While the Gili Islands might scream YPT initially, it is actually not just really cool, but actually a really underrated place. Not to mention that it also makes a great alternative to Bali, from where we start and finish a number of our Indonesia Tours.

So, is it worth visiting the Gili Islands for Pioneers that might be say 40+? Yes, yes it is, particularly in contrast to places like Kuta, but as with Bali there are indeed a few caveats.

Click to read about the West Papua Question.

What Are the Gili Islands?

The Gili Islands are three tiny islands sitting off the northwest coast of Lombok in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province. Combined permanent population is roughly five thousand people, most working in fishing, small scale farming or tourism. These islands are small enough that you can cycle around the largest in under two hours without rushing.

There are no cars, only bicycles, scooters and horse carts. Infrastructure is basic once you leave the beachfront, power cuts happen, Wi-Fi drops out and fresh water is limited. This isn’t a manicured resort fantasy. These are real islands with real logistical limits.

The Three Gili Islands and Their Vibe

Being the Gili Islands means that there are more than one, in this case three! All of which are pretty damned different from each other.

Gili Trawangan

The biggest, busiest and most developed. This is where nearly everyone lands and where the majority of hotels, bars and restaurants are concentrated. It has a party reputation, but it also has the widest choice of accommodation and food. If you’re only visiting one island, this will almost certainly be it.

Gili Air

The middle ground. Quieter than Gili T but not dead. Popular with couples, yoga types and people who want calm evenings without total isolation. Fewer bars, more boutique hotels and a slower pace.

Gili Meno

Tiny and sleepy. Honeymoon territory. Once the sun goes down there’s very little happening. Great if you want silence. Brutal if you get bored.

The Gili T Vibe

Gili T is the most popular island and the one with the biggest party reputation, so it’s where most people end up. The vibe is split between backpacker hangout and middle aged European escape. I was genuinely surprised by how many people were forty plus and not Australian. Brits, Germans, Dutch and French dominate, with younger travellers mixed in around the louder bars.

Yes, there are beer pong tables and late night noise, but it’s nowhere near as feral as Bali. Much of the beachfront is taken by faceless resorts, but walk ten minutes inland and you’ll find quieter streets, cheaper food and locally run guesthouses. If you bother to explore, it’s easy enough to escape the main drag.

What to Do on Gili T?

You don’t come here to be stimulated. You cycle around the island, which takes about ninety minutes if you don’t stop constantly. You snorkel straight off the beach. You swim. You drink beer.

You eat grilled fish. You watch sunsets. There are turtle trips, beginner dive schools and boat excursions if you feel energetic, but that’s about it. No museums, no temples, no cultural immersion. This is where you park your brain for a few days. They are not reinventing the wheel here.

Eating on Gili T Guide

There’s a decent spread of Indonesian food mixed with far too much pizza and completely random Mexican restaurants for reasons known only to God. Street food is solid without being mind blowing, with plenty of nasi goreng, mie goreng and grilled chicken stalls scattered around the island.

The real highlight is the central night market where Indonesian style BBQ seafood is cooked fresh in front of you. You point at your fish, squid, prawns or lobster and watch it hit the grill. The lobster in particular was outstanding and genuinely some of the best I’ve had anywhere in Southeast Asia.

5 Restaurants to Try on Gili T

Dirty Burger

This is where you end up sunburnt and mildly dehydrated. Thick beef patties, proper melted cheese, soft buns that don’t fall apart and fries that actually arrive hot. It’s greasy in the correct way, filling without being ridiculous and priced fairly considering everything arrives by boat. And no matter what you say about only eating local, we all get here at some point.

Regina Pizzeria

Yes it’s pizza, but this one actually delivers. Proper oven, thin crust and toppings that don’t taste like they came from a convenience store. Perfect when you hit your rice wall after days of Indonesian food and just want something familiar.

Kayu Café

Reliable breakfasts, decent coffee and lighter meals. It attracts laptop warriors during the day, but the food is consistent and it’s a good place for eggs, salads and smoothies before heading back to the beach.

Gili Night Market BBQ

Plastic chairs, smoky grills and piles of fresh seafood. You pick your snapper, squid, prawns or lobster and watch it cook. Cheap, chaotic and far better than the overpriced beachfront “fine dining” scams.

Warung Sasak

Straight Lombok cooking. Cheap, spicy and unapologetically local. If you actually want Indonesian food rather than Western comfort meals, this is where you go.

Drinking on the Gili Islands Guide

Forget quaint Indonesian bars. This is Irish pubs, sports screens and cocktail buckets. There are at least three Irish bars, which tells you everything you need to know. The upside is Premier League matches. The downside is beer pong warriors. Early evening is relaxed. Late night gets messy.

Sama Sama Reggae Bar

Live music, open air seating and a laid back crowd early on, turning louder as the night goes on.

Jiggy Bar

Full party mode with DJs and dancing. Younger crowd, louder music and very much a late night spot.

The Exile

Smaller and darker with a calmer vibe. Better for actual drinks and conversation.

Tir Na Nog

Classic Irish bar setup. Sports on screens, Guinness on tap and exactly the crowd you expect.

PinkCoco Bar

Sunset cocktails early, party energy later.

Sleeping on Gili T

You’ve got everything from faceless resorts to dorm beds from hell. The upside is value. Villas with private pools cost a fraction of what they would on Bali, and even mid range hotels are still reasonable by island standards. Prices swing by season, but these ranges give a realistic picture.

My top recommendation is Utara Villas for space, service and overall value.

Utara Villas

Private pool villas away from the noise, spacious rooms and genuinely attentive staff.
IDR 1,300,000 to 2,200,000 per night (USD 85 to 145)

Pearl of Trawangan

Beachfront resort with pool, restaurant and direct sand access.
IDR 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 (USD 130 to 230)

Manta Dive Resort Gili

Comfortable mid range option popular with divers and non divers alike.
IDR 1,200,000 to 2,000,000 (USD 80 to 130)

Gili Amor Boutique Resort

Smaller boutique property slightly inland, good for couples and quieter stays.
IDR 900,000 to 1,600,000 (USD 60 to 105)

My Mate’s Place Gili

Budget option that doesn’t feel like punishment. Basic but clean and well located.
IDR 400,000 to 800,000 (USD 25 to 55)

Conclusions on the Gili Islands Guide

The Gili Islands are not adventure travel and they are not intense travel. They are recovery travel. This is where you go when you’re done climbing volcanoes, crossing borders and sleeping on overnight buses.

You come here to slow down, eat seafood, ride bikes and drink beer while staring at the sea. If you arrive expecting that, you’ll have a great time and honestly it still beats dealing with drunk Aussies in Bali.

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