Gili Trawangan Guide: Travel Tips & 9 Best Things To Do

Dreaming of pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unforgettable sunsets? Look no further than Gili Trawangan! This tiny Indonesian island, a short boat ride from Bali, offers a unique blend of relaxed island vibes and exciting adventures. I absolutely fell in love with Gili T during my Bali trip, and I’m convinced you will too.

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Imagine cycling along the coast as the sun sets, painting the sky in beautiful colors. Picture yourself snorkeling or diving among colorful corals and fishes. Gili Trawangan is a true paradise, and while technically not part of Bali, it’s so close and so amazing that it deserves a spot on every Bali itinerary.

In this Gili Trawangan Guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your own Gili T escape, from practical tips and essential island information to the best things to see and do. Get ready to discover why Gili Trawangan stole my heart and why it should be on your list, too!

Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?

Spending a couple of days on Gili Trawangan, also named Gili T, feels like freedom, simplicity, and a deep connection to the surrounding nature and local community. Your stay will have the sound background of prayer calls that happen five times a day.

One unforgettable image I still vividly recall is the cows and sheep peacefully crossing the streets as if they were pedestrians waiting for a traffic light to turn green. But Gili T has no traffic lights, cars, or noisy scooters. The only traffic you’ll encounter is from a poor horse pulling a cart loaded with tourists’ luggage, occasionally pausing along the way.

Gili T is the largest of the three Gili islands and is often considered the liveliest in terms of nightlife. However, the island was surprisingly quiet even on the day after New Year’s, so it seems to depend on the season.

The island’s coastline stretches nearly 7 km and can be easily explored by bike in about an hour. The first moments after disembarking the ferry can be overwhelming: crowds of people trying to board the same ferry to return to Bali, locals encouraging you to rent a bike at every corner, and those poor horses trotting around. 

Take time to reach your accommodation, rent a bike, and explore the inland areas before forming your first impression. Once you leave behind the ferry terminal and crowded hotels, you’ll encounter life at its simplest, along with the stunning Gili T coastline, offering views of Lombok’s shores and Bali’s volcano, Gunung Agung.

Gili Trawangan offers the best island life and is worth visiting if you’re already in Bali. You can find the party vibe, the wildest nature, and a simple lifestyle focused on exploration and relaxation.

How Many Days At Gili Trawangan?

The length of your stay in Gili Trawangan depends on your preferences and the experience you seek. 

If you easily get bored and crave constant stimulation and activity, a 3-day stay on the island is ideal. After three days of lounging on the beach, sipping cocktails, and exploring by bicycle, you might be ready to move on. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking to relax, disconnect from everyday life, and fully immerse yourself in the island vibe, you could easily stay for a week or more—provided you don’t tire of the beach lifestyle that begins with a brunch at a local beach club and ends with a rosy sunset on the west coast.

How to Get to Gili T from Bali?

Depending on your chosen company, ferries typically depart from Padangbai Harbor in Bali once or twice daily. 

Many companies offer these services with varying levels of quality (based on what I’ve heard around). I booked my ferry trip to Gili T with Ostina Fast Boat and had a great experience. 

The ferry was spacious and not overbooked, so everyone had their seat, with many still available despite traveling during the New Year period. You can enjoy your journey from the open deck, where you can sit on the ground and take in the views as you leave Bali and arrive on Gili T.

The one-way ticket is IDR 295,000 ($18), and the ferry departs from Padangbai harbor at 9 AM. You can book your ticket directly on the Ostina website and receive the E-ticket by email.

Upon arrival at Padangbai, you’ll need to check in at their desk, where all the coffee spots are. Your luggage will be labeled there, and you’ll receive a badge to present when boarding the ferry.

How to Get to Gili T from Lombok?

Another option is to land in Lombok and travel to Gili T from there, but be prepared for the Bangsal Harbor experience. From what I’ve read online, this harbor is well-known for being chaotic. Many people offer unsolicited help and try to charge you for it, and taxi drivers bombard you with offerings when you disembark. 

The best way to manage your arrival on Gili T from Lombok is to book a private driver from the Lombok airport, about 1.5 hours from Bangsal. For ferry tickets, you can check out Bali Ferries. They offer several options, departing from 9 AM to 4 PM every hour. Ideally, you’ll want to spend as little time as possible at Bangsal Harbor.

Bike Rental on Gili Trawangan

Aside from walking, the best way to get around Gili Trawangan is to rent a bicycle. Cycling lets you explore the island quickly while also getting some exercise (if lounging on the sand all day isn’t your thing). 

As soon as you step off the ferry, among the crowds queuing to board and the curious Indonesians observing tourists, you’ll spot plenty of bikes lined up. 

There’s likely someone nearby shouting about bike rentals, or you can ask around. Depending on where your accommodation is located and the size of your luggage, you might want to rent a bike immediately for your entire stay. 

I highly recommend doing so, as you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring by bicycle. The rental price is negotiable, but typically, it’s around $3 per day. You’ll receive a chain and a WhatsApp number to contact if the bike has any issues. They’ll come and replace it if needed. 

Just be sure to lock your bicycle, as we experienced bike theft on the island.

ATMs on The Islands

I highly recommend withdrawing cash before arriving at Gili Trawangan. Although there are a few ATMs on the island, they can occasionally run out of money due to the high number of tourists or experience connectivity issues. 

While major hotels and shops accept credit cards (usually with a 3% commission), it is wise to have cash before you arrive.

The Best Hotel in Gili T

Absolute Villa: This charming villa has eight bungalows offering pool views and is ideal for a cozy stay on Gili Trawangan. It is immersed in an authentic tropical atmosphere away from the crowded port.

Their breakfast is so good (definitely try the pancakes), and the staff is kind and welcoming. It’s located in the heart of the island, just a 16-minute walk from Sunset Beach and the ferry terminal—a manageable distance if you carry luggage or a backpack. If you’re traveling on a budget, this option offers good value for money.

Things To Know About Planning Your Trip to Gili T.

1. Pack Light & Use a carry-on backpack

On Gili T, you may want to avoid relying on those poor horses to transport your luggage and spare yourself the hassle of lugging a heavy backpack to your accommodation. 

I strongly recommend packing a lighter, smaller backpack, like the one you might use as a carry-on, for your stay on Gili T. If you’re traveling with a suitcase, you’ll thank me later, as the roads on Gili T are not suitcase-friendly, especially if it rained the day before. 

For a two—to three-day stay in Gili T., you’ll need a quarter of what you initially packed for your entire stay in Bali. Consider leaving your larger luggage at a storage facility before taking the ferry. There is one at Padangbai Harbor, and it costs around $4 a day.

2. Essentials Packing List for a 3-day stay in Gili Trawangan

Alongside your essentials—like travel documents, phones, and insect repellent—you’ll need only half of what you initially planned to pack for your stay in Gili Trawangan. Here’s what you’ll actually need.

3. Rainy Season Alert

Remember that if you plan to visit the Gili Islands between November and March, it may rain quite often.

This doesn’t mean it will rain all day; I had a fantastic time on Gili T during the rainy season, 

However, when it does rain, it can be pretty heavy, especially at night. So, if you’re out and about on a bicycle, be prepared to return to your accommodation with your feet potentially wading through flooded streets or mud. 

I have fond and fun memories of those rainy nights, but it’s worth being aware of. Opt for short dresses and shoes you won’t mind getting a bit ruined, which is also why I suggested bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase.

Best Things To Do in Gili Trawangan

1. Snorkeling Boat Trip

A snorkeling boat trip is the first activity you should plan when visiting Gili T. 

The island’s rich marine life is a major draw for nature lovers. The vivid blue colors of the water, diverse fish species, and the tranquility of the underwater silence made it one of my favorite experiences on Gili T. 

These tours typically last half a day and are led by 2 or 3 snorkeling guides who speak English and will take amazing photos and videos of your experience for free. You are provided with all the necessary snorkeling gear, like fins and masks.

Lunchtime on Gili Air is usually included in the tour. The boats are tiny, and if the sea is not calm, you’ll notice it. However, our boat ride went pretty well! 

During your trip, you’ll explore various snorkeling spots around Gili Meno and Gili Air, including the famous Underwater Nest statues and Turtle Point, where you can swim alongside turtles. 

2. Day Trip to Gili Meno

While on the snorkeling trip, you might not have enough time to fully explore the beaches and nature of Gili Meno and Gili Air. That’s why planning a separate visit to each island is worthwhile. 

You can book your fast boat ticket independently without a guide. Bali Ferries offers tickets for around $12 per person.

Gili Meno is known as the quietest of the three Gili islands. With limited tourism facilities, it attracts fewer visitors, leaving the island primarily to the around 400 locals who call it home.

A 90-minute walk around the island is sufficient to discover its beaches. After exploring them, you can venture inland to witness the locals’ daily life unfolding, which is even simpler than in Gili Trawangan.

Electricity is still scarce here, and only a few hotels have generators, so people often rely on candles and torches. 

Don’t miss Asin Lake, a saltwater lake in the island’s center, and the surrounding mangrove forest. 

Lastly, visit the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary on the island’s southwestern side. There, you’ll find three tanks with baby turtles at various stages of development—they’re incredibly tiny and adorable.

3. Cycle Around The Island

Gili T can be explored in under an hour by bike. As you ride, you’ll notice the island’s atmosphere shifting—from the crowded and far-from-relaxing ferry terminal area where you disembarked to the more relaxed beach clubs on the sunset side.

The north side of Gili Trawangan is even calmer and cleaner than the rest, so if you’re looking to escape the party island vibe, that’s your go-to place.

4. Enjoy the sunset on the West Side

Naturally, the west side of the island, known as the sunset side, offers the most stunning sunsets—provided you’re not visiting during the rainy season. 

This area features many beach clubs where you can enjoy the sunset with a cocktail and a peaceful atmosphere. My favorite places were Malibu Beach Club and Ombak Sunset Hotel.

5. Spend The Day at A Beach Club

On Gili T, you’ll discover numerous beach clubs that perfectly capture the tropical island vibe you seek. Be sure to carve out some time to relax and sunbathe on their beach loungers. 

The Malibu Beach Club is a great pick. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the West Side sunset, and its staff is exceptional and welcoming. You can also enjoy its facilities for free by simply having breakfast or lunch there. It was one of my favorite restaurants during my stay.

Another top pick is Pearl Beach Lounge on the island’s southeastern side. It’s a restaurant, bar, and lounge with beach amenities where you can try their delicious food. If you’re heading there for lunch, don’t miss the hummus and octopus salad.

6. Play a Padel Match on Island Padel Court

For Padel enthusiasts, near Malibu Beach Club, you’ll find the island’s only Padel Court. 

Renting the court costs about IDR 400,000 per hour ($25), and rackets are available for IDR 50,000 ($3). The court even has a WhatsApp group where you can connect with others looking to play.

The vibe is so relaxed and welcoming that even if you’re new to Padel, it’s a fantastic opportunity to try something different and have fun.

7. Treat Yourself to a Traditional Massage

Numerous spas offer massages and treatments on the island, making it the perfect place to indulge in self-care without spending a lot of money.

My friends and I stopped by the Pine Tree Beach Hotel on one of our bicycle explorations of the island. 

Pine Tree Beach Hotel is located on the southern side of Gili T. You’ll be attracted immediately by the stunning pool right in front of the building and the light blue accents of the bar. 

We paid around $10 for a one-hour massage and then spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool at no extra cost. The staff was incredibly kind, providing us with towels and anything else we needed.

Something important to remember if you’re booking a massage treatment: Traditional Massage is relaxing, and Balinese massage is harsh. 

8. Treat Yourself to Some Shopping Therapy

You’ll find numerous small shops selling souvenirs and clothing as you explore the island by bicycle. 

The best ones are located on the southern and eastern sides of the island. 

While waiting for the ferry back to Bali, I felt sad because I was leaving that tropical paradise where I had created many memories. Then, I stumbled upon a charming little shop called Another Day in Paradise. I decided to treat myself to some souvenirs. 

They offer the cutest tropical-themed clothes, including stunning flower strapless tops,  handmade crochet bags, and gifts your friends will be happy to receive when you return.

Although the prices aren’t as low as you might expect, the quality of the pieces is great. They do accept credit cards with a 3% commission fee.

9. Party With Backpackers and Locals

Gili Trawangan is renowned for its nightlife and is called “party island” for a reason. The party scene is mainly on the island’s east side, and the other sides are almost empty as the sun sets. 

Some must-visit spots in Gili T are Sama Sama Reggae Bar, Jiggy Bar, and Evolution Bar. 

Sama Sama Reggae Bar is known for its live reggae music and laid-back atmosphere. Jiggy Bar is popular thanks to its friendly staff, themed nights, and boat parties.

Finally, Evolution Bar offers a great mix of live music and delicious cocktails. Needless to say, these most popular locations are also overcrowded during the peak season. 

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Gili Trawangan offers the ideal blend of fun island party life and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to create fun memories and disconnect. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel or take scuba diving lessons among the turtles and fish of the Gili Islands. 

I hope this Gili Trawangan Guide has provided valuable information and tips on planning a trip to Gili Trawangan and ensuring the most fun possible.

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