Looking for a destination to get away from and escape the icy cold of winter? What about the islands that were the most popular Google search for travel destinations this year?
Not sure which islands are at the top of the list? Well, I have to admit it’s not one of the popular islands I’ve heard of. I usually think of the Azores, Tenerife, Sicily, Iceland, Phuket and maybe even Hawaii. But the ones that topped the list were the Gili Islands in Indonesia.
Welcome to the Gili Islands
Located just off the coast of Lombok Island in Indonesia, the Gili Islands are a somewhat challenging place to actually visit without an airport or flight service.
The main way to reach the islands is via ferry from Bangsal, Teluk Nare or even the popular tourist destination of Bali.
What was a backpacker destination in the 1980s and 1990s has become the Instagrammable tourist hotspot of 2024.
Three different holiday options
There are three small islands that make up the Gili Islands in Indonesia. That makes sense, since the word ‘gili’ is actually ‘small island’ in an Indonesian dialect.
Each of the three islands offers travelers a different holiday experience, depending on what they are specifically looking for on their holiday.
Gili Trawangan is the largest and by far the most visited of the Gili Islands. Most people know it
Gili Trawangan is called the ‘party island’, but it actually has much more to offer than just that. It certainly targets a younger target group.
Meanwhile, Gili Air sounds like the local airline, but is instead the second largest island in the chain. It is closest to mainland Lombok. It has the more traditional feel of the three islands and is actually home to a well-developed local community.
The smallest island, Gili Meno, is actually sandwiched between the two other islands and has more of a tropical island atmosphere. It is considered the most relaxing of the three islands and a great place to escape to a beach.
What to expect when visiting the Gilis
For travelers heading to the Gilis, most activities, unsurprisingly, revolve around the beach and sea.
The most popular activity is diving. There are almost 20 popular dive sites on the islands and plenty of places to train and get certified. Freediving and snorkeling are also popular tourist activities in the sea.
For those looking for activities outside the water, there are plenty of party boats, yoga and walking on the beach. Generally, a walk around any entire island takes 90 minutes or less, although tourists are advised to avoid the heat of the day.
Travelers can also visit the Gili Meno Bird Park or the green and loggerhead turtles on two of the islands.
Tourists should be aware that the main religion in the Gilis is Muslim and should behave modestly according to the traditions and norms of the religion.
Meanwhile, the weather is hotter and drier than most places in Indonesia. It is definitely less rainy than Bali and the rainy season runs from November to April.
The high season in the Gilis is the winter holiday season December-January and the summer season July-August.
Because the supply of hotels is limited and in high demand, tourists to the Gilis must book hotels well in advance. Although there are reports that sleeping on the beach is generally acceptable and relatively safe.
