Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $7–18 | $20–55 |
| Food | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Transport | $2–5 | $5–15 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $25–50 |
| Boat Transfer | $10–15 | $20–35 |
| Daily Total | $20–50 | $55–140 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on Arrival for most nationalities — 30 days, $35 USD, extendable once at immigration in Bali or Lombok
- No separate entry requirement for the Gili Islands — they are part of Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara province)
- Keep copies of your passport and visa — the originals stay safer at your accommodation
Health & Safety
- No hospital on any Gili island — serious injuries require evacuation to Lombok (30 minutes) or Bali (2 hours). Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential
- Drink only bottled or filtered water. Most guesthouses provide free refill stations — bring a reusable bottle
- Mosquitoes carry dengue — use repellent at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a net if your room does not have air conditioning
Getting Around
- No motorised vehicles on any Gili island — transport is by bicycle, walking, or horse-drawn cidomo cart
- Bicycles rent for IDR 50,000 per day. The islands are flat and small — Gili Trawangan takes 45 minutes to cycle around
- Fast boats from Bali (Padangbai or Serangan) take 1.5–2.5 hours. Public boats from Bangsal harbour on Lombok take 30 minutes
Connectivity
- Mobile signal is available on all three islands but can be slow — Telkomsel has the best coverage
- WiFi at guesthouses and cafes is generally functional but not fast. Download offline content before arriving
- Power cuts occasionally occur — bring a portable charger for your phone
Money
- Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). ATMs available on Gili Trawangan only — bring cash from the mainland as backup
- Some restaurants and dive shops accept cards but charge a 3% surcharge. Cash is king for small purchases
- Tipping is not required but appreciated — IDR 10,000–20,000 for good service at restaurants, more for dive instructors
Packing Tips
- Reef shoes for rocky beach entries, a good snorkel mask, and reef-safe sunscreen are the essentials
- Pack light — you carry your own bag from the boat to your accommodation. Wheels do not work on sand paths
- A waterproof phone pouch (IDR 20,000 from any beach shop) is invaluable for snorkelling photos and turtle selfies
Cultural tips
Respect the Sasak Culture
The Gili Islands are part of Lombok, home to the Muslim Sasak people. Dress modestly when away from the beach — cover shoulders and knees in villages. Be aware of prayer times and keep noise levels respectful.
Protect Marine Life
Do not touch, stand on, or break coral. Never touch, ride, or chase sea turtles — it is illegal and causes them serious stress. Use reef-safe sunscreen only. The Gili Islands are a marine protected area and enforcement is increasing.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing locals, especially Sasak fishermen and their families. Underwater photography is welcomed but never use flash near marine life — it disorients turtles and fish.
Language & Communication
English is widely spoken on Gili Trawangan. Learn basic Indonesian — terima kasih (thank you), tolong (please), tidak (no). Locals appreciate the effort and respond warmly to even a few words.
Support Local Communities
Buy from local warungs rather than Western-owned restaurants. Choose locally-owned guesthouses and dive shops that employ island residents. Participate in beach clean-ups organised by Gili Eco Trust if you have time.
Embrace Island Pace
Nothing runs on schedule on the Gilis — boats leave when they are full, food arrives when it is ready, and the concept of urgency does not exist. Relax into it and you will enjoy the islands far more.
