The word ‘Gili’ means ‘island’, and as the name suggests, a group of three small islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) just off the northwest coast of Lombok makes up the Gili Islands. The islands are rapidly becoming popular because of its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and its close proximity to another popular tourist destination, Bali.
Those visiting Indonesia are now adding Gili Islands to their itinerary. So, if you are looking for a serene escape, away from the crowd, this is the place to be. No matter which island you choose, the leisurely island life will make you fall in love with the islands.
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Which Is The Best Gili Island To Visit — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno?
Each of these three islands has its own charm and are different from each other. Read on to know what it has in store for us and what makes them different.
Gili Trawangan: Also known as Gili T is a party island known for its vibrant party scene, cafes and restaurants. This is the largest and the most visited of the three islands. During the day, the place has a laid-back beach culture, however during the night, it switches into a partygoers paradise. The island is also an excellent spot for snorkeling and spotting turtles.
Gili Meno: Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands, hence it is often considered as the best choice for couples and honeymooners. This island does not have big resorts and hotels but the available small stays and beachside bungalows offer the simple pleasures of life. There are many family-run restaurants by the sea that offer fresh fish BBQs. This is where the most instagrammed underwater statues of people embracing in a circle is.
Gili Air: Gili Air which is a mix of the both Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno is the closest island to mainland Lombok. Here, there are great options for backpackers and families looking for some solitude and me-time. Of the three islands, GIli Air is the only island that has an underground freshwater source. There are plenty of accommodation and food options to choose from. Due to its clear water, Snorkeling is one of the top activities here.
How To Get To Gili Islands
The Gili Islands do not have airports, hence the only way to get to the islands is on a boat. Entry points to the islands are available from only two points, Bali and Lombok. Though Lombok is closer to the islands, most of the tourists visit Gili islands from Bali.
Bali – Few ports on the Eastern side of Bali like Padang Bai, Benoa, Sanur, and Amed offer services on a daily basis. Tickets can be booked in advance through your tour operator or from tourists’ shops all across Bali. The ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Lombok – Taking a speedboat or local boat from Bangsal Harbor is the only available option to get to the islands. The ride takes about 30–45 minutes.
Getting Around The Islands
The secret to GIli’s eco-friendly atmosphere is the absence of motorized vehicles. You will not find a single car, not even public transportation. There are bicycles and horse-drawn carts that can be rented for a small amount. Since the islands are small and close to each other, walking is the best option.
Best Time To Visit The Islands
Since Gilis has a tropical climate, the best time to visit the islands are between July-August and December-January. The weather is sunny and perfect for sightseeing and other beach activities. However as this is the peak season, there will be a huge influx of visitors. Make all your reservations in advance if you are planning to visit during this time.
This is how weather looks during the other months:
May to June – sunny and hot
September to November – shoulder season with occasional rains
February to April – Monsoon season
Things To Do Gili Islands
There are plenty of things to do in the three islands. Listed below are some of the most popular ones:
Snorkeling – Many come to Gilis for snorkeling as the tours are pretty cheap. Garden of Fish, Sculpture point and turtle point are some of the best places to go snorkeling in Gili Islands. The shallow waters with a variety of fish and turtles are great for beginners too.
Rent A Bicycle – On the first day of your visit, make sure to rent a bicycle and go around the entire island. This will give you an idea of what these islands have in store for you and can plan accordingly. It’s a fun way of exploring the island.
Relax On The Beaches – Each of these islands are blessed with stunning beaches where you can relax and unwind. Most of the stretch of these beaches are untouched, it’s like having the beach all to yourself.
Dive To See The Underwater Statues – The famous underwater sculpture park off the coast of Gili Meno is one of the top attractions here. Make sure to book tickets in advance as it is the most sought after activity on the Island.
Book An Island Hopping Tour – If you are short of time, book an island hopping tour where you get to spend the entire day hopping from one island to another on public boats or private charters. Since the islands are close to each other, this activity can be completed in a day.
Watch A Sunset – Watching a sunset in Gili T is one of the best things to do. Sunset Paradise Bar or Exile Gili Trawangan are the best places to watch the sky turn into different shades of orange and pink.
Experience The Nightlife – Gili Islands Trawangan is the best place to experience the nightlife. From full moon parties to foam parties, from live music to DJ nights, the whole island becomes lively after sunset. It’s a great opportunity to shop within the budget.
Visit A Turtle Sanctuary – The sea turtles are protected by a non-profitable organization. Their motto is to protect the turtles and increase their chances of survival. Small turtles are kept in the sanctuary and released when they are big enough to survive on their own. If lucky, you can get to see the baby turtles getting released in the ocean.
Book Now: Gili Air Snorkelling – 3 islands, 6 stops
Tips For A Great Gili Islands Tour
- Book accommodations and all tours in advance, especially during peak season to avoid last minute disappointments.
- All the three islands have ATMs, however carry enough cash in case the ATMs are out of service or run out of cash.
- Don’t forget to carry your sunscreen, hat, goggles and reusable water bottle to beat the heat.
- Using sunscreen that is reef-safe will help protect marine life and environment.
- Do not attempt to cross the islands by swimming as the currents are very strong here.
- Make sure to dress modestly away from the beaches as skin showing is against their culture.
- Purchase a good travel insurance to protect from theft, cancellations, illness, and injury.
ALso Read: 11 Of The Most Beautiful Islands In Indonesia
Conclusion
The pure sea breeze, clear waters and calming atmosphere is definitely a great alternative to the chaos of Bali. The next time you visit Indonesia, make sure to add Gili Islandsto your itineraryfor some rest and relaxation. These tiny but beautiful islands are so beautiful that it will steal your heart for sure.
FAQs
All the three islands are suitable for both families and solo travelers. It is advisable to choose islands based on what experience you are looking for.
To see all the three islands, we highly recommend that you spend at least 2-3 days. For relaxed getaways, consider adding another few days to your itinerary.
Both Gili Islands and Nusa Penida are amazing locations. However, for a more relaxed experience, go for Gili Islands. For dramatic landscapes and stunning viewpoints, Nusa Penida is a better option.
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