Gili Islands Guide: Which Gili Is Best for Snorkelling, Turtles and Surf?

The Gili Islands are three small, car-free islands off the northwest coast of Lombok: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. For snorkelling and turtles, Gili Meno is the pick. For a social scene and the most choice, go to Gili Trawangan. For a bit of both with a local feel, choose Gili Air. All three have warm, clear water, coral reefs and turtles close to shore, and you can hop between them by boat in minutes. Surf is possible on reef breaks off each island, but it is inconsistent and best left to experienced surfers. Fast boats run from Bali, and public boats cross from Bangsal on Lombok. Below is how the three compare, where to snorkel, when to go and what to pack.

In this article

• Which Gili island is best?
• How do you get to the Gili Islands?
• Where is the best snorkelling in the Gilis?
• Can you swim with turtles in the Gili Islands?
• Can you surf in the Gili Islands?
• When is the best time to visit?
• What should you wear and pack?
• FAQ

Which Gili island is best for you?

There are no cars or motorbikes on any of the islands. You get around on foot, by bicycle or by cidomo, a small horse-drawn cart, and the islands are small enough to walk around in a morning.

Island	Size	Vibe	Best for
Gili Trawangan	Largest, about 340 hectares	Lively, the most bars, cafés and places to stay	Friends, first-timers, nightlife, diving
Gili Air	About 188 hectares	Laid-back, with the largest local Sasak community	A relaxed stay with good food and easy snorkelling
Gili Meno	Smallest, about 150 hectares	Quiet, castaway feel, boutique stays	Snorkelling, turtles, couples, slow days

Many people split their stay: a few nights on Trawangan or Air for food and company, then a couple of quiet nights on Meno for early swims with the turtles. For more island ideas, read our guide to island hopping in Indonesia.

How do you get to the Gili Islands?

• From Bali: fast boats leave from Padang Bai on the east coast and from ports in the south of Bali. The Padang Bai crossing is the shortest, at roughly an hour or more depending on the sea. Treat advertised times as a guide, especially in rough weather.
• From Lombok: public boats leave Bangsal harbour when full and take roughly 15 minutes to Gili Air, 30 to Meno and 45 to Trawangan.
• Between the islands: island-hopping boats link all three. Gili Meno is a short ride from both Trawangan and Air.

Expect to wade ashore at some landings. Wear something you do not mind getting wet and keep your phone in a waterproof bag.

No cars, no scooters, no rush. On the Gilis the only traffic is bicycles, horse carts and turtles.

Where is the best snorkelling in the Gili Islands?

Gili Meno has the reputation for the best snorkelling, with healthier, less crowded reefs. Its most famous site is the Nest, a circle of 48 life-size human sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, sitting about 2 metres below the surface. The statues act as an artificial reef, and you can swim out from the beach in a few minutes or arrive by boat from Gili Air or Trawangan. Go early, before the tour boats.

• Gili Meno: the Nest statues, Turtle Point on the northeast side, and reef right off the beach.
• Gili Air: easy reef snorkelling along the east and north coasts.
• Gili Trawangan: turtles off the east coast, plus organised snorkel boats that visit sites around all three islands.

A serious note on currents: currents around and between the Gilis can be fierce. Never try to swim from one island to another, wear fins even if you are a strong swimmer, and join a boat trip if you want to reach the outer reefs. Lonely Planet's island comparison is a useful second read before you book.

Can you swim with turtles in the Gili Islands?

Yes. Turtles are seen around all three islands, often in shallow water close to shore, and Turtle Point off Gili Meno is one of the easiest places to find them. There are also small turtle sanctuaries on Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno where you can see young turtles and learn how they are protected.

• Float still and let turtles come and go. Never touch, chase or block their way to the surface.
• Keep at least a couple of metres away and do not stand on coral.
• Use mineral sunscreen on your face and let your swimsuit cover the rest.

Can you surf in the Gili Islands?

You can, but the Gilis are not a reliable surf destination. Each island has a reef break off its southern end, mostly right-handers, and they need a big south to southwest swell to work. They break over shallow reef, often work best around high tide, and suit experienced surfers. When it is on, Gili Trawangan's break is the best known. If you are learning, the beach breaks and surf schools on Lombok's south coast are a better bet, and you can read our guide to Bali's best surf beaches for women before you go.

When is the best time to visit the Gili Islands?

The Gilis are drier than Bali. The dry season, roughly May to October, brings sunny days and calmer seas for snorkelling. The rainy season runs roughly November to April, but it usually means short downpours rather than washed-out days. July, August, December and January are the busiest months, so book boats and rooms ahead then.

What should you wear and pack for the Gilis?

The Gilis are home to a Muslim Sasak community. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover up when you head into the village, a warung or a shop, and topless sunbathing is not okay anywhere. A sarong solves it in seconds. Our guide to travelling Indonesia as a woman has more tips.

• Two swimsuits: a long sleeve one piece for snorkelling and a bikini for beach days.
• A sarong to wrap over your swimsuit when you leave the sand.
• Mineral sunscreen, a hat and reef shoes.
• A waterproof bag for boat crossings and wet landings.

Frequently asked questions

Which Gili island is best for snorkelling?

Gili Meno. Its reefs are less crowded, Turtle Point is close to shore, and the Nest statues sit about 2 metres down, so they are easy for every level of snorkeller.

How many days do you need in the Gili Islands?

Three to five nights is ideal. That is enough for a snorkel trip around all three islands, a few slow beach days and time to visit more than one island.

Can you walk between the Gili Islands?

No. The islands are separated by open water with strong currents. Take an island-hopping boat, and never try to swim across.

What is the dress code on the Gili Islands?

Swimwear is fine on the beach. Cover up with a sarong or clothes in the villages, shops and warungs, and avoid topless sunbathing out of respect for the local Muslim community.

Is Gili Air or Gili Trawangan better?

Choose Gili Trawangan for nightlife and the widest choice of food and accommodation. Choose Gili Air for a calmer, more local feel with good snorkelling and cafés.

Keep reading

• Nusa Lembongan guide: mantas, surf and snorkelling
• What to wear snorkelling in Bali
• Island hopping Indonesia: hidden gems beyond Bali