One of the Best Places in Indonesia
Key Takeaway
The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Air, Meno) off Lombok are the perfect escape from Bali. No cars, no scooters, just bikes and carts. Snorkeling with turtles here is one of the best in Asia. Plan 3 to 5 days for the 3 islands.
During my previous 18-month world tour, I stayed 1 month in Indonesia. To be honest, I didn’t plan to stay that long, but when you love something, you don’t count the time!
I will talk to you more specifically about the Gili Islands where I stayed for more than 10 days. It is one of the best places in Indonesia.
  ;There are 3 Gili Islands:
- Gili Trawangan
- Gili Meno
- Gili Air
Each has its own charm and they are very different from each other! Gili Meno is more like an island where you would play Robinson Crusoe since it is mainly intended for camping and has few or no hotels! Gili Air is a very peaceful island for people seeking calm and rest with beautiful beaches, while Gili Trawangan is much more festive and popular without being as excessive as Bali!
I will talk to you more specifically about the charm of the last one, Gili Trawangan, where I stayed for more than ten days!
Did you know?
The name “Gili” simply means “small island” in Sasak (the language of Lombok). There are actually about thirty “gilis” around Lombok, but only 3 (Trawangan, Air, Meno) are developed for tourists.
Things to know about the Gili Islands:
- No scooter or car traffic, only bikes, pedestrians, and carts,
- No police on the island, there is very little to no delinquency, anyway, everything is known on this small island!
- 2-3 hours from Bali by Speed Boat,
- The only place in Indonesia where illicit substances (Magic Mushrooms in particular) are accepted (they are banned everywhere else in Indonesia, you risk heavy penalties and dealers are often in cahoots with the police). P.S.: I do not recommend taking them but it’s at your own risk (I took some :D)!
- Unless you stay in a somewhat expensive hotel, you won’t have running water and you will wash with seawater! You feel all salty after several days!
- A peaceful atmosphere and a dream setting!
- It is a cheap place in Southeast Asia
My Experience
On Gili Meno, I swam with 4 turtles in 30 minutes, from the beach, without a boat. It is the easiest and most magical snorkeling experience I have ever had. And the sunset with Mount Agung of Bali in the background: unbeatable.
The Gili Islands, a place to party!
What I appreciated about Gili Trawangan is its sober and festive spirit! Indeed, depending on the day, there is a bar that stays open until 3 a.m. while others close at 1 a.m.! You can find yourself partying at Tir Na Nog, Blue Marlin, or Rudy bar, all located on the same street just a few dozen meters from each other! There is also a nice bar called the reggae bar, where every evening the local band plays reggae music in a cool and relaxed atmosphere! It’s my favorite!
Advantages
- No cars (total quiet)
- Exceptional turtle snorkeling
- Very low cost of living
- 3 different atmospheres (festive, calm, romantic)
- Sunsets over Mount Agung
Disadvantages
- Variable ferry schedules from Bali
- Trawangan very festive (to avoid if you seek calm)
- Limited medical facilities
- No ATM machines on Meno
- Plastic on beaches sometimes
Activities on the Gili Islands!
| Island | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Gili Trawangan | Festive, lively | Backpackers, partygoers |
| Gili Air | Mixed | Families, couples |
| Gili Meno | Romantic, calm | Couples, retreat |
There is of course the beautiful fine sand beach! You can also go diving, rent a mask and snorkel to go snorkeling on the beach, where you can see many varieties of fish, depending on where you are!
It is recommended to rent a boat or join a long boat excursion to explore the island’s best snorkeling spots. I even saw several turtles and swam for more than 30 seconds behind one before it noticed me!
The classic trap to avoid
Never take the fast ferry from Bali on a site that sells it to you for €50: there is an official fare of €25-30 round trip via authorized companies (Eka Jaya, BlueWater Express). Compare prices before buying online.
If you liked this article, you will enjoy the other articles on Southeast Asia
If you are preparing your departure, take a look at our guide on Bali Kuta Indonesia which complements this topic well. The feedback on the most beautiful islands also provides useful insights to avoid unpleasant surprises. And for further inspiration, the article on Malaysia cultural richness is worth a detour.
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How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali?
Fast ferry in 1h30 to 2h from Padang Bai or Sanur. Companies: Eka Jaya, BlueWater Express, Wahana. Price: 25-40€ round trip.
Which Gili island to choose?
Trawangan for partying, Air for the perfect mix, Meno for peace and honeymoon.
How many days on the Gili Islands?
3 to 5 days to enjoy the 3 islands. 2 days if you only visit one.
