Gili Islands: Tiny and Laid-back Islands in Indonesia for Backpackers

GiLi Islands - Explore Indonesia’s Tiny, Laid-Back Paradise

GiLi Islands, a group of tiny islands in Lombok, Indonesia, instantly made me fall in love with the relaxed and laid-back vibe they offer. Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, make up the 3 GiLi Islands near Bali. Their exotic, quiet, and non-polluted nature made them an ideal destination for both backpackers and honeymooners. The name “Gili” itself means “tiny island” in their native language and they truly live up to their title. You can easily walk around the perimeter coastal track of the islands in less than a couple of hours. Interestingly, all automobiles are banned on the Gili Islands, and the islands breathe pure air.

My primary reason for traveling to Indonesia was for my  Scuba Diving certification course. I chose the Gili Islands as my destination and planned my entire trip around it. I’m so glad I did that as I could already sense the pleasant vibe of the Gili Islands even before I stepped onto them.

Gili Air Island, Lombok, Indonesia

Gili Islands - the three tiny islands

The group of 3 tiny Gili Islands on the north-west coast of Lombok are radically relaxed and laid back. As all automobiles have been banned on Gili islands, the only ways to get around on the island is by walk, on a bicycle or by horse carriages known as Cidomos. All the three islands are so tiny and close to each other that the other island can be viewed right across the beach.
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Gili Trawangan: also known as Gili T. is the biggest of the three Gili Islands. It’s got a more lively atmosphere with great nightlife and lots of dive centers. There are also plenty of hostels, making it a backpacker’s dream.
Gili Meno: The ultimate getaway for relaxation and romance. It’s a paradise for honeymooners, with its luxurious resorts and serene atmosphere.
Gili Air: The perfect blend of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. It’s peaceful and not too touristy. You’ll find guest houses, homestays, cafes, and bars here. It’s the ideal spot for those who want to experience the island vibe without the crowds.

Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia - main street

​How to reach Gili Islands from Bali

​Private speedboats operate from Padang Bay, Sanur, and Serangan in Bali to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. These speedboats take approximately two hours to reach the Gili Islands from Bali. While government ferries are a more affordable option, they take around six hours to reach the Gili Islands. However, availability can be a concern during peak season.
I had a misadventure at Padang Bay. While waiting for my speedboat, I carelessly missed it. Fortunately, the speedboat company, Marina Srikandi, had another one scheduled after two hours. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for wasting two precious hours on this, especially since I had a lot to do with my ten-day solo backpacking trip to Indonesia.
Despite my initial disappointment, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself onboard a unique boat. A few of us opted for the air-conditioned cabins, while the rest of us chose the rooftop deck. As soon as the boat set sail, the music began, and beer cans were opened! We had a fantastic sunset party on the boat before arriving at the Gili Islands with a bang. This experience gave me a glimpse into what to expect from the island, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Fast boat to Gili Trawangan from Bali

Accommodation in Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has a variety of places to stay, from hostels to mid-range guest houses and fancy resorts. But beachfront places are usually pretty pricey and get booked up fast during peak season.
When I was backpacking in Indonesia, I only booked accommodations for my return flights to Bali. I wanted to find cheap options, so I explored the island and found a hostel. It was a fun place, but it was still a bit pricey.
I tried to talk to the owner, but he said the hostel was lucky to have a room because someone canceled. If it wasn’t for that, it would be booked solid months in advance. So, I kept looking for cheaper places to stay or a room to myself that wouldn’t break the bank. But everything was booked solid!
Despite all the trouble, I managed to find a basic room to myself that fit my budget. But I decided to go back to the hostel instead. It was a really cool place with modern stuff like two swimming pools, a bar, a table-tennis table, bikes, and a lively atmosphere. I had a great time there for four days. It was also my first time staying at a hostel. 

Broken Compass Hostel at Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

​So, I had this room with six bunk beds, and it was a mixed dorm for both males and females. It was my first time sharing a room with guys I didn’t know, but I didn’t let that faze me. Everything was super chill, and it felt just like sharing a room with girls.

Dorm in Broken Compass Hostel at Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Cafes and Bars in Gili Trawangan

The beachside cafes on the island offer a delightful mix of international cuisines. For a more intimate experience, head to the inner lanes where you’ll find cozy spots serving delicious Doner kebabs, authentic Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng, fluffy crepes, and a wide array of delectable desserts. 

Beach restaurant at Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

​Beachside cafes offer great spots for digital nomads to connect to WiFi and work. It is advisable to use VPN services with strong encryption to secure your traffic when connecting to free public WiFi. Some providers also offer VPN free trial services for safe and private web browsing.
​Most cafes transform into lively bars in the evenings. These bars offer a fun atmosphere with drinking games, live music, DJs, and dance floors that stay open until 4 am. Some bars even host outdoor movie screenings on the beach. It’s a fantastic destination for a vibrant nightlife experience.

Nightlife at Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Things to do in Gili Islands

Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving!!! That’s what I did for the whole four days I spent here.
Gili Islands, known as the Turtle Capital of the World, is one of the most beautiful diving destinations. All three islands are surrounded by a ton of dive sites with different diving experiences. The visibility is usually really high, so Gili Islands is a great place to learn Scuba Diving.

Scuba Diving in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

​Apart from Scuba Diving, here are some other activities you can enjoy in the Gili Islands:

• Read a book on the beach. Find a cozy spot in one of the beach cafes and relax with a good book. You can even stay up late, as the cafes will take care of all your other needs.
• Island hopping. There are various boats available that can take you to other islands in the area.
• Swimming from one Gili island to another. It’s possible! The islands are so close to each other that you can swim across easily.​

Leisure time at Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

• Snorkeling - If you’re not diving, don’t miss out on the chance to snorkel with the turtles. Just grab your snorkel and start snorkeling on the beautiful reefs from the shore.
• Stand up paddle boarding - Next time I visit the Gili Islands, I’m definitely trying this out.
• Glass bottom boat kayaking - This is a really cool way to explore the underwater world!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding and snorkelling in Gili Trawangan Island, Indonesia

• Shopping from designer boutiques - The fashion here is pricey, but it’s worth it.
• Massage on the beach - This is another luxury I absolutely love! There are open-air massages with a stunning view of the ocean, and the Indonesians are amazing at giving massages. I had one every day after my diving sessions.​

Massage on the beach - Gili Trawangan Island, Indonesia

Here are some more fun things to do on the Gilis: Sunset Party Boat, Freediving, yoga, and surfing.

After my scuba diving course, I had to leave for Mount Rinjani active volcano trek in Lombok. Then I planned to go to Bali, spend a night there, and take my return flight to India the next evening. Towards the end of my scuba diving course, I was so sad to leave the Gilis! I had fallen in love with the islands and wanted to come back.
Instead of going to Bali, I returned to the Gilis, this time Gili Air, to spend a night before I left the country. That was the second best decision I made on the trip (the first one, I’ll tell you about in my next post).

​A day in Gili Air

So, I arrived in Gili Air in the evening, explored the island, and found a cozy homestay for the night. My legs were killing me from all that walking! I even managed to squeeze in one more massage at a spa before I left. In the evening, I treated myself to a glass of wine and pasta at a bar with a view of the moonlit sea. I chatted with a few fellow travelers there, and then I headed back to my room. It was almost midnight, and on my way, I stumbled upon a group of tattoo artists (some locals and an American lady named Tasha) jamming outside their studio. They invited me to join them for a while. Tasha was super passionate about creating new tattoo designs. Her enthusiasm was infectious! We started talking and discovered we had a lot in common. We had deep conversations, sang along with the others, and just had a great time. It was so nice to meet someone who understood my crazy ideas and was willing to listen. Tasha had quit her corporate job in New York, left her apartment, and started living in smaller places doing things that made her happy. She’s a tattoo artist and works with different studios whenever she moves. For the first time, I felt like I had found someone who was actually living out my dreams. After meeting her, I realized that my dreams weren’t impossible. They were actually possible! It took me two months after my trip to Indonesia to make the decision to quit my job and do what I love, and another month to actually resign!

Jamming on the streets of Gili Air Island, Indonesia

The next morning, I woke up super early to make the most of my time. I spent some really peaceful moments at the beach, all to myself! In the afternoon, I took a speedboat to Bali and headed straight to the airport to catch my return flight back to India.
But I left my heart in the Gili Islands, and I just wanted to go back again!

Breakfast on the beach - Gili Air Island, Indonesia

​Best time to dive in Gili Islands

Best time to visit Gili Islands is May-November.
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​If you’re still reading this, I’m assuming you’re as crazy about the Gili Islands as I am. Come live with me! I’ve got some of my favorite moments from Gili Islands in a video. I made this video back in 2015, and it’s still one of the top videos on YouTube.
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