Hi @likedeeler, I can completely understand your sentiments. I myself have not traveled out to Gili T, just because of its party rep and large tourist influx. I think with travel becoming more accessible, we run this problem everywhere as tourists encroach on the natural world to see the wonder and grasp those picturesque moments. However, my piece of paradise lies within a local community of Bali, I have to travel into town to find the tourists hanging out and even still, they are just mostly here to do yoga, chill out, take some courses or do a juice cleanse but I live in a pretty amazing area. I try to spend my time "off the beaten track" looking for the lesser known views and hope to continue sharing those as well. I hope they end up inspiring a better image of Bali for you, as you know, it's a large enough island with many aspects and pros and cons going on in each sector =D
Way cool to find someone who used to live here as well on the ecotrain though! Nice to meet you <3
Yeah, I heard about Trawangan getting overrun nowadays, I was there in the mid-90s.
I also watched some videos about it, lots of development has taken place there.
Same in Boracay, Philippines.
Now for work as a diving instructor I had to be in touristy places and Trawangan was very nice in those days, but when travelling I prefer to be in more remote places.
Ya I hear you, the more toursity the better in that case right? :)
I had friends who went out there recently and came right back claiming it was just too much, beautiful but really intense.
I guess there is a time and place for all of it, when I finally make it out there, I'll let you know how it is firsthand =D