Essential Insights Before Exploring the Gili Islands

When it comes to charming, scenic islands, the Gili Islands have it all—crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, rich local traditions, an energetic nightlife, and numerous spots to unwind under the sun—it truly is paradise.

The trio of islands—Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air—are generally safe and easy to explore. However, as a newcomer, you’ll appreciate having a handy travel guide covering essential trip planning, cultural etiquette, and safety tips before you go.

Keep these 11 tips in mind for a hassle-free experience around the Gili Islands.

1. Travel light—ditch the bulky suitcase

We've seen it firsthand: large suitcases crammed into Gili boats, then awkwardly carried through dusty paths by overheated, regretful travelers. Trust us: light packing is essential for the Gili Islands. Leave your suitcase at your Bali accommodation or use a service like Bali Store Luggage to handle it while you hop between islands. Given the hassle of boarding Gili boats and the absence of motorized vehicles on the islands, it’s far better to bring only what you can easily carry on your back.

2. Plan how to allocate your time among the three islands (or go with the flow)

Whether you're on a quick weekend trip or plan to explore all three islands over a week, pre-planning your time can be beneficial. Each island has its unique vibe: Gili Trawangan is famous for its parties, Gili Meno attracts a more relaxed crowd, including honeymooners, and Gili Air strikes a balance, offering both serene moments and lively beach bars.

Despite their small size, each island offers a unique experience based on your chosen activities and locations. Plan your visit wisely.

3. Collaborate with fellow travelers to share boat rides between islands

Public boats connect all three Gili Islands, but they operate infrequently—usually just a few times daily—and schedules can change. For more flexibility, consider teaming up with other travelers to share a private boat transfer. Head to the port and strike up a conversation with the friendly boatmen waiting there, preferably with a companion or two to help split the fare. Expect to negotiate a price around 300,000Rp for a one-way trip for the entire boat.

4. Dress and act with respect

While exploring the Gili Islands, you may see signs indicating 'no swimwear in the village'—often depicted by a bikini crossed out. Since most residents are Muslim, it's essential to dress modestly to show respect. You can wear swimwear at the beach, but be sure to cover up when venturing inland, especially in residential areas. Keep a loose t-shirt and sarong handy in your bag to stay respectful while enjoying your time.

5. Be mindful of the holiday calendar

There are two significant holidays to keep in mind, each offering a unique experience in the Gili Islands: Ramadan, a Muslim observance, and Nyepi, a Balinese celebration. Ramadan typically occurs in March or April, during which people fast from dawn until dusk for a month. While you can still visit the Gili Islands, expect some businesses to close earlier, and nightlife to be more subdued. Nyepi, Bali's day of silence, usually takes place in the first or second week of March, when the entire island comes to a halt. This often drives travelers to the Gili Islands, where businesses stay open, making it busier for a couple of days during Nyepi.

6. Always lock your bicycle when you're not riding it

Motorized vehicles are absent on the Gili Islands, making walking or cycling the ideal way to get around. While petty theft is uncommon, it’s still wise to lock your bike whenever you're not using it, as bike theft insurance isn’t available here. If your bike were to go missing, you would be responsible for the loss. Most people simply lock their bike to the wheel instead of securing it to a fixed object.

7. Always opt for purified water

Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia, so ensure you only consume water that you’ve purified yourself, bought in a sealed bottle, or refilled from a clean source to stay hydrated. Many travelers brush their teeth with tap water without issues, but if you're concerned, it's best to use bottled water for that as well.

8. Be cautious of mosquitos

The biggest concern from mosquito bites here is dengue fever, along with the discomfort of itching. Mosquitos are present year-round in the Gili Islands, but they tend to be less prevalent during the dry season from June to October. To prevent bites and mosquito-borne illnesses, equip yourself with insect repellent, especially during the evening hours.

9. Drug use is prohibited in Indonesia

You may have heard from fellow travelers about magic mushrooms in the Gili Islands—this is true, as several beachside cafes openly promote their sale, despite Indonesia's strict anti-drug laws. It's also common to receive offers for 'magic shakes' or mushrooms while strolling down the street. However, be cautious: Indonesia enforces very harsh penalties for illegal substances, including mushrooms.

Possession or intoxication can lead to severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences (or worse!). As stated by Indonesia's tourism board, 'Possession can result in 4 to 12 years of imprisonment, along with fines ranging from IDR 800 million to 8 billion (approximately US$89,600 to US$896,000).'

10. Choose beer and wine for your drinks

Over the years, there have been numerous reports of travelers in Indonesia falling ill due to methanol poisoning from alcoholic beverages. This illegal tainted alcohol, even found in upscale resorts, can lead to severe health issues, blindness, or even death. Methanol contamination often stems from cost-cutting measures far up the supply chain before bars and restaurants can intervene. To enjoy a drink safely, stick to beer or wine—so stock up on Bintang beers or sip champagne throughout the day.

11. Head west to catch the sunset

As the sun starts to dip towards the horizon, make your way west. Whether you're on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air, the best sunset views can be found along the west coast, featuring the majestic Gunung Agung volcano in Bali's distance. It’s the perfect way to transition into the evening, usually accompanied by stunning pastel skies and great vibes.