Where Are the Best Beaches in the Gili Islands?

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Some of the best beaches in the vicinity of Bali are found on the three tiny Gili Islands, just off the west coast of Lombok. They’re only a couple of hours from Bali but offer up a very different atmosphere. The three islands all appeal to slightly different travellers but all have great beaches. Where are the best beaches in the Gili Islands? You’re about to find out!

Beaches in the Gili Islands

The beaches in the Gili Islands feature white sand with plenty of bits of coral mixed in. They’re great to look at but can get a bit rough to walk on in places. The real highlight is the water — it’s up there with the bluest I’ve seen anywhere around the world. As with most islands like these there are good beaches and rough, unappealing ones. Keep reading and you’ll find out the best ones to visit!

I don’t go into too much detail about the individual beaches in this post as I’ve already published beach guides for all three islands. Gili Trawangan | Gili Air | Gili Meno — check them out for more information about the beaches and the best places to stay nearby.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the largest of three islands and by far the most developed. If you’re looking to party it’s the one to visit and it also has more variety in accommodation and restaurants. The best beaches on Gili Trawangan are close to the main village. Walk or cycle south from the port and you’ll find the perfect bit of beach. There are some good places to eat along that stretch too and in some you can sit and eat right on the beach.

The west coast of Gili Trawangan is great for sunsets but the beaches are a bit rougher. It’s not a bad place to stay though as there are lots of places to eat and drink and enjoy the sunsets (and you’re not far from the better beaches).

READ MORE: Where Are the Best Beaches on Gili Trawangan?

Gili Air

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter than Gili Trawangan you should consider Gili Air. There’s still some nightlife and a good range of accommodation and food options but it attracts an older and calmer crowd than Gili Trawangan.

 

It’s a good all-rounder and the one I’d recommend to backpackers, solo travellers wanting to be social and older people who want somewhere a bit livelier than Gili Meno.

The best beaches on Gili Air are found either side of the main village. It’s quiet a large area and features lots of resorts and beachside restaurants.

READ MORE: Where Are the Best Beaches on Gili Air?

Where are the best beaches on Gili Air, Indonesia?

Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the smallest and least developed of the Gili Islands. If Goldilocks were looking for an island that was “just right” I reckon this is the one she’d choose (I’ve been reading a lot of kids’ books lately). If you’re after a quiet getaway it’s the obvious choice. There’s still a wide range of places to stay but it’s quite limited in places to eat and drink. It’s great for families, couples and those wanting a quiet beach getaway.

The beaches on Gili Meno are a little more consistent than Gili Trawangan. Head either side of the port / village and you’ll find great beaches, with the eastern side having the most development.

My pick would be to stay anywhere between the village and Adeng-Adeng Bungalows. You can walk or cycle around Gili Meno fairly easily and stop off at deserted beaches — there does tend to be some trash at the less developed spots though.

READ MORE: Where Are the Best Beaches on Gili Meno?

Where Are the Best Beaches in the Gili Islands?

If you’ve read this far you probably realise that all three Gili Islands have beautiful beaches. It’s hard to recommend one over the other for beaches alone — it’s more about the atmosphere. If I had to choose the best beaches in the Gili Islands I’d go for the area south of the main village in Gili Trawangan and the village beach + eastern side of Gili Meno. Having said that I’d recommend Gili Air to a lot of people as the beaches are still great and it attracts the widest range of travellers.

READ MORE: Gili Islands Travel Guide: Which Gili Island is Right for You?

One interesting thing to note about the Gili Islands is there are no cars or motorcycles — you’ll have to walk, cycle or take a horse and cart to get around. This makes choosing where to stay important!

Are you planning a trip to the Gili Islands? Check out my post about the best things to see and do!

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Jon Algie

A travel blogger from New Zealand who hates talking about himself in the third person and has no imagination when it comes to naming websites.

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