Travel Gili Islands with UnCrushedLeaves
The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
Gili Trawangan, often dubbed the “party island,” buzzes with backpackers, lively music, and vibrant nightlife. For a quieter vibe, head to the island’s north or west coasts to enjoy stunning sunsets in a more tranquil setting. Snorkeling here is fantastic, especially if you want to spot turtles—make sure to go early in the morning for the best chance.
Gili Air, the middle island, offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Picture yourself basking in the sun all day, sipping fresh coconut drinks on the beach at sunset, and enjoying cozy bonfires late into the night.
Gili Meno, the smallest and most serene of the three, is ideal for couples seeking romance and tranquility. It’s all about swimming in crystal-clear waters, lounging under the sun, and embracing the peaceful island lifestyle.
How to travel around the islands
All three islands prohibit motorized transportation; people must walk, ride bicycles, or use horse-drawn carriages. While cidomo horse-carts are charged by distance, bicycles can be rented by the hour or day. Before you depart, settle on a price through some amicable haggling.
How to travel from Bali to Gilli Islands
1. A speedboat
A speedboat is one of the easiest and most well-liked ways to go from Bali to the Gili Islands. Many operators provide daily services to the Gili Islands from several Bali ports, including Padang Bai, Serangan, and Amed. The trip across the Lombok Strait is comparatively easy with these swift and cozy boats. It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance, particularly during the busiest travel seasons.
2. Public Ferry
The public boat is a cost-effective choice for those on a tight budget. From Padang Bai, you can take a public ferry to Lembar, Lombok, from whence you can continue traveling by land and sea to the Gili Islands. Even though it takes longer, this option provides a more genuine experience and the opportunity to take in Lombok’s breathtaking scenery.
3. Seaplane
Some private seaplane operators provide charter services from Bali to the Gili Islands for an incredibly opulent and picturesque trip. Even though it costs a lot more, this alternative offers a distinctive and quick way to get where you’re going while taking in stunning aerial views of the Indonesian coastline.
Things to keep in mind while visiting the Gili Islands
- The Gili Islands have fewer banks, but Gili Trawangan has many ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in most mid-range and upscale hotels and dive shops.
- The SATGAS, the local security force, has an office close to Gili Trawangan’s harbor. Unless you require them, you wouldn’t be aware of their existence.
- In Gili Trawangan, there are two medical clinics: one in the village and one at Villa Ombak.
- IDD telephones are a luxury in the Gili Islands, however, they are found in the rooms of the more upscale hotels. There are many internet cafes in the area; while the connections are sluggish, they are nevertheless fully functional. Some internet cafes allow you to print, and some even allow you to connect your laptop.
- Mobile phone towers also guarantee that you never lose contact.
Things to do in Gilli Islands
1. Surfing
Experienced surfers prepared to wait for big swells will find Gili T uncrowded and ideal. While surfing in the Gili Islands is most enjoyable during the dry season (May to October), 1 to 2 m swells can be found during the wet months (January to June). For swift waves and steep barrels, surf during high tide. A right-hand reef break on Gili Air is reachable by boat or a lengthy paddle. It is brief, hollow, enjoyable in favorable circumstances, and free from big crowds. Watch out for the reef when the tide is low. Gili Meno features Secrets, a pleasant beach break 100m offshore. Because Secrets is inconsistent, its audience is small to nonexistent. A quick, long, hollow right with barrels is possible under favorable circumstances.
2. Scuba Diving
Gili T is well-known for instructing scuba divers of all skill levels, including several highly regarded instructor qualification courses. Although Gili T is home to most diving centers, all islands have SSI and PADI-licensed operators. The majority are also Gili Eco Trust members. Discover the rock reefs, coral reefs, a Japanese wreck from World War II, and excellent muck diving locations for macro underwater photography. While other aquatic species including boxfish, batfish, stonefish, bumphead parrotfish, and reef sharks are common, seeing sea turtles is certain on the Gili Islands.
3. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most well-liked and fulfilling activities on the Gili Islands. This is due to the amazing sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs. There are many locations on each of the three islands, and local dive companies can set up equipment and snorkeling programs.
4. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries
Although most of the island’s species are found underwater, there are a few noteworthy land-based locations as well. Notably, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno have sea turtle hatcheries and sanctuaries. Visitors can witness loggerhead and newborn green turtles here. Before being released into the wild, they are reared until they are eight months old. Numerous exotic birds and crocodiles can be seen in Gili Meno Bird Park, a wildlife sanctuary. Kangaroos and deer are also present, while not all of the park’s creatures are indigenous.
Enjoy the island’s laid-back pace of life, go on exhilarating snorkeling and diving excursions, lose yourself in the serene beauty of the beaches, or simply take in the local cuisine and culture.
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