The Gili Islands are three small islands off the coast of Indonesia. Just a short jaunt from Bali by boat, these islands offer a tropical paradise for visitors, becoming even more popular than Bali itself. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air form this beautiful destination which hosts a variety of activities, idyllic waters, and romantic sunsets.

These quaint islets are home to no motorized traffic. Huts are available for tourists to rent, the surrounding waters host some of the most diverse marine life in the world, and the preferred modes of travel are by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn cidomo.

Beaches

The beaches on the Gili Islands are powdery white, and you could walk around the entire island in an hour. Trawangan’s beaches are cleaner than the other islands, so people visit them more often. However, all of the beaches are great for swimming or relaxing, and they’re never crowded. These islands are home to a large turtle population and the beach is a great place to see them in their natural habitat.

Along with relaxing on the beach, the Gili Islands are home to many water sports. Surf the waves on one of the many beaches that rents surfboards, or enjoy the serene turquoise waters on a standing paddle board. Clear-bottomed kayaks immerse you in bio marine life and parasailing gives you a quick adrenaline rush.

Shopping

The islands may be small, but the culture is rich. Venturing out to the local shops is one of the best ways to take it all in. Visit Art Shop Botol, run by an elderly local who would love to talk about her eleven children and countless grandchildren. Here you can find handmade, locally sourced crafts like woven baskets, masks, and wood carvings.

Gain a sense of the domestic flavor at Pasar Seni, where you can purchase everyday goods. It’s a small village market with big personality.

You can try your hand at bargaining in the street stalls. The merchandise is beautiful and authentic but can be pricey because they cater to a lot of tourists. You can get the same items on the mainland for less, but for a bit of fun and adventure, it’s a pleasant stroll down the streets of town.

Dining

The Night Market is on Gili Trawangan, and food is fresh and cheap. You can pick out your own meat skewers at the lower east corner grill, and all entrees come with rice and three sides, plus a to-die-for peanut sauce. You won’t want to miss it.

There are always great lunch specials at The Roast House, and if you’re hungry, come here for some of the biggest portions. The food is excellent, and you’ll leave feeling full. They’re famous for the roast chicken, and they have free Wi-Fi, a coveted necessity on the island.

If you need a late night snack or a place to wind down after hitting up the nightlife, Le Petit Grill is open twenty-four hours. They are known for their burgers but have an extensive menu and large portions. The Crunchy Onion burger is a favorite, but you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.

Nightlife

The bars on Gili Trawangan rotate who stays open until 4 am to keep the nightlife going. However, many bars and restaurants on the main street and the beach are open until 2 am anyway. Enjoy some upbeat music at the famous Blue Marlin rave or party like the Irish at the beachfront Tir Na Nog.

The best place to sample local foods is Night Market. With over fifty stalls selling delicious food, there’s no lack of things to try. It’s cheap and beachfront with a fantastic view. You’re sure to get a sense of the local cuisine in fun, nightlife atmosphere.

Recreation

Daily fishing tours escort you out by boat, and once you catch the fish, you grill it yourself. Spearfishing is also available for the rugged, outdoorsy type.

Soak up everything there is to do on all of the islands with island hopping. Island hopping is smooth with public boats twice a day, or you can charter a boat, which is an affordable option for big groups.

Sunset rides on horseback across the beach are romantic opportunities for couples to reconnect at the end of a busy day. Several stables offer affordable horseback rides.

For the more adventurous types, there are tattoo parlors that use traditional bamboo, magic mushroom food at various places across the islands, ‘stick fighting’ tournaments, and fish pedicures.

You can visit the turtle sanctuary or the bird park, and there are also opportunities to serve the community with beach cleanup days.

There’s no shortage of excitement on the Gili Islands, and because they are smaller and less populous, they’re quieter and easier to navigate. It’s a worthwhile trip for individuals, couples, and families.