For decades travelers have made up the hop from Bali for a quick dip in the turquoise-tinted, bathtub-warm waters of the tiny, irresistible Gili Islands, and stayed longer than they anticipated.

Perhaps it’s the deep-water coral reefs teeming with sharks, rays, and reasonably friendly turtles? Maybe it’s the serenity that comes with no motorized traffic? Or it could be the beachfront bungalows, long stretched of white sand and the friendly locals.

Each of these pearls, located just off the northwestern tip of Lombok, have their won unique character, but they have one thing in common: they are all hard to leave.

Gili Air is the closest to the mainland, with plenty of stylish bungalows dotted among the palms.

Mellow Gili Meno, the middle island, is the smallest and quietest and makes for a wonderful chilled-out retreat.

Gili Trawangan, the furthest out, has been tagged as the ‘party island’. And with three weekly parties and a groovy collection of beach bars, you can get loose here. But Trawangan is growing up, with stylish accommodation, including a number of inland vacation villas, a fun expat community and outstanding dining.

Gili Islands are paradise for divers. You can check the dive spot in Gili Islands and Lombok over here.

Source: Lonely Planet Bali and Lombok