GILI ISLANDS
The Gili Islands are a trio of tiny, tropical paradises off the coast of Lombok, famed for their pristine waters, white-sand beaches, and car-free tranquility. They offer a quintessential escape into a laid-back, sun-drenched, Indonesian dream.
Each island has a unique vibe, from the lively energy of Trawangan to the serene isolation of Meno and the balanced, local charm of Air. They are a world-renowned haven for diving, snorkeling, and sustainable travel.
Most Popular Attractions
Underwater & Marine Life:
Turtle Point (Gili Trawangan & Meno): The most reliable spot to snorkel or dive with wild sea turtles (Green and Hawksbill).
Gili Meno Statues (Nest): An iconic underwater installation by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, a popular snorkeling and diving spot.
Shark Point (Gili Trawangan): A dive site known for potential sightings of reef sharks and large rays.
Halik Reef (Gili Trawangan): A diverse dive site featuring colorful coral gardens and various marine life.
Meno Wall (Gili Meno): A deep wall dive offering sightings of varied coral, macro life, and potentially passing larger fish.
Bounty Wreck (Gili Meno): The site of a sunken pier structure, now a thriving artificial reef popular with divers.
Simon’s Reef (Between Gili Air & Trawangan): A deeper dive site with impressive soft corals and schooling fish.
Beaches & Relaxation Spots:
Sunset Beach (Gili Trawangan): The prime spot on the west side for watching the sun sink behind Mount Agung on Bali.
Gili Meno Beach: Known for its quiet, pristine stretches of white sand, perfect for peaceful sunbathing.
Gili Air East Coast: Offers beautiful sunrise views over Lombok’s volcano, Mount Rinjani.
The Swing Photos: Iconic, often-photographed swings placed over the water at various beachside locations, especially on Trawangan and Meno.
Gili Trawangan Main Beach: The bustling strip along the east coast, lined with cafes, dive shops, and bars.
Culture & Land Exploration:
Gili Meno Saltwater Lake: A small, natural lake in the interior of the island, a peaceful place for a walk.
Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary: A small local project dedicated to hatching and releasing sea turtle babies.
The Main Street (Gili Trawangan): The central hub where most shops, restaurants, and nightlife are concentrated.
The Hill Viewpoint (Gili Trawangan): The highest point on the island, offering panoramic views of all three Gilis and Lombok.
Cycling Tour (Gili Air/Meno): The best way to explore the entire perimeter and interior of the smaller islands due to the absence of motorized vehicles.
Traditional Cidomo (Horse Cart) Ride: The local mode of transport for luggage and non-cycling guests.
Gili Trawangan Night Market: A vibrant evening market offering cheap and delicious local Indonesian food and fresh seafood BBQ.
Manta Point: A seasonal dive site where manta rays can sometimes be spotted (though sightings are not guaranteed).
Yoga and Wellness Centres (Gili Air/Trawangan): Numerous studios offering daily yoga, meditation, and holistic health practices.
Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Renting equipment for a low-impact exploration of the clear, calm waters around the islands.
Activities & Experiences
Snorkel with Sea Turtles: Head to the turtle ‘hotspots’ just off Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno to swim alongside green and hawksbill sea turtles. Many local operators offer boat trips, but you can also often spot them straight from the beach.
Cycle Around the Island (Gili T & Air): Rent a bicycle (there are no motorized vehicles) and explore the entire perimeter of Gili Trawangan or Gili Air in a couple of hours. Discover quiet beaches, local villages, and scenic viewpoints.
Take a PADI Dive Course: The Gilis are a world-renowned, budget-friendly spot for diving. Sign up for a Discover Scuba Diving experience or complete your full PADI Open Water certification at one of the many dive schools.
Visit the Underwater Sculptures: Snorkel or dive to the famous Nest sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor, located just off the coast of Gili Meno. This stunning art installation is now a vibrant artificial reef.
Explore the Night Market (Gili T): Experience the lively Gili Trawangan Night Market for incredibly fresh and affordable seafood BBQs, local Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng, and various satay skewers.
Sunset Horse Riding: Take a gentle sunset ride on the beach, especially on Gili Trawangan, for a memorable and photogenic experience.
Relax on Gili Meno’s Secluded Beaches: Escape the crowds by taking a short boat trip to Gili Meno. Enjoy the quieter atmosphere, pristine white sand, and crystal-clear water.
Learn to Free Dive: The Gilis are a major center for freediving, a specialized form of underwater diving that relies on holding one’s breath. Take a beginner’s course to explore the underwater world on a single breath.
Take a Traditional Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Indonesian and Sasak (Lombok) dishes, such as sate lilit (minced fish satay) and Gado-Gado, using local ingredients.
Paddleboard or Kayak: Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explore the calm, shallow waters surrounding the islands, offering a great way to see the colorful corals near the shore.
Attend an Outdoor Cinema or Beach Party (Gili T): Enjoy a film on a beanbag under the stars or partake in Gili Trawangan’s famous, low-key party scene.
Local Tips & Transport
Inter-Island Transport:
Public Boats: The cheapest way to travel between the three islands. They run twice daily (morning and afternoon). The schedule is fluid and depends on passenger numbers, but tickets are very affordable, typically $1 – $2.
‘Fast’ Private Shuttle Boats: These run more frequently than the public boats and offer more flexibility, costing around $10 – $15 for a private island-hopping service.
On-Island Transport (No Motorized Vehicles):
Bicycles: The primary method of transport on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Rental costs are around $3 – $5 per day.
Walking: Gili Meno is small enough to be easily explored entirely on foot. Gili Air and Gili Trawangan are also very walkable.
Cidomo (Horse-Drawn Cart): These carts are the traditional ‘taxis’ and are the only motorized-vehicle-free public transport. Prices are negotiable but expect to pay $7 – $15 for a short trip, depending on the island and distance. Negotiate the fare before you get in.
From Lombok/Bali:
Fast Boats from Bali: Most common route. Takes 1.5 – 3 hours from Padang Bai, Serangan, or Sanur. Prices vary significantly but budget $35 – $60 one-way.
Slow Ferry/Public Boat from Lombok: Public boats from Bangsal Harbour (Lombok) are the cheapest option (<$1), taking about 30 minutes, but they only depart when full.
The Three Island Vibe:
Gili Trawangan (Gili T): The largest and most vibrant, known for its busy social scene, wide array of restaurants, and the best diving/snorkeling access.
Gili Air: Offers a balance—it’s quieter than Gili T but still has plenty of restaurants and activities. It is a good choice for couples and those seeking relaxation with options.
Gili Meno: The smallest and quietest, offering a true escape. It is most popular with honeymooners and those seeking total tranquility.
Money & Cash:
ATMs: Gili Trawangan and Gili Air have multiple ATMs. Gili Meno has very few, if any, reliable ones. It is wise to bring sufficient Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to Gili Meno. Note that ATMs on the Gilis may charge higher fees.
Credit Cards: Accepted at larger hotels and dive shops, but most restaurants, bars, and small shops are cash-only.
Culture and Respect:
Religion: The Gili Islands are predominantly Muslim. While the atmosphere is generally relaxed, be mindful of local culture:
Dress Code: While swimwear is fine on the beach, cover your shoulders and knees when walking through the local villages or eating at non-tourist establishments.
The Call to Prayer: You will hear the call to prayer (Adhan) throughout the day, particularly on Gili T and Gili Air.
Hidden Gems:
The Northern Tip of Gili Air: Walk beyond the main harbor area to the quieter northern side of Gili Air. This area offers stunning, unobstructed views of Lombok’s Mount Rinjani and is ideal for a quiet sunset.
Coconut Stalls on Gili Meno: Look for a simple roadside stall run by a local for the freshest, cheapest young coconuts, away from the resort areas.
‘Sunset Beach’ Bars (Gili T and Air): The western side of all three islands is perfect for sunset viewing. Instead of the main party areas, find a quiet beach bar on the west coast to enjoy a cheap Bintang with your feet in the sand.
Health and Safety:
Coral and Reef Shoes: The beaches can be rocky, especially during low tide, and the coral starts close to the shore. Wearing reef shoes or sandals is highly recommended to protect your feet.
Sun Protection: The equatorial sun is intense. High SPF sunscreen, a hat, and staying hydrated are essential.
Top Restaurants
Trawangan Night Market [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but the absolute must-visit for affordable, local food. Stalls offer fresh grilled seafood, satay skewers, nasi campur (mixed rice), and traditional Indonesian sweets.
Oh Warung Gili (Gili T) [$5-$10] – Offers excellent, authentic Indonesian food at surprisingly affordable prices, popular with backpackers and locals alike for its delicious, budget-friendly fare.
Warung Jaman Now (Gili T) [$5-$10] – A family-run warung (local eatery) offering traditional Indonesian food with simple, homemade flavors and an authentic, non-touristic atmosphere.
Wajan Sister Cafe (Gili T) [$5-$15] – A popular, well-priced spot with consistently good Indonesian dishes, including a sublime yellow chicken curry with rice.
Warung Suci (Gili T) [$5-$15] – A family-owned spot serving traditional Indonesian food, including local classics, alongside a few Western options; known for slower, relaxed service.
Warung Dewi (Gili T) [$5-$15] – Highly popular, especially for those on a budget, known for its various curry options; be prepared for a short queue due to its popularity with locals and tourists.
Warung Sunny (Gili Air) [$5-$15] – Located in the center of the island, a local favorite for traditional Indonesian dishes like mie goreng and nasi goreng, along with fresh fruit juices.
Sasak Warung (Gili Air) [$5-$15] – A must-try beachfront spot offering authentic Sasak cuisine, specializing in dishes like Tuna Parapek (fish in banana leaf) served with rice and sambal.
Zzz Warung (Gili Air) [$5-$15] – Known for its tasty and super affordable local dishes, particularly excellent curries and homestyle cooking in a cozy atmosphere.
Warung Parida (Gili Air) [$5-$10] – Famous for having the best buffet-style nasi campur on Gili Air, offering plenty of vegetarian options and open late into the night.
Warung Muslim (Gili Air) [$5-$10] – A simple, no-frills spot popular with locals for cheap, good quality local food, especially the customizable nasi campur.
Waroeng Alam Damai (Gili Air) [$5-$10] – Serves excellent, cheap local food, with their Mie Goreng (fried noodles) being a standout dish, sometimes featuring a touch of pineapple.
Warung Kita Gili (Gili Meno) [$5-$10] – A simple roadside warung on Gili Meno’s main street, offering basic Indonesian meals packed with flavor at very reasonable prices.
Tip Of The Tongue Warung (Gili Meno) [$5-$15] – A local favorite near the island’s center, bringing fresh local flavors with popular dishes like creamy prawn curry and grilled fish.
Ana Warung (Gili Meno) [$5-$15] – A highly-regarded local warung on Gili Meno known for its genuine Indonesian food and fresh seafood.
Jizzy Warung (Gili Meno) [$5-$15] – A casual, family-run spot in the village area offering local Indonesian dishes, popular for its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Mama Melani (Gili Meno) [$5-$15] – A small, local eatery offering authentic Indonesian and Sasak food, often with an atmosphere enhanced by locals playing music.
Ya Ya Warung (Gili Meno) [$5-$15] – Known for serving authentic Indonesian cuisine in an unpretentious setting, with their traditional Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) being a must-try.
Regina Pizzeria (Gili T) [$15-$25] – Hailed by many as having the best authentic, wood-fired Italian pizza in the Gili Islands, offering generous portions and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Francesco’s Pizza (Gili T) [$15-$25] – An Italian-owned pizzeria in the main central area, known for authentic, large-portioned pizzas, great for sharing.
Jali Kitchen (Gili T) [$20-$35] – Located within Jali Resort, offering Italian-inspired dishes and fresh seafood with a touch of fine dining quality without the formality.
My House (Gili T) [$15-$30] – Run by an Italian chef, this restaurant serves hearty pasta and pizza dishes, a great choice for traditional Italian comfort food.
Tiki Grove (Gili T) [$15-$25] – A highly-rated taco restaurant located centrally, away from the main beach crowds, offering a peaceful meal and tasty tacos and Mexican food.
The Roast House (Gili T) [$15-$30] – The go-to spot for those craving hearty rotisserie chicken, served with generous portions and sides.
La Cala Beach Club (Gili T) [$20-$40] – Located on the beach, offering a diverse menu that includes Mediterranean and international cuisine with a relaxed beach club vibe.
Le petit Gili (Gili T) [$10-$20] – A popular spot on Gili Trawangan for budget travelers, offering a mix of local and Western dishes.
Mama Pizza (Gili Air) [$15-$25] – Located on the west coast, known for serving delicious, well-regarded pizzas right on the beach, perfect for sunset.
Italy Pizza Restaurant & Bar (Gili Air) [$15-$25] – Another excellent option for authentic, high-quality pizza and other Italian dishes on Gili Air.
Daun Thyme Mexican (Gili Air) [$10-$25] – Offers a delicious and affordable Mexican menu, including tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, popular for its special taco nights.
Warung Mexicana (Gili Air) [$10-$20] – Offers inexpensive Mexican classics like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, alongside typical Indonesian dishes.
Little Bali Restaurant (Gili Meno) [$15-$30] – Tucked away on the north side, it offers a diverse menu including Western favorites like juicy steaks, burgers, and fish and chips, in addition to local dishes.
The Irish (Gili Meno) [$15-$30] – Brings a pub feel to Gili Meno, serving a mix of Western and local dishes alongside cold beers, often featuring live music.
The Banyan Tree (Gili T) [$15-$25] – Located on the Eastern beach, focusing on healthy, plant-based food, offering delicious smoothies, homemade baked goods, and colorful veggie bowls.
Kayu Cafe and Restaurant (Gili T) [$15-$25] – A beachfront café offering a blend of Indonesian and Western cuisine with a focus on healthy options like smoothie bowls, homemade pasta, and fresh bread.
Hellocapitano Lifestyle Café (Gili T) [$15-$25] – Strikes a balance between healthy and delicious, offering salads, wraps, and healthy main dishes.
IJO Restaurant (Gili T) [$15-$30] – A cozy, modern spot away from the busiest areas, focusing on fresh, simple ingredients with plenty of salads and healthy meals.
Pituq Cafe (Gili Air) [$10-$20] – A must-try spot famous for its divine vegan and vegetarian food, including spectacular jackfruit tacos, curries, and homemade chocolate.
Gili Bliss (Gili Air) [$10-$20] – Famous for its large, delicious smoothie bowls, also offering a menu of healthy breakfast, lunch, and local food options.
Aura Bowl (Gili Air) [$10-$20] – Known for its heavenly and super affordable smoothie bowls, a great choice for health-conscious diners with a peaceful setting.
PokeGiliAir (Gili Air) [$15-$25] – A tiny eatery in the middle of Gili Air where you can create your own customizable poké bowl with fresh tuna, salmon, chicken, or tempeh.
Poutine Gili Air (Gili Air) [$10-$20] – A charming spot with a lush garden setting, serving breakfast, pastries, cakes, and strong coffee, great for a chilled escape.
Musa Cookery Restaurant (Gili Air) [$15-$30] – A dedicated vegetarian restaurant focusing on healthy and conscious dining options, including veggie burgers and unique plant-based dishes.
Scallywags Restaurant (Gili T) [$25-$50] – A popular beachfront spot renowned for its nightly seafood BBQ where you can pick your fresh catch, served with a salad plate.
Pearl Beach Lounge (Gili T) [$30-$60] – A lovely, relaxed beachfront restaurant offering an upscale, romantic setting with great sea views and a quality menu.
Ko – Ko – Mo Restaurant (Gili T) [$40-$70] – A top dining spot with an unbeatable beachfront location and a diverse, high-quality international and Asian menu.
The Shack Restaurant & Bar (Gili T) [$20-$40] – A local favorite for laid-back dining with a view, offering fresh seafood and Indonesian classics, perfect for sunset.
Gili Teak (Gili T) [$20-$40] – Offers great food and a relaxed beachfront location, a popular choice for dinner on the sand.
Casa Vintage Beach (Gili T) [$20-$40] – A charming bar and café with a unique Caribbean vibe, serving traditional spicy Jamaican food and cocktails by the beach.
Mowies On The Beach (Gili Air) [$20-$40] – Located on one of the nicest stretches of beach, known for its laid-back location, good food, and as a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Sands Beach Club Gili Air (Gili Air) [$25-$45] – Offers a diverse menu of meats, seafood, salads, and tacos, with a recommended sunset view dinner and an in-house bakery.
Toofeys Beach Lounge & Restaurant (Gili Meno) [$20-$40] – Sits right on the sand at Sunset Point, offering grilled seafood, rice dishes, and cold drinks with a relaxed, no-fuss island dining vibe.
Adeng Adeng (Gili Meno) [$20-$40] – A family-run beachside restaurant at the northern tip, offering excellent local food, thin-crust pizza, and a romantic sunset setting.
Meno Mojo (Gili Meno) [$25-$45] – Located right on the beach with views towards Gili Air, offering international and Asian cuisine, fresh fish, and nightly live music.
Sasak Cafe (Gili Meno) [$15-$30] – A breezy beachfront spot known for its local seafood BBQ and social vibe, a great place to catch the sunset with a cold beer.
Karma Kayak (Gili T) [$20-$40] – A tranquil spot offering Spanish tapas-style local food, a unique way to sample small portions of various Indonesian dishes.
Contained (Gili T) [$30-$50] – Known for its creative tapas and energetic atmosphere, a more modern take on local flavors.
Fat Cats Bar & Restaurant (Gili T) [$20-$40] – A charming seaside dining spot offering a diverse menu with good reviews for both Indonesian and Western dishes.
Lalapan (Gili T) [$20-$40] – Located on the west side of Gili Trawangan, highly recommended for its sunset views during dinner.
The Back Yard Island Cafe (Gili Meno) [$15-$30] – A cozy cafe tucked away from the beach, known for its relaxing ambiance and quality food.
Mahamaya (Gili Meno) [$40-$70] – Considered one of the most popular and sophisticated resort restaurants on Gili Meno, known for its amazing seafood barbecues and stunning ocean views.
BASK (Gili Meno) [$50-$80] – The high-end dining option at the BASK resort, offering a refined menu and stylish beachfront setting.
Makan La Vie (Gili Air) [$30-$50] – A French restaurant run by a couple with extensive hospitality experience, offering a true three-course meal experience with high-quality French cuisine.
Bohio Kitchen (Gili Air) [$25-$45] – A nice spot in the middle of Gili Air, offering a creative menu that blends international and local ingredients.
Le’ Batavia (Gili Meno) [$10-$20] – Located on Bounty Wreck Street, dishing up hearty Indonesian food in generous portions, with clear marking of vegan and vegetarian options.
We’Be Cafe (Gili Meno) [$15-$30] – A secluded and romantic cafe with low tables set right in the sand, offering local favorites and a charming, intimate atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Jiggy Bar (Gili Trawangan): A legendary spot on the main east-side strip, known for its massive pool parties, international DJs, and signature ‘Jiggy’ cocktails. It’s often the center of the island’s most vibrant action.
The Exile (Gili Trawangan): Located on the sunset side of Trawangan, this rustic and popular bar is the perfect place to watch the iconic Gili sunset, often featuring acoustic sets and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
The Sunset Bar (Gili Trawangan): Situated on the southwestern coast, this bar is another premier spot for sunset viewing. It’s famous for its swinging chairs over the water and vibrant cocktail menu.
Sama-Sama Reggae Bar (Gili Trawangan): A classic Trawangan institution on the main street, known for its live reggae music and friendly, laid-back island atmosphere, offering simple, well-made tropical cocktails.
Horizontal Bar (Gili Trawangan): Located near the harbor, this sleek bar offers a great view of the boat traffic and a more refined cocktail menu compared to the party bars, with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Pearl Beach Lounge (Gili Trawangan): Part of the Pearl of Trawangan hotel on the east coast, this sophisticated spot offers a great view, comfortable beanbags on the sand, and delicious cocktails in an elegant setting.
Paradise Sunset Bar (Gili Air): A popular spot on the west side of Gili Air known for its stunning ocean view and chill atmosphere. It is one of the best places on Air to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over Mount Agung.
Manta Dive Bar (Gili Trawangan): Located at a popular dive center on the east coast, this bar is perfect for divers and non-divers alike, offering a friendly, social atmosphere and a solid selection of drinks post-dive.
Scallywags Beach Club (Gili Trawangan): Found on the central east beach, this is a stylish beach club offering comfortable lounging, delicious food, and a full cocktail menu right on the sand.
The Sasak Café (Gili Meno): Located right on the beach on Gili Meno, this is a quintessential quiet island bar. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed evening cocktail with a sea breeze, a true escape from the bustle of Trawangan.
Gili B&B Sunset Bar (Gili Air): Situated on the sunset side of Gili Air, this bar provides a more intimate and quiet setting for sunset drinks, with simple, comfortable seating right on the sand.
Gili Lumbung Bungalow & Bar (Gili Air): A cute, rustic spot on the north-east side of Gili Air, offering a relaxed environment and great views, popular for its local vibe and easy-going service.
Gili Getaway Bar (Gili Trawangan): A popular spot for pre-dinner drinks on the main strip, often featuring a lively mix of travelers and a good selection of house-specialty cocktails.
Tír na nÓg Irish Bar (Gili Trawangan): A classic Irish pub vibe but located on the beach on the main strip, known for being one of the only places to show international sports and offering a great social atmosphere.
Warung Dewi (Gili Air): A simple, charming warung on Gili Air that serves cocktails along with local food, providing an authentic and unpretentious island experience.
Sama-Sama Reggae Bar (Gili Trawangan): While also a great cocktail bar, this venue transforms into one of the island’s premier nightlife spots after sunset, with live bands and an infectious dance floor.
Jiggy Bar (Gili Trawangan): Famous for its late-night parties that can often go on until the early morning hours, featuring guest and resident DJs playing a mix of commercial and house music.
Gili Sports Bar (Gili Trawangan): Located on the main street, this venue functions as a bar and late-night party spot, especially on nights when major sporting events are over, transitioning into a place for dancing and socializing.
Blue Marlin Dive (Gili Trawangan): A major dive center by day, this spot on the east coast is renowned for hosting massive, energetic late-night parties a couple of times a week, complete with a large dance area and strong drinks.
Rasta Bar (Gili Trawangan): An often-themed and popular bar near the central area that turns into a lively dance club late at night, favored for its loud music and energetic crowd.
The Jungle Bar (Gili Trawangan): Located slightly set back from the main strip, this bar is known for hosting wild, energetic parties with a focus on electronic and techno music, often attracting a dedicated dance crowd.
Rudys Bar (Gili Air): One of the few dedicated late-night spots on Gili Air, offering a more relaxed clubbing experience compared to Trawangan, focusing on good music and a friendly crowd.
Evolution Club (Gili Trawangan): A late-night venue on the central east coast known for its strong drink deals and loud commercial music, attracting a youthful, party-focused crowd.
Ombak Sunset Bar (Gili Trawangan): While a spectacular sunset spot, the bar often hosts late-night beach parties and events, leveraging its huge beach area and stunning western location for large gatherings.
Teo’s Club (Gili Trawangan): Located on the central strip, this venue is known for its pulsating dance floor and themed party nights, offering a lively, indoor club atmosphere.