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The Ultimate First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan (2025)

Looking for the ultimate guide toΒ Gili Trawangan? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article, I’ll 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 beachesturquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and stunning sunsetsβ€”all waiting for you on Gili Trawangan.

So, ready to learn everything you need to know about Gili Trawangan? Let’s jump in!

The Ultimate First-Timer's Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan (2025)
The Ultimate First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan (2025)

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:Β Gili Trawangan,Β Gili Meno, andΒ Gili Air.

These islands are a favorite destination for many, thanks to theirΒ charming white beaches,Β crystal-clear waters, vibrantΒ coral reefs, and stunningΒ sunsets.

They’re particularly popular with budgetconscious 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 toΒ bicyclesΒ andΒ cidomos(traditional horse-drawn carts).

And here’s a unique feature:Β motorized vehiclesΒ are completely prohibited on the islands!

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan
Traffic on Gili T is limited toΒ bicyclesΒ andΒ horse-drawn carriagesΒ calledΒ cidomos

Which Gili Island is Right for You?

The largest of the islands,Β Gili TrawanganΒ (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,Β Gili AirΒ is a better option. It’s the closest island to the mainland and offers a more peaceful vibe with a larger local community.

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan
Gili T is the most popular island in the entire archipelago

Conversely, the smallest of the islands,Β Gili Meno, with its laidback vibe and fewer tourists, is the perfect spot for couples looking to unwind.

Being the least developed of the three,Β Gili MenoΒ 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.

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan
Horseback riding is one of the popular attractions on the Gili Islands

When is the Best Time to Visit the Gili Islands?

TheΒ best timeΒ to visit the Gili Islands is fromΒ May to September, when the weather isΒ dryΒ and the sea isΒ calm.

This is theΒ perfect timeΒ to relax and enjoy theΒ outdoors. It’s also ideal for activities likeΒ divingΒ andΒ snorkeling.

We visited inΒ JuneΒ and hadΒ beautiful,Β sunny weather! If you can, try to avoid the rainy seasonΒ fromΒ November to March.

The best time to visit the Gili Islands
The best time to visit the Gili Islands is from May to September

How to Get to the Gili Islands?

The easiest and most convenient way to reachΒ Gili TrawanganΒ is byΒ speedboat. You can catch one from various ports inΒ Bali, such asΒ Sanur,Β Serangan,Β Padang Bai, orΒ 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 purchaseΒ ticketsΒ directly from theΒ operator, aΒ travel agency, or online through platforms likeΒ GilibookingsΒ orΒ Gilitickets.

These websites make it simple to check availabilityprices, 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.

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan
The fastest way to get to Gili Trawangan is by speedboat

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, don’t worryβ€”sea-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 optionsβ€”from 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.

Gili t where to stay
Gili T offers many accommodations, including the charmingΒ PinkCocoΒ hotel

After a bit of searching, we chose aΒ unique hotelΒ called PinkCoco, which we highly recommend.

The hotel is located right by the beach and offersΒ spacious roomsΒ decorated in a boutique style.

Every morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast on theΒ terraceΒ with a view of the turquoise sea.

The hotel also has a restaurant, a large pool, and a bike rental serviceβ€”the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. We were definitely sad to leave this place!

Gili t where to stay
PinkCocoΒ is a unique hotel right by the beach with beautiful sunsets

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Best Things to Do

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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 offeringΒ diving coursesΒ for all skill levels, including certification programsΒ (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.

best things to do on Gili Islands
One of the best things to do on Gili T is diving

Take a Bike Ride Around the Island

Since cars and motorcycles are completely banned on Gili Trawangancycling 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.

nighttime bike ride around the island, surrounded by wild animals (mainly goats), is definitely an unforgettable experience!

EnjoyΒ 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 distanceβ€”it’s 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.

best things to do on Gili Islands
TheΒ sunsetsΒ onΒ Gili TΒ are some of the mostΒ beautifulΒ we’ve ever seen

Try Local Food at the Night Market

If you’re on Gili T, you’ve got to check out theΒ night marketΒ at least once!

Located on the east side of the island, right by the main street, it’s open daily from 6:30 PM to 1:15 AM.

Here, you’ll find a variety of freshly caughtΒ seafoodΒ like lobster, crab, squid, shrimp, mussels, and barracuda. You can also enjoyΒ grilled meats,Β spring rolls,Β pancakes, and more.

Gili t where to eat
The night market on Gili T is a must-visit for foodies

Along with Indonesian favorites like nasi gorengsoto ayam, and bakso, you’ll 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, it’s totally worth it!

Gili t where to eat
Grilled meat is just one of many delicious options at the night market

Enjoy the Nightlife

If you’re someone who loves a good night out, Gili Trawangan is the perfect spot.

The island really comes alive after dark (unless it’sΒ Ramadan), withΒ barsΒ offering all sorts of fun activities.

Some places, likeΒ TΓ­r na nΓ“g, even have freeΒ movie nights. Others, likeΒ Sama-Sama Reggae Bar, feature awesome liveΒ reggae music.

And if you’re into open-air parties, don’t miss theΒ Full Moon Parties.

These epic events happen during theΒ full moon, with music blasting all night at spots likeΒ Exile Sunset Bar & Bungalow.

Go Island Hopping

If you’re looking to mix things up onΒ 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 you’re in a rush, you can take aΒ speedboatΒ that runs every hour fromΒ 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It costsΒ 85,000 rupiahs and takes justΒ 15 minutesΒ to reach each island.

OnΒ Gili Meno, be sure to check out the turtle sanctuary, and onΒ Gili Air, try paddleboarding. Both islands offer something unique, so it’s definitely worth the visit!

Gili meno things to do
On Gili Meno, be sure to visit the turtle sanctuary!

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan: Best Places to Eat

Pearl Beach Lounge

We decided to visitΒ Pearl Beach LoungeΒ on our first day, lured by the great reviews online.

It’s one of theΒ best spotsΒ on Gili Trawangan, offering aΒ diverse menuΒ of international dishes.

The restaurant is set in a cozyΒ bamboo buildingΒ with beautiful views of the turquoise sea.

gili t where to eat
The Pearl Beach Lounge is housed in a charming bamboo building

AtΒ Pearl Beach Lounge, prices start aroundΒ 70,000 rupiahsΒ and can go up to about 300,000 rupiahsΒ for a main dish.

We tried Indian samosassaffron shrimp risotto, a beef burger, and coconut ice cream.

Everything was delicious, and the service was super friendly. Definitely a spot worth checking out!

gili t where to eat
The shrimp risotto at the Pearl Beach Lounge was simply delicious!

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.

gili t where to eat
The Scallywags restaurant is the perfect place for dinner for two

Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill is known for its fresh seafood, grilled to perfection.

On the menu, you’ll find things like crabssquidshrimpmahi-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.

gili t where to eat
At Scallywags, everything is grilled to perfection

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 withΒ crispy friesΒ and a salad, with prices aroundΒ 80,000 rupiahsΒ per set.

gili t where to eat
Le Petit Gili serves the best burgers on the island

We went for theΒ double cheeseburger with friesΒ and were really happy with our choice!

Besides sandwiches,Β Le Petit GiliΒ also offers other dishes, includingΒ traditional Indonesian specialtiesΒ andΒ vegetarian meals.

Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan
The Ultimate First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan (2025)

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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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7 thoughts on “The Ultimate First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Gili Trawangan (2025)”

  1. These islands sound amazing. I love a variety on my vacations and it sounds like this would provide everything I would dream of!

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

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