Gili Islands, Indonesia – Everything You Need to Know Now

The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia and put simply; they are paradise.

The three islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. They are quite similar in what they offer but each island also has its own unique characteristics.

This guide to the Gili Islands will offer you all the information you need for your Gili Island trip.

A Gili Islands Comparison:

You have decided on a Gili Islands trip, well done on a fantastic decision. Now for the hard part, determining which Gili Island is best for you.

Here’s a summary of what each Gili Island offers to help with your decision.

Gili Trawangan:

Size and Population: The largest of the three, Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular among tourists. Basically it has more people, more accommodation and more restaurants and bars.

Activities: Like the other Gili islands Gili Trawangan offers activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports. What differs from the other islands is the bigger party scene.

Gili Air:

Balance: Gili Air is the perfect balance between the busyness of Gili Trawangan and the quietness of Gili Meno and it is our favourite of the islands. It is a less crowded than Gili Trawangan but still offers a good range of bars/restaurants and activities.

Cultural Scene: Gili Air is often thought of as more laid-back and has a more authentic feel compared to Gili Trawangan.

Gili Meno:

Serene and Peaceful: Gili Meno is the smallest and least developed of the three islands. It is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, the perfect choice for those seeking a quiet retreat.

Eco-Friendly Focus: Gili Meno has gained a reputation for being eco-friendly and is also referred to as “Honeymoon Island“.

Ultimately, the choice of which Gili Island to visit depends on your preferences. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with a vibrant nightlife, Gili Trawangan may be the best fit.

If you seek a balance between activity and tranquility, Gili Air could be ideal. For those desiring a more secluded and romantic experience, Gili Meno might be the preferred choice.

Honestly, we don’t think you can make a wrong decision here.

For a complete guide to your Indonesia holiday click here.

Do I Need a Gili Island Visa?

Yes you will need an Indonesia visa to enter Indonesia and thus visit the Gili islands. The cost of a 30-day visa is 500,000 IDR/30 Euro/30 USD/50 AUD – even though all these prices don’t match up!

You can get this visa on arrival at the airport as you enter immigration. Present your passport, pay the fee and receive the precious stamp! USD and EURO are accepted, however, it is possible to pay with card with a 3% card fee.

What are the Gili Islands Top Attractions?

Gili Islands things to do mainly centre around water activities and yoga!

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Paradise Beaches

Gili Trawangan: Explore the famous Sunset Beach on the west coast, known for its (surprise, surprise) sunset views.

Gili Air: The eastern side of the island is particularly popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Gili Meno: Turtle Point is known for its turtle population.

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Snorkeling and Diving

The Gili Islands are known for their vibrant coral reefs. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include Shark Point (not the best name we know!), Manta Point, and the underwater statues near Gili Meno.

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Turtle Sanctuaries

Gili Trawangan is known for its turtle conservation efforts. The Turtle Conservation and Education Center on the island is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles.

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Nightlife

Gili Trawangan is the go-to island for those seeking nightlife. There are beachfront bars, reggae joints, and lively beach parties. The night market is also a popular spot for trying local food.

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Gili Meno Salt Lake

Gili Meno features a saltwater lake in the center of the island. The lake is a nice spot for a peaceful walk or bike ride.

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Yoga and Wellness

You will find many resorts and yoga centers on the islands offer yoga classes, meditation and wellness activities for all levels.

Best Things to do on the Gili Islands: Island Hopping

Take a boat trip to explore all three Gili Islands in one day. This allows you to really experience the unique atmosphere of each island.

If island hopping is up your street then make sure to check out our Thailand Island Hopping itinerary.

Remember to respect the local environment and marine life when participating in water activities.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Gili Islands?

The best time to visit the Gili Islands is during the dry season, which typically occurs from May to September. During this period, the weather is generally sunny, and rainfall is minimal.

Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

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Dry Season (May to September):

Weather: This is the peak tourist season, with dry and sunny weather with lower humidity. The sea conditions are usually calm and suitable for water activities like snorkeling and diving.

Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F).

Wet Season (October to April):

Weather: The wet season brings higher humidity and an increased chance of rainfall, with the peak of the rainy season occurring from December to March. November and April are transitional months.

Temperature: The temperatures remain warm, but the increased humidity can make the weather feel a lot sweatier and hotter!

We visited in January and only had two rainy days in our month-long trip – it mostly rained during the night time.

Additionally, be aware that peak holiday periods may result in higher accommodation prices and more crowded attractions.

What is The Currency in the Gili Islands?

The Rupiah is the currency of Indonesia (IDR). At the time of writing 100000 IDR is around the 5.80 Euro mark.

How Much Should You Budget for Your Gili Islands Trip?

A Gili Island budget can vary significantly based on lots of factors, including travel style, accommodation preferences, duration of stay, activities planned, and personal spending habits.

However, here’s a rough breakdown to help you plan your budget for your Gili Island holiday:

Accommodation: Gili Trawangan generally has the widest range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to more fancy resorts. Gili Air offers a good variety as well, while Gili Meno tends to have fewer options but with a focus on tranquility and nature.

We spent on average 12 Euros per night for private room with A/C, WiFi and balcony/terrace. All offering a shared pool and free breakfast. What else do you need?! *We HIGHLY recommend getting accommodation with a pool especially at this time of year (January). Trust us you won’t regret it!

Food: Street food and local restaurants offer affordable meals for as little as 1-5 Euros/meal. Nasi/Mie goreng goes from 15k-25k, you don’t need to be spending more than that. Of course, prices will increase the more upscale you venture.

Activities: Remember you are on an island so there will be many water activities to choose from some, for example, scuba diving, snorkelling day trips can be a lot pricier than others such as SUP and kayak rental.

Miscellaneous: Always budget for additional expenses like shopping, nightlife, SIM cards, and unforeseen costs.

As a rough estimate:

Budget Travelers: A budget traveler might aim for around 20-50 Euros/day, staying in hostels, eating street food, walking instead of bike rental/horse and cart, and engaging in mostly free or low-cost activities.

Mid-Range Travelers: Mid-range travelers could budget around 50-100 Euros/day, enjoying mid-range hotels, a mix of local and nicer dining options, guided tours, and some additional comfort.

Luxury Travelers: For luxury travelers, the budget might exceed 100 Euros/per day or more, indulging in upscale accommodations, fine dining, exclusive experiences, and private transportation.

Consider making a Gili Islands trip part of your ultimate 2-week Indonesia itinerary.

Gili Islands Budget: Food

Indonesian food is now one of our favourite things about Indonesia. The flavours, the variety and the cost.

The following video is just a glimpse at some of the delicious food we have tried here – there are loads of these Indonesian food videos on our social media so make sure to check them out.

Gili Islands Budget: Accommodation

The choice of fabulous Gili Islands accommodation at amazing value is endless, particularly in Gili Trawangan.

As mentioned previously, we stay in beautiful accommodation that tick all the boxes of private bathroom, pool, air-conditioning and breakfast costing us on average 12 Euros per night.

Just check out the reel below to see for yourself the kind of Indonesia accommodations we stayed in.

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Gili Islands Budget: Alcohol

Alcohol is widely available in the Gili Islands.

These include beer, spirits, cocktails, and local beverages. You can find alcohol in convenience stores, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.

In certain regions, there is a predominant Muslim population, leading to potential limitations on alcohol. Therefore, it’s crucial to do your research beforehand, and always respect the local customs of the area you are lucky enough to be visiting.

Local Beers: Indonesia has several popular local beer brands, such as Bintang and Anker.

Local spirits: Arak is a traditional Indonesian distilled spirit, often made from rice or palm sap and it has a high alcohol content.

*A small beer costs about 2 Euro (35k) in a bar/restaurant and a cocktail upwards of 2.60 Euro (65k-85k).

Buying alcohol in convenience stores is a lot more expensive in Indonesia than in other South East Asia countries such as Thailand.

For example, a 700ml of the local spirit Arak in a shop would set you back 12-17 Euro (220k-300k), which is pretty much the same cost as at home in Ireland. If you find cheaper please leave us know!

Transport – How to Get Around the Gili Islands?

All three islands are easily accessible by boat from the mainland of Lombok, and there are also fast boat services connecting them to Bali.

The Gili Islands are car-free, and transportation on the islands primarily relies on alternative means such as bicycles, horse-drawn carriages (cidomos), and don’t forget you can just walk everywhere on these islands – we are Happy Irish WANDERERS after all!

Here’s an overview of the main modes of transportation on the Gili Islands:

Bicycles: Bicycles are a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation on all three Gili Islands. The landscapes on the islands are mainly flat so it is super easy.

Cidomos (Horse-drawn Carriages):

Cidomos are traditional horse-drawn carriages commonly used for transportation on the Gili Islands. While they can be a charming way to get around, as mentioned above, it’s important to consider the well-being of the horses.

Walking:

Given the small size of the islands, walking is a practical and enjoyable way to move around. Most accommodations, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance from each other.

Electric Scooters:

In recent years, some areas on Gili Trawangan have introduced electric scooters as an alternative for those who may not prefer cycling or walking.

Boats and Water Taxis:

As the Gili Islands are situated in close proximity to each other and to the mainland of Lombok, boat transport is essential. Regular boat services operate between the islands and the mainland, as well as between the Gili Islands. Tickets can be easily book online via 12go.

From Gili Air to Trawangan there is a public, cheaper boat services (45K IDR/2.60 Euro) that runs between the island twice daily and a fast boat at a higher cost of 85K IDR/5 Euro.

*prices will vary depending on which island you are leaving from/going to and usually there will be two local services running – one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon.

Can you use ATMs in the Gili Islands?

Each of the Gili islands has ATMs but there are a few things to consider:

ATMs on each Gili Island (at the time of writing):

Gili Trawangan, being the largest and most developed of the Gili Islands, has the most ATMs, often located near the harbour or in central areas with only one on the west coast. Gili Air has four and Gili Meno has one ATM.

Cash is King:

It’s probably smart to carry sufficient cash with you when traveling to the Gili Islands, just in case! While ATMs are available, they can occasionally run out of cash or experience technical issues.

Bank Branches on the Mainland:

If you are concerned about the availability of ATMs on the Gili Islands, you may want to withdraw cash on the mainland (Lombok or Bali) before taking the boat to the Gili Islands.

Check with Accommodations:

Before your trip, you can check with your accommodation provider for the latest information on ATM availability. Locals and staff at hotels or guesthouses can often provide helpful insights.

Each of our accommodation on all islands accepted card payments as do many of the bars and restaurants but always best to be prepared.

A good idea is to order a travel card from your bank or order a Revolut travel money card so as to avoid any additional fees/charges.

The maximum amount you can withdraw is 3,000,000 IDR which is approximately 175 Euro. Some local Indonesian banks may offer lower withdrawal fees for foreigners such as Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), and Bank Mandiri.

What Socket Type to use During my Gili Islands Trip?

In the Gili islands, the most commonly used electrical socket type is the Type C socket. This socket is also known as the Europlug and has two round prongs.

Consider purchasing a Multi Travel Adapter so you are prepared for any plug type?!

Is it Safe to Visit the Gili Islands?

Are the Gili Islands safe to visit?

It is in Indonesia, particularly on the Gili islands, that we have encountered some of the coolest, most welcoming people. In short, the answer is yes – the Gili Islands are safe to visit, we never experienced at safety concerns while visiting, only genuine welcome.

However, this is not do say you should not take precaution and use your gut instinct regarding your own safety as you would anywhere in the world.

Below are some areas of caution to consider:

Personal Safety: Indonesia is relatively safe for tourists. Violent crimes against tourists are rare, but petty theft and scams can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Health and Hygiene: Be mindful of food and water hygiene to avoid traveler’s diarrhea or food-related illnesses. We would recommend drinking bottled water.

Cultural Sensitivities: Respect local customs, traditions, and cultural practices. Dress modestly when visiting local villages – there will be signs requesting tourists not to walk around in bikini tops in these areas. Always have a shawl of some sort in your bag to throw on if needs be – simple.

Scams: Be cautious of scams, particularly in tourist areas. Common scams include ATM card skimming, giving back incorrect change in shops/restaurants and even currency exchange businesses.

Natural Disasters: Indonesia, situated in the Ring of Fire, experiences seismic and volcanic activity. While the country faces natural disaster risks, these are not constant. Travelers should stay informed, follow government alerts, and be prepared. Many popular tourist destinations have safety measures in place, and millions of tourists visit Indonesia and the Gili islands safely each year.

For more help on deciding which Gili Island is for you, make sure to check out the article below:

Gili Islands: Which Gili Island is the Best For You?

What Language is Spoken in the Gili Islands?

While Indonesian is the primary language, English is also spoken and understood to varying degrees, particularly in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among younger generations.

Basic knowledge of Indonesian phrases can be helpful for communication and just a nice and considerate thing to do when interacting with locals. We’ll help you out with some of the basics:

• Hello / Hi: Halo (pronounced hah-loh)
• Thank you: Terima kasih (pronounced te-ree-mah ka-seeh)
• Yes: Ya (pronounced yah)
• No: Tidak (pronounced tee-dah)
• Please: Tolong (pronounced toh-long)
• Excuse me / I’m sorry: Maaf (pronounced mah-ahf)
• Good morning: Selamat pagi (pronounced suh-lah-mat pah-gee)
• Delicious!: Enak! (pronounced eh-nahk!)
• Good evening: Selamat malam (pronounced suh-lah-mat mah-lahm)
• How much is this?: Berapa harganya? (pronounced buh-rah-pah har-gah-nya)

What SIM Card to Get for my Gili Islands Trip?

Obtaining a local SIM card on the Gili Islands, particularly Gili Trawangan, is possible.

You can find SIM cards at various shops and stalls on Gili Trawangan. These shops may include convenience stores, local vendors, or authorized dealers of the mobile network providers.

When we arrived at the airport in Surabaya we were being charged nearly 18 Euro (300k) for a sim card with 8GB. We chose not to go with this deal and instead asked at our hotel where the best place to obtain a sim card.

We went to a local GraPARI-Telkomsel store and we purchased a Telkomsel sim (we just bought one sim – with 50GB with can hotspot for the other person and we’ll always have good WiFi at our accommodations).

By choosing this option, we ended up getting 50GB for 5.80 Euro (100k) plus a sim for 60cent (10k). This is just an example that if you are not happy with the initial price then hold out and ask around.

To purchase a SIM card, you will generally need to provide identification so don’t forget your passport!

What Packing Essentials do I Need for my Gili Islands Trip?

The following list are our essential list for island life:

• Dry bag – for those snorkelling/island tour days.
• Phone Lanyard – confidently take photos from the boat without fear of it falling into the water.
• Waterproof phone case – same reason as above!
• Multi Travel Adapter – so you are prepared for any plug type!
• Battery Pack – to charge your phone from all the photos taken.
• Light Rain coat – if visiting in wet season
• Flip Flops (or thongs!) – wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
• Light clothing – because you will be sweating!
• Download apps such a Google Translate, Google Maps and Booking.com.
• Utilize budget apps such as TravelSpend to keep track of your spending.
• A sense of adventure and a BIG SMILE.

You can find the full list of our travel tips here.

Are the Gili Islands Worth Visiting?

Are the Gili Islands worth visiting? 100% and why? Because they are paradise.

The Gili Islands are a place we will most definitely be returning to. We were actually planning our return Gili Islands visit while we were still there!

In each of the Gili Islands you will be witnessing some of the most pristine beaches and stunning turquoise waters in the world.

Whether you choose to lounge on one of the countless bean bags/hammocks, enjoy the scenery, read a book, partake in yoga and meditation classes or indulge in the various water activities – or all of the above.

The Gili islands have something for everyone. And are certain to make for one epic Indonesia holiday.

We feel that the people are what contribute to our favourite places and this is why Indonesia now is up there with the best. The Indonesian people are authentic and genuinely beautiful inside and out.

The low costs and unbelievable food are just added bonuses!

But why stop there, continue the short and cheap boat trip over to the island of Lombok, you won’t regret it!

Enjoy Your Gili Islands Holiday!

We finally got to visit the Gili islands 8 years after initially planned, and let’s just sat it was worth the wait!

Fully aware the Gili Islands is a top tourist destination, we were unsure how we would feel being in such a popular and possibly crowded place – even in low season.

However, we now understand why the Gili islands are a top choice amongst all types of travellers. The moment you step foot off the boat, particularly for us in Gili Air, you feel an air (pun intended!) of relaxation and chill vibes. It is infectious and yes we couldn’t help but fall head first into holiday mode here, the budget didn’t seem to matter for those few few days!

We love talking about island living so we would love to hear your thoughts about the Gili islands.

If you have any more questions just leave a message below or message us on our socials.

or if you have any more questions just send us a message below.

Slán go fóil