The Gili Islands Holidays

Affectionately known as Gili T, this place has a distinctly bohemian feel. The sweeping sands are peppered with rickety beach bars and dive schools. As the largest of the Gilis, Gili Trawangan is also the busiest, with ponies and bikes meandering from place to place. But there are still plenty of tranquil spots to be found, particularly on the north coast.

A trip to Gili Trawangan has become something of a rite of passage for backpackers in Southeast Asia. But there’s so much more to this island than bustling bars and hip hostels. The offshore reefs – particularly near North Beach – are teeming with colourful fish and offer fantastic snorkelling. Or, if you’re a keen diver, why not take a trip to one of Gili T’s dive sites? Spots like Shark Point and Halik are home to all kinds of marine life, including turtles and sharks. You can also explore Gili Trawangan on a horseback tour – or simply relax on one of the powdery beaches.

Gili T might be the headline act, but the two smaller islands certainly deserve your attention. Lying in the middle of the trio, pint-sized Gili Meno has seen minimal development, making it a peaceful retreat for couples and honeymooners. You can walk around the whole island in just two hours, discovering untouched beaches as you go. Days here usually consist of reading in a hammock beneath a palm tree, followed by a romantic dinner on the sands, featuring the catch of the day. But the turquoise waters hold plenty of charm, too, with reefs for snorkelling and the famous Meno Wall dive site.

And then there’s Gili Air. Despite being the closest to Lombok, this petite isle is the least developed of the three. Savour the slow pace of life as you explore on foot, stopping to chat with the welcoming locals, or go swimming and snorkelling in the shallow sea. You’ll find thatched bungalows dotted along the sleepy beaches, offering a rustic – but air-conditioned – place for you to rest your head, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

It’s fair to assume that your holiday to the Gili Islands will feature quite a lot of beach time – and who could blame you? This trio boasts some truly lovely spots, ranging from footprint-free bays to turtle-watching havens.

Gili Trawangan is famous for its palm-lined sands. The south coast is the island’s main hub, where the beach is peppered with bars and restaurants. If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, Northeast Beach is the best area to see wild turtles, while the aptly-named Sunset Beach is the place to watch the evening sky turn orange, pink and purple.

Gili Meno’s sandy coast stretches for five kilometres, completely encircling the island. You’ll never have to fight for a sunbathing spot, and the crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling. Last, but certainly not least, Gili Air’s beaches are somewhere in between – not too busy, not too quiet. The north coast has idyllic, empty sands, while the beaches in the south are backed by chilled-out bars and local restaurants.

Thanks to Indonesia’s tropical climate, the Gili Islands bask in warm temperatures throughout the year, with the mercury rarely dropping below 23°C. But it’s best to book your holiday to the Gili Islands for the dry season, which runs from April to October. At this time of year, temperatures average 30°C, so you can make the most of the beautiful beaches. As you’d expect, though, July and August tend to be the busiest months, so try to visit in May, June or October if you want to avoid the crowds.

Indonesia’s wet season occurs between November and March, with the Gili Islands seeing the most rain in December and January. But the rains tend to come in short, heavy bursts – so, if you don’t mind the odd downpour, you could grab a bargain. And, at this time of year, you’ll practically have the islands to yourself.