5 Best Places to Chill Out in Gili Islands

Advertisement

Gili Islands (Air, Meno, and Trawangan) on the northwestern coast of Lombok Island is popular for its laid-back atmosphere. Many people even escape from Bali to Gili Islands exactly for that reason. These islands have legendary status as party islands.

Pearl Beach Lounge. via Instagram/
Pearl Beach Lounge. via Instagram/jonk.jr

Just an hour away from Mataram, the Gilis are easily accessible. You can even come to these islands directly from Bali. Even though they are small islands, the Gilis really does live up to its reputation as a place you can enjoy a tropical paradise.

The best part is that everything in the Gilis is cheaper than in Bali unless you are being scammed by fake guides. Here are some of the best places where you can enjoy the islands.

Gili Meno Eco Hostel

Gili Meno Eco Hostel. via Instagram/
Gili Meno Eco Hostel. via Instagram/nagisp

This hotel, if you can say it so, is not a typical lodging establishment. Its motto is ‘Built by travelers for travelers’. It provides a place for anyone, from tourists with very low budget to those who can spend a lucrative amount of money for a better bed. This place is also ideal to meet people from all over the world. Within its premises, you can find a seaside swing, a gathering spot where everyone can chill out together at night.

Pearl Beach Lounge

Pearl Beach Lounge. via Instagram/
Pearl Beach Lounge. via Instagram/giselepenelope08

This fancy restaurant is located on Gili Trawangan. This lounge is a bit more expensive than other nearby restaurants. It has unique structures and is made entirely from bamboo. You can enjoy the food here under the roof of its unique cabanas, just a few meters away from the sea. Dining by the sea here with a loved one would be an unforgettable moment.

Gili Air Lagoon Resort

Gili Air Lagoon Resort. via Instagram/
Gili Air Lagoon Resort. via Instagram/giliairlagoon

This unique resort gives you choice to dip in a freshwater or salt water. You will stay in a unique compound of resorts that circles a lagoon. You can just jump into the pool straight from your room. If you want more adventure, you can go out to the sea and explore on a transparent kayak. You can see the seabed clearly. It’s just like snorkeling without being wet.

Casa Vintage Store

Casa Vintage Resort. via Instagram/
Casa Vintage Resort. via Instagram/mrifqi96

Unlike the others in this list, this is not a hotel or resort. It is a store and a bar where you can chill and absolutely relax. The shop part sells vintage items, great for souvenirs. The open bar by the sea is where the fun happens. Sunsets here are majestic and every evening, there is a bonfire party. Cold drinks and nice conversation here is the recipe for a great evening here.

The Exile

The Exile Gili Trawangan. via Instagram/
The Exile Gili Trawangan. via Instagram/

The Exile is a small rustic resort, a perfect escape for those who want a place to lazy around while still get many instagrammable spots. You can try its sea hammock and swing. Being in the Gilis, you will definitely find a vast blue sea panorama wherever you go, including here. If you are feeling unusually lazy, you can just enjoy the scenery of its sunbeds.

Gili Air Lagoon Resort. via Instagram/
Gili Air Lagoon Resort. via Instagram/stratopix

Gili Islands are the perfect destination for the ultimate laid-back vacation. You can be lazy and still many beautiful places here. The best feature is that there are many budget inns and resort that are ideal for backpackers.

Advertisement
Tags
Gili Air Gili Meno Gili Trawangan Lombok
Share