Nestled in between Bali Indonesia and Lombok, you will find a cluster of three beach islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – collectively known as the Gili Islands! Though very close to one another, the vibe on each island couldn’t be more different.
Gili T boasts a vibrant social scene, whereas neighbouring Gili Meno is eerily quiet, relaxing and romantic. From our personal experience visiting each of the Gili Islands during our 4 month sabbatical, we found Gili Air was the perfect mix of the two. A chilled destination but still with an injection of life and entertainment!
Our favourite posts about the Gili Islands:
More posts about the Gili Islands:
Gili Islands Useful Guides
Gili Islands Places To Stay
Gili Islands Facts
Gili Trawangan (otherwise known as “Gili T”) is the larger of the three islands, and the closest island to Bali. Though the largest, you could complete a full loop of the island in just 2 hours!
There are no motor vehicles on all of the islands. You can easily hire bikes from most accommodations on the island. Another controversial option available are ‘Cidomo’s’ – carts pulled by small horses. This is something we strongly advise to not use.
All of the islands depend on generators for power, and often experience temporary power cuts! Make sure to have your torch ready!
Only Gili T and Gili Air have ATM cash machines on the island. Gili Meno does not have any.
Though surrounded by sea water, all drinkable fresh water on the Gili Islands has to be shipped from the mainland every single day.
Being part of Lombok, the Gili Islands are Islamic islands. You will hear the distinct ‘calls to prayer’ 2/3 times a day, particularly on the quieter Gili Meno.
You will notice piles and piles of dead leaves being burnt daily. Islanders do this to get rid of all the debris, otherwise it wouldn’t go anywhere and continue to pile up!
All boat transfers between islands will happen in the early morning at high tide to allow boats to reach the other islands. The boats will not be able to reach the other islands at low tide and risk getting stuck in the shallows.
Gili Islands Weather & Seasons
The Gili Islands have two distinct weather seasons: Wet and Dry Seasons. Despite this, the rainfall is not that extensive as the islands enjoy a much drier microclimate than the neighbouring mainlands. For the most part, they remain sunny, hot (averaging 28 °C) and humid throughout the year.
Dry Season
The Gili Islands ‘Dry Season’ occurs between April – September, with hot, humid days and next to no rainfall. This is also known as the ‘high season’, the most popular time to visit and most expensive (also including Christmas peak is December).
Wet Season
The Gili Islands ‘Wet Season’ occurs between October – March. Wet season results in an increase in mosquitos. Remember to apply a strong repellent (ideally with DEET) regularly to avoid bites. It is however much less crowded, and (apart from Christmas peaks) accommodation and transport is cheaper.