You do not need much for the Gili Islands. The climate is warm and consistent year-round, the lifestyle is casual, and there are no fancy places requiring formal wear. Pack light — you will be grateful carrying your bags on and off boats and along sandy paths.
Clothing essentials
- 2-3 swimsuits — you will live in them, so having a dry one ready is useful
- 4-5 lightweight t-shirts or tank tops — cotton or technical fabrics
- 2-3 pairs of shorts — quick-dry fabric if possible
- 1 pair of long trousers or leggings — for evenings, mosquitoes, or temple visits
- 1 long-sleeved shirt or rashguard — sun protection and mosquitoes
- 1 light dress or nicer outfit — for dinner at upscale places
- Underwear and socks — enough for your trip length
- 1 sarong or beach wrap — multi-use: beach, swim cover, shade, towel
- 1 light cardigan or hoodie — for air-conditioned restaurants or chilly boats
Footwear
- Flip-flops or sandals — your primary footwear
- Water shoes or reef sandals — for rocky beaches and shallow snorkel areas
- Running shoes or trainers — optional, for cycling and walking tracks
You don't need anything fancy. Leave the dress shoes at home. Even the upscale restaurants are fine with sandals.
Sun protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen — SPF 30+ minimum. Bring more than you think you need. Reef-safe versions are more expensive but protect the coral.
- Sun hat — wide-brim for serious sun protection, or cap if you prefer
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera — in case you overdo it
- Lip balm with SPF — lips burn too
Swimming and snorkelling gear
- Your own mask and snorkel (optional but recommended). Rental gear is available but quality varies. Having your own mask that fits properly makes a huge difference.
- Dry bag — waterproof bag for boat trips, beach days, and wet transfers
- Quick-dry microfibre towel — most hotels provide towels but having your own is useful
Fins and wetsuits are not usually needed — the water is warm and most snorkel sites are shallow. Dive shops provide all equipment for certified dives and courses.
Toiletries and personal care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (or bar versions to reduce plastic)
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving supplies
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Contact lenses and solution (if needed, bring spare)
- Feminine hygiene products — selection on the islands is limited
- Any personal prescription medications (bring extra)
Most of these are available on the islands but selection is limited and prices are higher than at home. Bring the basics and restock if needed.
Health & first aid
- Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen
- Antihistamines
- Anti-diarrhoeal tablets
- Oral rehydration salts
- Motion sickness tablets (the boat crossings can be rough)
- Plasters/band-aids
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aloe vera gel
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Universal travel adapter — Indonesia uses Type C or F (European two-pin) plugs at 230V
- Power bank — useful for long beach days and boat trips
- Waterproof phone case or pouch — worth having for boat trips and beach time
- Action camera (optional) — GoPro or similar for underwater photos
- E-reader or book — for the slow hammock afternoons
- Small portable speaker (optional) — for music at your villa/bungalow
Wi-Fi is available at most accommodation, cafes, and dive shops, though speeds can be variable. Consider a local SIM card (Telkomsel has the best coverage) for reliable data. You can buy one at Bali airport or on the Gilis.
Documents and money
- Passport — must be valid for 6 months beyond your entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Visa on Arrival cash — USD for the $35 VOA at Indonesian airports
- Printed or digital copies of your passport, insurance, bookings
- Travel insurance documents with emergency contact numbers
- Credit/debit cards — tell your bank you are travelling
- Cash — bring enough Rupiah from Bali/Lombok since ATMs on the Gilis are unreliable
- Emergency USD cash — hide separately from your main wallet
Bags
- Main backpack or suitcase — your primary luggage
- Small day backpack — for day trips, beach days, and boat crossings
- Packing cubes — make organising easier in bungalow rooms
A wheeled suitcase is manageable on Trawangan and Air where paths are well-maintained, but a backpack is easier on Meno's sandier tracks. Whatever you bring, keep the weight down.
For the wet season (November-March)
Add these to your list if visiting during the wet season:
- Lightweight rain jacket or compact poncho
- Waterproof bag or cover for electronics
- Extra insect repellent (more mosquitoes after rain)
For divers
If you are diving, consider bringing your own:
- Mask and snorkel (best fit, no rental roulette)
- Dive computer (rental costs add up quickly)
- Certification cards (physical or digital)
- Dive logbook
- Reef-safe sunscreen specifically formulated for diving
All major gear (BCD, regulator, tank, weights, fins, wetsuit) is provided by dive shops as part of course fees or rental.
What NOT to pack
- Formal clothes. Not needed. Nowhere requires them.
- Heavy hiking boots. Unless you are going to Rinjani, you won't use them.
- Hairdryer. Most accommodation provides one, and you rarely need it in the humidity.
- Iron. Your clothes will be wrinkled. Nobody cares.
- Too many books. E-readers or book swaps at cafes are lighter.
- Valuables and expensive jewellery. Leave them safe at home.
Packing strategy
The trick to packing well for the Gilis is to think in terms of "outfits for days." You need one outfit for boat days (swim + cover-up), one for walking around (shorts + t-shirt), and one for evenings (slightly nicer but still casual). Rotate these and you are set. Laundry services are available on all three islands and cheap (around Rp 15,000-25,000 per kg).
The goal is to pack light enough to carry everything easily on and off boats without struggling. You will thank yourself every time you arrive at a new destination.