4.9 / 5

Gili Islands
📍 Gili Islands, IndonesiaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:May to October, during the dry season.

⏰ Open Hours:N/A

🏖 Things To Do:Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, island hopping, cycling, yoga retreats.

💰 Budget:Budget varies, there are options for both budget travelers and luxury seekers.

🧳 Traveller Types:Solo travelers, Couples, Families, Adventure seekers.

📍 Known For:Coral reefs, marine life, vibrant nightlife, stunning sunsets, and car-free environment.

🚄 Distances:Lombok International Airport (1.5 hours by car and boat), Bali (1.5-2 hours by speedboat).

🍴 Cuisine:Indonesian cuisine, Seafood, Western food.

🏨 Accommodation:Range from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

🌐 Language:Indonesian and English are widely spoken.

💡 Tips:Bring cash as ATMs are limited. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting villages.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to the Gili Islands: A Complete Guide

The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. They are famous for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. The Gili Islands are also known for their laid-back and friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoy a range of activities and experiences, from water sports and adventure activities, to cultural and wellness experiences, to nature and wildlife encounters.

In this guide, you will discover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to the Gili Islands, from choosing the best island for you, to finding the best things to do, to booking the best deals and tours. Whether you are looking for a lively and fun getaway, a quiet and romantic escape, or a balance of both, the Gili Islands have something for everyone.

Which Gili Island to Choose: A Comparison of the Three Islands

The Gili Islands consist of three main islands, each with its own unique vibe and attractions. They are:

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Gili Trawangan: the largest and most popular island, also known as the party island. Gili Trawangan has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and parties that go on until dawn. It also has a variety of restaurants, shops, and accommodation options, catering to all budgets and tastes. Gili Trawangan is ideal for travelers who want to have fun and meet new people.

Gili Meno: the smallest and most secluded island, also known as the romantic island. Gili Meno has a tranquil and serene atmosphere, with fewer tourists and more privacy. It also has some of the best beaches and snorkeling spots on the Gili Islands, where you can swim with turtles, manta rays, and colorful fish. Gili Meno is ideal for couples who want to enjoy a peaceful and intimate getaway.

Gili Air: the closest island to Lombok, also known as the chill island. Gili Air has a mix of both worlds, with a relaxed and friendly vibe, but also some entertainment and nightlife options. It also has a rich and diverse culture, with a local community that offers cooking and yoga classes, traditional music and dance performances, and organic farms and markets. Gili Air is ideal for travelers who want to experience the authentic and natural side of the Gili Islands.

To help you choose the best island for you, here are some tips and recommendations based on your preferences and budget:

- If you are looking for a lively and fun atmosphere, Gili Trawangan is the best island for you. You can enjoy the nightlife, the water sports, and the shopping on the island, and also visit the other islands by boat during the day.

- If you are looking for a quiet and romantic getaway, Gili Meno is the best island for you. You can enjoy the beaches, the snorkeling, and the sunsets on the island, and also book a private villa or bungalow for a more luxurious and comfortable stay.

- If you are looking for a balance of both, Gili Air is the best island for you. You can enjoy the culture, the nature, and the wellness on the island, and also have some fun and entertainment options at night.

Things to Do on the Gili Islands: A List of the Best Activities and Attractions

The Gili Islands offer a variety of things to do for all tastes and budgets, from water sports and adventure activities, to cultural and wellness experiences, to nature and wildlife encounters. Here are some of the best things to do on each island, along with some tips and recommendations for booking the best tours and deals.

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Snorkeling and Diving

One of the main attractions of the Gili Islands is the amazing underwater world, where you can see turtles, manta rays, sharks, octopuses, and hundreds of species of fish and coral. Snorkeling and diving are the best ways to explore the marine life and the underwater statues and wrecks that are scattered around the islands. You can rent snorkeling gear or join a diving tour from any of the islands, or you can book online in advance for a better price and availability. Some of the best snorkeling and diving spots on the Gili Islands are:

Turtle Point: a shallow reef on the north coast of Gili Trawangan, where you can see green and hawksbill turtles, as well as clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish.

Meno Wall: a steep drop-off on the west coast of Gili Meno, where you can see manta rays, reef sharks, and moray eels, as well as nudibranchs, seahorses, and pipefish.

Air Wall: a coral wall on the east coast of Gili Air, where you can see barracudas, trevallies, and groupers, as well as lionfish, scorpionfish, and frogfish.

Bounty Wreck: an artificial reef on the south coast of Gili Meno, where you can see a sunken pier and a boat wreck, as well as snappers, batfish, and pufferfish.

Nest Statues: an underwater art installation on the south coast of Gili Meno, where you can see 48 human statues arranged in a circle, creating a habitat for coral and fish.

Beach Hopping and Sunbathing

Another main attraction of the Gili Islands is the stunning beaches, where you can relax on the soft white sand, swim in the turquoise water, and enjoy the views of the surrounding islands and mountains. Beach hopping and sunbathing are the best ways to experience the beauty and diversity of the beaches on the Gili Islands. You can walk, bike, or take a horse cart around the islands, or you can take a boat to visit the other islands. Some of the best beaches on the Gili Islands are:

Sunset Beach: a beach on the west coast of Gili Trawangan, where you can watch the spectacular sunset over the ocean, and also see the famous swing and hammock on the water.

Meno Beach: a beach on the north coast of Gili Meno, where you can enjoy the tranquility and privacy of the island, and also see the salt lake and the bird park nearby.

Air Beach: a beach on the south coast of Gili Air, where you can enjoy the local and friendly vibe of the island, and also see the traditional fishing boats and the coconut plantations nearby.

Good Vibes Beach: a beach on the east coast of Gili Trawangan, where you can enjoy the fun and lively atmosphere of the island, and also see the colorful street art and the beach bars and cafes nearby.

Secret Beach: a beach on the west coast of Gili Air, where you can enjoy the secluded and serene atmosphere of the island, and also see the coral garden and the yoga studio nearby.

Surfing and Paddle Boarding

One of the main activities on the Gili Islands is surfing and paddle boarding, where you can ride the waves, glide on the water, and have some fun and adventure. Surfing and paddle boarding are the best ways to experience the thrill and excitement of the water sports on the Gili Islands. You can rent surfing or paddle boarding gear or join a lesson or a tour from any of the islands, or you can book online in advance for a better price and availability. Some of the best surfing and paddle boarding spots on the Gili Islands are:

Secret Point: a surf spot on the south coast of Gili Trawangan, where you can catch some fast and powerful waves, suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Playground: a surf spot on the south coast of Gili Air, where you can catch some gentle and mellow waves, suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Meno Point: a surf spot on the east coast of Gili Meno, where you can catch some moderate and consistent waves, suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Turtle Point: a paddle boarding spot on the north coast of Gili Trawangan, where you can paddle on the calm and clear water, and see turtles, fish, and coral below.

Meno Wall: a paddle boarding spot on the west coast of Gili Meno, where you can paddle on the deep and blue water, and see manta rays, sharks, and eels below.

Cycling and Horse Riding

One of the main ways to get around the Gili Islands is cycling and horse riding, where you can explore the islands, discover the hidden gems, and enjoy the scenery. Cycling and horse riding are the best ways to experience the charm and diversity of the islands, as there are no cars or motorbikes on the Gili Islands. You can rent a bike or a horse from any of the islands, or you can join a guided tour or a lesson for a more fun and safe experience. Some of the best cycling and horse riding routes on the Gili Islands are:

Gili Trawangan Loop: a cycling route that goes around the island, passing by the beaches, the hills, the villages, and the viewpoints. You can see the different sides of the island, from the busy and lively east coast, to the quiet and scenic west coast. You can also stop by the attractions and landmarks along the way, such as the turtle sanctuary, the sunset swing, and the hilltop mosque.

Gili Meno Loop: a cycling or horse riding route that goes around the island, passing by the beaches, the lake, the forest, and the statues. You can see the natural beauty and tranquility of the island, from the pristine and secluded north coast, to the green and lush south coast. You can also stop by the attractions and landmarks along the way, such as the bird park, the salt lake, and the nest statues.

Gili Air Loop: a cycling or horse riding route that goes around the island, passing by the beaches, the farms, the villages, and the harbor. You can see the culture and diversity of the island, from the traditional and friendly east coast, to the modern and trendy west coast. You can also stop by the attractions and landmarks along the way, such as the organic farm, the yoga studio, and the fishing boats.

Cooking and Yoga Classes

One of the main experiences on the Gili Islands is cooking and yoga classes, where you can learn new skills, have fun, and relax. Cooking and yoga classes are the best ways to experience the culture and wellness of the Gili Islands, as you can interact with the local people, taste the local food, and practice the local traditions. You can join a cooking or yoga class from any of the islands, or you can book online in advance for a better price and availability. Some of the best cooking and yoga classes on the Gili Islands are:

Gili Cooking Classes: a cooking class on Gili Trawangan, where you can learn how to make authentic Indonesian dishes, such as nasi goreng, gado gado, and soto ayam. You can also learn about the ingredients, the spices, and the techniques that are used in Indonesian cuisine. You can enjoy the class in a cozy and comfortable kitchen, and eat your delicious creations at the end.

Gili Meno Cooking School: a cooking class on Gili Meno, where you can learn how to make traditional Sasak dishes, such as ayam taliwang, plecing kangkung, and pelecing sate. You can also learn about the history, the culture, and the customs of the Sasak people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of Lombok. You can enjoy the class in a beautiful and spacious garden, and share your tasty creations with the other participants.

H2O Yoga and Meditation Center: a yoga class on Gili Air, where you can learn how to practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. You can also learn about the benefits, the philosophy, and the styles of yoga, such as hatha, vinyasa, and yin. You can enjoy the class in a serene and peaceful studio, surrounded by nature and water. You can also join other wellness activities, such as sound healing, reiki, and massage.

Sunset Watching and Stargazing

One of the main attractions of the Gili Islands is the stunning sunset and the clear night sky, where you can admire the colors, the stars, and the moon. Sunset watching and stargazing are the best ways to experience the beauty and romance of the Gili Islands, as you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the view. You can watch the sunset and the stars from any of the islands, or you can join a boat tour or a camping trip for a more memorable and adventurous experience. Some of the best sunset watching and stargazing spots on the Gili Islands are:

Sunset Point: a viewpoint on the west coast of Gili Trawangan, where you can watch the sun dip into the horizon, creating a spectacular display of orange, pink, and purple hues. You can also see the silhouette of Bali’s Mount Agung and Lombok’s Mount Rinjani in the distance.

Meno Beach: a beach on the north coast of Gili Meno, where you can watch the sunset over the ocean, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. You can also see the lights of Gili Trawangan and Gili Air twinkling in the dark.

Air Beach: a beach on the south coast of Gili Air, where you can watch the sunset over the water, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. You can also see the fire dancers and the lanterns on the beach, adding some sparkle and excitement to the night.

Gili Starlight Cruise: a boat tour that departs from Gili Trawangan, where you can watch the sunset and the stars from the deck of a traditional wooden boat, while enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner and drinks. You can also swim and snorkel in the water, and see the bioluminescent plankton that glow in the dark.

Gili Camping: a camping trip that departs from Gili Air, where you can watch the sunset and the stars from the comfort of a tent, while enjoying a bonfire and a live music performance. You can also explore the island by bike, and see the wildlife and the nature that come alive at night.

The Gili Islands are a perfect destination for anyone who loves tropical islands, adventure, and relaxation. You can choose the best island for you, depending on your preferences and budget. You can enjoy a range of activities and attractions, from snorkeling and diving, to cooking and yoga, to sunset watching and stargazing. You can book your trip to the Gili Islands easily and affordably, using the tips and recommendations in this guide.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Gili Islands today and experience the ultimate tropical paradise.

Gili Islands Reviews

Apr 19 – Apr 22: Gili Islands One of the key highlights of our Bali trip was the Gili Islands. These are three small islands situated next to each other. These are Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Gili Air, Gili Meno. Gili T is the biggest one and all ferries from Bali stop at Gili T. Gili Air is the third on while Meno is the one in the middle. Such is the beauty of the place that while bathing or sitting at the each beach of Gili T, amid the blue waters, you can see Gili Meno right in front of you. A boat ride can take you from one island to another. Further, no gasoline bikes/cars/any other vehicles are allowed at the Gili Islands. The two major modes of transport are the horse cart which they call ascidomo(pronounced aschidomo), and bicycles. Perhaps this is the reason the natural beauty of the islands is still intact, despite the peak influx of travelers from all over the world. So what’s the difference between the three islands? Well, Gili T is the biggest among the three, the most happening, the place where all parties happen in the evening, Bob Marley lover band plays their favorite Reggae music every evening, people enjoy romantic beachside candle light dinners with their loved ones, hundreds of travelers go for Snorkeling or Scuba at designated spots each day, Bali street food stalls come up each night (although they are more relevant to seafood lovers), basically it’s a happening place. Gili Air, which is the other island where the ferry drops you, is we heard a little calm than Gili T. Gili Meno is the least noisy place. Since we were there only for three days, we decided to make on base and move around if we felt the need. Happening Gili T was the first choice. We were not disappointed.Stay at Gili T A day prior to arrival, we booked our first night at Gili T at this place called Adam Bungalow. The place had amazing ratings, had great breakfast (as per the reviews), and was located on the far north side of the island away from the crowd so we thought it’ll be good to stay there. Little did we know that it was a little ‘too far’ from the harbor where the ferry drops us, and for the penny savers like us, we didn’t want to hire a cidomo and give him500INRjust to drop us to our hotel on a tiny island. The result, we kept walking, and walking, and walking. We asked person A, who led us to path A. Person B led us to path B, and so on and so forth. Our local 4G Sim Card disappointed us at the wrong moment. Basically we ended up walking for almost 90 minutes just to reach the place. Only after reaching we realized it was a straight, 15 minutes beach side walk from the main harbor! Anyway after reaching we found that the place was cozy, the owner of the place was warm, and the food was as delicious as it was mentioned in the reviews.AirCon room rent: 850INR per night (including breakfast). However, go there only if you want to stay away from the main party area of the island. We stayed for two more nights in Gili T at this place called Coral Choice. This place also had some good ratings, very nice room, was very closer to the harbor, right behind the beach lane.One night stay price: 900INR (including breakfast). We enjoyed the hospitality of Salman, the guy handling the place. With its proximity and hospitality, this is a place I would recommend to someone going to the Gili T island one a budget. There are hundreds of home stays, hotels with/without swimming pool, cottages etc on Gili T. Beach lane hotels are expensive since they are on the beach lane. The ones little inward are relatively cheaper.Things to do in Gili T After staying for one night at the Adam Bungalow, we realized we are not going to go to Gili Air or Gili Meno. It was too much of an inconvenience, to take a ferry to see an island which is pretty much the same after all. Anyway, Gili T is a treasure on its own. 1. Half day snorkeling trip:We booked our snorkeling trip, morning slot which begins at 1030am and goes on till 330pm. The counter price is500INRper person, but a little negotiation and the guy gave us for325INRper person. It included snorkeling gear, boat ride to four different locations where there are corals, first hand view of the fish, turtles, and other sea creatures. In between the boat, filled with 30 other individuals, also stops at Gili Air at a sea side restaurant for lunch. Similar snorkeling trips are also conducted from Meno and Air islands. Definitely a must if you come to the Gili Islands. One takes a round of all the three islands, gets to take a look at the beautiful landscape and the surrounding view of the seas, gets to watch fish and turtles, and one also gets to see the nearby Lombok island which one can then go to if they so desire. 2. Regina Pizza:Regina pizza is quite a famous pizza place in Gili T, mainly for the way he prepares the pizza. Wood fired pizza being prepared in the oven is quite a view to watch, besides the pizza which is quite tasty as well. It is a bit on the pricy side though. 3. The Bob Marley Band:There’s a band who love Bob Marley so much that all have made their appearance pretty much like him. In fact the lead singer of the band resembles him so much; even he would have gotten confused if he was alive. Nonetheless, the band plays really well, stopping by and dancing to the tunes of the reggae movement.
The 4th day of the trip meant I had to move to the popular Gili Islands, a part of the Lombok archipelago. First up was Gili Trawangan, an island that took me back in time, literally. No cars, no automobiles, this small island can be easily explored on a bicycle or pony cart in a mere 45-60 minutes. So the day did not near the end the way it started. With a bowl full of local passionfruit Gelato and a walk at the moonlit beach (not to forget the fireworks because of 4th of July, Thanks America), I decided to make my way back to the hotel. Just then, an absolute adrenaline junkie waved towards me, inviting me to the beach side night club, full of fellow young people. I took my chances and accepted the invitation. Five minutes later, I was playing some sort of ping pong beer game on one of the tables with Canadians, Americans and Mexicans. That's the thing about Bali, people let themselves lose in such a way, they let others in too, even if briefly, which was just about the time I needed to make more friends on this fantastic island's first night. When on travel, one needs to bring an open mind, cause you never know; magic may just be waiting to happen. The next day was well spent, exploring the island and meeting an amazing American girl, Sara, who not only helped me learn more about a traveler's life but also struck a chord with me as a solo woman tourist. And then I met Ben, from Australia. It's no secret that Bali is flooded with Australian tourists all year round; what's an even bigger public knowledge is the fact that you may not always find the best of friends in them, whether they are traveling solo or with partners/friends. Thankfully, for me, Ben turned out to be an extremely gentleman kind, with whom I spent the next two days exploring and traveling to the most secluded of islands on the Lombok archipelago, Gili Meno.
During our trip to Gili (a series of islands located just off the northwest tip of Lombok, Indonesia) we meandered our way to the islands rather than taking the Gili Cat, a brand new speed boat. We had more time to meet people and ultimately arrived in the Gili after several days in Senggigi. Gili T seems so different compared to our time here in 2008. Is that why they say, “You can never go back?” I wish infrastructure would develop without compromising beauty, the coral and the shoreline. Last time we traveled in Southeast Asia we did not arrive until September which is after the “high” season. I remember all the coastlines being quiet, as most tourists had returned to school from their holidays. We left Gili T by public boat for 20,000Rp ($2/each) and in about fifteen minutes arrived at Gili Meno. After a few key questions, we set off by foot on the trail to the sunset side of the island. I was told the walk would take 40 minutes. A little further into the walk we stopped at a fork in the road, puzzled as to which direction to take. A little girl stood nearby. “Panta? (beach) … Sunset, Gekko?” She pointed both ways. It is an island, she was telling us. I said, “Bagus? Indah?” (More better? Pretty?) She pointed and said, “Sunset Gekko.” So we went to the left. The snorkeling was much better than what we saw at Gili T. Immediately we counted two turtles, several schools of fish, and many colorful hard and soft corals. I also saw a lobster. I called to George to make sure he saw it as in hundreds of snorkeling excursions and over 300 dives I had never seen one wander about so much and have such a colorful look. Later that day during sunset, I saw dolphins jumping and spinning. What a great day! The next day, we snorkeled and walked the entire island.
DAY-4: SNORKELING AT GILI TRAWANGAN, GILI MENO & GILI AIR After having our breakfast and a little photo session, we went for snorkeling. We were a group of 25 people with 2 instructors and a boat with glass floor. We were given masks and mouthpieces along with floating foot fins. Since it was our first time, we took life jackets too. Our instructor was telling us how to dive, use the equipments and what we are going to see. Our first spot was Gili Trawangan itself. A little far into the sea, our boat stopped and we dived. We saw lot of coral reefs and pretty fishes of different kinds. We also saw a sunken ship. Thereafter we all climbed back to our boat and our next spot was Gili Meno where we can swim with the turtles. There was also a lake in Gili Meno. Next our boat stopped in Gili Air, there are huge statutes of humans holding hands in a circle and gorgeous sights beneath the waves. For a second, we felt like real people are standing there. We had delicious lunch in Gili Air and took a small tour of the island. By the time we came back to Gili Trawangan, it was almost dark. We headed for dinner and enjoyed some time by pool-side under the open sky in Palmeto Village.
North and east Bali are more into live bands rather than clubs. The south eastern islands have a few party places. Gili Islands have great beach parties.Some tips Exchange your currency at Legian Street, everywhere else in the Island will be lower rate Carry water bottle and fill it when you find water dispenser, you will save tons of money Eat at Warungs, same food in a restaurant will be double the price Take your own medicines and bandaids and first aid kit, doctors are extremely expensive There is no public transport and taxis are expensive, so either use a bike or take shuttle buses
Photos of Gili Islands
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