The no-motors rule
Before anything else, understand this: the Gili Islands have no cars, no motorbikes, no scooters, and no trucks. The only transport is walking, bicycles, horse-drawn cidomo carts, and boats. This is one of the best things about the islands and a major part of their appeal. The absence of engines means clean air, peaceful soundscapes, and a completely different pace of life.
Walking
Walking is the default way to get around within each island. The sizes are small:
- Gili Trawangan: about 3km long by 2km wide. Walking around the entire perimeter takes 1.5-2 hours at a leisurely pace.
- Gili Meno: about 2km long by 1km wide. Walk the perimeter in about 90 minutes.
- Gili Air: about 2.5km across. Walk around in around 90 minutes.
Most paths are a mix of hard-packed sand, concrete, and the occasional stretch of loose sand. Flip-flops are fine most places but wear sandals with ankle support if you have weak ankles. Walking barefoot on the beaches is one of the great pleasures of being here.
Bicycles
Bicycles are the main form of wheeled transport for visitors. Rental is cheap and widely available — you can rent a bike from most hotels, dedicated rental shops near the harbours, or small stands in the tourist areas.
Typical rates:
- 1-2 hours: Rp 20,000-30,000 ($1.40-2)
- Half day: Rp 40,000-50,000 ($3-3.50)
- Full day: Rp 50,000-75,000 ($3.50-5)
Most rentals come with a basic lock. Inspect the bike before leaving — check brakes, tyres, and the seat height. Cruiser-style bikes with wide tyres handle the sandy paths better than narrow road tyres. Mountain bikes and beach cruisers are the most common rental types.
Tips for cycling on the Gilis:
- Ring your bell on blind corners — paths can be narrow
- Give way to walkers and cidomo carts
- Walk your bike through sandy sections rather than fighting the wheels
- Don't cycle at night unless your bike has lights (most rentals don't)
- Lock your bike when stopping at beaches or cafes — theft is rare but possible
- Plan to return the bike before sunset at rental shops that close early
Cycling the full perimeter of any island is a highlight of a Gili trip. You pass through local villages, over quiet beaches, past sunset bars, and through the interior with its coconut groves and traditional homes. It takes about an hour per island at a relaxed pace with photo stops.
Cidomo (horse-drawn carts)
Cidomos are traditional horse-drawn carts that serve as the motorised-vehicle-equivalent on the Gili Islands. They can carry passengers, luggage, and goods. You will see them at the main jetties of each island waiting for arriving visitors, and they can be hailed or arranged at most accommodations.
Typical cidomo fares (prices vary and are usually negotiable):
- Short ride (harbour to your accommodation): Rp 100,000-200,000 ($7-14)
- Island tour: Rp 250,000-400,000 ($17-28)
Cidomos are significantly more expensive than cycling or walking, reflecting the cost of maintaining the horses. Agree on the price before starting the ride.
A note on cidomo welfare: Horse welfare on the Gilis has been a concern for years. Some horses are well cared for and work reasonable hours; others are overworked, underfed, or kept in poor conditions. Organisations like Gili Eco Trust work to improve standards and run horse welfare programmes. If you use a cidomo, look for horses that appear healthy, well-fed, and not obviously exhausted. Some visitors choose not to use cidomos at all as a protest against welfare issues. It is a personal choice.
Public boats between islands
Public boats connect the three Gili Islands and to Bangsal harbour on Lombok. These are traditional wooden boats operated by a local cooperative. They run on a schedule but also depart when full.
Typical routes and fares:
- Trawangan ↔ Meno: Rp 25,000-35,000 ($2), 5-10 minutes
- Trawangan ↔ Air: Rp 35,000-50,000 ($2.50-3.50), 15-20 minutes
- Meno ↔ Air: Rp 25,000-35,000 ($2), 5-10 minutes
- Any Gili ↔ Bangsal (Lombok): Rp 15,000-25,000 ($1-2), 15-30 minutes
The schedules are not always reliable. Boats can be cancelled due to weather or simply not run on time. For island hopping, morning boats are more reliable than afternoon ones. Tickets are bought at the harbour ticket office before boarding.
Private boat charters are also available for travellers who want to hop between islands on their own schedule. Expect to pay Rp 500,000-1,500,000 ($35-100) for a private boat depending on duration and route.
Snorkel and island-hopping tours
If you want to visit all three islands in a day without planning multiple boat tickets, guided island-hopping tours are the easy option. These operate daily from each island, typically departing around 9:30am and returning mid-afternoon. A typical tour includes:
- Transfer to 2-3 snorkel sites
- Gear rental (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Stop at one or two of the other Gili Islands for beach time
- Lunch on one of the islands (usually extra cost)
Prices are typically Rp 150,000-250,000 ($10-18) per person for a group tour. Private tours are more expensive but give more flexibility.
Fast boats to Bali and Lombok
For longer journeys, fast boats connect the Gilis with Bali (Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan harbours) and Lombok International Airport. See our Getting There guide for detailed routes and operators.
A note on luggage
Arriving on the Gilis with luggage is part of the experience. From the harbour, you have three options:
- Walk. If your accommodation is close and your luggage is light, walking is free and easy
- Cidomo. Flag one down at the harbour for a fixed fare to your hotel
- Hotel pickup. Many hotels arrange pickups from the harbour — check if yours does
Travelling light makes this much easier. A single backpack or a small wheeled suitcase is ideal. Large suitcases become a nightmare on sandy paths.
The pace of the Gilis
One of the great lessons of the Gili Islands is that you do not need to rush. A cycle ride around the island is not a transport problem to be solved — it is a pleasure in itself. A walk along the beach is how you get from A to B but also where you stumble into the best places. The absence of cars forces everyone to slow down, and once you adapt to the rhythm, you will not want to leave.