GETTING TO THE GILIS
The fastest and easiest way to reach the Gilis from Bali is by fast boat. Alternatively, fly to Lombok and transfer to the Gilis from the mainland. Explore both these options below.
Fast Boats: With Lombok’s airport based in Central Lombok, around 2 hours travel time from the Gilis, fast boat services are a popular option to flying, and provide fast and easy transfers between Bali and the Gilis.
Most fast boats leave Bali from either Serangan Harbour in the south of Bali or from Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali. In good weather, fast boats can make the crossing in around 90 minutes but in heavy seas the trip can take two hours or more. Travel time also depends on the size of the boat, the boat’s engines, and from which harbour your boat departs.
If your fast boat departs from Benoa or Serangan harbours, you will spend less time travelling to the harbour from the main tourist areas in south Bali (around 30 minutes) but more time on the water (around 2 ½ hours).
Harbour on the northwest of Lombok for port clearance and then making the return trip to Bali (they cannot leave direct from the Gilis back to Bali without first clearing the port authority at Bangsal).
People travelling to Gili Meno also need to note that only Eka Jaya fast boats travel to Gili Meno. If you are travelling on another boat, you must disembark at Gili Trawangan and either catch the public ferry or charter a smaller boat to make the short crossing to Gili Meno.
The Lombok Strait – between Bali and Lombok – is one of the deepest bodies of water in the region and, during certain times of the year, waves can reach up to 4 metres high – at which time, fast boat services will often be cancelled.
If your fast boat departs from Padang Bai Harbour, in the east of Bali, travel time from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, etc., to Padang Bai is around 2 hours. The crossing to the Gilis then takes around 1 ½ hours.
If you are staying in Ubud, Candidasa or the north of Bali, it makes sense to leave from Padang Bai.
Also note that some fast boats stop off at Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida (islands off Bali) enroute. Check boat schedules to check what route the boat travels.
Fast boats travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air before crossing to Bangsal
Although this only happens a couple of times a year, always check sea conditions before travelling and choose a fast boat operator that will arrange for alternative transport or a refund if your trip is cancelled.
As there are so many boats to choose from, search the internet for “Gili fast boat” to check other travellers’ reviews and choose a reliable operator. Avoid companies that practice “over loading” in busy times or who have poor safety records.
Gili Getaway is a well-established and professional company with an exceptional safety record and good customer service.
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Their comfortable fast boats depart from Serangan Harbour daily to Gili T, Gili Air, and Bangsal Harbour, Lombok, as well as to Gili Gede in Southwest Lombok.
Fares include air-conditioned hotel transfers to main points in Bali. www.giligetaway.com
Blue Water Express is another longrunning company with professional service and high safety standards. Boats depart from both Serangan Harbour and Padang Bai for convenience.
www.bluewater-express.com
Eka Jaya is a popular large ferry with a capacity for 210 passengers. Although it can feel packed at times, its larger size makes for a more stable trip. Eka Jaya leaves from Padang Bai and travels to Senggigi (West Lombok), Bangsal Harbour, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili T before returning to Bali. They operate a shuttle service to/from Padang Bai and reasonably priced private car transfers can be booked through their website. www.ekajayafastboat.com
By Plane: Fly to Lombok International Airport and either stay on the mainland before making the trip out to the Gilis or arrange transport from the airport direct to the Gilis.
Drivers are waiting at the arrival hall at the airport and you can organise a taxi or private car and driver from the airport to Bangsal Harbour (approx 1 hour 45 minutes) and then catch a boat out to your preferred Gili.
HOTEL TRANSFERS: Many hotels on the islands provide speedboat transfers for guests, as well as pick up services from the airport in a private air-conditioned car. Although slightly more expensive than doing it yourself, it is a comfortable and easy way to travel to the Gilis – enquire at your hotel when you make your booking.
FROM BANGSAL HARBOUR: Catch a taxi or arrange a car and driver from the airport and travel to Bangsal Harbour, the main harbour to the Gilis on the northwest coast.
Photo
Neil Cave
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Public ferries and public fast boats both operate from Bangsal. Tickets to the Gilis are available from behind the sign-posted ticket office on the beachfront (the blue and white building on the right-hand side as you enter the harbour). The ticket office is open 8am to 5pm.
Public fast boats carry up to 60 passengers and operate from Bangsal Harbour to the Gilis daily from 9am - 4pm; but it’s best to get there in the morning. Boats leave roughly every hour and Price is Rp 85,000 per person.
The large and comfortable fast boats do a circular route from Bangsal to Gili Air (5 mins), Gili Meno (10 mins) and Gili Trawangan (15 mins), and then return on the same route.
Fast boats also provide easy transfers between the islands (eg. Gili Air to Gili T), as they are travelling the circular route between each island every hour. There is a schedule on display near the ticket office in Bangsal and at each harbour on the islands.
Public ferries are large outrigger boats that carry up to 40 passengers. These boats are slower but are the cheapest option for island transfers and operate from 8am to 5pm. Departures are easier in the mornings.
Public ferries travel to each Gili separately and wait until they are full until they depart but, generally, boats to Gili Air depart every hour, and to Gili T every 2030 minutes. Boats to Gili Meno depart at 9am, 2pm and 5pm.
Approximate fares and travel times are Gili Air Rp 20,000 (20 mins), Meno Rp 25,000 (30 mins) and Trawangan Rp 25,000 (35 mins).
Private speedboat charters are also available from Bangsal and carry up to 6 passengers. This is a good option for groups and people who don’t want to wait for regular departure times.
Speedboat charter to Gili Air costs Rp 400,000, to Meno Rp 425,000 and to Gili T Rp 450,000, and includes insurance.
Fast Boats to Bali arrive and depart from the jetty at Bangsal. The check-in counters are behind the terminal building on the right of the harbour. There is Rp 10,000 departure tax payable on the jetty.
Individual ticket offices for the different fast boat operators are on the road just outside the gateway to the harbour –look for each company’s signs near the Mini Market.
Unfortunately Bangsal, like most ports in Indonesia, has its share of touts and scams The best way is to ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are displayed clearly on the wall behind the ticket office.
Don’t let anyone take your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first. 10k per bag is reasonable. Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers (there are); or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands.
To catch a taxi from Bangsal, ask your hotel to call a Lombok Taxi before you leave the Gilis (or use the “My Blue Bird” taxi app). The taxi will be waiting in the parking area just a short walk outside the harbour entrance on the left-hand side.
Drivers at the harbour will also negotiate trips; prices are slightly higher than taxis but it’s a convenient option. See rates below.
Packages for climbing Mt Rinjani (via Senaru or Sembalun) are also available from Bangsal, as are day trips to popular tourist attractions. Always negotiate. These trips are also available from tour operators on the Gilis.
FROM TELUK NARA AND TELUK KODEK:
Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the northwest coast, about 25 minutes’ drive north of Senggigi and a few minutes before Bangsal. Teluk Kodek is a smaller bay directly alongside. Many of the dive companies, hotels and businesses on the Gilis have boats moored here and transfer guests to the islands every day.
Negotiate a private speedboat out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of Bangsal. Speedboat charters are available to all three islands and are slightly cheaper than at Bangsal, depending on your bargaining skills.
FROM SENGGIGI: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around 1 ½ hours.
The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first!
A good alternative is to check out the dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.
Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles if you aren’t staying on the Gilis, or if you spend time on the mainland and then want to transfer to the Gilis.
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THE GILIS LOMBOK'S THREE ICONIC ISLANDS
The Gilis, together with Rinjani volcano, are Lombok’s most famous attractions and are consistently rated among the top destinations in Southeast Asia by travellers and travel magazines.
Every year the Gilis attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world for their incredibly clear aquamarine waters, unparalleled diving and irresistible laid-back charm. The word Gili actually means “small island” in the local dialect, and so these islands have come to be known as “The Gilis” by travellers.
Today the Gilis attract a diverse range of visitors – from avid diving enthusiasts to sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach getaway – solo travellers, families, and couples of all ages find something to love about the Gilis.
There is a good selection of accommodation, restaurants and bars, and tourist facilities on all three islands, with the biggest range on Gili Trawangan.
Three perfect tropical islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – sit in the sparkling ocean just off the northwest coast of Lombok.
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Begadang Gili Air
Photo by Begadang Gili Air
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Activities include exceptional diving and snorkelling, glass-bottom boat excursions, island-hopping adventures, cycling around the island, horseback riding on sandy beaches, rejuvenating yoga sessions and indulgent massages, as well as surfing, SUP and all kinds of water-based activities.
The islands provide ample opportunities for visitors to snorkel and scuba dive with the many internationally accredited dive operators based in Lombok.
The pristine waters are home to an abundant variety of corals and thousands of species of tropical fish and an impressive array of aquatic life can be found here, including green and hawksbill turtles, moray eels, barracuda, reef sharks, occasionally leopard sharks and manta rays, and more.
Visibility is very good and commonly in the 15-30 m range; and water temperatures average 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F).
Many of the popular dive companies are owned and operated by westerners and are PADI and SSI licensed dive operators, with professional standards of safety and environmental awareness.
Each Gili, having evolved independently and at its own pace, possesses a distinct personality and style. This diversity ensures that every traveller finds their perfect island escape, depending on their individual tastes and desires.
Gili Trawangan, or “Gili T” as its affectionately known, is the largest and most developed of the three Gilis, with the greatest range of facilities and activities.
It is the furthest island from the mainland, but is easily reached from Bali in less than 2 hours and is only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok.
Stretching approximately 3km in length and 2km in width, getting around Gili T on foot is easy, while a leisurely cycle around the island takes around 1 ½ hours – though, be prepared for some sandy detours in the north.
It's the only Gili that elevates significantly above sea level, with the hill in the south offering a breathtaking vantage point for spectacular sunsets across the ocean to Bali or the brilliant sunrise over Mt Rinjani on mainland Lombok.
Tagged “the party island”, Gili T continues to cater to the party crowd but also has a cosmopolitan vibe that is continually evolving. TripAdvisor® recently rated it as one of the ‘Top 10 Islands in Asia’.
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On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up.
The busiest area on Gili T is the east coast, but Gili T’s popularity means hotels and cafés extend around the entire island.
Accommodations cater to diverse preferences, ranging from modest budget options to mid-range and opulent hotels, along with private villas that promise something for every discerning traveler.
Cafés and restaurants rate highly in quality and choice, and there are beachside dining options galore. Choices range from fresh seafood and modern healthy
creations to authentic Indian, Italian and international cuisines; and from inexpensive Indonesian dishes to sophisticated fine dining.
Even the shopping scene on Gili T is evolving. Shops and kiosks selling the usual sarongs and t-shirts now rub shoulders with brand outlets and stylish boutiques.
Come nightfall, Gili T comes alive with a vibrant bar scene and regular parties around the island. The island has a rotating roster, where different bars have licenses to host a party on one night of the week. These parties are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.
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Some of the most popular bars include Tir Na Nog (also called “The Irish”), Savindia Lounge and Bar on the beachfront, and Sama Sama Bar for live music.
For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are many low-key and romantic options, such as beachside dining, Spas, yoga retreats and more.
The busiest area, called ‘Sentral’, is on the east of the island, close to the harbour. Here you will find the greatest number of bars and restaurants, many hotels and resorts, and lots of shops and activities.
Resorts, restaurants, dive centres, bars, shops and other businesses line the paved ‘road’ that runs around the entire coast of the island.
Small roads meander inland from the main coastal road, where many of the
island’s local people live. Home-stays, small hotels and private villas here offer a quieter (and often cheaper) alternative to the beachfront choices.
The north coast of Gili T has a quieter vibe and offers a peaceful alternative to the central area. Although the beaches to the north are affected by tides, the views are beautiful and snorkelling from the beach is good. The location makes it easy to access the dining and nightlife options nearby but also offers a different, more natural side of the island.
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Likewise, the south and west coasts are popular with travellers seeking a quieter retreat away from the crowds. While still within easy reach of all the action, the hotels and villas offer a more serene island experience and the sunsets across the sea to Bali are magical.
Gili Meno in contrast, exudes serenity, with its pristine white sands and turquoise waters creating an intimate haven for those seeking seclusion and romance.
Located between Gili Air and Gili T, Meno is the smallest island and has the lowest population of the three Gilis.
Meno’s popularity has soared over the past 5 years as travellers discover this ‘quieter Gili’ with its beautiful undeveloped beaches and rustic charm – all within easy reach of the diving and activities that have made the Gilis famous.
If you base yourself on Gili Meno, it is easy to dive around the other islands and to make day trips to Gili T and Gili Air via public boats and private boat charter. The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in
brilliant white sand, fringed with coconut palms and native sea pines.
Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches and the most tourist facilities (including the boat harbour) are located along the east coast.
It is possible to walk around the whole island on a small beach track in around 90 minutes. Those seeking tranquillity head to the north and west coasts, where more
development has been quietly taking place over the past years.
The recent opening of BASK Resort and Beach Club sets a new standard for Gili Meno with its luxurious contemporary villas and suites. The stylish Beach Club features a layered poolside terrace and beach bar, an open-plan kitchen serving upmarket cuisine, and sophisticated entertainment.
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The Nest, Gili Meno
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Gili Meno is also famous for the many turtles that live just offshore. To swim with these huge creatures – usually so awkward and ungainly on land but moving through their natural element with such grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno.
BASK is also responsible for the installation of the popular underwater sculpture called “The Nest”, featuring 48 life-size human figures standing in a circle and entwined together on the ground.
The art installation by famous sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor is hauntingly beautiful and well worth a visit.
Snorkelling trips often include a visit to the sculpture and the statues draw crowds of snorkellers every day; get there early to see it at its best.
Gili Meno boasts some beautiful quiet beaches and quality accommodation with smaller resorts and private villas dotted around the island.
Small hotels and bungalows provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun with uncrowded beaches, clean waters and peaceful nights under the starfilled skies.
Dotted around the island, casual beachfront cafés and bars serve Indonesian and popular western meals, with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas being Gili Meno specialties.
Some provide low-key entertainment in the evenings, more so in the high season, but visitors to Gili Meno largely come for romantic escapes and a chance to rejuvenate on the island’s pretty beaches.
Gili Air
Gili Air has a relaxed, friendly and attractive bohemian vibe, quite distinct from the other islands. It offers a good balance between the buzz of Gili T and the chill of Gili Meno, and draws guests to return year after year.
Gili Air is the island closest to the mainland and can be reached in around 20 minutes by local boat or five minutes by speedboat.
Being the closest of the Gilis to the mainland, Gili Air has the largest local population of the three islands; combining the charm of a tropical island with the people and culture that make Lombok unique.
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For those who have never had the pleasure of viewing the magical world beneath the ocean, Gili Air offers a superb opportunity to do so in safety and comfort.
Other activities on the island include yoga and meditation classes and retreats, cooking classes, browsing the quaint shops, relaxing massages and body treatments, and simply chilling out on a beautiful little tropical island.
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Blue Marine Yoga, Gili Air
Like all the Gilis, the best swimming beaches are on the east coast and most development runs along the beaches here down to the harbour in the south.
The views from all points of the island are stunning but the east coast, facing Lombok, is probably the most fantastic – looking back at the big island with its white beaches and green mountains dominated by Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Mt Rinjani.
Accommodation on Gili Air ranges from simple back-packer bungalows to luxurious air-conditioned rooms and private villas with swimming pools.
There is a good variety of restaurants and beachside cafés on the island, offering everything from traditional Indonesian dishes to up-market international fare, while vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too. Fresh seafood is readily available.
The bar scene can get pretty lively in the evenings and, during high season, the island kicks into high gear with Full Moon
parties on the beach. Alternatively, pull up a seat at one of the beach bars and enjoy live music by some talented local musicians.
Activities include walking and cycling around the island, sun bathing, and swimming, excellent diving opportunities, snorkelling from the shore, free diving, thrilling Subwing adventures, stand up paddle boarding, surfing and other water sports.
For exploring, there is a path running parallel to the beach and it takes around 90 minutes to circle the whole island. The interior is criss-crossed with a maze of tracks that can get confusing, but all lead back to the beach.
The calm waters and good visibility make Gili Air an ideal place to learn to dive or to upgrade diving skills. There are a number of professional dive centres on the island and, of course, it is easy to explore the other islands from here.
Popular dive sites on Gili Air that attract divers from the other Gilis include Air Wall
off the
The water surrounding the island is a clear, translucent aquamarine, made even more pure by the sparkling white sand beneath.
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west coast, Hans Reef and Frogfish Point off the north coast.
BEST IN THE GILIS
ISLAND HOPPING
Moving between the islands is easy with the local public fast boat that departs from Bangsal Harbour (on the mainland) and travels a circular route between Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan (and return) every hour from 9am.
If you’re staying on Gili T, for example, it’s easy to hop on the public boat to Gili Meno or Gili Air and spend time exploring another island, before hopping on the boat back. Just make sure you check the departure times at the harbours on each island and get there in plenty of time.
Alternatively, explore the Gilis with an island-hopping tour on a traditional outrigger boat. Whichever Gili you are staying on, you can organise with the boat owners on the beachfront to take you to the other islands to discover the unique charms of each Gili.
From Gili T you might want to cruise over to Gili Meno in the morning for some snorkelling and lunch, then on to Gili Air to explore the island by bicycle and have a swim, before returning to Gili T.
wonders under the sea. Fun for parents too!
PAMPER YOURSELF AT A SPA
Holidays are all about relaxation and what could be more relaxing than a massage or spa treatment, especially after a day of diving, snorkelling, horse riding and being adventurous.
Many of the larger hotels have a Spa or at least offer massages, and you’ll also find stand-alone spas on the islands.
Relax and unwind with a traditional Indonesian massage, targeting tired muscles, or an uplifting aromatherapy massage using scented oils. Be kind to
Tour operators and boat owners are happy to customise trips to suit you and to suggest itineraries depending on the tides and best places to see.
It’s even possible to island-hop using a glass bottomed boat. These outriggers have been fitted with an acrylic base in the bottom of the boat, allowing passengers to see the underwater world beneath them without ever having to get wet!
Glass bottom boats are especially good if you are travelling with young children – allowing them to safely discover the
your feet after all that walking and bike riding with a slow reflexology massage, or get your hands and feet looking pretty with a manicure and pedicure.
Go too sunburned? Have a massage with aloe vera, the plant will naturally take away the sting, rehydrating and nourishing your burnt skin.
On Gili T, we recommend the lovely Thala Spa at The Beach House Resort, or try Azure Spa at Pesona Resort and The Rose Spa for great manis and pedis.
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On Gili Air, head to Slow Spa & Yoga, or Zone Spa for some serious pampering.
YOGA
Surrounded by natural beauty and immersed in the slower pace of island life, holidays are the perfect time to restore body and mind with yoga. Beginner yoga classes are readily available on the islands and many resorts also offer yoga classes for their guests.
Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden, on Gili Air, offers daily yoga classes,
workshops, retreats and creative events hosted by renowned teachers.
Blue Marine Dive on Gili Air offers early morning yoga on the beachfront and in the late afternoons, in addition to diving and Stand Up Paddle (SUP). For something different, they also combine Yoga with SUP, which enhances strength and balance while enjoying the beautiful views from the water!
Sunset Beach Yoga on Gili Trawangan is housed in a purpose-
built treetop yoga studio with amazing views and, in addition to daily yoga classes, offers Fly High Yoga – aerial yoga using slings to support the body as you move through the air!
Les Villas Ottalia, a small oasis tucked amongst the palm trees on Gili Meno, is the ideal place to perfect your yoga technique with personalised classes and daily sessions available to outside guests.
For the ultimate immersion, join their “My Yoga Retreat” in May with 5 days and 4 nights of relaxation and yoga, staying in one of their private pool villas or charming poolside bungalows. www.lesvillasottalia. com
JOIN A BEACH CLEANUP
Unfortunately, these little islands cop a trashing during rainy season when the tides bring in all sorts of rubbish dumped into the ocean (or after beach parties by irresponsible hosts).
Fortunately, caring Gili businesses organise regular beach cleanups, usually in the afternoons. Some include a free beer to reward your efforts!
Look for cleanups organised by Gili Eco Trust on Gili T, Trash Hero on Gili Meno and Oceans 5 on Gili Air – they’re a great way to meet other people and do your bit for a half hour or so to give back to this beautiful environment.