STEP BACK IN TIME TO LOMBOK’S ISLAND ESCAPE: THE GILI ISLANDS
STEP BACK IN TIME TO LOMBOK’S ISLAND ESCAPE: THE GILI ISLANDS
A short boat ride from Bali’s coastline lie three of Lombok’s tiny island escapes — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. Each island carries its own energy and takes you back to a simpler time — no cars, no scooters, just island magic at its finest. Days drift between beach cafés and salt-kissed swims, where time slows, and the rhythm of the tide becomes your only schedule. Here’s your guide to discovering the charm of the Gilis.
HOW LONG TO SPEND
2–4 days depending on whether you plan to island hop or stay put. Staying longer allows you to unpack, settle in, and feel like a local — to have a favourite coffee spot, greet familiar faces with Selamat Pagis, and create a small chapter of yourself within island life.
GETTING THERE
From Bali: fast boats depart daily from Padang Bai and Sanur, taking approximately 1.5–2.5 hours depending on sea conditions, where morning departures are usually calmer. Tickets can be booked online at 12Go Asia.
From Lombok: from Bangsal Harbour, local boats depart regularly for the Gilis, taking around 15–30 minutes. The boats are small and leave once they’re full, so the wait is usually short. Tickets can be purchased directly at the port before departure.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING
Cash: while ATMs are available on Gili T and Gili Air, they can run out. Carrying cash is best practice, especially for smaller warungs and local businesses that only accept cash.
Horses + Transport: you’ll find horse-drawn carts, known as Cidomos. The treatment of horses has been a topic of discussion. Organisations like Horses of Gili advocate for better welfare standards. If you choose to ride, consider supporting operators known for ethical treatment, such as Horses of Gili Stud Horse Riding, where proceeds contribute to the horses’ care.
Island Infrastructure: island life comes with limitations, including power outages and rubbish management being the biggest challenge. Burning occurs throughout Indonesia. It’s an eye-opening experience to see so much of the island’s and surrounding islands’ rubbish piled up — a reminder to be conscious of what you consume and where you can choose sustainability over convenience.
Language: the local dialect is Sasak, which is spoken across Lombok, alongside Bahasa Indonesia. Here, tourism is the primary source of income, and the locals speak excellent English.
Religion & Culture: the Gilis are part of Lombok, where the predominant faith is Islam. You’ll see beautiful mosques throughout the islands and hear the call to prayer daily — especially on Fridays at midday. It’s part of the cultural rhythm and adds to the island’s character.
GILI TRAWANGAN: THE WILD CHILD
If Bali has Canggu, then the Gilis have Gili T — best known for its nightlife and carefree spirit to take a magical trip under the stars. Beyond the late nights, beach bonfires and sweaty body-filled dance floors, there’s a softer undertone that reveals itself when you stay a little longer.
Think open-air beachfront cinemas with beanbags pressed into the sand, acoustic jam sessions under lantern light, and golden-hour with a coconut in hand, watching the sun melt into the horizon. The west side is where quiet luxury is found, where boutique resorts are framed by straw umbrellas, swaying palms and the sound of Cidomos’ bells jingling in the distance.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
Located on the peaceful west side, Hotel Lumi blends understated luxury with conscious-led design. Black-and-white striped cabanas line the pool, softened by pastel-toned artwork by Balinese artist RizzRizz. The beachfront resort feels so effortlessly chic and curated, with nights being met with live music and an outdoor cinema under the stars.
Tucked down a sandy path in the island’s centre, Pera One offers a private hideaway. Nautical-inspired interiors in soft blues and whites, each villa with a private pool to cool off between bike rides. It’s the perfect base for exploring without compromising on the serenity.
THINGS TO DO
Cycle the entire island (a 45-60 minute loop)
Sunset on the west side with live music, DJs and beanbags on the sand
Snorkel with turtles and visit the underwater Nest Sculpture, an iconic dive site
Shop at boutique stores like Another Day in Paradise, selling handmade jewellery, clothes and homeware
Find curated interiors to journal in. My favourite is Bliss Cuisine, a vegetarian restaurant/health food store
Explore the endless restaurants from beachside spots like Carpe Diem, and local warungs like Warung Sumi Sate, serving satay skewers with spice
Watch a movie at an outdoor cinema at Hotel Lumi and Hotel Ombak Sunset
GILI MENO: THE HONEYMOONER
In the middle lies Gili Meno — the quietest and most romantic of the trio. There’s not a whole lot to do here, but that’s the point when you’re honeymooning. Between morning swims, long lunches, and afternoons spent with a good book in hand, days are surrendered to the stillness of the island.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
boutique adults-only retreat with private beachfront villas and spacious bedrooms. Designed for slow mornings, its location is so idyllic that you may never want to leave.
A charming garden stay, tucked away inland and centred around a tranquil pool. Warm, intimate and welcoming, it’s perfect for couples seeking calm without complete seclusion.
GILI AIR: THE BALANCE
And then there’s Gili Air — a beautiful blend of Gili Meno’s tranquillity with a touch of Gili T’s energy. It carries a soulful essence and a community feel. Sunset is when the island comes alive with beach bars filling with travellers and locals, gathering for live acoustic music and barefoot dancing in the sand.
The water is warm, sitting at 28 degrees, and exceptionally clear — perfect for snorkelling and free-diving. The food scene is bursting with flavour, serving nourishing, soulful foods where local warungs sit alongside vegan cafés and Italian restaurants. A place that feels connected and balanced, Gili Air attracts people from solo travellers, couples, to divers and yogis.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
An adults-only hideaway tucked away from the main path, Villa Bagus offers private villas with serene pools and tropical gardens. It feels intimate, peaceful and thoughtfully designed.
A stylish boutique stay with a modern, Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic. Clean lines, whitewashed walls, and a central pool create a polished yet relaxed atmosphere. Its restaurant is well-loved, making it a beautiful spot for long dinners that stretch into the evening.
THINGS TO DO
Snorkel along the east coast reefs
Take a scuba or free diving course with Gili Air Divers or Gili Island Divers to dive sites like Turtle Heaven, Han's Reef and Secret Garden
Learn freediving with Freedive Gili or Pacific Freedive Academy
Flow at yoga class or take a workshop at Flower and Fire Yoga and H20 Yoga and Meditation.
Cafe hop between beachfront spots like Bahia Restaurant & Beach Bar and hidden gems like Il Baretto, serving coffee and Italian baked goods
Eat local flavours at Aura Bowls and Shendy's Café
Sip frozen margs at Gilitik! Street Food and sunset cocktails at The Good Life
The beauty of the Gilis lies not just in turquoise water or laidback island culture — it’s in the feeling of stepping into another layer of Indonesia, where life is explored by walking it and taking the time to notice what most people rush past.
Drift between the islands or choose one and stay. Either way, you’ll leave a little saltier, a little softer, and beautifully unhurried. And if you’re craving something even quieter, there’s the Secret Gilis off Lombok’s southwest coast — smaller, more remote, and wonderfully untouched. I’ve written about my time there, plus I have a shortcut guide to exploring Lombok, from surfing, hiking Mount Rinjani, to the culture and traditions of Sasak People.
