How to Visit the Gili Islands, Indonesia with Kids – Family Travel Tips & Guide
When I first heard about the Gili Islands, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. As a mom traveling with a toddler, my mind instantly filled with questions: Are these islands family-friendly? What if someone gets sick? Will there be food my son actually eats? And how in the world do we get there with all our bags?
If you’ve asked yourself the same things, this guide is for you. We spent six wonderful days in the Gilis with our little one, and I want to share what we loved, what worked, and the small details I wish I had known in advance. Think of this as your complete Gili Islands handbook — whether you’re traveling as a family or as a couple looking to explore another side of Indonesia.
Which Gili Island is Best?
The Gilis are made up of three small islands — each with its own character:
Gili Meno: The smallest and quietest. From what I gathered, there isn’t much to do beyond relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the pretty beaches. Perfect for couples seeking pure downtime.
Gili Trawangan (Gili T): The largest and most developed. Known for its energy and activities, but there are quieter corners that make it very family-friendly too. It’s also great for couples who want both beach days and a bit of nightlife. This ended up being our favorite island because of the variety — fantastic restaurants, family-friendly villas, and endless options to keep everyone happy without feeling stuck.
Gili Air: A peaceful blend of local charm and comfort. It’s less busy than Gili T, ideal for families who want super slow days, cultural immersion, and quiet beaches.
How to Get to the Gili Islands
Here’s exactly how our journey looked so you can plan yours with fewer surprises:
- We flew into Bali first.
- From Bali, we booked with Gili Getaway Company and left from Serangan Port on their fast boat to Gili Trawangan.(The port name is also Gili Trawangan Port) The ride took about 2 hours and was smooth. We sat on the top deck — sunny and breezy — so definitely bring sunscreen, hats, and lots of water.
- Leaving Gili, we crossed to Lombok on a private speedboat(you can discuss where you want them to drop you) (15 minutes). Honestly, it wasn’t the most enjoyable part of the trip — the water was rough, and the smaller boat rocked quite a bit. If you’re not comfortable with that (especially with kids), I’d suggest a larger boat for more stability.
From Lombok back to Bali, we took the Ekajaya ferry (Senggigi Port )(1.5 hours). This was much better — a modern, spacious boat with strong AC, plenty of seating, and a very professional crew. It felt much more comfortable and kid-friendly. - 👉 Another option is flying directly into Lombok. From there, it’s only a 20-minute drive to the port and then a 15–20 minute boat ride to any of the Gilis.
Where We Stayed: Samba Villas Beachfront View
On Gili Trawangan, we stayed at Samba Villas Beachfront View, a beachfront property just a 7-minute walk from the port. That short walk after the boat ride made things so much easier with a toddler and our luggage.
If your hotel is further away:
- You can take a horse cart (cidomo) right from the port.
- Or rent a bike if you’re traveling light with just a backpack.
Samba Villas are located on the East side of the island, where the most traffic is happening, low-key restaurants by the beach, wi ve centers if you want to learn how to dive, the breakfast was good enough, on the beach every day,so it made it a very good family life, stress-free time.
I have more info with room and property photos here
Fun Things you can do as a couple or with kids
The Gilis aren’t about big attractions — they’re about slowing down and enjoying the island lifestyle. Here are the highlights we loved most as a family:
- Snorkeling at Turtle Shore: Calm waters, colorful fish, and many turtles. If your kids are too young for snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour is a fun alternative.
- Bike rides: With no cars, biking feels safe and fun. We rented bikes with a child seat and ended up cycling the island five times during our stay. Each ride was different — we discovered new coffee spots, lunch places, and ice cream breaks every day. This became our favorite activity: relaxed, flexible, and full of little surprises.
- Turtle sanctuaries: On Gili Meno and Gili Air, you can visit small turtle conservation centers where kids learn about sea turtles up close. We didn’t make it to the other islands this trip because we enjoyed Gili T so much that we happily spent all six days there — and we didn’t feel like we missed out.
- Dinner at Bora Bora Beach Club & Restaurant paired with a traditional Polynesian fire dance show. The atmosphere is electric, vibrant music, rhythmic drumming, and talented local performers lighting up the night sky with fire, and the food was delicious! Must for sunset diner
- Gili Cooking Class, we passed by this place several times during our stay, and it was always full — a clear sign of its popularity! Although we didn’t get the chance to join this time, it looked like a fun experience from the outside.
- Learn to Dive Together in Gili Trawangan. Another great activity for couples in Gili Trawangan is to learn how to dive. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it one of the best diving destinations in Indonesia. There are plenty of dive centers offering beginner lessons and PADI certification courses, so even if you’ve never tried diving before, it’s a perfect place to start — and an unforgettable experience to share as a couple.
Gili T has firmly earned its place as one of our all-time favorite islands, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why — the place is wonderfully versatile. Despite being a tiny slip of land, it somehow manages to pack in everything you could possibly want from a tropical escape. Tranquil, postcard-perfect beaches sit just a short pedal away from lively pool bars pumping out deep house and cocktails. Families will find no shortage of welcoming restaurants and kid-friendly spots, while couples can soak up some seriously romantic golden-hour vibes along the shore. Yoga studios, luxury villas, budget-friendly hostels — it’s all here. Getting around couldn’t be easier either; hop on a bike and you’ve covered the whole island in minutes, with locals always happy to point you in the right direction. As the sun goes down, many beachfront restaurants treat you to mesmerizing fire dance performances, completely free of charge. Whether you’re chasing serenity or a sunset party, Gili T delivers — no questions asked.
Wondering where to eat on Gili T? From laid-back beach bars to colorful street food markets, the island’s food scene has plenty of delicious surprises in store. Click here or the link below to read all about the restaurants and spots we personally visited during our time on the island.
