What are the Gili Islands known for?
The Gili Islands are a cluster of three small islands off the eastern coast of Bali – Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Gili Meno and Gili Air. Although technically part of Lombok, the Gilis are a popular stop or many travellers in Bali and are easily reachable via boat from the mainland. Each Gili is separated from the next by narrow channels of calm, clear ocean and island-hopping here is easy and inexpensive. While the Gilis are in close proximity to one another, each island is completely different from the next in terms of the vibe, activities and crowd they attract!
Gili T is famous for its epic beach parties, Gili Air for its chilled-out atmosphere and Gili Meno for its romance. And all three Gilis are perfect for snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and paddleboarding, so this is the perfect place to play in Indonesia’s tropical waters.
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Spa & Yoga |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Party, honeymoon, chill | 60mi | * * | * * | * * * * | ** * | * * * * | * | * * |
Who should go to the Gili Islands?
The three Gilis each has a totally different vibe and each attracts a different crowd of people with different holiday goals. Couples head to Gili Meno, partygoers to the infamous Gili T and chilled-out beach bums to Gili Air. All three Gilis have excellent water sports activities on offer, so you can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel wherever you end up!
- Partygoers
- Groups
- Solo Travellers
- Honeymooners
- Romantic couples
When should you go to the Gili Islands?
Is The Gili Islands Safe?
Note that Gili Islands are not considered completely safe after the Lombok earthquake as for September 2018. For more information check here
For the best weather
The Gili Islands are all about being outdoors on those glorious beaches, so it’s best o time your visit with the driest weather. Visit during the dry season months of June, July, August, and September for sunny skies and tropical temperatures!
To beat the crowds
July and August are busy months for the Gili Islands and these tiny spits of land can become overwhelmingly crowded at this time of year. For a more mellow experience on the Gili’s, head to the islands in June or September, when both the skies and streets will be clear.
For the coolest events
Air Festival
Where? Gili Air
When? March/April
As one of Bali’s largest gatherings of musicians, artists, dancers and visionaries, the Air Festival is a must-do for creatives. This huge yet intimate gathering ordinarily takes place on Gili Air but was relocated to Canggu this year as renovations on its usual site went underway. The festival will return to the sandy shores of Air next year, however, for the ultimate chilled-out party in paradise.
The Air Festival features an epic annual lineup of international musician, performers and DJs and is held over three magical days. Check it out for the most incredible atmosphere and lose yourself in the free spirit of the festival
Burning Island Festival
Where? Lucky’s Bar – Gili Air
When? April
A three-day psychedelic music festival on the magical shores of Gili Air? Sounds like the perfect reason to time your trip for April!
Burning Island Festival takes over the secluded paradise of Gili Air once a year and features incredible fire spinning performances, jugglers, DJs, visual art and live music. Alternate between the buzzing main stage and the chilled-out beach area depending on your vibe and revel in the peace-and-love spirit of this unmissable party. The event is also completely eco-friendly and features several presentations, talks and discussions for the environmentally passionate. Celebrate the end of the rainy season and make your trip to this psychedelic festival all the more magical with one of Space Bar’s special shakes.
Things to see and do in the Gili Islands
Snorkel with the sea turtles
The Gili Islands are home to an abundant population of sea turtles, which thrive in the coral habitats of these warm waters. Rent a snorkel on Gili Trawangan and swim a little offshore at high tide to see these magnificent creatures grazing amongst the coral. The sea turtles around the Gilis are used to humans and will be unfazed by your presence, allowing you to get a close-up look! Don’t be tempted to touch the shells, however, as this can disturb their feeding habits.
Try a new water sport
The calm, inviting waters around all three Gili Islands are the perfect place have a go at some new water sports. The ocean here is gentle enough that even beginners can master stand-up paddle boarding, so you can float above the crystal-clear sea with the sun on your back. If balance isn’t your strong suit, you can glide over the waves in a kayak, or dive beneath with a snorkel!
Circumnavigate the islands
One of the sweetest things about the Gili’s is that there are zero vehicles on the islands. The islands are so small that you can easily walk the entire circumference of each in an hour or so, with spectacular ocean views all the way. Alternatively, rent a bicycle to explore the streets and seek out the coolest cafes and shops around the Gilis.
Pig out at the night market
By far the cheapest place to eat in Gili T is the night market, which opens every evening from 6:30 pm. The market is easy to find – bustling, brightly lit and directly opposite the boat pier, it’s hard to miss! This go-to spot for the budget traveller has dozens upon dozens of options, from seafood to rice dishes, noodles, sate and more! Be prepared to eat more than usual – choosing just one stall to eat at it almost impossible!
Get hedonistic on Gili T
Gili T is infamous as being the party Gili and its reputation is well earned. The beachfront, although peaceful and sleepy by day, comes alive with music, lights, drinks and dancing after dark. Head to Sama Sama for pre-drinks before hitting up that night’s big party. Held by a different venue each evening, this nightly fiesta draws everyone on the island to dance on the sand. Be prepared to be offered magic mushrooms numerous times as you walk around, particularly at night! The psychedelic shrooms are widely available and well-tolerated on all three islands and are often offered to tourists.
Snap a winning pic on the sea-swing and hammock at The Exile
The Exile not only serves kickass food and cocktails on the beach but their sundown atmosphere unbeatable. Their unique driftwood swing-and-hammock in the ocean is one of the most insta-worthy spots in the Gilis and even more so when backlit by the fiery glow of the Indonesian sunset. Beach bonfires are sparked up after dark and the live music begins in the evening – you’ll never want to leave!
Off the beaten path…
Check out the Presean (stick fight) at the Art Market
To catch a glimpse of the local culture, check out the Presean stick fighting on Gili T. This combative sport originated in Lombok and is traditionally performed to bring rain to the region. Bloodshed is thought to bring more rainfall and the fight is only broken up when the referee calls a winner.
Presean is held every Sunday at the Art Market on Gili T and is a fascinating and vigorous example of the local culture and traditions. Brave travellers can even take a turn if they like, but don’t expect the locals to go easy on you!
Classico Italiano (Gili Air)
You may not think you’d be able to satisfy your pizza cravings on the far-flung, tropical Gili islands – but you’d be wrong! Make your way to Classico Italiano on Gili Air for an authentic Italian fix during your trip to Bali. Perfect, professionally made pizzas and pasta have earned this restaurant an outstanding reputation on Gili Air, so head over one evening and try it for yourself!
Casa Vintage Beach (Gili T)
As the highest-rated restaurant across all three Gilis, Casa Vintage Beach is definitely one to visit – especially if you’re vegan! Their excellent plant-based options, incredible beachside location and Caribbean cuisine keep people coming back for more, as does their wonderful service. Treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner in Gili T, or a few sunset cocktails on the edge of the sand.
Ko-Ko-Mo (Gili T)
For fine beachside dining during your trip to the Gili’s, check out Ko-Ko-Mo on Gili Trawangan. Their fresh, delicious seafood, excellent service and beautiful setting are perfect for a romantic sunset dinner and their desserts are to die for!
Where should you stay in the Gili Islands?
To party
The infamous party capital of Gili T is the Gili for you! Stay here for week-round beach parties, cool bars, live music and the most energetic atmosphere this side of Bali.
To chill on the beach
For castaway vibes in paradise, head to chilled-out Gili Air. The middle Gili is peaceful but a lot less ’couply’ than Meno, so it’s a great choice for solo travellers.
To get loved-up
Gili Meno is the ’honeymoon’ island of the three Gilis and is most popular among romantic couples. Stay on Meno with your other half, for some magically exclusive alone-time in the most beautiful of tropical settings.
Other places to stay in the Gilis: