Travel Guide 101: Visiting Gili Islands From Lombok

Looking out from the terrace of Elite Havens’ luxury villas in northwest Lombok, three emerald isles rise from the turquoise sea, seeming at that distance almost too small to be inhabited. Yet up close, each of the Gili islands is a pocket-sized paradise.

Known as Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, their car-free streets, white-sand beaches and dazzling coral reefs strike an ideal balance between easy-going and adventurous. Their proximity to Elite Havens’ villas on the north-west coast means visitors spend more time in the sea and sand and less time in transit, which is exactly what families need on holiday. Easily reachable via a private boat charter, the Gilis offer families and friends staying in North Lombok a tropical escape with turtle-filled seas by day and glowing sunsets by night.

The Three Gilis

All three Gili Islands have their own distinct character. Gili Air is barefoot luxury at its finest, with beach cafés and calm lagoons. Gili Meno is a quieter beauty, with shallow, glassy water and the famous ‘Nest’ of underwater sculptures. Gili Trawangan, often referred to as Gili T, is the liveliest of the three. Despite its party island reputation, Gili T also has plenty of family-friendly activities, including visits to a turtle hatchery or enjoying an open-air beach cinema under the stars.

Across all three, visitors enjoy a rare peace from motorised vehicles – replaced instead by bicycles and pony-drawn carriages that make it easy to hear surrounding hymns of the sea.

What to do at the Gili Islands

The recommended route is a private boat arranged by the Elite Concierge. Depending on sea conditions, and which villa you’re staying at, you can board straight from your villa along Sira Beach, or from nearby Teluk Nare or Bangsal with swift, fuss-free pier access.

After an easy pick-up, start with a gentle snorkel off Gili Air, where turtles graze in shallow, glassy water. It’s an ideal spot for children and beginners under a guide’s watchful eye. Continue to Gili Meno’s famous ‘Nest’ sculptures before the Bali crowds arrive, drifting above coral-covered figures that make for an imaginative underwater scene. By late morning, pause on any of the Gili’s beautiful beaches for coconuts, sandcastles, or a spin on stand-up paddleboards.

As the sun reaches its mid-day zenith, settle into a long, lazy lunch at one of the islands’ best, breezy beachside tables. Locals and tourists alike line up for Mama’s Pizza on Gili Air, known for its chewy sourdough pies and authentic Italian gelato. On Gili Meno, clink a glass of cold rose at the elegant Karma Beach Club, or head to Gili T to linger over fresh seafood and sweeping sea views at La Cala. Parents might slip away for a mid-day spa treatment while children join beach treasure hunts or snorkel skill-building games with guides, before an afternoon group stop at Gili Trawangan’s Turtle Point for one last encounter with these enchanting underwater swimmers.

The day winds down with beanbags and live music on a west-facing beach as Bali’s Mount Agung glows purple at sunset. Watch the stars twinkle to life as you cruise back to your villa in time for a nightcap, a late swim, or simply to relive the day’s adventures together.

What not to expect

On the Gilis, time seems to dissolve into the tides, so don’t worry too much about checking your phone – especially since wifi can be a bit patchy here. The lanes are blissfully car-free. Instead, pony-drawn carts jingle down sandy paths sounding like holiday bells. Riding one to a rustic surf shack or upscale beach club makes for a core memory of any visit.

Bear in mind that headline snorkel sites attract big crowds at every island, so booking a private boat lets you flip the sequence and arrive when others do not. Also, just like on Lombok, the Gili Islands are predominantly Islamic, so expect an intermittent call to prayer as part of the exotic local soundscape.

Safety and sustainability

The Gili community is proudly eco-conscious, balancing ocean conservation with accommodating tourist adventures. Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards for splashing in the sun, as well as sun hats and light cover-ups for time in town. Water shoes can protect your feet from shells and coral rubble in the sea, and a dry bag and microfibre towel will ensure you and your valuables are dry and comfortable all day. Bring plenty of cash as some small cafés do not accept cards and ATMs can often run low.

Before you hop in, guides will brief you on the golden rule: look, but don’t touch. No standing on coral, no chasing turtles, and always keep fins high near shallow bommies and sunken sculptures. Choose eco-minded dive and snorkel operators like Four Elements Eco Dive on Gili Air, and avoid single-use plastics by carrying your own reusable water bottle. Currents and tides shift through the day, so always follow your skipper’s entry and exit advice, and keep the group together. Finally, consider a thirty-minute beach clean-up between swims as a fun and educational family-friendly activity.

Where to stay

Elite Havens’ Lombok portfolio offers some of the island’s most extraordinary villas within easy reach of the Gilis. Along Sira Beach, three neighbouring estates, Villa Sepoi Sepoi, Sira Beach House, and The Anandita form a sweep of barefoot luxury. Each sits directly on powdery white sand with front-row views of the islets, making them ideal for families or groups travelling together. Sepoi Sepoi unfolds across tropical gardens with a private orchard and a children’s “secret garden,” alongside breezy pavilions and an infinity pool. Nearby, Sira Beach House charms with its traditional Sasak architecture, reflection pools, and a wealth of family-friendly amenities, from croquet to a private tennis court. A few steps along the shoreline, Anandita boasts expansive lawns and a palm-fringed pool.

If you want panoramic views of the Gili Islands, there’s no better villa to book than Leq Bale. A swanky new villa located on top of a steep hill, Leq Bale seems to have been crafted simply for guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Gilis. Sit in your living room and watch the sea dotted with the Gili Islands. Nothing can beat this view.

Further south, Malimbu Cliff Villa and Villa Kukenan perch high above the sea near Lombok’s Sengigi resort town. They offer a different experience, that of a cliffside rising above the waters, with uninterrupted sunset views over the Lombok Strait.

A note on the Southern Gilis

In the local Sasak language, ‘Gili’ is simply the name for a small island. Thus, though they are collectively referred to as the Gili Islands, it’s somewhat like saying Naan Bread or Chai Tea.

While most people mean the north islands when they say ‘The Gilis’ – it can also refer to three small islands off Lombok’s Southwest corner. If the idea of a sequel tempts, the Southern Gilis – Gili Gede, Asahan and Nanggu – are much more calm, and ideal for passionate marine enthusiasts. However, their distance means a trip is best done as a separate day-trip from South or West Lombok, with scene-stealing snorkels and picnics rather than a packed activity list.

No matter which island you visit, a Gili day is simple: sun-warmed water, easy swims, and making memories. With the right boat and the right base, luxury becomes less about doing more, and more about slowing down. And that is exactly what these little islands invite you to do.