Neighboring Bali, the Gili Islands are a true paradise for beach holidays, diving and snorkeling, for a secluded or romantic getaway.

Many people come to Bali in search of beach paradise. After all, all of us who live in Bali, or those who came here on vacation and managed to fall in love with this island, call it paradise. We, however, have our own reasons for calling it paradise, but for some reason everyone associates it with beaches with white sand, a clear emerald ocean and palm trees beautifully hanging right down to the water. In Kuta, for example, the sand is not white at all, the water is far from clear, and you can count the palm trees on one hand. And in order to find a real paradise, you need to go to the neighboring islands. The password is Gili.

Gili is three micro-islands 35 km from the easternmost point of Bali. Gili Trawangan is the largest, and two smaller ones are Gili Air and Gili Meno. They are, in fact, located next to the island of Lombok, neighboring Bali, but you can also get to them directly from Bali.

The islands are truly microscopic. The largest of them is Trawangan - 2.5 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. In just over an hour, Trawangan Island can be walked around its entire perimeter. And there are absolutely no cars or mopeds on the islands - not a single one. The vehicles used are bicycles, fishing boats and horse-drawn carts. Therefore, Gili is secluded, quiet, calm, and almost heavenly.

Cafes and bungalows located right on the ocean, the sand is white, the water is clear and blue, everything is as it should be in a paradise! The daily routine and atmosphere on the Gili Islands are the most relaxed. I woke up, looked out of my bungalow, walked to the shore, soaked my feet in the emerald water to wake up, grabbed an armful of shells from the shore and went to have breakfast with freshly squeezed juice, fruit salad or omelet in a cafe right by the water. The cafe plays relaxed music, sometimes reggae. After breakfast you can go shopping and look at colorful fish and corals. So the sunset comes unnoticed :) Sunset is an important part of being on these islands. Sitting in a cafe or just on the sand with a cocktail or a bottle of Bintang is a mandatory ritual.

The essence of staying on the Gili is relaxation, rest and solitude. You don’t want to do anything here - lie on the beach or on a sun lounger in a cafe, listen to music, dive and swim, do any other non-stressful nonsense. You can take a boat and travel around the island, diving in beautiful places. You can take inter-island transport - gili island hopping boats - and end up on the neighboring island. Well, perhaps on one of the islands - on Trawangan - there is at least some semblance of an active tourist life - a whole street with hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The three islands are similar in appearance, but slightly different in atmosphere. The most secluded is Gili Meno - it is also called the honeymoon island. There is minimal civilization there - a couple of bungalows on the shore, a couple of cafes with food, but beautiful beaches. Gili Air is also quite secluded, but still there is a little more civilization there - more restaurants and even a spa. Well, the most party place is Trawangan. It is noisier, more fun, more expensive. There are hotels there to suit every taste. At the Ombak Hotel you can rent a room for 150-200-300 dollars per night. Whereas on Meno and Air there are many accommodation options for $15 per room.

How to get to Gili

Speedboat (fastboat) to Gili

total travel time about 4 hours: 2-3 hours boat + 1-1.5 transfer to the port

There are fast boats from Bali. They go either from the port of Padang Bai or from the port of Benoa to Nusa Dua or from Sanur. This is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to the islands, it will only take a couple of hours. There are many companies in Bali that sell tickets for these speed boats. The ticket usually includes transfer to and from the port. Prices for tickets through the Padang Bai port (through other ports are more expensive) at travel agencies cost about $70-$100. It makes sense to buy a ticket immediately there and back, and there are tickets with an open date, that is, you can decide on the spot when to return. Boats leave in the morning, return from Gili to Bali around lunchtime.

Speedboats mainly go to Gili Trawangan (most often) or to Gili Air; you can get to Meno Island for $2-3 on local boats.

Trash option for backpackers – via Lombok

total travel time more than 8 hours: 5 hours ferry + hour and a half transfer to the port in Bali + hour and a half transfer to the port in Lombok + half an hour by boat to the islands

For those who have a lot of time, little money and a great thirst for adventure, there is another option: from the port of Padang Bai, take a ferry to the island of Lombok (the ferry arrives at the port of Lembar), then from the port by taxi (or by motorbike) get to the port of Bangsal and there take a boat to one of the islands. This entire trip will take a total of 8 hours or more.
Boats from Bangsal to Gili cost mere pennies - a little over a dollar for one ticket, or $25 for a whole boat. Tickets must be purchased at the official ticket office, otherwise you risk falling for scammers and paying more. The ferry is also not expensive, the price depends on whether you will be on the ferry on foot, by car or on a moped. A car ticket is the most expensive - about 700,000 rupees (~$87). By motorbike – 100,000 rupees ($10). But keep in mind that ferries in Indonesia are not very comfortable, but at least they operate around the clock.

As an alternative to the ferry to Lombok, you can fly to Lombok by plane. A ticket costs about 500,000 rupees (~$60) round trip. And you don’t have to spend money on a taxi to Padang Bai. But it’s cheaper to go directly by speedboat to Gili.

Diving on Gili

Gili is definitely a paradise for divers. There are many diving spots around the island where you can see not only colorful fish, but also stingrays, manta rays, turtles or sharks. There are diving schools in Trawangan and Eire where you can get a PADI certificate. Trawangan, by the way, is a bit similar in atmosphere to diving Dahab, which is in Egypt.

Surfing on Gili

Another thing that not everyone knows is that you can surf on these islands. The island of Gili Air has an excellent surf spot for experienced surfers.

Photos

Accommodation on the Gili Islands

You can stay in a bungalow for 100,000 rupees (~$12), or in a hotel for $150.
Accommodation can be found locally, but it is better to book in advance.

Island maps

Gili Trawangan

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15.10.2016

Gili Air Island is the closest island to the largest island. Lombok, it is located 50 kilometers, in the east, from the island. Bali.

You can walk around the island of Gili Air in 2.5 hours - it is so small. It is the smallest of all three Gili Islands.

As on neighboring island Gili Meno, the pace of life happens here honey lazy and suitable for thosewho really wantsescape the noise and bustle of the outside world. The weather here is always warm - on average +30.

You do not need a visa to visit this island.

You can fly into Indonesia without a visa for 30 days free of charge through the airports of Denpasar Bali and Lombok Mataram, which are located closest to the island of Gili Air.

Cheap flights

There is no airport on the island. The most profitable and closest way would be to get to Gili Air by sea from the island of Lombok or Bali.

The cheapest place to search for tickets is on this website (form below).

1. Search and buy air tickets in incognito browser mode.
2. Do not travel with items over 10 kg, so as not to overpay several thousand rubles for luggage when flying with low-cost airlines - within Asian countries.
3. Air tickets from low-cost airlines(low cost airlines, short haul) it is always cheaper to buy from their official website.
4. If you are planning to buy air tickets on Tuesday, be sure to check the IATA rate for Wednesday. If the IATA rate decreases on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, then the price of air tickets for international flights will also decrease from Wednesday and then it is better to buy air tickets not on Tuesday, but on Wednesday and vice versa.
5. After research by the largest company Expedia prices for air tickets, it was concluded that the best days to buy air tickets are Sunday evening and Tuesday. Therefore, I recommend taking a closer look at these days of the week.
6. Long-haul flights are cheaper to purchase in both directions at once from one airline. For example: Moscow - Denpasar Bali - Moscow.
7. Any air tickets should be purchased at least 2 months before departure, or better yet, for 2.5 or on an airline promotion or sale.

Island Feature

The uniqueness of the island can be guessed from its name – “Air”, which translates as air. Have you already guessed?

Answer: There is no usual transport on the island, such as motorbikes, cars, etc.

The only types of transportation on the island are:

1. Bicycle for rent (from $2 per day);
2. Order a horse taxi (but it is very expensive).

The air on the island is perfectly clean, which is why you don’t want to leave here.

ATMs and cash

There are many ATMs on the island of Gili Air and you can certainly withdraw money from a bank card, as we did.

The Cimb ATM dispenses 3 million in cash. This is the maximum for the island. I recommend withdrawing money from him. Coordinates: -8.364092 116.08487

When traveling, it is advisable to have 2 cards (in case one of the cards is unexpectedly blocked) and euros or dollars in cash.

What sights to see?

On Gili Air, the main attraction is the underwater world and the island itself, which can be walked around in a couple of hours or cycled around in an hour with short stops.

Snorkeling tour and diving

You can go snorkeling. Half a day, with three to four stops for snorkeling (including at turtle point), on a boat with a transparent bottom will last for 1 person on average 700 – 1000 rub. .

From 10 people we have already been offered a price 400 rub. per person.

It's worth it: you can swim with turtles, with dozens of species of fish, and even take pictures underwater on a bicycle, in a favorite place for snorkelers.

Just don't forget to buy or bring an underwater camera to capture unforgettable memories on camera or video.

Diving on Gili Air will cost more from 5000 rub for 2-3 dives.

There is a great chance to see manta rays, safe sharks, and turtles in greater numbers than when snorkeling. And the diver doesn’t need to say anything about it.

A real diver would never take a snorkeling tour.

A trip to the neighboring islands - Gili Meno and Gili Travagan

If you don’t know yet, then I want to say that all the islands and even parts of the island are very different in energy and atmosphere. For example, an island Gili Meno is the quietest, least crowded and calmest.

Gili Meno

In the evening, in many places the lights are completely turned off. There is a lake on this island. There are no ATMs. This is probably my favorite island.

Gili Travagan is party, youthful, noisy.

If such a vacation is in your interests - active, young and always with music, then this island is for you.

Just be careful, according to reviews on the islands there are frequent cases of poisoning from local bottled alcoholic beverages. It is best to buy alcohol in sealed bottles, such as beer, martinis, etc.

Get to neighboring islands from the island. Gili Air on a local boat costs mere pennies - about 60-100 rubles. with a return to the island.

Excursions to the island Lombok

There can be countless types of excursions to the neighboring largest island of Lombok, starting with learning to surf, because Lombok is a very popular island among Australian surfers, locals and Europeans.

Finishing with an excursion to numerous waterfalls, a climb to the top of the active volcano Rinjani (3726 m.)

I will list the most striking excursions to Lombok for your benefit:

• waterfalls: Tiu Kelep, Sendang Gile, Benang Stokel
• Lombok beaches:Selong Belanak and Mavi
• Climbing Mount Rinjani

Of course it makes sense to stay on the island of Lombok for a few days to explore it.

Selong Belanak in Lombok

This is a completely different world, different from Fr. Bali and Gili Islands. Lombok has a lot of interesting things and natural attractions. There are monkeys everywhere.

It’s great to ride around the island by transport, exploring the wide, deserted, beautiful beaches and settlements. When looking for a sightseeing tour, I recommend visiting several companies to compare prices and feel free to bargain.

How to get to Gili Air Island?

The only way to get to Gili Air today is by sea boat or boat. Directions from Bangsal Lombok Port by boat to the Gili Islands will take 20 minutes and cost 1 dollar (one way) or 10,000 rupees.

Just buy tickets at the box office, and not from hands or from intermediaries!

From Bali to the Gili Islands we sailed on a boat for 400,000 rupees per person or 2,000 rubles round trip.

From Russia it will be cheapest to fly to the island. Bali or Lombok, and from there by sea.

How to book accommodation?

The island has a huge number of bungalows, guesthouses, hotels and houses that are for rent.

On average, you will come across options: from 800 rubles. up to 2000 rub. for two per night.

Personally, I chose the option to book accommodation in advance online because I didn’t know the island and hundreds of Russians from the sunsurfers travel community were supposed to sail to it by that time.

• http://www.agoda.com
• http://www.asiahotels.com
• http://www.asiarooms.com
• http://www.airbnb.com

Remember: the longer the period for which you rent a house, the cheaper it will cost you.

Personally, I found a discount offer on one of the sites above and also called the owner of the property personally to negotiate a discount if I stayed with him for a long time - 10 days.

As a result, not only was there a discount on the site itself, but the owner also knocked off about 150-200 rubles. per night. ;)

By the way, a partial daily breakfast, which was included in the check-in fee.

Therefore, do not hesitate to bargain in Indonesia.

On the island of Gili Air, tourists often do not stay for long, and if your case is different, then feel free to subtract 25-30% from the usual price for housing.

Food prices

Prices are both low (in warungs for locals) and medium and high for tourists. For every taste!

For example, to have lunch with vegetable soup, salad and freshly squeezed juice in an average cafe you will need from 350 to 500 rubles per person.

Prices for fruits and vegetables on Gili Air:

• watermelon – 50 rubles per 1 kg;
• bananas – 8 rub. a piece;
• tomatoes – 70 rub. for 1 kg;
• mangosteen – 300 rub. for 1 kg;
• coconut water – 80 rub. for 1 piece (coconut).

Favorite cafe on Gili Air – Mowies

There are no problems with bottled water on the island and it is very inexpensive.

For example, in Inashop on o. Gili Air at the address: -8.359507 116.083956 sells water in 6-liter bottles for 25,000 rupees or 125 rubles.

An excellent solution between 19 liter jars (fragile girls can’t drag them away) and 1.5 liter jars (not environmentally friendly).This place also has sweet and inexpensive fruits and you can bargain.

If you are interested in the durian fruit, like me, then the best way to eat them is to get to Lombok or Bali. There they will cost 3-4 times cheaper.

Indonesia is quite an expensive destination for travelers and adventure seekers, but it is worth it. Only about 15 hours of flight and you are in a fairy tale. We have prepared a review of the 9 best islands in Indonesia. Choose any of them and go towards exciting events, because here you can perfectly combine a luxurious beach holiday and active entertainment, hiking and excursions, observing flora and hiking. Don’t worry about visas; tourists from Russia are issued them, or rather put them in their passports right at the airport control.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the website until August 31:

• AF500guruturizma - promotional code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AFTA2000Guru - promotional code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Thailand from 100,000 rubles.

And you will find many more profitable offers from all tour operators on the website. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

If you have been to the island of Bali before, then you have probably heard the legend that initially this island was created by the gods for their needs and entertainment, and a little later, having become generous or spent a lot on its maintenance, they condescended and decided to open it to mere mortals . It is not surprising that travelers have to pay a hefty “tax” for the opportunity to spend an unforgettable vacation here.

Local residents have long not paid attention to the strange character and behavior of crazy tourists. The Balinese greet everyone, without exception, with a welcoming smile. If you are coming for night entertainment and dancing until the morning, then Kuta is for you. If you prefer a luxurious holiday and first-class service, then welcome to Nusa Dua. If your children come with you for new emotions, then give preference to Jimbarana.

When to go to Bali

Since there are only two seasons in Bali - rainy and dry, we recommend planning your vacation during the most comfortable season, namely from April to September. Although even those who arrive from October to March cannot hide their delight. Keep in mind that the southern beaches cannot boast of their cleanliness during the rainy season, as the current brings a lot of plastic “surprises” to the coast. Of course, the north and west cannot boast of snow-white sand, here it is mostly black, but there are exceptions if desired. You just need to look.

Things to do in Bali

The most popular activities on the island are, of course, surfing, diving and rafting. Surfing fans prefer the south and east of the island. Here you can rent equipment and get training. Additionally, if this is your only purpose for traveling, I recommend purchasing the Accommodation + Surfing package. This way you can save money on your hobby. For diving, experts go to the east of the island and to the west, to the Barat National Park. The reefs there are simply mind-blowing.

Fans of rafting will not miss the opportunity and will not deny themselves the pleasure of rafting down the Ayung and Telaga Vaja rivers. For such adventures, of course, it is better to fly during the rainy season. “Yohoho” and “Why did I need all this? I would rather sit at home” - you are guaranteed. You can also meet people here who are passionate about kite and windsurfing, especially in the resort of Sanur. You should not deny yourself the pleasure of taking part in a cycling excursion, fishing, kayaking, underwater walk and elephant ride. For lovers of something like this, we can safely recommend descending into canyons, climbing volcanoes and organized walks into caves.

As you understand, Bali is truly a unique island where dreams come true.

INAYA Putri Bali

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Lombok seems to be specially created for tourists who want to immerse themselves in a world of peace and quiet, to be far from civilization. It attracts with the magnificence of lakes and waterfalls. Here you will feel the harmony that is so lacking in everyday life with eternal worries and anxieties.

Once in Lombok, you can’t help but admire the beauty of the tropical island. Endless beaches, soft white sand, shady palm trees and majestic mountains will help restore peace of mind. A holiday in this place will be a dream for everyone who loves to spend time alone with nature. Near Lombok there are many small coral islands, most of which are uninhabited.

When to go to Lombok

The best time to go to Lombok is May-September. The weather at this time will be favorable for relaxation. There is no need to worry that heavy rains will prevent you from going to the mountains or lounging on the beach. Naturally, there are weather “surprises”, but extremely rarely. When planning your trip, you should take into account that the temperature and humidity levels may vary significantly in different parts of the island. Therefore, you need to focus on the weather conditions of the region where you will be.

Things to do in Lombok

Those who are not used to spending time idle will love Lombok. Don't limit yourself to the delights of a beach holiday. The island is so original, amazing and not yet particularly trampled by tourists that it arouses great interest among most visitors.

During the tourist season (from May to October), the ascent to one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia, Rinjani, is open. The adventure is not for everyone: it will take at least a whole day to conquer the peak. Trekking trips are organized everywhere for tourists, participation in which takes place under the guidance of a guide. You can use the services of a helpful porter. Climbing the mountain is worth the time and money. The views from the top are breathtaking. And when else will you have the opportunity to look into a real volcano crater?

Narmada Water Park is a place for seekers of the elixir of life. The water element is presented here in different forms: clean lakes, fountains and a swimming pool will give new strength. Life-giving streams roll down from a high mountain, filling and renewing natural reservoirs. The Fountain of Youth is known for its healing properties. When washing under its streams, there is no need to worry about the condition of your facial skin. Skilled textile workers still live in the village of Sukarare. Looking at their products is a real pleasure. Here you can watch how textile fabrics of incredible beauty are created step by step by hand.

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Gili Meno Island

This inconspicuous island is located near Lombok and Bali. There is silence everywhere on Gili Meno. Therefore, this is not a place for fun lovers. But the calm, measured atmosphere of the island will be appreciated by newlyweds, elderly people and those who are bored with hectic city life.

When to go to Gili Meno

To fully enjoy a beach holiday on Gili Meno, it is better to travel between May and October. In November the rains begin, and sometimes there are downpours.

With high humidity, the heat becomes much more difficult for tourists to bear. But it should be noted that the “wet season” is not an obstacle for tourists. More rainfall occurs in the winter months. The rest of the time it rains with noticeable interruptions. Even if it suddenly starts dripping from the sky, the pool will become your best friend at any time.

Things to do on Gili Meno

This island strikes you as “doing nothing.” Everything that can somehow diversify a beach holiday is missing here. Therefore, you need to prepare to either contemplate the serene expanse of water all day long and enjoy the local views, or lie in a hotel. The only “entertainment” available is cycling and horse riding. At times, boredom can be alleviated by sitting in local cafes: they offer impressive views of the blue waves and passing boats. In general, your holiday on Gili Meno will be quiet and serene. It will bring harmony and make you feel like a part of nature untouched by man.

Gili Meno Eco Hostel

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Seri Resort Gili Meno

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Tropical Hideaways Resort

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Gili Trawangan Island

Gili Trawangan is the exact opposite of Gili Meno. Trawangan is long and the busiest. There are endless cafes along the embankment. This island does not create the impression of detachment from everything earthly. It is noisy here and there are currently many buildings under construction that spoil the whole “picture”. But if you move away from the beach a few meters closer to the center of the island, you can find quite a lot of housing where you can’t hear wild screams and other people’s laughter.

When to go to Gili Trawangan

The same time as on Gili Meno. These tropical Indonesian islands are located next door. Consequently, the weather conditions there are not particularly different. The period from May to October is the “golden time” to visit the island.

Things to do on Gili Trawangan

There are relatively few things to do on Gili Trawangan, although it is not an island for solitude. There is absolutely no transport here, which makes many tourists incredibly happy. Bicycles and horses are used for transportation. Trawangan is a great place for snorkeling. To ensure that snorkeling does not turn into just looking at the inhabitants of the sea, you should study the species of local marine inhabitants in advance. Then snorkeling is much more interesting, especially for beginners. For lovers of gatherings by the sea, there are cafes where you can have a great “spoiler”. You can relax and dream at sunset, each of which on Gili Trawangan stuns with its inimitable magnificence. To capture a sunset that you will never see again in your life, don’t forget your camera.

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The Mentawai Islands are wild and underdeveloped. Local residents were isolated from the rest of the planet's population until the 19th century. As many as 70 small islands are still not particularly visited by tourists. Life on the Mentawais flows smoothly. There are no youth parties here, nor the usual restaurants and luxury hotels that can be found at every popular resort. The beauty of the Mentawai Islands is their isolation. Getting to them is not easy, but believe me, the journey is worth it. Once in Mentawai, that same childhood dream comes true when you wanted to become Robinson Crusoe even for a day. Anyone who ate the famous heavenly chocolate, on the wrapper of which there were palm trees and blue waves, clearly wanted to once visit this “fairy tale”.

When to go to the Mentawai Islands

To visit the islands, it is better to choose the time from May to June or from September to October. During these periods the climate is most favorable for recreation. The weather is relatively constant. The rest of the time, some troubles cannot be excluded that can significantly affect the perception of the charm of the Mentawai Islands.

Things to do in the Mentawai Islands

Surfers from many countries love to come to the islands. After all, here are the best conditions for surfing. Almost all thematic videos are filmed here. The waves on the Mentawai Islands are perfect for both professionals and beginners. Plus, there is a high probability that no one will interfere with conquering water heights. A regular walk around the island will seem fascinating. After all, there are many amazing animals and previously unseen plants here. Diving will not interfere with your relaxation: fish are clearly visible in clear water. And fishing will bring pleasure even from the fishing process itself, not to mention the catch. Sitting with a fishing rod in the middle of the blue sea and looking at the horizon stretching into the distance will appeal to every avid fisherman. There are still tribes living on the Mentawai Islands. They are definitely worth a look. It’s not every day that you meet people who are far from civilization. Their way of life and customs will surprise any experienced traveler.

When traveling to a group of Indonesian islands, do not forget to take care of mosquito repellents. It is better to take mosquito nets and protective sprays or creams with you. In order for the trip to go smoothly and without troubles, it is better not to rely on “maybe”.

Flores Island

The island received its flower name thanks to the Portuguese in the 16th century. There are almost as many flowers in Flores as in other nearby tropical regions. The island is developing only thanks to tourism. The indigenous population is engaged in agriculture and crafts.

When to go to Flores

You should not plan a vacation from November to March inclusive (rainy season). The rest of the time is ideal for vacation.

Things to do in Flores

There are several villages where local artisans live. They make high quality fabric products. There are beautiful waterfalls on Flores that almost all tourists admire. Kelimutu National Park has a lake that is colored differently by mineral salts released from the volcano. Whale catching has not yet been banned on the island. So you can hunt like the ancient people.

Nusa Lembongan Island

It is located near Bali, half an hour away by boat. Nusa Lembongan is different from its well-known neighbor. The water is emerald, not heavenly. This piece of land has two large beaches. There are also small ones that are least visited.

When to go to Nusa Lembongan

The most suitable season is from April to the end of September. Like all Indonesian islands, Nusa Lembongan has two seasons. “Non-touristy” is characterized by high rainfall.

Things to do in Nusa Lembongan

The best pastime is surfing, diving and snorkeling. The island's beaches are within relative reach. Therefore, you can walk from one vacation spot to another. The beaches have their own characteristics that are worth looking at to get a complete impression of this tropical island.

12 minutes walk from Yungut Batu Beach

Bali, in addition to being an island itself, where an incredible number of interesting places are concentrated in a relatively small area, is also attractive because in its immediate vicinity there are 7 other wonderful islands that can be reached in a few hours.

The group of three Gili Islands is perhaps the most popular destination for tourists looking to get somewhere close to Bali. The fact is that in Bali itself there are practically no those “paradise beaches from a postcard” that many people come for. Therefore, having had your fill of volcanoes, rice terraces and Balinese ceremonies for several days, you can go for a beach holiday on the Gili.

The atmosphere of the islands is easy to imagine just by the fact that there is no motorized transport there at all - only horses and bicycles.

This is the smallest, quietest and most peaceful island that can be walked around its perimeter in about an hour. People come here for relaxation. It is most popular among retirees and newlyweds - there are excellent beaches with coral sand, clear water and good snorkeling. You can dive directly from the shore or order a boat and sail on it to deeper waters. There is diving and freediving here, sometimes you can even surf, and of course - a sufficient number of cafes and restaurants. Unless there are no noisy bars, it’s better to go to Trawangan for them.

Trawangan is the largest and most party island in the Gili family. In addition, it is the most expensive, noisy and dirty, and the beaches here are worse - at low tide it becomes quite shallow. This island is popular with young people and those who love noisy parties. In general, if you want to lie on the beach and have a blast in a bar or disco, then this is the place for you.

Gili Air is a medium-sized island, many consider it optimal for relaxation, it is not as noisy as Trawangan, and more lively than Meno. The coastal area here in many places is strewn with colorful corals, which local residents actively use as decorations for restaurants and bungalows.

This is a fairly large island that is said to be reminiscent of Bali a couple of decades ago. Lombok is much less touristy, wilder and very pretty in places. The island has a few beaches in the south and east. An increased concentration of tourists is observed at the Rinjani volcano, which is climbed. You can get to Lombok from Bali by plane or ferry - this, by the way, is another way to get to the Gili Islands: with your own transport, take a ferry to Lombok, then take a beautiful road along the coast to the mini-port and from there by boat to Gili.

Nusa Lembongan is a tourist place where people come for almost the same purposes as on Gili. Here you can lie on the beach, sit in coastal cafes, snorkel or dive. There is a very beautiful place on Lembongan called “Devil’s Tear” - a bay where waves crash against the rocky shore with roar and splashes. It looks very impressive.

Near Lembongan there is another very tiny island, Ceningan, with beautiful rocky bays. It is famous for the fact that there you can jump into the water from a cliff - from a height of 8 or 13 meters.

This is an incredibly beautiful and very wild island. It’s worth going here if you want something exotic and something very authentic. The roads here are bad, to get to beautiful places you need to be good at driving a motorbike and be prepared for the fact that you can easily get a flat tire somewhere far from civilization. The island is 10 times larger than its neighbor, but there are still very few tourists there - not everyone is ready for extreme sports.

Basically, Hinduism is preached despite the fact that the rest of Indonesia located nearby is a purely Islamic country. Bali has magnificent and varied Hindu temples where many gods and deities are worshiped.

The exact number of local temples is not known even to the Balinese themselves. After all, even in the smallest village, according to tradition, there should be at least three of them. In the local language they are called pura. Today, many are ruined, the rest are functioning.

Here we will tell you about the most famous Balinese temples, which we definitely recommend visiting while vacationing on this wonderful island. You will have real fun and learn a lot about Hinduism and real Hindus.

Famous temples of Bali

Pura Besakih

Located in the northeastern part of the island, next to the Agung volcano. You can get here with a tour or on your own by taxi or rented car. Entrance to Besakih is free.

The main building material from which the complex is built is lava from the crater of the volcano. The Balinese consider Besakih to be the mother of all local temples. In fact, these are several dozen buildings and structures.

Pura Uluwatu

This is an equally famous temple located in the south of Bali. Uluwatu is the high cliff on which it stands. This is where surfers from all over the world gather to do their favorite thing.

In addition, this place is famous for the hordes of monkeys that live around. They not only ask tourists for food, but also steal from them everything that is in bad shape. So the party here is great.

Pura Tanah Lot

This temple is located in the west of Bali and it is best to get to it with a guide. You will not be able to visit Tanah Lot, because... it is separated from tourists by the tide. But from afar it looks very beautiful and sublime.

All three listed puras are considered the most visited by tourists. They protect the island on three sides, creating a single fortress. To visit them, it is best to rent a car and drive around the sights from the beginning of your vacation.

Pura Ulun Danu Bro

This temple was built in the local mountains; you have to take a serpentine road to get to it. It is best to go here for a couple of days, and take a Russian-speaking guide with you, because... these are very interesting places.

Bro is a mountain lake with clear water and waterfalls, near which stands the unusually beautiful Ulun Danu. Getting there is not easy; after the serpentine road you still need to climb the mountains on foot. But the beauty seen is worth it.

Pura Lempuyang

This temple is located in the east of Bali. The most convenient way to arrive here is with a tour. And then walk up a fairly high mountain through the primeval jungle. And a few hours later you see a magnificent temple complex.

The Agung volcano and the Indian Ocean are very close. And Lempuyang has its own stairway to the sky, climbing which you will see magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Here you can immerse yourself deeper into the culture of Bali.

Pura Goa Lavah

This temple is located in the southeastern part of the island. Excursions to Goa Lawah are carried out by a single guide who speaks Russian. Here you will see something extraordinary: a cave in which a huge number of bats live.

The impression is specific, but very Balinese and extraordinary. At the same time, mice hang upside down here on all temple decorations without exception. You won't find this anywhere else.

Pura Luhur Batukaru

Tourists are very rarely brought to this temple, and you can only get here by scooter. It is located in the center of the island in the thick of the jungle. Batukaru is the name of the mountain or extinct volcano where Luhur stands.

According to local legend, Luhur is dedicated to the earth goddess and protects Bali and its people from earthquakes. Near it there is a clear mountain lake in which carps live, and an excellent swimming pool.

Pura Kehen

This temple is located near the small town of Bangli. You can get there by rented car. Before us is a copy of Besakih, but in a smaller form. Kehen is famous for the fact that there are more than 40 different altars inside it.

Kehen is a large temple complex consisting of many buildings. The most interesting thing is to walk among them and enjoy the uniqueness of the local architecture.

Pura Goa Gajah

This temple is located in the vicinity of Ubud, so you can come here on foot. The city is simply full of attractions, you can stay there for a week to take a good look at everything.

Goa Gajah - Elephant Cave. The entire complex with many ancient temple buildings, ruins, bridges, fountains, etc. is named after her. All this beauty is buried in the wild jungle.

Sacred Monkey Forest

This wonderful Forest in Ubud can also be reached on foot. It is located inside the city. You can take a guide with you who will show you all of Ubud and will definitely take you to its most interesting places, like the Monkey Forest.

This is not a Hindu temple, but a mystical place, but in its center there is a pura, where religious rituals and ceremonies are performed daily, and Balinese music is played. This place will be one of the most unusual discoveries in Bali.