Are you wondering if the Gili Islands are safe to visit in 2024? Well, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Gili’s- In June 2023 I traveled solo to this slice of paradise off the coast of Lombok, and I’m here to tell you everything you need to know to stay safe while visiting.
The Gili Islands are an archipelago located in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Made up of three islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno.
Imagine tiny islands framed by sandy white beaches and palm trees, encircled by a dazzling turquoise sea. It sounds like a postcard right? Well, welcome to the Gili’s.
Are The Gili Islands Safe?
It is easy to say that the Gili Islands are a safe place to visit. However, as with every destination, there are precautions that travelers should take in order to avoid any problems.
The crime rate here is low, nearly zero, and much lower than its neighbors, Bali and Lombok. The most common crime (though still rare) is small petty theft.
Are the Islands Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
As a solo female traveler myself, I can confidently say that I had no problems while visiting the Gili Islands. There is however some general safety that women should be aware of.
From what I’ve experienced, the biggest risks come from foreigners who’ve done drugs or had too much to drink. Therefore, it is important to use the same precautions used at home. And always be aware of the people and the situation around you.
It is also important to be aware that there are many areas of the islands that are dimly lit. And although the crime rate is nearly zero, I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night off the main streets. It’s always better safe than sorry!
Tips For Solo Female Travellers On The Gili Islands:
- Never leave drinks unattended
- Don’t walk alone while intoxicated
- Don’t accept substances from strangers
- Avoid walking alone at night off the main strips
- Stay at a hostel to make friends (groups are always safer!)
Are There Police on the Gili Islands?
There is very little police presence on the Gili Islands. A task force called Satuan Tugas supposedly enforces the law. However, it is a local operation, and they enforce what they wish at their own will.
The area has many of its own customs when it comes to dealing with crime. For example, there are reports of shoplifters being paraded around the island wearing signs around their necks saying ‘I am a thief, do not do what I did’.
However, despite staying on the islands for around 2 weeks, I did not once see any law enforcement. When there are, it is usually a maximum of 5 officers.
Are There Drugs on the Gili Islands?
While the islands ARE known for their stunning natural beauty, the famous party island of Gili Trawangan is also known for its drugs. The island is widely known for the psychedelic drug, magic mushrooms. Which can be found all along the beachfront and in a number of established cafes.
Gili Trawangan has widespread drug use. The most accessible are shabu (more widely known as crystal methamphetamine), ecstasy, and mushrooms; all considered Class 1 Narcotics.
It is not uncommon to be approached with drugs on the streets, which pose possible threats to safety. Many drugs on the island are fake or laced, and some are incredibly strong, It is highly recommended to stay away from drugs while on the Gili islands.
Is Drug Use Illegal?
The Gili’s are THE grey area when it comes to drugs in Indonesia. Indonesia is incredibly strict about drug use, and penalties often include Imprisonment of 4-12 years, and even death for trafficking offences.
However that being said, the Gili Islands are known to be a safe haven for using magic mushrooms in Indonesia and surrounding South East Asia.
Every year, thousands of young people flock to the Gili’s, where chalk signs advertising magic mushrooms are displayed openly on the streets. Along the beachfront, you can find a shack every 50 meters that sells magic smoothies.
So while taking drugs is not allowed, there are usually no major legal consequences. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee, and for travelers’ safety, it is highly recommended to follow the nation’s laws.
Are the Alcoholic Drinks Safe?
Alcohol in Indonesia is cheap, very cheap. However, this does not come without a price of its own. There have been multiple deaths, including in the Gili Islands, due to methanol lacing.
Some experts say methanol is added to liquors in Indonesia intentionally, because it is incredibly potent, cheap, and makes alcohol go further. Others say it is due to poor distillation processes.
Either way, methanol is poisonous, and consumption can be fatal. Even popular beach clubs have been found to be selling drinks laced with the chemical.
It is to say that you need to be careful drinking in the Gili Islands. Try to stick to pre-bottled drinks, as methanol is colorless and odorless and is impossible to detect by yourself. Beers and Bintangs are usually the safest bet.
Can you safely swim in the Islands?
The waters beautiful around the Gili Islands are generally calm. However, the Gili’s experience high volumes of water movement during high and low tides, which can sometimes cause very strong swells. The tides can also be very unpredictable, meaning swells can pop up at any moment.
There was a moment out snorkeling where some of us ended up stuck in choppy waves and a very strong current. It was almost impossible to swim. Luckily our boat saw us struggling and came closer so we could get back onboard.
This is why it is highly recommended to snorkel, dive, and swim in groups. And to only go out into deeper water with a local guide.
Though there are no recommendations for specific services, local tour companies can be found every few meters along the main strips for all islands.
Always listen to locals if they say it isn’t safe to swim, as they have a much better understanding of the island’s patterns, and can see danger even if it looks safe to you and me.
Are There Sharks in the Water?
Yes, the Gili islands have teeming marine life, including sharks! Off the islands, you can find multiple shark species.
However, the most common sharks to inhabit the waters are black and white-tipped reef sharks. These animals are quite shy and are not a threat to swimmers.
Shark enthusiasts can find tours to Shark Point, a dive site on the northwest of Gili Trawangan, where it is possible to see the animals up close.
Are shark sightings common in the Islands?
It is quite uncommon to spot sharks in the Gili’s when swimming or snorkeling in open waters. And while there have been unprovoked shark attacks in the Gili Islands, the incident is extremely rare.
Best Safety Tips for Travel in the Gili Islands
1. Practice Safe Swimming
Always follow local advice when it comes to swimming, as the picturesque waters around the Gili Islands can sometimes become dangerous. When snorkeling or free diving off the island, always go with a guide and do not venture into deeper waters alone.
Stay hydrated, close to the land, and make sure not to swim if you are under the influence of alcohol. Wear a lifejacket if you are not a confident swimmer, and avoid straying too far from your boat.
2. Avoid drugs
Taking drugs on the Gili Islands is generally unsafe, as the contents and strength of street drugs are completely unknown.
It is also highly illegal to take drugs in Indonesia, and possession of illegal substances is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment. You can simultaneously be fined up to US$896,000.
Though the Gili islands have mostly slipped through the cracks of Indonesian drug laws due to minimal police presence, it is still under the legislated area. So being caught with drugs can have serious consequences.
Make sure to save the number of the Gili Islands emergency medical services. Just in case you or someone you know runs into trouble. The number is +62 821-6211-2112.
3. Stick to Pre-Bottled Drinks
While not all drinks are laced with methanol by any stretch, it is much safer to avoid un-bottled drinks altogether.
There have been multiple deaths in the Gili islands, and many more in wider Indonesia due to methanol poisoning, and even one drink can prove fatal.
Therefore, sticking to pre-bottled beers and Bintangs is a much safer bet when grabbing a drink on the Gili Islands.
4. Stay in Well-Lit Areas
To be especially safe, I recommend staying in well-lit areas and avoiding walking too deep into the island alone. Again, there are very low crime rates on the Gili Islands, but it is always good to avoid potential situations.
If you’re looking to stay especially safe, I would set up base on either Gili Air or Gili Meno. The two much quieter islands, where you can experience island paradise with much less chaos.
How to Get Around the Islands Safely
It is safe to walk in the Gili islands, and due to their sizes, it is very possible to access most places on foot. However, I recommend renting a bicycle, as it is the most common type of transportation used around the islands.
Renting a bicycle usually costs between 50,000 and 70,000 IDR per day. And you can find services in Hostels, Hotels, and all along the beachfront and port areas.
Remember not to ride a bicycle under the influence, and if you feel unfit to ride, it is quite safe to leave your bike locked on the side of the road to collect in the morning. It is very uncommon for bicycles to be stolen.
Other Transport Options
There are also plenty of horse and carriage rides available on Gili Trawangan, but I strongly encourage you to avoid these at all costs. Most horses experience a significant amount of abuse.
Note that there are no motorized vehicles on the islands and no access to services like Gojek and Grab (which are common on the island of Bali).
Conclusion: Are the Gili Islands safe to visit in 2024?
The Gili Islands are generally a very safe place to visit. With low crime rates, and a friendly atmosphere.
However, certain things are important for anyone traveling to the Islands to be aware of, such as the prominent drug culture and the sometimes unpredictable waters.
But as long as visitors stay aware of potential risks and avoid situations that could put them in danger, there is no need to be concerned on your trip to the Gili Islands!
