In this guide
East of Bali, Lombok and the three tiny Gili Islands offer quieter beaches, turquoise water and a slower pace. Lombok is big and wild, with Mount Rinjani and the surf beaches of Kuta Lombok; the Gilis are car-free islands made for snorkelling, diving and sunsets.
Choosing your Gili island
Gili Trawangan ("Gili T") is the largest and busiest, with beach bars, dive schools, night markets and a lively evening scene. Head to the west coast for sunset swings and quieter stretches.
Gili Air is closest to Lombok and has a village feel, good cafés and easy snorkelling straight off the beach. It suits couples and families who want comfort without the party.
Gili Meno is the smallest and calmest, with long empty beaches and one of the best spots to see sea turtles. Choose it for peace and quiet.
Things to do
- Snorkel with turtles. Green and hawksbill turtles are common around all three islands.
- Learn to dive. The Gilis are one of Indonesia's most popular places for beginner courses.
- Cycle around the islands. Gili Air and Gili Meno can be circled in about an hour.
- Watch the sunset from the west coasts, looking towards Bali's Mount Agung.
Exploring Lombok
- Kuta Lombok (not the same as Kuta in Bali) is a surf town with beautiful bays such as Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak and Mawun.
- Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, offers tough 2–4 day treks to the crater rim and lake. Go with a licensed guide; the trail closes in parts of the wet season.
- Waterfalls such as Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile near Senaru are easier day trips.
- Sasak villages show the culture of Lombok's main ethnic group.
Getting there
- By boat from Bali: fast boats to the Gilis and Lombok. Choose well-reviewed operators and avoid crossings in rough weather.
- By air: Lombok International Airport (LOP) has domestic flights from Bali, Jakarta and other cities, plus some international connections, for example via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
When to go
The dry season, roughly April to October, brings the best weather and calmer seas; July and August are busiest. The wet season (November to March) is greener and quieter but boat crossings can be rougher.
Practical tips
- Bring enough cash: ATMs exist on the Gilis but can run out or be unreliable.
- Lombok is more conservative than Bali; dress modestly away from the beach.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and reusable water bottles; many places offer refills.
Combine it with Bali using our Bali travel guide, and compare flights to Lombok.
Frequently asked questions
Which Gili island is best?
Gili Trawangan is the liveliest with the most bars and restaurants, Gili Air is a relaxed middle ground popular with couples, and Gili Meno is the quietest, ideal for honeymooners and snorkelling.
How do you get from Bali to the Gili Islands?
Fast boats run from Bali (mainly Padang Bai, Serangan and Sanur) to the Gilis in about 1.5–3 hours depending on sea conditions and stops. You can also fly to Lombok (LOP) and take a short boat from Bangsal or Teluk Nare.
Are there cars on the Gili Islands?
No. There are no motorised vehicles; people walk, cycle or use small horse carts called cidomo.
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