Most travellers know the three famous Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – but there are actually more than 20 small islands called “Gili” scattered along the Lombok coastline.
On a map, you can see that “gili” simply means “small island” in the Sasak language of Lombok.
A map is the best way to understand how these islands are arranged and which ones are open to visitors.
The Main Three Gilis
Gili Trawangan
Located on the western side of the trio, Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed. The map shows the harbour on the southeast coast, while the north and west beaches are quieter and known for sunset bars and long sandy stretches.
Gili Meno
In the centre of the three lies Gili Meno, the smallest and most peaceful island. Maps highlight its eastern and southern beaches where most resorts and cafés are located. Nearby you’ll often see the Nest Underwater Statues and the Bounty Wreck, two of the island’s main snorkeling attractions.
Gili Air
On the eastern side sits Gili Air, the closest to Lombok. The map shows the harbour and lively café area on the southeast coast, with the northern and western beaches marked as quieter areas with sunset spots and snorkeling reefs.
Other Gili Islands Around Lombok
A good map of the region also shows that the famous three are part of a much larger chain of Gili islands.
While most are tiny and uninhabited, a few are becoming known for day trips or peaceful getaways:
- Gili Gede – Located off Lombok’s southwest coast, known for its quiet resorts and good diving.
- Gili Asahan – A small island near Gili Gede, popular with divers and those seeking total relaxation.
- Gili Nanggu – Also in the southwest, famous for soft white sand, snorkeling and calm waters.
- Gili Kedis – A tiny sandbar island near Nanggu, often visited as part of a boat-hopping trip.
- Gili Layar – Another small island with beautiful reefs, included in many day-trip itineraries from Lombok’s southwest.
- Gili Bidara, Gili Kapal and Gili Kondo – Located off Lombok’s east coast, these are small uninhabited islands with good snorkeling.
These lesser-known Gilis are shown on regional maps of Lombok’s coastline and are worth considering for travellers who want to explore beyond the main tourist route.
Orientation and Distances
Maps show that all the main harbours for public and fast boats are located on the southeast coasts of Trawangan, Meno and Air.
The three main Gilis sit only about 5 km off Lombok’s northwest coast, making them easy to reach by local boat or speedboat.
Distances on the map reveal just how small they are: walking or cycling around each takes only one to two hours.
There are no cars or motorbikes on the islands; instead, visitors walk, rent bicycles or use cidomo, the traditional horse-drawn carts.
A wider map also shows where the fast-boat routes from Bali to the Gilis cross the Lombok Strait, usually taking about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the port of departure and sea conditions.
Sunrise, Sunset and Reefs
Looking at a map makes it clear that the eastern beaches of all three main Gilis face Lombok and Mount Rinjani, offering beautiful sunrises.
The western beaches face Bali and Mount Agung, providing perfect sunset views.
Snorkeling and diving spots such as Turtle Heaven, Shark Point, Meno Wall and the Bounty Wreck are usually marked on tourist maps, making it easier for visitors to plan water activities.
