Travel to Bali or Lombok from Europe generally takes between 16 and 24 hours, including layovers, depending on the departure airport and chosen flight connection.

Flights to Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar)

• Direct Flights: There are no direct flights from Europe to Bali, so layovers are unavoidable. Common layovers are in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Dubai, or Bangkok.
• Flight Times: The pure flight time is approximately 16 to 20 hours. However, with layovers and waiting times, the entire travel time can increase to 18 to 24 hours.

Flights to Lombok (Lombok International Airport)

• Connections: There are no direct flights from Europe to Lombok. Typically, one flies via Bali, Jakarta, or Singapore.
• Flight Times: The total travel time is approximately 18 to 24 hours, depending on the length of the layovers.

The journey requires several steps, depending on whether you are starting from mainland Bali or from Lombok.

• Fast boat from Bali to Lombok

Take a fast boat from Padang Bai, Sanur or Serangan harbour in Bali to Lombok. The boats usually go to Senggigi or Bangsal, the main landing points on Lombok. The journey usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

• Transfer to Kores Harbour

Upon arrival in Lombok, you will need to take either a taxi or Grab to Kores Harbour in southwest Lombok. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Senggigi or Bangsal.

• Boat to Gili Asahan

From Kores Harbour, you can take a local boat to Gili Asahan. The crossing takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes and offers a wonderful opportunity to admire the surrounding beauty of the waters. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, I recommend arranging the crossing in advance with your hotel on Gili Asahan.

On Gili Asahan, the best way to get around is on foot or by bicycle. The island is small and has no motorized vehicles like cars or scooters.

If you want to visit other nearby islands, you can also take boat trips. These are often organized by local providers or your hotel.

As an Austrian, German, or European citizen, you generally do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Indonesia if you plan to stay in the country for less than 30 days.

This applies to travel for tourism, business visits, cultural activities, and social visits. It is important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry.

If you wish to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days, there are various visa options you can consider, such as the "Visa on Arrival" or a "Social-Cultural Visit Visa." For longer stays or other purposes, it is advisable to research the visa regulations and requirements in advance and, if necessary, apply for the appropriate visa before your trip.

The best time to visit Gili Asahan is during the dry season, which lasts from May to September. The weather during this time is usually sunny and dry, with minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures range from approximately 28-32°C, and evenings are pleasant at 22-26°C.

The months of April and October are between the dry and rainy seasons and often offer good weather, though occasional short rain showers can occur.

During the rainy season from November to March, heavy but usually short rain showers can occur. Temperatures remain warm, averaging 27-30°C.

On Gili Asahan, the primary language spoken is Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia. However, as the island is a popular tourist destination, particularly for international visitors, English is widely prevalent and understood and spoken by most locals, especially those in the tourism industry.

The official currency on Gili Asahan, as well as throughout Indonesia, is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It is recommended to bring Rupiah in cash, as not all shops and restaurants on the island may accept credit cards.

On Gili Asahan, you can enjoy a variety of delicious Indonesian dishes and specialties that reflect the local culture and culinary diversity.

• Grilled Fish

Fresh fish straight from the waters around the island is a popular specialty. It is often marinated with local spices and grilled over an open flame, giving it a wonderful flavor.

• Seafood

In addition to fish, Gili Asahan offers an abundance of seafood such as prawns, crabs, mussels, and squid. They are prepared in various ways, from grilled to fried to cooked in spicy curries.

• Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is a traditional Indonesian dish and a popular street food. It is fried rice with vegetables, eggs, meat, or seafood, often seasoned with spices and hot sauces.

• Satay (Sate)

Satay are grilled meat skewers served with a spicy peanut sauce. You can try different types of satay, such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.

• Gado-Gado

Gado-Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad made from boiled vegetables, tofu, eggs, and potatoes, topped with a creamy peanut sauce. It is a healthy and delicious option for vegetarian dishes.

• Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product and a popular source of protein in Indonesian cuisine. It is often fried or grilled and can be served as a side dish or main course.

• Fresh Tropical Fruits

On Gili Asahan, you'll find an abundance of fresh tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, papaya, bananas, and coconuts. They are a refreshing and delicious option for a snack or dessert.

Many restaurants and accommodations on Gili Asahan offer vegetarian and even vegan dishes on their menus. These can include a variety of options such as grilled vegetables, salads, pasta dishes, curries with vegetables and coconut milk, as well as fruits and smoothies.

There are no dangerous land animals on Gili Trawangan. However, when snorkeling and diving, one should be aware of sea urchins and occasional jellyfish.

Gili Asahan's pristine beaches are undoubtedly one of the island's main attractions. With their white sand, clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves, they offer the perfect setting for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The colourful coral reefs around Gili Asahan are a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Explore the fascinating underwater world and discover a variety of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles and perhaps even manta rays.

The sunsets on Gili Asahan are simply spectacular. Enjoy the breathtaking sight as the sun slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant colors. This is a perfect opportunity to end the day and admire the beauty of nature.

The island also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring. Stroll along the coast, through dense forests, and discover hidden coves and viewpoints with magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Take a boat trip around the island or go on a day trip to the neighbouring islands. Explore the surrounding waters, visit secluded beaches, and discover the diverse island world from Gili Asahan.