Escape the busy pace and dive into the relaxed vibe of Gili Air and Gili Meno — two beautiful islands off Lombok’s coast. Known for crystal-clear waters, great snorkeling, and stunning sunsets, both are perfect for slow, easygoing days. this guide will help you choose which island suits you best.

**HOW MANY DAYS |**
up to you

**BEST TIME TO VISIT |** May to October

**WHERE TO STAY |**
La Bohème
**TOP THINGS TO DO |** Snorkeling, Sunbathing, Relaxing

**HOW TO GET AROUND |** rent a bike or walk

Gili Meno and Gili Air are two small islands tucked between Bali and Lombok, each with its own unique vibe. Both are beautiful, easy to explore, and perfect for snorkeling, sunsets, and slowing down. We skipped the third island, Gili Trawangan (Gili T), which is known for its lively party scene — but if you're into snorkeling or diving, it’s worth noting that the underwater world there is just as stunning.

Gili Air has a bit more life, but still feels laid-back and chill. You can find cute cafés, beach bars, and friendly locals. It’s a nice mix of relaxing and having a little fun.

Gili Meno is super quiet and peaceful — perfect if you just want to relax, enjoy the beach, and maybe do nothing at all. It’s great for couples or anyone looking for a calm escape.

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HOW MANY DAYS?

This is the kind of place where you can truly relax and unwind, with no rush — stay as long as you like, and just go with the flow.

WHEN TO VISIT THE GILIS?

As in most parts of Indonesia, the best time to visit Gili Air and Gili Meno is during the dry season from May to October, when you’ll enjoy sunny days, calm seas, and perfect snorkeling conditions. While the islands are beautiful year-round, the rainy season (November to March) can bring heavy showers and rougher waters, making activities a bit less predictable.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE GILIS?

There are no motorized vehicles allowed on Gili Air and Gili Meno, which keeps the islands peaceful and quiet. You’ll see horse-drawn carts transporting goods and tourists, but as responsible travelers, we recommend avoiding them — the horses often work hard under the intense heat. Luckily, both islands are small enough to walk around easily in about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to move a bit faster, you can rent a bicycle. E-scooters are becoming more common among locals but are not officially available for tourists to rent.

Getting around is much easier when you’re connected—whether it’s for directions, rides, or food. We use an eSIM to stay online easily without roaming fees. It’s quick to set up and works great wherever we go. gives you the freedom to move through your trip without missing anything.

READ | Stay Connected Without Roaming: Travel Smarter with an eSIM

HOW TO GET TO THE GILIS?

Getting to Gili Air and Gili Meno is pretty straightforward once you know your options. From Bali, you can catch a fast boat from popular ports like Padang Bai, Sanur, or Serangan. The ride usually takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on where you depart. If you’re on Lombok, you can take a boat from Bangsal Harbor—it’s only about 10 to 20 minutes to either island.

Once you're between the Gilis, small fast boats connect Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili T easily throughout the day. There's also a public boat option (a slower, shared boat service), which is a cheap and local-friendly way to hop between the islands—just check the schedule, as boats usually only leave when full.

FAST BOAT | Book your seat through 12go.asia here

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GILI AIR

Atmosphere & Night Life

Gili Air has something for everyone. It s perfect for families, solo adventurers, couples, and anyone looking to unwind without giving up comfort. While it’s not a party hotspot like Gili Trawangan, you’ll still find plenty of relaxed, easygoing beach bars to enjoy. It’s not an overcrowded island, giving you the freedom to make your stay as peaceful or as social as you like.

Activities

Snorkeling here was absolutely amazing — vibrant corals, tons of colorful fish, and we even spotted a couple of turtles. We brought our own gear, but many restaurants and beach spots offer rentals too. You can relax by the water at a variety of places, from peaceful, untouched stretches of sand in the northeastern of the island to fully equipped beach spots with loungers and shade. Plus, the island has plenty of yoga studios and dive schools if you’re looking to explore more or unwind.

Accommodation Options

There are plenty of accommodations for every budget and preference. As it can very hot in the center of the island, especially toward the end of the dry season, we advice you to prioritize on a stay with a good AC.

BUDGET | Ananda B&B have simple and beautiful spacious rooms with AC and a terrace, including a continental breakfast.

COMFORT | At La Bohème, you’ll enjoy a private beach area with direct access to the ocean. Each room comes with its own terrace and a beautiful outdoor shower, perfect for relaxing after a day in the sun.

BUDGET | At Hani Hideaway, every room offers a pool or garden view. Unwind with their spa facilities, take a dip in the outdoor pool, stay active in the fitness room, or join a rejuvenating yoga class. Plus, a delicious breakfast is included to start your day off right.

Food Scene

From international cuisine to tasty vegetarian spots and budget-friendly eateries, there’s something to suit every palate and price range.

zZz Warung is a very popular Indonesian eatery, it is delicious, has great prices and good portions. Come early or expect to wait in line.

For the best Italian pizza, you have to go to Mama Pizza Gili Air. It is a great spot to watch the sunset. If you want to have the best spots at the beach arrive early as well.

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GILI MENO

We were a bit unsure at first whether it was worth coming here. You can visit on a day trip or choose to stay overnight. Initially, we associated its “honeymoon island” reputation with expensive resorts and upscale restaurants catering only to that kind of crowd. We also worried it might be a little too quiet, as we’d read there wasn’t much to do. So, we only booked a short stay to get a feel of the island and see if it was right for us. But in the end, we extended our stay—and didn’t want to leave.

Atmosphere & Night Life

This is really a place to slow down and relax. Every now and then, boats with day visitors arrive to go snorkeling—but overall, it stays peaceful. It’s not the kind of island where you come to party. There’s almost no nightlife. A few bars are around, but they close early. If you're looking for quiet, privacy, and a chance to unplug from everything, this is the perfect spot to just breathe, reset, and enjoy the simple, slow life.

Activities

Life moves at a slow, peaceful pace on Gili Meno. Spend your days snorkeling right from the shore, soaking up the sun, reading a book, strolling along quiet beaches, and catching beautiful sunsets. Unlike its neighboring islands, Gili Meno doesn’t have yoga or diving schools, making it even more relaxed and low-key.

Accommodation Options

There are lots of resorts here, mostly for couples, but we also saw some families and solo travelers. What surprised us was how the island feels a bit divided—on one side, there are more simple and budget-friendly places to stay in the northern part, whereas on the western coast you’ll find upscale resorts and more restaurants and bars.

BUDGET | Meno Dream Resort offers great value for money with a beautiful pool and rooms overlooking it. A fantastic breakfast is included to start your day.

COMFORT | At Les Villas Ottalia Yoga & Diving, Gili Meno, you’ll enjoy a private beach area and direct beachfront access. Each villa comes with a private terrace and an outdoor shower. You can also arrange scuba diving trips and yoga classes.

LUXURY | At BASK Gili Meno , you’ll have your own private pool with stunning ocean views right from your room. It’s an incredibly beautiful spot to unwind and create a truly special island experience.

Food Scene

There is not a big selection of good restaurants in the northern part of Gili Meno. But honestly, we didn’t mind at all. We found one small place right on the beach that we absolutely loved—it was so good, we ended up eating there three times a day! Try the Easy Warung & Bar. But there are plenty of restaurants spread all over Gili Meno, the cheaper ones normally located in the center of the island.

Indonesia