Do you know the Gili Islands are a small group of three islands known as the Gili Island Triplets? It consists of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These islands are popular tourist spots; each has its own unique resort. They are best known for their charismatic beaches, crystal-clear waters🌅, and incredible marine life.
The islands are home to several resorts, often made up of simple huts for tourists. These resorts usually have a small pool🏊, a restaurant🍝, and comfortable accommodations.
For diving lovers, the Gili Islands are a must-visit destination. Shark Point, Manta Point, and Simon’s Reef are among the most famous spots for diving. These areas are known for their incredible underwater biodiversity, including colourful coral reefs and a variety of sea creatures like sharks and manta rays.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the Gili Islands will surely offer you some of the best underwater experiences in the world.
In short, the Gili Islands are a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful beaches, great diving, and a mix of local culture and modern amenities. Each island offers a unique experience, so you can choose the one that suits your vacation style best.
Gili Air
Gili Air is the closest of the Gili Islands to the mainland of Lombok and has the largest local population. It is a perfect mix of the peacefulness of Gili Meno and the lively atmosphere of Gili Trawangan.
This island offers a combination of local culture and tourism. It is an excellent place for visitors who want to experience the authentic Indonesian lifestyle while still enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Gili Air makes it an excellent choice for both backpackers and families👪 who want to avoid the big crowds and get a taste of the local culture. The pace of life on this island is slow and relaxing, just like in Gili Meno, but there’s still plenty to do, just like in Gili Trawangan.
You can enjoy activities like diving, snorkelling, and even surfing🏄 during the day. And when the sun sets🌇, you can join in on some live music or meet new people while socialising in the evenings.🪩
Gili Air also offers a surprising variety of accommodations, so there is something for every taste and budget. You can choose to stay in a beachfront hut🛖 with an ocean view, or you could go for something more secluded located in the peaceful coconut groves. No matter where you stay, you will have access to some wonderful experiences on the island.
When it comes to food🍜, Gili Air has plenty of options to choose from. If you are looking for something simple and affordable, you can head inland for some delicious local dishes.
But if you are in the mood for something a bit fancier, there are many beachside restaurants serving grilled fish🐠 and international cuisine🍱. Whether you are on a budget or looking to treat yourself, there is always something tasty to enjoy on the island.
Overall, Gili Air 🏝 is a great place to relax, enjoy the island’s natural beauty, and explore its local culture, all while having plenty of activities🏄 and dining options to keep you entertained.
Gili Meno
Gili Meno might be the smallest and quietest of the three Gili Islands, but it is definitely one of the best places to experience a true tropical island holiday. Situated between the busier islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, Gili Meno is the perfect spot for anyone looking to escape and enjoy some peace and tranquillity.
It has beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a popular choice for honeymoon couples👩❤️👨 who want privacy or for anyone just looking to get away from the crowd of everyday life. The accommodation on Gili Meno is mostly made up of small hotels and charming beachside bungalows, giving you a cosy, intimate stay.
While the island is more relaxed, some luxurious options have started to develop so that you can choose your style. Dining on the island is casual, with many beachside cafes offering fresh fish BBQs as their speciality.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the local flavours while enjoying the spectacular beach views. When you are not lounging on the beach or enjoying a good meal, there are plenty of water activities to keep you busy.
Gili Meno is known for its excellent diving and snorkelling spots, so if you have a love for exploring underwater, this island is a blessing. The waters around the island are home to colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it an amazing place to experience the ocean up close. In short, Gili Meno offers a peaceful, tropical escape with everything you need for a relaxing vacation.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular of the three Gili Islands. It has earned a reputation as “Party Island” among travellers from around the world. It used to be a favourite destination for backpackers, who stayed in basic beach huts and enjoyed simple bars that served drinks known to send you “to the moon.”
However, over the past five years, Gili T has seen some significant changes and is now attracting a more upscale crowd, including families, all looking for that perfect tropical island experience with a bit more luxury.
Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular island for tourists. It has a lively atmosphere, partly due to the large number of Western expatriates who live here alongside the locals.
The island has a stretch of town along its eastern side, which is where most of the tourist activity takes place. You will find many bars, restaurants, and shops here, making it an excellent spot for those looking for both adventure and relaxation.
Despite these changes, Gili Trawangan still keeps its chill beach vibe, which many visitors love. The main draw for most people is scuba diving, and the island has several professional dive centres where you can take courses or go on fun dives.
Beginner or an experienced diver, it doesn’t matter Gili T offers amazing underwater experiences, with plenty of chances to see colourful marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
During the day, the island is peaceful, with fishing boats passing through the channel between Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. The lack of motorised traffic helps keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed, so you can easily enjoy the beautiful surroundings. But when the sun sets, Gili T transforms into a lively party destination.
The nightlife is famous, with bars and beach clubs turning up the music and offering drinks to keep the fun going late into the night.
In short, Gili Trawangan is the place to go if you want a mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun. Whether you’re diving in the day or partying at night, there’s always something happening on this energetic island.
Things to Do in Gili Islands
Relaxation on the Shore
One of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan is to simply relax and enjoy its beautiful beaches. The island is famous for its soft, powdery white sand, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. These lovely beaches offer the perfect setting for travellers who want to chill and feel completely relaxed.
There are several beaches on Gili Trawangan, and each one offers something special. You can enjoy some privacy or a lively area with lots of activity; there’s a beach for you. The waters are perfect for swimming, and you will find plenty of beachside stalls, restaurants, and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or sip on a freshly cracked coconut.
If you want some adventure, many beaches offer water sports like snorkelling. The coral reefs around the island are vibrant and full of marine life, which makes the snorkelers and divers vacation memorable. No matter where you choose to relax, the beaches of Gili Trawangan offer an incredible experience with breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Discover the Underwater World
If you are visiting Gili Trawangan, exploring the underwater world is one of the best things to do on Gili Island through snorkelling and scuba diving. It is one of the top experiences on this beautiful island that you must try.
The waters are clear and warm, filled with marine life. It is a popular spot for divers and snorkellers, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its beautiful coral reefs.
While snorkelling or diving, you can see vibrant coral reefs that host colourful fish and various sea creatures. A unique feature of Gili Trawangan is the underwater sculptures near Gili Meno. These art pieces enhance the already stunning dive sites, adding to the experience.
If you’re looking for more adventure, you can also try spearfishing in the waters around Gili Trawangan. However, it’s important to practice responsible tourism when participating in activities involving marine life or coral reefs. This means you should not touch or damage anything while exploring underwater. By respecting the environment, you help preserve these amazing dive sites for future visitors.
Island Hopping to Neighboring Island
Island hopping between the Gili Islands is a fantastic way to explore all three in one trip. Since Gili Air and Gili Meno are just a short boat ride from Gili Trawangan, it is easy to visit each of them.
You can hop on a boat🛥️ and check out the beauty of Gili Meno, which is also known as “The Honeymooners’ Island” because of its peaceful, romantic vibe. Or, head over to Gili Air, which is famous for its lively full moon parties and fun atmosphere.
Getting from Gili Trawangan to the other two islands is simple. You can either hire a private boat🛥️ or join an organised tour, both of which are easy to arrange.
Each island has its own unique charm and activities to offer. For example, you can snorkel with sea turtles on Gili Air, which is an unforgettable experience. On Gili Meno, you can take a relaxing stroll through bird sanctuaries, enjoying the island’s natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.
Island hopping is a great way to experience the different vibes and attractions each island has to offer, all while enjoying the stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters of the Gili Islands.
Explore the Island by Bike
Since there are no vehicles on Gili Trawangan, the best way to get around is either on foot or by bike🚲. The island is small and flat, making biking a fun and easy way to explore at a relaxed pace.
You can rent a bicycle from one of the many shops on the island, and it is usually very affordable. In many cases, your accommodation will even provide bikes for you to use for free, which is a nice bonus.
Many tourists enjoy biking to discover the quieter, less-explored parts of Gili Trawangan. One popular route takes you off the main path through coconut groves and leads to some of the island’s more peaceful beaches.
But riding bikes in a quieter spot is perfect for enjoying nature. Exploring by bike is a great way to take in the island’s natural beauty and discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Nightlife & Parties
Among the three Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is the best destination if you are a party animal. Gili T isn’t just known for its beautiful beaches, island hopping, and fun water activities, it is also famous for its lively nightlife.
Tourists often choose to stay here because this island has plenty of bars, beach clubs, and music festivals, so there’s always something happening to keep you busy all night. The energy on Gili Trawangan is always high, with each night offering something new and exciting.
One popular experience is the Jiggy Boat Party, where you can dance on a boat while enjoying cocktails under the stars. It’s just one of the many fun ways to enjoy the island’s energetic party vibe. So, for nightlife and parties without any second thoughts, head to Gili Trawangan.
Enjoy the Swing
One of the top things to do on Gili Island is to try the famous swings that hang over the clear turquoise waters on the island’s western side. Relieve your childhood but with a touch of adulthood when swinging in a calm environment gives you the utmost peace.
The Ombak Sunset swings are especially popular, offering amazing views of Mount Agung⛰️ in Bali, particularly at sunset. These swings were some of the first to introduce the idea of “Swinging in the Sea,” and they’ve become a must-do activity for anyone visiting Gili Trawangan.
Try Local Snacks
The Gili Night Markets are a great place to snack your way through the island. The night markets are full of street food vendors offering a variety of delicious snacks and meals at affordable prices. It is an excellent place for tourists to try the authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine.
These night markets are the chit-chat places to mingle with locals, all while enjoying a lively atmosphere with music and laughter. The market really comes alive after dark, with tourists stopping by to grab a bite before heading out to enjoy fun nightlife. The authentic local snacks that tourists should try are-
- Sate Ayam (Chicken Satay) 🍗
- Bakso (delicious Indonesian meatball soup) 🍲
- Martabak (A sweet stuffed pancake) 🥞
- Klepon (chewy rice cake balls) 🍙
- Pisang Goreng (Fried Bananas) 🍌
- Nasi Goreng ( Indonesian fried rice)
- Tempeh (A fermented soybean product) 🍘
- Es Kelapa Muda (Young Coconut Drink) 🍸
- Kerupuk (crunchy crackers made from fish, shrimp, or rice) 🍤
- Lontong (compressed rice cakes served with curry or peanut sauce) 🍛
Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise is among the best things to do on Gili Island, especially when you visit Gili Trawangan. The views are absolutely enchanting, and the experience is unforgettable. As the sun sets, you can relax on board, enjoy some snorkelling, or even have a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Sunset cruises also give you a chance to spot marine life, like turtles, manta rays, and colourful fish, from a unique perspective in the presence of the golden light.
For those who want a more private experience, private sunset cruises are available at reasonable prices. These personalised tours let you enjoy the moment in peace while making your trip even more special.
Visit the Turtle Sanctuary
Visiting the Turtle Sanctuary🐢 is one of the most popular things to do on Gili islands. This conservation centre aims to protect and preserve the endangered sea turtles that are often found around the Gili Islands.
Visiting here makes you aware of the various species of sea turtles, their habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild.
One of the most exciting parts of the visit is seeing hatchlings being cared for and the process of releasing baby turtles in the sanctuary’s pools or ocean once they’re ready. It is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, so it is better you shouldn’t miss it.
Yoga and Wellness Retreat
Gili Air is the most popular island for yoga🧘 and wellness retreats among the three Gili Islands. Its calm atmosphere and peaceful vibe make it a perfect place for both spiritual and physical relaxation.
On this island, you will find plenty of yoga studios and retreats offering daily yoga classes, wellness workshops, and full retreats. Many of these wellness retreats go beyond just yoga by combining practices like meditation, breathwork, and a focus on healthy living, creating a well-rounded experience for your body and mind.
Gili Air also has a variety of wellness centres and spas that complement the yoga experience. These wellness spots offer massages, traditional healing treatments, and other therapies designed to relax and refresh you. It’s the perfect way to enjoy after a yoga session or just pamper yourself during your stay.
Additionally, some resorts on Gili Air, like Soul Sanctuary and Gili Air Yoga, offer all-inclusive packages. These packages often combine yoga classes, spa treatments, and healthy meals, giving you a complete wellness experience.
Enjoy Watersports
Apart from snorkelling and diving, there are many water activities that you can enjoy on Gili Island, such as Kayaking🚣 & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Surfing, Jet skiing & Banana Boat Rides. And you can find all of these watersports in all three Gili Islands.
But if you want to try windsurfing, Gili Air’s slightly more open waters make it ideal for windsurfing. And for a more relaxed experience, take a boat ride🛶 to enjoy the underwater world without getting wet in Gili Meno.
Snorkelling:
The Gili Trawangan Wall offers a great snorkelling experience as the waters around Gili Trawangan are home to an abundance of colourful coral reefs and marine life, including the famous sea turtles.
Gili Air’s Coral Gardens is one of the top snorkelling spots, teeming with colourful corals and marine life like clownfish, parrotfish, and turtles. The calm and shallow waters make it an excellent spot for beginners.
Meno Wall and Meno Reef are excellent spots for snorkelling, with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, such as turtles, rays, and various fish species.
Diving:
One of the highlights of diving around the Gili Islands is Manta Point. You need to take a short boat ride away from Gili Trawangan, as it’s home to majestic Manta Rays. The site also has a beautiful coral reef to explore.
Gili Trawangan is the hub for diving in the Gili Islands. Popular dive sites include Shark Point, where you can spot reef sharks, and Manta Point for giant Manta Rays.
Diving in Gili Air is quieter compared to Gili Trawangan but offers incredible underwater experiences, with highlights including Bounty Wreck and Deep Turbo.
The Meno Wall is a famous dive site where you can spot various sea creatures, including large schools of fish, reef sharks, and moray eels.
Sunset Horse Back Riding
If you love riding horses, taking a sunset horseback ride🏇 is one of the best things to do in Gili Trawangan. Just imagine riding a horse during sunset on a beautiful beach and the golden rays making everything look magical; nothing can be more surreal than this activity.
Gili Air and Gili Meno are quieter and more relaxed, and they offer fewer horseback riding opportunities than Gili Trawangan. However, if you’re specifically seeking a sunset horseback ride, Gili Trawangan would be your best bet for this unique experience.
Full Moon Party on Gili Trawangan
If you are wondering what the Full Moon Parties on Gili Trawangan are like? Then, hear out
- Electronic dance music (EDM), house, trance, hip-hop, reggae, and tropical beats make you crazy.
- Spectacular fire shows performed by talented local fire dancers to keep you amazed.
- Neon body paint to glow under UV light.
Keep your energy high by dancing throughout the night on Gili Trawangan with electronic dance music (EDM), house, trance, hip-hop, reggae, and tropical beats. Watch spectacular fire shows performed by talented local fire dancers.
The best part and one of the trademarks of the Full Moon Party is the neon body paint. Many people cover themselves in fluorescent colours that glow under UV light.
The Full Moon Party is most famously held in Gili Trawangan, which is known for its energetic nightlife and beach parties. It is a highlight event for many tourists and is held once a month.
Gili Air and Gili Meno are quieter islands where the nightlife is much more relaxed, so Gili Trawangan is the place you should visit to enjoy the full moon parties. Remember to check with local venues for the exact dates of the Full Moon Party during your visit.
Visit the Gili Meno Bird Park
The Gili Meno Bird Park🦅 serves as both a sanctuary and a breeding centre for a wide variety of bird species, with a focus on conservation and education.
It is home to an impressive collection of native Indonesian species and exotic birds from around the world. You can see many colourful tropical species like parrots, cockatoos, hornbills, pheasants, doves, and other waterfowl.
The Gili Meno Bird Park is a charming and unique attraction located on Gili Meno, the smallest and most peaceful of the Gili Islands. The bird park is a sanctuary and breeding centre that focuses on conserving and showcasing a variety of exotic and local bird species.
It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and families looking for a calm, educational experience on the island. In short, Gili Meno Bird Park allows you to
- Experience Diverse Bird Species
- Gain Insights on Breeding and Conservation
- Enjoy Interactive Sessions (feeding sessions)
- Experience Tranquil Environment
The park is easily accessible from the central part of Gili Meno, typically requiring only a short walk or bike ride to get there. It is located in the southern part of the island, making it convenient to visit while exploring the rest of Gili Meno.
Underwater Sculpture Garden
You must have seen the popular underwater sculptures in Gili Island pictures, which are located in Gili Meno. The Gili Meno statues, often called “hauntingly beautiful,” have become a must-visit place for snorkelers and divers in the Gili Islands.
This unique art installation is called “Nest” and was created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. It sits right in front of BASK, an eco-resort that commissioned the project.
Jason deCaires Taylor is a well-known underwater sculptor, and you can find his works in places like the Canary Islands, Mexico, and the West Indies, as well as a temporary exhibit in the Thames in London.
In this art installation, there are 48 life-size statues arranged in a circle, with embracing figures surrounding curled-up ones on the ocean floor. It’s a beautiful mix of art and nature, giving both divers and marine life a special place to thrive.
Do you know what’s really special? Each statue is made from real people’s body casts, giving them a unique and lifelike quality. It’s a powerful symbol of life and continuity, and it is quickly becoming a favourite spot for those exploring the underwater world.
His “Nest” installation is not only a stunning sight for photos, but it is also designed to help create a man-made reef. The sculptures provide a perfect home for coral to grow🪸, turning the site into a dynamic underwater ecosystem.
Conclusion
No doubt, Bali is an excellent spot with more than 40 places to visit, but Gili Islands is undoubtedly one of the nearest destinations to double the fun. When you plan your Bali itinerary, don’t forget to add Gili island, as it has some of the best things to do here.
We hope you have imagined yourself trying out the best things to do in the Gili Islands, so why wait? Contact us today and make your customised itinerary to enjoy the best of these islands.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Things to Do in Gili Islands
What are the best things to do in the Gili Islands?
The Gili Islands are perfect for water activities like snorkelling, diving, and swimming with turtles. Don’t miss the vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and island hopping. Rent a bike to explore the islands at your own pace and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
What are the top things to do in Lombok and the Gili Islands?
In Lombok, explore the stunning Rinjani Volcano, waterfalls like Tiu Kelep, and the scenic beaches of Kuta Lombok. For the Gili Islands, enjoy diving, snorkelling, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Island hopping and sunset cruises are also popular activities.
What are some fun things to do in Gili Island near Bali?
Gili Islands, accessible from Bali, offer amazing underwater experiences like snorkelling with vibrant marine life, diving, and even swimming with turtles. You can also indulge in relaxing spa treatments, go on sunset boat tours, or just unwind on the beautiful beaches.
What are the top things to do in the Gili Islands?
The top activities include snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters, experiencing the Gili nightlife, and enjoying the serene beaches. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding, bike rides around the islands or visit the famous Gili Trawangan party scene.
What are some fun activities to try in the Gili Islands?
The Gili Islands are packed with fun activities! Go for a turtle sanctuary tour, experience vibrant night markets, or take a glass-bottom boat ride. You can also try yoga classes, visit the Gili Eco Trust, or join a beach volleyball match for a fun time.
