If you’re visiting Bali or Lombok in Indonesia then you need to spend a few days in the Gili Islands.
Where to stay
If you want more peace and quiet then best to stay on Gili Air but there’s more going on at Gili T. I stayed at Mad Monkey hostel which was lovely great pool and bar area comfy beds (not bunks) and events on every night.
Getting around
There are no bikes or cars allowed on the island so your options are walking, hiring a bicycle or paying for a horse and cart. Personally I used horse and cart when going to and from the ferry with my luggage (as was staying a 30 minute walk away) and walked rest of the time. The horses looked well looked after and as a solo person I knew the cart wasn’t going to be too heavy.
What to do
I highly recommend a half day snorkelling trip of the Gili islands. You’ll get to swim with turtles, see the circle of statues as well as very colourful fish.
At the top of the island (also good for sunset) many hotels have open air cinemas which is a nice idea if you don’t fancy late night drinks and dancing at the bars at the bottom of the island.
How to get there
I travelled to and from Bali and got the ferry with Bluewater Express. They arranged taxi pick ups to and from my hostels also as well as travel sickness tablets for the journey.