The Gili Islands are located to the northwest of Lombok, heading towards Bali. It takes about an hour to reach them from Senggigi Beach on Lombok itself. From west to east they are named Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. They are tiny islands surrounded by white sandy beaches that are covered with palm trees. There are no motorized transportations on any of the islands – only bicycles and horse and carts are used (cidomo). Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the islands and it has more of nightlife than Gili Air and Gili Meno, which are quieter in general. Gili Meno is home to a bird park and Gili Air is attempting to protect its local turtle population by using pens to help hatchlings develop.

The Gili islands provide visitors with calm, crystal-clear waters, white-sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, relaxation and some of the best scuba diving and Dive centers in Indonesia. As a holiday destination in Indonesia, Gili Trawangan has quite a lot to offer you. Throughout the day or night there is as much or as little to do as you choose. From a mouth-watering menu offered by local restaurants, budget hotels until luxury villa such as Villa Ombak. A beach to play on, walk, cycle or horse ride around the tropical island, go snorkeling or scuba diving, learn to scuba dive, watch amazing sunsets and sunrises, late night parties. The real excitement and adventure begins when you explore beneath the calm, clear blue tropical waters that surround Gili Trawangan and go diving.

When to go:

Avoid December and January because the heavy rainfall during these months will reduce visibility.

Water temperature:

This depends on your dive location because there are many cold currents and upwellings. However, expect a temperature range of about 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F)

Suit:

3mm shortie to 5mm wetsuit, dependent on the region you dive

Type of diving:

Reef slopes, drop offs, plateaus, caves and wrecks

Some of the Best Dive Sites:

• Andy's Reef & Giant Clam off of the west coast
• Sunset Reef & Shark Point off of the west coast
• Malik Reef & Turbo Reef both off of the north coast