Gili Islands
Three islets with no cars and no motorbikes, crossed by bicycle or pony cart.
Duration
8 hrs – 24 hrs
Difficulty
●●○○○
Best time
Dry season, May to September
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
The three Gilis — Trawangan, Meno and Air — are flat coral islets off north-west Lombok. No motor vehicles are allowed: you get around by bicycle or by cidomo, a horse-drawn cart.
Each has its character: Trawangan is the liveliest, Air the most balanced, Meno the quietest and least populated. All three are ringed by reefs where green and hawksbill turtles swim, visible while snorkelling a few metres from shore — which is what made their reputation.
Getting there
Fast boat from Bangsal in northern Lombok, fifteen minutes, or from Bali, two hours.
What the price covers
paid public or fast boat from Bangsal; the islands themselves are free
What to bring
- Mask and snorkel
- Reef shoes
- Swimsuit
Rules on site
Crossings from Bali are cancelled in heavy seas and the fast boats have an accident record: check the operator and the number of life jackets. There is no hospital on the islands, only clinics.
