VISIT THE GILI ISLANDS

Lombok’s most popular tourist destination, the Gili Islands (or just the Gilis) came to the attention of the wider world as a backpacker mecca in the 1980s and 1990s. This is still true to some extent, and the islands are still a fixture on the Banana Pancake Trail. But the times they are a changing, and there is now a rash of glamour options on the islands, especially so on Gili Trawangan. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes still playing reggae and serving up questionable “energy” drinks, but also at the other end of the scale, elaborate seafood buffets, fresh salads and good quality western and Asian food. Best of all, there are no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace.

THE GILIS FROM WEST TO EAST:

• Gili Trawangan
• Gili Meno
• Gili Air

Gili islands are the most popular tourist destination of Lombok. There you can really relax on the beach, no car or motorbike on the islands, and have a sunset drink with your family and friends. Going to the Gili is only a quick speedboat trip from Bali, leave from your hotel in Bali in the morning, you will arrive in the Gili at mid morning, and still have plenty of time to dive the Gili or enjoy the beach. You will have plenty of choice of hotel on each of the 3 islands, from budget to luxury.

GOING AND LEAVING THE GILIS

Go to the Gilis: Sea Express offers speedboat transfers to Gili islands from Bali and Nusa Lembongan.

• If you leave from Bali: the boats leave from Amed, Padang Bai and Sanur. With any of these departure harbors, you can stop at any of the 3 Gili islands. To favor your comfort during your journey, it is highly recommended for you to leave from Padang Bai or Amed rather than from Sanur given that from Padang Bai or Amed, the boats’ lines are direct or non-stop to the Gilis and reduce the transport time to an hour or 90 minutes.
• If you leave from Nusa Lembongan: the boat from Sanur to the Gili islands do a quick stop in Nusa Lembongan (Jungut Batu harbor) to drop and take passengers. Afterward, the boat will keep its itinerary and drop you on any of the Gili’s island.

Leaving the Gilis: The Gilis are linked to Bali, Lombok and Nusa Lembongan.

• If you want to join Bali, Sea Express offers you to book tickets for Amed, Padang Bai or Sanur (according to the harbor you target). As mentioned above and for the same reasons, we advise you to book your ticket for Amed or Padang Bai given that these lines are direct. The line going from the Gilis to Sanur makes a quick stop in Nusa Lembongan. Therefore, if you plan to go to Nusa Lembongan, you should be carried on the line having for final destination Sanur.
• If you want to join Lombok with an arrival in Bangsal harbor, Sea Express does not provide these tickets given that Lombok is only a couple of kilometers away (10-15 minutes), local companies and public transportations are in charge of it. You will be able to buy a ticket on the spot on any of the Gilis’ island. However, you can join Lombok and arrive at Senggigi harbor and buy your ticket on this website.

ROUTES / SCHEDULES

TRANSPORTATION WITHING THE GILIS

You want to go to another Gili island on a day trip or move there for a couple of days, no problem; you can use the cheap public transportation. You can buy those tickets locally the transportation time is less than 20 minutes.

ABOUT THE GILI ISLANDS

There are increasing numbers of westerners living on the Gilis, and operating businesses ranging from dive companies to resorts. There is a strong environmental focus here as the reefs have been very damaged in the past. While once people came to dive, snorkel and party, a more upmarket tourist is showing up now. It is still all about the beach, there are many more options to wine and dine or hang out and meet new friends. Strictly speaking, the name “Gili Islands” is rather redundant as gili simply means “small island” in Sasak, but the name has stuck and is universally used and understood in Lombok. These islands are small enough to go all around the island by walk or bicycle.

There are increasing numbers of westerners living on the Gilis, and operating businesses ranging from dive companies to resorts. There is a strong environmental focus here as the reefs have been very damaged in the past. While once people came to dive, snorkel and party, a more upmarket tourist is showing up now. It is still all about the beach, there are many more options to wine and dine or hang out and meet new friends. Strictly speaking, the name “Gili Islands” is rather redundant as gili simply means “small island” in Sasak, but the name has stuck and is universally used and understood in Lombok.