Forget about time and dive into the big blue ocean surrounding the enchanting Gili Islands in Indonesia. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on these unspoiled isolated islands, untouched by the tourist masses. The 3 tiny islands of Gili (Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno) are only a boat ride away from the islands of Lombok and Bali. The absence of cars and motorbikes endows the islands with a slower pace and atmosphere, and the beaches of Gili are even better than the beaches on both Bali and Lombok.
Gili Air
Gili Air is the closest island from Lombok and home to the largest population of the three islands. The best beach is on the western side of the island. It has a cool diving site if you want to go deep: a large Japanese wreck dating back to World War II.
Gili Trawangan
This is the largest island of the Gili Islands. It’s the place for budget travellers and party people. It has developed a lot during the past years making it more touristy and it has many bars with regular party nights.
Gili Meno
If you want a more peaceful beachfront, Gili Meno is perfect for you being the smallest of all Gili islands. There are not as many accommodation options as the other two islands, but it has less people and less hassle. There’s also a so-called bird sanctuary. Enjoy the quiet relaxed atmosphere and superb beach line. Best beach is on the west side.
Activities
The Gili Islands are a diver’s paradise! There are fantastic dive sites around all of them. The biodiversity on the coral reef is incredible and crystal-clear water brilliantly coloured fish and sea creatures. The coral reef offers underwater views with manta rays and hawksbill turtles.
You have a variety of PADI licensed scuba diving operators to choose from. Dive courses are available too and there are sites for all experience levels. Liveaboard sailing trip for several nights is a great way to use your time and money.
The islands are great for snorkelling. Take your fins and head to the coral reef straight from the shore. You can also rent a kayak or go sailing with a glass bottom boat to see the beautiful marine life. Deep fishing is best on the Northwest side of Gili Trawangan. On this island you can also catch some surfing waves during the high tide.
In general, Gili Islands are nice for swimming and lazy life!
Travel advice for Gili
- Take enough cash with you, as there’s no ATM on the islands.
- Use Cidomos, meaning horse-drawn carriages or rent a bicycle. But really, the islands are so small, you might as well use your feet.
- And don’t try swimming between the islands even though it looked doable, there are currents and some adventurers have died trying this.