The Best Tropical Islands: Gili Islands
The three Gili Islands are a backpacker mecca and Lombok’s most popular tourist destination. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beach side cafes playing reggae and serving up banana pancakes, and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. Aside from snorkeling and diving, there’s not much else to do besides relax in the sun. Like that is bad!
Quick Facts
Capital: —-
Population: 800
Size:
Power Outlets: 127/230V 50Hz
Official Languages: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8
Religion: Islam
Calling Code: +62
When to go: The rainy season is roughly from November to April. The peak tourist seasons are July-August and December-January.
Cost and Budgeting
There is one ATM on Gili Trawangan. The rates offered by moneychangers are pretty bad. Credit cards are accepted at the more upmarket places and all dive shops. Some will also arrange credit card advances but with fee of 7-10%.
Things to Do and See in the Gili Islands
Scuba Diving- The Gili islands have excellent diving, with an impressive array of sea creatures and plant life to be seen, such as green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays, bumphead parrotfish and more. Visibility is commonly in the 15-20m range. However, due to the exposed position of the Gilis, currents can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm. Gili Trawangan has the most dive operators, but PADI licensed dive operators exist on all islands, equipment is kept in top shape, with excellent facilities, western dive masters and preset prices.
Snorkeling- You can rent masks and fins off the beach, or contact any of the numerous dive shops to arrange snorkeling or diving at choice spots nearby. A daily snorkeling program usually involves a 10AM departure and 4PM return that includes three or four spots around the three islands and a two-hour lunch break.
Surfing- Surfing is a distant third to diving and snorkeling, but Gili Trawangan has a fast right wind which can really pump with the right conditions. The best waves are at high tide, and the underlying reef can be sharp so booties can come in handy. The surf break is at the end of the main street towards sunset beach.
Horse Back Riding- There are numerous outdoor activities on the islands and horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the scenery and trot along the seashore.
Kayaking- Don’t necessarily like swimming but want to experience the ocean waves. Gili Islands offer great waters and opportunity for good kayak outings.
Enjoy the local Food-Gili has numerous restaurants and bars where you can find the local Warungs serving traditional food There are also a number of beach BBQs serving fresh fish, prawns and lobster. Most of the restaurants and bars are found in “central” which is the busiest part of the island where the ferries and dive boats dock.
Looking for more detailed information? Click on the topics below:
| Gili Islands History | Gili Islands Politics | Gili Islands Culture | Gili Islands Economy | Gili Islands Geography |