Lonely Planet
How to visit Indonesia's Gili Islands on a budget
The Gili Islands, off the west coast of Lombok, Indonesia, are three very special pedestrian-only islands that could also make for an incredibly affordable trip.
Lonely PlanetJul 23
10 of the best things to do on Indonesia's Gili Islands
Indonesia
23 things in this story
- Gili TrawanganRestaurantknown for bright lights, live music, and late-night bar hopping
- Gili MenoAttractionplace to escape the hubbub, great snorkeling, romantic atmosphere
- Gili AirHotellaid-back, good for inexpensive accommodation, local vibe
- Jason deCaires TaylorSightartist of underwater sculptures viewable while snorkeling
- Gili Cooking ClassesPlacepopular school for Indonesian dishes, branches on Trawangan and Air
- Elsewhere
- Shark PointSightGili Trawangan, Indonesiapopular diving location off Gili Trawangan
- Turtle HeavenSightGili Meno, Indonesiapopular diving location on Gili Meno
- Gili Meno WallSightGili Meno, Indonesiaexcellent spot for night diving on Gili Meno
- Warung DewiRestaurantGili Trawangan, Indonesialocal food stall on Gili Trawangan
- Gili Trawangan night marketMarketGili Trawangan, Indonesiapacked with stalls selling delicious local food, open evenings
- STUD Horse Riding & RescuePlaceGili Air, Indonesiaresponsible horseback rides on Gili Air
- Gili Eco TrustPlaceGili Trawangan, IndonesiaNGO on Gili Trawangan running conservation projects
- Cats of GiliPlaceGili Trawangan, Indonesiavolunteer-run clinics and charity shop on Gili Trawangan
- Sama Sama BarRestaurantGili Trawangan, Indonesiafeatures live reggae bands on Gili Trawangan
- Jungle BarRestaurantGili Trawangan, IndonesiaDJs spinning dance tracks on Gili Trawangan
- Rose SpaPlaceGili Trawangan, Indonesiapopular for manicures and pedicures on Gili Trawangan
- You SpaPlaceGili Trawangan, Indonesiatreatments with tranquil views, private rooms on Gili Trawangan
- Slow SpaPlaceGili Air, Indonesiabamboo haven on Gili Air
- Zone SpaPlaceGili Air, Indonesiacool, cavern-like spa on Gili Air
- Gili Trawangan HillTrailGili Trawangan, Indonesiaeasy trail to viewpoint with views of Lombok and Bali
- Kayu CafeRestaurantGili Trawangan, Indonesiahealthy breakfasts and good coffee near Gili Trawangan boat terminal
- Legend BarRestaurantGili Air, Indonesia
- Cheeky MonkeyRestaurantGili Air, Indonesia
Lonely PlanetJul 13
11 things to know before traveling to the Gili Islands
Everything you need to know, including what to pack and what to avoid, for a safe trip to Indonesia
8 things in this story
- Gili TrawanganRestaurantsuits party lovers and nightlife
- Gili MenoAttractiondraws honeymooners and a laid-back crowd
- Gili AirHotelfalls in the middle of the chill scale
- RamadanFestivalMuslim holiday where some businesses close earlier
- NyepiFestivalBalinese holiday where the entire island shuts down
- BintangRestaurantbeer recommended for safe intoxication
- Elsewhere
- Bali Store LuggagePlaceBali, Indonesiaservice to take care of luggage while island-hopping
- Gunung AgungSightBali, Indonesiaviewed from the west coast at sunset
Lonely PlanetJul 13
The best time to visit the Gili Islands
From celebrating local holidays to avoiding the crowds, find the best months to visit Indonesia
5 things in this story
- Gili TrawanganRestaurantthe place to be for nightlife and parties
- Gili MenoAttractionextremely quiet honeymoon island, perfect to unplug
- Gili AirHotelmore relaxed party scene with great beach bars
- Indonesia's Independence DayFestivalpublic holiday with traditional games and competitions
- Gili FestivalFestivalfeatures Sasak performances, music, art, and food