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White sand beaches, great scuba diving and snorkelling, turtle sanctuaries, a relaxing atmosphere, but also lots of party opportunities - all this and more can be found on Gili Meno, Gili Air and Gili Trawagan, three islands located off the northwest tip of Lombok, in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. Each has its own characteristics and each attracts a certain type of traveller, but all of them offer the same paradise-like beaches and laid back atmosphere.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are the most popular activities on the islands, with Gili Trawagan having the largest offering of PADI courses. Recently free-diving has become more popular than the traditional version and is offered widely on the islands. Gili Air and Gili Meno are the best for those looking for fabulous beaches and opportunities to get away from it all. Gili Trawagan is famous for its party boats and has a backpacker feel. Also, it is the only place in the area where motor vehicles are not allowed. Visitors can rent a bicycle, or hire a horse- drawn carriage to move around this small island.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink on the islands. Gili Air and Gili Trawagan both offer a wide variety of Western and local restaurants and bars, some offering more expensive dishes accompanied by fresh fruit shakes or a bottle of Bintang, the Indonesian beer. Gili Meno is more remote and has become famous for its barbecued seafood and other local specialties. Visitors who are looking for a late night drink should head to Gili Trawagan, where clubs and bars with different kinds of music are open until the early morning hours.

Shopping on the Gilis is limited and there are only a couple of shops offering more than just basic necessities. However, the commercial consciousness of the locals is developing fast and nowadays there are a few stylish boutiques and galleries selling hand-made goods. Vintage fashion lovers should visit Casa Vintage on Gili Trawagan, where lots of internationally sourced items can be found. The Art Shop Botol on Gili Meno sells handicrafts such as masks, water baskets and wood carvings. Beautiful coconut shell accessories, cups and bowls are best purchased from Coconut Handicraft on Gili Air.