Gili Islands
The Datu Swing, Gili Trawangan
A perfect day in Gili Islands
P icture this, white sandy beaches, coconut palms, turquoise seas, no
cars or motorbikes and absolute relaxation. No it's not a dream, you're in
the Gili Islands.
Made up of three small islands located just off the northwest tip of
Lombok and accessible by boat or plane. The Gili Islands are a popular
destination for those seeking a remote island experience and also keen
divers or snorkelers – the islands are surrounded by coral reefs.
Gili Trawangan, or Gili T for short, is the largest of the islands and the
most well-known. Considered as the most lively of the islands, you're
spoilt for choice with pubs, clubs, restaurants and dive centres. Walk the
entire island circumference in around two hours, you'll be sure to find
your own little private sunbathing spot.
Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest of the three Gilis, but don't let this
put you off, this island has the best beaches of them all. With crystal
clear waters and secluded white beaches, you are forced to relax on this
laid back island, and great for a romantic getaway to flop and drop.
Gili Air is the perfect mix of the other two islands. With plenty of bars,
restaurants and dive centres to keep you entertained as well as unspoilt
white sandy beaches and great snorkelling spots. Gili Air is a great place
for those searching for relaxation and a more local experience.
Our favourite things to see and do
The Datu Swing – For a truly unique, truly Gili Island experience, head
to the Ombak Sunset resort on Gili Trawangan. Here you'll find the iconic
swing built into the ocean floor where you and your loved ones can sit
and take in the breath-taking views of the sun setting behind Mt Agung
with a drink in hand.
Pasar Malam Night Market – Located in front of the art market near
the Gili Trawangan Pier you'll find the popular night market. Grab a drink
from the ice box and try a different dish every night for about $5. Indulge
in local eats, including tangy noodle soup, grilled fresh fish and of course
a good old Nasi Goreng.
Sea Turtle Encounters – Get up close and personal with cute baby
turtles at the Turtle Sanctuary on Gili Meno. Here the turtles are nurtured
until they're around eight months old, and then released back into the
wild. Make sure you plan your trip so you are there during a release. If
you can't make it to the sanctuary, you will have plenty of opportunities
to see turtles whilst snorkelling around any of the three islands.
Gili Air Cooking School – Learn to cook like a local, with a local at Gili
Air Cooking School. Totally focused on the traditional Indonesian cuisine
and using the freshest local and seasonal products, learn from the best to
ensure you can take these new found skills home with you.
Diving & Snorkelling – Known as one of the world’s cheapest and
safest places to learn to dive, you’ll find diving spots galore as well as
dive schools. You’re sure to encounter turtles, eels, reef sharks, sunken
piers, mantas, stingrays and plenty of vibrant sea life. Finding the best
snorkelling spot around the islands isn’t hard to do; don you snorkel and
flippers and step off the beach and you're surrounded by dynamic coral
reefs.
Island Hop – Public boats between the Gilis operate twice a day and
cost next to nothing, it's the best way to find out which Gili Island is your
favourite.
Our favourite places to stay:
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Sunrise Gili Air
Mahamaya Boutique Resort, Gili Meno
Hotel Villa Ombok, Gili Trawangan
Sunset Bar Hop – Grab yourself a Bintang and hit the beach bars on the
southwest side of the islands for the most spectacular sunsets. As the sun
disappears, the bonfires are lit and your evening on the beach begins.