Don’t forget Gilis! Nine reasons not to miss the little sisters of Bali

Bali has been on the tourist trail for years, and while you definitely don’t want to miss it, set aside some time to leave the crowds and explore Bali’s three little sisters: Gili Trawangan (also known as Gili T), Gili Air and Gili Meno, ranked by size and vibrancy. All three are blessed with pure white beaches, some of the friendliest people in the world and delicious food. And if a quick Google image search wasn’t enough to convince you, here’s why you should head there.

If you want to relax

A soothing massage on the beach 📷: @anes_thetize

There aren’t many more relaxing pastimes than a Balinese massage, performed to the sound of the waves on the shore and the rustling breeze in the surrounding hibiscus and frangipani trees. Massage costs from a few dollars, so it can be justified even with a backpacker’s budget.

Eating the best mashed potatoes in the world

It’s not exactly a dish for those who care too much about their bodies at the beach, but for lovers of cheesy, buttery mashed potatoes, the mashed potatoes at Green Café in the night market at Gili T are the best you can get. Served with a fresh tuna steak and veggies, this $3 dish is a total steal.

Diving and freediving

Swim with the fish 📷: @rosellawatee

The rich crystal waters around Gilis provide some of the best dive sites in the world and the cheap, albeit reputable, instructors make it a great place to learn – chances are you’ll see a turtle on your first attempt. However, if you’ve already overdone the diving, you can always take up freediving. Gili T is home to Indonesia’s first freediving centre, and you can learn to hold your breath underwater for more than three minutes.

If you want to practice responsible tourism

All too often, when you travel to a new place, it can be a little disconcerting to see an area or culture being destroyed because of the tourism you’re a part of. However, there are extensive sustainable tourism programs and local initiatives on Gillis Island that visitors can get involved in. These range from participating in beach clean-ups and sponsoring turtles to simply reminding people not to overuse water. Obviously, the islands will never return to their pre-tourist status, but it is nice to visit a place that cares so much about its people and environment.

Sleep cheap

Chillling at Begadang Backpackers on Gili Air 📷: @rrvlll_

Despite being located in one of the most beautiful places in the world, you can choose cheap accommodation. The biggest selection is on Gili T, but you can find bargains on other islands too if you book in advance. My favourite host was Gili La Boheme, which boasts a rooftop sunbathing area, free pancakes and is opposite a fantastic yoga centre. All this for just $13 a night!

Horse and carriage travel

One of the reasons Gili is so laid-back is the ban on all motorized transport, which, considering you can walk around the entire largest island in an hour, isn’t exactly inconvenient. However, if you’ve got a heavy bag or just want to relax, a colourfully harnessed horse and cart will take you to your destination for a dollar or two.

To absorb the breathtaking views

You wanted to see a seahorse, right? 📷: @hairbear_

As mentioned and pictured above, the Gili Islands are stunningly beautiful tropical islands and the imposing backdrop of Lombok adds drama to the ocean views. If you’re lucky, you might even get a pod of dolphins in the shot.

To shop for cheap pearls

The waters surrounding the Gili Islands are home to Lombok’s famous pearl farms, meaning you can buy jewellery at reduced prices on the islands and even visit the farms to learn more about the pearl farming process.

Try to find out why cats only have half-tails

Thanks to a ban on cars and dogs, the Gili Islands are a cat’s paradise 📷: @lixsa_

If you have a spare afternoon and an enquiring mind, you can try to solve the age-old mystery of where the cats’ tails have gone on the Gili Islands. Instead of a full tail, they all have strange miniature half-locks. Locals have various explanations for this, from a genetic setup to the tails being a tasty addition to soup.

Gili Air Hostels | Gili Trawangan Hostels | Gili Meno Hostels

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About the author

Lima Curtis backpacked through Southeast Asia, exploring cattails and eating cheesy mashed potatoes before becoming a staff writer for The Monocular magazine.