5 Adventurous things to do on the Gili islands

Island Girl: 5 Adventurous things to do in dreamy Gili

MF editorial team

20 Apr 2016

updated the 1 August 2017 à 18:16

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Diving and snorkeling
Known as the ‘turtle capital of the world’, the Gili waters are a top site for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are teeming with biodiversity such as turtles, lionfish, scorpion fish, octopus and much more.
With over 25 dive sites surrounding all three islands, diving in Gili has become popular for both beginners and advanced divers. There are scores of diving schools on all three islets, although most of them are stationed on Gili Trawangan. Non-divers can borrow snorkeling equipment from shack operations for half a day of snorkeling.
Photo: Getty Images
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Island hopping
All three islands are so near each other that you can get a taste of them all by hopping on a boat (you might not be able to do all three in one day though). The Gilis offer boat services twice each day that loop between all three islets. The latest timetables are available at the islands’ docks for island hoppers.
Gili Trawangan, commonly known as Gili T, is the biggest and most developed of all three islands. Bars, beach shacks and boutique shops are stretched across Gili T. There is also a turtle hatchery where you are likely to see turtles offshore.
Probably the most laidback and quiet is Gili Meno, which offers some splendid snorkeling sites off the South and West coast. Gili Air is the only island out of the three with an indigenous population. The locals are extremely warm and welcoming towards foreigners. One will also notice how much greener this island is compared to its counterparts.
Photo: Roshni Kapur
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Water sports
If you are not keen to dive or snorkel, fret not. The Gilis are a mecca for an abundance of watersports thanks to the warm and clear waters.
Waterskiing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, kayaking and banana boat rides are just some of the watersports offered for a reasonable price. The latest water sport to arrive on Gili Trawangan is stand-up paddle boarding, where you can comfortably and safely paddle along the island.
Photo: Water Sports Center Gili Trawangan
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Watch a “stick fight” tournament
Like every other place, Gili Islands has its own culture, customs and traditions that its people prudently follow. One such custom is the traditional stick fight called “Presean”, a combat between two randomly selected fighters.
The two fighters use a stick and shield during this traditional sport that is usually accompanied by music. This is a friendly combat which takes place every Sunday afternoon in Gili Trawangan’s marketplace and is open to the public.
Photo: Gili Transfer
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Circumnavigate the islands
Each of the three islands are so miniscule in size that you can practically walk from one end to the other end in about 1-2 hours. Gili Trawangan, the biggest of all three, is approximately 5 km in circumference and we highly recommend renting a bike to circumnavigate the island. For Gili Meno, you can easily walk on foot since most of the paths run along dreamy beaches.
Photo: Roshni Kapur

Visit all three Gili islands for an absolute getaway holiday.

Imagine a paradise with sandy white beaches, turquoise waters and clear blue skies. The Gilis are an epitome of this paradise. Gili is made up of three closely-knit islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno – tucked away in the north of Lombok, Indonesia.

Each island has its unique character. Gili Trawangan, the most popular of the three, has a vibrant stretch of restaurants, bars and diving schools. Gili Air is quieter than Gili Trawangan with a blend of buzz and languor. Gili Meno is the smallest of the three islands and by far the most tranquil and underdeveloped.

The Gilis are fast becoming popular among tourists for its laidback charm, eco-consciousness and unique appeal. There are no motorbikes, cars and buses here (only horse carriages), and this only makes the three islets even more appealing and surreal.

Check out the gallery above for a round-up of 5 great things to do in the Gilis. You’ll have serious wanderlust afterwards.

Roshni Kapur

This post was written with the collaboration & support of the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Air Asia offers the best connectivity to Indonesia, check out their 15 destinations here!

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Island Girl: 5 Adventurous things to do in dreamy Gili

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