The Internet is loaded will pictures and praises for the gorgeous Gili Islands and its wonders! Gili Island, also known as Lombok is a cluster of three small islands. Situated in the north-western part of Bali, it’s a great excursion for your Bali itinerary. These three islands are namely the Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These islands are the source of rich biodiversity and are also a diver’s paradise.
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The Three Islands of Gili
- Gili Trawangan-
Out of all the three islands, Gili Trawangan, known as Gili T is the most popular destination. It is also called the turtle capital of the world. If you love the turquoise blue waters, white sands, and coconut trees, then you must visit Gili islands on your next trip to Bali.
- Gili Meno-
If you want to just relax or escape from everything, then Gili Meno is for you! This island has put a serious ban on late-night music. So, there’s no party time for you in this place. Perhaps, there are a lot of things that will attract you here. Visit the Mini Turtle Sanctuary and the Saltwater lake near it. You can also get soaked in the luxury of Karma beach for a while. Note that there are no ATMs on this island. Hence, carry some Rupiah before reaching Gili Meno.
- Gili Air-
Gili Air, the twin of Gili Meno is second to Gili T islands. People travel here for the luxurious and serene beaches that behold uncompromisable beauty. Gili Air can offer multiple dining options either by its beaches or in cute cafes. You require half a day to walk off around the island. Unlike Gili Meno, there are many party places here for you to hit during the nights.
How to reach Gili Islands from Bali?
Bali’s mornings are bright even as early as 5.45 AM. If you are planning for some island hopping, then choose to stay at Gili Trawangan. This island has more facilities when compared to the other two. You can land here at first and proceed to the other two islands from Gili T. The party animal inside you will be the happiest at this place. The fastest route from Bali to Gili is by speed boat. Make sure to ask your hotel about Speed boat tickets. They can sometimes get you a really good price so you don’t miss an opportunity to add Gili islands to your Bali itinerary.
Where to stay in Gili T Islands?
You have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to staying in Gili Trawangan. The room rent is $5.39 to $33.70 in the Island. Tah and I stayed at ‘My Mate’s Place Hostel. This is one of the largest hostels in Gili. It was recently voted the #1 hostel on Hostel world for 2019. One thing that will get you attracted here is the huge, social area! Yes, there is one large table where you can chit-chat with fellow travelers. Sit on the cozy bean bags to experience the best comfort or hit the bar there to chill. I am sure you will make some wow friends in this place.
The rooms in My Mate’s hostel has a big bed and a huge locker, sufficient enough to store all your stuff. There are 3 toilets and 3 showers at the end of the hall.
How to roam around Gili T Islands?
Unlike many places in Bali, you will not find a motorbike to hire in Gili Islands. But, you can hire a bicycle! Pedal happily around the island for a minimum charge of $3.37 per day or take it for half a day at $1.69.
What are the activities to do in Gili T Islands?
- The Stunning Swing
Swing by the ocean to relax and take some amazing pictures. This is one of the famous Instagram places in Gili Islands
- Snorkeling
Gili is known for Scuba Diving and snorkeling. Snorkel under the blue waters at a cheap fare of $6.74. You will witness something that is beyond just beautiful. You need not worry about the snorkeling equipment as the agents will provide them. The waters of Gili T is a house to numerous turtles that will make you go ‘aww’! The guides over there also take you to other Gili Islands from there. Go to Gili Meno to find some spectacular underwater statues that are worth dying for! If you visit Gili Air, then you can snorkel your heart out and also experience its lunch and pool. Relax in the pool as you watch the oceans by your side!
- Water sports in Gili Island
Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is a famous water sport in Gili Islands, especially Gili T. You can comfortably stand and paddle along the island. The other famous water sports in Gili are kitesurfing and wakeboarding. There are strong currents in the water and so if you are a beginner, consider doing the water activities with an experienced assistant.
- Glass Bottom Boat-
Float on the waters literally as you row in a glass-bottom boat! Take it as a package with other activities like island hopping or snorkeling.
- Horseback ride-
If you love riding horses, them Gili T offers this! Ride along the beaches on a horse as you encounter the beauty of the island.
- Jamming and Live Music-
Being a party island by itself, you can see a lot of pubs and local streets flooded with people listening to live music as they gulp down their drinks or eat their hearts out!
- Sunsets by the beach
Who isn’t an admirer of sunsets! That too when it sets by the beach! After all the body tiredness of snorkeling and other water activities, sit down on the sand to experience the reddish-orange environment as the sun bids goodbye for the day!
If you are looking to go to Lombok mainland make sure you hike Mount Rinjani.
Dining at Gili T
Near ‘My Mate’s’ hostel there are some amazing restaurants at a cheap price. The local food comes around $1.35. The cost of food is similar to that of any place in Bali for local food. But, if you choose to dine at the hostel, then it must come around $3.37. There is no compromise on taste though! You will find tasty food across Gili T. The dining rates are the same in the other two islands also.
You can either choose to stay at Gili T for the whole time and hop between islands or spare some days in each of the Gili Islands. Both the experiences are good in their own way! The next time you visit Bali, don’t miss out visiting these fascinating triplets of Gili and all the Bali hidden gems! If you plan to only spend a couple of days here and head back to Bali make sure to check out all our posts on the best spots and tips for Bali.
