Gili

Gili is a term used in the Sasak language to mean island. It is most commonly associated with the Gili Islands, a group of three small islands off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. The islands lie in the Lombok Strait and are administratively part of North Lombok Regency in West Nusa Tenggara.

Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed of the trio, known for its beachside amenities and scuba diving. Gili Air offers a balance of relaxed atmosphere and services, while Gili Meno is the quietest and least populous. All three are popular destinations for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities. A defining feature is the absence of motorized vehicles on the islands; transportation is primarily by bicycle, on foot, or by horse-drawn carts in some areas.

Access to the Gili Islands is primarily via boat from Lombok or Bali. Common routes include fast boats from Lombok’s Bangsal harbor or from Bali’s Padang Bai. From Lombok, travelers typically transfer by boat from a nearby harbor such as Senggigi or Teluk Nambung.

Economically, tourism is the main driver, with activities centered on seaside recreation, marine life encounters, and island hospitality. The islands have faced environmental and disaster-related challenges, including the 2018 Lombok earthquake and ongoing concerns about reef health and waste management. In response, conservation and sustainability efforts have been pursued to protect marine ecosystems and support responsible tourism.