The Gili Islands (or simply the Gilis) are three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – that lie a short distance west of Bali in Lombok, Indonesia. While Bali is world-famous for its party scene, the Gilis are becoming more popular on the radar of international travelers’ as “the next go-to destination,” because of their untouched and laid-back appeal.

According to our guide, Lombok is like how Bali was 20 years ago. While getting there takes a bit of extra effort for international travelers, if you’re already in Bali and want to extend your stay or visit an alternative destination, you can take a 30-minute flight to Lombok or a fast boat directly to the Gili Islands to enjoy white-sand beaches, brilliant-blue waters and that distinct Bali vibe minus the crowds.

Our visit to Gili Trawangan was one of the highlights during a recent familiarization trip organized by the Indonesian Islamic Tourism Association of West Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia, in partnership with the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines and support of Air Asia Philippines. If I had more time, I would probably choose to stay a couple of days at least on the different islands to really soak in the vibe. But for those planning to visit Lombok, here’s what I can share about the Gili Islands.

Where exactly are the Gili Islands?

The Gili Islands are located near the coast just off the northwest tip of Lombok, Indonesia. Lombok is an island in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The Lombok Strait separates it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east.

How to get to the Gili Islands

From Lombok, Indonesa

• Take the public boat at Bangsal harbour. The boat operates twice per day at 8:15 am and 4:30 pm. Travel time is about 2 hours.
• If you’re in a group, you can charter your own private boat or speedboat from Teluk Nare. Travel time is about 30 mins.
• The easiest way to get there is to book a package through a travel agent or desk tour.

From Bali, Indonesia

• Take a fast boat from Amed or Padang Bai. The boats departing from Amed have the shortest travel time from Bali or about 45 min – 1.5 hours. Fast
  boats usually leave early in the morning, 8 – 9 am.
• NOTE: Avoid travelling from Bali during the wet season, as the current can get really choppy.

Getting around

The three Gili islands are very compact and you can actually walk around each in under 2 to 4 hours or cycle in about 1-2 hours depending how many times you stop for photo ops. There is no form of motorized transport like cars or scooters on the three islands, which adds to their appeal.

The best way to get around is by bicycle. You can find bicycles for rent for as little as 50,000 IDR a day (24 hours) to 20,000 IDR per hour. From mountain bikes, vintage commuter bikes, bicycles built for two and even bikes with built-in seats for kids, there are a wide range of options for bikers here.

Another popular form of transport here is the cidomo or traditional horse-drawn carriage, which guides dub their “local Ferrari.” A 5-minute ride will cost about 20,000 to 30,000 IDR.

To get from one island to the other, there’s an island-hopping boat service that loops between all three islands twice a day. Check the harbors where they sell tickets for schedules and rates as these change frequently. You can also charter your own boat to get around for a fixed price of 225,000 (about USD $17) with a maximum of 10 passengers.

Where to go / What to do in the Gili Islands

Gili Trawangan or Gili T is the largest, most developed and most lively of the three Gili Islands. It has a reputation as a party island and is just packed with vibrant beachfront restaurants, resorts and establishments.

For those who love marine life, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are the main attractions here. There are various reputable dive schools you can choose from, and you can spend the whole day just visiting various dive spots. If you’re just there for a short stay or a day trip, you can try snorkeling instead. You can rent masks and fins off pretty much any beach. There are various snorkeling spots where you can spot turtles, swim among corals, see a host of colorful marine life and even spot shipwrecks.

One of the interesting underwater spots for snorkelers is the new artwork called Nest, produced by the world-renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. The surreal installation completed in 2017 showing 48 life-size human figures will become a coral reef. It is hoped that it will support local employment, by providing further interest in the region and a greater appreciation of the beauty of the underwater world surrounding the Gilis.

Underwater photo courtesy of Dickie Neri / Living Asia Channel

For those who don’t want to get into the water, but still enjoy the view, you can ride the Glass-Bottom Boats to take you around various spots. I was able to spot a turtle swimming right under the boat.

Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three Gili islands and boasts of the best beaches. The island is popular with honeymooners because of the romantic and secluded vibe. You can find lots of thatched-roof huts for two lining the shoreline beyond them.

Gili Air offers a good blend of the two islands, with similar facilities as Gili T and also has good beachfront restaurants and diving schools, but with a more peaceful vibe similar to Gili M.

What / Where to eat in the Gili Islands

There are lots of dining options on the three islands (with the most concentrated in Gili T) serving international cuisine, local  dishes, pizzas, homemade gelato, fresh seafood and the like. Just walk around and you’re sure to find a cafe that will appeal to you.

Black Penny Villas, Bar & Restaurant offers halal options and Indonesian favorites like Nasi Goreng (fried rice mixed with chicken, shrimps and shredded vegetables) and Mie Goreng (fried yellow noodles) alongside beach favorites like pizza and pasta. 

Though Lombok has a predominantly Muslim population, beer like Bintang Pilsener, Bali Hai and Heineken are available in bars and restaurants here catering to Western and foreign tourists. You can also enjoy cocktails, mocktails, fresh juices and smoothies from many restaurants. Bintang Radler is combination of beer and lemon juice that contains 2% of alcohol, and is sold in glass bottles and cans in bars that have permits to sell alcohol. For those who want a non-alcoholic option, look for the Bintang Radler with a 0.0% logo (usually sold in mini marts and convenience stores).

Some of the top recommended restaurants for all three Gili Islands include Le Pirate Beach Club, Gili Teak, Bale Sampan’s Baguettes, Regina Pizza, Pituq, Pesona Resort Indian Restaurant and Sheesha lounge, The Night market, Scallywags breakfast buffet, Greens and Beans, The Roast House, Ko-ko-mo, Warung Padang, Chill Out, Sasak Cafe and Karma Beach Gili Meno to name a few.

Where to stay in the Gili Islands

There are a wide range of beachfront resorts, hotels, villas and homestays to choose from on all three islands, with Gili Trawangan having the most options.

Black Penny Villas Gili offers 23 private luxury villas with comfortable rooms and private fresh water plunge pools.

When is the best time to visit?

The high season at Gili Islands is from July to September, while the peak season is from December to January, and the islands can get crowded with tourists. The rest of the year is normal season, where you can enjoy the beaches with less crowds. We visited during March, which is considered the low season there, but it was still pretty vibrant in Gili Trawangan.

Guides advise against travelling from Bali during the wet season, as the current can get really choppy. The boat ride from Lombok is usually faster and less rough.

Travel tips & Usefil info:

• Dress appropriately for traveling to the islands. You will be required to step into the water to reach the boat, so sandals and slippers and shorts are the best.
• Avoid bringing heavy luggage and suitcases if at all possible and just stick to backpacks that are easier to carry.
• If the current is strong, you may get wet during the boat ride to and from the islands.
• It’s best to waterproof your belongings and bring a dry bag for your gadgets (or just bring a waterproof camera) so you don’t have to worry about them so much.
• Tourists should be aware of the cultural norms and recommended dress codes while in Lombok and the Gili Islands. Lombok is predominantly Muslim. Locals dress modestly and cover their body and sometimes their head even while on the beach. While tourists are not expected to dress the same way, they should still be respectful.
• It’s best to cover up at least with a t-shirt or sarong when going into the village, dining at restaurants or visiting shops. On the beach or on a dive boat, bikinis and swimwear are accepted, but take note that being topless or wearing very skimpy or revealing bikinis or G-strings is not appropriate.

Video Feature

Here’s a video feature on Lombok, Indonesia produced by Living Asia Channel. I make a few cameos here :p