Which Gili Island is the Best? Gili Islands, Indonesia
Wondering which Gili Island is the best for you? Keep reading to find out!
The Gili Islands are an iconic and beautiful group of three small islands located off the coast of Lombok. Reachable in 3-5 hours from Bali mainland these islands are one of the most popular places to visit for experiencing more of Indonesia beyond Bali.
The Gili Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant marine life! They are the perfect place to visit for divers and beach lovers seeking a peaceful oasis.
The 3 Gili Islands differ quite a bit and all offer their own unique specialties and charm. An overview:
- Gili Trawangan: The largest of the Gili Islands. This “fun” party island has become famous for its lively nightlife.
- Gili Meno: The smallest of the Gili Islands. This is the more laidback and quiet island, however, very beautiful and peaceful.
- Gili Air: This is the in-between island. It has the calm, peacefulness of Gili Meno and some of the liveliness of Gili Trawangan.
To find which Gili is the best for your travel wants and needs keep reading below!
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In This Post
Which Gili Island is the Best Overall?
The best Gili Island for you will depend on your personal preferences and interests.
- If you enjoy a lively party scene and a wide range of activities, Gili Trawangan will be the best for you.
- If you prefer a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Gili Air is best for you.
- If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded retreat, Gili Meno will be the best for you.
Read More: 7 Days in Lombok
Which Gili Island is the Best for Families?
Gili Air is the best of the three Gili Islands for families.
Gili Air is the second-largest Gili Island but is still small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. This island has a relaxed and laidback atmosphere, making it perfect for families with children of all ages! The beaches on Gili Air are abundant and offer shallow, calm waters that are safe for swimming and snorkeling.
Gili Air also offers a plethora of activities to do as a family, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and boat tours. Gili Air also offers Indonesian cooking classes like this one, which is a super fun family activity! The island has several restaurants and cafes that cater to families, serving a range of international and Indonesian cuisine.
Gili Air also offers quite a few accommodation options that are ideal for families, including villas and bungalows with multiple bedrooms and private outdoor spaces. Due to Gili Air’s small size you are always a short walk from the beach from all accommodations! Some great accommodation options are families include:
- Villa Kayu – for private villas with your own pool and kitchen
- Captain Coconuts Healthy Cafe and Accommodation – for a calm, sustainable jungle oasis
- Mowie’s Gili Air, Bar, and Bungalows – great sustainable accommodation for families
Overall, Gili Air is a great choice for families looking for a relaxing and peaceful holiday, with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure.
Which Gili Island is the Best for Diving?
All three Gili Islands offer excellent diving opportunities, but Gili Trawangan is the best for diving.
Gili Trawangan has several dive centers all around the island offering a wide range of courses and diving trips for all levels of experience. The island has a variety of dive sites, including coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks, all located close to the shore. The water around Gili Trawangan is packed with vibrant marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and many colorful fish.
One of the most popular dive sites on Gili Trawangan is Shark Point, where divers can see white-tip reef sharks and black-tip reef sharks. Another popular dive site is Simon’s Reef, which has a range of coral formations and is home to schools of fish. Gili Trawangan is close to the famous Turtle Paradise and Bask Nest underwater sculptures.
Which Gili Island has the Best Beaches?
Gili Meno is the Gili Island with the best beaches.
Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands. With this comes fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere. The beaches on Gili Meno are less crowded than those on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, and they offer a more secluded and peaceful experience.
The beaches have soft, powdery sand, and the water is shallow and calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches on Gili Meno include Turtle Point Beach, where you can often spot sea turtles swimming in the shallow waters. Turtle Point is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling tours from other islands, but if you stay on Gili Meno you can simply swim out yourself and enjoy at your leisure.
Gili Meno also has a variety of beachfront accommodations, including villas and bungalows, that offer stunning views of the ocean and easy access to the beach.
Which Gili Island is the Party Island?
Gili Trawangan is the party island.
The island has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs offering music, drinks, and dancing late into the night. The main street of Gili Trawangan is lined with bars and clubs, and there are many beachfront parties and events organized regularly, especially during peak tourist season. The island attracts a young crowd who come to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and social scene.
Gili Trawangan also has several beach bars and restaurants that offer live music and DJ sets, adding to the island’s festive vibe.
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