10 of the best things to do on Indonesia's Gili Islands

Ask anyone who’s been to the Gili Islands and they will agree on one thing – you can’t help but feel relaxed as soon as you set foot on the fine white sands. Floating off the coast of Lombok, the Gilis may be small, but they serve up some of Indonesia's most rewarding experiences.

The top things to do on the Gili Islands cover the full range of island experiences. The sands are soft, the vivid blue waters are rich in marine life, footpaths lead to scenic viewpoints, and dramatic sunsets unfold in front of beachfront restaurants serving seafood by the sand. A ban on motor vehicles only enhances the easygoing atmosphere.

Each island has its own character, so choose the one that best fits your mood. Gili Meno is the place to escape the hubbub, with great snorkeling by day and an air of romance under the stars after dark. Gili Trawangan sits at the other end of the spectrum, with bright lights, lots of live music and late-night bar hopping. Gili Air sits somewhere in the middle – laid-back, good for inexpensive accommodation and offering more of a local vibe thanks to its large Sasak population.

The islands lie just a kilometer or two apart, so seeing all three islands is easy if you fancy varying the pace. Adventurous travelers can enjoy action-packed days of snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, paddleboarding and island hopping, while those who prefer to holiday at a more leisurely pace can make the most of the beach bars, sands and spas.

Whichever island you choose, here are the top experiences to add to your Gili Islands itinerary.

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1. Go diving in the Gilis' pristine waters

The non-negotiable

Fringed by healthy coral reefs, the Gilis are a fantastic place to learn to scuba dive, with a huge choice of dive schools offering PADI-certified lessons in different languages, as well as trips for certified divers of all levels. The surrounding waters are dotted with fascinating dive sites where you can explore everything from reefs to shipwrecks.

Green and hawksbill turtles are plentiful on the seagrass beds of Gili Meno and around Turtle Point on the northeast coast of Gili Trawangan, as are shy and harmless reef sharks. Some of the most popular diving locations include Shark Point off Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno's Turtle Heaven and Gili Meno Wall – an excellent spot for night diving.

When to go: For the best underwater visibility, plan your trip during the dry season (April to September), when the seas are calm and visibility is at its best. Although it’s still possible to dive during the wet season, thunderstorms and increased sediment mean you won't be able to see as much.

2. Snorkel to view a magical underwater world

Must-do with kids

Scuba diving isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer to stay on the surface, grab a snorkel and mask to peek below the waves instead. You'll still get close encounters with the Gilis' marine life – including turtles, which are easily spotted off Gili Meno – and you can also view coral heads and underwater sculptures by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

If you don’t have your own gear, there are places to rent masks, snorkels and fins all along the beaches. The waters here are clear and shallow, ideal for children, and the reefs are teeming with colorful tropical fish, turtles, octopus and starfish. It’s easy to snorkel right off the beach – as you walk along the coastline you’ll see signposts indicating the best snorkeling areas.

Pair with: A walk around Gili Meno's 5km-long coastal path. It's a great way to warm up and dry off after time in the water, with lovely views toward Gili Trawangan.

3. Learn to cook like a local with an Indonesian cooking class

Best thing to do on a rainy day

If you’ve fallen in love with the local cuisine and hope to recreate it back home, a cooking class is a must-do activity. There are several local cooking schools where keen foodies can learn to prepare classic Indonesian dishes like mie goreng (fried noodles) and kare ayam (chicken curry) using fresh ingredients from local markets.

Gili Cooking Classes is by far the most popular school, with branches on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. English-speaking local chefs will guide you through the local cuisine on courses that include three, four or six courses. Classes take place indoors so it's a great option for the rainy months.

Pair with: After completing a cooking course, compare your culinary creations with the authentic article at local warungs (food stalls) such as Warung Dewi on Gili Trawangan.

4. Eat fresh seafood at Gili Trawangan night market

The surprise

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Travelers staying on Gili Trawangan should make time to visit the authentic Indonesian night market right by the harbor. Open every evening from sunset, this open-air market is packed with stalls selling delicious local food. Find everything from nasi campur (rice with a selection of sides) to traditional desserts like terang bulan (a thick pancake-like treat with various fillings) and klepon (sweet glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in shaved coconut).

For the highlight of the market offerings, head to the barbecue stands where you can choose from a selection of fish, prawns and lobster and have your chosen seafood freshly grilled in front of you.

When to go: The April–September dry season is the best time for seafood, as the calm seas mean boats can go out more regularly to the best fishing spots.

5. Roam around the islands by bicycle

Best active option

It takes between 1 and 2 hours to walk the circumference of each of the Gili Islands, and the walk will take you to quieter corners where you can escape the tourist bustle. The trip is even easier by bike, and rentals are cheap and easy to find.

The islands are mostly flat and many roads are paved, making biking a top family-friendly activity. On any of the Gilis, you can cycle along the coastal paths or take detours into the interior, passing through coconut plantations and villages. For responsible horseback rides, the horse riding operator on Gili Air takes good care of its animals; book a slot at sunset for an unforgettable experience.

Pair with: A swim on a quieter beach. Bring your swimsuit with you on any walk or cycle ride, as you’ll want to end with a refreshing dip in the sea.

6. Enjoy the islands' many water sports

Best for thrill seekers

As well as diving and snorkeling, the Gilis offer plenty of other fun-filled activities on the water, including paddleboarding, sea kayaking, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and banana boat rides. While you’ll find shops renting water sports equipment across the islands, Gili Trawangan has the best selection of operators.

Although professional surfers may be more interested in the world-class breaks on mainland Lombok, the Gilis have a handful of decent breaks too, especially during the dry season (April to September) when the winds are stronger. The right-hand reef break known as Secrets at the southwestern tip of Gili Trawangan is a good place to start.

Pair with: A massage; reward yourself after a water sports workout with a relaxing Indonesian or Balinese-style pummeling at one of the islands' spas.

7. Get involved with local conservation efforts

Best free thing

Eco-conscious travelers can help keep these lovely isles beautiful by getting involved in local conservation efforts. Gili Eco Trust is an NGO based on Gili Trawangan and it runs several projects that visitors can support while on holiday here. Weekly rubbish clean-up sessions take place on the beaches every Friday afternoon, with free refreshments for volunteers.

Cat lovers can lend a helping hand at Cats of Gili, which runs volunteer-led free clinics, spaying and neutering programs and a local charity shop. STUD Horse Riding & Rescue focuses its efforts on rescued and retired working horses, offering responsible beach and island rides.

For any volunteering project, always check and assess the standards and suitability of the project before giving your time.

Pair with: Some responsible shopping – Gili Eco Trust runs a shop on Gili Trawangan selling upcycled gifts, plastic-free travel essentials and products made from bamboo.

8. Enjoy an island party

Best for night owls

Party people can get a taste of the local nightlife at the many bars and pubs across Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan always promises a lively night out, from live reggae bands at Sama Sama Bar to DJs spinning dance tracks at Jungle Bar.

If you prefer something a little more low-key, Gili Air has a more laid-back party scene, with well-known beach bars like Legend Bar and Cheeky Monkey offering cocktails and live music to people relaxing in bean bags on the sand.

When to go: The party is at its most boisterous during the April–September dry season; during the quieter rainy months from November to March, things are more subdued, though Gili Trawangan is still the liveliest of the three islands.

9. Unwind at a spa

Best way to relax

If you can tear yourself away from the sea, sun and sand, take a moment to slow down and treat yourself to a spa day. The islands' spas offer everything from traditional massages to beauty treatments, and if your hotel doesn’t have an in-house spa, there are plenty of independent spas along the bougainvillea-lined streets.

On Gili Trawangan, the uber-cool Rose Spa is a favorite for manicures and pedicures, while You Spa offers a range of treatments with tranquil views of greenery, as well as private rooms with flower-filled bathtubs. Those staying on Gili Air can enter a state of bliss at Slow Spa’s bamboo haven, or let worries melt away in the cool and cavern-like Zone Spa.

Gili Meno has fewer options, but if you walk along the coast you’ll come across simple beach shacks offering massages on sea-facing beds.

When to go: The best time to hit the spa in the Gilis is in the mid-afternoon, as the heat starts to subside but before those famous sunsets light up the sky (which you don't want to miss).

10. Hike up to the viewpoint on Gili Trawangan Hill

The secret

As soon as the sun starts to get low in the sky, most people on Gili Trawangan head toward the west coast, where rows of beach bars offer live music and happy hours. If you’re seeking somewhere a little quieter, lace up your walking shoes and take on the relatively easy trail that leads up to the viewpoint on Gili Trawangan Hill.

Starting from the coast, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Lombok’s Mt Rinjani, Bali’s Mt Agung and the other two Gilis. It also makes for a stunning spot to watch the sun rise, but bring a torch to find your way in the dark.

Interestingly, Gili Trawangan was used as a naval base during WWII; while you’re up here, keep an eye out for the Japanese machine gun bunker and the remains of tunnels that snaked through the hill.

Pair with: Breakfast, if you come for the sunrise. Kayu Cafe near the Gili Trawangan boat terminal is great for healthy breakfasts and good coffee, and it's open from 7am.