Discovering the Gili Islands: A Week of Island-Hopping & Turtle Adventures in Paradise
In this video, you’ll catch me snorkelling with turtles (a dream come true), cycling car-free islands, and discovering the real flavour of island life—sunsets, salty air, and a cold drink in hand. Whether you’re in it for the party, the zen, or something in between, this place has it all…
If you’re dreaming of tropical paradise with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back vibe, the Gili Islands are where it’s at. I spent a week exploring all three of these tiny gems off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, and trust me—this place is as close to heaven as it gets without needing a passport stamp for the afterlife.
Gili Trawangan
The Party Starter
My adventure kicked off in Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T), where things are lively, and the nights are loud—just how I like it. Gili T has a rep for being the party island, and yeah, it’s got beach bars, bonfire parties, and enough booze to make Hemingway proud, but it’s not all chaos. By day, I found myself in the calm blue waters, feeding turtles, and cycling around the island —because, fun fact, none of the Gilis have motor vehicles. No traffic, just bikes and horse-drawn carts, which is a refreshing break from the usual chaos of island transport. Oh, and don’t miss the sunsets here—think cotton candy skies dipped in liquid gold. Pure magic.
Gili Meno
The Quiet Middle Child
Next, I headed to Gili Meno, which is like the middle child of the family. It’s quieter, smaller, and gives off major “let’s unplug and forget about the world” vibes. If Gili T is the party starter, Meno is the one who stays in with a good book—and honestly, after Gili T, I kind of needed that. This place is ideal if you want to slow down, relax, and maybe spend a day floating in the warm sea without a care in the world. Meno is also where I had the chance to watch the baby sea turtles and snorkel to ‘Bask Nest’, a stunning underwater sculpture.
Gili Air
The Best of Both Worlds
Last but not least, Gili Air. This one has the chill factor of Gili Meno with a little extra life. It’s where you go for good coffee, food, live music that doesn’t drown out the sound of the ocean, and a vibe that feels just right. I spent my time here wandering around the island, swimming with the turtles & beach hopping. The best part about Gili Air? It feels like the perfect mix: not too wild, not too sleepy, just right.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to party, zen out, or find that sweet spot in between, the Gili Islands have a little something for everyone. You’ve got great vibes, stunning scenery, and some of the best underwater experiences Indonesia has to offer. Oh, and did I mention the turtles? That moment when a gentle giant glides past you underwater, it’s a whole mood. Bucket list stuff!
So if you’re planning your next escape and need a place where the beaches are postcard-perfect and the vibe is chilled out with a dash of adventure, the Gili Islands are calling your name.
