The Gili Islands are a collection of three secluded islands located north-west of Lombok and Bali that are only reachable by boat. The Gilis are home to breathtaking beaches and natural wonders – once you’re there the true relaxing holiday begins.
Whether you are a budget traveller or a couple on a romantic getaway, the main island of Gili Trawangan offers a small but varied range of accommodations. Spend your days by the pool, snorkelling with turtles in the azure seas or hiking through the wilderness in this beachside paradise.
Catch the sunrise from Gili Trawangan. Picture: Getty Images
About The Gili Islands
On the northwest tip of Lombok in Indonesia, three tiny islands arc off into the ocean. These picture-perfect islands are known as the turtle capital of the world and are the epitome of relaxation, with no cars or motorbikes on the islands.
You can easily reach the Gilis from Lombok or Bali. Lombok is a 15-minute boat ride, and the airport a further 30-minute drive. There is also a direct, high-speed boat from Bali to the islands. The most popular island, Gili Trawangan, has a variety of resorts, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
There's a variety of restaurants. Picture: Getty Images
The quiet, slower pace of the Gilis makes them a sought-after getaway from both Lombok and Bali. Visitors to Bali experiencing the hustle and bustle of Kuta or Seminyak, or the mountain wilderness of Ubud don’t often completely relax until they reach the Gilis.
A few days on one of the Gili Islands with nothing but the sand and the sea and you’ll be a brand new person.
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Top Hotels
Hotel Ombak Sunset
Set on the western shores of Gili Trawangan, the Hotel Ombak Sunset offers guests the highest level of luxury resort accommodation in an untouched, tranquil setting. Enjoy a romantic dinner on the soft sandy beach as the red sun sets over the ocean, learn to cook delicious local dishes at the on-site cooking school, or make the most of the spectacular marine life with diving and snorkelling tours.
Villa Grasia Resort & Spa
Oozing tropical island charm and a leisurely pace of life, Villa Grasia Resort & Spa is a boutique resort of just 23 deluxe cottages. Designed around a central restaurant and swimming pool, and with cottages for both couples and families, the resort is a relaxed holiday destination for any traveller.
You can enjoy a range of ocean and land activities while staying at the Villa Grasia Resort & Spa, including scuba diving and hiking, or you can indulge in a relaxing body massage at the resort day spa.
Villa Ombak
There is accommodation to suit all budgets. Picture: Villa Ombak
The very first international hotel resort on Gili Trawangan, Villa Ombak has a history and tradition of excellent service and local island life. Located on the island’s south-eastern coast, the hotel offers a range of accommodation for all budgets, ensuring everyone has a chance to experience this spectacular island paradise. From locally designed traditional Lumbung huts for romantic couples to private Akoya Pool Villas complete with butler service, there really is something for any type of traveller at Villa Ombak.
