Traveling to Gili with Seniors: Most Accessible Port & Boat Types
Who says Gilis are only for the young travellers and party people?? Big no! Although Gili Trawangan is famous for its party vibes, let’s not forget that Gili Islands still have Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Gili Meno and Gili Air (and the quiet part of Gili Trawangan) are also suitable for older travellers or even elderly people. These islands offer a tranquil atmosphere, fresh sea air, no motorized vehicles and slow.paced lifestyle. A perfect holiday destination for older travellers and even seniors looking for calmness.
Choosing the right port, boat types and accommodation are the keys to an enjoyable and comfortable trip from Bali to Gili Islands. A poor logistic decision could lead the elderly travellers to a complicated and exhausted trip.
Sanur Harbour: The Best Choice for Seniors to go to Gili Islands
The infrastructure in Sanur harbour is significantly more advanced compared to the other harbours in Bali. This makes Sanur harbour the most accessible and senior-friendly port to Gili from Bali. These are the reasons why Sanur harbour is the best option for seniors:
- Floating jetty (dry boarding)
Sanur offers the modern floating jetty, allowing every passenger to board the boat without stepping on the water at all. Compared to other harbours, like Padang Bai, will require passengers to board directly from the beach (wet boarding). This can be too tiring or even dangerous for some people as the water can reach to knee or waist height in some seasons. - Accessibility
as a modern and newly renovated harbour, Sanur has already been built to accommodate people in wheelchairs or using cane to support their mobility. There are no high or dangerous jumps from dock to boat, making it suitable for travelers who use canes or light mobility aids. - Air-conditioned waiting area
not like in Padang Bai where people have to wait on the beach, Sanur harbour has comfortable AC-equipped waiting lounges. This will be a big thing for people looking for comfortable travel experiences, no matter the age.
Choosing the Right Boat and Seating Strategy
Choosing the right boat will boost the comfort and the safety of the trip, here are some tips to ensure your comfort during the sea-crossing:
- Choose Large Aluminium Boats
Larger boats are more stable in waves and have less vertical impact on the body, creating a calmer trip during the sea crossing. This gives the passenger a smoother ride to Gili Islands from Bali, especially for the seniors, compared to small speedboats. - The Golden Spot
avoid the front row as this area has a stronger impact from the waves. Also avoid the back (open deck) since it has engine noise, fuel smell and stronger vibration that can trigger nausea.The best option is to sit in the middle-to-rear area in the indoor cabin. This seating has the most stable center of gravity, minimal noise and motion and most importantly, it is air-conditioned.
- Accessible proper toilet
The trip to Gili Island from Sanur harbour can take up to 3 hours. Choosing a boat that has a proper and clean toilet is a must to support your comfort.Check Gili Voyages website to get the most comfortable large boat to ensure your journey to Gili Islands from Bali.
Mobility Reality on Gili Islands
As you might already know, Gili Islands do not have any motorised vehicles, although there are increased numbers of electric bikes. To make sure that you are fully prepared, here are some explanation of what to expect in Gili:
- Cidomo (Horse Cart)
Cidomo is the traditional horse cart that is very common as it is considered as the main transportation in Gili Islands. It takes a relatively high step to go into a cidomo, so consider bringing a foldable step if needed. - Sepeda Listrik (E-Bike)
If you or your parents can ride bikes but can’t do it for too long, an electric bike is an option to choose. There are more and more electric bike rentals around the islands. - Accommodation location
Choose an accommodation that is beachfront or close to the beach and restaurants to minimize walking round. This way, you can enjoy the calm ocean (and even see the turtles from the beach) without walking too far.
Health preparation and emergency considerations
As Gili Islands are small islands, please be aware that there is no any full-equipped hospital around, but you still can find some clinics. Here are what you have to know about medical facility in Gili Islands:
- Limited Clinic Availability
Basic clinics offering primary care can be found around Gili Islands but no big and fully equipped hospital. - Bring Regular Medications
If you have any medications that you have to consume regularly, consider bringing more as the options to buy more on the islands are limited. - Ensure to Stay Hydrated
Gilis are small islands with strong exposure to the sun and ocean, so expect the weather to be hot, even extremely hot in some seasons. Drink plenty of water or even coconut water if you like, as it can be found easily around the islands.
Conclusion
If you are a senior traveller or planning to bring your parents to Gili Islands, don’t hesitate! Traveling to Gili with seniors can be a beautiful, meaningful experience as long as comfort comes first.
Give yourself (or your parents) the most comfortable journey to Gili Islands. Contact Gili Voyages for the premium boat options and plan the trip that the whole family can enjoy!
FAQ
- Which is the best Gili island for adults?
For adults and seniors looking for tranquility, Gili Meno offers the quietest and most relaxing atmosphere. Gili Air has the combination of calmness and good facilities, meanwhile Gili Trawangan can be tricky. Choose the accommodation in the quiet area of Gili Trawangan to get the calm atmosphere, far from the parties.
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