The Gili Islands, including Trawangan, Meno, and Air, are generally safe and easy to navigate. However, first-time visitors should be aware of trip planning, respectful etiquette, and safety precautions. The islands are too small to fit an airstrip or airport, so the closest airport is Lombok.
The Gili Islands share many common features such as idyllic beaches, low crime rates, and a friendly atmosphere. However, there are some downsides to visiting the islands, such as the quality of boats and the less pleasant or safe trip. Additionally, earthquakes in the region are frequent and hit without warning, making it difficult to predict the safety of the trip.
To stay safe, travelers should wear mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, and long sleeves at dusk. The main Lombok article provides notes on malaria and dengue fever (DHF).
When visiting Gili Trawangan, it is generally considered a safe destination due to its low crime rate. Travel insurance is recommended for added protection in case of any issues. Cars and motorbikes are prohibited on the islands, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The best way to explore the islands is by bike, as it offers a more convenient and comfortable way to explore.
In summary, the Gili Islands are a safe and enjoyable destination with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during their visit.
📹 Gili Islands Travel Guide (why we’re not going back)
We just returned from our trip traveling the Gili Islands, here’s a guide on everything you need to know and why we’re not returning …
Is Gili or Nusa Penida better?
Nusa Penida is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vistas, and is a frequent destination for those engaged in snorkeling with manta rays. The Gili Islands are renowned for their exemplary diving, dynamic nightlife, and exquisite beaches. They are also a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. The selection of an island is contingent upon the amount of time one has available in Bali and one’s personal interests.
Are there police on Gili Islands?
Gili Islands, also known as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, are three islands in Lombok, Indonesia. Gili Trawangan is the most developed, with backpacker options and a resort. The local population is around 800, and issues are usually resolved by the local council. Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest, with simple accommodations. Gili Air is the closest to the mainland and has the largest local population.
The name “Gili Islands” is redundant, but the name is universally understood in Lombok. Regular shuttle services from Bangsal stop at all islands, taking about 15 minutes to Air, 30 minutes to Meno, and 45 minutes to Trawangan.
Are there Komodo dragons in Gili?
Komodo Dragons are a unique species found exclusively in Komodo National Park and other zoos worldwide. They have not been observed on Bali or nearby islands like Lombok or Gili Islands. The park’s main focus is the protection and conservation of the giant monitor lizard, which was listed as an endangered species in 2021 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Komodo Island, the largest island in the park, is home to the largest population of Komodo dragons and is considered the best place to see them.
Visitors can take a guided tour to see these impressive animals up close, but it is essential to stay with a guide as the dragons are wild animals. Komodo Island is approximately 50 kilometers away from Labuan Bajo, and the ferry takes 2. 5 hours.
Is Gili T safe at night?
Gili Trawangan is generally safe at night, but it is recommended to stay on the west or east side due to lack of lighting. The island is considered safe, but it is not advisable to venture to the other side due to the lack of lighting. The crime rate on Gili Trawangan is low, both in property and violent crimes, due to strict punishments for criminals. The legal system treats everyone equally, regardless of their nationality or nationality. If you are considering a trip to the Gili Islands, be assured of the safety and security measures in place.
Is Gili cheaper than Bali?
In comparison to Bali, Gili Air is both more affordable and more expensive. The cost of water sports, activities, and accommodation is slightly lower on Gili Air. However, the cost of food and drink, with the exception of fresh fish, is higher. The journey from Padang Bai to Gili Air takes approximately two hours, three hours from Serangan or Sanur, and an hour and a half from Amed. While the cost of visiting Gili Air is not significantly higher than that of Bali, it is unlikely to result in significant savings.
Is Gili Air Safe?
Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air are safe and easy to navigate islands. However, first-time visitors should follow these 11 tips for a smooth journey:
- Pack light or skip the giant suitcase. Giant suitcases can be piled into the back of Gili boats and lugged around on dusty laneways. Instead, pack light and leave your suitcase at accommodations in Bali or use a service like Bali Store Luggage. The islands don’t have motorized vehicles, so it’s better to bring only what’s comfortable to carry on your back.
Bali Store Luggage can help with the logistics of getting on and off the boats, as well as the lack of motorized vehicles.
Are there snakes on Gili Air?
The yellow-lipped banded sea snake is a frequently observed species in the waters surrounding Indonesia, particularly in the vicinity of the Gili Islands and Gili Air.
Is it safe to visit the Gili Islands?
Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air are safe and easy to navigate islands. However, first-time visitors should follow these 11 tips for a smooth journey:
- Pack light or skip the giant suitcase. Giant suitcases can be piled into the back of Gili boats and lugged around on dusty laneways. Instead, pack light and leave your suitcase at accommodations in Bali or use a service like Bali Store Luggage. The islands don’t have motorized vehicles, so it’s better to bring only what’s comfortable to carry on your back.
Bali Store Luggage can help with the logistics of getting on and off the boats, as well as the lack of motorized vehicles.
Is there malaria on Gili Islands?
Malaria risk on the Gili Islands is minimal, and prevention through malaria tablets is not recommended. Travelers should consult local health authorities for the latest recommendations. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), with IDR 1, 000, 000 equivalent to USD$ 70, EURO€ 60, GBP£ 45, and AUS$ 100.
There are several ATM machines on the Gili Islands, including Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The withdrawal limits are usually low, but the machines allow multiple transactions in one visit. The largest note in Indonesia is equivalent to USD$10, and ATM openings are limited.
Is Gili a party island?
Gili Trawangan, the “Party Island” of the Gili archipelago, is known for its vibrant nightlife, including beach bars, live music, DJs, and boat parties. The island’s nightlife is organized, with one bar open into the wee hours of the morning and others closing around midnight to 1 AM. This creates a vibrant atmosphere, with the one remaining open being packed with tourists and locals in the mood to party. The island offers a variety of parties for each day of the week, and for those seeking a quieter night, the island also offers a variety of bars for those seeking a quieter atmosphere.
What is the crime rate in Gili Trawangan?
Gili Trawangan, despite having a low police presence, is considered safe among the Gili Islands due to local security and a crime rate of nearly zero. The most common crime is bicycle theft. Female solo travelers should make friends to feel safe. For night owls and party animals, it is recommended to stay on the east and south coasts due to the less densely populated west and north. Strangers on the street may try to sell you certain things, but a simple “no” should be sufficient. Many solo travelers have reported feeling safe in Gili T.
📹 DON’T DO THIS in the Gili Islands (7 things to avoid)
These are 7 important things you should NOT do if you’re planning to visit the Gili Islands in Indonesia. Don’t make the same …
Really great, practical tips. I just got back from a week on Gili Air and can relate to everything in the article. The ferry situation is nightmarish even without the weather. My prebooked ferries were cancelled before I arrived, so I rebooked to a later boat. Even with a booking, boarding at Padang Bai or on the islands is chaotic. For example, a lot of people don’t know about the harbor tax at Gili Air until they get to the front of the line, at which point they have to go back, stopping anyone else from moving forward toward the boat. One more tip for anyone going there: the road trip from Denpasar to Padang Bai can take hours due to traffic (I spent over 2.5 hours in the car each way). Good humor and patience go a long way!
That’s quite usual that sometimes in july or august there are very strong storms between Bali and Lombok and the boats can be cancelled for several days. It does not happen every year but I remember several years with this situation. In july and august is not a rainy, it is a stormy season. The cancellations usually happen exactly in july – august.
it happened also in ferry port in Ketapang – Gilimanuk. Traffic held for 24 hours, which usually just only take few minutes aboard into a ferry and 40 minutes across strait. Could have been worse, I rode motorcycle, get into ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang but the ferry could not docked in to the Ketapang port due to bad weather. Port authority didn’t gave permission docked ferries to embark. So my boat have to wait on the strait in rough weather.
Usually during june – september, Eastern part of the country like bali, lombok, flores weathers were impacted by southern wind from australia.. still hot & sunny but sudden wind & rain may follow.. the rain is fine but the wind is stronger than the rain season, and may be colder during night especialy if u live around Nusa Dua (south of bali) area due to australia’s winter season
Good advice – we had similar issues end of last year! Would also mention that ferries drop off and pick up from beaches sometimes, not just jetties, so make sure you are physically up to climbing a ladder off the back of a ferry in the swell…we almost had to leave my 70+ year old mother-in-law behind…
Aaahhh, Thumbnail dan judul article anda mengagetkan aku, Aku kira terjadi hal buruk 😢😢.. Saya rasa Pesan yang anda sampaikan sangat2 bermanfaat untuk mereka yang ingin ke Gili.. benar Transportasi ke Gili adalah buruk, antrian yang panjang, padahal banyak masyarakat disana ingin pemerintah pusat memperbaiki sistem Transportasi ke Gili. Tapi belum direspon, karena besar nya negara Indonesia, jadi banyak Infrastruktur yang masih perlu diperbaiki. Semoga kedepannya Transportasi ke Gili lebih baik dan nyaman. ❤❤❤❤
I was there twice in 2004 for a few weeks on Gili Air while doing research for my Master’s degree. Cash only. No shops. Less than a dozen places to eat. No bikes for rent. One wifi cafe at the other end of the island where you paid by the hour (smart phones didn’t exist yet). Ocean water had a lot of trash in it coming off of the islands. Lots of young guys in their 20’s hooking up with single, older tourist women visiting for a few weeks. Even though I was similar in age to them, they keep approaching me to try to get me as their sugar momma and got annoyed when I showed no interest. I’ve seen a documentary where this is similar to what happens in Jamaica with young guys and tourist women visiting. I avoided the horse carts 100% since they were clearly underfed and over-worked. Met a surfer couple and they said a large shark came right up on them while they were surfing. Also, no fast boats back then. It was the crowded public ferry or the dangerous small airplanes that often crashed. Also, I got a viral stomach flu with vomiting/diarrhea while there. I definitely linked it to something on Gili Air, either bacteria in the ocean water from the trash, or tainted water used to make the fruit smoothies I got at cafes. It was horrible and I had to flee back to Bali for medical care because there was nothing on the island (I saw a medical center in the article she shot now). The 2nd time I went, the couple in the hut next to mine got the stomach flu and I gave them my meds I brought with me for it.
People should practice snorkeling before trying it on a vacation like this. If you don’t know what you are doing, it’s just too easy to take in a lungful of water when you think your snorkel is clear. A good friend, who was inexperienced and probably hadn’t snorkeled before, drowned while snorkeling with a group in the Red Sea at Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. She was only 42 years old.
I go to Indonesia every year and every time I take off from Montreal I switch to “insha allah mode” … shit always happen and every year it at a different place (lost luggage, credit card not working, cancelled transports, shitty hotel,medical issues …) … I just roll with punches and enjoy life at a slower pace.
Welcome to Indonesia. Rule number 1 as a “bule” always be prepared for the unexpected in Indo. Lived in Indo as an EXPAT kid for 10 years back in the 90s. I love INDO for the very fact that it’s just a crazy ass shit show of a country. This is not the “west” LOL…throw your plans out the window and just live….miss the good ol days of travelling to Gili when you and your friends were the only ones on the island lol…gone are those days…
The “making the flight” thing isnt an gili island problem, but any island problem maby just a big higher chance for the gilis as lombok/bali is seperated by the Wallace line, famous for its deep waters and harsh current and waves; a small storm aint a joke, ive been on ferry’s before there with a 40% puke-rate 😂 grown men literally crying😂