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.

How to get to Gili Islands

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.  

How to get 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.  

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.  

Things you should know about Gili Islands

• The majority of locals on the Gili Islands are Muslim. There are mosques where you will hear Muslim prayers through a loudspeaker during certain times of the day and night. As it’s very loud, it can disturb your sleep. If you are a light sleeper bringing earplugs would be a good idea.  

• When roaming around the streets (especially inland), it would be respectful to cover up. Girls should avoid wearing just a bikini, and men should avoid being shirtless.  

• Unlike Bali, there are no stray dogs on the island, but there are many stray cats and large monitor lizards.  

• Some areas on the islands don’t have streetlights, and most bikes don’t have lights attached. It would be handy to have a flashlight with you.  

• There are tons of mosquitos. Make sure to wear mosquito repellent. 

• The wifi is weak on the Gili islands, so it’s best 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 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. 

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 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.

Local Warungs (Local restaurants serving cheap, delicious Indonesian meals)  

• Burger Lady
• Warung Mexicana (vegan options)
• Aura Bowls (you can order smoothie bowls here)
• Warung near Puri Air Beach Resort and Talent Villa Sunset Bungalows (not on Google)

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 (only open until 2:30 pm except on Saturday it’s open until 5 pm)  

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

• Island View Bar and Bungalows
• Pink Coco
• Why Not Bungalows Bar
• Mowie’s
• Mama Pizza

Best Snorkelling Spots

Snorkel in front of any of the places listed below for the best snorkelling experience.  

• 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 known as the “party island.” It’s best suited for those travelling solo, looking to make new friends or friends looking to party!  

Gili Trawangan Accommodation

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.

Local Warungs (Local restaurants serving cheap, delicious Indonesian meals)  

• Warung Dewi
• Warung Warna

Western Restaurants

• La Regina Pizzeria (the best pizza on the island)
• Pearl Beach Lounge (fine dining experience)
• Scallywags (candlelit dinner on the beach)
• Egoiste Beach Restaurant (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 (cheap drinks and cocktails)

Best Places To Watch The Sunset

• Pink Coco (there are benches and a boardwalk near Pink Coco to watch the sunset from)
• Sunset Kiss Beach Club
• Aston Sunset Beach Resort

Best Snorkelling Spots

Snorkel in front of any of the places listed below for the best snorkelling experience.  

• 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. Gili Meno has the most beautiful beaches of the three islands.  

Gili Meno Accommodation

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.

Local Warungs (Local restaurants serving cheap, delicious Indonesian meals)   

• Mama Melani Warung
• Ana Warung and Bungalows
• The Turtle Warung

Places to Watch the Sunset  

• Sunset Beach Bungalow & Restaurant
• Bintang Beach Cafe
• We’be Cafe

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  

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.