What is it like experiencing a Gili Islands Full Moon Party?
If you’re looking for a wild and unforgettable party experience, a Gili Islands Full Moon Party is an event you should not miss. These legendary parties take place on the beautiful islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, located off the northwest coast of Lombok in Indonesia. Every month, locals and partygoers from around the world flock to the islands to dance the night away barefoot on the sand, under a star lit sky, with awe-inspiring volcanos in the backdrop and the full moon reflection shimmering on the surface of the ocean.
A Gili Islands Full Moon Party is a celebration of life, love, and thumpingly good local techno music. There are many good local DJs on the islands and in Lombok, but each time we’ve attended a Gili Islands Full Moon Party there have always been some fantastic DJs making the trek across from Bali to hit the decks. You’ll find throughout the night a variety of electronic music played, from house, tech house, pure techno, acid house and we have noticed the local DJs LOVE their trance and psy-trance, so there’s something for everyone. The party starts at sunset and goes on until the very early hours of the morning. The beach at the front of the venue hosting the party on the island is transformed into a vibrant and colorful wonderland, with neon lights, fire dancers, and live electronic music filling the air.
One of our favourite things about the Full Moon Parties we have attended on Gili Air in particular, is the distinct lack of mobile phones and ‘the influencer crowd’ filming the party or relentlessly posing for Instagram-style-photos. These parties have a genuine good vibe with smiling locals dancing side by side with foreigners of all ages, in a beautiful melting pot of down-to-earth people from all over the world. People are connecting with one another face to face, talking, smiling, laughing and making new friends, in an atmosphere of authentic love and respect. It can be unusual to find a party scene with this genuine vibe these days. It is truly something magical to experience.
To find out when the next Gili Full Moon Party is, first check the lunar calendar. Once you know when the next full moon falls, you can start to keep any eye on the Gili Air or Gili Trawangan local Facebook Groups. If you’re already on the islands, just ride your bike around the island and talk to people, ask the locals working in bars, or look out for printed signs on A4 pieces of paper pinned up all over the island advertising what date and at which particular beachfront venue the next party is to be held.
Whether you’re a seasoned partygoer or a first timer, a Gili Islands Full Moon Party is an experience you won’t forget. So gather your friends, kick off your dancing shoes (these are a bare-foot-on-the-sandy-dance-floor type of event), and get ready to party like never before. We guarantee you’ll have the time of your life!
The Gili Islands
We have had the pleasure of attending many Gili Islands Full Moon Party, and we have to say, it is always an unforgettable experience. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, the Gili Islands are a group of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – that have become a popular destination for travelers seeking a laid-back island vibe, stunning beaches, and world-class diving. Gili Trawangan is renowned as the ‘party island’ of the three, but in our experience Gili Air really shines when it comes to hosting a Full Moon Party!
Location
The Gili Islands are just a short boat ride away from Bali or Lombok, making them easily accessible for travelers. Once you arrive, you’ll find that the islands are small enough to explore on foot or by bike, with no motorized vehicles allowed on the islands.
History
The Gili Islands have a fascinating history, with a mix of local and international influences. The islands were once a hub for pearl diving, and the traditional Sasak people who live on nearby Lombok still visit the islands to collect seaweed and fish. In recent years, the islands have become a popular tourist destination, with a growing number of hotels, restaurants, and bars catering to visitors.
Despite the increase in tourism, the Gili Islands have managed to maintain their laid-back vibe and natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go diving, or party the night away, the Gili Islands have something for everyone.
Magic Mushrooms on the Gili Islands
We can’t explore the topic of a Gili Islands Full Moon Party without covering another thing the Gili Islands are famous for: Magic Mushrooms. It’s important to note that whilst it may not be strictly legal, the use of magic mushrooms is prevalent during these events. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of magic mushrooms, their effects, and their legality.
Types
There are several types of magic mushrooms that can be found readily available on the Gili Islands. Some of the most common include:
- Psilocybe Cubensis
- Psilocybe Semilanceata
- Psilocybe Mexicana
Each type has its own unique characteristics and potency, so it’s important to be aware of what you are consuming, and take at your own risk.
Effects
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on the type and amount consumed. Some common effects include:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Changes in perception of time and space
- Feelings of euphoria and joy
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Nausea and vomiting
It’s important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and may last for several hours. It may be very difficult to gauge the ‘dose size’ you receive or are taking (until it’s too late). Always make sure you take magic mushrooms with friends who can watch out for you and take care of you if things don’t go to plan.
Legality
The use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many countries, including Indonesia. However, enforcement of these laws can be lax on the Gili Islands, where they are openly sold and consumed during a Full Moon Party, and at all other times for that matter. We advise exercising a high degree of personal caution when consuming any illegal or controlled substances and recommend staying informed about the laws and risks associated with their use. It’s important to exercise caution when seeking them out and to avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
Finding Magic Mushrooms in the Gili Islands
Ask a local, or just look for the signs!
When it comes to finding magic mushrooms in the Gili Islands, it’s best to seek out a local guide. These guides are often familiar with the best spots to find mushrooms and can provide valuable insight into the local culture and customs. You’ll also notice signs up in most bars and even restaurants, advertising that they have magic mushrooms available for sale. The most common way to consume mushrooms on the Gilis is in the form of a ‘shroom shake’ – a surprisingly delicious magical smoothie of mushrooms blended with tropical fruits.
Precautions
Before embarking on a search for magic mushrooms in the Gili Islands, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. First and foremost, it’s important to stay hydrated and to avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol or mixing mushrooms with any other pharmaceutical (or illegal) substances.
It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid wandering off into unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and stick with your friends – look out for one another.
Finally, it’s important to be respectful of the kind locals and their beautiful local culture and customs. While magic mushrooms are not strictly illegal in the Gili Islands, they are still considered a controlled substance and should be treated with respect.
Overall, taking magic mushrooms in the Gili Islands can be a fun and maybe even an enlightening experience, but it’s important to exercise caution and to respect the local culture and customs. By following these simple precautions, you may ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Conclusion
We’ve had many truly amazing nights at the Gili Islands Full Moon Parties! The energy at the party is always friendly and electric, and we loved dancing the night away to top quality electronic music on the beach, under the shimmering light of a full moon. Truly a magical experience.
The parties are very well-organized by the locals, and we appreciated the efforts made to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The money you spend at a Gili Full Moon Party goes straight back to the local community, so do your bit and eat up, drink up, make some new friends and enjoy yourself!
All in all, we highly recommend the Gili Islands Full Moon Party to anyone looking for a fun, magical and completely memorable night out. We can’t wait to come back next year and experience it all over again. When we’re on the Gilis, we’ll never miss a Full Moon Party!
