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Gili islands review
Gili Islands is a string of three tiny dots off the northwest of Lombok island in Indonesia – Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Despite hotels available on each, Gili Islands is a popular day trip destination for Lombok and Bali boat tours. If snorkeling is your thing, you are in for a treat. Gili Islands not only packs an assortment of powder-soft beaches but is also near many snorkeling spots that promise some of the best coral reefs. No surprise, Gili Islands is also a famous diving hub in the region with over 20 dive sites to discover.
Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the largest of all three Gili islands, and that brings with it the other things which set it apart. With a brighter party life scene, more beaches to behold, and an array of touristy infrastructure, it is the most developed of all the three islands making up the Gili landscape. And while the western side of Gili T boasts with action day and night, you can find peace and serenity on the eastern ends.
Gili Air is the second largest of Gili Islands and is the closest to Lombok. Despite this proximity, Gili Air benefits from being overlooked by a lot of tourists heading to Gili T, which could be a blessing. You get all of the highly visible waters making up the coral reef to yourself. Bringing a magical vibe of a close-knit island community atmosphere to the natural feel of the area, Gili Air is an idyllic getaway of its own.
When the Gili Islands are mentioned, Gili Meno is probably the one that does not get the kind of attention that it deserves. Sandwiched between Gili T and Gili Air, Gili Meno strikes with its calm nature, friendly fishing community, and beautiful coconut plantations that grace everywhere on the island. If that is not a sight to behold, the island will probably be better known for its fantastic swimming beaches alongside a turtle sanctuary that tourists should not miss.
Finally, many travelers to Bali confuse a trio of Gili Islands with another set of Gilis that lie within Lombok’s vicinity. Off the southwest of Lombok island, there are twelve notable South Gilis that are also great to visit for a day trip. In contrast, on the opposite side of Lombok and completely off-the-radar are the Secret Gilis. Impressive how Lombok island managed to pack so many Gilis around it!
- AIRPORT Lombok
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Apr - Nov
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Gili islands day trip
How to reach Gili islands
The trio Gili Islands reside near the coast of northwest Lombok island, and are easily accessible from Bali. With Islander’s private boat, you can depart from either Padang Bai, Bali (boat duration trip: 1h15min), or Benoa, Bali (boat duration trip: 2h). The closest Gili island to Bali would be Gili Trawangan. Despite its proximity to Bali, Gili Trawangan is distinctive from Kuta beach hectic pace or any of Bali’s hotspots. Similarly, all of the Gili Islands make a fantastic trip to go island-hopping for a day and discover the many nature and underwater exploration Gili Islands promise.
Best time in Gili islands
The best time to visit Gili Islands is April, May, October, and November. These months would be your best chance of beating the crowd (high season) and optimal weather. If sea activities are your main drive, you want to avoid months between July – August and December – January as they are peak tourist seasons. The same goes for November to March, during which the rainy season is in swing and the sea is not beautiful as it should be for snorkeling and diving. Otherwise, the Gili Islands are somewhat shielded and enjoy a slightly drier climate compared to its surroundings.
Gili islands or Nusa islands
Gili Islands are tiny dots when compared to the vast wilderness on Nusa Islands with its mighty cliffs. There is much more to see on land across Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Likewise, we believe you will find a broader range of luxury accommodations on Nusa Lembongan compared to any of the Gili Islands. The common ground between both destinations is an abundance of prime snorkeling spots, dive sites, and world-class beaches.
With vibrant coral reefs, snorkeling is fascinating in Gili Islands, making Bali to Gili Islands day trip one of the most popular tours. There are some secluded spots around Gili Meno that snorkelers should not give a miss, with Turtle Point being the highlight. You can swim and snorkel with gentle sea turtles that like to gather on seagrass beds here. Encountering turtles is common when snorkeling in Gili Meno and Gili Air. At the same time, you can go diving and snorkeling with Manta Rays and Mola Mola fish in Nusa Penida. Besides a chance of swimming with manta rays, you can also dive at incredible depths here.
Both Nusa Islands and Gili Islands are easily accessible for a day trip from Bali or Lombok. The significant differences start appearing when you decide to stay on Nusa or Gilis, or when it comes to the exploration of the islands on land. While you get to go all traditional with horse-drawn carts on Gili Islands, you have to go with motorcycles on Nusa Islands. For a wholesome experience, we recommend taking both tours when on vacation in Bali.
