The three Gili Islands — Trawangan, Meno and Air — float off Lombok's northwest coast in impossibly clear turquoise water. There are no cars or motorbikes: you get around on foot, by bicycle or by horse-cart, which sets the whole relaxed tone. Add turtle-filled snorkelling, good diving and magic sunsets over Bali's Mount Agung, and it's one of the region's great escapes. Here's what to do.
The Gilis are famous for green sea turtles, and you have an excellent chance of swimming alongside them straight off the beach or on a cheap boat snorkel tour that loops all three islands. Highlights include the turtle points off Gili Meno and Air and the photogenic underwater statue circle ("Nest") off Meno. Bring a mask or rent one for a couple of euros.
The Gilis are one of Asia's most popular places to learn to dive — calm water, lots of reputable dive schools and competitive prices. Sites around the islands offer turtles, reef sharks, rays and coral, suitable from Open Water courses to fun dives. Trawangan has the most schools; all three islands share the same dive sites.
Each island has its own character, and a cheap public "hopping" boat (plus private charters) links them, so you can sample all three:
Not sure which to base on? See our which Gili island to choose guide.
With no motorised traffic, the Gilis are made for cycling: you can pedal right around Trawangan in under an hour, or the smaller islands even quicker, stopping at empty beaches as you go. Rent a bike for the day, or take a slow cidomo (horse-cart) — just note the back sides of each island are quieter and rockier.
Getting to the Gilis from Bali?
Compare fast boats & ferries →The west coasts of all three islands face Bali and Mount Agung, making for spectacular sunsets. Trawangan's west side is lined with beach bars, bean bags and the iconic sea swings for that classic Gili photo; Meno and Air have quieter, equally beautiful sunset spots.
If you want a party, Gili Trawangan is the place — beach bars, live music and rotating party nights keep things lively without the scale of Bali's clubs. Meno and Air stay peaceful after dark, so base yourself by mood. Respect that these are small, laid-back islands.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Snorkel gear rental (day) | €3–5 |
| Group snorkel boat tour | €10–18 |
| Fun dive (single) | €30–40 |
| Open Water course | €300–380 |
| Bike rental (day) | €4–7 |
| Island-hop public boat | €2–5 |
Indicative 2026 prices; dive rates are largely standardised across schools.
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