The Gilis are a picture of paradise, located in the vibrant tropics of Indonesia. The islands have grown in popularity over the years due to their stunning views, cultural destinations, and easy transportation to Bali. Let’s explore the top things to do and see in the Gili Islands:
Top things to do and see in the Gili Islands
- Go scuba diving
- Visit Mount Rinjani
- Cycle around the islands
- Relax on the tranquil beaches
- Visit Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary
- Visit the night markets
- Take a cooking class
- Go kayaking
Best beaches on the Gili Islands
- Gili Trawangan Beach
- Gili Meno Beach
- Sira Beach
- Pandanan Beach
- Kecinan Beach
- Senggigi Beach
Gili Islands trip cost
The most expensive part of a trip to the Gili Islands is the excursions. If you choose markets, mid-range restaurants, and casual spots, it can be very affordable to eat out in the Gili Islands. Most average meals will cost 175,000 IDR, which is the equivalent to a little over 11 USD. Hotels typically cost around 50-150 USD (780,365-2,341,095 IDR).
Luckily, there are lots of free natural attractions in Gili Islands like the alluring beaches and hiking trails.
Where to stay
Luxury
- Pondok Santi Estate
- Desa Dunia Beda Beach Resort
- Ponte Villas
- Rimba Villas
- Kuno Villas
- Ko-Ko-Mo Resort
Midrange
- Pearl of Trawangan
- Santorini Beach Resort
- Hotel Lumi Gili Trawangan
- Mowie’s Gili Air, Bar and Bungalows
- PinkCoco Gili Trawangan
Budget-friendly
- Aston Sunset Beach Resort
- Sadev Resort
- FRii Resort Gili Trawangan
- Seri Resort
- Sari Gili Bungalow
- Absolute Villa
- Gili Breeze Tropical Bungalows
Gili Islands food & where to eat
The food in the Gili Islands mainly stems from Indian, Chinese, and Malay cultures. The cuisine in Indonesia often demonstrates a bold, spicy taste, unique herbs, and a combination of hot, savory, and sweet ingredients. Indonesia’s national dish is Nasi Goreng, made with sweet, thick soy sauce, garnished acar, pickled cucumber, and carrots. Other dishes you can find in Indonesia include, nasi ayam, satay, tempeh, bakso, gado-gado, soto, and bulai. Most meals are made with rice and noodles, minced meat, produce, and tasteful condiments.
Best restaurants in the Gili Islands
- The Roast House
- Ko-Ko-Mo Restaurant
- Casa Vintage Beach
- Tiki Grove
- Santi Lounge Restaurant
- Kayu Cafe and Restaurant
- Natyas Restaurant
- Karma Kayak
How long should I stay in the Gili Islands?
If you’re only visiting one of the islands, you can visit the Gili Islands for two to three days. However, if you want to participate in more excursions or do a good amount of sightseeing, you may want to say for additional days. The good thing about the Gili Islands is that a vacation here is really what you make out of it. You can have a relaxing beach vacation or resort to a busy, adventure-packed trip.
