Gili Islands Activities & Things to Do
Your Complete Guide to Experiences in Paradise: Snorkeling, diving, island hopping, sunset swings, and more across Gili Trawangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno.
Why the Gili Islands Are an Adventure Paradise?
The three Gili Islands off Lombok's northwest coast offer the perfect blend
of adventure and relaxation.
Crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life, pristine white sand beaches, and a complete absence of motor vehicles create a unique tropical playground.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping water sports, peaceful snorkeling with turtles, or simply cycling around tiny islands with a coconut in hand, the Gilis deliver unforgettable experiences.
Keys Facts
-
Explore by bicycle, on foot, or cidomo (horse cart)
-
World-class diving & incredible marine life: Swim with sea turtles, see sharks, rays, and thousands of fish species in one of the 20+ dive sites (suitable for all levels)
-
Three distinct islands: Gili T (vibrant), Gili Air (chill), Gili Meno (romantic)
-
Easy island hopping: Public boats between islands from 40,000 IDR
-
Year-round activities: Good weather most of the year
Top 10 Must-Do
Activities in the Gilis
Water Activities &
Ocean Adventures
Kitesurfing
Gili Air is probably considered best for kitesurfing, but you'd likely have to bring your own
kit as there's not really any permanent operators anymore. It's more hobbyists with
their own equipment who
are enjoying this sport.
Boat Party
The Gili Boat Party on Gili T runs roughly 2 times a week from 2-7pm. DJ, open bar, swimming stops, and sunset views. Great way to meet other travelers. Tickets cost around 550,000 IDR and are available from My Mates Place hostel.
Fishing
Deep sea fishing trips available from all islands. Half-day or full-day charters.
Equipment and guide included.
Starts from around
2,000,000 IDR a trip.
Surfing
Surf breaks on the southeast coast of Gili T and Gili Air.
Best for intermediate surfers during dry season (May-October).
Rent boards from shops near the breaks. Board rental from around 100,000 IDR/day.
Subwing
Unique water sport where you hold wings and dive underwater while being pulled by a boat. Available only on
Gili Air via Subwing Gili Air. Thrilling way to explore reefs. Available from around
450,000 IDR.
Luxury Boat Trip
Both Utopia Catamaran and Princess Margaux offer premium boat trips around the Gili Islands. You can book Utopia through the Palmz app and enjoy sunset in style.
Spa & Massage
Traditional Indonesian massage, hot stone therapy, and spa treatments. Beachside massages available. Perfect post-diving relaxation. From 150,000 IDR/hour
Yoga Classes
Multiple yoga studios on all islands offering daily classes. Vinyasa, Hatha, and sunset yoga. Prices start from 150,000 IDR/class
Cooking Classes
Learn to cook traditional Indonesian dishes. Gili Cooking Classes deliver the best experience and are available on both Gili T and Gili Air. Prices start from 350,000 IDR
Land-Based Activities & Relaxation
Beach Volleyball
Free volleyball courts on several beaches. Join pickup games in the afternoon. Great way to meet people and stay active.
Plus it's free.
Horse Riding
This is a very popular activity on both Gili T and Gili Air. STUD Horse and Rescue stables offer popular sunset rides and a range of other activities for horse lovers on Gili T.
Cat Café Visit
Several cat cafés on Gili T where you can hang out with rescue cats while enjoying coffee and snacks. Support animal welfare while getting cat therapy.
LUNI Cat Cafe is a favourite.
Unique Activities by Island
Gili Trawangan
-
Party Scene: Pub crawls, boat parties, nightlife
-
Hill Viewpoint: Hike to viewpoint for 360° views (30 min hike)
-
Most dive schools: 20+ professional dive centers
-
Water sports: Widest selection
-
Turtle Hatchings : Seasonal baby turtle releases on the beach
Gili AIr
-
Best turtle snorkeling: Northwest coast has most turtles
-
SUP Yoga: Paddleboard yoga classes
-
Shopping: Most shops and boutiques
-
Local village: Largest local population, authentic culture
-
Chill vibe: Perfect balance
of quiet and activities
Gili Meno
-
Salt Lake: Inland lake
with unique ecosystem -
Bird watching: Migratory birds at the salt lake
-
Nest sculptures: Famous underwater statue park
-
Most romantic: Quietest island, perfect for couples and honeymooners
-
Best snorkeling: Turtle Point has guaranteed sightings
Activity Tips & Important Information
💰 Booking & Payment
Book diving and major activities one day in advance during peak season. Most accept cash or card. Compare prices between providers - they're usually similar.
🌊 Ocean Safety
Strong currents on the southern sides of islands. Always snorkel/swim on north and west coasts. Respect marine life - don't touch turtles or coral.
☀️ Sun Protection
Equatorial sun is intense. Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear rash guards when snorkeling, and reapply often. Seek shade during 11am-3pm.
🐢 Turtle Etiquette
Keep 2 meters distance, no flash photography, don't chase or touch. Let them come to you. Nesting areas marked with flags - stay away.
🚴 Bicycle Safety
Paths can be sandy. Ride slowly, watch for pedestrians. Lock bikes when leaving them.
Most rentals include locks.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially when diving or doing beach activities. Coconut water available everywhere. Avoid dehydration in tropical heat.
📱 Book via Palmz
Use Palmz app to book activities, compare prices, and read reviews. Easier than negotiating on the beach. Secure payment and confirmed bookings.
⏰ Best Times
Snorkeling: early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon for calmest water. Diving: 8am and 1pm departures. Sunset: arrive by 5:30pm for best spots.
Best Time for Different Activities
Dry Season (May-September)
Best for:
-
Diving - best visibility (20-30m)
-
Snorkeling - calm, clear waters
-
Kitesurfing - steady winds
-
Island hopping - smooth boat rides
-
Beach activities - minimal rain
Peak season: July-August (most crowded)
Wet Season (October-April)
Still great for:
-
Diving - good visibility, fewer crowds
-
Snorkeling with turtles - year-round activity
-
Lower prices - 30-50% off peak
-
Fewer tourists - more peaceful
-
Indoor activities - spas, yoga, cooking classes
Note: Rain usually brief afternoon showers
Turtle Season
Year-round with peaks:
-
Sea turtles present 365 days
-
Nesting season: May-September
-
Hatchling releases: July-November
-
Best sighting times: early morning
-
Guaranteed sightings at Turtle Point
Tip: Book turtle sanctuary visits in advance
Best Months Overall
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October):
-
Perfect weather, fewer crowds
-
Better prices than peak
-
All activities available
-
Good diving visibility
-
Easier restaurant/hotel bookings
Sweet spot: Best balance of everything
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-do activities in the Gili Islands?
The top 3 must-dos are:
-
Snorkeling with sea turtles - guaranteed sightings at Turtle Point and other spots
-
Cycling around at least one island to experience the car-free environment
-
Watching sunset from an ocean swing or beach bar on the west coast. These capture the essence of the Gilis and are accessible to all travelers.
Can I see turtles without diving or snorkeling?
Yes! Glass-bottom boat tours let you see turtles without getting wet. You can also visit the turtle sanctuary on Gili Meno to see baby turtles and learn about conservation. However, snorkeling gives the best experience as turtles come very close to shore.
How much should I budget for activities per day?
Budget travelers can enjoy free activities (beach, cycling, snorkeling with own gear) plus one paid activity for 200,000-300,000 IDR/day. Mid-range travelers typically spend 500,000-800,000 IDR/day on diving, tours, and rentals. A week of activities including diving certification might cost 8,000,000-10,000,000 IDR total.
Is it worth doing an island hopping tour or should I go independently?
Island hopping tours (350,000-450,000 IDR) include transport, snorkeling gear, guide,and sometimes lunch - great value and convenience. Independent travel via public boats (15,000-25,000 IDR each way) is much cheaper but requires more planning. Tours are best for first-timers or those short on time.
Which island is best for which activities?
-
Gili Trawangan: diving schools, nightlife, water sports, most variety.
-
Gili Air: turtle snorkeling, spas, chill vibe, authentic village.
-
Gili Meno: most romantic, underwater statues, bird watching, quietest beaches.Choose based on your priorities or visit all three via island hopping.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
During peak season (July-September), book diving courses, boat parties, and popular tours 1-2 days ahead. Shoulder and low season, same-day booking is usually fine. Snorkel gear rental, bicycle rental, and beach activities never need advance booking.
Can beginners do the diving and water activities?
Absolutely! The Gilis are perfect for beginners. Shallow snorkeling spots 2-5 meters deep, calm waters, beginner-friendly dive sites, and numerous PADI schools offering intro dives and courses. Even non-swimmers can enjoy glass-bottom boats. There's something for every skill level.
What happens if the weather is bad during my visit?
Most activities run in light rain. Diving visibility is usually unaffected. If rough seas, boats may be canceled - you'll get a refund or reschedule. Have backup indoor activities: spas, yoga, cafés, cooking classes. Serious weather issues are rare and usually brief.
Ready to Book Your Gili Islands Adventures?
Browse and book snorkeling tours, diving courses, island hopping, and more through the Palmz app.
Download Palmz App
Your Complete Guide to the Best Experiences in Paradise