As two Central American titans of tourism, how do you choose between Costa Rica and Panama? Both have incredible landscapes teeming with wildlife, beautiful beaches dotted along both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and a vibrant local culture.
16.05.2024 - 16:07 / lonelyplanet.com
A trio of tiny Indonesian islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air all share similar traits. They are each fringed by dreamy white sand beaches, are mercifully free of motorized transport and have excellent diving and snorkeling. Still, each has developed at a very different pace and has a distinctly different atmosphere.
Gili Trawangan is the cosmopolitan jewel in the crown of North Lombok tourism. Expect a buzzing beach strip of bright lights, music and feverish late-night bar hopping. It also has by far the widest range of places to stay with diverse dining options for every budget.
The contrast to sleepy Gili Meno, just minutes away by outrigger boat, couldn’t be any greater. Gili Meno revels in a tropical backwater vibe with virtually no nightlife, but it does have stylish boutique resorts favored by couples seeking an idyllic escape on pristine beaches. It’s no surprise it has become the de facto haven for honeymooners.
Nearest to Lombok, Gili Air sits perfectly in the middle of these two extremes. The bar scene is laid-back and unpretentious and it has some of the best value accommodations. Gili Air also has the largest Sasak population exuding a more authentic local atmosphere.
Gili Meno isn’t dubbed "Honeymoon Island" for nothing. The smallest of the Gili Islands is by far the top choice for relaxation with an unspoiled castaway island vibe. There is virtually no nightlife to speak of. Evenings consist of barefoot beach dining and sipping cocktails by the water’s edge.
It’s the Gili island best for couples with long stretches of fine white sand all to yourself. The better beach resorts are all geared to couples with in-house wellness options, private snorkeling trips and more. Many of Gili Meno’s top beachfront restaurants offer private dining on the beach or in a shoreside cabana.
Ready to plan your visit to the Gilis? Here are the top places to go
Let’s face it – the Gili Islands are not cultural hot spots nor do they have much history. There were no permanent residents until the late 1970s and the first trickle of tourists only began arriving in the mid-1980s. Gili Air offers the most locally authentic atmosphere of the three islands. It has proportionally more local family-run businesses and the laid-back pace of life offers more opportunities to interact in a meaningful way. It’s a vibrant community with a number of small scale annual happenings like the slow food and yoga festival that also showcases sustainable handicrafts, art and traditional Sasak music and dance.
All three islands have the key ingredients for a memorable snorkeling experience – abundant reef fish, colorful corals and endless encounters with inquisitive turtles. That said, tranquil Gili Meno tops its neighbors,
As two Central American titans of tourism, how do you choose between Costa Rica and Panama? Both have incredible landscapes teeming with wildlife, beautiful beaches dotted along both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and a vibrant local culture.
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