If you are lucky enough to be spending Christmas Day on the Gili Islands, we are pleased to let you know that there are many things to do to celebrate with family and friends this holiday season. Given Gili residents and local tour operators are mostly of the Hindu or Muslim faith, you’ll find that restaurants and activities will be open as usual during the festive period and will embrace the Christmas spirit for tourists to enjoy, and be merry!
Whilst Gili’s White Christmas is in the form of sand and not snow, if you happen to be on the island during the festive season, there are numerous fantastic things to do. Here are our top recommendations to enjoy Christmas on Gili:
A Christmas Eve Dinner
For those who love to begin celebrations on Christmas Eve, why not join a special dinner with Vila Ombak on Gili Trawangan. They are hosting a Silver Christmas Dinner that includes an all you can eat buffet, live music, fire dancers and a special visit from Santa. Their sister venue, Hotel Ombak Sunset is offering a White Christmas Eve Dinner which will start from 7pm and includes an open buffet and live acoustic music.
Also on Gili T, on the sunset side of the island, Hula! is hosting guests with a special Christmas package on both the 24th and 25th of December, with a live band in the evening of Christmas Day.
Over on Gili Air, Kardia Resort is offering Santa’s Sparkling Spectacular: A Flaming Feast and Festive Fire Dance. It starts at 6.30pm and features a BBQ dinner and live entertainment.
If you are searching for more of a party vibe, The Irish Bar on Gili T invites you to their Xmas Happy Hour for music, games, shots and buy one get one free Christmas cocktails and 30% off all other cocktails from 4pm – 8pm.
Christmas Day Feasts
BASK on Gili Meno invites you to join their Christmas Brunch, from 11.30am – 3pm to relax and enjoy a live DJ.
Kura Kura Resort on Gili Meno is hosting a special Christmas Day Set Menu that includes a 3 hour drinks package to really feel the Christmas cheer! They are serving a traditional menu of roast ham, seafood platter, Christmas fruit cakes and fruit mince pies. Yum! They are also offering a daily Happy Hour, buy 1 get 1 free from 4pm – 7pm at their Waterfront Restaurant, Topsy Turtle.
Located on the sunset side of Gili T, Malibu Beach Club is situated on the beach and is offering a special Christmas Dinner Menu of seafood and chicken for guests. They will have a live DJ to entertain you from 5pm – 7pm.
Seek Adventure
If you’re more interested in enjoying the island than traditional Christmas activities, you can take a 5 hour cruise with friends on Utopia Catamaran.
There is a morning cruise from 8.30am and sunset cruise from 2.30pm where you can snorkel with turtles and statues, enjoy international cuisine, relax on deck and savour drinks from the bar as you sail around the islands. The fun crew will also provide a little Christmas joy!
Fun for the Kids
Christmas is such a special time for families and keeping the kids busy with activities is a great way to enjoy the festive season. Visit the Christmas Kid Fair by Little Gili Kids Shop and Pituq on Thursday 21 December from 10am – 12pm. Here the kids can enjoy activities such as baking and decorating gingerbread cookies, making clay ornaments and eco tree decorations. The cost is IDR 200,000 per child and bookings are essential.
Treat Yourself and Unwind
This time of year can be a little stressful, so it’s worth taking the time to unwind during this busy festive season.
Visit You Spa for a massage or beauty treatment where you can rejuvenate for an hour or two in between all the celebrations. Located on Kelapa Street on Gili Trawangan and open 10am – 10pm everyday.
Relax at a Beach Club with a Seafood Lunch
For those seeking a laid-back festive season, a Beach Club offers the perfect retreat. Situated on the main street, La Cala presents a special December menu available during the whole month. Indulge in a seafood platter with sides designed for two to savour in the restaurant or choose to be beachside on a daybed while soaking in the picturesque views.
Merry Christmas to you all!
