A Digital Nomad Guide to Gili Islands

Gili Islands Visa

For Indonesia there are a variety of options depending on your length of stay but firstly you need to ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months from day of arrival otherwise entry into Indonesia will not be permitted. 

For a 30 day stay or less the simplest way is to get the ‘Free Visa Stamp’ on arrival which is offered to more than 160 countries. However this is not extendable so if you already think 30 days is not enough to discover all the magic of the Gili Islands you should apply for a 30 day tourist visa at the Indonesian Embassy upon your arrival in Indonesia. This VoA costs 500,000 IDR (around $35 dollars) and can be extended for an extra 30 days.

Other options available would be:

• Multiple Entry Visa which allows you to stay up to 60 days per visit with a validity of 1 year and issued by consulate or embassy outside Indonesia
• Social, Tourist or cultural Visa (B-211) which allows you to stay 60 days and can be extended three times for 30 days each. However this may be seen as more complex as it is issued by consulate or embassy outside Indonesia and a Sponsor Letter is needed

A kind reminder would be that if you overstay your visa you incur a penalty of $70 per day for under 60 days over-stay so bear this in mind and don’t let paradise allow you lose track of your days! 

Culture and Food in Gili Islands

Food

Indonesian food is rich in flavour and diversity. One dish can have dozens of versions across localities. The famed satay, for example, has at least 20 different recipes adopted in different regions, depending on the local taste and availability of ingredients. The strong spices are frequent across most dishes but if spices aren’t your thing, there are an array of other foods such as sweet and sour which will surely be able to tantalize your tastebuds.

“It’s not a real meal without rice’ really sums of the Indonesian’s way of thinking but why is rice such a staple in the their diet? Interestingly it dates back to history and culture whereby the Goddess of rice, Dewi Sri is highly regarded in Java and Bali, which means all dishes come with rice.

Although the recipe for any one dish can vary between city, culture or family the top foods you have to try when adventuring to the Gilis are:

• Sop Buntut 

Pronounced: sop boon-toot

Sop buntut is a delicious oxtail soup. This Indonesian food is found mostly in West Java and is made up of fried or barbecued slices of oxtail in a clear broth. Feeling adventurous? Eat like a local and drizzle a bit of lime or lemon on top to bring out the flavour.

• Beef Rendang 

Pronounced: ren-dang

If you love a curry, you’re sure to want to try a bowl of beef rendang. This Indonesian food is much like a beef curry, but without the broth. It is made from thick, tender diced beef that is slowly cooked in a gravy of coconut milk and spices for several hours. 

• Gado Gado 

Literally “mix-mix,” this dish is an Indonesian Salad. However don’t let the word salad make you disregard this delicious dish as with the addition of the country’s classic peanut sauce covering the vegetables really makes it a game changer!

• Nasi Goreng 

Pronounced: na-see go-reng

Nasi goreng is Indonesia’s unique version of fried rice and also the country’s national dish. You won’t find anything quite like it when visiting other countries in Asia due to the different incorporation of flavours and spices.

• Satay

Pronounced: sa-tay

Satay consists mostly of skewered meat cooked over coals but for vegans and vegetarians you can also find Tempeh satays. A quick and easy snack which can easily be found all over Indonesia.

• Siomay 

Pronounced: see-oh-my

Like Chinese dim sum? Well, meet Indonesia’s version. Siomay is a traditional staple of Indonesia cuisine, essentially fish dumplings that are served with steamed potato, cabbage and eggs. 

• Indomie

Pronounced: In-dough-me

You don’t really have to go to Indonesia to taste Indomie, but it’s certainly worth having while you’re there! If it’s a staple in every Indonesian College Student’s diet, its surely good enough for a budget backpacker or Nomad to eat.

• Tempeh 

Pronounced: Tem-pah

Originating from the Island of Java way back in the early 1800s this plant-based food remains a staple addition in the Indonesian diet, where it is typically fried and served with spicy sauces. Although one might say being a vegan I am bias, the texture adds a special something something to any salad.

• Martabak 

Pronounced: mar-ta-bach

Had enough of the savoury dishes? Martabak to the rescue! This sweet Indonesian food is the country’s spin on a pancake, usually filled with anything from chocolate and nuts to cheese and are only available at night and is something not to miss!

• Vegan and Vegetarian

Being vegan myself I know the worry that you will arrive to a small island and have nothing but air and leaves to live off. But fear not. There are various (and delicious) vegan / vegetarian restaurants and cafes which will make you want to just eat more and more and more. On Gili Trawangan the Banyan Tree is a great spot which often gets crowded due to it additionally being a great Nomad working space due to its fast Wi-Fi and with its delicious wraps and smoothie bowls it’s a wonderful place to eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Pituq Café is another awesome place for Indonesian Vegan food such as amazing Satays and vegan Rendang. On Gili Air you can’t miss Good Earth Café offering healthy wholefoods and Musa Cookery which has vegan pancakes, fusion salads and fresh juices. 

Language

There are over 700 languages spoken across Indonesia. Bahasa Indonesia is the language of communication which you will hear on television and spoken by the government and is 20% of the population’s first language. Other major languages spoken are English, Dutch, Javanese, and smaller local dialects. On the Gili Islands the people are indigenous to the island of Lombok whereby they speak Sasak. 

Alcohol

Although a predominantly a Muslim nation this hasn’t hindered the alcohol culture which is wildly available at bars, restaurants and supermarkets. In fact, Indonesia even has some of its own traditional spirits such as tuak (made of palm-sap wine), arak (made of rice of palm-sap) and Balinese brem (made of rice wine). However due to the lack of regulations on homemade brewing I would stick to beers and spirits that you know!

Religion

The main religion is Islam with other religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism found across the whole of Indonesia. What makes Indonesia and the Gili Island’s such a great place to feel welcomed is that all major religious celebrations are not only accepted but they assist in organizing celebrations ad festivals regardless of their own beliefs.  

Gili Islands Nightlife

Depending’s on which island you chose will depend upon how you spend your time once the sun sets. 

• Eating out – Gili Trawangan

With an abundance of restaurants on the beach there is no better way to dine out – under the stars with your toes in the sand is a sure way to make you appreciate the surrounding nature.

• Casa Vintage Beach

Caribbean style beach front restaurant makes it a perfect location and if the food didn’t fill you then you have to try their amazing deserts which rumour has, are the best on the island.

• Pizzeria Regina

In need of a pizza fix? Pizzeria Regina to the rescue. This Italian owned restaurants allows customers to make your own pizza 

• Shisha

Want to have some shisha while chatting with friends and other Nomads alike? Then head to Pesona Lounge which offers great Indian food and also holds outdoor film nights! 

• Bar and clubs

If you like to drink and dance, Gili Trawangan is the island for you. Although small compared to Bali this doesn’t stop them parting and what adds to the fun is that there is a scheduled party scene so you never have to worry if there is a better party elsewhere.

Monday: Blue Marlin

Tuesday: Jiggy

Wednesday: Tir Na Nog (Irish bar)

Thursday：Quiet night due to prayer

Friday: Sand Bar

Saturday: Sama Sama

Sunday: Evolution

• Mad Monkey

Situated on the beach with a pool and DJ booth, if this hasn’t already tempted you then their signature cocktails sure will.

Things to do in Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are three, small untouched islands with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. If the sound of this doesn’t entice you then the fact they have some of the best scuba diving spots in south east Asia just might. 

The marine life you can encounter is an extensive list with each dive a colourful and mesmerizing sight for all. Turtles are easy to see and sometimes just sitting with a coffee on the beach one can be spotted up close to the shore. Other underwater life which are easily spotted are Reef sharks, barracuda, trevally and if you’re lucky eagle rays are not uncommon! 

Set aside from the diving aspect, the Gili Islands are extremely small so have a very homely and welcoming feel. You may arrive alone but it won’t be long before you meet others be that at a café, in a bar or walking along the beach.

• Yoga in a tree house

  Yoga in a tree house – Sunset Beach Yoga on Gili Trawangan has an adorable yoga shala in a tree house with a direct view of the white sands and crystal clear water.

• Catch a wave Surfing

  Catch a wave Surfing – Gili Trawangan has a fantastic surfing point just 300 metres from the southern end of the island and in the wet season can provide up to 6 foot swells! Just don’t forget your wetsuit and booties as there’s a long coral reef which you don’t want to dampen your surf high.

• Scuba diving at Shark Point

  Scuba diving at Shark Point – not heard of Shark Point or Deep Turbo? A day on the Gili Islands will have you learning the underwater dive spot lingo. With an array or professional diving schools and mesmerizing dive spots its easy to see why people become addicted to the undersea beauty.

• Free diving with sea turtles

  Free diving with sea turtles – want to try your hand at being a human mermaid? Free diving might just be for you. Gili Island Diving School has a centre on each of the three Gili islands offering lessons and courses so see how many turtles you can spot.

• Watch the sunset while swinging on a hammock

  Watch the sunset while swinging on a hammock – – love one or hate one, you have to see at least one Gili Trawangan sunset. Every day as the sun is setting just head to the west. Not sure which bar is best? You won’t need to think. The Exile bar’s lively and crowded atmosphere will be a sure fire way that this is the spot. Sitting directly in front of twin set of swings and a hammock which are positioned out in the ocean, this allows you to take the most romantic (if that’s your thing) and beautiful new Instagram posts. Not a fan of photos? Grab a cold beer or a fruity cocktail and sit back and relax while the sun gradually sets.

• Snorkeling with Nemo

  Snorkeling with Nemo – on the north-eastern side of Gili Trawangan is where you’ll find the best spot for snorkeling so take the short walk to this secluded spot and see what fish you can encounter.

• Ride a sea horse

  Ride a sea horse – A seahorse she says? Got you thinking there! Of course not a seahorse but definitely a real horse! Trot or gallop along the coast line which can be found on the East side of Gili Trawangan for all you animal lovers.

• Jiggy Boat Party

  Jiggy Boat Party – Want a fun day of drinking aboard a boat? Jiggy boat part certainly can help you there. Hosting parties with onboard DJs with various stops to enjoy a swim in the ocean with atmosphere guaranteed is a must.

• Bounty Ship Wreck dive

  Bounty Ship Wreck dive – not an actual a ship wreck but an old pier which is in the shallow waters off the coast of Gili Meno. It has amusing items which divers can encounter such as old bicycles to explore.

• Watch the sunrise with a cup of Kopi Luwak Coffee

  Watch the sunrise with a cup of Kopi Luwak Coffee – coffee produced from partially digested coffee bean from the Civet cat’s (ahem) waste product not to your liking? Fear not! The fact that it is only produced in Indonesia with the exquisite taste of caramel and chocolate should be enough to wash away this thought while you relax and watch the day begin with the sunrise like a local.

• Cooking class at sweet and spicy

  Cooking class at sweet and spicy – Fallen in love with Indonesian food? Want to know how to take this cuisine home to show your friends? And you certainly can with the lively and fun class at Cooking School Sweet & Spicy. This school offers classes for all ages and dietary requirements demonstrating the traditional dishes from mie goreng to the famous peanut sauce (oh my oh my!).

• Visit the turtle sanctuary on Gili Meno

  Visit the turtle sanctuary on Gili Meno – not had any luck with finding turtles on your dives? Don’t fret! Gili Meno has a specialized turtle conservation centre which is a privately owned centre providing a safe environment to hatch turtle eggs and nurture the newborns until it is safe to release them in the wild.

• Hike the hill viewpoint on Gili Trawangan

  Hike the hill viewpoint on Gili Trawangan – on Gili Trawangan you can head to the southern part of the island and take the short hike where you can see the other Gili Islands, Mount Rinjani on Lombok and Mount Agung on Bali.

• Fly underwater on a subwing

  Fly underwater on a subwing – want to move like a dolphin around the Gili Islands? Then these 3-4 hour trips will be perfect for you to part take in the underwater action.

• Watch a “Stick Fight” tournament

  Watch a “Stick Fight” tournament – every Sunday afternoon at the market place on Gili Trawangan you can encounter a traditional a ‘stick fight’ or a ‘Presean’ in the local Sasak language. This old age tournament is a tradition of two selected fighters with a sick and shield and if often accompanied by music and dancing.

• Visit the night market for some local cuisine

  Visit the night market for some local cuisine – At the south eastern coast of Gili Trawangan you only have to be within 50 metres before you start smelling the aroma of the seafood satays and spices coming from this small but quant market. With the food freshly caught each day and cheaper than the restaurants it makes it hard to say no

• Island Hopping

  Island Hopping – feel like a new adventure but want to keep it short and sweet? Take a day trip to the other islands. Whether you just want a new environment to work or to experience something different, the convenient timing of the boats makes it so simple and quick so there’s no reason not to!

• Kick back and relax to some reggae music – Sama Sama

  Kick back and relax to some reggae music – Sama Sama bar on Gili Trawangan is the place to go if you love live music and reggae music. With a fun crowd and cheap drinks it makes this cozy establishment a fun way to relax and unwind.

Best Time to Visit Gili Islands

Besides the attraction of beaches the stable weather is a huge factor that attracts many tourists and Nomads alike. Being close to the equator brings year round heat but take not that it does have a dry and rainy season with the rainy season being from November till March and dry season being from April-October. 

However don’t let the thought of rainy season hold you back to visit the Gili Islands. Rainy season doesn’t mean it’s raining every day, all day. The rain mostly falls by the end of the afternoon. And to share a little secret with you: there is no better feeling than a natural shower after a long hot day on the beach. 

The average temperature is between 27 C and 32C and the average humidity is 70%.

The peak months are July and August which coincides with ‘peak’ season which runs from April to October so if you like the cooler weather September and October may be best to avoid the hot summer. Peak month in the wet season tends to be December and January where travelers take advantage of Christmas on islands.

Gili Islands for Families

Although the Gili Islands are probably more well known by back-packers, the beauty and vast array of things to do makes it a lovely place for families. Allowing child to love and embrace nature in the Gili Islands is easy and safe. The instructors are highly qualified so young children can start to learn to dive and experience the fun that the underwater world has to offer. 

Furthermore there is the chance for children to snorkel. A hotpot for families with young children is a secluded area outside of Scallywags Beach Club which has shallow water and a colourful array of fish for the children to encounter. 

Grabbing a bucket and spade and heading to the beach is also an all-time favourite for children. You can relax with your coffee or fruit juice while the children scamper around making castles and forts until the sun starts to set.

Depending on your accommodation there are also many hotels that offer child services and activities with qualified and reliable hotel staff. Be that pool games, colouring or team games there is always something to excite the children.

In terms of education for children there are a few options. Homeschooling has always been quite popular among Digital Nomads but if parents prefer their children to enter a more traditional school environment then Gili Bumble Bee Montessori may just be what you are looking for. This school, which follows the Montessori curriculum, was started as a homeschooling project in 2013 in a cozy class of 12 on Gili Trawangan but over time has expanded and they now have their own school. With an intake of children from 2.5 – 9 years old with school holiday and class immersion programs it’s a great way for your children to continue their education in a safe and environment. 

Living in Gili Islands

Gili Islands Transportation

How to get to the Gili Islands

Due to the Gili Islands having no airports one option would be to fly from Bali to Lambok International Airport (LOP) which is around $20 one way with a short flight time of 30 minutes. From here you would need to hire a private car and speedboat to make the 90 minute drive to the harbour then 10 minute speed boat at a total cost of $36. 

Another (cheaper) option is by taking the speed boat or ferry.

• From Bali 

There are a variety of ports you can choice from depending on your location but the three most popular are Amed Beach, Padand Bai and Serangan Harbour.

Amed Beach – South Bali; 1 hour transfer and around $35 dollars one way

Pedand Bai Harbour – East Bali (Ubud); 1.5 hour transfer and around $42 dollars one way

Serangan harbour – North Bali; 2.5 hour transfer and around $57 dollars one way

Please remembers most boats have a 25kg baggage limit so its always best to double check before buying your ticket if you have a lot of luggage.

• Island hopping

It’s easy and convenient to island hop and there are an abundance of transfer offices on each island which allow you to book and schedule as you please. You can choice to do day trips or longer stays and even venture out to Lombok for as little as $20. 

How to travel around the islands

As mentioned, the islands have no vehicles so if you arrive to Gili Trawangan with heavy luggage one way of getting from A to B is to get a horse and carriage. However this is sadly a talk of controversy due to the supposedly bad treatment the horses suffer. Therefore a more environmentally friendly way is to hire a bicycle or using your two little feet. A walk around the whole island can be done in 2 hours and is a great excuse to wonder and see the different beaches and bars along the way.

Gili Meno and Gili Air don’t have horse and carriages so walking is the main method of commuting and a walk around Gili Air would take you 2 hours and a slightly shorter wander of 1.5 hours around Gili Meno.

Fitness and Health

With the ocean at your feet it’s easy to feel the call of the sea and to take a swim or a refreshing dip. Swimming not your thing? A cycle or walk around the islands allows you not only to exercise but also have an excuse to find and explore all parts of the island at your own leisurely pace.

But swimming with the fish is only the beginning. Each island offers snorkeling, scuba or free diving with qualified instructors. Whether it’s your first time, already hold a license or want to become a dive master there is a course or adventure waiting for everyone. One of the most popular diving schools on Gili T is definitely Manta Dive due to their friendly and knowledgeable staff but all the dive schools I’ve encountered have fantastic reviews. 

For all those Yogis there is no need to worry, Gili has your back! Each island has a variety of studios and times to suit all. For those of you who are wanting to try something a little different then what better way than with ‘Fly Gili Watersports’. Offering the unique experience of yoga on an SUP at sunrise, this really is a magical way to start your day. If on the other hand you prefer a lie in (I know I am guilty once in a while) the you can try ‘Sunset Beach Yoga’, which just like their name suggests, offers daily classes at the famous west side of the island allowing you tranquility and calm while the sun sets. This studio not only offers Vinyasa but also ‘Flying’ yoga. Gili Air is no different with studios H2O Yoga and Meditation Center and Gili Meno offering a yoga retreat for those wanting to indulge at Seri (drop in classes available).

For any gym goers who want to train and work off all those Satay Skewers, Gili Air offers a fantastic gym called ‘Holiday Fit’ that has a variety of machines, free weights and cardio equipment in an air conditioned (halleluiah) environment. What’s even more exciting is they have the most fabulous little café offering protein shakes, smoothie bowls and fresh juices which make a perfect post workout snack!

Gili Islands People

Indonesians are extremely warm and respectful people. Don’t be surprised if you get called ‘Ma’am’ as it is purely a sign of respect. The main religion is main Islam (86%) and each island of the Gili’s has a mosque which emits sounds of live prayers 5 times a day. Other religions are Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism so all religions are welcomed and accepted. 

Indonesia is an interesting country in terms of its economy. They are a huge exporter of petroleum and natural gas and supply a large amount of commodities such as palm oil, coffee, sugar and cocoa with tourism holding 5% of their economy. Although this may seem like a small percentage overall, with the divide of the rich and poor quite wide, this 5% is relied upon by a huge amount of locals on the Gili Islands.

Indonesian people are extremely friendly towards family and strangers a like. Don’t be surprised if you ask for directions and are taken their directly by a local who won’t accept a tip but a mere thank you in return. The thought of helping someone in need is integrated in their culture and is not about receiving something back which is why you find so many Nomads find it so hard to leave a culture of such warmth.

The Gilis are home to the Sasaks who are the native people of the Gili Islands and Lombok, although the local community include; Balinese, Arabs, and other Indonesians from other islands. The Sasak’s are mainly Muslim and they still speak their own language Sasak, though English is commonly spoken by the locals. A fun fact I was told by a local from Gili Trawangan is that there are 983 Indonesian families living on Gili Islands in total!

Gili Islands Insurance and Medical Care

As with any country, it is always highly recommended to obtain travel insurance for both medical and personal belongings. Although throughout Indonesia it is regarded as extremely safe, it is always best to air on the side of caution; especially if your job revolves around you expensive items such as laptops!

For medical care I would always take out insurance. On every Gili Island there are several clinics which provide basis care and medications but for serious injuries or health care issues which would seek a hospital visit it means traveling to Lombok to the closest international hospital. This hospital called ‘Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga’ hospital and is just south east of Mataram on Lombok. Therefore medical insurance can really help in such an event.

The clinics on the island have efficient staff who can speak basic English but I would also advise carrying a basic first aid kit just to ensure you are not without something that you may find hard to find on the islands at their local pharmacies or clinics. 

Another key thing I carry and use daily on the islands is mosquito spray to protect myself from mosquito bites as not only to avoid the annoying itchiness but although not common, there are still some cases of dengue and malaria.

Finally in terms of health the tap water is something that should be avoided so try to stick to bottled bottle and avoiding the ice cubes to ensure no upset stomachs. 

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are predominately reliant on tourism and hospitably therefore this gives way to a few opportunities to find another side hussle to your main method of employment such as: 

• Dive instructor – With the Gili Islands being renowned for their underwater life its no wonder almost every traveler wants to go on a dive and with every island having an abundance of centers it shouldn’t be too hard to find a position.
• Hotel employee – with the huge reliance on tourism there are many hotels / guesthouses that would always need help from admin staff to cooks and cleaners.
• Bar or restaurant worker – there are a number of restaurants and bars so if hospitality is your thing then be sure to connect with them as it’s also a great way to interact and make new friends.
• Teach Yoga – if you are already a qualified yoga teacher there are various companies who offer daily yoga sessions who I’m sure would always welcome new teachers.
• Photographer – with serene settings from the white sandy beaches to the exotic underwater marine life, this place is a dream come true for any photographer.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.