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 to Gili from Bali
Gili Sea Express offers speedboat transfer to Gili islands from Bali. We have 2 boats and we leave from Sanur and Amed, you can stop at any of the 3 Gili islands.
 

Going to Gili from Nusa Lembongan

Our boat from Sanur to the Gili islands do a quick stop in Nusa Lembongan, Gili Sea Express offers transfer from Gili islands to Nusa Lembongan, as well as transfer from Lembongan back to Bali. 

Transportation within the Gili

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.

From Gili to Lombok

To go from the Gilis to Lombok or come back, use the public transport. Lombok is only a couple of kilometer away 10-15 minutes. You will leave or arrive in the harbor of Bangsal. You could also leave or arrive to and from the harbor of Teluk Nara to join Gili Trawangan, but this can be a bit more expensive.

 What 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.

Route

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