18. Februar 2024
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Are you planning your first trip to Bali? Congratulations! This island has something to offer for everyone: waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, rich culture, good food. The
Traveling to the Gili Islands: A Paradise on Earth
Are you looking for a tropical paradise to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Look no further than the Gili Islands, Indonesia! This article will take you on a journey to those three islands, each a little piece of heaven. So get ready to pack your bags and join us on this adventure!
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1. Getting to the Gili Islands
Located off the northwest coast of Lombok Island, the Gili Islands are a group of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – that offer a perfect escape from the crowds of Bali. With crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning coral reefs, the Gili Islands are a haven for divers, snorkelers, and beach lovers alike.
Getting to the Gili Islands is relatively easy, but it does require a bit of planning. The nearest airport is Lombok International Airport, which has direct flights from major cities in Indonesia and some international destinations. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi to the port and then catch a boat to the Gili Islands.
Alternatively, you can take a fast boat from Bali, which takes around 2-3 hours. The harbor where all boats leave is Padang Bai. That is probably the most used route as most tourists stay in Bali. Alternatively, you can take a fast boat from Sanur but then the boat ride will be longer. There are different companies and providers. It’s not always the best option to take the cheapest one as boats can be overcrowded or have low security standards.
We paid 600k per person (around 38€/42$) for a return ticket including the transportation from Canggu to Padang Bai and back. Keep in mind that traffic can be very busy. Only the mini bus ride back from Padang Bai to Seminyak took us over 3 hours.
2. Where to Stay on the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands offer a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. On Gili Trawangan, you will find the most options for accommodation, including villas, bungalows, and guesthouses. Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands, with a limited number of accommodations. Gili Air is somewhere in between, with a good range of mid-range and budget options.
We have some great recommendations. Sadly it was booked out as we visited, but as we only heard good things about it we would suggest staying at Absolute Villa on Gili Trawangan.
In Gili Meno, we can recommend Le Pirate Gili Meno. It has not 1 or 2 but 3 pools and is located directly at the beach. There are movie and bonfire evenings and you can relax in a hammock to see the stunning sunsets or the stars at night.
On Gili Air, there is the 2022 newly opened La Siesta Gili Air. The bungalows are huge and the bathrooms are stunning. The owners and the team are lovely and will help you with everything you might need. At the time of writing, they only have breakfast and snacks available, but they wanna open a restaurant there as well.
Other good options are the Scallywags Resort, Guava Garden, The Beach House Resort, Hotel Lumi (all Gili T), or Mowies Gili Air, Amel House (no pool!), Gili Matiki, (all Gili Air).
3. Best Things to Do on the Gili Islands
Each of the three Gilis has its own character. Gili T is known for its nightlife, Meno is called the honeymoon island and Air is somewhere in between. Here are some activities, you shouldn’t miss (note: as the islands are all very similar you can do most of our must-dos on every one of them):
Snorkeling and Diving: The Gili Islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs, making them a haven for snorkelers and divers alike. You can rent equipment on the island (about 30k/1,90€ for a mask and fins) or join a tour to explore the underwater world (starting at 150k/9€). Most of the tours will stop at all three islands including a stop at the famous under water statues (near the west coast of Meno) and the Turtle Point (up on the east coast of T).
Island Hopping: Take a boat tour around the three islands to explore their unique charms. Each island has its own character and attractions, so be sure to visit all three. There are only 2 public boats (at 9 am & 3 pm) for 45k/2,70€ per person oneway. There are also speedboats that leave every hour for 85k/5,10€.
Sunset Watching: The Gili Islands offer some of the most stunning sunsets in Indonesia, so be sure to take the time to watch the sun go down over the horizon. With Gili T being closest to Bali, you can get a chance to see Mount Agung from the west coast.
Beach Bumming: With their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the Gili Islands are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Go partying on Gili Trawangan: There are a lot of bars around the harbor, where you can have a good time partying. The mood is pretty relaxed but it can get wild in the bars like The Jungle Bar, Sama-Sama, or Evolution. There’s always one bar, that opens longer on that special weekday and so all the party people end up there.
- Just rent a bike and explore the islands: It’s the easiest and fastest way to come around. Especially in Gili Trawangan, the distances are a bit longer, so a bike can help you to come around. Bike rent is around 40k (2,50€) for 24 hours.
4. What to Eat on the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands offer a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From fresh seafood to Indonesian specialties and Western cuisine, you will find plenty of delicious food on the islands. For seafood lovers, there’s a big variety including grilled fish, prawns, and squid. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the local delicacy – sea urchin! You can also try satay, grilled chicken or beef skewers served with peanut sauce, or mie goreng, Indonesian-style fried noodles.
We can recommend the following restaurants and bars:
– Gili Trawangan: The Banyan Tree, Jali Kitchen, and the night market for a local experience,
– Gili Meno: Diana Cafe, Two Brothers Cafe and Le Pirate for western food,
– Gili Air: Mama Pizza and Allora (both italian), Warung Sunny and zZz Warung (local), Mowies and Lockdown Cafe (everything)
5. Tips for Traveling to the Gili Islands
To make the most of your trip to the Gili Islands, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Pack light: As the islands are car-free, you will need to carry your luggage to your accommodation (or pay for a horse carriage). Pack light and bring a backpack or a wheeled suitcase that you can easily roll on the sand.
Bring cash: Only some places on the islands accept credit cards, so it’s always a good idea to bring cash with you. There are only a few ATMs on the islands, so be sure to bring enough cash to cover your expenses.
Stay hydrated: The tropical climate can be hot and humid, so be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
6. Conclusion
We can confidently say that the Gili Islands are a must-visit destination for any traveler. With their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of activities to enjoy, the Gili Islands offer the perfect tropical escape. We visited them already three times (2014, 2016 and 2023) and have to say, we forgot how much we like the laid back island life and how jaw dropping the beaches are. From island hopping to sunset watching and beach bumming, there is something for everyone on the Gili Islands. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next tropical getaway today!
If you need help with that, contact us and book our travel advice!
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