Exploring these three stunning little islands
Those looking for a mix of idyllic beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and a true laid back vibe should definitely add the tiny but beautiful islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno on their Bali trip to-do list. Conveniently located very close one to another and interconnected by daily 10 to 15 minutes boat rides, you can easily experience all of the island’s different character and charm in one single trip.
Arriving in Gilil Trawangan by boat
Public shuttle boat services between the Gili islands and Bali and Lobok are available at least twice a day.
All benefit from a super zen atmosphere since no motor vehicles are allowed on any of the Gili islands so anyone wanting to explore any of the adorned with white-sand beaches will have to do it on foot, bicycle or local horse-drawn carriages.
The Cidomo seen above is the only form of public transportation found on the Gili Islands
Life doesn’t get any more chilled & relax than in one of these homemade beach bar overlooking the beautiful Bali sea
Catching a glimpse of the local life on the islands here with kids playing in the water. The Gilis are home to about 1000 inhabitants of which most live either off fishing or the tourism boom that started around the 1980’s
My 15 EUR/night Shack @ Aquaddiction Bungalows in Gili T
Makeshift empty bar offering views over the neighboring island of Lombok
Like few other areas of Southeast Asia, the Gili Islands are also known for a little more than just it’s picturesque beaches.
Magic mushrooms, while technically illegal in Indonesia are openly advertised in many bars or shops and sold mostly in the form of milkshakes mixed with tropical fruit and ice.
Exploring a bit inland reveals farm work going on in Gili Air
Trespassing
This is what the beachfront looks like in the busiest part of the most populated Gili island
Same area just a little back and shaded by the trees in Gili Trawangan
Although this is more my type of spot which only requires minimum effort to find and 15-20 mins walk
Calmer beachfront arriving near the tip of the Gili T
View from the Nothern tip of Gili Trawangan
Women hard at work unloading goods from a boat while men supervise
Peace and quiet of the Southern portion of the Island
Unloading refreshments and other tourists goods
Kids looking for seafood at low tide
Sunset on the western shore of Gili T
Kids playing in the water as I wait for a boat to explore the other islands of the Gili archipelago
A Cimodo used by local passes by
Moving onto another island of the Gili Archipelago
Arriving in Gili Air
New home for a few days this time with bigger accommodations at Sunrise Gili Air back in the day
Bedroom at ground level
View of my basic bungalow on Gili Air
Dive boat passing by
Serene beachfront in Gili Air
Relaxing at one of the beach bars
Local fishermen
Catch of the day
Boats on the way back to Bali
Approaching Bali and it’s mighty Mount Agung