Bali: once a hidden gem, now a bustling hotspot drawing tourists from all corners of the globe. While its popularity is undeniable, so is its overcrowding. From congested streets to crowded beaches, the island’s charm can often be overshadowed by the sheer volume of visitors. But fear not, for just a short boat ride away lies the serene sanctuary of the Gili Islands. With their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, Gili offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Bali.
Getting to Gili Islands
You can take the ferry from few ports in Bali depending on where you are staying and which ferry company. A common route is going from Padang Bai Port. Below you can buy tickets which includes taxi from your hotel to the port and the ferry to Gili Trawangan. Note that you will need to pay a tourist fee when you depart from Bali and when you arrive in Gili. When we were here, the fee was IDR 10,000 per person ($0.60).
Which Gili Island Should You Go To
There are 3 islands that make up the Gili Islands: Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan. Each of the islands can give travellers a different kind of experience, below we describe what you can expect of each when staying on each island.
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the smallest island of the Gili Islands. It is often refer to as the “honeymoon island” as there is not much available here but resorts for people to relax by the beach or pool, snorkel in the turquoise warm water, eat delicious local and international food, and never leave the paradise island.
Who is Gili Meno for: this island is for travellers looking for a more secluded experience. Being named the “honeymoon island”, this is the perfect getaway for couples.
Who is Gili Meno not for: if you are looking for a good nightlife and social activities while staying in this paradise island then Gili Meno is not recommended to stay.
How to get to Gili Meno: To get to Gili Meno, you take the ferry from Lombok or Bali to Gili Trawangan, and then you will need to transfer to an inter-island transfer.
Gili Air
Gili Air is the perfect mix between Gili Meno and Gili T. It is more secluded away from the crowd with white beaches, crystal clear water, both resorts and budget hotels, and has some restaurants and bars.
Who is Gili Air for: couples, solo travellers, families. Travellers looking for a getaway away from the big backpacker crowd, but still look to have some activities, restaurants, and bars to choose from.
Who is Gili Air not for: the backpacker looking for good nightlife. Although Gili Air has some life at night, it is nowhere near of what you find in Gili T.
How to get to Gili Air: To get to Gili Air, you take the ferry from Lombok or Bali to Gili Air, it stops at Gili Air and you don’t need to take an inter-island transfer.
Gili Trawangan (Gili T)
Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the islands and the most popular. Here you have the best of both worlds for backpackers. The east coast (where the ferry stops) is filled with restaurants and bars that turns into a party place at night. The west side of the island is the sunset side which is calmer and quieter.
Who is Gili T for: backpackers, couples, and families. Gili T is for everyone, you can have a calmer experience on the west side of the island, and a more backpacker nightlife on the east side of the island.
Who is Gili T not for: travellers that wants to escape the crowds and have a secluded experience. Gili T is busy, even in low season.
How to get to Gili Trawangan: To get to Gili Air, you take the ferry from Lombok or Bali to Gili Air, it stops at Gili Air and you don’t need to take an inter-island transfer.
Where to stay in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan accommodations cater to diverse preferences. Near the port, you’ll find vibrant hostels and guesthouses, perfect for those seeking easy access to ferry terminals and lively nightlife. On the serene sunset side, boutique resorts offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views, ideal for relaxation. For budget travelers, the island’s central area boasts affordable bungalows and homestays, providing comfort without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after excitement, tranquility, or affordability, Gili Trawangan has lodging options to suit every traveler’s needs.
Recommended place to stay: The Exile
This hotel holds a special place in our heart. It is not often that you come across a hotel where you connect with the staff so well and get treated as one of their friends. The whole team working at The Exile are funny, engaging, and personal with their guests.
The Exile is located on the west side of Gili T. The town is only 10 minutes bike ride away. Your room is a private bungalow with A/C and you have the best sunset views in Gili with an in-house DJ playing soft electronic tunes. They also serve good food in their restaurant and breakfast is included. When the night comes, the Exile team take out their drums and jam traditional Indonesian sets in front of the bon fire.
What to do in Gili Trawangan
Discover the vibrant island of Gili Trawangan, the largest among the Gili Islands, offering a wide array of activities to indulge in. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere, Gili Trawangan invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of island life while enjoying a variety of experiences that cater to diverse interests.
Explore Gili by Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from your hotel for around 50,000 IDR per day and go around the island. It will take about 45 minutes to go around the island, but surely you will make many stops on the way.
Best Places to Swim in Gili T
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, there is an abundant of places where you can go for a swim. Here are our Top 3 Beaches in Gili T:
South Secret Beach – this place is not marked on the map so not many people go here. As you bike near The Trawangan Resort you will see trees by the beach, park your bike on the side and walk on the the beach side to the right and take a spot in the shade under a tree. In the water you might be lucky to see turtles.
North Beach Turtle Spot – located on the north side of the beach marked on Google Maps as Turtle Spot, the sand is nice and you might be able to spot a turtle.
Mr. Bean – this beach is located on the east side at a bar and you will need to buy something in order to stay in their beach beds, but it is worth it.
Snorkel Tour in Gili
There will be people trying to sell snorkel tours to you as you walk the streets on the east coast. You can bargain to get a good deal if you are ok with group tours. We got a deal of $10 per person including a Go Pro. Be aware that there are many tours going to the same spots and you will have to stay in your group the entire time. You can of course also get a private tour to avoid the crowds, but you are most likely still surrounded by at least 30 people when visiting the underwater statues.
Our tour included 3 snorkel stops around Gili Meno and Gili Air as well as a stop of 30 minutes in Gili Air to see the baby turtle sanctuary and an hour stop on Gili Meno for lunch (not including lunch). So for the price we paid we got to experience the other two islands, which was more the highlight than the actual snorkelling.
Have a Local Drink at Mr. Bean
We mentioned earlier that Mr. Bean has one of the top beach spots on the island. Don’t miss to go here to have a local drink while enjoying the time on the beach. They also have bonfires in the evenings. The team working here, Dr. Feel Good and Dr. Holiday, are very friendly and funny, and they make you feel welcome.
Scuba Diving in Gili
One of the reasons we came to Gili was to do the first course of scuba diving. There are many dive shops here and all have about the same price. There are both PADI and SSI schools. We were specifically interested in PADI (which is less common than SSI here) and decided to go with Trawangan Dive Center. We completed the PADI Open Water Course with them. It is a busy but organised dive shop and we have only good things to say about this dive school.
Watch the Sunset at The Exile
The west coast of Gili T is also called the sunset side for obvious reasons. There are many restaurants, bars, and hotels located on this quieter side. In our opinion, The Exhile has the best sunset view. To add to that, every evening they have a local resident DJ playing chill electronic music, and after the sun goes down, the beats go up and the bonfire is lit. Later in the evening, the staff brings out their drums and gather people around the bonfire for a true island local cultural experience.
Sunset Horseback Riding in Gili
Explore the stunning sunset side of Gili Trawangan on horseback, where you can enjoy scenic rides along the sandy shores while witnessing breathtaking views of the island at dusk. Companies like Stud Horse Riding & Rescue ensure the horses are well taken care of, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all levels.
Go to a Gili Full Moon Party
This event obviously only takes place once every month, and each time the venue changes. When we were here it took place on the sunset side, in the bar next to The Exile where we were staying, which was very convenient for us. They put up a big stage with DJs playing until late. You can buy drinks and local shakes from the nearby restaurants and bars. Just watch out for glass in the sand as you dance all night long.
Getting around Gili Islands
There are no motorised vehicles allowed on the islands. To get around and to transport goods, they use horses with carriers. The best option for tourists is to walk or rent bicycles for 50,000 IDR (around $3) per day. A “taxi” horse carrier from our hotel on the sunset side to the port cost 65,000 IDR (around $4). You can also take water taxi to go for a day trip to Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Get a Travel Insurance
We recommend Genki Travel Insurance. Emmelie got sick when we were in Gili. She got some kind of food poisoning and lost a lot of fluids and we called the island doctor. He gave her IV drip and medication and the total bill was almost 6,0000,000 IDR / $370. We paid with card and got the doctor’s report and the receipt sent to us via WhatsApp. We submitted the report and receipt online on Genki’s platform, took only few minutes. A few weeks later we received the reimbursement from them minus the deductible.
Genki is very practical, affordable, reliable, and best of all no commitment, you can pay monthly and cancel it anytime. It is also very easy to process claims with them and you get refunded within weeks. It starts from €35 per month.
Why you should not go to Bali
Bali’s popularity has surged over the years, with tourist numbers nearly doubling from 2010 to 2019, reaching around 6 million visitors annually. This surge has led to overcrowding issues, evident in packed beaches, traffic congestion, and long queues. We also noticed that they have a garbage issue and the smell in some cities is horrendous. To address the overcrowding problem, in 2024, Bali implemented a tourist tax, recognising the strain on its infrastructure caused by the influx of visitors.
Where to go, or not go, in Bali
Ubud: Known for its cultural richness and serene surroundings, Ubud attracts visitors seeking spiritual retreats, yoga retreats, and immersion in Balinese arts and crafts. However, it can be crowded and congested, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Kuta: Famous for its vibrant nightlife, bustling beaches, and surf-friendly waves, Kuta is a magnet for partygoers and water sports enthusiasts. Yet, it’s notorious for its overcrowded beaches and hectic atmosphere.
Seminyak: Renowned for its upscale shopping, dining, and luxurious resorts, Seminyak is a haven for those seeking a sophisticated and stylish beach getaway. However, it can be pricey and lacks the authenticity found in other parts of Bali.
Canggu: Popular among digital nomads and surfers, Canggu offers a laid-back vibe, hip cafes, and some of Bali’s best surfing spots. Yet, rapid development has led to traffic congestion and environmental concerns.
Jimbaran: Known for its pristine beaches and fresh seafood dining on the beach, Jimbaran is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful coastal retreat with stunning sunsets. Nevertheless, it’s becoming increasingly commercialised, losing some of its authentic charm.
Amed Beach: Celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere, excellent diving, and snorkelling opportunities amidst vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. However, it’s relatively remote and lacks the bustling nightlife and amenities found in more touristy areas of Bali.
Rent a Private Villa in Bali
Still want to go to Bali but want to escape the crowds? Renting a private villa is a great way to escape from the crowds without breaking the bank. Something that we were not able to find in Gili Islands. Whether it’s a romantic retreat or a family vacation, Bali’s private villas provide an affordable taste of luxury.
We stayed in a 2-bedroom villa in Ubud, which offered complete privacy to escape and relax. It cost only $60 per night, which divided by 4 people is $15 per person per night. Even though it comes with a kitchen, we mostly ordered food with Grab Delivery and chilled by the pool all day.
Is Gili Overcrowded?
While the Gili Islands are popular tourist destinations, they typically offer a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to Bali. However, depending on the time of year and specific locations within the islands, you may still encounter crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Nonetheless, the overall vibe of the Gili Islands tends to be less crowded and more tranquil compared to Bali, making them a preferred destination for travellers seeking a peaceful escape.
Other Destinations in Indonesia Close to Bali
If you’re seeking alternative destinations in Indonesia, look no further than Java. A short ferry ride from Bali is East Java, home to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Bromo and Ijen, Java promises an unforgettable journey off the beaten path. Venture further into Java towards Jakarta and you find vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and historical wonders, Java is an adventurer’s island. So, if you’re ready to trade the tourist trail for authentic experiences, consider skipping Bali and exploring the diverse wonders of Java and beyond.
Read our Blog about Java Island: Unlocking Java Island: 5 Days Of Adventures, Culture, And Natural Wonders
Conclusion: Why we love Gili Islands instead of Bali
While Bali undoubtedly holds its own allure, the Gili Islands offer a tranquil alternative for travellers seeking relief from the island’s overcrowded streets and hectic pace. On Gili you have the island vibe where both locals and tourists have a relaxed and cheerful attitude, creating a great atmosphere.
Additionally, the absence of motorised vehicles on the islands not only contributes to the peaceful ambiance but also eliminates the chaos of traffic jams, a stark contrast to the gridlock often encountered in Bali.
And let’s not forget the main attraction: the mesmerising waters surrounding the Gili’s, boasting crystal clarity and inviting warmth. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving, these pristine seas reveal a breathtaking underwater world waiting to be explored.
So, if you’re longing for an escape that embodies the essence of paradise, consider bypassing Bali and immersing yourself in the idyllic beauty of the Gili Islands.
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