Home of the original ocean swing.
When we were planning our Gili Island holiday there was only one thing I wanted, to find the swing in the ocean.
For weeks beforehand photos of a magical swing in the ocean with bikini clad bodies hanging off it had been popping up in my Instagram feed.
I had to find that swing!
After a bit of research we found that Hotel Ombak Sunset (this was before they added their name to the top of the swing) was the home to said swing.
For our first few nights on Gili Trawangan we stayed on the east side of the island. The majority of the hotels, villas, bars and shops are on the east side of the island, Hotel Ombak Sunset is located on the west side of the island where it’s a lot less built up and much quieter.
Finally, a few days in, after a little whining and hint dropping to Reevesy we made our way around to the other side of the island for a day trip to find the SWING!
We love to explore so on the way there we decided to walk through the middle of the island which not only gives you a chance to get to see more of the island but burns a few calories too (more cocktails woohoo!).
The walk, although a little dusty, only took us about 45 minutes and you get to see some of the islanders houses, hidden villas as well as some beautiful scenery, just watch out for falling coconuts as you go.
The west side of the island, being open to the Bali Sea, is a lot windier but oh so beautiful.
We spent the day at the Sea Wind Bar, Hotel Ombak Sunsets alfresco restaurant on the beach.
To use their beach bean bags, gazebos and umbrellas all you need to do is purchase food or drinks.
Which shouldn’t be a problem for you, we came back time and time again for their cocktails and tapas (definitely order the Gili Crush cocktail and the bruschetta, oh my, I still have dreams about their bruschetta).
The best part of the day, we found the swing! After months of dreaming about getting glamorous photos of us gracefully swinging in the middle of the ocean, well, I got a photo of me picking out a wedgie, typical really.
After a few beers and cocktails we were in no state to walk back so we flagged down a honkey.
Honkey; Not quite as big as a horse, not quite as small as a donkey, ergo, honkey.
The honkey and cart back to the east side of the island will cost you about 75,000rp (one way).
A few days later Reevesy surprised me by booking us five nights at Ombak (making up for booking disaster accommodation on Gili Meno).
We spent six glorious days lounging by the pool soaking up the sun with brief intervals to order a drink at the swim up bar and to enjoy a daily Nanna nap back in the room.
The rooms were spacious, clean and modern with an outdoor bathroom (with fresh hot water) which made you feel like you were showering in your own private garden. Entrance to your room was through giant wooden vintage doors, very secret garden-esque.
One thing we did notice was that all the staff are incredibly courteous and helpful. Even just walking through the grounds, staff working in the gardens always take the time to say hello and have a little chat.
Lounges by the pool do get taken up quickly, so it’s best to reserve them with your towel and book on your way to breakfast. Speaking of towels, these also have the tendency to run out quickly, this may have just been an issue during our stay, but better to grab one early and not have to dash back to you room to steal a bathroom towel.
On one of our last evenings there after enjoying dinner at the Sea Wind Bar on the beach we took our drinks down to the shore and sat in the cool sand. It’s a night I’ll never forget, we just lay in the sand, listening to music, staring up at the stars, talking about anything and everything.
Although completely different to somewhere we’d normally stay because of its isolated location I couldn’t have been happier with our (Reevesy’s) decision to stay at Hotel Ombak Sunset.
We may not have had bars and buzzing night life within walking distance but we found it a welcome change.
For us, five nights was the perfect amount. Just enough time to get in some serious relaxing before returning to the “party side” of the island.
If you want a relaxing, quiet hotel that you don’t need to leave Hotel Ombak Sunset is definitely it.
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