The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air) lie between Bali and Lombok in the vast Indonesian archipelago. In Sasak, "Auspicious" means a small island, and there are thirty "Auspicious" around Lombok.
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The climate in Gillies is tropical, with an average year-round temperature of 28°C and water temperatures of 26°C to 29°C. The rainy season is from November to April and the dry season is from May to October. Despite its tropical climate, Gillies is relatively dry compared to other islands in the Indonesian archipelago due to its proximity to the equator. In fact, the presence of two nearby volcanoes — Mount Rinjani in Lombok and Mount Agung in Bali — creates a drier microclimate. The population of the islands is Muslim, and like most of Indonesia, the official language is Bahasa Indonesia, in addition to local dialects, including Sasak Gili Air.
Why I love Gili Air and drew a map
Personally, Gili Air is my paradise. I stopped here by chance when I first came to Bali while living in Japan. The name "Auspicious" caught my eye and I imagined three islands where people were laughing all day long. In my native French, we play by tickling someone and saying "guili-guili!" In Japanese, "gili gili" means "almost", "last minute". I almost missed the boat to Gillies the first time I went to Gillies and almost decided to settle there the last time I visited the island. Anyway, when I was there, the truth is that the islanders are always very friendly. I go diving and snorkeling at Gili Air, enjoy the turquoise waters and sometimes see green turtles. This very small island is only an hour's walk away, ideal as there are no cars or motorbikes. The only sound is that of motor boats supplying drinking water back and forth between Lombok and the other Gili Islands.
Last time I was in Gili Air, I was lucky enough to see a rare phenomenon: a double rainbow. I was relaxing on the beach after diving when it started to rain. In fact, a storm appears to be coming from Lombok, near Gili Air. Suddenly, I noticed some colors in the sky, red, yellow, blue, growing rapidly from one side of the island to the other. It was a perfect rainbow, a full circle. I have never seen anyone like this in my life! This rainbow looks unreal, like it was drawn with colored pencils when you were a kid. I ran all over the beach in the rain to see if it was real, if it was some kind of optical phenomenon. It was as huge as a mountain, and its color was so pure that he could see it clearly. Suddenly, the rain stopped and the sun came out from behind the clouds. Then, seconds later, something even more incredible happened: Another rainbow appeared on top of the first one. This time, my boyfriend recorded it on camera and you can watch it on YouTube.
I drew this illustrated map of Gili Air to share my love for this small island. It was handmade, I drew the land with colored pencils and the sea with nail polish. I tried to reproduce the atmosphere and different places of the island as faithfully as possible.
How to get to Gili Air from Bali
There are several ports from Bali to Gili Air: Benoa, Sanur, Padang Bai and Amed. There are several transport companies that organize trips such as Marina Skrikandi, Wahana, Sea cruises marlin, etc. There are two options to go to Gillis, fast boat or slow boat, which is the cheapest option. Buy your tickets on the spot the day before you leave the stalls on the streets of Bali. Ticket prices vary according to tourist season, ranging from Rp400,000 to Rp1,000,000 for a round trip. At 6:30 in the morning, there will be a shuttle bus to your hotel to pick you up to the port. Tours last from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. You will always be directed to the pier and find a suitable boat, where you can buy water and food from street vendors. From there you will take a speedboat which stops at 3 Gilis and Lombok respectively. Don't fall asleep during the voyage, sometimes you can see dolphins outside the window!
Cruise ships generally arrive at Gili Air around 11:00 am. Once you reach the small harbor, hop from the boat onto the beach with turquoise waters! Some cidomos, the local horse-drawn carriages, will wait for tourists to take them to the different hotels and bungalows on the island. It costs Rs 50,000. If you don't have a lot of luggage, walking is better. If you choose this option, head right to the most "central" area of the island where you will findChiringuito bar(5 minutes walk). If you haven't booked a hotel yet, you can ask for suggestions for different restaurants and beach bars. The friendly people at Gili Air are sure to guess where you're from and greet you in your language...
Things to do in Gili Air
Once you've found your accommodation, you can jump straight into the turquoise sea, rich in corals and colorful fish. Small shops along the road can rent masks, flippers and snorkels, with an average set of Rp25,000. The best places to see fish are all on the map I drew. In the evening, after having a delicious meal on the beach, why not take a tour around the island on foot or by horse-drawn carriage? Don't miss the grilled fish shop by the sea and the sunset at 6:30 at night.
There's no shortage of activities on Gili Air: dive centers with many different specialties (I recommend freediving at Gili Air Divers), H2O yoga, kitesurfing or just hanging out on the beach in front of Chill Out, there's an Italian Scooperific. Freezing…
To depart Gili Air, confirm your return ticket with the company the morning of your departure port. While waiting for the boat, check outOceans 5 Dive Center: On the left you will find a pool with rescued turtles. It is said that as long as you donate a little money, you will be guaranteed to return to the island one day. . . When the fast boat arrives, try to sit in the boat even if it's full (the next stop, Gili Trawangan, will be empty anyway. ) and don't try to stay on the roof to "tan" or admire your first time Missed dolphins. You could get sunburned or drenched, and the journey to your next destination would be abysmal.
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more links
For more information on the Gili Islands, I recommend you check out these sites.
tape
Nice site about gilis.
Geely Asia
Vinda Geely Magazine
Available in English and French.
www.gililife.es
gilibookings.com website
Book a boat from Bali to the Gili Islands.
www.gilibookings.com
FAQs
Gili Air Map * What to do in Gili Air? ›
Getting around:
Bicycles or horse and cart are your two options for getting around. Luckily Gili Air is tiny – the circumference is less than 5km – meaning you can walk around the entire island in just over an hour (or, if you're like me and stop off for coconuts at every opportunity, two hours).
Getting around:
Bicycles or horse and cart are your two options for getting around. Luckily Gili Air is tiny – the circumference is less than 5km – meaning you can walk around the entire island in just over an hour (or, if you're like me and stop off for coconuts at every opportunity, two hours).
Are the Gili Islands worth visiting if you're into yoga? Absolutely, 100% yes! In fact, Gili Air is one of the yoga capitals of Indonesia, along with Ubud in Bali. There are many studios offering retreats that should give that hit of zen that you're craving.
What is Gili Air known for? ›Gili Air is well-known for its super clear turquoise water to snorkel and dive in. The entire northern part of the island is home to sea turtles. So the chance to spot a turtle is high. Do not swim during low tide, the corals will be too close.
How long do you need in Gili Air? ›If you're visiting just one of the islands, I recommend spending at least two nights and two days in the Gili Islands, as I did. If you do, you should book a snorkeling excursion to dive at all the islands on your second day.
Which side of Gili Air is the best? ›The east side of the island is the best area to stay in Gili Air for swimming and snorkelling, as it has the best beaches. The south side of the island is perhaps the busiest as this is where the jetty is and where boats arrive and leave.
Which month is best for Gili Air? ›The best time to visit Gili Air is during the dry season between June to September. Not only does it make travelling between the island and mainland easy, but it also ensures better visibility should you choose to go diving or snorkelling.
Is Gili Air a party island? ›Gili Air. If you are looking for an island that offers an alternative social scene, this would be it. Here, you will find a wonderful place to enjoy water sports, hang out for a drink, enjoy a meal and socialize. This island is also a party island where they have full moon parties among others.
How do you get around Gili Air? ›There are three main methods of transport on Gili Air—these are cycling, using a horse and cart (yes, really!), and good ol' fashioned walking. Read this guide and you'll be fully in the know on the best ways to get around the island. Let's get into it!
Is Gili Air better than Gili T? ›Gili Trawangan vs Gili Air: Nightlife
If you don't like partying and being around young people under the influence, Gili T may not be the best choice for you. However, if you love party islands, beach bars, happy hour, party boats, pub crawls and staying up til sunrise, then you will absolutely love Gili T.
Can you see turtles in Gili Air? ›
Those might not sound like very big numbers to you but we have one of the largest populations of turtles in the Gili Islands. Come diving with us and see for yourself! Don't just dive with turtles – take care of them too!
Can you swim with turtles on Gili Air? ›There are multiple spots to snorkel or swim with sea turtles on Gili Trawangan. A good place (and our personal favorite) is Turtle Point on the east side of the island.
Can you swim from Gili Air to Lombok? ›While it is perfectly safe to swim and snorkel around the Gilis you should never try to swim to the next island, it is much further than it looks and the currents in the middle of the channel can be very strong even for the best of swimmers.
How much is the cheapest boat from Bali to Gili Air? ›How much is the ticket price from Bali to Gili Air by fast boat? The cheapest ticket price from Bali to Gili Air is $26.68. The average ticket price for getting from Bali to Gili Air by fast boat is $33.36 USD.
Is Gili more expensive than Bali? ›Which place is cheaper, Gili Trawangan or Bali? These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $79, while the average daily cost in Gili Trawangan is $39.
How long does it take to get from Gili Air to Bali? ›How long does it take to get from Gili Air to Bali? The travel time from Gili Air to Bali can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 2 to 76 hours.
Are there snakes on Gili Air? ›The yellow lipped banded sea snakes are often seen in the waters around Indonesia, including the Gili Islands and our island of Gili Air.
Is Gili Air safe? ›Yes, Gili Islands is generally considered safe to visit. The islands are known for their laid-back atmosphere and relaxed vibe, and the local people are friendly and welcoming. However, as with any destination, it is important to take sensible precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Does Gili Air have malaria? ›There is a low malaria risk in the other islands, including Bali, Lombok, Gili Islands, Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. There is no malaria risk in in the big cities.
Is there WiFi on Gili Air? ›Finding internet on Gili Air
Some accommodation on the island now offers WiFi. But in case you want to get out and explore different locations on the island, we've put together a list of some of the best places for internet on Gili Air.
Is Gili Air crowded? ›
The Crowds
It's noticeably quieter, but popular restaurants and bars, especially around the port, are quite busy. I tried to get a seat in one of the cafés but it was full!
Put these numbers on your website. A vacation to Gili Trawangan for one week usually costs around Rp4,052,859 for one person. So, a trip to Gili Trawangan for two people costs around Rp8,105,718 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs Rp16,211,435 in Gili Trawangan.
Can you do a day trip to Lombok from Gili Air? ›However, if you want to visit Lombok on a day trip, it's best to travel from the Gili Islands. While a boat ride from Bali can take 3-4 hours, Lombok is only around 15 minutes away from Gili Trawangan (which itself is a must-visit).
Can you swim in Gili islands? ›The Gilis experience large volumes of water movement between high and low tides. This leads to strong currents and potentially dangerous conditions for swimmers. But, the good news is that with some forward planning and some common sense, it can be very safe and a lot of fun.
Which season is best for Gili island? ›Best time to visit Gili Islands? As the most popular way to get to the Gilis is by sea from Bali's 2 main harbors (Benoa and Padangbai), the dry season (between June and September) provides the most favorable sea conditions for traveling.
What should I pack for Gili Islands? ›You need to keep your clothing comfortable and breathable and your luggage very light as no one wants to carry a heavy load, and you will want to dry fast if you get wet or sweat. Seasons in Gili Islands are quite straightforward, but it can be a little confusing sometimes to plan for it.
How long is the boat ride from Gili island to Bali? ›How long does it take to get from Gili Trawangan to Bali by Ferry? Based on the distance and the average speed of the boat, it normally takes around 2h to get from Gili Trawangan to Bali.
How long is the boat from Gili to Bali? ›Ferry from Gili Islands to Bali
The fastest route between Gili Islands and Bali is Amed with a crossing duration of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Although it's a 'slow boat', the journey time from Gili T to Gili Air by boat is just 20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 40,000 IDR and you buy it at the ticket office at Gili T pier. Make sure you're there at about 9:20 am which is when they will start calling the boat which goes to Gili Meno first.
How long does it take to cycle around Gili Air? ›You can explore the whole island by cycling in approximately 1-1.5 hours. Bicycle rental usually available everywhere, but better to get help/rent from your island stay to get a reasonable price.
Are there ATM machines on Gili Air? ›
Yes, there are ATMs on Gili Trawangan, scattered on almost every corner of the island. However, ATMs often run out of cash due to difficulties in restocking money.
Are there crocodiles in Gili Islands? ›Gili Meno Bird Park is a wildlife sanctuary, which is home to many exotic birds, as well as crocodiles.
Where is best snorkelling in Gili Air? ›The best Gili Island for snorkeling is Gili Meno. While Gili Trawangan is unquestionably the most popular, Gili Meno has great snorkeling access and is home to the popular Gili Island Wreck (Meno Bounty) and probably the most photographed spot in Indonesia– the underwater statues.
What time of year is best to see turtles? ›A common breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles, you can also see loggerhead, leatherback, flatback, and olive ridley turtles roaming the waters. Best time: Turtles can be seen all year round. However, late October to early December is a particularly good time to see sea turtles.
Are there Komodo dragons on Gili Islands? ›Komodo dragons live exclusively in Indonesia, precisely on Komodo Island and four smaller islands: Rinca, Flores, Gili Dasami, and Gili Montana.
Are there sharks around the Gili Islands? ›Black tip and white tip reef sharks are the most common reef sharks seen around the Gilis, although we do not see them as frequently as we would like. Sharks are a critical part of the underwater ecosystem and have a very unfair reputation among humans due to popular myths propagated by Hollywood movies.
Can you touch turtles while snorkeling? ›It's Illegal
Attempting to touch wildlife doesn't just disrupt the animals' normal feeding, breeding, and sheltering behaviors, they are illegal and punishable by law. Many of them are protected under the Endangered Species Act and are also sacred to their community's cultural heritage.
You will get bitten by harmless, though annoying mosquitos, so mosquito repellant is a must, and it just so happens to be your best defence against dengue. Now that you're prepared for your island getaway in the Gilis, check out these awesome 25 things to do in the Gilis on island time.
Can you see manta rays in Gili Islands? ›There are no Manta rays in the Gili islands of Lombok.
What does Gili mean in Indonesian? ›In the local Sasak language, "Gili" means "island". In the Indonesian language, plural is denoted by repeating a noun. So "Gili Gili" literally means "islands”. Renowned for friendly locals and superb natural beauty, each of the island's is well prepared for tourists.
What is the cheapest flight period to Bali? ›
The most expensive month for flying to Bali however is December during the holiday period. The cheapest month for booking flights to Bali is February which is in the wet season and the island is quieter for tourism.
How much is the boat from Bali to Gili Air? ›| Transport Name | Route Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kurnia Jaya Fast Boat Speedboat | 09:30 - 12:00 | $19 |
| Eka Jaya Fast Boat Speedboat | 10:30 - 12:45 | $25 |
| Semaya One Speedboat | 13:00 - 14:30 | $20 |
| Eka Jaya Fast Boat Speedboat | 14:00 - 16:00 | $25 |
The most straightforward way to get from Bali to the Gilis is by fast boat. While it is possible to get a fast boat to Gili Air from Bali, most travelers opt to travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan and then catch a boat to the smaller islands of Gili Meno or Gili Air from there.
What is the most luxurious area of Bali? ›Uluwatu is located on the south of the island and is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive areas to stay in Bali. Some of its high cliffs with incredible views of the Indian Ocean even allow space for small beaches.
Which Gili has the best beaches? ›Best beaches on Gili Trawangan
The island is so small that you can bike around it in half an hour. For me, the best beaches of Gili Trawangan are in the northwest area of the island. On this white sand beach, there are hardly any people, and the water is very blue.
Bali remains affordable compared to Western destinations and other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia; however, Thailand is still slightly less expensive. This is what makes Thailand such a great choice for many travelers.
What is the closest airport to Gili Air? ›The closest airport to the Gili Islands is Lombok International Airport (LOP). Private transfers (car + speedboat) can be arranged from there to the Gili's through Gili-islandtransfers.com, otherwise you can opt for the slower (cheaper) and less reliable public boats that leave from Bangsal harbour in north Lombok.
How far is it around Gili Air? ›The smallest of the Gili Islands, Gili Air is a relatively undeveloped island featuring a lovely beach scene. The best bet for a run is the 5 km loop on the island's perimeter path (car-free), JL Pantai, You'll run by thatched beach huts and a handful of bars, restaurants, and resorts.
How do I get to Gili Air from Ubud? ›The quickest way from Ubud to Gili Air is by fastboat from Padang Bai Harbour. A free pick-up service is often included from Ubud Central and it is only 1-1,5 hrs by car (depending on traffic) from Ubud Central to Padang Bai.
How to see turtles in Gili Air? ›Snorkelling Gili Air Tour
The easiest way to see the turtles for yourself is by taking part in one of the many, awesome snorkelling tours that take place on each of the island.
What is the best time of year to visit Gili Islands? ›
Best time to visit Gili Islands? As the most popular way to get to the Gilis is by sea from Bali's 2 main harbours (Benoa and Padangbai), the dry season (between June and September) provides the most favourable sea conditions for travelling.