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:
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.
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.
