The Gili Islands are a group of three islands that can be found in Indonesia, right by the coast of Lombok island, and they are an extremely popular destination with tourists who are visiting Bali. These tiny islands are called Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Gili Meno (Gili M) and Gili Air (Gili A). The Gili islands are stunning and characterized by their beautiful beaches and mesmerizing scenery. Everyone is different, and we all go on holiday to have our own experience, which is why these islands are so great because each one has something different to offer.

© Mark Johanson / Lonely Planet

Traveling to the Gili Islands

Before you make your decision about which island is best for you, you need to understand how you are going to get there. Most people visit the Gili Island from Bali and the main method of travel to them is by boat. There are a number of different boat options to consider, from the ferry to a speed boat. The one you decide to go for really depends on how comfortable you are when it comes to traveling by water. Once you know where you want to go, booking online is easier than ever and will sort out your method of transport to the Gili Islands in an instant.

Photo: Lifestyle Asia

Gili Trawangan

Gili T is known as the party island. This is the biggest island out of the three and is extremely lively and well-developed compared to the others. Gili T is also one of the safest and cheapest places to dive in the world. There are a number of reputable diving schools for tourists to choose from. The overall vibe of this island is friendly and the atmosphere is very social. People just want to get to know each other, which is great for a solo traveler. Every night, each club and bar will take turns to host a party, so people tend to end up in the same areas. If you are not the party type, you can still enjoy your time here, such as sunbathing, water sports and diving classes and trips.

Photo: IndonesiaAd

Gili Meno

Gili M is the smallest island out of the three and is also the quietest. This island is famous for the pure beauty of its beaches, which show-off the whitest sands and the clearest water. This is the perfect destination for romantic types and is a great place to celebrate a honeymoon. As soon as you arrive, you will be surrounded by couples embracing each other and enjoying their surroundings. There aren’t that many restaurants to choose from on Gili M and the ones that do exist serve up Indonesian cuisine. There are a number of dive schools available to attend and there are some spectacular diving spots just offshore. Many couples like to hire bikes to explore the scenery.

Photo: Booking.com

Gili Air

Gili A offers a combination of Gili T and Gili M. While the facilities it has to offer are similar to Gili T, such as the same diving school and restaurant franchises, it offers the peace and tranquility of Gili M. The island tends to have a slightly hippy vibe to it and it is climbing up the ladder to becoming the best destination for Yoga in Indonesia. Gili A is the only island that offers a unique view of Lombok’s mountainous northern coast across the sea. The north and south of the island are full of restaurants and beach bars. When it comes to nightlife, the atmosphere and culture are more relaxed than Gili T. Gili A also has a number of dive centers and bike hiring facilities on offer.

Whether you are looking for a place to party, chill-out or a romantic escape, the Gili islands will have something to offer. You just need to find out exactly what you went there for, in order to get the most out of your trip to the Gili islands.