While there are many other \u201cGilis\u201d around Lombok \u2014 and even a few near Padang Bai in Bali \u2014 the term Gili Islands<\/em> almost always refers to these three. Each offers a laid-back island atmosphere, but with very different vibes depending on which one you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re planning a trip to Indonesia and Bali<\/strong> and hesitating between the Gili Islands<\/strong> and Nusa Penida<\/strong>, the right choice really depends on the kind of experience you\u2019re looking for. Dramatic landscapes, wild beaches, and world-class diving point many travelers toward Nusa Penida<\/strong>, while others may prefer the flatter islands and relaxed pace of the Gilis. Some travelers also consider Nusa Lembongan<\/strong> as an alternative \u2014 or better yet, combine Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands<\/strong> for a more complete island-hopping adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also worth noting that tourism in the Gili Islands was heavily affected by the 2018 eruption of Mount Rinjani<\/strong> and the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. Still, the<\/strong> islands have been steadily recovering and welcoming more visitors again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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, offering little chance of survival in the event of a tsunami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 many tourists to reconsider 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tourism emerged on the Gili Islands approximately three decades ago, when they were uninhabited. The largest of the three islands, Trawangan, only spans 2 km\u00b2. 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, west-facing beach bars offer striking sunsets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many hotels are now offering early 2025 Deals on Booking.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nusa Penida’s scuba diving sites<\/a> are undeniably more diverse and stunning than those of the Gili Islands. The waters off Nusa Penida offer sightings of Manta rays<\/strong>, seasonal Mola-Mola<\/strong> from July to October, and a vast array of fish and coral<\/span>. Sadly, the Gili Islands’ coral reef has suffered severe damage from tourism and dynamite fishing practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite this, the Gili Islands still have many sea turtles<\/strong> to spot while snorkeling from the beaches. However, the most breathtaking snorkeling spots are primarily accessible by boat in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beaches on the Gili Islands are undeniably stunning and offer the classic picture-perfect sandy beach<\/strong> 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<\/a> might be an ideal choice, as Nusa Penida is a quick 10-minute boat ride away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. While the seashores in the Gilis are beautiful, they simply can\u2019t compare to the spectacular natural beauty of Nusa Penida\u2019s landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 16 companies offering 40 daily fast boat connections between Bali and Nusa Penida<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To book your fast boat tickets to Nusa Penida or to the Gili islands I recommand you to book online with 12go<\/a>. You can secure reasonable fares with most of the good fast boat companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traveling between Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, and Lombok<\/strong> is easy with daily fast boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eka Jaya Fast Boat<\/strong> 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<\/strong> and 10:30 AM<\/strong>, with return options from the Gilis and Lombok in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a quicker ride, Semaya One Fast Boat<\/strong> provides a direct service<\/strong> between Nusa Penida and the Gilis. The boat leaves Penida at 10:00 AM<\/strong> (arrives 11:45 AM) and returns from the Gilis at 12:00 PM<\/strong>, reaching Penida around 2:30 PM<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Gili](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Gili-Trawangan-Lombok-Indonesia-Beach.jpg\")
Which Gili Island Should You Visit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Gili](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Gili-Islands-vs-Nusa-Penida-Trawangan.jpg\")
Gili Islands after Rinjani volcano eruption<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A tough impact on tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gili](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Gili-Trawangan-Gili-islands-Lombok.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTourist infrastructures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/booking-banner-english.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nScuba diving and snorkeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gili](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Gili-Islands-dive-sites-Lombok.jpg\")
Beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gili](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Gili-Islands-versus-Nusa-Penida.jpg\")
Landscapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gili](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Gili-Islands-vs-Nusa-Penida-Gili-Air-sunset-768x1024.jpg\")
Boat connections from Bali<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"12go](\"https:\/\/nusapenida.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/12go-banner.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNusa Penida to the Gili islands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n