Which Gili Island is best to visit?
One of the biggest questions you may ask yourself when planning a trip to the Gili Islands is which one to visit. While they may seem similar at first glance, each island offers a unique experience, and where you choose to stay will shape your trip.
Below I’ve described each of the islands and shared my personal impressions. Keep in mind that even if you stay on one island, you can easily take a day trip to explore the others.
🛏️ These were our hotels during our trip: Trawangan Dive Resort (in Gili Trawangan), Bungalow Cafe Gili Beach Front (in Gili Meno) and Manusia Dunia Green Lodge (in Gili Air). We liked them very much. Below you will find more recommendations for different budgets.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is known for its vibrant party scene, well-developed infrastructure, and high level of tourism. In the island’s main town, around the port, you’ll find numerous bars where the music plays late into the night. However, beyond this central area, the rest of the island is much quieter, offering plenty of spots for a peaceful stay.
Gili Trawangan also boasts a wide variety of cafes and restaurants—something you won’t find as easily on Gili Meno. For snorkeling, Gili T is an excellent choice, as it’s quite common to spot turtles along the northern coast.
If you decide to visit this island, don’t miss my Gili Trawangan travel guid, where I share tips on how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay, the best restaurants, and even includes a map of Gili Trawangan.
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is often considered the best choice for honeymooners. It’s the most peaceful and, in my opinion, the most magical of the three islands. While it has limited infrastructure and fewer restaurants, this can actually be a positive if you’re seeking to savor the simple pleasures of life.
In Gili Meno, you won’t find specialty coffee shops or a wide variety of international cuisine. Instead, you’ll come across small family-run restaurants by the sea, where the star dish is fresh, barbecued fish, really delicious.
Snorkeling in Gili Meno is also excellent. There are areas where spotting turtles is easy, and the island is home to the famous underwater statues of people embracing in a circle.
If you choose this island, check out my Gili Meno travel guide, where I share tips on how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and the best places to eat.
Gili Air
Gili Air is often described as a blend of the other two islands. It has a good selection of restaurants and places to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset, but without the intense party scene of Gili Trawangan. It’s more laid-back, and from our experience, Gili Air tends to offer more budget-friendly options for accommodation and dining.
While snorkeling on Gili Air, it’s possible to spot turtles, but it’s not as easy as on Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan, where you can see them swimming right from the beach. If seeing turtles is a priority, I’d recommend taking a tour that visits the other islands.
I hope this brief overview of the Gili Islands helps you decide which one to visit. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful experience.
If you decide to visit this island, check out my Gili Air travel guide, where I share everything you need to know to plan your trip: how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay, and more.
💡 Our favorite island was Gili Meno because of its extreme tranquility, which captivated us from the very first moment. We also liked Gili Air very much, and I think it can be a safe bet for any type of traveler.
How to travel to Gili Islands, Indonesia
You visit the Gili Islands from Bali or from Lombok. We traveled from Bali, exactly from the port of Padang Bai, and we bought the tickets on 12Go, a very useful platform that I usually use to buy ferry tickets, train tickets, etc. in Southeast Asia.
How to travel to Gili Islands from bali
You can visit any of the Gili Islands from four different locations in Bali:
- Padang Bai. It takes approximately 2 hours.
- Serangan. It takes approximately 3 hours.
- Sanur. It takes approximately 3 hours.
- Nusa Islands. The journey from Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan takes approximately 2 and a half hours.
Depending on your location in Bali, some ports will be more convenient than others. However, it’s worth noting that the boat ride from Padang Bai is shorter, which is a relief if you tend to get seasick or dislike traveling by boat. That said, if you’re staying in areas like Canggu, Ubud, or Uluwatu, Padang Bai is the farthest port, but it’s still the preferred option for most travelers.
We were staying in Canggu and decided to travel to Padang Bai to catch the boat. As I mentioned earlier, we booked our tickets through 12Go. You can easily search for your departure and arrival ports and select your travel date to see all the available options.
Several companies operate this route, offering a variety of schedules to choose from. We paid 475,000 IDR for two one-way tickets with the company Karunia Perkasa. The seats were a bit cramped, but we managed to get through the 2-hour journey.
Visit Gili Islands from Lombok
If you are in Lombok, the most popular way to get to the Gili Islands is to take a boat from Bangsal Harbor, located on the northwest coast.
You can go by public ferry or by speedboat:
- The public ferry has no schedule but leaves when it is full (about 35 people). We used it to go from Gili Air to Lombok and had to wait about an hour (we were among the first to arrive…). Of course, it is very cheap. It costs only about 1€.
- The speedboat leaves every hour, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The ticket costs 85,000 IDR.
🏥 I remind you that it is very important to have travel insurance for Indonesia if you do not have medical coverage in the destination. Without adding a lot of money to your budget, you can travel with the peace of mind that if something happens to you, your expenses will be covered and you will have a team of people to help you. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your next policy.
Things to do in Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Gili Islands are one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. It is a great destination to go to enjoy the small pleasures of life, such as swimming in the sea, watching the sunset or riding a bike. These simple but pleasurable activities will make you disconnect from the world and have an unforgettable stay.
These are the best things to do in Gili Islands:
1. Snorkeling with turtles
One of the coolest activities is, of course, swimming with turtles. These beautiful marine animals live in the waters surrounding the Gili coasts, and being able to dive into the water and see them in first person will be an unforgettable experience. By the way, remember not to touch them, feed them, or disturb them by chasing them for too long.
Perhaps the best island to see turtles swimming from the shore is Gili Trawangan, as many come to the north coast to feed (on the northeast coast they can also be seen). Likewise, on Gili Meno, it is very easy to see them on the north and west coasts. On Gili Air, we were not as lucky, and I understand there are fewer (but you can always take a tour that will ensure you swim with turtles).
2. Underwater statues in Gili Islands
Not only will you be able to swim with turtles, but you will also have the opportunity to explore curious statues placed on the seabed.
Nest, in Gili Meno
Undoubtedly, the most famous of all and the one you cannot miss is the one known as “Nest,” a project of the British sculptor Jason DeCaires Taylor. This sculpture located in Gili Meno is formed by a set of embracing couples surrounding other figures of people huddled at the bottom of the sea.
If you are on Gili Meno, you can reach it from the shore. The statues are in front of a hotel called Bask. You have to swim a few minutes, but you can get there easily. If you are going to visit the other islands, don’t worry, as all tours include this place.
Underwater bikes, in Gili T
Another submerged sculpture we visited was the motorcycle statue in Gili Trawangan. I found it quite fascinating and definitely recommend checking it out if you’re on Gili T. I imagine some tours include this spot, but if you’re already on the island, you can swim to it directly from the shore. The statues are located in front of Hotel Vila Ombak. From the beach, you’ll notice a small pier marking the location of the sculpture.
3. Watching unforgettable sunsets
One of the highlights of each day spent on these Indonesian islands is watching the sunset. All the islands have several bars and restaurants along the coastline where you can enjoy this beautiful view. Some of these spots even feature the famous swings that you might have seen on social media.
On all the islands, the best place to catch the sunset is the east coast. On clear days, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Mount Agung in the background—the highest and most sacred volcano in Bali. It’s truly an unforgettable sight.
Here are some of the most popular spots, or our personal favorites, for watching the sunset on each of the islands:
- Gili Trawangan: PinkCoco, The Exile, Casa Vintage Beach, Hotel Ombak Sunset.
- Gili Meno: Sunset Bar & Restoran Meno, Mahamaya Gili Meno.
- Gili Air: PinkCoco, Island View Bar (hay columpio), Mowie’s Gili Air, Gili Lumbung (con música en directo), Why Not Bar (sitio más local).
4. Swimming in the best beaches in Gili Islands
During your stay at this destination, one of the things you’ll enjoy most is swimming in its turquoise waters. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the beaches on the Gili Islands. However, keep in mind that many of them have dead coral on the seabed, so water shoes can be very useful.
My two favorite beaches for swimming (with a sandy bottom and no rocks or coral) were:
- “Gili Meno South-East Beach.” Beach is located in front of Mama Melani Warung and Umar Resto restaurants. There are sun loungers and umbrellas.
- “East Beach,” in Gili Air, is located in front of Scallywags Resort. There are sun loungers and umbrellas belonging to the different businesses.
5. Going on a bike ride
You may already know this, but in case you haven’t heard, there are no motorized vehicles in the Gili Islands. So, to move around each of the islands, you will have to do it on foot or by bicycle. There are also horse carts, but the other two ways of getting around are more ethical.
My suggestion is to rent a bicycle, since not only will you get to the places faster than on foot, but also, going around the islands with the bike is an activity in itself. You are sure to have a lot of fun touring the islands on two wheels.
The price of the bikes usually costs 50,000 IDR per day, although if you are staying for several days, you can bargain a little and get a better price.
The island I liked the most for cycling was Gili T, as the road around the island along the coast is very good. On the other islands, the road that surrounds them has stretches that pass by beaches, and you will have to get off the bike and walk.
6. Take a tour to see all the islands
Regardless of which island you decide to visit, you can take a tour that will take you to various snorkeling spots located around the other islands. In fact, this tour is one of the most popular activities to do in the Gili Islands.
If you are only going to visit one of the islands, I think it is a great idea to be able to visit other interesting spots, such as the “Nest” underwater sculpture on Gili Meno. It is also a good idea if you are only going to be on Gili Air and want to be sure to see turtles.
This tour usually costs 150,000 IDR per person, and groups are around 15 people. My recommendation is that, if you can, do the tour privately and ask the guide to leave very early, so you can visit the sites before other groups of people arrive.
7. Eat fresh fish
As you explore the islands, make sure that you enjoy the local food. What better place to savor fresh fish than the Gili Islands? In addition to seafood, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants where you can try both local and international dishes.
On Gili Air and Gili Trawangan, in particular, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from. While Gili Meno has a more limited dining scene, it’s where I found the best fish at the best price.
If you want to discover the top restaurants on each island, be sure to check out my articles on the subject:
8. Late night cinema in Gili Islands
After nightfall, the islands still have plenty of cool activities to offer. If you’re on Gili T, partying is always an option, but if you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, a great idea is to visit an open-air cinema. On Gili T, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, you’ll find large screens set up right on the beach, where you can relax and watch a movie while lying or sitting on the sand.
9. Get a massage
What better way to end a day of beach, sun, and bike rides than with a relaxing massage? Like many Southeast Asian islands, the Gili Islands offer plenty of places where you can treat yourself to a great massage at an affordable price.
While I don’t recall seeing any spas on Gili Meno, you’ll find them all over Gili T and Gili Air. On Gili Air, we especially enjoyed a spot called Gili Blissful Spa.
📲 If you want to have internet, you can buy a sim card at your destination (they sell them at the airport) or, a bit more expensive but much more convenient, you can purchase a Holafly eSIM with a discount. before your trip. You can book it here un 5% more affordable with the discount code “comeamaviaja”. You will have internet from the moment you land!
Recommended hotels in the Gili Islands
Let’s move on to another crucial part of planning your trip to the Gili Islands: choosing the right accommodation. I’ll review the hotels we stayed at on each island (all of which I highly recommend) along with other accommodation options.
Before diving into this topic, I want to emphasize that for a good night’s rest, it’s important to ensure that your hotel isn’t too close to a mosque (as the call to prayer begins around 4:30 a.m.). Additionally, on Gili T, be mindful of choosing accommodation that isn’t near the party bars.
Hotels in Gili Trawangan
We chose Trawangan Dive Resort, a 3-star hotel located on the island’s main street, about an 8-minute walk from the harbor. The hotel is beachfront and offers several swimming pools.
We loved our room—it was very comfortable and had everything we needed for a pleasant stay. The buffet breakfast served on the terrace was also a highlight, and the coffee was particularly good.
Despite being relatively close to the street with plenty of bars and the mosque, the noise doesn’t reach the hotel, so you can still get a good night’s rest.
More hotel recommendations in Gili Trawangan
Ordered from lowest to highest price:
- Villa Pine Tree. A hotel offering double rooms, triple rooms, and a private villa. It features a swimming pool and a restaurant.
- Flamingo. A hotel with beautiful décor inspired by flamingos. It features a swimming pool and a bar.
- Jali Resort. A 3-star hotel with double rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and an excellent restaurant.
- PinkCoco. One of the most famous hotels on the island. It is adults-only and features a beachfront bar, perfect for watching the sunset.
For more recommendations, don’t miss my post on where to stay in Gili Trawangan.
Hotels in Gili Meno
On Gili Meno, we stayed at Bungalow Cafe Gili Beach Front, a hotel located on the southwest side of the island (the side from which you can see the sunsets). Our room was small, but we also found it comfortable and were very comfortable.
The location of the accommodation, in front of a quiet and beautiful beach, was the main reason why we enjoyed a magical stay. Having the sea in front of us at breakfast and at any time of the day was a pleasure.
Breakfast was good, although we found the food in the restaurant a bit expensive in relation to the quality. This was not a problem, as there were other places to eat nearby.
More hotel recommendations in Gili Meno
Ordered from lowest to highest price:
- Meno Dream Resort. A 3-star hotel offering double rooms and bungalows. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
- Le Pirate. An adults-only hotel located along the coast. It includes a garden, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, and a restaurant.
- Villa Samalas Resort. Accommodation consisting of several villas for two people. It also features a private beach area and a restaurant.
- Bask. A spectacular hotel located on the coast of Gili Meno. It offers stunning suites and villas, some with sea views. There is a private beach area and an outdoor pool with a bar.
Hotels in Gili Air
In Gili Air, we stayed at a very nice hotel called Manusia Dunia Green Lodge. This hotel is located near the west coast, close to the center of the island but at the same time far enough away to have a splendid tranquility.
We found it to be a very special place, with very neat decoration and with many details that you will appreciate. Our room was spacious and very comfortable. There is a large central garden with a swimming pool and hammocks that we used several times.
Breakfast is very complete, and you can choose to have it on the terrace of your room or on the roof terrace. Another thing I really liked is that they provide you with a guidebook with many recommendations of the island.
More hotel recommendations in Gili Air
Ordered from lowest to highest price:
- Amel House. A hotel with carefully curated décor offering double rooms with private bathrooms. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
- La Siesta Bungalows & Cuisine. An adults-only accommodation consisting of bungalows for two people. It includes a bar and a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.
- PinkCoco. One of the most famous hotels on the island. It is adults-only, entirely pink, and perfectly located to watch the sunset.
How to travel between the islands
Traveling between the Gili Islands is very easy, and there are several options: public boat (island hopping), speedboat, or private transfer. You will be able to choose between different schedules and prices.
Below, I give you more information about island hopping and speedboats. If you opt for a private transfer, you will be able to agree on time and price at the destination.
Public boat (island hopping)
The public boat (called island hopping) connects the islands with each other with 2 departures a day to each of the other islands. There is always one trip in the morning and one in the afternoon. Below you can see the schedules, but you can also go to the port upon arrival to check them. The trip costs between 40,000 and 45,000 IDR per person.
We used it to go from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno. The boat was half empty, and it was a very comfortable ride.
Speedboat
The speedboat connects all the islands with each other several times a day. As you can see in the picture, there are a total of 8 departures per day to each of the other islands. The price is more expensive (85,000 IDR per person), but it gives you more freedom in choosing the time you want to travel.
We used the speedboat to go from Gili Meno to Gili Air, as we didn’t feel like getting up early.
Other Gili Islands travel tips
Here are some final tips to keep in mind when organizing your trip:
- If you don’t have snorkeling equipment, you can rent it at any time from one of the many snorkeling stations scattered all over the islands. The price is approximately IDR 20,000 for the fins and IDR 20,000 for the mask and snorkel.
- On Gili Trawangan and Gili Air there are plenty of ATMs and money exchange houses but, however, if you are going to Gili Meno, I recommend you to bring as much cash as you will need. To withdraw money, I always recommend to take a card like the N26.
- In some areas there are beaches with a lot of dead coral on the bottom, which can hurt your feet. Some booties will come in handy, and not only on the beaches of the Gili. Surely they will also come to you well when you visit some cascade of Bali or Lombok.
- Be careful with the currents. I was warned by people who had visited the islands and it is certain that when the tide is lowering, there can be a lot of current towards the interior. Keep this in mind and be careful.
- I have already mentioned this in the previous section but, just in case you missed it, I will repeat it again. When choosing a hotel, make sure it is not too close to a mosque, as the call to prayer sounds around 4:30 am.
- Don’t touch the turtles. I thought this point would not be necessary but during our trip, we saw other tourists touching the turtles, something that should not be done, so I think it is worth remembering.
Map of Gili Islands travel guide
In the following map, I have pointed out all the points to take into account during your visit to the islands: docks, snorkeling spots, marine statues, restaurants, recommended hotels, etc.
💳 To withdraw rupees or pay by card, I recommend getting the N26 card. With the free version you can withdraw money with a very low commission and pay in another currency with the best exchange rate and no commissions.
I hope this post about the best things to do in Gili Islands has been very useful to organize your visit to this beautiful archipelago belonging to Lombok.
If you want to tell me how it goes or if you have any other advice, I’ll be happy to read it. See you next time!
