Gili Islands
West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
5.0
Overview
The three Gili Islands — Trawangan (party), Air (balanced), and Meno (quiet) — sit off the northwest coast of Lombok. With no motorized vehicles, turquoise water, and easy snorkeling straight off the beach, they are a quintessential Southeast Asian backpacker stop. Sea turtles, cheap diving certifications, and sunset swings make this a spot people plan to stay two nights and end up staying a week.
Daily Budget
~$30
Best Months
AprMayJunJulAugSepOct
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
7 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Top Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Things to Do
View all 7 activitiesBike around the full perimeter of any island
tours
Get PADI Open Water certified
water sports
Party on the Gili T strip: Jiggy Bar, Sama Sama, and the Irish bar rotate nightly events
culture
Snorkel with sea turtles right off the beach
water sports
Take a 4-hour snorkeling boat tour to all three islands
water sports
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Gili Islands?
- Budget around $30 USD per day in Gili Islands, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Gili Islands?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Gili Islands are Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Gili Islands?
- Top-rated hostels in Gili Islands include Captain Coconuts (Gili Air), Rabbit Tree Hostel (Gili Meno), Panda Hostel (Gili Trawangan). Prices for a dorm bed typically start from $20 USD per night.
- What are the top things to do in Gili Islands?
- Must-do activities in Gili Islands include Bike around the full perimeter of any island, Get PADI Open Water certified, Party on the Gili T strip: Jiggy Bar, Sama Sama, and the Irish bar rotate nightly events. There are 7 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.