If you’re thinking of slipping away from Bali for a few days, the Gili Islands are one of those trips I always recommend.
The Gili Islands are three tiny tropical islands off the northwest coast of Lombok. They’re famous for clear turquoise water, soft white sand, sea turtles, and that blissfully slow pace that makes you switch off the moment you step onto the beach. Once you know what the Gilis are, the next big question is: which island matches your travel style? They may sit side-by-side, but they each have different personalities.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
What are the Gili Islands?
The word gili means “small island” in Sasak (the local language in Lombok), but when travellers say “the Gilis”, they’re normally talking about this specific trio in the Lombok Strait. They’re tiny (you can walk around each one in under an hour!) and they’re completely car-free. Think bicycles, sandy paths, coconut trees, and the soothing quiet of no engines in the background.
Sitting just off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gilis are made up of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Each one feels a little different, and choosing the right one can make all the difference to your holiday.
Which Gili Island should you visit?
Here’s what I tell my friends when they ask me which Gili suits them best:
Gili Trawangan
Best for: social travellers or groups who want plenty of options
Gili Trawangan has the biggest personality of the three. Yes, it’s known for its nightlife, and if you want beach bars, live music and a little energy, you’ll find it. But the island is much more balanced than people think.
Stay near the southern strip if you want the buzz, or wander towards the north and west for quiet stretches of sand, peaceful villas and sunset views over Bali’s mountains. Between the snorkelling, the food, the cafés and the long cycling paths, you can make your Gili T trip as lively or as laid-back as you want.
If you want a bit of everything without feeling remote, this is the easiest choice.
Gili Air
Best for: couples or solo travellers who love slow days with just enough buzz
Gili Air is the soft spot in the middle: calm, cosy and quietly social. It has some lovely cafés, small yoga studios, beachfront bars and shallow snorkelling spots where you can swim right from shore.
Gili Air has this way of easing you into the day. You wake up, wander to a café for breakfast, maybe hop on a bike and cruise past coconut trees, stop for a swim… and somehow it’s already sunset. There’s always something to do, but nothing ever feels rushed.
If you want a chilled island living with creature comforts, go for Air.
Gili Meno
Best for: honeymooners and nature lovers
Meno is the quietest and smallest of the three, a little pocket of calm where you can walk the entire island in under an hour. The beaches are lovely, the water is incredibly clear, and the vibe is slow in the nicest way.
There’s a turtle sanctuary here, and some of the Gilis’ best snorkelling happens just off its shore. You won’t find bars or busy cafés here, and that’s exactly why people love it. Meno is all about quiet sandy beaches and long, lazy afternoons that feel like a proper reset.
Many honeymooners pick Meno, but honestly, I think it’s great for anyone craving a proper break from noise and crowds.
How to Get to the Gili Islands
Once you’ve picked your island, getting there is surprisingly easy. Most travellers take a fast boat, which leaves from several Bali ports: Serangan, Sanur, Padang Bai and Amed. If you’re staying in Canggu, Ubud or Seminyak, Padang Bai tends to be the most straightforward. Serangan and Sanur work better if you’re based in the south.
Depending on where you depart, the trip takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. It can get a little choppy (bring something for seasickness if you need it), but arriving on the Gilis is part of the charm, you step straight onto the sand with no terminals or queues. If you’re flying into Lombok, it’s even smoother: a quick drive to Bangsal Harbour, then a short crossing to the island of your choice.
Local tip: Once you’re there, island-hopping is easy. Local boats run all day between Trawangan, Air and Meno.
Top things to do in the Gili Islands
You really don’t need a packed itinerary here, but if you’re wondering what people actually do on the Gilis, here are the highlights I always end up recommending:
1. Snorkel with sea turtles
The Gilis are one of the easiest places in Indonesia to spot turtles. Book a group trip or paddle straight from the beach on Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno.
2. Cycle around the islands
No cars here, only bicycles and small horse carts (cidomo). Cycling is the most relaxing way to explore.
3. Watch the sunset (and find the swings)
Each island has dreamy sunset spots, but Gili Trawangan’s west side is the classic.
4. Dive the reefs and underwater statues
Perfect for beginners and experienced divers. You can visit the iconic underwater “Nest” statues near Gili Meno.
5. Eat your way through beach cafés & restaurants
From vegan bowls on Gili Air to seafood BBQs on Gili T, you won’t run out of choices.
6. Island-hop
It’s actually really easy to explore all three islands in one trip – just hop on a local boat.
Practical tips: good to know before you go
Money
You’ll find ATMs on all three islands, but they’re not always reliable, they can run out of cash, especially on busy weekends. It’s a good idea to bring a bit of extra rupiah so you’re not stuck hunting for a machine. Most restaurants and beach cafés take cards these days, but smaller warungs still prefer cash, so having some on hand just makes life easier.
Safety
The Gilis are generally very safe, but the ocean deserves respect here. The currents between the islands can be strong, so it’s best not to swim across or attempt anything too far from shore. Stick to marked snorkelling areas or go with a guide if you’re unsure.
Etiquette
The islands are home to local Lombok communities, so dressing modestly when you’re wandering through village areas is a thoughtful sign of respect. In the water, look after the marine life: give turtles plenty of space, don’t touch them, and avoid stepping on coral (they’re very delicate and takes years to grow). And when getting around, opting for a bicycle over a cidomo (horse cart) is a simple way to support kinder, more sustainable travel.
When’s the best time to go?
The Gilis are warm all year, but the driest, most reliable months are June to September. July – August and the Christmas period are peak season, so expect more crowds during this period. If you prefer quiet beaches with good weather, October and November are lovely.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (the sun is no joke).
- A light sarong to use for everything, from boat rides to beach naps.
- Snorkel gear if you already have it (rentals are available).
- Dry bag for boat trips.
- Sandals you don’t mind getting wet.
- Motion sickness tablets for the fast boat (trust me, you need this!)
So… which Gili is calling your name? Wherever you end up, don’t forget to check out our other guides to help you plan the perfect trip.