Heaven on Earth

Sunset on Gili Meno
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After a few days partying on Gili Trawangan it was like another world when our boat pulled into the harbour at Gili Meno. Like Trawangan all the activity is concentrated on the beach front where the boats pull in but it is way more peaceful with no more than a handful of guest houses and restaurants to choose from.

We found bungalows right off the beach with our own balcony views, Kontiki bungalows - they were perfect. Waking up every morning and looking out at the view of the beach was pure heaven and it was so peaceful. Everything on the island shuts down really early so it is all about getting up to enjoy the sunrise in the mornings which is fantastic.

I finally got to see reef sharks and huge turtles which was great. It was one of the best dives I have done yet on this trip.

Kev, Dave, Darach, Moi & Niall enjoying the sunset over a beer
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There is only one internet 'cafe' on the island with one PC which didn't work half the time, no cars (just horse and traps again), no noise -  it was just a getaway from everything.......was so nice for a change. Most evenings we took a horse and trap across to the far side of the island to sit at Bar Diana, drink Bintang beers and watch the sunset over Gili Trawangan across the way - it really was the life!

I also done some diving while I was there through the only dive shop run by an Irish guy called Karl and I finally got to see reef sharks and huge turtles which was great. It was one of the best dives I have done yet on this trip.

Niall & I having a beer while watching the sunset
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By the end of my few days on the island most of the locals were starting to recognize us and you nearly felt as though you knew them. One guy in particular Morris and his daugther Rosie were particularly friendly to us.

So after a few days R & R on Gili Meno (apart from one very late nights drinking which resulted in a late night dip for us all) Niall and I are moving on to travel across Java and leaving the rest behind. More updates to follow soon!