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The Gili Islands on the Map: Indonesia's Tiny Trio of Paradises
First, we need know the big picture. Let's start with these two maps to get our help you understand where you are going.
The Gili Islands on a Full Indonesia Map
Let's start with the big picture. This map shows all of Indonesia, and you can tell it's a huge country! If you look closely in the southwest, you'll spot a tiny speck—that's the Gili Islands.
They're nestled just off the northwest coast of Lombok, right in the channel of water between it and Bali.
Bali Lombok Gili Islands Map
This second map zooms in on the most popular tourist region. It shows the relationship between Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. This is crucial for your travel planning.
Many travelers visit these three destinations in one trip. This map shows you why. They are located very close to each other.
Distance from Bali: Bali's eastern coast sits about 35 kilometers from the Gili Islands. The closest Bali departure point is Padang Bai. From there, fast boats reach the Gilis in about 90 minutes. Sanur and other Bali ports offer longer routes, taking two to three hours.
Distance from Lombok: Lombok's northwest coast sits even closer. Bangsal Harbor on Lombok is the traditional jumping-off point. It's only about 20 minutes by boat to the nearest Gili island. Teluk Nare and Teluk Kode are newer departure points on Lombok. They offer similar short crossing times.
You can base yourself in Bali and day-trip to the Gilis. Though honestly, that's too rushed. You can also combine all three destinations in one trip. Many travelers spend time in Bali, then visit the Gilis, then explore Lombok. This flow works naturally because of the geography.
A Clear Map of the Gili Islands: Bird's-Eye View of Gili T, Meno & Air
This map is your first proper introduction to the three islands, designed to give you a clear panoramic view of their layout, connecting harbors, and most famous attractions. Think of it as your master plan for the Gilis.
From above, the three Gilis look like small green jewels in blue water. Each island is roughly circular or oval. None of them is very large. You can walk around any single island in one to two hours.
| Island Name (Nickname) | Location relative to Lombok | Key Features | Top Attractins & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gili Trawangan (Gili T) |
Farthest west | The largest, most developed, and busiest of the three islands. Packed with restaurants, bars, and known for its vibrant nightlife. | iconic Sunset Swings on the west coast Turtle Point snorkeling area on the northeast coast Turtle Point snorkeling area on the northeast coast Tir Na Nog Irish Bar Cycle Around the Island |
| Gili Meno | In the middle | The smallest and quietest of the three. Features high-end resorts and a salt lake, perfect for visitors seeking tranquility. | Nest underwater statues Gili Meno Salt Lake Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary Gili Meno Beach Bounty Wreck |
| Gili Air | Farthest east (Closest to Lombok) |
A perfect blend of the other two. It's lively enough with local communities but still peaceful. Often described as having the most "island vibe." | Gili Air Wall Outdoor Cinema: Ombak Paradise Resort Iconic Swings: PinkCoco Gili Air Yoga: Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden |
Connecting the Islands: Harbors and Distances
Gili Air Harbor to Gili Meno Harbor: Approx. 1.5 km (1 mile). A 15-minute public boat ride.
Gili Meno Harbor to Gili Trawangan Harbor: Approx. 2 km (1.2 miles). Another 15-minute public boat ride.
Gili Trawangan Harbor back to Gili Air Harbor: The longest leg, approx. 3 km (1.8 miles), taking about 20-25 minutes.
Which Gili Island is Best? A Detailed Map for Each Island
This is the most important decision you will make. Each Gili island has a completely different personality, or "vibe." Choosing the right one is the key to a perfect holiday.
We provide a dedicated map for each island, highlighting its key features, to help you find your perfect match.
Map of Gili Trawangan (Gili T): The Famous Party Island
Gili T is the social hub of the islands. It’s vibrant, energetic, and has the most facilities. If you want to meet other travelers, enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, and experience lively nightlife, Gili T is your island.
The main hub sits on the eastern shore facing Lombok. Here you'll find the harbor where boats arrive. The main strip runs north-south along this eastern coast.
Restaurants, bars, dive shops, and tour agencies line this area. At night, this strip comes alive with music and lights.
The southern part of the island hosts most of the party venues. Beach clubs and bars cluster here. The famous sunset swing sits on the southwest corner. This is where you'll find the most action after dark.
The northern part feels quieter. Several upscale resorts occupy this area. The beaches here are wider and less crowded. Turtle Point is alao here.
The western coast offers the most peaceful atmosphere. Fewer accommodations mean fewer people. The sunset views from this side are spectacular. This is where you go to watch the sun drop behind Bali's volcanoes.
The center of the island is largely undeveloped. Some locals live here. A small hill rises in the middle. You can walk or bike around the entire island on a coastal path. The full loop takes about two hours at a relaxed pace.
Gili Meno Map: The Quiet and Romantic Honeymoon Island
Gili Meno is the definition of a peaceful escape. It's the quietest and least developed of the three. If your goal is to relax on pristine beaches, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy quiet, romantic dinners, Gili Meno is your paradise.
It's often said that Gili Meno has the most beautiful white sand beaches of all the Gilis. For couples on vacation or celebrating a honeymoon, finding the right beach to relax and connect is incredibly important.
That’s why our Gili Meno map focuses primarily on the island’s stunning coastline. We've also pinpointed key attractions to make your planning easy, marking the locations of the famous underwater sculptures, the sea turtle sanctuary, and the shipwreck site.
| Area | Best for | Conditions | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snorkeling, beginners, and turtle spotting | White sand beach with calm, shallow water and a gentle northward current. | Excellent and colorful coral on an artificial reef. It's the best place on the island to see sea turtles. Abundant fish, sometimes in large schools. |
| 2 | Paddleboarding, experienced swimmers | White sand but a steep shoreline. Stronger waves and currents make the water less clear. | Good coral and fish life. The waves make it a popular spot for paddleboarding. |
| 3 | Snorkeling to see the famous sculptures | A very flat, shallow beach facing Gili Trawangan | The main attraction is the underwater statues, located about 100 meters offshore. The best coral is near the statues. |
| 4 | Sunbathing | A flat, white sand beach. The coral is just average | There is a strong northward current here. Swimmers should be very cautious. |
| 5 | No-Swim Zone | Extremely large and powerful waves | It is not safe to enter the water in this area |
Gili Air Map: The Island with a Perfect, Relaxed Balance
Gili Air is the perfect mix of Gili T and Gili Meno. It has a chic, bohemian vibe. It’s relaxed and peaceful like Gili Meno, but has enough high-quality restaurants, cool cafes, and yoga studios to keep you entertained like Gili T (without the loud parties).
The southeast corner holds the main harbor. This is where most boats arrive and depart. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and shops in this zone.
The northern part of Air offers quieter beaches. Fewer accommodations mean more space. The snorkeling improves as you move north. The coral reefs here are healthy and full of fish.
The western side provides the best sunset views. Several beach bars sit along this coast.
The southern tip features excellent diving and snorkeling sites. Many dive schools are based on this part of the island. The marine life here is diverse and plentiful.
Gili Islands Snorkeling & Diving Map: A Guide to Finding Turtles and Sunken Treasures
The number one reason people visit the Gilis is for the incredible underwater world. This map is your treasure map to the best snorkeling and diving spots. It shows you exactly where to go to find the most amazing marine life.
Gili Trawangan
On Gili Trawangan, the turtle point sits on the northwest coast. Sea turtles feed in the seagrass here. You can snorkel from shore and almost guarantee turtle sightings. The water is shallow and calm. Perfect for beginners.
Shark Point, despite the name, is safe and spectacular. This site sits off the northeast coast of Gili T. You'll see blacktip reef sharks, which are harmless. The coral formations here are impressive. Most visitors reach this spot by joining a snorkeling tour.
Halik Reef, a vibrant coral reef with a huge variety of colorful fish. It's a great spot for both snorkeling and diving.
The Japanese Wreck off Gili T sits in about 30 meters of water. This diveable shipwreck attracts interesting marine life.
Gili Meno
BASK Nest Underwater Statues (Gili Meno): This is the most famous spot. It's a collection of 48 life-sized human figures in a circle on the seabed.
The Meno Wall on the island's west side offers incredible diving. The reef wall drops into deeper water. You'll see larger fish species here. The current can be strong, so this spot suits experienced snorkelers and divers.
Simon's Reef between Meno and Air offers dramatic underwater landscapes.
Gili Air
Gili Air's best snorkeling sits along the northern and southern coasts. The coral gardens on the north side burst with color. The fish life is abundant and diverse. On the south side, Han's Reef provides excellent diving. Sea turtles, schools of fish, and healthy coral await.
Air Wall (Gili Air): Another great wall dive, known for its beautiful coral formations.
Gili Islands Itinerary (Islands Hopping) Map - A 3-Day Sample Plan
You know what each island offers. You've seen the snorkeling spots. Now let's put it together into a practical itinerary. This map illustrates a classic itinerary that includes a very popular activity: the "Island Hopping" snorkeling tour.
What is an Island Hopping Tour? It's a half-day boat trip offered by Asia Odyssey Travel on the islands. A glass-bottom boat will take you to 3-4 of the best snorkeling spots around all three islands. It's the most efficient way to see the underwater highlights.
Day one starts with arrival at Gili Trawangan. Most boats from Bali arrive here first. Check into your accommodation on the eastern or southern part of the island. Spend the afternoon exploring by bicycle. Ride the coastal path to see the whole island.
Day two is your full Gili T day. Start early with a snorkeling tour. Most tours depart around 9 AM. You'll visit turtle point and other sites. The tour returns around 1 PM. Have lunch at one of the beachfront cafes. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the northern beaches.
Day three involves island hopping. Take the boat to Gili Meno. Walk to the lake and swim at the beach. Continue on the same boat to Gili Air. Snorkeling off the northern beaches. Watch sunset from the west coast bars.
Gili Islands Accommodation Map: Where to Stay on Gili T, Meno & Air
Choosing where to stay shapes your entire experience. This section maps out accommodation areas on each island.
Where to Stay on Gili Trawangan
On Gili Trawangan, the main strip on the east coast offers maximum convenience. You're steps from restaurants, dive shops, and nightlife. Budget hostels and mid-range hotels dominate this area. The downside is noise. Music carries at night.
The southern part of Gili T puts you near the party action. Several beach clubs and resorts sit here. The northern part offers peace with easier beach access. Mid-range to luxury resorts occupy this zone.
The western coast provides the most isolation on Gili T. A few boutique resorts and guesthouses scatter along this side.
Best Accommodation Area on Gili Meno
Gili Meno has limited accommodation. Most properties sit on the east coast near the small harbor. A few resorts occupy the western sunset side. These western properties are more expensive but offer prime romantic settings.
Which Area is Best to Stay on Gili Air
Gili Air's southeast corner near the harbor offers the most choices. Budget to mid-range guesthouses cluster here. The eastern coast north of the harbor hosts many accommodations. You'll find beachfront bungalows and small hotels. The beach here is lovely.
The northern and western parts of Air feel quieter. Several boutique resorts and yoga retreats sit in these zones. You'll have more privacy and space.
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