For many travelers, the Gili Islands are either the first or last stop on a Lombok trip, especially if they are coming from or heading back to Bali. But honestly, the Gilis are worth visiting all on their own.
Time moves differently here. No cars, no motorbikes, just sandy paths where bicycles and horse carts (cidomos) roll slowly by. The Island rhythm is beach, swim, eat, repeat with the most amazing sunsets.
How to Get There
If you are coming from Bali, you can hop on a speed boat straight to the islands. From Lombok, the easiest route is via Bangsal Harbor.
My personal recommendation here is to take the public ferry instead of the speed boat. It costs around 20,000 IDR and runs regularly. You will fit right in with Locals and other backpackers and a lot of goods.
The Islands
Each island has its own vibe, and choosing the right one makes all the difference.
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Gili Trawangan
The biggest and busiest. This is the party island with bars, fire shows, and live music almost every night. The food scene is huge, with everything from cheap warungs to fancy beachfront restaurants. Great if you want to meet people fast, but be ready for crowds. -
Gili Meno
The quietest of the three. Small, intimate, with wide empty beaches and honeymoon resorts. If you want solitude, long swims, or walks along the shoreline without seeing many others, this is your spot. There is not much nightlife, which is exactly the point. - Gili Air – My favorite. I’ve been here twice and it hits the sweet spot between social and relaxed. You can find a reggae bar with beanbags and cold Bintang one night, and spend the next day completely alone on a quiet stretch of beach. If you avoid the harbor side, it feels much less busy and has a real community vibe.
Things To Do
There is more to the Gilis than just sitting at the beach, though that is a big part of it.
Snorkeling & Diving
This is the main draw. The Gilis are surrounded by shallow reefs full of turtles, colorful coral, and tropical fish. I saw turtles every single time I went out. Boat Diving tours are of course the best way to see all the best spots, but you don’t need a big group boat trip. Just rent or bring a mask and fins. Snorkel Point on Gili Air is easy to access and almost empty if you go early.
If you are into diving, all three islands have dive schools. The water is calm and warm, making it perfect for beginners. For experienced divers, there are sites with reef sharks, wrecks, and deep walls.
Close to Gili Meno, there is an installation of underwater statues that has become an iconic snorkeling spot. In my experience, it is way too crowded and not really worth it. The nature is a lot more beautiful.
Yoga and Wellness
On all gillis you will find yoga studios and wellness centers offering classes, retreats, and workshops. There is nothing quite like doing yoga on a platform facing the sea while hearing the waves crash.
Sunsets
Every evening is a celebration. On Gili T, the west side of the island is packed with bars where people gather for cocktails and fire shows. On Gili Air, it is more laid-back: beanbags in the sand, reggae music, and Mount Agung in Bali glowing in the distance.
Cooking Classes
If you love food, try a cooking class. Some small restaurants offer lessons where you learn to cook local dishes like nasi campur and sate ayam, then sit down to eat together.
Cycling the Islands
Since there are no cars, the best way to explore is by bicycle. You can circle Gili T or Gili Air in less than an hour. It is the easiest way to find your own hidden beach.
Workshops & Creative Spots
On Gili T, I joined a jewelry-making workshop at Yin Jewelry. You sit with silver, stones, and tools, and by the end, you have a piece you made yourself. There are also eco-projects, art collectives, and community cafés where you can connect with locals.
Food & Drinks
One thing that surprised me most about the Gilis is just how good the food scene is. You can have a family-cooked nasi campur for a few rupiah at a warung, then the next night find yourself sipping cocktails over a seafood platter with your feet in the sand. Whether you’re after local classics, plant-based bowls, or wood-fired pizza, the islands deliver.
Gili Meno
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Bask Beach Club and Restaurant
Sleek and modern but still toes-in-the-sand. Fresh seafood platters, elegant plating, and that calm Meno hush while the sun melts into the horizon. -
Jizzy Warung
Family-run and super relaxed. The food tastes like home cooking, and the beef rendang here is honestly one of the best I’ve ever had.
Gili Trawangan
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Pearl Beach Lounge
Right on the sand with bamboo beams and ocean breeze. Come for sunset dinners, stay for grilled fish and cocktails. -
Gili Teak Resort Restaurant
A quieter, hidden escape from the chaos of the main strip. International dishes and a calmer setting when you need a breather. -
Casa Vintage
Caribbean-inspired beach bar with boho decor, soulful food, and cocktails that taste like sticky sunsets. One of the dreamiest spots on the island. -
Kayu Cafe & Restaurant
My go-to morning stop near the harbor. Strong coffee and smoothie bowls that fix you up before snorkeling or a bike ride. -
Jali Kitchen
Breezy, casual, and a little unexpected — Indonesian flavors meet Italian twists. Peanut sauce prawns with pasta by the sea? Surprisingly good. -
Scallywags Bar & Grill
The lively barbecue spot. Fresh seafood grilled right on the beach with a buzzing crowd. -
Francesco’s Pizza
Sometimes you just need comfort food. Their wood-fired pizzas are legendary across the Gilis.
Gili Air
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Warung Sunny
A friendly, family-run warung with the kind of Indonesian classics that keep you coming back. Their tempeh dishes are some of the best around. -
Tiki Grove
Tropical garden, tiki cocktails, reggae beats. It’s playful and colorful, and people always linger longer than planned. -
Kopi Susu Gili Air
Sweet café with good coffee. Perfect for lazy mornings or catching up with fellow travelers over iced lattes. -
Rabbit Jump
Cozy little spot that feels more like a living room hangout. Comfort food, juices, and island-style coziness. -
Ra Healing Food
Vegan heaven. Rainbow bowls, smoothies, and healthy dishes that are actually tasty, not just “good-for-you.” -
Juju Zero Waste Store & Café
Café-meets-eco-shop. Grab a coffee, stock up on bulk goods, and feel good about supporting something sustainable. -
Aura Bowls
Smoothie bowls that look like art. Bright, fresh, and as good as they look.
Where to Stay
The Gilis have something for every budget and vibe. On Gili Trawangan, most people go for the classic backpacker hostels with pools and nightly events, though you can also find quieter boutique stays if you move away from the main strip. Gili Meno is the opposite: small guesthouses and simple beach resorts where you fall asleep to the sound of waves, perfect for peace and privacy. Gili Air sits right in between, with social hostels, bamboo bungalows, and eco-resorts where you can party one night and hide away in a hammock the next.
There are so many good options that it is hard to go wrong, but I will share a full Lombok and Gilis hostel guide soon with my personal favorites.
The Bottom Line
The Gilis are small dots in the ocean, but for me, they represent the definition of island life. No cars, no stress, just slow days, turtles in the water, and sunsets that feel like a ritual.
Whether you are here to party on Gili T, find peace on Gili Meno, or balance both worlds on Gili Air, you will find your place. Personally, Gili Air is the one I keep coming back to. It has just the right mix of everything that makes the Gilis unforgettable.
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