Gili Islands Guide
The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands in the Lombok Regency of Indonesia. They are known for their tropical beaches, coral reefs and amazing marine life.
This comprehensive Gili Islands Guide has got you covered with all the essential information you need to travel to each island, from transportation options to recommended dining spots and everything in between.
Check out my Itinerary Ebooks for The Gili Islands: 5-Day Gili Islands Honeymoon Itinerary Ebook and 4 Day Gili Island Itinerary Ebook.
Getting to The Gili Islands
To reach the Gili Islands, you’ll need to take a fast boat from Padangbai Harbour in Bali. The most affordable way to get to Padangbai Harbour from anywhere in Bali is by using GoJek.
The fast boat ride to the Gili Islands takes about 2 hours, not including the time it takes to travel to Padangbai Harbour from your accommodation in Bali. Plan for at least half a day of travel time.
Book your boat tickets in advance on 12go.Asia.
Getting around Gili Islands
There are no cars or scooters on The Gili Islands. The options to get around are either on foot, by bicycle or by cidomo (horse-drawn carriage). All three islands are not that big, so it won’t take long to walk or bicycle to where you need to go.
Renting bicycles costs around 35,000 IDR (2.40 USD) per day. You can rent them from your hotel or various locations along the streets of the islands.
Renting bikes is the easiest and most affordable way to get around Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. However, walking is the best way to explore Gili Meno. As the smallest of the three islands, many of Gili Meno’s paths are sandy, which makes biking difficult and often requires you to push your bike.
Island hopping between the Gili Islands is possible and you can check the boat times at the harbour.
A one-way ticket on the public boat costs 45,000 IDR (3 USD) per person. You can also opt for a private boat, but it will be significantly more expensive.
The boat ride from Gili Air to Gili Meno takes about 15 minutes, and from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan, it takes about 30 minutes.
Things you should know about The Gili Islands
- Most locals on the Gili Islands are Muslim, and mosques broadcast prayers through loudspeakers at certain times of day and night. This can be quite loud and may disturb your sleep if your hotel is nearby. If you are a light sleeper, it would be a good idea to bring earplugs.
- When exploring the streets, especially inland, it is respectful to dress modestly. Women should avoid wearing only a bikini, and men should refrain from going shirtless.
- Unlike Bali, the island has no stray dogs, but it is home to many stray cats and large monitor lizards.
- Some areas of the islands lack streetlights, and some bikes do not have lights. It’s a good idea to carry a flashlight with you.
- There are tons of mosquitos. Make sure to wear mosquito repellent.
- WiFi on the Gili Islands is often weak, so it’s advisable to have your own data plan.
- Don’t dispose of toilet paper in any toilets on the islands as the sewage system can’t handle it. Bins are provided for used toilet paper.
- Most places only take cash, but there are plenty of ATMs around.
- Be cautious of sea urchins and coral fish in the ocean around Gili Islands, especially near ocean swings!
Which Gili Island should you stay on?
It’s best to stay on either Gili Air or Gili Trawangan and take a day trip to Gili Meno from one of these islands. Since Gili Meno is a small island, there isn’t much to do besides relaxing at the beach and snorkelling. You can easily see everything in a day.
Gili Air
Gili Air strikes a balance between the serenity of Gili Meno and the vibrant atmosphere of Gili Trawangan. It offers numerous restaurants and bars while maintaining a more relaxed vibe than Gili Trawangan. Gili Air is suitable for all types of travelers.
Gili Air Accommodation
Pink Coco is well known for its pink aesthetics throughout the property. Not only is it a place to stay for the night there is also lots to do here! Treat yourself to a spa treatment at the hotel’s spa, go paddleboarding, snap a photo on the famous Pink Coco swing (just be cautious of the sea urchins close by) and/or relax on the sunbeds while watching the sunset over the ocean!
Book your stay at Pink Coco here.
Akasia Villas
Akasia Villas is the place to stay if you want your own private pool villa! It’s affordable, comfortable and clean! You will have total privacy and you won’t hear the loudspeaker from the Mosque. It’s an easy 20-minute flat walk from the harbour and is set in a quiet location but within walking distance of everywhere.
Book your stay at Akasia Villas here.
Island View Bar & Bungalows
Island View & Bungalows offers affordable accommodation for budget travellers. Their cute bungalows are situated steps away from the beach. The staff are extremely friendly and the service is outstanding!
Book your stay at Island View Bar & Bungalows here.
Local Warungs (Local restaurants serving affordable, delicious Indonesian meals)
- Burger Lady
- Warung Mexicana (vegan options)
- Aura Bowls (smoothie bowls here)
- Warung near Puri Air Beach Resort and Talent Villa Sunset Bungalows (not on Google Maps)
Western Restaurants
- Lucky’s Bar
- Mama Pizza (the best pizza on the island)
- Begadang Beer Garden (located in the hostel)
- Mowie’s
- Barefoot Blondie Cafe
Bars
- Raja Bar and Restaurant
- Chill Out Bungalows and Bar
- Pelangi Bar at Pelangi Cottages and Restaurant
- Why Not Bungalows Bar
Places To Watch The Sunset
Best Snorkelling Spots
- Raja Bar and Restaurant
- Chill Out Bungalows and Bar
- Anywhere along the east side of the island!
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three islands and is famously known as the “party island.” It is ideal for solo travellers seeking to make new friends or groups of friends looking to enjoy the nightlife!
Gili Trawangan Accommodation
Flamingo Hotel is one of the most Instagram-worthy boutique hotels in Gili Trawangan. Its picturesque pool is ideal for a refreshing swim after a day of fun. The hotel offers bikes for hire at 35,000 IDR per day. The standout feature of this hotel is its stunning aesthetics!
Book your stay at Flamingo here.
Ponte Villas is situated in a central location close to the harbour (about a 12-minute walk) between the main busy strip of Gili Trawangan and where you go to watch the sunset!
Book your stay at Ponte Villas here.
Local Warungs (Local restaurants serving affordable, delicious Indonesian meals)
Western Restaurants
- Regina Pizzeria (the best pizza on the island)
- Pearl Beach Lounge (fine dining experience)
- Scallywags (candlelit dinner on the beach)
- Ego Beachfront Restaurant & BBQ (beachfront restaurant)
- Jali Kitchen
Cafes for Breakfast/Brunch
- Hellocapitano Lifestyle Cafe (vegetarian and vegan options available)
- The Banyan Tree (vegetarian and vegan options available)
Bars
- Sama Sama Reggae Bar (live music from 9 pm)
- Irish Bar
- The Exile (famous ocean swings and hammock)
- Dr. Happiness (affordable drinks)
Best Places To Watch The Sunset
- Pink Coco (the benches and boardwalk near Pink Coco)
- Pinkcoco Beach Club
- Aston Sunset Beach Resort
Best Snorkelling Spots
- Coral Beach 2 Bungalow
- Dr. Happiness Bar
- Wah Resort
- Turtle Point (which is pretty much anywhere on the east side of the island)
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands and is best for honeymooners, couples, and family vacations. It has the most beautiful beaches of the three islands.
Gili Meno Accommodation
I recommend staying on Gili Air or Gili Trawangan and doing a day trip to Gili Meno from there. Since Gili Meno is a small island there isn’t much to do besides relaxing at the beach and snorkelling. You can easily see everything in a day.
If you do decide to stay on Gili Meno Seri Resort, Mahamaya Resort, and Meno House are great places to stay.
Local Warungs (Local restaurants serving affordable, delicious Indonesian meals)
Places to Watch the Sunset
Snorkelling Spots
You can snorkel anywhere off the beach around the island. Snorkel in front of any of the places listed below for the best snorkelling experience.
- Type Bask Nest Underwater Sculptures into Google Maps and swim off the beach to this area to see the Underwater Sculptures
- Mama Melani Warung
- Sea Turtle Sanctuary
The comprehensive Gili Islands Guide above will help you plan your trip to this paradise! To fully enjoy and explore all three islands, I suggest staying for at least 2-3 nights.
If you’re short on time and unsure whether to visit the Gili Islands or the Nusa Islands, check out my blog post: “Nusa Vs The Gili Islands” to help you make a decision.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a payment I will earn a commission. I link these websites because they give the best value/service and not because of the commission I receive. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to pay using these links is completely up to you. I only recommend websites to book through that I use myself and I know will be beneficial!
