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Gili Island

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Gili Island

Gili Island is an archipelago in Indonesia. Just picture three miniscule desert islands, embellished with the coconut palms and white-sand beaches, nestled in a turquoise sea? That’s Gili Island for you! Regarded as the vision of the paradise, the archipelago has exploded in terms of popularity. It is burgeoning like nowhere else in whole of Indonesia. Here, you can find speed boats zipping the visitors directly from Bali and new and happening hotels coming up just about every month.

Typically, it shouldn’t be hard for anyone to comprehend or understand the unique appeal of Gills for a tranquillity endures and a green consciousness is improving. You’ll never find dogs or motorcycles here. Development here has been more charming than just ferocious or greedy. You can also find some concrete eyesores.  

Every island of this archipelago has a distinct character. Most cosmopolitan of the islands here is the Trawangan that is popular for its party and bar scene, vibrant culture, plush accommodations, stays and resorts and restaurants that lie in proximity to the definitive tropical chic. The local character of the Gili Island is the strongest and is a true melange of languor and buzz. Ideally, Gili Island is the best desert island getaway.
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Gili Island FAQ's

Travel advice:

  • Never leave your important documents or cash and valuables in the hotel room.

  • Always make sure that you book a hotel or a resort in the bustling area.

  • If you are lost anywhere or someone from the group is lost, you must immediately seek the help of the police.

  • Do not get involved in drugs of any form.

  • Do not get involved in physical or verbal spat with anyone.

  • Don’t flash your valuables in the public area.  

  • Do not hire a guide who is not from a trusted or authentic agency.

  • Never trust any stranger who gets friendly with you in just a short while.

  • Don’t eat food off the street vendors.

  • Carry with you a copy of your licenses and passport.  

  • Don’t let anyone in the city misguide you. Acquire sufficient information before heading to a new place.

  • Dress appropriately.

  • Nudity is strictly prohibited here.

  • Do not film or do videography without the legal permissions.

  • In case the banner or sign says, ‘No Photography’ obey it.

  • Avoid traveling alone in the night hours.

  • Do not go around with too much cash during the night hours.

  • Take a comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.

  • Keep the touts at bay.

Drinking laws

Countrywide there are no bans on liquor.


Our Recommendations: What You Can’t Afford To Miss?

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the biggest chunk of the popular Gili Islands and is almost 30 m above sea level. This area is almost 3 km long and 2 km wide which manages a population of around 1500 residents. The name Trawangan has been taken from the Indonesian dictionary which means ‘Tunnel’. This is due to the availability of a cave tunnel which was created during the Japanese occupation in World War 2.  Trawangan is tagged as one of the most gorgeous tourist places in Indonesia. Tourism is this region is very active with the presence of amazing accommodations wrapped in the arms of nature.  The main concentration of recreation, settlement as well as diving business is present on the eastern side of the island. There is an Irish pub present in Trawangan which is admired by locals and tourists.  You will be amazed to know that, on Gili Trawangan there are no motor vehicles. Transportation in this area means bicycle which the tourists can rent from the locals living on the island. Apart from this, a cidomo, a small horse drawn carriage can also be hired for travelling to different places. Motorized boats and speedboats are available for touring the different Gili Islands. One of the first inhabitants of Gili Trawangan used to be farmers and fishermen from Sulawesi. The economy of Gili Trawangan is centered towards tourism since the area is very small to support any type of agricultural activity. One can also visit the mosque which is visited by travelers who visit the island.


Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the middle island of the group of three Gili Islands present in the northwest coast of Lombok. This region holds a population of about 500 inhabitants who are concentrated in the central region of the island. Electricity is supplied using underwater cables directed from Lombok. Tourists must keep in mind that this island has no access to cars or motorbikes. The main source of income in this region is because of tourism, fishing and coconut plantation. You can explore the island on foot which is a wonderful way to absorb the surrounding natural greatness. There is a small shallow lake which is admired by tourists. The most impressive aspect of Gili Meno is the presence of swimming beaches spread out across the whole island area. You can also visit the famous Turtle Sanctuary without any hassle. Though the island attracts lesser tourists as compared to Gili Trawangan, but is equally rich in terms of sightseeing locations. One can surely plan a honeymoon trip to this serene destination which is quite fascinating in terms of exotic sites.


Gili Air

Gili Air is known to be the second smallest island out of the group of three Gili islands. Moreover, it is the closest to Lombok which makes it a popular honeymoon destination for travellers who seek a pleasant retreat. The population count on Gili Air is 1,800. You can access water activities like snorkelling and scuba diving available on the east coast. Tourists cherish visiting this area because it is filled with turtles that can be seen near the coral reef. Different water sports such as paddle boarding and kitesurfing can also be tried in this area. Several investment plans to support tourism on these islands have helped in the development of numerous accommodation and resorts. Gili Meno is also popular for its many restaurants and party spots making it a happy destination equipped with adequate services. You can travel to different Islands using an easy boat ride.


What you will like here?

Diving and snorkeling (learning)

This is the classic at the Gili Island. No wonder, these exquisite islands have a vivid underwater world. In each of the three islands of the archipelago, there are diving schools. However, most of these are cantered around the Gili Trawangan. You can even borrow or rent a snorkel equipment at every stall round the corner. Diving and snorkelling are the best water sports to do here.


Circumnavigate the islands

You can easily take a stroll around the Gilis Island for 1 to 2 hours. When you are at the Gili Trawangan, you can rent a bike which is available just about everywhere however, the prices here are negotiable. Often, near the island, if you rent an accommodation, they’ll have a facility of private bike rental too. Make sure you get a lock and use it everywhere you take a stopover. If no locks exist, then it is necessary for you to be alert and not leave the bike unobserved. On the Gili Meno, you can go about exploring the food which is indeed going to be lip smacking delicious.  


Island hopping

Twice in a day, the public boats leave to the other 2 islands. You can rent the first boat at 9:30 AM. This boat leaves the Gili Trawangan and takes you on an exploration tour to two other islands. Post that in the afternoon, this boat will return from the Gili Air over the Gili Meno and further back to the Trawangan. Depending on the destination of the boat, the cost of this trip can range from 20,000 to 23,000 rupiah for a one way ride. To avail this trip, you can buy the tickets directly at the harbor. Avoid making a booking on the ticket booth on the islands or via a travel agency as then you’ll be liable to pay some commission for the same. Further, you can also charter a boat. This may be pricier and will cost you about 1,90,000 for a one way journey or 3,50,000 for a return journey. If you are traveling in a group of over 10 people, this journey can be a good one.  


Water sports

Water sports are extremely popular in the Gili Island. One of the most prominent water sports here is the standing paddling. Standing paddling is also known as the “Stand Up Paddling”. This lets you comfortably paddle along the island. Here you can also rent a kayak or a canoe for two people. Kite surfing is another important adventure activity here. Whenever, you are up for a water activity, make sure you don’t underestimate the currents that can get really strong sometimes.


Surfing

You can also find some surf spots on this island. These are mainly centered on the south east end of the Gili Trawangan however, there are many near the Gili Air and Gili Meno islands. The most popular surfing grounds are found in Lombok.


Fishing and BBQ

Fishing tours are most commonly offered in Gili Island. Here, you’ll be driven by the boat and catching and fish and even grilling the same is an important thing to do here. This perhaps doesn’t get tastier or fresher than this. Spear fishing is also possible here.  


On tour with the Glass Bottom Boat

Another manner in which you can explore the underwater world is by touring with the glass bottom boat. This tour is offered together with the activities such as diving, snorkeling or island hopping



Going out and party

How can you come on this beautiful archipelago and go away without partying? Gili Trawangan is definitely the most preferred island for partying and nightlife scene. Parties based on the day of the week are organized here. So, before you attend the parties, it can be a good idea to avail necessary information regarding the party schedule so as to ensure that you get to the right place at the right time.


Jamming and live music

Some of the most exquisite and happening music is played at the Sama Dama. However, during the daytime several jamming sessions are organized here. So, you can participate in one of them to put forth your talent to the world. These plays assure 100% fun, so don’t miss out on this.


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