The Gili Islands are located an hour and half by boat from Bali and are the perfect place to getaway from the busy streets of Bali. The islands have no cars so you can explore by bike and foot. Your biggest daily decisions on the islands are where to go to watch the sunset and whether to drink a coconut or buy a watermelon.
Here are 11 reasons to visit the Gili islands and what to do when you are there!
1. A PLACE TO RELAX
The Gili’s may have a reputation as being party islands, but most of the day can be spent relaxing at the beach, lounging in hammocks and generally not getting alot done! If you are in need of a break from work or daily life then this is the perfect place.
2. CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER
If you are looking for white sand beaches and crystal clear water, then head away from Bali and straight to the Gili’s! Gili Air offers the most beautiful beaches of the three islands and I would recommend stopping here for as long as possible to enjoy the calm turquoise seas.
3. OVERWATER SWINGS EVERYWHERE
Your Instagram feed is full of them, and of course you want to go and get a sunset swing shot of your own! Well, the Gili’s are have plenty of over water swings, especially on Gili T. You can’t walk far along a beach before you stumble upon one, so grab your camera and get ready to stand in line to take your photo!
4. SUNSET HAPPY HOURS
Almost every night on the Gili’s you get to enjoy the golden hour at sunset. Indonesia is known for its stunning sunsets and what better way to enjoy them than with a cocktail in hand. Head to the beach around 5pm, snag a bean bag and enjoy! Cheers.
5. THE PERFECT GIRLS GETAWAY
The Gili’s are great for groups and especially for a girls getaway! Who doesn’t want to lounge on a white sand beach and gossip the day away with their besties?!
6. PICTURE PERFECT BEACH HUTS
The Gili islands truly are a tropical paradise. Lush palm trees groves can be found throughout the islands and Le Pirate Beach Club has created one of the most Instagrammable places to stay on Gili T right amongst them. White and turquoise beach huts offer you simple accommodation and the perfect backdrop for your pictures.
7. INCREDIBLE SNORKELLING & DIVING
The aforementioned crystal clear waters mean that the Gili’s make for a perfect place to get off land and into the water. The diving is fantastic with fish in abundance, sea turtles and reef sharks to be spotted. But if you are not certified, no worries, the snorkelling is great too!
8. CANDYFLOSS SUNSETS
We all love a good sunset, and the Gili’s does them well! Each night as the sun goes down the skies turn into fairytale candyfloss colours. The absolute perfect time to grab an overwater hammock and relax.
9. CATS EVERYWHERE!
Since most of Indonesia is muslim there are no dogs on the island, but there are plenty of cats! And if like me you are a cat person then you will be in your element. One of my favourite cat moments was finding these cute kids, carrying a cat around in a rucksack!
10. DELICIOUS FOOD & CUTE BARS
If you plan your days around food, then you will not be disappointed by the food on offer on the Gilis. Do your research though as some places are better than others, check out my post Ultimate Guide To The Gili’s for my favourite restaurants on each of the islands.
11. TROPICAL ISLAND LIFE
Quite simply the main reason you need to visit the Gili’s is because it’s the perfect tropical island paradise!
I hope that this article has inspired you to visit The Gili Islands. If you have any questions or comments please share in the comments below.
Plan Your Trip To The Gili’s
- Find the best price for a stay at Le Pirate Beach Club
- Book Gili Gili Fastboat
Read More About The Gili’s & Indonesia
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LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia says
Amazing post and pictures! This place looks like paradise, another to add to my places I want to visit! :)
Becky van Dijk says
Thank you so much, so great to hear that you enjoyed this post! The Gili islands are really pretty and definitely worth a visit!
Felicia Sager says
Leaving for Bali next week. I have been to Bali before but not the Gilies. I am traveling on my own and will be coming from Canggu on the 28th. Before I go back to Nusa Lembongan do you suggest Gili T or Gili Air?
glitterandmud says
Wow all these photos are gorgeous! I have to visit the Gili Islands!!!
Becky van Dijk says
You definitely do – they are so pretty and I guess you would probably enjoy reason No. 4 – Sunset Happy Hours!! ;)
Mrs Ayla's Adventures says
Gosh this looks absolutely amazing. I so want to go – it’s just so far from London!! Those sea swings and crystal clear waters are extremely tempting though :)
Becky van Dijk says
You should definitely try and come one day – its really beautiful! But you are right, a little far from London so you might need to find some crystal clear water thats closer to home! :)