Three beautiful Gili Islands, located in Indonesia between Bali and Lombok, are an ideal place for relaxation, fun, diving, snorkeling, and more. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, and turtles can be seen up close at certain spots. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the islands except for electric scooters, so transportation is done by horse-drawn carts or bicycles. Watching the slim ponies pulling carts with tourists and their luggage might make you think that walking around isn’t a bad idea either. The islands are not particularly large (around 2 km in diameter), so you can easily walk around them.
You can easily reach the islands by boat from Lombok (the cheapest option) or from Bali via Padangbai or Amed. There are no public ferries from Bali to Gili, so reaching the islands at a low cost is not possible. The only options are speedboats from private companies. Tickets can be purchased in the morning before nine directly at the harbor from one of the vendors, and prices are negotiable. Private boats can transport you between the islands for a considerable cost due to the distance, or you can simply buy a ticket directly at the public ferry office just before departure. This option is the cheapest and gets you to any of the islands or even to Lombok.
But which island to choose? If you’re looking for a lively tourist spot with evening activities like massages, restaurants, beach cinemas, or drinks, then Gili Trawangan is the place. Swimming with turtles is almost guaranteed here. On the other hand, if you seek tranquility and don’t require much tourist infrastructure, then Gili Meno is the right choice. Gili Air falls somewhere in between.
Snorkeling on the coral reefs around the islands is fantastic. We recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment or renting it with fins for a fee. You can also purchase it here. Due to significant tides, it’s advisable to wear water shoes or fins to navigate sharp stones and corals when the tide is low.
Monitoring the tide is advisable to plan your activities accordingly; otherwise, you might find yourself at 2 p.m. with the sea literally gone, leaving you on the beach under the scorching sun without the possibility of refreshment. The sea level can fluctuate by up to 3 meters, exposing the seabed for tens of meters. In some areas, swimming might not be possible at all, while in others, you can walk over the seabed and attempt to reach deeper waters. These spots are where coral reefs start, so walking on them can damage the coral and likely cause injuries due to their sharpness. It’s not ideal. To monitor tides, you can use the Gili Tides mobile application.
Gili Trawangan
The largest of the three islands, also the most touristy with a developed nightlife. It’s also known as the “Party Island.” You’ll find beautiful beaches all around the island.
You’ll find stunning coral reefs practically surrounding the entire island, a few tens of meters from the beach.
The northern part of the island is calm, with gentle waves, perfect for snorkeling and, on the northeast side, for observing sea turtles. The southern part of the island is more rugged and suitable for surfers. It houses the only hill on Gili, where you can go for a sunset view. From the western beaches of the island, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset behind Bali and its volcano. The eastern part of the island is mainly the town area, with tourist shops, tour offers, massages, and the harbor. Every night, not far from the harbor, there’s a night market where you can buy skewered meat or fresh fish for dinner. Prices are usually negotiable.
Gili Meno
The smallest and most tranquil of the three islands, perfect for a peaceful retreat. You’ll find less tourist infrastructure here.
The island is more remote, less populated, and suitable for those seeking a quiet and private environment. It has the best beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
Gili Meno is famous for the Gili Meno Bird Park, a sanctuary for birds from Indonesia and around the world. You’ll also find a turtle sanctuary here.
Gili Air
Known for its mix of liveliness and tranquility, Gili Air offers both tourist facilities and a quieter atmosphere. It’s a perfect balance.
While having more facilities than Gili Meno, Gili Air remains more relaxed than Gili Trawangan.
The beaches here are excellent, and the snorkeling opportunities are fantastic, with coral reefs just offshore.
