THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok - page 413

NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Gili T's famous nightlife revolves around a handful of venues which take turns to host large
parties a few times a week (from about 11pm till 3am or later), though there are plenty of al-
ternatives. After some bad accidents with bootleg alcohol containing poisonous methanol -
including several deaths on Bali and Gili Trawangan - the bars and restaurants that are mem-
bers of Gili Trawangan's entrepreneur association APGT have tightened purchasing policies
for alcoholic drinks, only buying from trusted suppliers; look for the acronym on the menu.
It's still wise to be wary of cocktails that are too cheap to be true - or simply stick to beer,
which is always safe. The drugs scene of a few years ago has quietened down and doesn't
dominate all island nightlife, though magic mushrooms are widely available. Be aware that
penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Indonesia are severe (see
Crime and personal safety ) .
Blue Marlin 0370 613 2424, bluemarlindive.com . The big upstairs dance floor above
the dive centre is the popular Monday-night party venue. There are several bars and occa-
sional theme nights. Daily 7am-midnight.
Evolution Just north of the harbour. This large beachfront restaurant and bar has good New
Zealand and Indonesian dishes, but it's the cocktails and the parties that attract the crowds
after dark. Daily 8am-midnight.
The Exile 0819 0707 7475, [e-mail] . A true temple to Saint Bob, this
joint plays reggae all day long, every day. There's a relaxed bar beneath the palm trees with
potent mojitos, plenty of spots to lounge around on the beach and simple hut accommodation
if you can't face the 20min walk back to the village. Join the drum circle at sunset. Daily
8am-midnight.
Sama Sama 0370 621106, thesamasama.com . Known for its really good live music, es-
pecially reggae, this bar is recommended for its great atmosphere, good service and parties
on Saturday. The live music starts nightly at 9pm. Daily 8pm-1am.
Sunset Bar Follow the crowds heading south beyond the Pearl bar for one of Gili T's fa-
vourite sunset-viewing points, where a beach bar sells coconuts and Bintang and plays music.
Daily 8am-11pm.
Tír Na Nóg 0370 613 9463, tirnanoggili.com . The “land of youth” is a perennially pop-
ular and lively beachside Irish bar with bottled Guinness, darts, movies and sports TV plus
comfort food such as bangers and mash. There are nightly DJs from 10pm and it's the main
party venue every Wednesday. Daily 8am-1am.