Things to do in Gili Islands

Best Things to do in Gili Islands

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Gili Islands? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 54 activities in Gili Islands, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 1098, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Gili Islands in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in the Gili Islands

About the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands sit just off the coast of Lombok, offering a slower rhythm of life framed by turquoise seas and sandy paths where bicycles and horse carts replace cars and each island has its own character: Gili Trawangan is lively with beach cafés and night markets, Gili Air balances buzz with laid-back charm, and Gili Meno stays the quietest with stretches of calm beaches.

What makes the islands stand out is the easy mix of relaxation and exploration. One day you could be snorkelling with turtles, the next you’re cycling past palm groves or watching the sunset from a quiet bar on the sand, and evenings feel unhurried, with fire dancers, live music, or simply the sound of waves filling the backdrop.

With so many things to do in Gili Islands, you can shape your trip however you like, whether that’s diving deep into the reefs, joining yoga sessions by the water, or doing nothing more than enjoying the view with your feet in the sand.

Unique Experiences

Gili Air: Snorkeling 3 Gili Islands with GoPro Camera

Drifting over coral gardens and spotting turtles is one of those memorable things to do in Gili Islands that never loses its charm. The waters off Gili Air are gentle, colourful, and perfect for a relaxed morning adventure.

• Where: Snorkelling spots around Gili Air.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 1,200 per person.
• Timing: Departs daily at 9:45 AM; each trip lasts about 5 hours.
• When to Visit: Best between April and October, when the sea is calm and visibility is excellent.

Surfing Lesson at Selong Belanak Beach

Learning to surf on soft waves is a gentle but exciting way to try new activities during your island trip. With calm conditions and long sandy breaks, Selong Belanak is welcoming for beginners.

• Where: Selong Belanak Beach, Lombok (accessible from the Gilis).
• Pricing: Starts from INR 7,600 per person.
• Timing: Lessons start around 7:00 AM and run for 4 hours.
• When to Visit: From May to September, when wave conditions are at their most consistent.

Golfing At Kosaido Lombok Golf Club, Sire Beach

If you want a quieter day, this round of golf by the beach pairs sport with scenic views. It’s a more unexpected thing to do in Gili Islands, offering calm away from the crowds.

• Where: Sira Beach Golf Club, near Lombok.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 12,500 per person.
• Timing: Lasts 6 hours.
• When to Visit: June to August for dry skies and cooler mornings.

Top Attractions

Gili Trawangan Viewpoint Hike

A short uphill walk rewards you with panoramic views of the island, neighbouring Gilis, and even Lombok’s volcanoes. It’s one of the best things to do in Gili Trawangan if you enjoy a bit of nature with your sightseeing.

• Where: Hilltop viewpoint in central Gili Trawangan.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 200 per person (entry fee for path upkeep).
• Timing: Best early morning around 06:00–08:00 or late afternoon from 16:00–18:00.
• When to Visit: Clear days between April and October for unobstructed views.

Bounty Wreck (Underwater Wreck Dive)

Exploring the Bounty Wreck spares motor noise and crowds, it’s still, quiet, and focuses on life growing over a sunken structure. Coral blooms here and fish dart through decayed beams. It’s quietly thrilling, and easily ranks as one of the best things to do in Gili Islands if you seek something peaceful and different.

• Where: Off the southwest coast of Gili Meno, beneath the waves.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 2,400 for a guided snorkel dive.
• Timing: Morning dives begin around 9:00 AM, when seas are calmest.
• When to Visit: May to September, clear water improves visibility for the shipwreck’s marine life.

Sunset Point and Coral Gardens (Gili Trawangan Viewpoint)

Heading to Sunset Point on Gili Trawangan is one of those things to do in Gili Islands that lets you blend natural beauty with time to reflect. The view sweeps across the three islands, and as dusk arrives, the water and sky glow in gradual pastel shades.

• Where: On the west side of Gili Trawangan, reachable on foot or by bike.
• Pricing: Free access.
• Timing: Arrive by 5:30 PM, roughly an hour before sunset.
• When to Visit: June to August bring clear skies that sculpt perfect silhouettes.

Sightseeing Tours

Private Snorkeling Gili Island (Coral, Statue and Turtle)

Exploring all three islands in a single day is one of the best things to do in Gili Islands if you’re short on time. You’ll snorkel, cycle, and pause at beaches that each feel a little different.

• Where: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 4,700 per person.
• Timing: Slots available at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM; about 4 hours total.
• When to Visit: July to September for clear weather and steady waters.

Private Snorkeling Start Gili Meno and Explore 4 Spots with GoPro

Seeing coral gardens through the boat’s glass bottom and then jumping in for snorkelling makes this a relaxed outing. It’s among the more colourful things to do in Gili Islands when you want both comfort and adventure.

• Where: Snorkelling points off Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 3,300 per person.
• Timing: Slots available from 7:00 AM and 2:30 PM, lasting around 4 hours.
• When to Visit: Perfect in April and May, when water is calm and visibility high.

Day Trips

Kuta Tour: South of Lombok

Exploring Kuta’s beaches and hill viewpoints is a wonderful balance to island life. It’s one of the top things to do in Gili Islands if you’d like to experience Lombok’s southern charm.

• Where: Starts in Kuta, visiting Tanjung Aan Beach, Mawun Beach, and local villages.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 4,400 per person.
• Timing: Full-day tour, from 8:00 AM (6 to 8 hours).
• When to Visit: June to October, for dry conditions and sunny skies.

East Lombok Secred Gilis (Gili Kondo, Gili Bidara, Gili Petagan, Gili kapal)

This service connects mainland Lombok to the Gilis with ease, blending a car ride and speedboat. It’s practical, and sometimes the simplest things to do in Gili Islands are what keep your trip stress-free.

• Where: Pickup in Lombok, direct speedboat to Gili Trawangan.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 9,100 per person.
• Timing: Departures at 7:00 AM; lasts for about 10 hours.
• When to Visit: Year-round, though April to June offers the smoothest seas.

Pergasingan Hill Day Trip

For a touch of adventure, this hike rewards you with sweeping views of rice fields and mountains. It’s a refreshing escape, and a different side to what things to do in Gili Islands can mean.

• Where: Pergasingan Hill, near Sembalun village in Lombok.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 10,000 per person.
• Timing: About 12 hours and 30 minutes; tour starts at 5:00 AM.
• When to Visit: August to October, when skies are clear and trails dry.

Boat Tours

Gili Hai 3 Islands BBQ Cruise

Drifting between islands with a barbecue on deck feels festive and fun. It’s one of those things to do in Gili Islands that mixes food, water, and good company.

• Where: Cruises around the three Gili Islands.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 7,400 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 9:30 AM, lasts about 4 hours.
• When to Visit: July to September, when sunny afternoons roll into golden evenings.

Half-day Snorkel & Lunch Catamaran Tour

A sleek catamaran ride with stops to snorkel, swim, or simply relax on deck. It’s calm, scenic, and rounds off your trip beautifully.

• Where: Around Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno.
• Pricing: Starts from INR 9,400 per person.
• Timing: Sets sail at 8:30 AM, returning around 16:00; 5 hours in total.
• When to Visit: Best in May and June, before peak crowds.

Getting Around

• Walking: The islands are car-free, which makes walking a joy. If your list of things to do in Gili Islands is centred on beach cafés, snorkelling spots, and sunset points, you’ll find most of them within a short stroll.
• Cycling: Bicycles are the easiest way to loop around the islands. Sandy tracks connect villages and beaches, and pedalling along the coast feels like a small adventure in itself.
• Cidomo rides: These horse-drawn carts remain a traditional way to move luggage or cover a longer stretch. They’re slow, bumpy, but memorable, something you may try once while hopping between your things to do in Gili Islands.
• Snorkel boats: Small boats take you from one reef to another. They’re handy if you’re planning several activities in a single day, from turtle spotting near Meno to coral gardens off Trawangan.
• Inter-island boats: Regular boats connect Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Journeys take just 10–15 minutes, making it easy to explore more without leaving the island vibe behind.
• Evening walks: At dusk, the paths light up with lanterns and beach bonfires. It’s a relaxed way to wrap up your day of things to do in Gili Islands.

Traveller Tips

• Start your snorkelling early: Morning seas are calmest, and you’ll often spot more turtles before the water gets busy. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Gili Islands, and it sets a relaxed tone for the rest of your day.
• Stay for the night market on Trawangan: Wooden stalls line up with grilled fish, satay skewers, and local sweets. It’s both dinner and a slice of culture, ranking high among best things to do in Gili Islands if you want an authentic evening.
• Pack light but smart: Sandy paths mean wheeled suitcases are more trouble than they’re worth. A backpack is easier, especially when you’re hopping boats to tick off more things to do in Gili Islands.
• Evenings for sunsets: You’ll want to leave space for the sunset. On Trawangan, people gather at Sunset Point with drinks in hand, but you can just as easily find a quiet corner on Gili Air. The sky turns orange, then pink, then it all slips into dark. Nothing fancy, just one of those moments you remember later.
• Respect the reefs: The reefs are fragile, and you notice it the moment you put your face in the water. Corals break easily, turtles spook if you chase them. Best thing is to float, watch, and leave no trace. The less you disturb, the longer the beauty lasts, simple as that.
• Balance your time across the islands: Meno is calm, Air is balanced, and Trawangan is lively. Spending at least a day on each gives you a full view of Gili Islands tourist attractions without missing the contrasts.