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Travel to the
Gili Islands
a taste of paradise
If you crave simplicity, want to take a break, love the beach, the sea, romantic walks or family excursions, and wish for silence and to enjoy the passage of time: The Gili Islands are for you! Between Gili Meno, Gili Air and Gili Trawangan, choose from the 3 islands and… three atmospheres
Your Vacation on the Gili Islands
LOCATION
8° 21′ 00″ S, 116° 03′ 36″ E
Lesser Sunda Islands
Bali Sea, Pacific Ocean
SURFACE AREA
15 km²
POPULATION
Balinese and Sasak
Approximately 3,600 inhabitants
TIME ZONE
UTC +8:00. 7 hours time difference between the Gili Islands and France Summer time in France: 6 hours time difference
RELIGIONS
Hindu and Muslim
official language
Bahasa Indonesia
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Travel to the Gili Islands, a Preserved Paradise
In the Sasak language, the language of the inhabitants of Lombok, Gili means “island”. This is why all the islands surrounding Lombok have a name preceded by Gili.
Now known worldwide, these islands were nevertheless deserted more than 200 years ago. It was Bugis fishermen from Sulawesi, an archipelago in northern Indonesia, who settled there due to the abundance of fish in the waters of the Gilis.
These fishermen gradually settled and began cultivating soybeans and peanuts, which they traded at the markets of Lombok island for goods they could not grow on the Gilis, such as rice.
It was during the 1980s that the first tourists came to the islands and brought them out of anonymity.
VISIT
The Gili Islands
the Gili Islands on an organized trip
Each island has forged its own personality. Gili Trawangan, also called Gili T, lives to the rhythm of partygoers from around the world. Gili Meno, smaller and more peaceful, will appeal to those seeking calm. Finally, Gili Air is a good compromise between the two.
What unites them all, however, are the white sandy beaches, translucent waters and the incredible richness of the seabed.
The Gili Islands are a place apart—motorized vehicles are prohibited, and the most practical means of transport remains the bicycle or the cidomo (horse-drawn carriage).
It is with this idea of authenticity and environmental preservation that the Gili Islands seek to develop.
Since 2011, a comprehensive campaign has enabled the islands to have their waste processed on Lombok island. This new step in development allows these islands to no longer face the problem of waste storage.
For a vacation at the heart of unique aquatic wildlife
To protect the underwater seabed, a local NGO, the Gili Eco Trust, funded by diving clubs, implements numerous projects, such as reef restoration using the Biorock method, coral protection, improved waste management, animal treatment, public awareness, erosion control…
A trip with friends to the Gili Islands is an opportunity to swim with green turtles, to encounter reef sharks and manta rays. The advantage is that diving conditions here are relatively easy and therefore accessible to beginners.
Travel to
Gili Trawangan
The largest but also the most developed of the Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is the ideal place for those seeking a “castaway” experience while maintaining a certain level of comfort. Nevertheless, this is also where most tourists come, so you will not be alone.
You will find accommodations for all budgets, restaurants offering dishes from around the world, numerous diving clubs as well as small shops for shopping.
Parties are organized every evening in the bars along the beach on the west side. If you wish to escape the deep sounds of the speakers, venture further north or to the eastern part of the island. There are fewer facilities there, certainly, but also fewer travelers, and note that the tour of the island takes only 2 hours on foot: you can therefore enjoy the calm while remaining close to the bars and restaurants.
What to do on Gili Trawangan?
Horse lovers or simply want a horseback ride on the beach with your hair in the wind? It is possible to go horseback riding on Gili Trawangan, a way to tour the island and discover it from a slightly higher vantage point. If the sun gets a bit too hot, the horses will be delighted to swim with you!
Diving: As on the other islands, boat excursions are organized to reach the various diving spots inaccessible from the beaches.
Equipped with a simple mask, fins and snorkel, set off for a few hours in crystal-clear waters to encounter multicolored corals, starfish, parrotfish…
For the more passionate, it is possible to scuba dive and explore the seabed more deeply.
A spot located near the northern tip of the island, “Turtle Shore,” allows you to see turtles just a few meters from the beach, but for that you will need to get up early as they come there at sunrise.
Watch a movie outdoors, comfortably seated on large bean bags while sipping a cocktail. Every evening two films are screened, generally comedies or action films. An Indonesian-style movie night.
Stroll through the market alleys, filled with extraordinary scents and colors, enough to tantalize your taste buds. Also an opportunity to buy a small souvenir for yourself or your loved ones.
Head to the western part of the island at the end of the day to enjoy the sun setting behind Mount Agung, a magical moment offered by nature.
When evening comes, music resonates in every bar on the main street.
Australians, Europeans, Russians and other travelers from the four corners of the world gather to party all night to the sound of DJs or local bands covering Reggae and Pop standards.
Stay at
Gili Meno
Quite the opposite of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno is already much smaller but also much more authentic and calm. Here it is not the nocturnal globe-trotters who meet, but travelers seeking serenity and relaxation.
This is a couples’ paradise, the ideal place to reconnect and spend your days on the beach, punctuated by swims to explore the seabed, then dine by the water in an intimate atmosphere. The key words here are
tranquility and simplicity.
What to do on Gili Meno?
Relax… read a good book in the shade of a coconut tree, let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves, take a nap comfortably settled in a hammock, walk along the water’s edge. Doing nothing is also a way to take care of yourself, of your mind.
Diving: for art lovers, head to the southwest of the island, to Bounty Wreck, where you will find the 48 submerged statues by Jason deCaires Taylor, created to help corals develop.
Otherwise, arm yourself with your mask, snorkel and fins and set off directly to discover the seabed or, if you wish, book a boat excursion—the locals will be delighted to take you to the most beautiful spots.
Visit the turtle sanctuary: still with the aim of protecting
the environment and marine wildlife, the turtle sanctuary works every day to repopulate the oceans. Its work consists of saving turtle eggs from predators, allowing them to hatch naturally, then raising the young turtles before releasing them safely into the sea. Injured turtles are also cared for until they are fit to be released.
Walking around the island is also one of the possible activities—you will surely come across a small curiosity, a salt lake. An opportunity to observe the fauna and flora unique to the island.
Vacation at
Gili Air
Gili Air is the closest to Lombok and a good compromise between the festive Trawangan and the tranquil Meno. This island is more suitable for families, people seeking calm but also wishing to enjoy entertainment, such as an evening in a bar with your feet in the sand.
Like Gili Meno, Gili Air holds a small secret: natural freshwater wells. Hence its name, “Air,” which means “water.” This island was the first to be settled by Bugis fishermen (from Sulawesi) and Sasak (from Lombok). Even though tourism is very present and contributes greatly to the island’s economy, fishing remains an important activity and source of income for its inhabitants.
What to do on Gili Air?
Undoubtedly the best island to watch the sunrise over Mount Rinjani, dominating Lombok. Of course, you will need to get up early, before 6:00 AM. But what better way to start the day than with a spectacle like this? You can also enjoy the morning freshness and the calm of the still-sleeping island.
Watch the fishing boats return: every day, on the island’s beaches, fishermen bring in boats loaded with fish that they will sell directly. A scene of life to photograph but also an opportunity to interact with the island’s inhabitants and learn a little more about their lives.
Prepare your vacation on
The Gili Islands
How to get to the Gili Islands?
Boat departures are made either from the ports of Lombok or, during your family trip to Bali, from Padang Bay or Sanur. It is important to choose your company carefully as the sea can be rough (especially in the afternoon).
From Bali, it will take approximately 1.5 hours, but it is important to inquire about the boat’s route itself, as it may also stop at other islands beforehand and your journey may be extended accordingly.
In case of high tide or very rough seas, it is possible to reach Lombok by local boat, go to the airport and take a domestic flight to return to Bali.
It is quite easy to travel between the islands using traditional boats or to discover other neighboring islands that do not necessarily have hotel facilities.
When to travel to the Gili Islands?
You can already hear the discreet lapping of the turquoise water, the creaking of an old bicycle on a sandy path?
Welcome to the Gilis!
Less than two hours from Bali by fast-boat, this cluster—Trawangan, Meno and Air—condenses everything you seek when you want to slow down: coral sand beaches, motor-free atmosphere, and mango-colored sunsets. But choosing the right travel window is not trivial: weather, crowds, religious festivals and even sea conditions shape the experience. Let’s look together at when to travel to the Gilis, so that your stay fully embraces your inner rhythm and your values of traveling “differently.”
Understanding the climate: two seasons, a thousand nuances
- Dry season: April to October – Sunshine almost guaranteed, light swell; water temperature ranges between 28 and 30°C, ideal for diving and snorkeling. This is the peak activity period for diving centers and yoga schools.
- Rainy season: November to March – Short but intense storms, especially December-February. The Gilis receive significantly less rain than Bali or Lombok; underwater visibility remains acceptable, but some boat trips may be rough.
⠀
Slow travel tip: The first rains of November replenish the organic vegetable gardens of Gili Air; if you enjoy greenery and lower prices, this is a window to consider.
Activities on the Gili Islands?
- Diving & Snorkeling: Best visibility May-October; manta rays more frequent between August and October. (More common on Nusa Penida)
- Surfing & Stand-up Paddle: Consistent small swells June-September on the west side of Gili Trawangan
- Relaxation & Wellness: Yoga/meditation retreats scheduled year-round, but smaller groups in March or November.
- Nightlife: “Full-moon parties” peak in high season; prefer June or September to dance without crowds.
- Responsible tourism: Coral replanting projects accessible every Monday outside high season—a concrete gesture to offset your carbon footprint.
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AMANASKA BALI
148 REVIEWS
An unforgettable stay thanks to Amanaska.
Melisande is very attentive and always available to chat and answer our questions, whether before or during our stay.
Stéphane, another member of the agency, was also very friendly.
Thank you once again for the high standard of your services.
Amanaska organised a three-week family holiday in Bali for us, which will remain etched in our memories forever.
What did we love? EVERYTHING! From the quality of our discussions with David, the agency’s founder, as we planned our bespoke tour of the island – avoiding the overly touristy traps – to the selection of charming hotels blending tradition and modernity, right through to our guide and driver, who were always so attentive and knew the route inside out.
We particularly enjoyed the opportunities to meet Balinese families and discover their way of life, arts and traditions in an intimate and personalised way (cooking classes, dance lessons in a magical school, making our own kites, visiting a village with its nursery school, and so on).
And what can we say about the kindness and hospitality of the Balinese people? That first glimpse made us want to come back.
We had an amazing three-week road trip in Bali, organised by Amanaska.
Dès le départ, l’équipe a été aux petits soins : Melisandre, notre organisatrice, a su créer un itinéraire sur mesure pour notre famille (avec deux enfants de 6 et 9 ans), nous permettant de découvrir un Bali authentique, loin des sentiers battus tout en étant à l’écoute de nos envies et besoins.[...]
A huge thank you to the whole Amanaska team for this unique experience and the thoughtful touches they provided. We highly recommend their services to anyone looking to discover Bali in a different way, with authenticity and warmth.
A wonderful trip. Discovering Bali was an unforgettable family experience... Melisande and her team at Amanaska made it easy for us to learn about the local customs and traditions. They listened to our wishes and stuck to our budget.
We can’t recommend them highly enough.
Thank you again!!!
I wanted to visit the real Bali, not the one overrun by mass tourism, and the agency understood this straight away. We discovered a wonderful culture and met some very kind and welcoming people. The trip alternated between sightseeing and sporting challenges for my older teenagers (aged 16 to 20). We watched the sunrise over the volcano and went on a bike ride through the rice fields. We even helped the locals replant rice. Our French-speaking guide was absolutely brilliant. The driver was very kind and incredibly skilful in this world of lawless roads…
It’s the best trip we’ve ever been on.
Thank you to the whole Amanaska team
We spent 15 days in Bali in June, exploring and unwinding. Mélisande put together an unforgettable trip for our wedding anniversary. Every time we arrived at a new hotel, we were delighted to find a bed decorated with flowers. Gustut and Nura were our guide and driver, and they looked after us so well.
This is the second time I’ve been to Bali and had my trip organised by you.
I’ll be back a third time with great pleasure.
Thank you
Léa and Pierre
We worked with Melisande from the AMANASKA agency to put together an 18-day holiday in Bali. Melisande was very professional, responsive and proactive in helping us plan our itinerary exactly as we wanted it.
We had requested a French-speaking guide and were able to explore Bali at our own pace, with a top-notch driver to boot. Furthermore, from speaking with them, it’s clear that AMANASKA offers working conditions that aren’t available everywhere.
Don’t hesitate to book with this agency; you’re sure to make some wonderful discoveries in Bali.
The tour was well organised, and the sequence of visits followed a clear plan, which saved time and helped to ease traffic congestion.
Well done to the whole team for their professionalism.
A courteous guide and an impeccable driver.
Best regards to all.
NAIT
A big thank you to Melisande for organising this exceptional trip. Thank you for choosing the activities and hotels... Everything is taken care of; once you’re there, all you have to do is enjoy yourself. Melisande is always available, whether before, during or after the trip, so thank you. And thank you also to our driver and guide, who were incredibly kind.
Our heads are full of memories and we have just one desire... to go back!
Estelle and Nadège
A big thank you to the Amanaska team for organising our three-week trip to Bali. Right from our first discussions, David put together an itinerary that perfectly matched our expectations: exploring the local culture and traditional sites whilst avoiding the crowds, a variety of activities to discover the island’s beauty, a pace suited to our family (children aged 11 and 15) and always an excellent choice of hotels. Thanks also to our guide and driver, who played a part in making this trip such a success. We simply went with the flow for three weeks and were able to enjoy our stay to the full.
David organised an absolutely perfect, tailor-made trip for us. We managed to avoid the crowds, which is a real feat in August. We discovered authentic places and people without missing out on the must-see attractions. David put together a trip that struck the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration.
A word of advice: let him take the lead, let him surprise you – he knows Bali like no one else. A special mention for the hotels: all different, magnificent, unexpected… we really switched off like never before!
See you soon for another trip to Bali, which I’m sure will be completely different!
We had a wonderful time in Bali with your agency.
A big thank you to Melisande, who took over our booking after Cyrielle had set it up; she was always cheerful, responsive and efficient, even when she was ill... Well done.
A big thank you also to our driver Ajik and guide Tut Nick.
It was almost a month of enjoyable moments, visits, breaks, etc., at a pace that suited us perfectly, and it was a trip that lived up to our expectations and desires.
I would just like to mention one small drawback: it would have been handy to have a personalised travel guide providing a comprehensive overview of the itinerary, activities, hotels (including the number of rooms) – in short, covering the whole month. Given our programme, I found this to be missing. I’m used to having this on similar road trips in other countries.
Thank you to the whole team!!!
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