Unwind amidst the serene beauty of Gili Trawangan at Pondok Santi Estate. Our secluded retreat, nestled on the southern tip of the island, offers a haven of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Immerse yourself in the lush coconut palms and soothing sea breezes as you explore our seven hectares of meticulously maintained grounds. Experience the warmth of our hospitality, the elegance of our accommodations, and the beauty of our surroundings at Pondok Santi Estate.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge your batteries in the idyllic paradise of Gili Trawangan. Nestled on this serene tropical island, Pondok Santi Estate offers the perfect retreat from the stresses of modern living. With no motor vehicles in sight and just a short journey away from Bali and Lombok, Gili Trawangan beckons with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. At Pondok Santi Estate, you'll discover a tranquil oasis where relaxation and rejuvenation await amidst lush coconut palms and soothing sea breezes. Indulge in the ultimate tropical getaway and experience pure bliss at Pondok Santi Estate.
Discover
The Estate
Set on an ancient coconut plantation on the southern tip of Gili Trawangan, Pondok Santi Estate offers simplified luxury and the ultimate getaway retreat. Our 23 beautifully-appointed private bungalows are designed as exclusive sanctuaries amidst the Estate’s seven hectares of lawned grounds.
Established in 2005 by New Zealand bungy jumping pioneer and entrepreneur AJ Hackett, Pondok Santi Estate was envisioned as a tropical sanctuary. AJ and his team transformed seven hectares of ancient coconut plantation into the stunning resort it is today.
The sprawling Estate is situated to invite a refreshing sea breeze throughout the day, keeping temperatures slightly cooler than the rest of the island. Cooling white stone paths meander through our lush gardens, shaded by coconut palms, linking all areas of the Estate. Relax on one of the 10 thatched-roof daybeds scattered around the Estate, or recharge at the infinity edge pool, where snacks and cold drinks can be ordered directly from the pool bar.
Experience elevated dining and indulge in the finest wine and cuisine on the island at Ijo Restaurant by Pondok Santi Estate, or enjoy great food directly on the beach at Santi Beach. Santi Beach also offers the perfect spot to catch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail or two, overlooking the sparkling sea with Lombok in the distance.
Escape the crowds at Pondok Santi’s exclusive private beach – complete with comfy day beds, hammocks, towels, and refreshments to order. Our private beach meets the stunning turquoise waters, where you can often spot Gili Trawangan’s majestic turtles swimming freely. The crystal-clear waters offer an enchanting view right from the shore.
Meet
The Team
We simply couldn’t provide the unique luxury retreat experience we do without our wonderful staff – our family. The staff at Pondok Santi share our passion and dedication for providing an unparalleled experience for every one of our guests.
Our dedicated team and grounds maintenance crew outnumber our guests. In fact, even when we are at 100% occupancy, there are four staff members for every guest!
Our Pledge
Keeping it simple.
Our commitment to
Sustainability at Pondok Santi Estate
At Pondok Santi Estate, we hold the environment and its ecosystems in the highest regard, striving to employ sustainable practices wherever possible. Once a coconut plantation, our Estate now features 23 beautifully-appointed private bungalows and villas spread over 7 hectares of meticulously maintained grounds.
Every detail of our breathtaking Estate has been thoughtfully preserved to harmonize with its natural surroundings. We are excited to share our current efforts to live in tune with this beautiful environment and unveil our plans for maintaining the Estate while honoring the ecosystem it inhabits.
Protecting the Planet One Step at a Time
At Pondok Santi Estate, we are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We recycle all water used on the Estate through our own treatment plant, which then irrigates our lush gardens. Our property is adorned with countless trees and gardens, nurtured by several tree, flower, and plant nurseries.
We are continuously growing and evolving, with ongoing efforts to expand our vegetable and aromatic herb gardens. These initiatives not only enhance our sustainability but also enrich the culinary experiences of our guests, who savor the freshness of ingredients in every dish.
Natural Land Management
At Pondok Santi Estate, we manage our land levels naturally by irrigating approximately 2 hectares of our lawns with the high tides of the ocean. We also strive to control our beach levels to mitigate erosion as much as possible. Maintaining our beautiful beach is crucial not only because it is a precious asset with its white sand just steps away from our bungalows, but also because it is a favorite among many islanders, offering the perfect view of Gili Trawangan’s only surf break.
In 2020, to preserve the Estate’s ancient coconut palm trees, we raised the land by up to half a meter. These efforts reflect our dedication to sustaining the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Pondok Santi Estate.
Commitment to Pristine Beaches
To maintain the pristine beauty of our white sand beaches, we conduct daily beach clean-ups, as debris from surrounding islands often washes ashore. In addition to these daily efforts, Pondok Santi Estate organizes at least two extensive beach clean-ups each year, covering large areas of the general coastline on Gili Trawangan.
Recognizing the global issue of plastic pollution, Pondok Santi Estate takes a proactive stance by not selling or storing any plastic bottles or plastic straws.
Furthermore, we are proud that 90% of the food served at Pondok Santi Estate is locally grown, and we source our fish from local, sustainable fishermen whenever possible. These practices reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship and support of the local community.
Embracing Local Materials and Sustainable Development
Our existing bungalows are crafted primarily from local materials, allowing our guests to feel truly immersed in the natural surroundings. Additionally, we are committed to preserving the serene beauty of Pondok Santi Estate and will not overdevelop the seven hectares of our grounds.
Giving Back to
The Community
The unique luxury retreat experience at Pondok Santi Estate is made possible by our exceptional staff, whom we consider family.
At Pondok Santi Estate, our commitment extends beyond environmental stewardship to embracing and supporting our local community. To protect our beautiful island and assist those who call it home, we have actively contributed to rebuilding the local trash dump on Gili Trawangan.
Living on a predominantly Muslim island, we also contribute regularly to the local mosque, supporting the spiritual and cultural fabric of our community.
The devastating earthquake that struck Lombok and the Gili Islands on August 5, 2018, tested our resilience. In response, Pondok Santi Estate provided critical support to the local community. We helped rebuild the local school, offered ongoing maintenance, and sent five tons of rice, five tons of drinking water, kilometers of cable, lights, tarps, generators, and more to those in need. During this challenging time, our Estate became a temporary shelter for over 300 people, offering a safe haven in the aftermath of the disaster.
We take immense pride in retaining all our staff post-earthquake, even as other businesses on the island let their staff go or closed their doors. During the challenging times of COVID-19, we endeavored to keep as many of our team employed as possible.
We have also trained and developed numerous individuals from the local community in various trades and skills, opening up opportunities for personal growth and future endeavors. This commitment to empowering future generations is especially dear to our hearts, and we will continue to support and nurture our community in every way possible.
Take a look at
Our Future Endeavors
At Pondok Santi Estate, we are dedicated to continually enhancing the experience of our guests while also striving for excellence in our operations and the preservation of our beautiful surroundings.
At Pondok Santi Estate, we are dedicated to continually enhancing the experience of our guests while also striving for excellence in our operations and the preservation of our beautiful surroundings.
Living on a small tropical paradise island, it is our responsibility to care for the stunning ocean at our doorstep. We are collaborating with local organizations to support the replanting of the coral reef. As we offer snorkeling trips and daytime cruises on our luxurious traditional outrigger, the ‘Princess Margaux’, we want to ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy the vibrant coral and marine life surrounding the Gilis.
Addressing beach erosion, a challenge faced by the entire island, is another priority. We aim to maintain our exclusive private beach at Santi Beach, offering guests breathtaking views of the sparkling sea with Lombok in the distance, along with comfortable day beds, hammocks, towels, and refreshments.
With the creation of our vegetable and aromatic herb gardens, we have also implemented composting for all organic waste produced at Pondok Santi Estate’s restaurants. Our plans include further developing this initiative. Additionally, we intend to send all non-compostable rubbish back to Lombok via our daily staff boat, alleviating strain on the local trash dump and ensuring proper waste processing.
In our journey toward greater sustainability, we are exploring options for generating our own renewable energy, specifically solar and wind power, and establishing our own desalination plant to irrigate the land with processed ocean water.
A delightful future project is to introduce our own animals to the Estate, including chickens, cows, and goats. This will ensure that a significant portion of our offerings, such as eggs, milk, and potentially cheese, comes directly from our land, adding a charming touch to the Estate.
Finally, we are growing an entire “food forest.” This initiative aims to provide our restaurants and bars with incredibly fresh, seasonal produce. The project will yield such an abundance of food that we will be able to donate fruits and vegetables to local communities on Gili Trawangan and in Lombok.
Discover Pondok Santi's spectacular
Location on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili islands, boasts a tranquil atmosphere devoid of cars and motorbikes, allowing guests to embrace a leisurely pace of life. While horse-drawn carts offer convenient transportation, the island is easily navigable by bike or on foot. Most of the island's vibrant activities and amenities are concentrated along a 2km stretch of beachfront, just 400m from Pondok Santi. Here, guests can enjoy a bustling array of restaurants, beach bars, boutiques, spas, and dive shops. Despite the lively scene, Pondok Santi offers a secluded retreat from the island's main strip, providing a serene haven for guests seeking relaxation amidst the island's vibrant ambiance.
Allow us to assist you in planning your journey
Here's how to get to Pondok Santi Estate
There are various ways to reach Pondok Santi Estate, depending on your starting point. Whether you are traveling from Bali, Lombok, or flying in from another location, we are here to assist you in planning your journey. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, regardless of your mode of transport.
When journeying from one of the above mentioned locations, we suggest utilizing fast boat services provided by reputable companies. Boats usually depart between 8:30 and 11:00 am, with early morning departures recommended for smoother sea conditions. Hotel pickups in Bali typically occur between 7-8 am, transporting guests directly to Serangan Harbour. From there, the journey to Gili Trawangan lasts approximately 2.5 hours. We recommend trusted operators like Blue Water Express and Ekajaya Fast Ferry for this service. Please note, if your return trip to Bali aligns with your international departure flight on the same day, certain fast boat operators can arrange delivery to Denpasar International Airport after 6 pm.
When departing from these locations, we recommend utilizing fast boat services provided by reputable companies. Your chosen fast boat operator will arrange a hotel pickup and transport you to Padang Bai Harbour for a 1.5-hour boat ride to the island. Trusted operators such as Blue Water Express and Ekajaya Fast Ferry are recommended for this service. Departing from Padang Bai is also advantageous for those who may not be comfortable with longer water crossings, as the journey time is shorter compared to departing from Serangan Harbour.
To reach Gili Trawangan, you'll need to make your way to Serangan Harbour in Bali, from where you'll embark on the crossing to Gili Trawangan. For further assistance or inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact our reservations team.
If you're staying on Lombok, you have a couple of options for reaching Gili Trawangan. You can depart from Senggigi Harbour via fast boat, or you can take a taxi directly to Teluk Nara and catch a fast boat from there, which takes just 15 minutes. For this service, we recommend booking your fast boat transport through Pondok Santi. Our preferred operator is a small, locally-managed service that ensures a reliable and comfortable journey.
Upon your arrival at Lombok International Airport, our dedicated drivers will be there to greet you and assist with your luggage. Whether you're arriving from Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore, our team ensures a seamless transition to your next destination. From the airport, it's just a 1.5-hour drive to Teluk Kodek Harbour.
Once at Teluk Kodek, you have the option of a convenient 15-minute fast boat ride or a more leisurely journey aboard our luxury Pondok Santi Outrigger Boat, "Princess Margaux".
