36.4°C | Today, 19 May
See All Photos

Gili Islands

Asia

/

Indonesia

/

Gili Islands

If you are looking for a chill beach spot away from Bali, the Gili Islands are the place for you. The Gilis usually refer to the three main islands northwest of Lombok: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. With such distance from one another, Bali and Lombok are easily visible from the Gilis in clear weather. The three islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laidback atmosphere. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three islands, is popular for its lively nightlife and water sports activities. Meanwhile, Gili Air offers a more laid-back setting for travelers looking for relaxation and more active activities. The smallest and most peaceful of the three islands is Gili Meno, often favored by honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Shark Point, Deep Turbo, and The Sea Turtle Conservation Center are among the top spots. Satisfy your local culinary experience at Trawangan Night Market by eating like a local with a hearty portion of fresh seafood with sambal and rice. The market offers a wide range of local desserts, including the traditional lupis (local sweet cake made of glutinous rice) and cerorot (local sweet rice flour cake added with coconut milk).

Get to Know Gili Islands

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Complete Travel Guidebook and Travel Information

Compilation of important and complete information for your holiday. Find special coupon inside!

Travel Tips for Gili Islands

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Gili Islands

A guide to Gili Islands's local transportation

Bicycle Rental
Cidomo
Electric Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Gili Trawangan conveniently. There are several bicycle rental places available with hourly and daily rates, and many hotels also offer rental services. The prices start from IDR 10,000 per hour or IDR 50,000 per day, making it an affordable option. We recommend checking the condition of the bicycle before renting it and exchanging it if any issues arise. Fortunately, there are no additional fees as long as it is within the rental period.

Practical Tips for Gili Islands

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Which Gili island is best for partying?

The Gili Islands are not only known for their beautiful beaches and nature but also for their vibrant nightlife. Each of the three Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — offers a unique party scene. However, Gili Trawangan, often called Gili T, is typically considered the "party island" of the three. With numerous beach bars, clubs, and restaurants, Gili T has been the spot for regular parties and events. Gili T is the place for partygoers, from casual beachfront gatherings to the most energetic and liveliest parties and fire shows. While Gili Meno and Gili Air may not have the same intense party scene, the two islands still offer a fair share of nightlife. Here, visitors can enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back vibe than in Gili Trawangan. Cozy beach bars and restaurants allow you to enjoy a more tranquil evening with live music or beachfront bonfires.

How do I get from Bali to the Gili Islands?

There’s no airport on the Gili Islands, so a ferry or speed boat is the only way to get there from Bali or Lombok. Most people catch the ferry to Gili T, then hop on a smaller boat to Gili Meno or Gili Air. If you travel from Bali, various places offer ferry or speed boat services to Gili. This includes Serangan (the southern edge of Bali close to Nusa Dua and Sanur), Padang Bai (more central and closer to towns including Ubud), and Amed (toward the north of Bali, more suitable for towns like Lovina). If you are prone to seasickness and want to avoid unpredictable weather conditions, opt for speed boats to experience a pleasant journey to Gili. The duration of the trip by speedboat ranges from one hour to two and a half hours.

Do I have to be a skilled diver or snorkeler to see Gili Meno's underwater statue?

The answer is no: the statue is just below the water's surface. Just put your goggles on and get ready to dive into the underwater world of Gili Meno. The statues consist of 48 life-size human statues, well known as "Nest," as they formed in a circle. The statues act as an artificial reef to stimulate coral growth. It has become the most popular diving and photography site and has attracted many tourists over the years.

How do I get around the Gili Islands?

It is all back to basics when we want to move around the Gili Islands. The islands are relatively small, so they have no motorized vehicles. Therefore, bicycles are a popular mode of transportation here. You can get around the island in less than 30 minutes by bicycle. Apart from that, Cidomos, horse-drawn carts that serve as a form of transportation on the islands, are commonly used for transporting luggage. It has also transported tourists between their accommodations and the harbor. Walking around and exploring most of the areas on foot is possible. After all, this is a great way to enjoy the island's natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

What is the best spot to watch the sunset in the Gili Islands?

The Gili Islands offer some stunning sunset spots to enjoy breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. You can find beachfront bars and restaurants that provide great vantage points for sunsets. The food and beverage outlets here often have live music and a chilled-out atmosphere. Several popular spots to enjoy the stunning panorama include Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach, Ombak Sunset, Exile Sunset, Sunset Point, Gili Meno, Kokomo Beach Club, Gili Gede, Karma Beach, Gili Air, and Manta Dive Gili Air.

Explore Gili Islands

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Set off your journey to Gili Islands

Plan smart & save big! Use discount code BISAYUK only for you

Flights

Hotels

Xperience

Travel Insurance

In This Guide

Get to Know Gili Islands

Travel Tips for Gili Islands

Explore Gili Islands