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In this article we are going to compare each of the Gili islands so you can pick the perfect island for you in 2026. We absolutely love the Gili islands and we have traveled these islands as a couple and as a family.
The Main Gili islands are: Gili Trawangan (biggest and most popular), Gili Air (medium and more chilled) and Gili Meno (small and peaceful). In this article, we will compare the three islands in terms of size, food and accommodation options, and vibes. We will also share some super useful travel info and tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
The Gili islands REALLY are worth a visit – whether you’re a solo backpacker, a travel couple or a family – they really do have something for everyone. Oh yeah, we are also going to recommend a few of THE BEST places to stay on each island. If you do book a hotel on the Gili islands please do use our wonderful links. We use affiliate links. So when you book we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Don’t miss these EPIC things to do in Gili Trawangan
Summary – which Gili island is the best?
| Island | Atmosphere | Size | Places to stay |
| Gili Trawagan | Up beat, bustling, vibrant, lots of bars & nightlife | 2.5km x 1.75km | Low budget: Little Elephant Cottage Luxury: Gili Eco Villas Families: Aston Sunset Beach Resort |
| Gili Air | Laid back with some nightlife | 1.6km x 1.6km | Low budget: Youpy Bungalows Luxury: Amma-Lurra Resort Families: Gili Air Bungalows |
| Gili Meno | Tranquil, peaceful & laid back | 2km x 1km | Low budget: Meno Turtle Bungalows Luxury: Villa Pulau Cinta Boutique Suites Families: Two Brothers Bungalow |
Map of the Gili islands
What are the Gili islands like?
The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are popular tourist destinations due to their crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and laid-back vibes. They are also very easy to access from Bali (a few hours by boat).
The islands themselves are pretty small and fairly flat (except Gili Trawangan which has a small hill). There are some dusty tracks around the island – but you wont find any cars or buses. The main way to get around is cycling or horse and cart (to be honest we think these poor horses are overworked so we gave this a miss and carried bags and our boys on our own backs!)
The beautiful Gili islands are reasonably developed. Gili Trawagan is the biggest and most developed island. It has small convenience stores, restaurants, bars and ATM machines. There are also resorts, dive schools and a few places for local food. There are a couple of small doctors clinics on the island too – nothing amazing but some meds available.
Is it worth visiting the Gili islands?
We give this a big fat YES. The Gili islands are well worth a visit. We absolutely loved our time there. If you’re looking to slow down, relax, chill out and explore some beautiful waters – Gili has lots to offer. Don’t see this as a “tick list” place to cram in as much as possible. Just slow down, enjoy the relaxing vibes and go with the flow. The Gili islands are affordable, beautiful and chilled. We will tell you more about each island to help you pick the best one for you.
Our personal experience of the Gili islands
We have visited the Gili islands as a couple and also with our lovely boys. We adore these islands. On our first trip we were on a super budget – we stayed inland on Gili T and ate lots of local food (we loved the Nasi Champur). We also stayed on Gili Air too and enjoyed snorkeling and sea kayaking. We have also visited with our boys and loved the snorkeling trip. Our personal highlights were visiting the Bask Sea Sculptures (off the coast of Gili Meno) and also swimming with turtles. Another awesome highlight was watching a movie on the beach at the Aston Sunset Beach Resort on Gili T.
1 Gili Trawangan
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on snorkelling in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed island. With several ATM machines, plenty of cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. This island has a great nightlife with plenty of bars. There are also some small local food places too. This is also the first stop for the first boat service from Bali.
Gili Trawangan Size
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three islands, measuring about 2.5 km long and 1.75 km wide. It takes around an hour to cycle around the island. You can also walk across the middle of the island (the paths are dusty trails)
Food and Accommodation on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan has the most extensive range of food and accommodation options among the three islands. You can find everything from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts and a wide variety of restaurants, including local Indonesian cuisine, western, and vegetarian options.
Atmosphere on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is known for its nightlife, making it the busiest and most bustling of the three islands. It’s perfect if you enjoy partying and socializing or just chilling on the beach with a drink.
TOP TIP: The west side of Gili Tranwangan is much more quiet and laid back than the east side. So if you’re looking for a balance of relaxing but still want access to the bars and cafes – then we recommend staying along the west coast of Gili Trawangan.
What are the BEST places to stay on Gili Trawangan?
As a rough guide: the cheapest accommodation on Gili Trawangan is available in the mainland away from the beach. If you’re looking for popular hotels or resorts with bars and restaurants – then we recommend staying on the east side of the island. Be aware that some areas can be pretty noisy at night. If you’re looking for large relaxing resorts, we recommend the south and west coast.
TOP PICK for low budget travel: Little Elephant Cottage
BEST hotel for Luxury travel: Gili Eco Villas
TOP PICK for family travelers: Aston Sunset Beach Resort
Advantages of Gili Trawangan
- Wide variety of food and accommodation options
- Lively nightlife and entertainment (especially the east coast)
- Excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities
- Great for sunsets (especially the tranquil west coast)
Disadvantages of Gili Trawangan
- Can be crowded, especially during peak season
- Not the best choice for travelers seeking peace and tranquility
2 Gili Air
Don’t miss our guide to the best hotels in Gili Air
Gili Air is the closest island to Lombok and the east most of the islands. It is also served by the fast boat ferry services from Bali (normally stopping here after Gili Trawagan). Also, Gili Air has a very good range of accommodation, restaurants and it also has a few ATM machines.
Gili Air Size
Gili Air is the second-largest island, with a size of approximately 1.6 km by 1.6 km.
Food and Accommodation on Gili Air
Gili Air offers a diverse range of food and accommodation options, catering to various budgets and preferences. You’ll find cozy homestays, mid-range bungalows, and a few high-end resorts. The dining scene on Gili Air is also quite diverse, with numerous restaurants offering local Indonesian dishes, international cuisine, and vegan-friendly options.
Atmosphere on Gili Air
Gili Air strikes a balance between the lively atmosphere of Gili Trawangan and the peacefulness of Gili Meno. It offers a more laid-back vibe compared to Gili Trawangan, but still has a selection of bars and nightlife for those who want to let loose.
What are the BEST places to stay on Gili Air?
Gili Air has a great range of accommodation. The main hub is located by the ferry terminal on the south of the island. Some of the more expensive resorts are located around the coast. There are a few cheaper properties in the north of the island. Here are our TOP PICK places to stay on Gili Air:
TOP PICK for low budget travel: Youpy Bungalows
BEST hotel for Luxury travel: Amma-Lurra Resort
TOP PICK for family travelers: Gili Air Bungalows
Advantages of Gili Air:
- Good balance between relaxation and entertainment
- Diverse food and accommodation options
- Beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling spots
Disadvantages of Gili Air:
- Less vibrant nightlife compared to Gili Trawangan
- Can be moderately crowded during peak season
3 Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the smallest and most chilled Gili island. There are still some shops, bars and restaurants but the range of options is more limited here. One of the main attractions on Gili Meno is the famous Bask Nest Sea Sculptures (a few hundred meters off the west coast of Gili Meno). The main fast boat service doesn’t serve Gili Meno so you will need to arrange a small boat transfer from Gili T or Gili Air.
Size of Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the smallest of the three islands, measuring just about 2 km long and 1 km wide.
Food and Accommodation on Gili Meno
Gili Meno has fewer food and accommodation options compared to its counterparts, but it still offers a decent variety. You can find budget-friendly guesthouses, eco-resorts, and a handful of upscale hotels. Dining options on Gili Meno are more limited, with a focus on local Indonesian and seafood dishes.
Atmosphere on Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the quietest and most serene of the three islands, making it an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. The laid-back atmosphere and pristine beaches provide a perfect setting for relaxation, yoga, and meditation.
What are the BEST places to stay on Gili Meno?
As a smaller island there is less accommodation available on Gili Meno. Here are a few of our TOP PICK recommendations for accommodation:
TOP PICK for low budget travel: Meno Turtle Bungalows
BEST hotel for Luxury travel: Villa Pulau Cinta Boutique Suites
TOP PICK for family travelers: Two Brothers Bungalow
Advantages of Gili Meno:
- Peaceful and tranquil environment
- Ideal for romantic getaways and relaxation
- Secluded beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities
Disadvantages of Gili Meno:
- Limited food and accommodation options compared to the other islands
- Fewer entertainment options and nightlife
Which Gili island is cheapest?
The Gili islands are pretty cheap. You can easily find rooms in the £10 – £20 range (roughly $12 – $24). There are also plenty of more luxurious resorts available. On all of the islands you can find local food – normally costing around £1 – 2 or $1.20 – $2.40. Most western and international food costs around £3 – £6 (or $4 – $8).
Prices on all of the islands are very similar. However, if you’re a budget backpacker – we recommend Gili Trawangan. Simply, there is a bigger range of accommodation and food options. So it is easier to shop around and find better deals. This makes it easier to travel on a budget.
How to Get to the Gili Islands from Bali
Don’t miss out FULL GUIDE on traveling from Bali to the Gili islands
The most common way to travel from Bali to the Gili Islands is by fast boat. Several operators offer daily services from various departure points in Bali, including Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and Amed. The journey typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on the departure point and sea conditions.
The Golden Queen offers one of the cheapest fast boat services between Bali and the Gili islands. It costs around 500,000IDR return and this may include hotel pick up and drop off depending how you book (This is roughly £30 or $35). This service runs in the following loop: Bali – Gilli Trawagan – Gili Air – Lombok – Bali (and picks up and drops off passengers throughout the day). There is an indoor seating area and an upper deck seating area. The journey takes several hours. You are likely to be picked up early in the morning and arrive around lunch time or early afternoon.
Summary – which Gili island is the best?
Each Gili Island offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and travel styles. Gili Trawangan is the best choice if you are looking for lively nightlife and a wide range of food and accommodation options. Gili Air provides a balanced atmosphere with a mix of relaxation and entertainment, while Gili Meno is perfect if you are looking for a serene and peaceful experience.
Consider what you want from your island experience before making your choice. Regardless of which island you choose, the Gili Islands offer breathtaking beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.
