3-Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Explore The Island That Feels Like Freedom

“Me siento libre,” my Spanish friend Monica yelled. Her voice battling the wind and the sea while sitting on the upper deck of the ferry heading to Gili Trawangan. “I feel free”— that’s what “me siento libre” means in Spanish. And pure, raw freedom is exactly what Gili Trawangan is about.

Picture this: laid-back island vibes, wild interiors where cows roam freely, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. In this Gili Trawangan itinerary, I’ll share my 3-day New Year’s stay (end of 2024/beginning of 2025) to inspire your own.

Here you’ll discover the activities that filled my stay with so many good memories—snorkeling, exploring, and pure relaxation, of course—plus travel tips to organize your own adventure, as getting to Gili T can be…well, a bit chaotic.

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Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for the most laid-back island life with a touch of wildness, Gili T is definitely worth a visit.

The first reason why I loved my stay so much? No cars or scooters, no Grab or Gojek drivers to call. You can rent a bike right when you arrive and freely explore at your own pace—is there anything more liberating than renting a bike and aimlessly wandering, surrounded by palm trees, white-sand beaches, and friendly locals?

The second reason? Life here is so simple. Away from the port, life moves at a slower pace. While cycling, you’ll see cows and sheep roaming freely and green spaces filled with palm trees, where nothing has been built yet (and hopefully nothing will be).

There’s so much free space, so much given to nature and animals.

Finally, the beaches. If you’ve never been to Bali or Lombok, it’s likely that pictures of pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters are indeed from the Gili Islands.

So, yes, Gili T is definitely worth visiting. And if you’re interested in an itinerary with a strong connection to nature, keep reading!

A quick note: I visited Gili T during New Year’s, which falls within the rainy season. I expected crowds, but perhaps due to the rain, they weren’t as bad as anticipated. New Year’s Eve itself was packed, of course, but for the most part, the areas away from the port were surprisingly empty.

Day 1: Welcome to Gili T

First Impressions & Arrival Tips

We booked our ferry tickets with Ostina Fast Boat, departing from Padang Bai Harbor (in Bali) at 9:00 a.m. and arriving on Gili T at 11:00. The journey was extremely peaceful, and I even caught up on some sleep.

Once we arrived at Padang Bai, the Ostina Fast Boat staff met us at their desk, gave us badges, and labeled our luggage. When it was time to depart, we headed to the harbor. Staff members were shouting “Ostina! Ostina Fast Boat!”, so we knew it was time for us to board.

Arrival on Gili T can be chaotic. My first impression was definitely not “paradise on earth.” When my friends and I disembarked, the harbor was so packed. People queued for the return ferry to Bali, and locals shouted offers for bike rentals, horse carriages (poor horses!), and anything else they could think of. Cherry on top? It started raining as we got off. We waited for the rain to end before walking to our accommodation.

Absolute Villa: The Ideal Island Escape

As soon as we arrived at Absolute Villa, things started looking up (even if the sky didn’t!). In front of us, this tropical, vibrant complex located right in the middle of Gili T, a 14-minute walk from the harbor.

Made up of individual bungalows with pool view, it’s the perfect place to truly feel the island vibe on your (hopefully tanned) skin, surrounded by beautiful pink frangipani, palm trees, and such a welcoming staff. 

Funny story: they didn’t have toilet paper! Luckily, there’s a mini-market right before the villa, on the left, where we stocked up and bought some bottles of water.

Exploring Gili T By Bike

Right after we dropped our bags at the villa, we headed back to the port to rent some bikes. The port area is full of bike racks and locals shouting to get your attention – it’s a bit of a scene! 

Be prepared to bargain a little; we managed to get a 3-day rental for around IDR 200,000 (a little over $10). For that price, they’ll give you a bike and a chain to lock it up whenever you leave it unattended.

Seriously, remember your bike number and always lock it up – one of my friends had their bike stolen twice, and it was a real pain tracking it down (there’s of course a fine to pay if you’re not handing it back when you’re supposed to).

Anyway, bikes secured, we were off to find some lunch, and the place I’ll share became kind of our base for the entire time of our stay.

The Best Beach Club on Gili T: Malibu Beach Bar

Malibu Beach Bar is on the southwest side of Gili T, and if you’re craving the best pizza outside of Italy, this is the place. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but it was seriously good. After weeks of Balinese spices, some Italian comfort food hit the spot.

If pizza isn’t your thing, their fresh fish, octopus, and tuna are also delicious. We tried them all and they were cooked perfectly.

We spent the afternoon here lounging, napping, swimming, and walking along the beach. Malibu let us hang out on their beach beds for free after lunch, and you can even use their pool across the road. If you’re into padel, the island’s court is also here.

This is where the island vibes and relaxation really kicked in, starting our New Year’s stay on Gili T off right. 

The water is shallow here, so it’s not the best spot for a proper swim, but it’s perfect for lounging on the sand and working on your tan. Just a heads-up: the sand here is covered in coral and shells, so it can be a bit rough on your feet. Water shoes might be a good idea. 

Or, if you’re like me and prefer a bit of activity, you can walk towards the western side of the island and explore other beaches and sunset spots. 

The Best Sunset Spot on Gili T

We weren’t lucky with sunsets during my Gili T trip. It was the rainy season, after all, which just means I’ll definitely be back!

If you’re looking for the best sunset spots, head to the west side of the island. Sunset Beach is particularly popular, thanks to its Instagram-worthy swing. Honestly, though, anywhere along that stretch of coast is perfect for watching the sunset.

I’d love to tell you all about sipping a virgin cocktail while admiring the Indonesian sky transforming into a carpet of red, pink, and orange, but… I didn’t get to see it. So, I’m actually looking forward to your description! (Just don’t expect a sunset if you’re visiting during the rainy season.)

We were enjoying our no-sunset beach time when we suddenly realized it was New Year’s Eve! (My very first on a tropical island, and definitely not the last.) So, we headed back to get ready.

Dinner & New Year’s Eve on Gili T

We had dinner at Jali Kitchen, which is also a resort. The evening vibe of this place is unmatched. Reggae music drifted over from the nearby bar, and the restaurant was full of locals and tourists enjoying New Year’s Eve together. 

The atmosphere was fantastic; everyone was happy and laughing, and even the occasional power outage (we had a couple) didn’t seem to bother anyone. The food was tasty too, with a mix of Indonesian and Asian specialties, plus a few Western options and desserts.

I opted for a super healthy chicken and avocado wrap – a simple but surprisingly satisfying New Year’s Eve dinner. After days of Indonesian rice, pork, and spices, I felt like a little detox (yes, even on NYE!).

As for my own wild Gili T New Year’s Eve… after dinner, we tried to find a spot at a bar, but the crowds were insane. Like everyone else who couldn’t find a seat, we ended up dancing in the street, squeezing into any free space we could find to watch the fireworks and sip our champagne. 

After the countdown, we ended up at Gili Sands Beach Club, which has a dance club out front. It was a good time – not too crowded, not too empty. Although, the music (reggaeton, pop) was better before midnight. 

I was trying to be responsible since we had our snorkeling trip the next day, so by 2 am, I finally located my bike among the sea of yellow and light-blue rentals and headed back to my comfy bed at Absolute Villa. But not before enjoying a shower in that amazing outdoor bathroom – the kind where the shower water would mix with the rain if it were raining (which it actually did a couple of hours later, one of those heavy, noisy tropical downpours that wake you up in the night.)

Day 2: Swimming With Turtles & Pure Relaxation

Snorkeling Boat Trip Around the Gili Islands

So, I kicked off 2025 snorkeling around the Gili Islands – what an amazing start to the year! We chose a three-island tour, perfect for hitting the best snorkeling spots around Gili T, Meno, and Air. Trust me, if you’re short on time, a guided tour is the way to go. They take you straight to the turtle hotspots and coral gardens, so you can maximize your time in the water.

Our tour started at 9 am from Gili T’s harbor. First stop: the Nest Underwater Statues off the coast of Gili Meno. These things are seriously mesmerizing! Imagine life-sized sculptures scattered across the seabed, surrounded by all sorts of colorful fish. It felt like exploring a magical underwater world. The only downside? Crowds. But even with all the fin traffic, it was worth it.

Next up: Turtle Point. Within minutes, we were swimming with peaceful green turtles gracefully munching on seagrass. We even got to see adorable baby turtles at the sanctuary on Gili Meno – those tiny creatures longing for the open ocean definitely melted my heart. 

Finally, we headed to Gili Air’s Coral Gardens. A true explosion of color – pink, yellow, purple corals – and tons of vibrant fish.

We stopped for lunch at Zipp Bar on Gili Air. To be honest, between the carbs from my half-pizza and my measly two hours of sleep, the tiredness started to kick in. I was definitely ready to relax on the boat ride back to Gili T, which turned out to be far from relaxing.

Want all the details of my New-year snorkeling adventure, including tips for planning your own DIY trip? Check out my full post here.

The Best Massage Spot on Gili T

After a morning of salty water, my friends and I decided it was time for some fresh water and a massage. We indulged in a little retail therapy after saying goodbye to our snorkeling guides, exploring the shops on the eastern and southern sides of the island. 

Leaving the port area behind, we cycled along, feeling that incredible sense of freedom that hits you after a deep connection with nature (like our snorkeling trip) – that pure “I’m on vacation, nothing to do, tropical island bliss” feeling. 

As you cycle, you’ll start noticing surfer shops with cool t-shirts and board shorts, souvenir shops selling the usual magnets, and even tattoo parlors. This is the perfect time to park your bike and look for quirky souvenirs or a vibrant surfer tee to brighten up your wardrobe. (I remember Blue Surf and Rip Curl. And if you’re looking for cute, feminine gifts, wait for Day 3 – I’ll share a real retail gem!)

Even though I didn’t actually buy anything, the window shopping was therapeutic. We eventually made our way to Pine Tree Beach Hotel, on the southeastern corner of Gili T. You can’t miss it – they have the biggest pool on the island and some bright coral-colored bean bag chairs. 

We were on a mission for massages, and this place is highly recommended. For just IDR 250,000 (about $15), we got a one-hour traditional massage and access to their pool club, including towels.

We lounged by the pool for a while before our massages, which were exactly what we needed after a short night (two hours of sleep!), an early start, and a morning of swimming. After some more poolside relaxation, we hopped back on our bikes and returned to our bungalows at Absolute Villa to get ready for the evening.

Dinner at Pearl Sunset Resort

For our second night on Gili T, we had dinner at Pearl Sunset Resort. Surprisingly, the place was deserted. It was as if the craziness of the previous night had been a dream. All those backpackers and foreigners had disappeared, leaving one of the best restaurants on the island practically empty, just for us. 

The weather probably played a role; it felt like we’d been given a break for New Year’s Eve, and now it was ready to rain again. 

The food at Pearl Sunset is top-notch. Sticking to my “healthy-ish” resolutions from the night before, I opted for something light. Their hummus is amazing – thick, creamy, and flavorful. They give you a generous portion with some bread. I also got a small salad. 

It was the evening of January 1st, and whether due to the downpour or not, the island was strangely quiet. Almost all the bars and restaurants were empty – totally unexpected. We ended up taking cover from the heavy rain, waiting for it to stop before heading back to our accommodation. And this is where Absolute Villa truly shines: their pool is always open. So, why not a late-night swim before bed?

Day 3: Exploration, Shopping Before Departure

My third day on Gili T started with the delicious pancakes at Absolute Villa. If you stay there, you have to try them. They have a huge variety of pancakes (banana, strawberry, plain) and toppings (including real Nutella, I think!).

After that amazing breakfast, we grabbed our bikes to explore more of the island. We’d mostly stuck to the eastern, southern, and southwestern sides, so it was time to check out the western and northern coasts.

The north side is where you often see turtles while snorkeling, so if you have time, definitely spend some time swimming there. These areas, further from the harbor, are generally calmer. Couples and families tend to prefer staying there because there are fewer bars.

This last bike ride around Gili T was a bit nostalgic. Our stay had been filled with fun memories and moments of pure freedom. Cycling along with reggae music drifting from the little bars, surrounded by pristine beaches, smiling people in swimsuits, and that simple island life… it all made me feel so happy and sad at the same time.

That was my last thought as I cycled back towards the eastern side and stumbled upon the cutest, most feminine shop.

I hadn’t bought any souvenirs during my Bali trip, but when I saw “Another Day in Paradise,” I couldn’t resist. If you’re looking for colorful sarongs, flowery tops, handmade crochet bags, or just the most feminine dresses, this is the place. They sell the kind of unique, high-quality pieces you’d only find in Bali (or another tropical island). I was so glad I’d waited!

Ferries Departure From Gili T

Depending on your departure time, you might have more or less time for biking and shopping. Or maybe it’s your last full day, and you can squeeze in more snorkeling on the north side or catch a final sunset on the west.

Ferries depart from the harbor between 10:30 am and 1:45 pm (the longest ride is about three hours). Keep in mind that the afternoon waves are usually bigger, so if you’re likely to get seasick, plan to leave earlier.

We took the 11:30 am ferry with Ostina Fast Boat. We skipped breakfast (just in case the sea got rough). 

Saying goodbye to Gili T was so hard. My friend and I literally waved at the island as it got smaller and smaller in the distance.

Sitting on the open deck of the ferry, reflecting on our stay, I realized how little we actually need to feel free and happy: sunshine on our skin, wild nature (especially water, for me!), and good friends to share memories with. It was the start of a new year, and Gili T, with its freedom, wild beauty, friendly locals, and fun-loving vibe, was the perfect way to begin.

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So, there you have it – your three days of freedom, island vibes, and unforgettable experiences on Gili Trawangan.

From swimming with turtles to exploring its beaches and completely embracing the laid-back atmosphere, Gili T truly captured my heart. If you’re looking for a taste of paradise with a touch of wildness, this Indonesian island (or islands if you include Gili Meno & Air to your itinerary) should definitely be on your Asia bucket list.

So, are you feeling inspired and ready to plan your own Gili Trawangan Itinerary? Don’t miss my Gili Trawangan Guide – it’s packed with practical tips and the essential information you’ll need to plan your own magical stay there.

And you, have you already experienced the laid-back vibes of Gili T? Or is it now at the top of your travel wish list? Let me know in the comments!

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