As you may have heard, Gili Trawangan (or “Gili T,” as many call it) is one of “the” party islands as of late. Located off the coast of Lombok Island, which itself is not far from Bali, the island is known for having no motor vehicles, a ring of beautiful beaches, and a, well, very vibrant nightlife. But staying on the beach can be expensive, and staying in the party zone can be a very noisy affair. The Taco Corner offers a well-appointed escape from the higher prices and noisiness.
A lodging that sells tacos too
Set a couple blocks in from the beach, the first floor is a mediocre Mexican restaurant. The breakfast included with your room is not Mexican, and is better than passable, but you should forego the ten percent discount for guests on other food and head into the town for other meals. However, the lodging, which consists of but three rooms on the second floor, is comfortable, and merits a recommendation. It’s a rather steep, external staircase climb up to the rooms, but the eager-to-please staff will be carrying your bags up before you can say “burrito.” But, really, don’t say “burrito” in the restaurant/check-in lobby, because then you’ll have to eat it.
Rooms not fit for a fiesta, but definitely right for a siesta
Though not giant by any measure, the rooms are not claustrophobia inducing either, and they are clean, air-conditioned, and have comfortable beds with equally comfy pillows. Behind mirrored doors is a closet, as well as a personal safe. Tasteful artistic touches are scattered about, and everything from the lamps to the furniture speaks of a deliberate design intention – not of an ultra-low budget throw together, which is sadly so often the case with hotels in this price range.
Natural light pleasantly ambles in from the one window, and the lack of motor vehicles means that the neighborhood soundtrack mostly consists of bicycle bells, light chatter, and the distant clopping sound of passing horse carts. There is a mosque not too far away, though, so plan on hearing from calls to prayer and the like.
The entertainment center, for when you are just tired of being hot
If you’re on this island, you most certainly love sun-n-fun, but once in awhile, an air conditioned retreat, a bit of TV, and a cold beverage really hits the spot. The Taco Corner rooms have you covered, with free bottled water, a reasonably priced mini-bar, and satellite TV. The red walls may have deleterious effects on your Zen, but this of course is something you can transcend.
All bases covered in the bathroom
The bathroom is strictly business, with toilet (out of frame, behind the photographer), sink, and shower, all lined up in an essentially undivided space. Toiletries are provided, but merely passable, so using pre-pilfered ones may make shower time a bit more luxurious. Most importantly, the bathroom is spotlessly clean, and the hot water plentiful.
Aye dios mio, it’s a deal!
With party people profusely paying pricey premiums for rooms on Gili Trawangan, this semi-stylish, slightly upgraded pad with included breakfast is a solid deal at under 50 USD a night. Just luxurious enough and just close enough to the beach and party zones, it’s a fine place to call home.
Taco Corner (note to ed: I can’t seem to find an official website for the hotel) Gili Trawangan, West Nusa Tenggara 83352, Indonesia +62 812-3810-2025
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