Are the Gili Islands Bali Still Worth Visiting? My Honest August 2025 Take

I get this question all the time from travellers passing through Bali — “Julia, should we hop to the Gilis or just stay on the island?” And honestly, I don’t blame anyone for asking. The Gilis (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno) used to be this postcard paradise that everyone ran to for turquoise water, beach swings, and wild nights. Then for a while, things got messy — abandoned businesses, water shortages, streets that felt way too quiet.

So in August 2025, I decided to go see for myself. And since I’ve been to these islands more times than I can count, I knew what to look for: the vibe, the food, the beaches, the boats (coz trust me, one bad boat day can ruin the trip fast).

Here’s my honest take — no sugar coat, just what it felt like from the moment I stepped off the boat till I came back to Bali.

The Journey Over: That Boat Shuffle Life

If you’ve ever taken a boat from Bali to the Gilis, you know the drill. You drag your bag across the sand, climb in while waves slap at your legs, and you pray your flip flops don’t float away. This ride was no different.

Booked a fast boat out of Padangbai. August seas are usually calmer, and yeah it was smooth enough — few bumps, nothing crazy. Sitting there with salty air on my face, I already felt that “island reset” mood creeping in.

Docking at Gili T — chaos everywhere, but like, the fun kind. Horse carts waiting (don’t love that part, poor horses), locals shouting times, tourists looking half-lost but smiling anyway. Organized mess is prob the best way to say it.

And then bam — turquoise water smacks you in the eyes. No matter how many times I see it, I still stop like, “oh yeahhh, this is why we all come.”

First Impressions Walking Around

Here’s the thing: Gili T in August feels like two islands living side by side. On one side, bars buzzing, cafés spilling music, dive shops with wetsuits drying in the sun. Bean bags in the sand, groups laughing over beers. Feels alive again.

But wander a little and it gets ghosty. Shops closed down, villas eaten by vines, buildings half rotting. I walked down one lane and literally thought, “did I just teleport?”

Doesn’t ruin the trip tho — if anything, makes it more interesting. Just don’t expect polished Bali vibes. You get a raw mix.

What I Loved

• Sunset magic: Bean bag, toes in sand, cocktail in hand, sky burning pink-orange. Never ever gets old.
• Night market buzz: Cheap grilled corn, satay, nasi campur. Crowds buzzing, music floating. Simple joy.
• Snorkeling & turtles: Within 10 mins in water — turtles. August clarity = unreal. Diving is solid too.
• The sisters (Air & Meno): Gili Air still has that mellow balance, perfect for slowing down. Gili Meno = whisper quiet, honeymoon kinda vibe.

The Not-So-Perfect Stuff

• Water supply probs: Yep still. One place my shower cut out mid-rinse, lol. Some hotels truck water in, some ration. Ask before you book.
• Ghost spots: Abandoned hostels and villas still scatter the island. Not dangerous, just kinda sad.
• Food hit or miss: One night fresh grilled fish blew my mind, next morning my pancake tasted like cardboard. You roll the dice.

Tips If You’re Going in Aug 2025

• Don’t book your return boat the same day as a flight — rookie mistake.
• Weather mostly sunny, but random rain sneaks in. Carry a light jacket.
• Tides get wild — sometimes water creeps right into beach clubs on new moon.
• August = peak, so book your room early.
• Support local cafés & dive shops. Feels better too.

My Honest Verdict

So… are the Gilis still worth it? My answer: yeah, totally — if you set the right mindset.

If you’re chasing the pre-2020 non-stop party scene, nah, it’s gone. But if you want turquoise water, turtles, sunset cocktails, a couple fun nights, and that laid-back “this-island-is-a-bit-messy-but-it’s-magic” kinda vibe… then yes.

For me, August 2025 felt like two timelines overlapping — scars still showing, but a fresh energy pushing thru. I kinda like it that way. More raw, less shiny. More real.

Left on the boat back to Bali sunburnt, salty, and honestly glad I went. The Gilis ain’t perfect, but magic never really is.

If you’re already in Bali, 100% go. Gili T = buzz, Gili Air = balance, Gili Meno = romance. Bring patience, flip flops, and low expectations for “perfection.” You’ll still leave happy.