The Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno – are known for their beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, but they also host a surprising range of wildlife. While the islands themselves are small and have limited habitats for land animals, the surrounding ocean is full of life. Visitors will find fascinating creatures both on the islands and beneath the waves.
Land Animals on the Gili Islands
Because of their size and human activity, the Gili Islands do not have large wild mammals. Instead, travellers will often see small reptiles such as geckos and monitor lizards around gardens and paths. These reptiles help control insects and are completely harmless to people.
One of the most unique birds of the region is the Rinjani scops owl, a small nocturnal owl found only on Lombok and the nearby islands. Other common birds include kingfishers, egrets and various small songbirds that visit the beaches and mangroves.
Along the coasts of the islands you may notice small crabs and hermit crabs that live among the rocks and sand. The islands also have domestic animals such as chickens, goats and the small Lombok ponies that pull the traditional horse-drawn carts known as cidomo.
Vegetation on the islands includes palm trees, coastal shrubs and small mangrove areas, especially near Gili Meno. These habitats provide food and shelter for birds and coastal wildlife.
Marine Life Around the Gili Islands
The underwater world of the Gili Islands is what truly makes this destination special. Located within the Coral Triangle, the surrounding waters support an extraordinary diversity of marine species.
Sea Turtles
The Gilis are famous for their sea turtles. The two species most often seen by snorkellers and divers are the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle. These gentle creatures are frequently spotted resting on the reef or swimming gracefully near the beaches.
Reef Fish and Corals
The coral reefs around the islands host hundreds of species of colourful reef fish such as clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and many more. Healthy coral gardens, seagrass beds and rocky outcrops provide food and shelter for a thriving reef ecosystem.
Sharks, Rays and Other Marine Creatures
Divers often encounter small reef sharks like blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, which are shy and harmless to humans. Manta rays and eagle rays occasionally glide past in deeper waters, and lucky snorkellers may see them near the reef edges. Other common residents include cuttlefish, octopuses, moray eels and starfish.
Conservation and Responsible Encounters
In recent years, local organisations and dive centres have been working to restore damaged reefs and protect marine species. Visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife, avoid touching corals or animals, and follow guidelines for responsible snorkeling and diving to help preserve the fragile ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
Wildlife on the Gili Islands is a unique mix of small land creatures and spectacular marine life. From geckos and colourful birds on the shore to sea turtles and vibrant reef fish under the water, the Gilis offer a chance to experience nature up close. Exploring this natural world responsibly helps keep the islands’ beauty and biodiversity alive for future generations.
