Bali, Bali. I had heard about Bali millions of times as a dream vacation destination. Yet, surprisingly, many people don’t even know exactly where it is. Most know it’s somewhere in Asia, but many don’t realize that Bali is actually part of Indonesia, not its own country.

What Makes Bali So Popular?

Bali is one of the most famous islands in Southeast Asia, known for its lush rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, spiritual temples, and vibrant beach culture. Places like Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu have become global hotspots for travelers, digital nomads, and surfers.

The island offers a unique mix of experiences: you can spend the morning visiting ancient temples like Tanah Lot, enjoy traditional Balinese food for lunch, and watch the sunset from dramatic cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Bali is also very accessible for first-time travelers to Southeast Asia. The infrastructure is well developed, transportation is easy to organize, and there’s a wide range of accommodations for every budget.

However, because of its popularity, some areas of Bali have become extremely crowded and touristy. While it is absolutely worth visiting, limiting your trip to Bali alone means missing some of Indonesia’s most incredible hidden gems.

One of the best examples of this is the Gili Islands.

The Gili Islands: Indonesia’s Hidden Paradise

Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands are a group of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno.

Each island has its own personality, but they all share something special: there are no cars or motorbikes.

Yes, you read that right. No engines, no traffic, no noise.

The only ways to get around are by bicycle, walking, or traditional horse-drawn carts. This creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels completely disconnected from the chaos of modern life.

The moment you arrive, you’ll notice how slow and calm everything feels. The air is cleaner, the beaches are quieter, and life moves at a completely different rhythm.

How to Get to the Gili Islands

The easiest way to reach the Gili Islands is by fast boat. You can depart from Padang Bai or Serangan Port in Bali, or from Lombok, which is much closer.

Travel time is about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Bali and 30 to 45 minutes from Lombok. Prices usually range from €20–€40 from Bali and €10–€20 from Lombok, depending on the company and season.

The boat ride itself is a beautiful experience, with views of the ocean and surrounding islands along the way.

Gili Trawangan: The Most Lively Island

Most travelers stay in Gili Trawangan, the largest and most developed of the three islands.

Here, you’ll find the widest selection of:

• Hotels and hostels
• Restaurants and beach bars
• Diving centers
• Nightlife

Despite its popularity, the island still retains its tropical charm.

One of the most unique experiences is watching an outdoor movie on the beach at sunset, at places like Aston Movie Night Best Sunset Point. Sitting on bean bags, with your feet in the sand and the ocean just a few meters away, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

At night, the island comes alive with music and social energy. One of the most iconic spots is Sama-Sama Reggae Bar, known for its relaxed vibe, live music, and friendly crowd.

Gili Air and Gili Meno: The True Hidden Gems

While Gili Trawangan is the most popular, Gili Air and Gili Meno offer a quieter, more authentic experience.

These islands are perfect if you’re looking for:

• Peaceful beaches
• Fewer tourists
• Crystal-clear water
• A deeper connection with nature

We decided to explore them by booking a tour. One of the highlights was visiting the famous underwater statues near Gili Meno. These sculptures, called “Nest,” were created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor as an artificial reef to promote marine life conservation. Over time, the statues have become covered in coral, transforming them into a living ecosystem. Swimming among them felt surreal. We saw colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and experienced some of the clearest water we had ever seen.

Our tour was led by a local man who owned his own traditional wooden boat. After spending the day with him, we asked if he could take us on another tour the next day—this time to more remote, less visited areas. We negotiated a fair price directly with him, which felt much better than booking through large companies.

The next day, he took us to hidden beaches with no tourists, where the only sounds were the waves and the wind. We swam in untouched waters, explored quiet corners of the islands, and ended the day watching the sunset from his boat.

It was, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire trip.

Many of the best travel experiences aren’t the ones you plan carefully, but the ones that happen unexpectedly—when you allow yourself to explore freely, trust local people, and embrace the unknown.

Indonesia is not just Bali.

And sometimes, the places you’ve never heard of are the ones that stay with you forever.