{"id":6369,"date":"2018-05-18T05:41:53","date_gmt":"2018-05-18T05:41:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/gili-islands-guide\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T20:07:29","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T20:07:29","slug":"gili-islands-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/gili-islands-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Gili Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"

Millions of tourists descend on the Indonesian island paradise of Bali<\/u><\/a> all throughout the year for a dose of vitamin sea, wonderful hospitality, sumptuous food and drink, as well as inspiring cultural activities. Nearly every square meter of Bali has been explored and anyone who has recently been to Bali knows that the island is struggling to keep up. That\u2019s where the outlying islands of Gili\u00a0<\/u>come in. This cluster of pristine islands has proven to be hot new territory for adventurous travellers as well as those seeking some time away from hoards of tourists. The laid-back vibe of these islands, with no cars or motorcycles, throws you back to Bali in the eighties. Each of the three islands has an entirely different feel and charm, offering something special to those seeking nature, romance, or an atmosphere of the party.<\/p>\n

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Gili Air<\/h2>\n

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Closest to Lombok<\/u><\/a>, Gili Air<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is the top pick for budget travellers in search of a small laid-back island to sprawl out on. The entire perimeter of the island can be walked in less than three hours, making it ideal for a beautiful sunset stroll on white, powdery sand. This island is the least developed of the Gili Islands, but it\u2019s quickly catching up in terms of cafes, bars, and hotels.<\/p>\n

What to do on Gili Air<\/h4>\n

The calm waters of Gili Air are ideal for snorkelling, paddle boarding, and diving. There are a few dive centres on the island where you can rent gear, such as Manta Dive.<\/p>\n

Where to eat<\/h4>\n

Go luck and tuck into nasi campur <\/em>at Warung Padang. Don\u2019t miss the ayam goreng<\/em>\u00a0and gado gado<\/em>.\u00a0To fix your craving for European eats, head to Le Cirque for French pastries and bread.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/h4>\n

There\u2019s a good variety of accommodation for almost every budget on the island. A good pick for mid-budget is Mola Mola Resort Gili Air Lombok<\/u><\/a>\u00a0which offers a mix of the contemporary and traditional by the sea.<\/p>\n

Pro tip:<\/em> Head to Winwin Restaurant for Happy Hour every evening and enjoy ocean-front sunset cocktails with the waves lapping at your feet.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Gili Trawangan<\/h2>\n

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Accessible to both Bali and Lombok, Gili Trawangan<\/u><\/a>\u00a0is not only the largest of the Gilis but also the most developed. It\u2019s here where you\u2019ll find a young crowds taking to beach bars until the wee hours as well as families seeking out a slice of paradise. Motorized vehicles are also not permitted on this island, so enjoy the novelty of catching a cidomo<\/em>\u00a0(horse carriage) to get around and capture a fun photo. They are pretty expensive tho!<\/p>\n

Although Gili T is indeed very beautiful, don’t expect an undiscovered island. News of the Gilis got out some time ago so backpackers do flock here. It’s not overrun but there’s definitely a scene chocful of backpackers. There is a stretch of bars near the pier that is particularly popular with this young crowd. It is a lot of fun with an unexpected energy for such a small place. If you’re seeking beauty sleep and serenity, stay further from the pier or the other side of the island.<\/p>\n

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What to do<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rent some snorkelling gear and spot wild sea turtles on North Beach. Banana boating, fishing, diving,\u00a0and\u00a0free-diving\u00a0are also available on the island.<\/p>\n

Watching the sunset is up there as Gili T sees some splendid sunsets meeting the crisp blue of the clear waters on the horizon. The Ombak swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset (hint in the name) is also really popular for instagrammable pictures at sunset. Prepare to queue.<\/p>\n

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