Area Guide

【Gili Islands Travel Guide: Ultimate Paradise Destination】: Immerse Yourself in a Heavenly Island Getaway!

2024年4月10日 ✏️ 編輯文章

(The following images and text are provided by Coco Hsiao from the Facebook group, with permission for editing and modification)

吉利群島蕭雅心提供

Gili Islands provided by Coco Hsiao

For travelers around the world, Bali is like a paradise on earth, seemingly possessing everything one could desire. Yet, even so, for those of us who love to explore, this beautiful island still struggles to fully satisfy our inner cravings. That’s why today, I’m introducing a place not far from Bali, but even more enchanting and dreamlike - the Gili Islands!

Introduction to the Gili Islands

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Gili Islands provided by Coco Hsiao

The Gili Islands consist of three small islands - the lively Gili Trawangan, the tranquil Gili Meno, and the vibrant Gili Air. People commonly refer to these islands as Gili T, Gili M, and Gili A. Departing from Padangbai port on the eastern side of Bali, a 2-hour speedboat ride will take you to this secluded paradise.

Book your Padangbai to Gili Islands ferry tickets here

There are also boats available from Serangan Harbour in Sanur:

Sanur to Gili Islands Fast Boat Tickets

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Gili Islands, provided by Xiao Yaxin

Once you step onto the pristine white sandy beaches of the Gili Islands, you’ll be completely captivated by the stunning scenery. The islands are surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, offering a serene and untouched environment. Motorized vehicles are completely banned on the islands, leaving only three simple yet leisurely modes of transportation: walking, cycling, and horse-drawn carriages.

吉利群島交通方式只有步行/腳踏車/馬車

Transportation on the Gili Islands is limited to walking, cycling, and horse-drawn carriages.

The islands are dotted with sprawling palm groves, winding paths, and beachside bar huts, creating a unique tropical charm. Among the three beautiful islands, if I had to choose one, I would wholeheartedly recommend Gili T.

Gili T

Gili T, known as the party island, is the largest of the three. It’s brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Just a two-hour boat ride from Bali, the island primarily relies on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages for transportation.

Island Fun and Experiences

On this beautiful and magical white sand island, you can spend a few leisurely days. Although it takes some time to get here from Bali, once you set foot on this land, you’ll find it truly unique. Most visitors are from Europe and America, adding to the island’s distinctive charm.

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Gili Islands, provided by Xiao Yaxin

The charm of Gili T lies in its diversity. You can easily walk or cycle around the entire island, which is incredibly small yet boasts comprehensive facilities. Here, you’ll find outdoor cinemas, pool bars, various restaurants, yoga centers, gyms, fish markets, cooking classes, diving activities, massage and hair salons, and more. The island’s residents are always warm and hospitable, and there’s even a full moon party every month, fulfilling all your desires for a vacation adventure.

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Photo provided by Xiao Yaxin

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

If you love scuba diving, Gili T is undoubtedly your paradise. Although the marine ecosystem here isn’t particularly rich and there aren’t many corals, you can observe various marine creatures up close. You can even spot turtles while snorkeling and sharks while scuba diving.

吉利群島浮潛蕭雅心提供

Snorkeling in the Gili Islands, photo provided by Xiao Yaxin

Book Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Here:

Gili T Snorkeling Experience

Gili Islands Full-Day Diving Trip

Gili Islands Two-Dive Experience (PADI 5-Star Dive Center)

In the evening, the island’s bars stay open late, making it a must-visit spot for those who enjoy nightlife.

吉利T入夜變身成為派對島

Gili T transforms into a party island at night

Island Accommodation Recommendations

For accommodations, I recommend booking online. Here are some great options:

Manta Dive Resort: Located right by the port with a front-row sea view, offering excellent food and comfortable wooden bungalows. This is also a top choice for diving enthusiasts.
The White Bay: Compact rooms with a swimming pool, just a ten-minute walk from the port, making it a cozy accommodation option.
Colorful House: A simple guesthouse with spacious rooms and affordable rates, offering great value with breakfast included. If you don’t mind the lack of a pool, this is a solid choice.
Serene Beach Villa: Located on the west coast, this beach villa is about a ten-minute horse cart ride from the port. It boasts a prime front-row sea view, perfect for sunset watching. Besides the pool, the beach outside the villa is an ideal spot for sunset viewing. There’s also a convenience store nearby for your needs.

Entertainment and Activities

You’ll never be bored on Gili T. There are plenty of entertainment options to choose from, such as:

Rabbit Jump: A pool bar with a two-and-a-half-story diving platform, offering delicious food and exciting activities.
Gili Castle: A social youth hostel that provides free dinner in the evening, making it a great place to meet friends from around the world.
Island Hopping: Join a half-day or full-day island-hopping tour to snorkel and see turtles and underwater statues.
We booked a six-hour snorkeling boat tour around the three Gili Islands, including an underwater photographer for about USD$68 per person. Don’t miss this if you want to capture unforgettable memories. Book here

吉利三島浮潛包船六小時行程

Six-hour snorkeling boat tour around the three Gili Islands

Auston Sunset Beach: Outdoor movie screenings with two free movies every night, and the hotel lobby offers tea and snacks.
Tequila Sunrise: A nightclub recommended by locals.
Turtle Point: A beach where you can snorkel and see turtles, with snorkeling gear available for rent nearby.
Mad Monkey: A pool bar on the west side, popular among foreign travelers.
Surfing: Surfboards are available for rent on the west beach.
Yoga: Join sunrise or sunset yoga sessions on the island.
Cooking classes: Experience making Indonesian dishes.
Other activities include billiards, shisha, and gym facilities.

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Gili Islands, provided by Xiao Yaxin

👇Other Fun Activities in the Gili Islands👇

Private Day Trip to Gili Kondo and Gili Kapal

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3-Day Scuba Diving in the Gili Islands (Certified)

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Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Private Tour in the Gili Islands

Pink Beach & Southeast Gili Islands Private Day Tour from Lombok

PS. About Magic Mushrooms in the Gili Islands

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Magic Mushrooms in the Gili Islands, provided by Xiao Yaxin

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms refer to varieties of mushrooms that contain higher levels of psilocybin, also widely known as psychedelic mushrooms. They are primarily used as recreational drugs, with effects including euphoria, altered thought processes, visual hallucinations (both with eyes open and closed), changes in the perception of time, and spiritual experiences.

Hallucinations are caused by a substance called psilocybin, which activates serotonin receptors in your brain. Some say it is similar to LSD, but with milder effects.

How Long Do the Effects of Magic Mushrooms Last?

Like many psychedelic substances, the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, so the experience can differ greatly from one user to another.

The effects typically last between 3 to 8 hours, depending on the dosage, preparation method, and individual metabolism. The first 3 to 4 hours are often referred to as the “peak period,” during which users experience the most vivid hallucinations and distortions of reality.

Are Magic Mushrooms Dangerous?

Since magic mushrooms can be found in the wild, they are often perceived as a “natural drug” or a safer alternative. To some extent, this is true.

Magic mushrooms have minimal side effects. Unlike cocaine or marijuana, they don’t increase the risk of mental health issues. They cause far less harm to our internal organs compared to heroin or cocaine. In fact, psilocybin mushrooms have been found to be beneficial for people suffering from depression.

The good news is that magic mushrooms are not addictive, meaning you won’t develop a dependency on them, and there are no withdrawal symptoms if you stop using them after long-term regular consumption.

The bad news is that there’s still a risk of having a ‘bad trip’ (keep reading to learn how to prevent this). Or you might accidentally consume a mushroom that looks similar but is entirely different and potentially dangerous. For example, datura mushrooms are highly toxic and can damage your kidneys or even be fatal.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?

In Indonesia, magic mushrooms are illegal by law. However, the Gili Islands are considered a safe haven for those seeking the euphoric effects of mushrooms. Bars openly sell magic mushrooms on their outdoor menus without fear.

Apart from their own ‘island security,’ the only police presence on the Gili Islands is at the port. I’m not sure if these enforcers are bribed to turn a blind eye, but to my knowledge, no one has been arrested for selling or using magic mushrooms. However, we don’t know how long this situation will last.

On some other islands, like Bali and Lombok, it’s also possible to find them, but you must be very, very careful. People trying to sell you drugs could be undercover police or imposters. Either way, it could land you in a lot of trouble.

Where to Find Magic Mushrooms on Gili Trawangan

I believe almost every bar/restaurant/hotel on Gili Trawangan sells magic mushrooms—if not on the menu, then under the table.

Our top recommendation is the beach bar on the left front side of the Mediterranean Restaurant at Sunset Beach on the west coast, marked with a ‘coco xiao’ sign on the top-left corner of the blackboard.

Did you find Yasin’s itinerary fascinating? It’s time to plan your own Bali adventure! We also welcome everyone to share your travel plans in our community!