Gili Islands Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

There are no police on any of the Gilis, so report any theft to the island kepala desa (village head), or, if you are on Gili Trawangan, notify Satgas, the community organisation that runs island affairs via your hotel or dive centre. Satgas uses its community contacts to resolve problems or track down stolen property with a minimum of fuss.

Incidents are rare, but several foreign women have experienced sexual harassment and even assault while on the Gilis – it’s best to walk home in pairs to the quieter parts of the islands. Each island has a gaggle of local gigolos who compete to impress and seduce visiting Western women, and they can get very territorial with other males that they see as competition.

Jellyfish are common when strong winds blow from the mainland, and they can leave a painful rash.