Gili Islands vs Nusa Penida

Gili islands or Nusa Penida?

When travelers say “Gili Islands,” they usually mean the three small islands off the west coast of Lombok, Indonesia—right across from Mount Rinjani volcano. Strictly speaking, the term is a bit redundant: in the Sasak language of Lombok, “gili” simply means “island.” The three best-known Gilis are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air (often shortened to T, M, and A).

It’s worth remembering that there are many other “Gilis” around Lombok, and even some near Padang Bai in Bali. But when most travelers talk about “the Gilis,” they mean these three.

If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia and Bali and wondering whether to choose the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida, the answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. You could also consider Nusa Lembongan as an alternative—or even better, explore both Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands for a more complete island-hopping adventure.

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Which Gili Island Should You Visit?

• Gili Trawangan (Gili T): Known for its vibrant nightlife, beach bars, and parties—popular with younger travelers.
• Gili Meno: The quietest of the three, perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic, secluded escape.
• Gili Air: Offers a balance between the two—laid-back vibes with enough restaurants and activities to stay entertained.

It’s also worth noting that tourism in the Gili Islands was heavily affected by the 2018 eruption of Mount Rinjani and the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. Still, the islands have been steadily recovering and welcoming more visitors again.

Gili Islands after Rinjani volcano eruption

I have gathered numerous accounts from tourists who were present during or after the eruption. Unfortunately, the vibrant and lively atmosphere that once characterized Gili Trawangan has now been subdued, as it was reported to have suffered 70% destruction due to the subsequent earthquakes. Nevertheless, the island has since been rebuilt. Gili Air was less impacted, and when I went there recently, the island was almost back to normal.

A tough impact on tourism

The eruption had a significant impact on tourism in the Gili Islands. Firstly, many establishments, including hotels and restaurants, were partially or destroyed. Secondly, a considerable number of tourists shared their anxiety over the earthquake and the terrifying night they spent outside their accommodations, fearing aftershocks. The tsunami warning issued 20 minutes after the earthquake also left many tourists terrified, especially since the highest point in the Gili Islands is only a few meters above sea level, leaving little chance of survival in case of a tsunami.

The earthquake resulted in approximately 100 casualties, mainly in the north of Lombok, including 7 Indonesian tourists in Gili Trawangan. The testimonies of the 2,000 evacuated foreigners, still traumatized by their experience, have led to a significant number of tourists reconsidering their decision to visit the Gili Islands in 2018 and 2019. If you intend to visit the Gilis for partying, it may be best to wait a little longer. However, if you seek tranquility, this may be the perfect time, especially after the coronavirus crisis.

Tourist infrastructures

Tourism emerged on the Gili Islands approximately three decades ago, which, prior to that, were uninhabited. The largest of the three islands, Trawangan, only spans 2 km². Over time, tourism has flourished, resulting in nearly every square meter of the islands being built upon. The offerings are diverse, ranging from quaint bungalows situated close to the beach to luxurious hotels. There is also an array of restaurants, bars, and diving centers available. Furthermore, beach bars facing west offer striking sunsets.

Many hotels are now offering early 2025 Deals on Booking.com.

Despite being considered party islands, the main difference between the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida is the lack of paved roads on the former. Due to their size, walking around each island along the beach is a possibility. Motor vehicles are generally forbidden, with rare exceptions for locals. It’s pleasant to walk or ride a bike, or use a horse-drawn cart to transfer luggage from the boat to the hotel. It’s a bonus that one can walk around the entire island in an hour.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Nusa Penida’s scuba diving sites are undeniably more diverse and stunning than those of the Gili Islands. The Nusa Penida waters boast sightings of Manta rays, the seasonal Mola Mola from July to October, and a vast array of fish and corals. Sadly, the Gili Islands’ coral reef has suffered severe damage from tourism and dynamite fishing practices.

Despite this, the Gili Islands still have many sea turtles to spot while snorkeling from the beaches. However, the most breathtaking snorkeling spots are primarily accessible by boat in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

Beaches

The beaches on the Gili Islands are undeniably stunning and offer the classic picture-perfect sandy beach on a remote island. The sunsets are equally breathtaking, and many bars provide the perfect ambiance with relaxing lounge music. On the other hand, Nusa Penida boasts a more diverse, untamed, and spectacular coastline, although less accessible, especially for families with young children. Nusa Lembongan’s beaches, however, offer a happy medium, resembling those of the Gili Islands but with the bonus of being closer to Nusa Penida. Additionally, surfers will appreciate the opportunities in Nusa Lembongan. If you’re still undecided, consider your primary objective. If it’s a leisurely beach stay with children, then Nusa Lembongan might be an ideal choice, as Nusa Penida is a quick 10-minute boat ride away.

Landscapes

Undoubtedly, Nusa Penida deserves the award for its breathtaking landscapes, boasting iconic sites like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel Billabong. The high cliffs on the west coast provide stunning sunset views, making it a must-visit destination. For a better idea of what to expect, check out my top 15 sights to see in Nusa Penida. While the seashores in the Gilis are beautiful, they simply can’t compare to the spectacular natural beauty of Nusa Penida’s landscapes.

Boat connections from Bali

There are 16 companies offering 40 daily fast boat connections between Bali and Nusa Penida. Departures are available from Sanur or Kusamba, near Padang Bai. The journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and 20 minutes, respectively. The service runs like a shuttle, allowing you to make a last-minute decision. However, I do not recommend taking a return trip during the day.

Reaching the Gili Islands can be time-consuming, and my first personal experience with an all-inclusive ticket from my hotel in Seminyak to Gili Air was not favorable. The pick-up time was 7 am, and we made multiple stops before arriving at Benoa at 9 am. Further stops were made at Padang Bai and Gili Trawangan before arriving at Gili Air at 3 pm.

Instead, I recommend traveling to Padang Bai on your own and taking a fast boat directly to the Gilis. The trip typically takes 2.5 hours, provided the sea conditions are favorable. 

To book your fast boat tickets to Nusa Penida or to the Gili islands I recommand you to book online with 12go. You can secure reasonable fares with most of the good fast boat companies.

Nusa Penida to the Gili islands

Traveling between Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, and Lombok is easy with daily fast boats.

Eka Jaya Fast Boat runs two daily trips with stops at Padang Bai, Senggigi, the Gilis (Trawangan, Meno, Air), and Bangsal. Their large boats (23m, 210 passengers) are comfortable and fast. Departures from Nusa Penida are at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM, with return options from the Gilis and Lombok in the afternoon.

For a quicker ride, Semaya One Fast Boat provides a direct service between Nusa Penida and the Gilis. The boat leaves Penida at 10:00 AM (arrives 11:45 AM) and returns from the Gilis at 12:00 PM, reaching Penida around 2:30 PM.

Nusa Lembongan to the Gili islands

You can also find other fast boat operators and compare schedules easily on 12go, one of the most reliable booking platforms in Bali and Indonesia.

• Earliest departure: 09:00 AM
• Latest departure: 13:15 PM
• Duration: 2h–4h depending on operator
• Frequency: ~16 daily departures
• Operators: Wanderlust, Bali Tour, The Tanis Express/Fast Cruise, Scoot, Semaya One, Ekajaya, Buyuk Fast Cruise
• Price range: ~USD $13 – $27

👉 Fastest option: The Tanis Express (09:30–11:30, ~2h)
👉 Cheapest option: Semaya One (~$13, 11:15–14:00)

Flying to Lombok

Another option is to fly to Lombok and visit Kuta Lombok before heading to the Gilis. Keep in mind that this option will be more expensive. And that the airport is anyway pretty far away from Kuta and from Bangsal. To find the most affordable flights, consider checking Trip.com. 

Culture

Without a doubt, Nusa Penida showcases a stronger cultural presence than the Gili Islands. Notably, Penida is home to the revered temple of Ped, housing the powerful demon Mecaling. Furthermore, the magnificent cave-temple of Goa Giri Putri is a must-visit attraction for tourists. If you’re fortunate, you may also witness traditional Bali festivals and ceremonies celebrated in most Penida villages.

Conversely, the Gili Islands and Lombok follow the Muslim faith, but alcohol consumption is permitted. However, visiting during Ramadan may not be the most suitable time.

Nusa Penida or Gili Islands – Which Should You Choose?

To sum it up:

• If you’re looking for a peaceful escape without the noise of cars or scooters,
• Prefer a lively yet laid-back beach vibe where walking is the main way to get around,
• Or if you have enough time to explore both the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida,

👉 then the Gili Islands are a great choice.

However, if you want to:

• Experience Bali as it felt 30 years ago,
• Enjoy breathtaking scenery and dramatic landscapes,
• Combine land adventures, water activities, and world-class diving or snorkeling,
• And you need to pick just one destination,

👉 then choose Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan instead.

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Still Deciding Between Gili Islands and Nusa Penida?

If you have any questions about what to do in Nusa Penida, feel free to email me or leave a comment below this article—I’ll be happy to help. You can also explore these related guides for more insights and tips.