Are you in need of a tropical getaway? Well, have you heard of the Gili Islands? These three gorgeous islands located in the northwest part of Lombok are an absolute paradise! With their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life, the Gili Islands provide the perfect atmosphere to kick back and forget about your everyday life.

Each island has its own unique vibe, whether it’s the food and nightlife of Gili Trawangan, the mix of relaxation and adventure on Gili Air, or the romantic honeymoon setting of Gili Meno. And don’t worry, despite being hit by a few earthquakes in 2018, the Gili Islands are now coming back stronger and more sustainable than ever.

So, pack your bags and hop on a fast boat from Bali for a little solo getaway or a romantic escape to the Gili Islands. During my stay, I spent my days working on my tan, snorkeling, and sipping on the best smoothies the islands had to offer. Trust me, this is one island experience you won’t want to miss!

Gili Islands Full guide

Gili Meno – The romantic island

Let me tell you about Gili Meno, the tranquil and least developed of the three Gili Islands, often referred to as the “Honeymoon Island”. With its laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect destination for couples or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Although many hotels were destroyed in the 2018 earthquakes, you can still find a couple of hotels and restaurants, along with two budget-friendly hostels: Rabbit Tree and Gili Meno Eco Hostel. During my stay, I opted to stay at the Gili Meno Eco Hostel, which is a driftwood jungle open huts “built by travelers… for travelers.” The west side of the island is mostly deserted, with only a few secluded resorts, making it an ideal spot for a quiet getaway.

The Nest Underwater Statues in Gili Meno

When it comes to things to do, you won’t find a lot of action on Gili Meno, but that’s part of its charm. The island is known for its stunning beaches, which are almost endless stretches of white sand and crystal clear water. Snorkelers will love Gili Meno’s most photographed sight, The Nest, an underwater sculpture from British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, with 48 life-sized human figures. If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, don’t worry; there are plenty of locals renting out equipment on the island’s east coast. Just be sure to double-check the condition of the gear before taking it away. My top tip for experiencing The Nest without the crowds is to go early in the morning before sunrise, around 6 am, when there are fewer people around.

Gili Meno - The Nest Statues

The Best Sunset Views in Gili Meno

For the best sunset views, make sure to check out Sasak Cafe, where you can enjoy some delicious local dishes while watching the sun go down. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent! You might even be lucky enough to see some falling stars or a burning meteor in the sky. According to the locals, it happens every now and then.

In summary, Gili Meno is a perfect destination for a romantic beach escape, but it may not be the best choice if you’re dealing with a recent breakup. So, pack your bags, leave your troubles behind and head to Gili Meno for a relaxing and unforgettable island getaway!

Gili Trawangan – The party island

If you’re looking for a lively island with a friendly vibe and plenty of party-goers from all over the world, then Gili Trawangan is the place for you! This island is the largest and most developed of the three Gili Islands, and it’s jam-packed with different bars and clubs hosting parties every night of the week. But don’t worry if partying isn’t your thing – there are still plenty of things to see and do on Gili T.

One of the best things about Gili T is that it’s one of the safest and cheapest places in the world to learn how to scuba dive, with lots of reputable dive schools to choose from. And if you’re not into diving, you can always just kick back on the beach and soak up some sun. The northern part of the island has some of the best marine life for snorkelers, including turtles, and you can easily walk or run around the island in just a couple of hours.

Staying in a Bungalow at Le Pirate in Gili Trawangan

When it comes to accommodation, there’s something for everyone on Gili T. If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, check out the high-end resorts on the west side of the island. For a more laid-back vibe, try Le Pirate, which has cute bungalows in white and turquoise and a pool perfect for watching the sunset. And if you’re feeling social, there are plenty of beach bars where you can grab a drink and hang out with friends.

Ocean Swings in Gili Trawangan

Of course, no trip to Gili T is complete without taking a photo at one of the famous ocean swings (the ones at the Ombak Sunset are the most popular!). And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not go horseback riding on the beach? For a more meaningful experience, join Gili Eco Trust for a beach cleanup or learn about their efforts to restore the coral reefs around the Gili Islands.

No Cars Allowed on Gili Islands

One thing to keep in mind is that cars are not allowed on any of the three Gili Islands, so the main strip of Gili T can get quite crowded with foot traffic and bicycles. But that just adds to the charm, right?

Overall, Gili Trawangan is perfect for solo travelers looking to mingle or friends and couples keen for a memorable night out. If the backpacker party scene isn’t your thing, then maybe give this island a miss. But if you’re up for some fun in the sun, Gili T is the place to be!

Gili Air – The chill out spot

For the perfect mix of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, then Gili Air is the place for you. This island has a calm and laid-back vibe, and it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for yoga enthusiasts. You can enjoy Bob Marley tunes and guitar music while taking in the breathtaking mountain views of Lombok, making it a fantastic place to unwind.

Gili Air is also home to some recognizable restaurants and diving schools from Gili T, but it’s nowhere near as crowded. If you’re into a relaxed and chill-out atmosphere with a Bintang in hand, then this is the island for you. While full moon parties take place every month, Gili Air is not known for its clubbing scene.

If you’re a diving enthusiast or just looking to explore the waters, there are several dive centers and places to rent snorkeling gear and bikes. You can even swim with turtles in the coral reef off the east coast, just like on the other Gili Islands. On the west side of the island, you’ll find pristine, unspoiled white sandy beaches.

Despite the 2018 earthquakes that hit the area, Gili Air has recovered faster than its neighboring islands, and its local and authentic feel has remained intact. For those looking for a more unique experience, stay at the sexiest hotel on the island, PinkCoco.

To sum up, if you want to experience a more laid-back, local feel but still want access to similar facilities as Gili T, Gili Air is the perfect choice. However, if you’re looking for a wild night out, this might not be the place for you.

Getting Around Gili Islands

If you’re planning a trip to Gili Trawangan, make sure to take a day trip to Gili Meno and Gili Air! It’s just a short boat ride away, and totally worth it. You can catch the public boat at 9:30 a.m. or 4 p.m., and it only costs IDR 35,000 ($2.50 USD) to Meno and IDR 40,000 ($2.80 USD) to Air.

Now, let’s talk about transportation on the Gili Islands. Unlike other places, there are no cars, tuk-tuks, or motorcycles allowed here. That means no noisy streets or constant harassment from drivers asking if you need a ride. Instead, you’ll see something unique – horse-drawn carts called Cidomo! These carts are the only form of public transportation on the island, but please be aware that the horses do suffer from tourism, so we recommend walking if possible. Don’t worry, everything on the island is easily accessible by foot as the Gili’s are not very big.

So, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the main island, and hop on a boat to explore these nearby gems. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and experience the unique charm of the Gili Islands.

Getting to the Gili Islands from Bali or Lombok

Gili Islands From/to Bali

Are you planning a trip to the Gili Islands but wondering how to get there? Well, worry no more because I’ve got you covered! The Gili Islands are just a short boat ride away from Bali, and there are different ports available, including Sanur, Padangbai, Benoa Harbour, and Amed. The fast boat ride usually takes between 45 minutes to 2½ hours, depending on the destination. If you’re looking for the quickest ride, Padang Bai port is your best bet, which is approximately a one hour drive from Ubud and two hours from Kuta. It takes about 1½ hours to get to Gili Trawangan, and the roundtrip will cost you around IDR 650,000 ($45 USD), including a hotel pickup.

At Gili Bookings, you can find various boat operators and prices to fit your needs. However, you’ll likely get a better price if you buy direct from the operator, and don’t forget to bargain on the communicated price. You can also arrange your ticket through your accommodation or any tourist agency across the streets of Bali. But, be aware that fast boat safety standards and operating procedures vary, and some major accidents have occurred in the past.

There’s no airport on the Gili Islands, so traveling by boat is the only option. The three islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – are all easily accessible by boat from Bali.

Gili Islands From/to Lombok

Getting to the Gili Islands from mainland Lombok is a breeze. It only takes around 30 minutes on the public boats, which you can find at Bangsal Port. Most people use these local boats, which cost about IDR 15,000 ($1 USD). You can get your tickets at the port’s ticket office. But if you want a faster option, try one of the fast boats from Teluk Nare/Teluk Kade north of Senggigi.

The public boats to the Gili Islands leave Lombok frequently before noon, but if you travel after noon, you might have to wait for around an hour for a boat to Gili T or Gili Air. There are special boats that leave for Gili Meno at 2 pm and 5 pm. Keep in mind that except for the afternoon transfer to Gili Meno, all other boats leave only when full, which is around 45 people. You can also charter your own boat for up to 10 people for approximately 350,000Rp to 500,000Rp.

The public boat fares are affordable, with one-way prices at 14,000Rp to Gili Air, 15,000Rp to Gili Meno (25,000Rp for the special afternoon boats), and 20,000Rp to Gili T. Be ready to get wet as the boats usually pull up on the beaches. If you’re in a hurry, the public fast boats leave almost hourly during the daytime, linking Gili T, Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Bangsal for a fare of 85,000Rp.

There are ATMs at Bangsal and on the islands, so you don’t have to worry about running out of cash. If you’re arriving by public transport via Senggigi and Mataram, take a bus or bemo to Pemenang, and from there, you can walk 1.2km or take a Gojek for 5000Rp to Bangsal harbour. A metered taxi is also an option to take you to the harbor.