The Gili Islands are a separate province (Lombok) but culturally and logistically they are connected to Bali via fast boats from Sanur or Padangbai. No cars, no motorbikes - transport is bicycle or horse-cart. The water is clearer than anywhere in Bali. If you have 3+ spare days on your trip, this is the easiest way to get the classic tropical-island experience.
Which island?
Gili Trawangan - the biggest, the party one. Beach bars, live music, busiest snorkel operators. Still a quarter of the size of Ibiza. Perfect if you want a social young-traveller scene.
Gili Air - the sweet spot. Quieter than Trawangan, more developed than Meno, beautiful east-coast beaches, good mix of restaurants. Most travellers who have been to all three recommend Air.
Gili Meno - the smallest and most peaceful. Honeymoon vibe, empty beaches, basically no nightlife. Great for couples wanting total disconnection.
What to do
Snorkelling tour by glass-bottom boat (all 3 islands, stops at turtle points - Rp 150.000-250.000 per person). Diving is world-class, especially at Shark Point and Meno Wall. Sunset cocktails on the west coast of any island. Rent a bicycle and circumnavigate the whole island (takes 30-90 min). Book a massage on the beach for $10.
Where to stay
Trawangan: Vila Ombak, Pondok Santi, Kelapa Villas (upscale). Cheap options on the north and east sides.
Air: PinkCoco, Sunrise Resort, Gili Teak. Lots of mid-range boutiques.
Meno: Mahamaya (mid), Seri Resort (luxury), basic beachfront bungalows from $30.
How to get there
Fast-boat operators: Eka Jaya, BlueWater Express, Wahana, Gili Gili Fast Boat. Most leave from Sanur or Padangbai. Door-to-door return packages with hotel pickup are around Rp 900.000-1.300.000 per person. Book via the operators’ own sites or via gilitickets.com / bookaway.com. Rough sea does cancel boats in the wet season - build a buffer day into your schedule.
