The Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are three tiny islands off the northwest coast of Lombok, each a low ring of white sand and palms fringed by coral reef, and their great charm is that no cars or motorbikes are allowed, so you get around on foot, by bicycle or in a pony cart, and the loudest sound is the sea. The three have distinct characters: Gili Trawangan is the largest and liveliest, with a sociable, sometimes party atmosphere; Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest, favoured by couples; and Gili Air blends a little of both. All are ringed by snorkelling and diving reefs where green turtles are common, and the shallow, warm water and easy beaches make them a relaxed contrast to the volcanoes and effort of mainland Lombok. Sunsets look back to Bali's Mount Agung across the water.

History

Gili simply means "small island" in Sasak, so the English name repeats itself, and Gili Air takes its name from water, as the only one of the three with fresh water underground. Permanent settlement began only in the 1970s, mainly because of the lack of fresh water before then (Wikipedia, Gili Islands).

The landscape

• Snorkelling with turtles - the reefs off all three islands, where green turtles graze.
• Car-free island life - getting about by bicycle, on foot or by pony cart.
• The three characters - lively Trawangan, quiet Meno and easy-going Air.
• Sunset over Bali - the view west to Mount Agung across the strait.

When to go

May to September is the dry season with the calmest seas and best snorkelling visibility; the wet season brings rougher crossings. Trawangan is busiest in peak season and around events. Mornings usually have the clearest water before the afternoon breeze.

Before you go

The islands have grown popular and Trawangan in particular can feel crowded and over-developed in high season, with a party scene that is not for everyone; Meno and Air are calmer. The boat crossing from Bali can be rough and operators vary in safety, so choose carefully. Facilities are island-simple, medical care is limited, and the reefs, while good, have suffered damage in places from tourism and past bleaching.

Nearby

Lombok's Rinjani volcano and beaches are just across the water; Bali is a fast-boat ride to the west.

Key facts