Looking for the ultimate guide toĀ Gili Trawangan? Youāve come to the right place!
In this article, Iāll take you through the best things to do, where to eat, and share some useful tips for your trip to this amazing island.
The Gili Islands are a paradise that attracts travelers from all over. Picture white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and stunning sunsetsāall waiting for you on Gili Trawangan.
So, ready to learn everything you need to know about Gili Trawangan? Letās jump in!
Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Introduction
The Gili Archipelago, where “gili” means “small island” in the Sasak language, is made up of three picturesque islands near the northwest coast of Lombok:Ā Gili Trawangan,Ā Gili Meno, andĀ Gili Air.
These islands are a favorite destination for many, thanks to theirĀ charming white beaches,Ā crystal-clear waters, vibrantĀ coral reefs, and stunningĀ sunsets.
Theyāre particularly popular with budget–conscious travelers seeking a peaceful getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of Bali.
While snorkeling and diving are a must-do, visitors can also enjoy other activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Gili Islands are small enough to explore on foot in just a few hours, with traffic limited toĀ bicyclesĀ andĀ cidomos(traditional horse-drawn carts).
And here’s a unique feature:Ā motorized vehiclesĀ are completely prohibited on the islands!
Which Gili Island is Right for You?
The largest of the islands,Ā Gili TrawanganĀ (Gili T), is home to around 1,500 residents and has the most developed hotel infrastructure, making it the most popular with tourists.
Aside from its bars and restaurants, Gili T offers plenty of clubs and discos that really come alive after dark, earning it a reputation as the most party-centric and lively island.
If you’re traveling with family or looking for a quieter atmosphere,Ā Gili AirĀ is a better option. It’s the closest island to the mainland and offers a more peaceful vibe with a larger local community.
Conversely, the smallest of the islands,Ā Gili Meno, with its laid–back vibe and fewer tourists, is the perfect spot for couples looking to unwind.
Being the least developed of the three,Ā Gili MenoĀ also boasts some of the best diving spots and the most beautiful beaches in the entire archipelago.
The island is home to a charming ornithological park, where you can spot various rare bird species.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Gili Islands?
TheĀ best timeĀ to visit the Gili Islands is fromĀ May to September, when the weather isĀ dryĀ and the sea isĀ calm.
This is theĀ perfect timeĀ to relax and enjoy theĀ outdoors. Itās also ideal for activities likeĀ divingĀ andĀ snorkeling.
We visited inĀ JuneĀ and hadĀ beautiful,Ā sunny weather! If you can, try to avoid the rainy seasonĀ fromĀ November to March.
How to Get to the Gili Islands?
The easiest and most convenient way to reachĀ Gili TrawanganĀ is byĀ speedboat. You can catch one from various ports inĀ Bali, such asĀ Sanur,Ā Serangan,Ā Padang Bai, orĀ Amed.
With plenty of daily options available, most boats head to Lombok, and some make a stop at Nusa Lembongan along the way.
You can purchaseĀ ticketsĀ directly from theĀ operator, aĀ travel agency, or online through platforms likeĀ GilibookingsĀ orĀ Gilitickets.
These websites make it simple to check availability, prices, and schedules.
Ticket prices typically range from $35 to $100 for a round-trip, and the journey usually takes around 2-3 hours, depending on where you depart from.
If you’re not in a rush, you can opt for the public ferry, which departs from Padang Bai on Bali’s eastern coast and heads to Lembar on Lombok.
It’s the cheapest option, but the journey lasts around 6-8 hours, and the conditions on board can be a bit basic.
If you’re looking for a quicker ride, we recommend Blue Water Express or Gili Getaway.
We used both operators, and aside from the transport, we also got discounts on the island and free transfers from our hotel to the port.
And if you’re sensitive to seasickness, donāt worryāsea-sickness tablets are available, as the waves and winds can get pretty strong in this area.
Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Where to Stay?
On Gili Trawangan, you’ll find plenty of accommodation optionsāfrom simple places to luxury hotels, so there’s something for everyone.
However, during peak season, it’s a good idea to book in advance, unless you’re okay with spending the night on the beach.
The eastern part of the island is where most of the hotels are located and it’s also the best area for diving.
We decided to stay on the south-western tip of the island, where we could enjoy amazing sunsets every day.
After a bit of searching, we chose aĀ unique hotelĀ called PinkCoco, which we highly recommend.
The hotel is located right by the beach and offersĀ spacious roomsĀ decorated in a boutique style.
Every morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast on theĀ terraceĀ with a view of the turquoise sea.
The hotel also has a restaurant, a large pool, and a bike rental serviceāthe perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. We were definitely sad to leave this place!
Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Best Things to Do
Go Diving in the Crystal-Clear Waters
One of the main reasons hundreds of tourists visit the island every year is the chance to enjoy water sports and explore the colorful underwater world.
Gili T has plenty of places offeringĀ diving coursesĀ for all skill levels, including certification programsĀ (Dream Divers, Blue Marlin Dive). You can also rent snorkeling gear.
A popular spot for reef shark sightings is Shark Point, on the northern side of the island. Manta Point, located to the south, also offers excellent diving conditions.
Take a Bike Ride Around the Island
Since cars and motorcycles are completely banned on Gili Trawangan, cycling is the best way to explore the island.
The entire ride takes no longer than an hour, with plenty of opportunities to stop and relax at one of the cozy beachside cafes along the way.
There are many places on the island where you can rent a bike. We rented ours at the PinkCoco hotel.
A nighttime bike ride around the island, surrounded by wild animals (mainly goats), is definitely an unforgettable experience!
EnjoyĀ Breathtaking Sunsets
Honestly, the sunsets we saw from the beach at our hotel on Gili Trawangan were some of the most beautiful we’ve ever experienced. We could have watched them every day!
As the sun sets, the colors reflect off the water, creating a magical scene. On clear days, you can even see Mount Agungin the distanceāitās incredible!
If you’re looking for other great spots, the swings at Ombak Sunset hotel and other places on the west side of the island also offer amazing sunset views.
Try Local Food at the Night Market
If youāre on Gili T, youāve got to check out theĀ night marketĀ at least once!
Located on the east side of the island, right by the main street, itās open daily from 6:30 PM to 1:15 AM.
Here, youāll find a variety of freshly caughtĀ seafoodĀ like lobster, crab, squid, shrimp, mussels, and barracuda. You can also enjoyĀ grilled meats,Ā spring rolls,Ā pancakes, and more.
Along with Indonesian favorites like nasi goreng, soto ayam, and bakso, youāll also get to try some tasty Chinese wok dishes.
For those on a budget, check out the warung tegal, a buffet where you can mix and match your own rice dish. Meals typically cost 10,000 to 50,000 rupiahs.
It can get crowded, so expect to wait in line, but trust us, itās totally worth it!
Enjoy the Nightlife
If youāre someone who loves a good night out, Gili Trawangan is the perfect spot.
The island really comes alive after dark (unless itāsĀ Ramadan), withĀ barsĀ offering all sorts of fun activities.
Some places, likeĀ TĆr na nĆg, even have freeĀ movie nights. Others, likeĀ Sama-Sama Reggae Bar, feature awesome liveĀ reggae music.
And if you’re into open-air parties, don’t miss theĀ Full Moon Parties.
These epic events happen during theĀ full moon, with music blasting all night at spots likeĀ Exile Sunset Bar & Bungalow.
Go Island Hopping
If youāre looking to mix things up onĀ Gili Trawangan, why not hop over to the nearby islands?
You can catch a public ferry twice a day (9:30 AM and 4:00 PM) to Gili Air and Gili Meno for just 35,000 rupiahs.
If youāre in a rush, you can take aĀ speedboatĀ that runs every hour fromĀ 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It costsĀ 85,000 rupiahs and takes justĀ 15 minutesĀ to reach each island.
OnĀ Gili Meno, be sure to check out the turtle sanctuary, and onĀ Gili Air, try paddleboarding. Both islands offer something unique, so it’s definitely worth the visit!
Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Best Places to Eat
Pearl Beach Lounge
We decided to visitĀ Pearl Beach LoungeĀ on our first day, lured by the great reviews online.
It’s one of theĀ best spotsĀ on Gili Trawangan, offering aĀ diverse menuĀ of international dishes.
The restaurant is set in a cozyĀ bamboo buildingĀ with beautiful views of the turquoise sea.
AtĀ Pearl Beach Lounge, prices start aroundĀ 70,000 rupiahsĀ and can go up to about 300,000 rupiahsĀ for a main dish.
We tried Indian samosas, saffron shrimp risotto, a beef burger, and coconut ice cream.
Everything was delicious, and the service was super friendly. Definitely a spot worth checking out!
Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a spot for a romantic dinner for two, be sure to visit Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill.
The restaurant offers beachfront tables with stunning views of Mount Rinjani and the Lombok coast.
Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill is known for its fresh seafood, grilled to perfection.
On the menu, you’ll find things like crabs, squid, shrimp, mahi-mahi, and tuna. We went for the juicy swordfish with a tasty sauce, fries, and a salad.
It cost us about 500,000 rupiahs for the meal.
Le Petit Gili
The last place we recommend is Le Petit Gili, a laid-back spot known for serving the best burgers and sandwiches on the island.
It’s the perfect place if you’re craving Western cuisine.
Each burger comes withĀ crispy friesĀ and a salad, with prices aroundĀ 80,000 rupiahsĀ per set.
We went for theĀ double cheeseburger with friesĀ and were really happy with our choice!
Besides sandwiches,Ā Le Petit GiliĀ also offers other dishes, includingĀ traditional Indonesian specialtiesĀ andĀ vegetarian meals.
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Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Conclusions
Gili Trawangan is the perfect place to add to your Indonesia trip.
From stunning sunsets and tasty local food to paradise beaches, lively nightlife, and colorful coral reefs, the island has it all.
Each day brings new adventures, and the friendly vibe makes it tough to leave. Gili Trawangan is definitely a spot you’ll want to return to.
Which Gili Island is your top pick? Let us know in the comments! If this guide to Gili Trawangan helped you, feel free to share it with your friends!
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Bali is high on our life bucket list! Thanks for such an awesome comprehensive guide! I love all of your beach and sunset photos. The PinkCoco looks charming…
Be sure to add Gili islands to your Bali trip. You would be delighted!
These islands sound amazing. I love a variety on my vacations and it sounds like this would provide everything I would dream of!
It is a perfect place. I was hesitating for some time to go there but I don’t regret that I’ve decided š
The islands have been on my bucket list for a long time. I absolutely love your sunset photos, how stunning it must’ve been to experience them. I’d 100% take a bike and cycle around the island.
I’d love to check out Gili Meno someday!! I’m hoping to learn to dive at some point and it’d be awesome to go biking all over + try out the food at the night market! Thank you for putting this together!
What an incredibly beautiful island to visit. I’d love to hop on one of the bikes or paddle on the island. The food at the Night Market looks so yummy. There is nothing like seafood straight from the ocean. Lovely photos.