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 Island Guide has got you covered with all the essential information you need for each island, from transportation options to recommended dining spots and everything in between.
To get to the Gili Islands, you must take a fast boat from Padangbai Harbour in Bali. The cheapest way to get to Padangbai Harbour from anywhere in Bali is by GoJek.
It takes around 2 hours to get to the Gili Islands by fast boat, not including the time it takes you to get to Padangbai Harbour from wherever you are staying in Bali. Plan for at least half a day of travel.
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.
It costs around 35,000 IDR (2.40 USD) per day to hire bicycles, and you can hire them from your hotel or the many places along the streets of Gili.
Hiring bikes is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Gili Air and Gili Trawangan; however, travelling by foot is the best way for Gili Meno! Gili Meno is the smallest of the three islands, and a lot of the paths are covered in sand, which results in pushing your bikes most of the way.
Day trips to other Gili Islands is possible. Check the times at the harbour as they can change frequently.
A one-way ticket with the public boat will cost you 45,000 IDR (3 USD) per person. There is the option to take a private boat, but it will cost a lot more.
From Gili Air to Gili Meno, the boat ride is about 15 minutes, and from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan, it takes about 30 minutes.
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 is the perfect mix of Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. There are many restaurants and bars similar, but it has a calmer vibe than Gili Trawangan. Gili Air is the island for all types of travellers.
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 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 & Bungalows is a cheap place to stay for those on a budget. 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.
Snorkel in front of any of the places listed below for the best snorkelling experience.
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three islands and is known as the “party island.” It’s best suited for those travelling solo, looking to make new friends or friends looking to party!
Flamingo Hotel is one of the most instagrammable boutique hotels in Gili Trawangan. Their photogenic pool is perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of fun! Flamingo Hotel has bikes you can hire for 35,000 IDR per day. The best thing about this hotel is the aesthetics!
Book your stay at Villas 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 T and where you go to watch the sunset! The villas are luxurious, clean and comfortable.
Book your stay at Ponte Villas here.
Snorkel in front of any of the places listed below for the best snorkelling experience.
Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands and is best for honeymooners, couples, and family vacations. Gili Meno has the most beautiful beaches of the three islands.
I recommend staying on Gili Air 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, Meno Island Villas and Meno House are great places to stay.
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.
If you have some extra time on your Bali vacation, I highly recommend visiting the Gili Islands for a tropical getaway. The comprehensive Gili Island Guide above will assist you in planning your trip to this paradise! To fully experience and explore all three islands, I suggest spending at least 2-3 nights there.
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