15 Must-Visit Attractions on the Gili Islands, Indonesia

Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary
Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary | © Tzinieris / Flickr
Edira Putri

Travellers are drawn to the Gili Islands for many reasons, not to mention their delicious local food, breathtaking views and fascinating landmarks. Culture Trip narrows down the best attractions on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

The Gili Islands welcome all kinds of travellers, from backpackers to jetsetting globetrotters, devout yogis and party animals. Despite being a small archipelago of just three islands, the ‘Maldives of Southeast Asia’ is large enough to have something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our list of 15 must-visit attractions in the Gili Islands, Indonesia.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Ocean swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset

Hotel

Couple on Gili Trawangan swing in Indonesia © Azrul Aziz/Unsplash
© Azrul Aziz / Unsplash

All three Gilis have gorgeous ocean swings scattered around the coast, but the island’s first is still worth discovering. Datu swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset has a stunning view of the sea that gleams as it reflects the sunset’s bursts. In the background is the silhouette of Bali’s Mount Agung, perfectly framed to grant you the perfect photo. All this while you’re ankle-deep in the waters, soaking it in.

Trawangan Night Market

Market

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© UpSticksNGo Crew / Flickr

At Trawangan Night Market, eating is more than just filling your tummy – it’s a satisfying local experience for every sense. Watch vendors at this open-air market prepare mouthwatering fresh seafood, hear the sounds of sizzling meat, and pick up the aroma of a whole universe of spices. Refuel your energy with a hearty portion of fresh seafood with sambal and rice, just like the locals do. Conclude by sampling traditional desserts such as lupis and cerorot.

Turtle Conservation Gili Trawangan

Natural Feature

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© Tzinieris / Flickr

The renowned ‘turtle capital of the world’ owes much of its thriving sea turtle population to this conservation center in Gili Trawangan. Privately-owned, the center provides a safe environment to hatch turtle eggs and nurture newborns before releasing them into the ocean in a heartfelt process, where nature-loving tourists often join in.

Trawangan Hill

Natural Feature

Matching the beauty of Gili Trawangan’s beaches is this hill at the heart of the island. This picturesque vantage point allows you a sweeping view of the island in all its glory – coast, ocean, village, greenery and the famed sunset. On the way to the top, you’ll come across a Japanese machine gun bunker, a forgotten piece of Gili T’s history.

Shark Point

Natural Feature

Diving in Gili Islands
© Francesco / Flickr

Among Gili’s many diving spots, Shark Point is especially popular among absolute beginners. Many travellers, upon completing their dive course at one of Gili’s dive schools, make first use of their certification to descend into this lively and colourful underwater spot. And yes, sharks live here, alongside ribbon eels, manta rays and more.

Deep Turbo

More seasoned divers may feel inclined to explore Deep Turbo’s sea caves, all the while keeping their senses alert in order to not miss the action from glorious stingrays and barracudas. The sandy bottom is covered in garden eels, while vibrant sea fans and bommies flourish overhead.

Bounty Wreck

Natural Feature

Located off the coast of Gili Meno, these sunken wrecks are alive with marine ecosystem. Lionfish, snappers, nudibranch and more flamboyant species love hanging out in this mystical spot, while corals shroud the coldness of the sunken ship. Bounty Wreck is suitable for all levels, but advanced divers can descend further into the deeper ridge for a whole other world of marine biodiversity.

Gili Meno Salt Lake

Natural Feature

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© yeowatzup / Flickr

When thinking about Gili Islands, idyllic white sand beaches may come to mind. But the islands have a landscape as diverse as the many tastes of travellers, including a blissful saltwater lake in Gili Meno. The lake is hemmed by lush jungle inhabited by thriving wildlife including monitor lizards and exotic migratory birds.

Jiggy Boat

Bar, American

Jiggy boat party
© Jiggy Bar

Gili Trawangan, also known as the ‘party island’ of the Gilis, reverberates with a ring of raves across the island. Jiggy Boat offers the distinguished leisure of partying into the sunset on a boat that goes around the Gili archipelago. A typical boat party involves setting sail in the afternoon, a swim stop in the ocean, free shot rounds until sunset, concluded with the after-party at Jiggy Bar.

H2O Yoga & Meditation Center

Yoga Studio

Famed for its aqua yoga classes, H2O Yoga & Meditation Center offers a rounded wellness getaway, including zen-inducing accommodation, traditional massages and wholesome vegetarian delicacies served at the cafe. You can either drop in for one of the daily classes (choose between aqua yoga, traditional Hatha yoga, qi gong, bamboo sticks and more) or sign up for the full-on wellness retreat for a week.

Masjid Agung Baiturrahman Gili Trawangan

Mosque

Mainland Lombok is often called the ‘island of a thousand mosques’. While Gili Trawangan is fairly modernised if not straight-up Westernised, it’s heartwarming to find a piece of authentic local life just near the main strip. Baiturrahman mosque towers over the island with an exquisite minaret, and you can hear the melodious call of prayers five times a day. This mosque is open to visitors as long as you adhere to the dress code – cover your shoulders, chest and legs properly.

Gili Golf

Amusement Park

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© Gili Golf

This family-friendly sports bar has something for everyone. The famed mini golf course is excellent for quality time with loved ones, and the kids will love the trampolines. Have fun with friends or make new ones at the basketball court, followed by downtime enjoying a wide selection of drinks at the bar.

Sama-Sama Reggae Bar Gili Trawangan

Bar, South American, American, European, Indonesian

Amplifying the laid-back island vibe with uplifting reggae rhythms, many are drawn to this bar for the ambience and stay for the tunes. The island’s best musicians, reggae or otherwise, grace the stage with their talents, accompanying your dances and singalongs through the night. The selection of invigorating cocktails and beers are here to give you the energy to enjoy the time of your life. Thursday and Saturday nights are understood to be the best times to stop by, as that’s when the best music, events and promotions are on offer.

Karma Kayak

Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Asian, American

karma kayak
© Karma Kayak

Gili’s usually calm waters are excellent ground for leisurely but fruitful sea kayaking, with good chances for spotting turtles and manta rays, among other exotic species. The professional team at Karma Kayak will guide you through everything and take you to the coolest spots off the island’s coast at your own pace. Karma Kayak is also loved as a guesthouse and restaurant, its strategic location puts the establishment right in front of the main snorkelling spot on the island.

Le Pirate Beach Club

Restaurant, Cafe, Bar, European, American, Asian

This beach club is loved on many fronts. As a hotel, the chic and rustic white and turquoise design of its rooms has an iconic, Instagram appeal sought by many. The place is also popular as a restaurant that serves excellent brunch and cocktails you can devour while lounging on the poolside, ocean-facing beanbag chairs or daybeds. Another cherished attraction is the open air cinema at the beach.

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