The Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – are part of Indonesia, so the recommended vaccinations for the Gilis are generally the same as for travel to Bali and Lombok.
Most visitors do not need special vaccines beyond routine travel immunisations, but it is important to check your health status and consult a doctor or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Routine Vaccinations
Before travelling, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. These typically include:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis
- Polio
- Seasonal Influenza
- COVID-19 vaccination, which is still recommended for international travel
Keeping these vaccinations current helps protect against common diseases that can spread easily when travelling.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Indonesia
For most travellers to the Gilis, health organisations often recommend the following additional vaccines:
- Hepatitis A – advised for most visitors, as the virus can be spread through contaminated food or water.
- Typhoid – recommended especially for those who plan to eat at local food stalls or markets.
- Hepatitis B – suggested for travellers who may have medical procedures, piercings or tattoos, or who plan long stays.
- Rabies – considered for travellers spending extended time outdoors, cycling in rural areas or who may come into contact with stray animals (dogs, cats, monkeys).
Vaccination needs vary by traveller age, health condition and planned activities, so always confirm with a qualified travel-health professional.
Malaria and Dengue
The Gili Islands and coastal Lombok are generally low-risk for malaria, but mosquito-borne dengue fever can occur year-round.
There is no vaccine for dengue for most travellers, so prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing light long-sleeved clothing in the evenings and sleeping in rooms with screens or mosquito nets.
For Families Travelling with Children
Children should have all their routine childhood vaccinations completed.
Consult a paediatrician or travel clinic for age-appropriate doses of Hepatitis A, Typhoid or Rabies if advised.
Bring insect repellent suitable for children and make sure they drink only bottled or filtered water.
Health Tips Beyond Vaccines
- Always drink bottled or filtered water, as tap water is not safe to drink.
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitiser before meals.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen to avoid sunburn in the tropical sun.
- Have travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation to Bali or Lombok in case of emergencies.
Vaccinations for the Gili Islands are mostly standard for Indonesia. By keeping routine shots up to date and considering extra protection against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B or Rabies as needed, travellers can enjoy a safer trip. Combining the right vaccines with mosquito precautions, good hygiene and proper travel insurance helps ensure a healthy and worry-free island holiday.
For local updates, check the Ministry of Health Indonesia website