FAQ's (Frequently asked questions)

Is there a Gili islands tourist information office?

Not in the Gilis but there is in Bali, and there is help & information online.

Tourism Information Offices - About Bali

* JI Bakungsari, Tel: +62 361 751660 ext 145
* Ground Floor, Century Plaza Building, JI Benesari No7, Tel: +62 361 754090

Plus Island Promotions Travel are the Gili specialists and have 2 offices listed below in Poppies Lane 1, (Next to Havanna) & Benesari just off Poppies Lane 2, (Suka beach).

You can also contact them by Yahoo messenger and Skype.

- Whats the difference between the 3 Gili islands?

Basically Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular, it has by far the largest amount of accommodation especially mid range to top end luxury vilas and the only
five star resort on all the islands, and therefore has the most facilities. They include
six established dive centres and many international restaurants. Trawangan island
is most suited to families, because it has the most facilities, and also has a reasonable party scene which is not as hyped as it sounds, but lots of fun, only Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays get noisy and which are supposed to finish at 4am.

Gili Meno is the smallest island in the middle of the other 2 islands and is still really grass roots, mostly visited by honeymooners and people who really want to get away from it all. It has limited accommodation, limited resources, is generally more expensive for what you get than the other islands, and most places including restaurants close around 8-9pm. It does have some of the best beaches though, so be sure to book well in advance....

That leaves Gili Air, the original backpacker destination of the 80’s, slowly catching up with big brother Trawanagan with more places to stay appearing, the first big beach front international restaurant, 3 dive centres, and a very relaxed atmosphere. Its kind of like Trawangan 10 years ago.

For more detailed information about alll 3 islands, please [click here]

Is there an ATM on the Gili islands?

Yes now there are 2 ATM machines on Gili Trawangan at Hotel Villa Ombak resort, Bank Mandiri and Bank Internasional Indonesia.

Both work 24 hours a day and are really pretty reliable, both have reasonable withdrawal limits and do not have hidden or extra charges.

Is there Malaria in the Gili islands?

No. There is no Malaria in the Gili islands, and it is not necessary to take malaria tablets either, you will find that the usual precautions of wearing repellent and long loose clothing is the best protection, and most hotels use a spray when they clean the rooms.

In fact we advise people to not take anti malaria medication as usually they make you feel ill, and you will not be able to scuba dive if that is what you intend to do also.

Which is the best place for snorkelling?

The best places for snorkeling and swimming are along the main beach areas. Masks, fins and snorkels can be rented by the hour or day, from any of the 7 PADI and SSI dive centers or the kiosks in the street.

Glass bottom boat trips around the three Gili islands are available and cost around 175,000rp per person. You can see all types of marine life just by snorkeling including many fishes and corals and of course lots of turtles, but please be careful not to touch the coral.

Please Note; Do not try to swim between any of the 3 Gili islands as the currents in the channel can be unpredictable and very strong.

Can I go horse riding along the beach?

Firstly it is only possible on Trawangan island, but it is very easy to book, just ask one
of the staff where you will be staying and they will help arrange it for you.

There is only one stables called ' STUD STABLES ' and it's better if you have some previous experience of horses beforehand.

The cost is approximately $25 usd for an hour, which should get you more or less around the island, either on the paths and some along the quieter beaches.

When is the best time to go to the Gilis?

The Seasons guide -

Weather as a rough guide is rainy season from November to April, however as anywhere in the world, it has been raining this year until the end of July, and now
almost half of August, and is usually now the best weather until November.

The best months to visit the Gilis for weather and beating the crowds are January, February, October and November.

Gili island hotels general guide for seasonal pricing:

Mid season is May, June and October,
Low season is February, March, April and November,
High season is January, July, August, September and December.

However - the Balinese holiday of Nyepi, Christian holidays of Easter,(Good Friday) and Christmas Day, the Muslim holiday of Idul Fitri, and of course, New year's Eve, always have peak season surcharges from the hotels.

Please note; in these peak periods the islands are fully booked, so please be sure to book well in advance to avoid dissaointment & ensure your choice of hotel.

For your information there is a special Balinese holiday usually in mid March called Nyepi. So if you are hoping to come from Bali that day unfortunately you will not be able to. Basically the holy rules are you are not allowed out on the streets, and no lights are allowed on either for 24 hours. Even the airport will close.

Please note; this does not however affect Lombok or the Gili islands.

When is Ramadan and will everything be closed ?

This year Ramadan started on the 8th August 2010 and the festival celebration after the 1 month of fasting is called 'Idul Fitri' and the dates are 10th & 11th of September 2010.

Yes many locally owned businesses will close for those 2 days, however all western businesses will carry on as normal, please just be patient and allow for the fact your meal may take longer to prepare and be served, or your room may not get cleaned as thoroughly as normal due to the fact it is a national holiday and there will be minimum staff working.

How does Ramadan effect Gili nightlife?

Ramadan as you quite rightly say falls in the middle of high season this year.

The parties unfortunately are cancelled during this time, however all the bars are open as usual, and it is only a noise restriction which is imposed.

So there will still be nighlife and music as usual until 12pm, then the music is just turned doen to a non disturbing level.

It should'nt be a reason for you to not go though, in fact this high season is proving more popular than ever.

How can I book my Gili holiday?

Just fill in the appropriate contact us page with your requests and please give us as much information as possible, also feel free to contact us for general information.

We at Island Promotions Travel can organise everything for you so you don't need to worry about a thing. Let us take the stress out of your arrangements from the minute you land at Denpasar aiport including express VIP immigration clearance, Bali accommodation, Nusa Lembongan accommodation, Lombok & flores also, and boats between the islands, domestic flights and anything and everything else to do with the
three Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno and Gili Air.

Your questions?

I hope you find our websites usefull, and please help us to help other visitors if you
have usefull tips or new information then please feel free to contact us, or post your pictures and experiences good or bad on www.gili-blog.com

Thanks and regards,

Phil Smith +62 81 338 114 232

Marketing Manager
Island Promotions Travel,

Shop 1 -
The Gili Paradise Shop,
No. 12, Poppies Lane 1,
Kuta, Bali. Tel - +62 361 753241

Shop 2 –
Island Promotions Travel
Suka Beach, JL. Benesari,
Poppies Lane 2, Kuta, Bali.
Tel / Fax - +62 361 766220

SMS bookings - +62 81 805 305 632
SKYPE – VIPSKYPE7
Yahoo messenger - gili.paradise

Gili Blog - information, events, news, comments

Gili Hotels - villas, hotels & backpacker beach huts

Gili Fastboat - for fast boat on line booking reservations

Gili Property - real estate, land and villa sales, villa rentals

Gili Paradise - general information, transport, diving packages

Island Promotions Travel - company profile, packages & general islands info