Every year, Bali becomes the holy home of Hari Raya Nyepi, an important Balinese Hindu holiday also known as the Day of Silence. During these 24 hours, the islands transform into a place of complete stillness, with closed businesses, deserted streets, and strict restrictions on noise, travel, and even light sources. This glimpse into Balinese traditions, though offering a unique cultural experience, can also limit your travel plans if you wish to enjoy some outdoor and active holidays more.
But fear not, here is the good news for those of you who plan to have a tropical getaway around the time. Just off the northwest coast of Lombok lies an alternative paradise: The Gili Islands. These three captivating islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno—offer a lively and vibrant escape during Bali’s Nyepi. Here, you can experience the magic of tropical Indonesia without any limitations.
This article will explore the Gili Islands as the perfect destination to experience during Bali’s Nyepi. We’ll delve into the islands’ unique characteristics, the benefits of visiting during Nyepi, and essential planning tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable escape.
The Gili Islands: Overview
If this is your first time to ever consider the Gilis as your Nyepi getaway, you might want to know which island suits you the best—or better you can island hop to the three at once. Each island boasts its distinct charm:
- Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan, the largest and most developed of the three Gili Islands, is a 2-hour ferry ride east of Bali. Once known for its lively nightlife, it now offers something for everyone: beach clubs, restaurants, spas, and ocean adventures. Despite its popularity and variety of hotels, bars, and eateries, the island still caters to all budgets and is deemed cheaper than Bali.
- Gili Air
Gili Air offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of village life and laid-back vibes. It’s a great spot for water sports and relaxation, with stunning sunsets and beautiful scenery. The island offers opportunities to connect with locals through cooking classes, beach cleanups, and even marine conservation activities. While it has a relaxed social scene, you can also find live music and beach parties if you prefer a livelier atmosphere.
- Gili Meno
Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest of the Gili Islands, offers a peaceful escape for those seeking relaxation and seclusion. Its serenity makes it perfect for honeymooners and anyone wanting a break from the crowds. Beyond its beauty, explore the island by bike, dive around the Gili Meno Statues, or simply relax and soak up the tranquillity.
Escaping the Silence: Nyepi in the Gilis
Is Gili Islands really not affected by Nyepi, though? Unlike Bali, which observes Nyepi with complete restrictions, the Gili Islands, predominantly Muslim, are not subject to these limitations. Nyepi traditions with full restrictions won’t be enforced. Business and tours will be operating as usual on these islands. Therefore, this can be a great opportunity to visit Gili if you wish to make the most of your tropical holiday and don’t want to get trapped in your hotel room all day.
Here’s why visiting the Gili Islands during Nyepi offers a unique and enriching experience:
- Avoid Nyepi’s restrictions: Enjoy unrestricted activities like exploring the islands, indulging in water sports, or exploring local markets, unlike the complete stillness observed in Bali.
- Experience a quieter Bali: With many tourists staying in Bali during Nyepi, the Gilis offer a more serene atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate the islands’ natural beauty without the usual crowds.
- Engage with the local community: Gili Islands possess a different culture from Bali, thus offering a unique cultural experience on its own. This allows you to learn new local traditions by experiencing some significant cultural events, such as the Sasak Cultural Festival and Ramadhan Festival.
Planning Your Nyepi Escape: A Guide
To ensure your smooth and unforgettable escape to the Gili Islands during Nyepi, you need to know some essential planning tips:
- Pack light and smart: You might want to pack just the necessary things such as comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for water activities. Packing lighter makes your mobility a lot easier as there are no motorised vehicles in Gilis so you can only get around the islands walking or using a bike. Not to mention, fast boats will apply a certain luggage limit with only 2 luggage and no more than 30 kg.
- Book in advance: Due to the surge in demand during Nyepi, it is recommended to book your accommodation and preferred activities in advance. Consider your preferred island’s atmosphere and research hotels, resorts, or private villas that suit your style and budget. If you plan to stay in Gili Trawangan, you’d love to stay at Majo Private Villas which is located in the center of the island. Popular activities like spa treatments and snorkelling tours tend to fill up quickly during Nyepi. Booking these activities in advance ensures you get all the desired experiences. You Spa is one of many great salons in Gili Trawangan that would pamper yourself with their wide range of massages, facials, hair and nail treatments, and even flower baths. If you wish to take your snorkelling experience to the next level, try booking the catamaran cruise by Utopia Catamaran which offers a once in a lifetime5 hour cruise. This highly-rated experience offers the chance to swim alongside turtles and explore the famous underwater statues, all under the guidance of experienced professionals who capture your memories on GoPro.
- Plan your transportation: Ferry services connect the Gili Islands to mainland Indonesia and Bali. Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season around Nyepi. Fast boats also serve as the most convenient option to hop on to the Gilis. Fast boats typically offer a quicker journey than ferries, taking around 1.5-2 hours, depending on the departure point and sea conditions. While some fast boat companies may offer limited services during Nyepi, many tend to suspend operations due to the reduced demand. It’s essential to check directly with individual operators for their specific Nyepi schedule well in advance.
- Leave Bali before Nyepi: Remember, Padang Bai port, the main gateway to the Gilis from Bali, follows Nyepi’s schedule and closes the day before. Businesses like banks and shops also close the whole day before so there is not much you can do if you don’t leave beforehand. Don’t worry about travel disruptions if you plan your departure from Bali accordingly.
