Gili Islands

Pristine white sand, shimmering aquamarine waters, tropical islands dotted on the horizon, fishing boats lazily bobbing in the bay… If this is what springs to mind when you imagine your perfect South East Asian holiday, the Gili Islands are for you.

Whilst actually being part of Indonesia’s Lombok province, the Gilis are easily and most often accessed from the popular tourist island of Bali. Once just tiny fishing islands, the people of the Gilis worked out that Western tourists will pay good money to spend a few nights on their island paradise.

There’s no motorised transport on the Gilis – you’ll need to hire a bike for $3 per day and ride along the basic dirt streets yourself. And that’s all part of the charm! The three islands all have a different feel. Gili Trangawan (or ‘Gili T’ as it’s known) is the biggest island, catering toward backpackers, party-goers, and groups of friends. Gili Air is the eastern-most island and is quiet, romantic, and perfect for honeymooners. In the middle is Gili Meno – it’s the most rudimentary, under-developed, and is for those looking for a real back-to-basics experience.

Snorkelling and diving are the main activities during a visit to the Gilis, but general relaxation and beers on the beach at sunset are also not-to-be-missed highlights!