Gili Islands - The Ultimate Travel Guide
Find and reserve luxury Gili Islands - The Ultimate Travel Guide on 5 Star
Which Gili Island is best for me?
Every property is personally inspected for quality, space, and guest experience.
Not sure which villa suits your group in Gili Trawangan?
Every enquiry is handled by a single villa specialist. They'll match you to the right property based on your group, dates and priorities.
From first conversation to checkout, the same person stays with you.
- Personalised shortlist (usually 2–3 options)
- Pre-arrival planning & local tips
- 24/7 support during your stay
Explore Gili Trawangan villa locations
Our team can help you pick the right area and villa for your group.
Gateway options depend on your villa; your specialist will advise on typical transfer times and the smoothest route.
Nearby shops, dining and day-to-day essentials are usually a short drive in and around Gili Trawangan.
Regional highlights vary by route and season; we can suggest realistic timings from your villa shortlist.
Evenings out from local markets to restaurant rows—ask us for curated picks and sensible drive expectations.
Gili Trawangan
Hand-picked villas · local insight · Gili TrawanganDiscover luxury stays within easy reach of Gili Trawangan and the wider Gili Trawangan area.
Browse villas near Gili Trawangan →Gili Meno
Hand-picked villas · local insight · Gili TrawanganDiscover luxury stays within easy reach of Gili Meno and the wider Gili Trawangan area.
Browse villas near Gili Meno →Gili Air
Hand-picked villas · local insight · Gili TrawanganDiscover luxury stays within easy reach of Gili Air and the wider Gili Trawangan area.
Browse villas near Gili Air →Lombok west
Hand-picked villas · local insight · Gili TrawanganDiscover luxury stays within easy reach of Lombok west and the wider Gili Trawangan area.
Browse villas near Lombok west →Your Guide to Renting a villa in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Your Guide to Renting a Mansion in Gili Island, Indonesia
Which Gili Island is best for me?
Gili Trawangan
Gili T, as it is known, is the largest and most
popular of the three Gili Islands. It has a reputation as
the party island but there is so much more to Gili T.
Once a backpacker mecca in the 90's the vibe has moved distinctly
more upmarket in recent years.
There is still a party vibe if that is what you are looking for from
your trip, but it is also increasingly a luxury 5-Star family holiday
choice as well.
With no cars anywhere on the island and local regulations preventing
building above the tree line the island exudes a chilled-out atmosphere
and almost feels as if you are stepping back in time.
In addition to the stunning beaches , one of the
biggest reasons to visit Gili Trawangan is the incredible diving
from the island. There's as much to see underwater as
there is out of it.
There are a number of professional dive centres offering options for
beginners and experts alike no matter what your ability. There is also
great snorkelling, particularly from the north of the island.
The best things to do on Gili Trawangan
Visit the night market
A must visit on Gili T is the popular night market. The food is fresh, cheap and cooked in front of you. It is famous for a reason.
Horse riding
There are horses to suit all ages and abilities at Stud Stables where you can take a guided tour through Coconut groves to the white sand beaches. This is a unique way of exploring the island at a leisurely pace.
Go for a paddle
Take a guided sea kayak trip and explore the waters just off the island. You'll probably see turtles and countless other wildlife. Kayak trips to neighbouring Gili Meno can also be arranged with lunch on the beach as well.
Try freediving
The instructors at Freedive Gili are competitive freedivers but offer courses for complete beginners and experienced divers alike. You'll learn to conserve oxygen as you dive into the underwater world. With a bit of practice you could be getting to depths of more than 20 metres in no time.
Indulge in a luxurious massage
Treat yourself to a soothing and relaxing session at one of the hotels or independent spas on the island. Gili Spa and Azure Spa both come highly recommended.
Eating out on Gili Trawangan - where shall I dine today?
Gili Teak Beach Club
Set in a wonderfully serene spot on the island this is a great place to have a cocktail and some light bites as you watch the sun set over Bali.
Pizzeria Regina
Authentic Italian pizza baked in a stone oven to perfection. There's also a delivery option if you don't want to leave your 5-Star luxury villa.
Karma Kayak
What better way to finish off a day lounging on the beautiful white sands than with a glass or two of sangria and a great variety of Spanish and Indonesian tapas dishes.
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the islands
but it is as close as you can possibly hope to get to a true tropical
paradise.
The stunning white beaches and relaxed atmosphere make this a favourite
location for honeymooners as well as families looking for a low-key
luxury stay.
A mile long and less than that wide, meaning you can walk around the
entire island in about two hours.
There are plenty of casual dining options with bbq fresh fish on the
beach always a favourite.
If you can drag yourself from the sand or hammock then there is great
diving and snorkelling on offer. Don't miss the chance to swim with
sea turtles, a truly magical experience.
The best things to do on Gili Meno
Relax
There aren't a huge amount of activities but that is one of the main attractions of this piece of paradise. Grab a hammock and a cocktail - this is what island life is all about!
Gili Meno Wall
The best diving and snorkelling spot. During the day you'll see turtles and giant gorgonians and, at night, divers can see huge moray eels.
Take a selfie at the underwater sculpture park
Put your waterproof camera cover on and take a selfie among the 48 life human sculptures at this cool and unusual art installation.
Gili Meno Bird Park
There are more than 300 birds in a natural and free environment. See Hornbills, Eagles, Pelicans, Macaws, Parrots and much more.
Visit the Turtle Sanctuary
Learn about the valuable conservation work being carried out to care for these beautiful reptiles.
Eating out on Gili Meno - where shall I dine today?
Balenta
In the north of the island, Balenta specialises in local Sasak cuisine. And you'll be awed by the dramatic backdrop of Mount Rinjani and Lombok.
Bibi's Cafe
Part of Villa Nautilus, there is a good mix of western and Indonesian cuisine. Reportedly the best pizzas on the island are to be found here too.
Rust Bar
Right at the harbour, this is a great spot to grab a bite, listen to hip music and take some after dinner drinks.
Gili Air
A beautiful blend of the other two Gilis . Almost the
same laid back vibe as Gili Meno but with some of the facilities and
entertainment on offer on Gili Trawangan. There's not the same party
scene, but there are monthly full moon parties.
The waters just off the beach are teaming with marine life
and snorkelling equipment is available for hire and there are
also two professional dive operations as well.
Like the other Gilis, Air is car free but you can easily get around by
hiring a bicycle locally to see the island.
There's a very friendly local population and some great warungs -
local restaurants to try the Indonesian cuisine. There are also plenty
of options for international cuisine at the beachside restaurants.
The best things to do on Gili Air
A Subwing adventure
Hold on tight to the Subwing as you are pulled underwater by boat. You move up and down like a dolphin racing through the waves with just small hand movements.
Kitesurfing
Try kitesurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking or wakeboarding. The wave conditions make it a particularly great spot to try kitesurfing for the first time.
Yoga
Try a range of classes in the Hatha and Vinyasa style at Flowers and Fire Yoga on Gili Air in the stunning outdoor location.
Eating out on Gili Air - where shall I dine today?
Grand Sunset Hotel
Scratch at the Grand Sunset Hotel offers modern twists on Asian Cuisine along with classic international dishes.
Blue Marine Cafe
Fresh food smoothies and juices right on the beach. A healthy option with
a view on the north side of the island.
Whichever island is the perfect one for you, you'll find fabulous
places to stay in this paradise location.
Location of Gili Islands on the Map
Gili Islands Temperature Chart
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Gili Trawangan Villa Guides & Inspiration
Helpful guides to plan the perfect Gili Trawangan Villa getaway.
