6 Things to See in the Gili Islands

The 3 famous Gili Islands are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. These 3 tiny islands are now one of the most visited islands in Indonesia thanks to their natural beauty and ever-growing tourist infrastructure. If you are wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Gilis, here are 6 Things to See in the Gili Islands.

1. The Beaches

The beaches on Gili Trawangan and the other smaller Gilis are one of the biggest draws to the islands. The sand is soft and white and they are fringed with swaying palms. It’s pretty much a tropical paradise. The beaches on Gili Trawangan are generally a bit busier and have more restaurants and bars lining them but there are also very quiet beaches as well. The beach in front of Villa Almarik is chilled out and there is plenty of space to sunbathe, stroll and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping on the shore.

2. The Sunsets

You absolutely must see a Gili Island sunset to believe the beauty of it. You’ve probably seen paradise island sunsets in movies, on social media and in photographs, but until you’ve sat on a beach on Gili Trawangan and watched the sun go down, you haven’t lived. If you want to know about the best places to watch the sunset on Gili Trawangan, read out blog Top Sunset Spots on Gili Trawangan .

3. Sea Turtles

The Gili Islands are lucky enough to have resident hawksbill and green sea turtle populations. The turtles enjoy grazing on the sea grasses around the islands and lay their eggs on the beaches. You can snorkel straight off the beach in front of Villa Almarik where turtles are seen all year round. There are also excellent sea turtle spotting sites on the north-west side of Gili Trawangan and off Gili Meno and Gili Air as well.

4. The Views from Gili Trawangan Hill

The highest point on Gili T is Gili Trawangan Hill, sometimes also called Gili Trawangan Viewpoint. It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk up the hill to the top, so anyone can do it. Most people just walk up in their sandals as the path isn’t steep or slippery.

From the top the views are genuinely spectacular. If you’re an early riser you can climb up for stunning views of the sunrise over Lombok’s Mount Rinjani volcano, or in the evening look to the west to see the sunset over Bali and Mount Agung. We wouldn’t recommend climbing in the daytime as the sun is far too hot for it to be a comfortable walk.

5. The Night Market

If you haven’t experienced an Indonesian night market you must see this on Gili Trawangan. Night markets in Asia are social events where friends and family get their evening meal and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the sellers, the delicious smells, and meeting people to chat and joke with. Get into the spirit and taste some delicious local food while you’re there.

6. Traditional Dance

Traditional dances aren’t just for those visiting the well-known island of Bali. Lombok and the Gili Islands hold some must see dances as well. The Sasak people of Lombok have their own specific dances and also some of the traditional Indonesian ones like the Joged. Sometimes Sasak dancers are brought over to the Gili Islands for special occasions or for entertainment in hotels. Watching a traditional dance is fun and you might even be asked to join in!

There are plenty more things to see on the Gili Islands, but these 6 are definitely must-sees. If you’d like more information about traveling to Gili Trawangan and the other smaller Gili Islands, check out our News page or leave us a question in the comments box below.