The Gilis (Islands) - Gili Trawangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno, 3 islands of the NW of Lombok, are very popular destinations for backpackers. The islands are very scenic - white sand beaches, azure blue sea, coral reefs (good snorkeling and diving), no traffic.

Trawangan, the biggest, most popular island, has most facilities but is still basic. A typical day is spent on the beach sunbathing and snorkeling, night time is for socializing or watching videos in the restaurants, followed by partying.

There have been complaints about the 'spoiling' of G. Trawangan - The 'party island' character, the amount of rubbish along the beach and around the island, ugly barbed wire that cuts off the center, apart from a few access points, visitors are restricted to a 50 meter perimeter along the coast.

An increasing number of visitors are choosing to stay on Gili Meno & Gili Air, feeling that they are less spoilt.

! Warning Gili Trawangan gets very full June-Aug. People sometimes have to sleep on the beach.