The Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno – do not have their own official public holidays, but they follow the Indonesian national holiday calendar and also celebrate important Islamic and Balinese Hindu festivals. These holidays can affect ferry schedules, business hours and the general atmosphere on the islands.
National Public Holidays in Indonesia
As part of Indonesia, the Gilis observe all Indonesian national public holidays. Some of the most important include:
- New Year’s Day (1 January) – Celebrated with beach parties, fireworks and special dinners at hotels and bars.
- Independence Day (17 August) – Indonesia’s national day, marked with flag-raising ceremonies, parades and fun games, mostly on the main islands of Lombok and Bali but sometimes seen on the Gilis too.
- Christmas Day (25 December) – Observed mainly by Christian communities and tourists; many resorts and restaurants on the Gilis offer festive dinners and events.
Islamic Holidays
Since the Gilis belong to Lombok’s Muslim-majority province, Islamic holidays are widely observed:
- Ramadan (dates change each year) – A month of fasting; most restaurants stay open for visitors, but some local eateries may have shorter hours during the day. Nights often feel lively as families gather to break the fast.
- Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) – The end of Ramadan, marked by family visits and prayer. Boats and transport to and from the Gilis are often busier as many Indonesians travel home.
- Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) – A religious day of prayer and charity; travellers may notice ceremonies in local villages.
Balinese Hindu Celebrations
Because many people working in tourism on the Gilis come from Bali, some Balinese Hindu festivals are also observed:
- Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) – Although the Gilis are not bound by Bali’s strict island-wide shutdown, some Balinese-owned businesses may close for the day, and boat services between Bali and the Gilis often pause during Nyepi.
- Galungan and Kuningan – Colourful Balinese Hindu festivals; you may see decorative bamboo poles (penjor) at resorts and homes run by Balinese families.
Local Events and Island Traditions
Apart from religious holidays, the Gilis host lively New Year’s Eve beach parties, live-music nights at popular bars, and occasional cultural events or beach clean-ups organised by local communities.
Because the islands are popular with tourists, most restaurants, dive shops and beach bars remain open even during holidays, but schedules for fast boats and public ferries can be reduced or adjusted on major religious days.
Practical Tips for Travellers
- Check travel dates: Boat tickets during Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) and Christmas/New Year holidays sell out early – book ahead.
- Respect local customs: During Ramadan, it’s polite to avoid eating or drinking in front of fasting locals during daylight hours when away from tourist areas.
- Expect crowds: Public holidays often bring more domestic tourists, especially around school breaks and national celebrations.
- Plan around Nyepi: If travelling via Bali during Nyepi, remember that the entire island shuts down for 24 hours – airports, ports and most services close.
Understanding the holiday calendar on the Gili Islands helps travellers plan boat transfers, accommodation and activities. Whether joining New Year’s Eve beach parties, enjoying cultural sights during Galungan or simply respecting local customs during Ramadan, being aware of these holidays will make your stay smoother and more meaningful.
