Bali and Gili Islands Packages: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno

Just across the water from Bali, off the coast of Lombok, lie three tiny coral islands with no cars and no motorbikes: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Here you cycle on sandy lanes, ride horse-drawn carts called cidomo, snorkel with sea turtles in clear water and watch the sun set over Bali's Mount Agung. Adding the Gili Islands to a Bali holiday is one of the best ways to make the trip feel truly special.

We have 16 Bali and Gili packages of 5 to 10 nights, each combining one or two nights on the Gilis with Ubud and a Bali beach area, plus fast boat transfers, sightseeing and, on most trips, a day on Nusa Penida.

Gili Trawangan is the largest and liveliest, with a long strip of restaurants, beach bars and dive shops, a famous sunset swing on the west coast, and a night market for local food. It is where most visitors stay, and where our packages are usually booked.

Gili Meno, the smallest, is the quietest and most romantic, with an underwater statue circle popular with snorkellers and a salt lake in the middle of the island.

Gili Air, closest to Lombok, is a happy middle ground: relaxed and friendly, with good snorkelling and a village atmosphere.

A shared snorkelling boat trip usually visits all three islands in a few hours, so wherever you stay, you can see the others.

Fast boats leave Bali every morning, mainly from Padang Bai on the east coast and from Serangan or Sanur near the southern beach areas. The crossing usually takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the port, the boat and the sea. On arrival there is no jetty for large boats, so be ready to step off into shallow water; luggage is carried ashore and taken to your hotel by cidomo.

• Included in our packages: return fast boat on a shared basis, with a cidomo transfer on the island and pickups from your Bali hotel.
• Pack light: take a small overnight bag; larger suitcases can stay at your Bali hotel.
• Sea conditions: crossings can be choppy, especially from July to September, and boats can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather. Take seasickness tablets if you need them.

• Snorkel with turtles on a glass-bottom boat or snorkelling trip around the three islands.
• Cycle around Gili Trawangan in about an hour, stopping at quiet beaches.
• Watch the sunset from the west coast swings and beanbag bars.
• Learn to dive: the Gilis are one of the best and most affordable places in Asia for a beginner's course.
• Try the night market on Gili Trawangan for grilled fish, satay and local snacks; vegetarian options are available.
• Relax: with no traffic and no rush, the islands are made for hammocks and beach cafés.

Choose by the number of nights and the Bali areas you want to combine. Packages with two Gili nights include a full free day on the island; the longer trips add Nusa Penida and leisure days in Bali.

The Gili Islands belong to Lombok, Bali's larger and quieter neighbour, known for Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, and beautiful southern beaches such as Kuta Lombok and Selong Belanak. Our packages focus on Bali and the Gilis, but we can add nights on Lombok itself on request.

The dry season from April to October brings the calmest seas and clearest water for snorkelling. The rainy months from November to March are still pleasant, with sunny spells between showers, though crossings can be rougher. Read our guide to the best time to visit Bali.