This describes our experience in visiting Gili islands in Indonesia. It includes why visit, which island(s), how to get there, what to do, where to stay, where to eat and where to go next.
Why visit Gili islands?
Indonesia is country of 17,000 islands, sunny and warm weather, crystal blue sea, diving and snorkelling, amazing food, and friendly people. Positive vibe permeates in the air with unhurried life in every corner.
Gili islands are exactly like that, but even more so. Three small islands close to Lombok and a short fastboat ride from the spiritual Bali. Excellent snorkelling, well-developed tourist infrastructure (transport, atmospheric homestays), similar minded tourists from all over the world, but still not overcrowded. You can be on the beach on a bamboo bed sipping your freshly squeezed juice or ginger tea with just five other tourists in sight.
The islands are also cute because no cars or trucks are permitted. Horse-drawn carriages are everywhere and they deliver all goods but also transport tourists.
One of those places where you come for two nights and stay for a week (or a month!).
Which Gili island is right for you?
There are three Gili islands between Lombok and Bali: Gili Air (closest to Lombok), Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan (Gili T). They all have a distinct personality, so the question is which Gili island in Indonesia is right for you.
One guide summarized it succinctly: Gili T is for people in their 20-30s, Air for 30-40s and Meno for, and here he waved his hand in respect.
Gili T is definitely the party island similar to Ibiza or Majorca in the Mediterranean. The parties are legendary and can be well heard across the water in Meno. Days might start well past noon but the energy of the place is sometimes incredible.
Meno, on the other hand, has a reputation as a “honeymoon island” with the smallest size, less development and secluded luxury accommodations. However, a local warung (local restaurant) owner said that those honeymooners had been into some noisy parties lately.
Air is the mix between those two with many homestays and restaurants and many tourists there. However, Air is still ticking according to its own clock with most shops closing at 5-6pm. The atmospheric restaurants on the beach have only a few tourists each, who can enjoy their ocean breeze without any distraction. Tranquility, soothing music or a single guitar playing, and the sound of waves. All under a million stars. Blissful.
How to get to the Gili islands?
A separate article with timetables and prices for both the fast and slow boats:
What to do on Gili?
Diving and snorkelling are the main day activities. Every homestay rents gear and there are also diving centers.
Gilis have a positive vibe and they will seamlessly pull you into its orbit of enjoying life on the beach, restaurants and bars.
Where to stay?
A wide range of ultra budget to ultra luxury for any wallet. I stayed at the Nelly Homestay in the more quiet north-eastern part of Gili Air. Modern, clean, comfortable with friendly staff. Recommended.
Where to eat?
All islands offer excellent food from the local Indonesian nasi and curries, the usual international fare (burgers, chicken schnitzel, spaghetti) and fusion (Mexican-Indonesian burritos). In addition, amazing freshly squeezed juices and shakes, outstanding local coffee (“kopi”), and lemongrass and ginger tea (both outstanding). You will here well and only for a few dollars.
Even though Gilis are Islamic, alcoholic drinks are widely available.
Where to go next?
If you are going to Lombok, Tetebatu (Lombok) is a beautiful traditional Indonesian village with rice fields, wild monkeys in the forest, waterfall, and amazing food.
Mt Rinjani is one of the biggest volcanoes in Indonesia. A Mt Rinjani (Lombok) Hike will be a tougher but hugely rewarding experience.
