Local Legends
The soulful roots of the islands
Local Legends
This page pays homage to those whose families called the Gilis home long before the tourists arrived. They represent the roots and soul of the Gili Islands, and have made an indelible mark on these beautiful islands over decades gone by.
Most still call the islands home today, and it’s our pleasure to shine a light on what they do. There’s no discounts here, but seek them out and get a flavour of what came before the crowds, or just have a simple exchange with a good person.
There’s really so many fantastic people to mention, so we’ll most certainly be adding to this section over time. With photos to follow shortly.
No discounts here - but a spotlight on some very special people
Gili Island Legends
CHILI
BEST BAKSO & BIGGEST SMILE
GILI TRAWANGAN
With the biggest smile on Gili T, Chili is an island legend with a warm heart and even hotter chili sambal. Usually found pedaling his mobile food along the main east coast strip, you’d be mad to pass up a real island experience.
MAGIC FINGERS
BEST MASSAGE ON GILI
GILI TRAWANGAN
Magic fingers is a true island legend, plying his trade from Trawangan Dive or thereabouts, he’s a master in the art of massage. Tight knots? Niggles? Trapped nerves? He’ll get to the source of it in no time. Ask around - he’ll be hiding out somewhere in the shade on the east coast.
BURGER LADY
SOULFUL HEART OF GILI AIR
GILI AIR
“Burger Lady” as she’s most commonly known, started out with a tiny shack in the harbour dishing out chicken burgers to hungry tourists. Through love, care and passion, she now has her very own restaurant, serving up tasty bites, with smiles aplenty.
LITTLE EMMA
WONDERFUL SOUL & GREAT WITH KIDS
GILI TRAWANGAN
Affectionately known as “Little Emma”, she got her name from her slight stature, but what she lacks in height, she makes up for in character and soul. Her kindness and love of kids has led her to be a popular babysitter for islanders and tourists alike.
HERO
EVERYONE KNOWS HERO
GILI AIR
Hero is known for being passionate, humble, and providing an authentic local experience, with a cooking class at Warung Sunny, and traditional local cuisine served up in a rustic setting. Some say “the best Nasi Goreng”.
More coming soon! Know a Legend? Get in touch!