Gili islands: No cars, No motorbikes, No problem! Gili means “little island”, and there are several “gilis” around Lombok, particularly off the southwest and northwest coast of Lombok. However, when you say “Gili island”, most locals know you mean the gilis in the northwest of Lombok.
Meet Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air: three little paradise islands laying side by side in the Bali Sea. This is paradise!
Imagine a small island fringed by white-sand beaches and coconut palms, surrounded by turquoise sea waters. And yes, no cars, and not even motorbikes. This is as close to paradise as you can get. But wait. Multiply this by three, as there are three such islands side by side.
Welcome to the triplets of Indonesia’s Gili Islands!
Why travel to the Three Gili Islands?
- The low-down: The three Gili Islands are located to the northeast of Bali and to the northwest of Lombok Islands. It is quite easy to get here so book a few nights on each of the three islands and just relax.
- The brightest highlight? The tranquility of the islands is overwhelming. Sit and relax and sleep and repeat.
- Intrepid destination? The islands are no longer an intrepid destination as boatloads of tourists arrive every day. If you are looking for a more peaceful setting, head for Gili Meno or Gili Air and choose a hut away from the busy beaches. Alternatively, come at low season.
- Globerovers score (10 is highest): The islands are nice and relaxing though too many tourists and massage parlours and noisy beach bars left us rather disappointed. Walk around the islands and find a peaceful spot if you don’t want the party atmosphere. Into parties? Then Gili Trawangan is the place to be. We give the Gili Islands a score of just 6.5.
Meet Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air: three little paradise islands laying side by side in the Bali Sea. Located off the northwest corner of Lombok Island, these island triplets were once tranquil and totally undeveloped, until their paradise secrets became public a few years ago. Since then, their popularity, in particular among partying backpackers, has exploded and so have the continuing development of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and a slew of tourism-related services.
Famously portrayed in Julia Roberts’ movie “Eat, Pray, Love”, this is bliss!
Speedboats from Bali zip back and forth to bring loads of excited tourists. During high season, the loads are bigger and rowdier. Sound like another disastrous result of increased mass tourism? Indeed, it is.
But fear not, as each Gili has its own distinct personality, and each tends to attract a different type of traveller.
While most of the local population on these islands are of the Sarak ethnic group who can also be found on Lombok, several ethnic groups were drawn here by the booming tourism industry. Traditionally the Sarak people live off fishing, but they are increasingly turning to the lucrative tourist arrivals. You will also find a small minority whose faith is Bodha, which is a belief in a mixture of Animism and Buddhism. Other ethnic groups include the Balinese, the Sumbawa people, Tionghoa Peranakan (Chinese), the Flores people, and some Indonesian Arabs.
Located to the furthest west, Gili Trawangan, or affectionately called “Gili T”, is the biggest of the triplets. As it is the first stop for most ferries coming from Bali, Gili Trawangan is where most of the backpackers and their rowdy mates get off. It is the party island, unquestionably. It is also the most developed of the three, and the best island to find a scuba dive school, pool parties, boutique spas with Balinese massages, beach cafes, cooking schools, gift shops, and barbecue dinners.
At night, Gili Trawangan comes alive with beach parties, dancing, drinking, bonfires, and everything a lonely backpacker and the dedicated party-goers want, such as the monthly full-moon parties! There is no lack of a variety of accommodation, including budget guesthouses, fancy villas and all-inclusive resorts. However, somewhere along the two-hour hike around the island, or while cycling, you will find tranquil spots to escape from the bustling social life on the island. Pop in at the turtle hatchery and look out for the turtles while snorkelling.
If you are less inclined to partying with the backpackers, then get off at the middle island, Gili Meno. Here partying is limited to sipping cocktails at candle-lit beach bars and listening to romantic music. Even better, sit on one of the big beanbags strewn around on the sandy beach, separated by small tables with flickering candles.
As the smallest of the three, least populated and least developed, Gili Meno is also known as the romantic island, ideal for lovebirds and honeymooning couples. Gili Meno is famous for its snorkelling, outstanding white sand beaches, and turquoise waters as well, and can still be described as somewhat “untouched, unspoiled, and an unshared sanctuary”.
A reminder that while Gili Meno had few tourists not too long ago, nowadays the island has its fair share of tourists and tourist developments. Beaches on the north and east sides are safe for swimming which makes Gili Meno popular among families with small kids in tow.
While the number of guesthouses and restaurants are far less than on Gili Trawangan, they are scattered around the island except for the southern part which is almost uninhabited. Beaches in the south are not great and some sections are covered with pebbles and rocks. On the east side of the island is a small turtle hatchery.
The best beaches on Gili Meno are on the north and east coasts but be sure to mark your spot at one of the many beach bars on the western side to see the sunset over Gili Trawangan, and Bali Island in the distance. On clear days you will see the beautifully cone-shaped Mount Agung, an active volcano and the highest peak on Bali Island. Before you leave, take a hike to the brackish lake towards the western side of the island, which is arguably the quietest part of the island.
If neither Gili Trawangan nor Gili Meno suits your taste, then head further east to nearby Gili Air. This is the ideal island if you are looking for a more lazing around or hippy adventure where Bob Marley tunes are blaring while you gaze towards Mount Rinjani, an active volcano located on Lombok’s mountainous northern coast.
Gili Air can be described as a more upmarket, alternative social scene. Along with the laid-back atmosphere, there is also an air of sophistication with a more mature crowd. Here you will also find more of the Sarak indigenous local population than on Gili Meno. So, if you want to experience a more authentic local indigenous scene where the locals have maintained their own identity, then Gili Air is the place.
The island has a good supply of freshwater, so locals are farming actively.
Though some accommodation tends to be more rustic than the other two Gili islands, which may just be what your hippy adventure is all about, there are enough upscale places to stay. While Gili Air has most of the amenities of the other two islands, such as diving, snorkelling, drinking, and even a little partying, the focus here is on the big chill. Chill out in the morning, afternoon, evening, sleep, repeat! While full moon parties do exist, and some partying at night, parties here are more subdued and under control than on Gili Trawangan.
From Bali, catch a fast boat from several ports including Amed, Padang Bai, and Serangan to Gili Trawangan from where you can board a small boat if you choose to rather stay on Gili Meno or Gili Air. From Lombok Island, the public ferries and private fast boats leave from Bangsal harbour. Alternatively get on a fast boat from Teluk Nara, south of Bangsal.
Hopping among the three islands is easily done by local shuttle boats that ply the routes, mainly once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Small outrigger boats are also available for rent if you want to check out all three islands in one day and do some snorkelling at a few different spots.
Due to the schedule and unpredictable weather, it is not a smart idea to plan a day trip from either Bali or Lombok to the Gili islands. Even though it can be done if you are lucky, more so from Lombok, you should stay a night or two to enjoy the vibe during sunset and sunrise over the islands. Don’t miss these magical hours!
☛ Read more: 10 Great Travel Experiences in Indonesia
Staying a few nights on each island is the best decision, though if you have to choose one or two, remember their distinct personalities: Gili Trawangan for the fun and partying young, and young at heart; Gili Meno for the romantic atmosphere and family-friendly white sandy beaches; and Gili Air for the humour of the local Sarak people and the alternative, more mature travellers who are more upscale and like to reminisce on their hippy past.
A few more photos of the Gili Islands
Funky hut on Gili Meno Some jungle left on the Gili Islands Another beautiful beach on Gili Meno
More of Indonesia:
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.