11 things to know before traveling to the Gili Islands

As far as tiny, picturesque islands go, the Gili Islands have it all and then some. Glassy waters full of colorful marine life, local tradition and culture, a rowdy nightlife scene and plenty of fantastic places to completely relax under the sun – the Gilis are the real deal.

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Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are generally safe and fairly easy to navigate, and with these 11 tips on trip planning, respectful etiquette and safety, you'll speed your way to a smooth journey to the Gili Islands.

1. Skip the giant suitcase or pack light

We've seen the giant suitcases piled into the back of the Gili boats, later to be lugged around under the hot sun down dusty laneways by sweaty, regretful travelers. Trust us on this one: packing light is the way to go for the Gili Islands. Either leave your suitcase at accommodations in Bali or use a service such as Bali Store Luggage to take care of it while you're island-hopping. Between the logistics of getting on and off the Gili boats, plus the fact that the Gili Islands don't have any motorized vehicles, you're much better off bringing only what's comfortable to carry on your back.

2. Decide how to split your time

Whether you want a short getaway or to slowly move through all three islands, choosing which Gili Islands to visit in advance is advantageous. Each one brings a different personality. Gili Trawangan is notorious for parties and nightlife. Gili Meno, in the middle, draws a more laid-back crowd – those seeking tranquility (and a decent number of honeymooners). To the east, Gili Air falls somewhere in the middle of the chill scale, where it's easy to bliss out in silence or get social at one of the island's many cheerful beach bars.

Even though the islands are small, you can have a completely different experience depending on where you go and what you do. Plan accordingly.

3. Share boats with other travelers

It's possible to take public boats between all three Gili Islands, but they don't run very frequently – usually just a couple times per day – and plans are subject to change. If you're looking to travel on the fly or want to move about completely on your own schedule, the best way to get between the Gili Islands is to team up with other travelers and share a private boat transfer. Walk down to the port and chat up some of the friendly boatmen waiting for your business, preferably with a friend or two to split the cost. Expect to pay around 300,000 Indonesian rupiah (Rp) for the entire boat one way, depending on your negotiation abilities.

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4. Dress and behave respectfully

While you explore the Gili Islands, you might encounter a few signs that say "No swimwear in the village" or show a picture of a bikini with a big red line on top of it. Most residents of the Gili Islands are Muslim, and dressing conservatively is important for traveling respectfully. There's no issue rocking swim trunks or a bikini when you're actually at the beach, but cover up when you're heading inland, especially when passing through residential areas. Keep a big t-shirt and sarong in your bag, and you'll be good to go.

5. Check the calendar for any holidays

There are two holidays to be aware of, and both bring different experiences in the Gili Islands: Ramadan, a Muslim holiday, and Nyepi, a Balinese holiday. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for about a month. You can still travel to the Gili Islands at this time, but some businesses will close earlier, and parties are limited. During Nyepi, Bali's day of stillness, which typically falls the first or second week of March, the entire island shuts down – leading many travelers to head to the Gili Islands, where businesses remain open. This can make things pretty busy for two or three days over Nyepi.

6. Lock up your bicycle

You won't find any motorized vehicles on the Gili Islands, where the best method of getting around is by foot or bicycle. Petty theft isn't all that common, but locking your bike whenever you're not using it is a best practice just in case. Insurance for bike theft isn't really a thing here, so if someone were to roam off with it, you'd be on the hook for covering the cost. Most folks simply put the lock around their tire rather than fastening it to a stationary object.

7. Watch out for mosquitos

Catching dengue fever is the biggest risk from mosquito bites in the Gili Islands. Mosquitos are present year-round, though slightly less so during the dry season (roughly June until October). The best way to prevent bites or mosquito-induced illness is by preparing yourself with bug spray, especially around dusk.

8. Always drink purified water

Tap water is not safe for consumption across Indonesia so only drink water you’ve purified, purchased in a sealed bottle or refilled yourself from a clean water source to stay hydrated. A lot of people brush their teeth with the tap water without experiencing any issues, but if you're really concerned, use bottled water for that too.

9. Head west for sunset

When the fiery sun begins to descend closer to the horizon, make your way west. Regardless of whether you're on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno or Gili Air, the best sunset views are on the west coast, accompanied by views of Bali's towering Gunung Agung in the distance. It's the best way to slip into the evening, typically accompanied by sherbet-colored hues in the sky and good vibes.

10. Stick to beer and wine if you want to drink

Throughout the years, there have been reports of travelers in Indonesia becoming ill due to methanol poisoning from alcoholic spirits. The consumption of this illegal tainted alcohol – which has occurred even in fancy, upscale resorts – can cause severe illness, blindness or even death. Methanol-tainted alcohol is typically the result of cost cutting, oftentimes far earlier in the supply chain before bars and restaurants have any say in the matter. The safest way to get a buzz is by drinking beer or wine, so load up on the Bintang beers or get champagne tipsy all day long.

11. Drugs are illegal in Indonesia

You might've heard stories of magic mushrooms in the Gilis from other travelers – and it's true, several beachside cafes openly advertise the sale of magic mushrooms despite the fact that Indonesia has strong antidrug laws. It's not uncommon to get offers for "magic shakes" or mushrooms while walking on the street, either. Do beware: Indonesia has extremely strict laws against illicit substances, including mushrooms.

Intoxication or possession is punishable by lengthy imprisonment. According to Indonesia's tourism board, possession can result in 4–12 years of imprisonment and fines up 8 billion Rp.