Holiday in Gili Islands

About Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a tropical triumvirate off the northwest coast of Lombok, resembling a postcard from paradise - three tiny coral islands with powdery white beaches, crystal-clear water, and a unique feature: there are no cars, no motorcycles, and no paved roads. Transportation is exclusively on foot, by bicycle, or with the horse-drawn carriage Cidomo, giving the Gilis a pace of life that is unmatched in Southeast Asia. Gili Trawangan, the largest and liveliest of the three islands, is the party center and backpacker magnet. The east side buzzes with bars, restaurants, and dive schools, while the west side rewards with secluded beaches and spectacular sunsets over the Agung volcano on Bali. In less than two hours, one can walk around the entire island - a stroll that takes you from busy beach clubs through quiet coconut plantations to deserted sandy beaches. Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest island, is the favorite of couples and honeymooners. A saltwater lake in the island's interior and a small turtle conservation center are the only attractions on land - here, it’s all about turquoise water, white beaches, and doing nothing as an art form. Gili Air, the island closest to the mainland, combines the relaxed atmosphere of Meno with a bit more infrastructure and a growing yoga and wellness scene. The underwater world of the Gili Islands is breathtaking. Turtles are so numerous that you are practically guaranteed to see them while snorkeling. Colorful coral reefs surround all three islands, and between the Gilis lies a sunken temple as an artificial reef, inhabited by fish and corals. Dive schools on all islands offer PADI courses at some of the cheapest prices worldwide. Manta rays, reef sharks, and with a bit of luck, even whale sharks pass by the outer reefs. From Germany, you fly to the Gilis via Bali or Lombok. From Bali, a speedboat takes about two hours directly to the islands, while from Lombok it takes only 15 to 30 minutes. The best travel time is from April to October during the dry season, although the Gilis are warm and tropical year-round.