading to Vietnam instead. Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing this video. I was planning to visit in December but seems not worthwhile. Do you have any suggestions for beautiful islands to visit in mid-December?
Why is the horse carriage controversial? I asked the people when I was there and they said the horses only work for around 3 to 4 hours and then they get to rest. I went to gili trawangan for my honeymoon and it was actually nice there. Gili trawangan is called the “party island” of the Gilis, that’s why it’s the most crowded. Despite all the troubles you had I wish you showed more of the nicer parts of the island that it clearly has
Controversial because everyone thinks they aren’t in the best condition. Locals will say they only work 4 hours but who knows really. Yeah we didn’t get a chance to stay on meno or air. I think if we ever go back we’ll stay there instead. I’ve heard there are some nice hotels and resorts being built there now
Presumably this was filmed in August..high season. Busiest month of the year. Much quieter out of season. I've lived on Gili Meno 13 years. It's still really beautiful & has retained that laid back vibe. Easy to find a quiet white beach to chill even in August. Fast boats you need to pick & choose. Some infinitely better than others. Really enjoy your videos you guys. 👍
Yeah we filmed this right at the beginning of august. The fast boat is def the worst part but I’m sure the other Gili islands would be much more laid back
Hi Alex! This is crazy! All those taxes and chaos. I’m moving from London to Thailand next month. I was thinking a lot about choosing Bali but after being there and in the Gili islands a couple of times a few years ago, I can tell how much it changed. This video just makes me even happier to have chosen Thailand. Great video and thank you for all the info! 😊 Big love to both of you!
To overcome the taxes is the least, what about the mass tourism? The barely nothing you can do or explore, the bleached corals (which are overgrown with algae). Even the dive spots from the past are not interesting anymore.
Indonesia/ Bali is a such scam paradise and i was robbed in Kuta, i have it on my gopro. even the Facebook groups are full of crime reports and local authorities not supporting. I have too many stories to narrate, not to mention the drugs sold openly. I haven't returned ever since. Sri Lanka looks really really like Bali, is fantastic and very safe.
We’ll be visiting Sri Lanka it’s on our list! But yeah it’s pretty common for tourists to get their phones stolen in Bali, and in Gili they sell drugs openly
@@alexandwhite visit Sri Lanka in the Summers if you want to enjoy the beaches in their true beauty. the beaches are Bali-level or even better. i haven't seen such beautiful blue waters in a long time.
A friend of mine were talking about it today as we crossed the channel in the fast boat. People being offered beer at padangbai while Waiting for the boat to board. People walking up the side of the boat as we were cruising, none of the staff care at all. People could be drunk and fall in and I find it hard to believe that this hasn’t happened in the past or in the near future. There’s hardly any railing and there was a lot of swell, tide and wind so the boat was listing to the side often. Pretty Wild West!
Go from lombok and take public ferry... 10000x easier and faster then the tourist boats. For people that think Gili islands are too busy, go to Gili Gede in Southwest lombok; 3 hotels on whole island, the island is same size as Gili T 😅
@@alexandwhite its quit nice, but very quiet aswell :) most gili's in southwest have 0 buildings on it or its abondoned, only gili Gede a few small hotels. But hardly any options for food or stores 😜 so you better like the food from your hotel, cause thats about it haha The diving/coral is amazing there though! Currently on holiday and my 4th visit to Gili T, but first time to Gili Gede. Definatly going back to Gede next time aswell for the diving, but probably allso will hit Gili T again for some nice entertainment/music/bars. It allso has a special place in my heart 🤭 Girlfriend is from Mataram, so guess i will return to lombok yearly. So suppose we will see all gili's around lombok in next couple of years as i wanna dive during my holidays 😊
Not to mention the tourism-fueled animal abuse on Indonesia’s Gili Islands, where horses endure horrific conditions in the booming tourist industry. Small, exhausted horses are forced to carry heavy loads of tourists and supplies around the islands. They are rarely given water, relief from their harnesses, or the opportunity to rest. Until tourists speak out and refuse to pay for these rides, their exploitation and suffering will continue.
Wow. Had to wait in line and pay $4 extra? That's it, I'm never going to Gili T. Next you're going to tell me that we have to haggle on pricing in Indonesia, because that is completely unacceptable. The price should be the price. Why can't Indonesia be more like western countries?
This is really shit video haha😅 I am coming back to Gili Air always. I prefer this island more then Bali. Very nice life here. I spend here in total 5 months a year. You should travel in low season not to get so busy in gili T. However, Gili Meno is super quiet and beautiful, and Gili Air is very chilled atmosphere. Gili T i do not like that much. Too much party island and party people
My first trip to Bali was 2 weeks long, and it felt rushed, and never made it to Gili Islands. Going back next month for 33 days this time to cover things in details and at a decent pace, but couldnt figure out the allure of uniqueness of visiting Gili Islands. Was already on the fence towards putting them on the itinerary. I think I am going to avoid it altogether now.
We’re on Gili Air right now and we don’t enjoy it at all. Trash everywhere, burning smell everywhere and the beaches aren’t paradise-y at all. Hate it and wish, we didn’t make the effort to come here.
Good sharing but if you're earning dollar/euro or whatever any stronger currency, why do you have to complain about the price at the grocery store, beer and tourist tax? 10k is less than a dollar or euro these days. If a can of coke is 10k, is STILL LESS than a dollar, everything else, even the restaurant food/alcohol is cheaper than you paid in your home country
Haha! I was there for many years ago. It was not like that then...😀Like every country and place that is popular on social media today...Destroyed. Do not go to those places! Find your own! And for gods sake don't tell the whole world were you have been! 😀🙏
I imagine most guests do not want more options for non-walkers. More electric bikes would be unwelcome. Maybe I misunderstood your point. Are you saying their introduction is a good thing? Walkers have to look out for bikes, horses, now electric bikes. This is dangerous enough. I would rather the island be walking only if I had to go in one direction or the other. Some good points in your video.
So you don’t want to go again because you paid 3$ in taxes and you did not do proper research on your hotel before? I thought this was supposed to be a a guide, but it’s just a first world problem „I don’t know how to travel“-video.
Sorry but really you are just a complaining tourist focused on prices. I have been to Gili Air and Meno recently and several times. Prices are not expensive the people are awesome,and I wonder did you go snorkeling diving or swimming even, which is pretty much why you go. You can have cocktails in a bar back home and save yourself an airfare if that is your main interest.🤐🤐
It's not about the money, it's about the hassle, Indonesia is becoming more and more ridiculous...
Tourist tax, arrival tax, departure tax, daily tax, snorkeling tax, clown tax... 🤡
it would be easier if they just included it all in the price of the fast boat ticket
Exactly. Literally couldn’t agree more
to be fair any tourist hotspot is like that, but indonesia is much more than bali or lombok
A local from Lombok here. It is always a better option, albeit more pricey, to fly from Bali to Lombok, stay in Lombok (if possible), then take the boat to the Gilis. Less hassle, less stress mentally and physically. And don't forget to being bottled water everywhere, especially on the boat, the heat just sucks the energy out of you.
So happy we've been there 1992. Just a deserted little island in the ocean, like in a picture book...(There were no shops, no streets, just five huts and a vast, white, clean beach.)
I wish we got to experience that. We kinda did I guess during Covid when no one was on the island but it was a ghost town and all the shops were closed
Same, travelling there is a nightmare, we didn't have to pay tax. Our boat was cancelled on the way back. Next time ( if we go back ) fly to Lombok and get a boat from Lombok to Gili T. Hotel was fantastic.
Which hotel?
I just left Gili T. I’m only a few minutes into you’re video but I can tell you I will never go back. From the inconvenience of the ferry’s, to the bullshit made up “taxes”, to the insane crowds, to so so so much more. Not at all what I was expecting. Grateful for the experience but not interested in returning.
*Not sure why you’re not allowed to be honest about your experience. Commenters taking offense to it is wild! I wish I would’ve seen this video sooner actually.
Thanks for watching Melinda! Yeah the experience is abit chaotic the government can def do more to make the process smoother. I think if we ever do decide to visit again we’d try the smaller island of Gili air where there aren’t as many tourists from what I hear
We are in Ubud, its been ten years, everyone told us Bali is ruined. I would have to say I agree. Its really sad. The people are still amzing, its still beautiful, but its not the same as it once was. But honesly I think your splitting hairs on the tax of under $4 dollars. Thats the price of a water in western countries.
it has changed a lot. Yeah I know the price is cheap, what I'm getting at is that they could of done a better job of streamlining the process as it was just chaos for everyone arriving
I read you in the comments saying that you haven’t been to other Gili islands although you have been to Gili T more than once. That’s a bit shame, also because this video doesn’t help out me to decide to go there or not because putting together all the Gilis it might add up to a worthwhile experience.
Fly to Lombok...spend a couple of nights there...then boat Lombok to Gili's
sounds about better
thx, great video.
i am planning to go tomorrow to the gili islands. (i am now at Bali). But your video makes me doubt.
i dont like the hassle at all.
What is the price for the horse carriage?
afaik the tax on arrival is a harbor tax, if you get in somewhere else (like the ferry from lombok the locals also take) you won't pay this, we hopped off onto the beach and that was it
not that it's a lot of money either way, but the lines seem annoying
tbh I found getting there and back (via lombok) pretty straightforward, the reason I won't be going back again is that the entire island of gili t reeks of desperation and selling themselves and their island to tourists
still very pretty though
The tax is nothing, but the inconvenience looks to be massive. Lining up for half an hour or more to pay $1? Insanity.
if only they just bundled it in the cost of the fast boat ticket
Thank you for the heads up ! People are missing the point of this video. Its not about the money! Its about all the disorganization . Now I am more prepared for THIS part. After this I Will enjoy the amazing Gili 🥰
You’re only pointing out all the negatives! Which is a shame as some ppl will watch this and might decide not to go. You will draw attention in life to things that matter most, if tax and charges of whatever is what matter most then you’re missing the point of your surroundings. Don’t forget how lucky you are to be visiting a place on Earth that’s so beautiful and which most ppl will never have a chance to visit!
This is only my experience and my point of view. You can see many other people documenting the same thoughts i'm not the first and i won't be the last. Whether people decide to go through the same headache of getting there is up to them.
Alexandre’s experiences are exemplary for this type of mass tourism lead by the TikTok generation. I completely agree with his statements. Last visit Gillis for me was in 2015, and promised myself to go never ever back to the Gili’s. In June I stayed on Bali and Lombok much more relaxed and distanced from the tiktokkie-insta-fluencers-sheeps.
thats right, i wanted to go tomorrow , i already booked a guesthouse. But this vidoe makes me doubt. I am not a big spender and i dont like all the hassle, just a quitte traveler.
I guess this comes off my bucket list.
yeah wouldn't be my top choice
Great video Alex! Just wondering what camera and audio equipment do you use? :)
thanks! i'm using the canon r6 and the rode videomic pro+
Gillis were over more than 15 years ago. I remember when it was mostly bamboo huts and a few upscale rentals. Boats weren’t allowed to anchor on front beach. Passed through on my way to Desert Point on Lombok around 6 years ago and was horrified. Never again!
better option to go there is by plane. stay in a nice villa in Kuta lombok on the 1st day , then go to Gili T from the lombok side. it is less crowded and the boat ride is shorter. to go back to bali.. if you check out from Gili by the morning, you should be able to catch a 3pm flight to denpasar. longer route but less hustling. stay in a nice villa at kuta lombok again on the way back is also an option. So many nice and cheap villas in kuta lombok too
Is it the same case for other Gilis? That crowd though. I never been to Gili Trawangan but Gili Air pre Covid time. It was one of the best. Less crowd and I could relax the whole time there. Good to see tourists are back to boost up the economy, but I'm not a fan of touristy places.
Yeah so I believe everyone has to enter through Gili t and then they take the ferry to the other Gili islands at least that’s what we saw other passengers do. I’m sure the other ones aren’t as packed since Gili t is the most popular
@@alexandwhite That is not true, you can go directly to all the Gili's either from Lombok or Bali. Gili Meno is very quiet and Gili Air is a little busier but not as busy as Gili T
local govt(mataram autorities) should take over this mess and make it simpler how hard is it to be included in your boat tickets… those 10k here and there would just go to random pockets, nothing about cleanliness or taking care of the islands…. such a shame..
The problem is no one even knows what the tax goes towards
That's why it's not in the boat ticket. vested interests ensuring they all get their own slice.
Thank you for sharing this. Super helpful.
Chaos! couldn't agree more..
100%
Thanks for this video, my wife and i were trying to decide whether to stop there for a few days between Lombok and Lembongan and with all this hassle it just doesnt seem worth it ❤
Hopefully this means all you complaining tourists will go elsewhere and Gilli T will go back to what it used to be. The taxes are so damn cheap and the only reason they started charging them was there were too many tourists.
What an oxymoron
I don't want to pay taxes for visiting a Gili Island, either. I'm Indonesian. Well, people are greedier nowadays.
STAY AWAY from GILI & Bali too crowded....not natural & peaceful as it used to be...so DONT GO THERE
This is a very one sided view of a beautiful remote destination that takes a bit of effort to get to. You admit that you made a few mistakes and it is good to warn people, but whinging about paying the odd dollar or cent here and there is a bit pathetic, next time just smile, enjoy your trip and accept that these people have far far less than you, so maybe give them a little leeway. The Gili's are stunning but unfortunately you went to the busiest Gili - Gili Trewangan, at the busiest time of the year so frankly what do you expect? i suppose you got your video clicks so you're happy, but I don't think this is a really representative viewpoint
I’ve been to Gilis plenty of times, not my first. My videos are here to provide information to you. Im not the only one complaining, so are the Indonesian local tourists who are also being nickeled and dimed. So it’s not really one sided when you say “it’s just the odd dollar here or there” it’s every island now. The money isn’t really the issue but more of the inconvenience this causes every traveler with the long lines. if people don’t point out the issues, things don’t change.
I’ve been to GT a number of times and it’s a place that’s designed to rinse tourists of money, as simple as that. And if you’re happy being conned out of money then you’re just the tourist they’re looking for. I agree with this video.
@@alexandwhite
10,000 is around a dollar.
Common man😂
You wanted to pay 20k for a beer...
The gillis were stunning some time ago. Your statement just shows you have no idea what they once were. Waters have become polluted because of more reasons that i can go into, the main island is way overcrowded in high season with infrastructure that can’t cope which has caused the erosion of many reefs and the disappearance of many marine species that were once seen in abundance. Shall i mention the leaking fuel from every boat which has contaminated the entire area! You are part of the problem with tourists that only see things on the surface. 😊
valuable information, this is a great video!
Glad you found it helpful!
4:56 Very beautiful scenery ❤
beautiful mornings in the gilis 😌
I hope the port taxes go to reef restoration or island or port improvements, it’s such a small amount but can add up with constant flow of visitors who really impact the beauty of the islands…it’s smart they have a tax to prepare for these negative impacts
i certainly wish, but they can't even fix the roads on a tiny island so we'll see what they end up doing with that money.
Your month of travel !
To be honest, i was there last december. Wasn't my first time, so i guess i knew my way around and had some local friends. I just came early, payed my tax, and left the pier to have a beer 😂 no hassle. Theres also a cheap local boat to Lombok for about 15k idr. Worth it!
ah thats awesome you had a much better experience than we did haha we'll probably give it another go eventually but probably just avoid gili T
Hello ,
I'm traveling this December there , can you share your experience with the weather in month of December.
Thank you
Great video. All the info I needed to know before I fly out.
Glad it was helpful!
The easy way go to gili actually from lombok island .n the boat also cheap from there only about $1-8 for 30 minutes.n if you want go to bali from Lombok island by air plane that only take 30 minutes cost lest then $100
Gili T is full tourists today, lombok has more gilies in south and east..
Yeah those Gilis are some we haven’t had a chance to visit yet. We’re saving that for when we fully explore lombok
From New Jersey USA 🇺🇸 going to Bali - Indonesia sooner
🙌🏼bali is amazing
I really appreciate the information. Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind but I still want the experience
no problem hope it was helpful planning your trip!
Those fees will only increase. I knew this was coming. The total fees is not bad. Just the extra hassle. Indonesian tourism is not really good at organization. I wouldn’t call this a scam. If this was Thailand, it would be all bundled in one price with much more organized process. That bartender did scam you. I always tell the scammers that bad karma will come their way with a smile on my face after i paid them my scam haha
Would be much easier if it was all bundled in the fast boat price but oh well
I think the problem is too many tourists & foreigners/bule living in Bali now make the place too crowded & a bit pricey & locals start charging everything in dollar value...not like it used to be where I could get drink or food much less..& rarely see bule tourists..now everything change for the worst w/ tax & unregulated fee we called it PUNGLI ( PUNGUTAN LIAR😂 )
@@johang8789 when i go back, I’m going to bring USD in small bills so when they quote me in usd , i will pay them in USD lol my favorite is when they do that at a temple. Literally the most insulting way for a local to represent their own culture, sad but funny as hell
Well..just avoid all those cattle places.. Gili T, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, even Ubud center... So many better places to enjoy and experience Bali, and Lombok has plenty of other Gili's (small islands) which still are what Gili T was 25yrs ago. Although Gili Air is still pleasant. As for those fast boats; a disaster will sooner or later happen. Same as with Lion Air; no way I will go on those things. Not many know that the ocean between Bali and Lombok is one of the most dangerous and tricky seas in the world. Very unpredictable as it crosses the Walace Line (border between S.E.Asia and East Asia. Only 2 of those fast boat companies are reliable: Bluewater and Eka Jaya. As for the taxes and no prices; nothing wrong to empty the pockets of tourists ...
Yeah we really didn’t enjoy the fast boat. On the way to Penida the boat was rocking so much as we hit rough seas but glad we made it okay
Indeed, typing this from Gili Gede. 3 hotels on whole island as big as Gili t 😂
And the harbour fee is just to use the new pier btw, taking the public boat to lombok avoids that + not busy on the boat (and way cheaper!) 😅
I completely agree on the ferries. Do not take any other fur company.
In Gili right now. The “fast boat” was pretty dodgy. The first boat didn’t leave the harbour because one of the outboards was experiencing electrical issues. When we got out of the port you could see the tide really running very hard. The waters here are extremely treacherous. You’re probably right… a few accidents will happen.
Next time you better go to an all inclusive luxury resort and don't move around. 😅😂
lol yeah that's exactly what we're gonna do 🤣
Pass!🙈
Agreed haha
STAY AWAY from GILI & Bali..there are many places/ countries Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore with much better in term of transportation & food
Excellent video. Ignore the haters! I leave in 2 days for Lombok and Gilis. I am braced. Do you have any recommendations for Gili Air by chance?
The overly crowded would kill it for me like hidden fees
Yeah the fees is what we didn’t expect
Another great video
Thanks man! 😃🙌🏻
Very crowded now.
super duper crowded
Waiting for the Tampah Hills vlog!!!
Hahaha we’ll do that next time we’re in Indonesia we just arrived to Bangkok
Thank you so much for your video. We stayed in Uluwatu and it was an absolute madness! Traveled up to Ubud, a little bit better but still very busy and the traffic is bad. We were thinking about heading to the Gili's until we saw your video. No thank you. The fact that they charge everywhere for everything makes for not the best experience. Heading to Vietnam instead. Thank you again.
Thank you so much for such an informative video !
Glad it helped! 🙌🏼
Thank you for sharing this video. I was planning to visit in December but seems not worthwhile. Do you have any suggestions for beautiful islands to visit in mid-December?
As always u both were looking veryyyyyyyyyyy gooooooood together, love and respect for u... ❤😊
Thank you so much 😃
When they didn't give you exact change on your beer, ask for your money back. No need to buy. They're trying to take advantage of tourists.
lesson learned, part of the travel experience
Why is the horse carriage controversial? I asked the people when I was there and they said the horses only work for around 3 to 4 hours and then they get to rest. I went to gili trawangan for my honeymoon and it was actually nice there. Gili trawangan is called the “party island” of the Gilis, that’s why it’s the most crowded. Despite all the troubles you had I wish you showed more of the nicer parts of the island that it clearly has
Controversial because everyone thinks they aren’t in the best condition. Locals will say they only work 4 hours but who knows really. Yeah we didn’t get a chance to stay on meno or air. I think if we ever go back we’ll stay there instead. I’ve heard there are some nice hotels and resorts being built there now
Presumably this was filmed in August..high season. Busiest month of the year. Much quieter out of season. I've lived on Gili Meno 13 years. It's still really beautiful & has retained that laid back vibe. Easy to find a quiet white beach to chill even in August. Fast boats you need to pick & choose. Some infinitely better than others.
Really enjoy your videos you guys. 👍
Yeah we filmed this right at the beginning of august. The fast boat is def the worst part but I’m sure the other Gili islands would be much more laid back
Tina Rawson I'm on Gili Meno now. I'd love to meet and ask you a million questions. We have been here a week in a villa.
Sorry in Lombok a few days.
Hi Alex! This is crazy! All those taxes and chaos. I’m moving from London to Thailand next month. I was thinking a lot about choosing Bali but after being there and in the Gili islands a couple of times a few years ago, I can tell how much it changed. This video just makes me even happier to have chosen Thailand. Great video and thank you for all the info! 😊 Big love to both of you!
Yeah we’re also going to be traveling Thailand for the next few weeks! Need to escape Bali for now haha
@@alexandwhite hahaha nice! Looking forward to seeing your Thailand videos! 😊
ya.. this is the second of bali
pretty much yeah
Good input for our government..
First of your videos I've watched and mate.... sounds like you fell short on your research. This is Indonesia after all.
Terribly inefficient. Why don’t the hotels collect the tax?
100% agree
Ugh...that doesn't look like very much fun at all. The hot weather and crowds is enough to scare me away 😓
yeah its a bit chaos now, but once you get onto the island and check-in it calms down a bit depending on the area you're staying in
Jan and Feb me min abhi se 35K ke flights dikha rhe hai for 1 person, aapne 2 person ke leye 52k me kaise le leya? Any trick or tips for flight?
To overcome the taxes is the least, what about the mass tourism? The barely nothing you can do or explore, the bleached corals (which are overgrown with algae). Even the dive spots from the past are not interesting anymore.
Is there we get boom boom in this island for enjoy ?
Indonesia/ Bali is a such scam paradise and i was robbed in Kuta, i have it on my gopro. even the Facebook groups are full of crime reports and local authorities not supporting. I have too many stories to narrate, not to mention the drugs sold openly. I haven't returned ever since. Sri Lanka looks really really like Bali, is fantastic and very safe.
We’ll be visiting Sri Lanka it’s on our list! But yeah it’s pretty common for tourists to get their phones stolen in Bali, and in Gili they sell drugs openly
@@alexandwhite visit Sri Lanka in the Summers if you want to enjoy the beaches in their true beauty. the beaches are Bali-level or even better. i haven't seen such beautiful blue waters in a long time.
A friend of mine were talking about it today as we crossed the channel in the fast boat. People being offered beer at padangbai while Waiting for the boat to board. People walking up the side of the boat as we were cruising, none of the staff care at all. People could be drunk and fall in and I find it hard to believe that this hasn’t happened in the past or in the near future. There’s hardly any railing and there was a lot of swell, tide and wind so the boat was listing to the side often. Pretty Wild West!
Go from lombok and take public ferry... 10000x easier and faster then the tourist boats.
For people that think Gili islands are too busy, go to Gili Gede in Southwest lombok; 3 hotels on whole island, the island is same size as Gili T 😅
those are some of the gili islands we still haven't had a chance to visit! We'll do that when we stay on Lombok for a month
@@alexandwhite its quit nice, but very quiet aswell :) most gili's in southwest have 0 buildings on it or its abondoned, only gili Gede a few small hotels. But hardly any options for food or stores 😜 so you better like the food from your hotel, cause thats about it haha
The diving/coral is amazing there though!
Currently on holiday and my 4th visit to Gili T, but first time to Gili Gede. Definatly going back to Gede next time aswell for the diving, but probably allso will hit Gili T again for some nice entertainment/music/bars. It allso has a special place in my heart 🤭
Girlfriend is from Mataram, so guess i will return to lombok yearly. So suppose we will see all gili's around lombok in next couple of years as i wanna dive during my holidays 😊
Not to mention the tourism-fueled animal abuse on Indonesia’s Gili Islands, where horses endure horrific conditions in the booming tourist industry. Small, exhausted horses are forced to carry heavy loads of tourists and supplies around the islands. They are rarely given water, relief from their harnesses, or the opportunity to rest. Until tourists speak out and refuse to pay for these rides, their exploitation and suffering will continue.
Wow. Had to wait in line and pay $4 extra? That's it, I'm never going to Gili T. Next you're going to tell me that we have to haggle on pricing in Indonesia, because that is completely unacceptable. The price should be the price. Why can't Indonesia be more like western countries?
Lol this is complete chaos. F gilis 🤣, there's better gilis on the other side of Lombok
We’ve actually been wanting to visit those!
Come to karimunjawa
Kintania will be going there in Nov!
This is really shit video haha😅 I am coming back to Gili Air always. I prefer this island more then Bali. Very nice life here. I spend here in total 5 months a year. You should travel in low season not to get so busy in gili T. However, Gili Meno is super quiet and beautiful, and Gili Air is very chilled atmosphere. Gili T i do not like that much. Too much party island and party people
Oh my God spent $4 dollars in taxs!! Never gonna back that's it! hahaha
🤣 its more the lack of organization and chaos
My first trip to Bali was 2 weeks long, and it felt rushed, and never made it to Gili Islands.
Going back next month for 33 days this time to cover things in details and at a decent pace, but couldnt figure out the allure of uniqueness of visiting Gili Islands. Was already on the fence towards putting them on the itinerary. I think I am going to avoid it altogether now.
lining up for an hour to pay less than $1 tax lmao
dude you're whinning way too much for peanuts island taxes
We’re on Gili Air right now and we don’t enjoy it at all. Trash everywhere, burning smell everywhere and the beaches aren’t paradise-y at all. Hate it and wish, we didn’t make the effort to come here.
Good sharing but if you're earning dollar/euro or whatever any stronger currency, why do you have to complain about the price at the grocery store, beer and tourist tax? 10k is less than a dollar or euro these days. If a can of coke is 10k, is STILL LESS than a dollar, everything else, even the restaurant food/alcohol is cheaper than you paid in your home country
i think hes complaining about the deceptiveness of it
Haha! I was there for many years ago. It was not like that then...😀Like every country and place that is popular on social media today...Destroyed. Do not go to those places! Find your own! And for gods sake don't tell the whole world were you have been! 😀🙏
Taxes are necessary for local development. Its only few dollars anyway, if ure broke dont complain lmao
not the money, its the disorganization of it all
3:02
I imagine most guests do not want more options for non-walkers. More electric bikes would be unwelcome. Maybe I misunderstood your point. Are you saying their introduction is a good thing? Walkers have to look out for bikes, horses, now electric bikes. This is dangerous enough. I would rather the island be walking only if I had to go in one direction or the other. Some good points in your video.
So you don’t want to go again because you paid 3$ in taxes and you did not do proper research on your hotel before? I thought this was supposed to be a a guide, but it’s just a first world problem „I don’t know how to travel“-video.
excellent news. Please don't got back lol. the rest of us would appreciate it. Go to Miami.
Bro stop crying over a dollar.
Dai che spilorcio
It’s a trap. Stay away lol
I’ve learned now haha
Sorry but really you are just a complaining tourist focused on prices. I have been to Gili Air and Meno recently and several times. Prices are not expensive the people are awesome,and I wonder did you go snorkeling diving or swimming even, which is pretty much why you go. You can have cocktails in a bar back home and save yourself an airfare if that is your main interest.🤐🤐
Woke alert.
The taxes are dirt cheap. Dear Lord get over it.
more about the convenience not the price