The Gilis are the most visited corner of Lombok, and many travellers come to Lombok for them alone. From the mainland harbour at Bangsal, public boats and speedboats cross in 15–30 minutes; fast boats also run directly from Bali.
Gili Trawangan has the most restaurants, dive centres and nightlife. Gili Meno is small and peaceful, with a salt lake and fine beaches. Gili Air, closest to Lombok, mixes village life with good cafés and snorkelling. All three share the same basic rules: no motor vehicles, no dogs, limited fresh water and a strong dive and snorkel culture.
Our sister sites cover the islands in depth: Gili.com for all three islands and the boats, and GiliAir.com for Gili Air. Here we focus on how the Gilis fit into a trip around Lombok — getting there from the mainland, day trips and combining them with the rest of the island.
Highlights
- Snorkelling with green and hawksbill turtles
- Sunset over Bali’s Mount Agung from Trawangan’s west coast
- Cycling or walking round an island in an hour or two
- Learning to dive at one of the many dive schools
- Island-hopping between the three by public boat
- Rinjani rising across the strait at sunrise
In pictures: the Gili Islands
How long to stay and where to base yourself
A day trip from Senggigi or Bangsal shows you one island; to enjoy the Gilis properly, stay at least two nights, ideally three to five. Choose by mood: Trawangan for social life and choice, Meno for peace, Air for a balance. For detailed area advice, see Gili.com.
