The boat pulls up to the main jetty and the first thing you notice is the silence. No scooters, no car horns - just the sound of bicycle bells and sandals on the pavement. I have visited Gili Trawangan a few times now and it always pulls me back. These are the things to do in Gili Trawangan that I come back to again and again. Life here moves at a slow pace. The days are simple and the sunsets are the kind that make you stop talking.
- Best time
- Great to visit all year round
- Where to stay
- Main jetty area for convenience; west or north side for peace and quiet
- Perfect for
- Slow travelers * Sunset chasers * Snorkelers
- Don't miss
- Watching the sunset from the west side of the island
Things I'd tell a friend
A few things I wish someone told me before I first arrived.
Pack a scarf or a sarong
Locals are predominantly Muslim. I would not cycle around the island in a bikini or swim trunks. A shirt or scarf helps cover up and protects you from the sun too.
Source · Learned it the hard way
Two days is enough to see it all
The island is tiny, 3 km by 2 km. If you need constant new things to do you might get bored after two full days. If you like to slow down you can easily stay a week.
Source · Stayed four days myself
Skip the horse carts
I never use them. The horses do not seem to be treated well. Walk or rent a bike instead. The walk from the jetty to most hotels is no more than 20 minutes.
Source · Personal preference
Cycle Around the Island
This was my favorite thing to do. It gives you the full layout of Gili T in a single morning.
- Takes about one hour to circle the whole island
- Bike rental costs Rp 50,000 per day or Rp 15,000 per hour
- Main road is paved on the east side
- West side has loose soft sand in some stretches
You can rent a bicycle for Rp 50,000 a day from any of the shops along the main road. There is only one main road on the island so you cannot get lost. The east side is paved and easy to ride. The west side has stretches of soft sand where you might have to get off and push. Because there are no motorized vehicles on the island, it feels safe. You can explore the inland area and see how locals live. Just be respectful when you ride away from the beach, especially in the interior where people live.
Where to find a rental bike
Plenty of shops along the main road near the jetty offer bicycle rentals. You will see them as soon as you walk past the pier.
East side vs west side conditions
The road is paved on the east side. The west side is loose sand. Plan your route and allow extra time for the soft sections.
Best time to ride
Go early in the morning before the heat and the crowds build up. The light is also softer for photos.
Start your first morning with a lap around the island - the best way to get your bearings.
Most hotels near the main jetty are a short walk from the bike rental shops.
Vila Ombak
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Spa and wellness center
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Air conditioning
- Private beach area
- Good Breakfast
Pearl Of Trawangan
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Sunset at the West Side
The best sunset I have ever seen in my life was right here on Gili Trawangan.
- Ombak Sunset Hotel sits on the most western point of the island
- The Exile, Malibu Beach Club and Le Pirate Beach Club are good spots too
- Sky turns bright for about 5 minutes before it gets dark
- You can see Mount Agung in Bali on clear evenings
Everyone on the island walks west around 5 PM. The most popular pick is Ombak Sunset Hotel because it is on the very western point. Other good options are The Exile, Malibu Beach Club and Le Pirate Beach Club. Even if the sun hides behind clouds, go anyway. I saw purple, blue and pink skies when the sun was not even visible. Do not leave before dark because the best color happens in the last five minutes. On clear evenings you can see Gunung Agung, an active volcano in Bali.
Arrive by 5 PM for a good seat
Aim to be on the west side by around 5 PM. That gives you time to grab a drink and settle in before the main show starts.
Free sunset from the sand
You do not have to be a guest at any of the beach clubs. You can walk onto the sand and watch from the beach for free.
Even cloudy evenings are worth it
Do not stay inside if it looks cloudy. The sky still turns colorful and it is just as impressive as a clear sunset.
Pick your seat by 5 PM - the good beach spots get claimed fast.
Several hotels and villas on the west side let you walk straight from your room to the sand.
Tir Na Nog Beachfront Resort
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Seri Resort Gili Meno - Adults Only
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Room service
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Snorkeling with Turtles
Out on the water is where Gili T really shines. You see turtles on almost every tour.
- Shared snorkeling tours last about 4 hours
- Private tours are available so you avoid a crowded boat
- Underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor sit off Gili Meno
- Turtle Point on the northern tip is a reliable spot for turtles
Countless operators offer snorkeling trips from the main jetty area. The shared public tour takes you around the three islands for about four hours. I opted for a private tour so I could avoid the crowded boat. You can also snorkel right offshore on the eastern and northern sides of the island. Turtle Point on the northern tip is where you have a very high chance of seeing sea turtles. The underwater sculptures are located off the shores of Gili Meno. A one-day trip can cover all these spots.
Book directly on the island for a better price
You can bargain for a better price from the booths on the beach. If you cannot be bothered to bargain, book online before you arrive.
Weather affects the boat ride
The boat can get very rocky if the weather is bad. I had a calm day in December but I have heard stories of people getting sick.
Where the tours depart
Tour operators line the main road near the jetty. The Turtle Sanctuary area is also a common meeting point for boats.
Take a seasick tablet before you get on the boat if the weather looks rough.
Staying near the jetty puts you steps away from the boat operators.
Aston Sunset Beach Resort - Gili Trawangan
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Spa and wellness center
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Air conditioning
- Bar
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Good Breakfast
Trawangan Dive Centre
- 3 swimming pools
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
The Famous Sea Swings
Ombak Sunset started the trend of swings in the sea. Now you see them all along the west coast.
- Ombak Sunset swing is the original and the most popular
- The Exile has a sea hammock
- Malibu Beach Club also has a swing right next door
- High tide makes the photos look better because the water rises
The swings are set up in the water on the western side of Gili Trawangan. Ombak Sunset was the first place to start this trend and their swing is still the most popular one. The Exile has a sea hammock and the swing at Malibu Beach Club is right next door. None of these places require you to be a guest. Anyone can walk up and take photos. The queue gets long around sunset time. High tide is the best moment because the water rises around the swing and it looks like you are floating. You just walk up or down the western coast and you will find them.
Anyone can use the swings for free
You do not have to be a guest at the hotel or buy a drink. The swings are open to everyone. Just be prepared to wait if it is busy.
Check the tide schedule
The whole point is that they sit in the sea. If the tide is low you are just sitting on dry sand. High tide makes the photo work.
Come before the first tour boat arrives, that is how you beat the crowd at the Ombak swing.
Turtle Sanctuary Visit
A non-profit right on the main road that helps protect sea turtles from egg to release.
- Located to the right of the main jetty on the northern side
- They buy eggs from locals to prevent them from being eaten
- Turtles are released back to the ocean at about 6 months old
- You can donate to support their work
The Turtle Sanctuary sits on the main road to the right of the main jetty. Sea turtles are protected animals on the island. The sanctuary uses donation money to buy turtle eggs from locals in Lombok. In many other places those eggs would be eaten. The organization gives the turtles a far better chance of survival. Inside you can see baby turtles of different ages waiting to get big enough for release. The goal is to release them when they are about six months old. Visitors are welcome to observe but please do not touch the turtles.
Free entry, donations help
Entry is free. The sanctuary runs on donations so any small amount you give goes directly to buying eggs from local fishermen.
Open during daylight hours
The sanctuary is open during daytime. The best time is late morning when the staff is around to answer questions.
If you are lucky enough you might catch a release ceremony. Ask the staff when the next one is planned.
Any hotel on the north end of the island puts this within a five-minute walk.
Sunrise Resort
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Breakfast
Gili Air Lagoon Resort By Waringin Hospitality
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Spa and wellness center
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Bar
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Trawangan Night Market
Every evening near the pier the night market sets up with fresh fish and street food.
- Located near the main pier
- Fresh fish cooked right in front of you
- Cheap dinner options for just a couple of dollars
- Indonesian food for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans
The Trawangan Night Market happens every night near the pier. It is the go-to spot for a cheap dinner. Fresh fish is the star of the market. You pick your fish and they cook it right there on the spot. You also find local staples like nasi campur, satay and grilled corn. Another source says this is the place for fresh seafood with Indonesian food for every diet. The prices cannot be beaten compared to the sit-down restaurants on the main road. The market is a short walk from most hotels in the main town area.
The cheapest dinner on the island
A meal at the night market costs just a couple of dollars. Much cheaper than the beachfront restaurants on the main road.
What to expect
The market is informal. You walk around the stalls, choose your food, and eat standing at simple tables.
Go hungry and go early. The best fish gets picked over before 7 PM.
Staying near the main jetty puts the night market right outside your door.
Marc Hotel Gili Trawangan
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Air conditioning
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Very Good Breakfast
Jambuluwuk Oceano Gili Trawangan
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What is the best way to get to Gili Trawangan?
The two main options are from Bali by fast boat (1.5 to 2 hours) or from Lombok by public or private boat from Bangsal port (20 to 30 minutes).
How many days should I spend on Gili Trawangan?
You can see the main things in two days. If you like to slow down and relax, four days is a good amount of time to spend on the island.
Are there ATMs on Gili Trawangan?
There are a few ATMs on the main drag but they do run out of cash or stop working. Always bring a little backup cash from Bali or Lombok just in case.
Is Gili Trawangan just a party island?
It has a party scene on the west side but the rest of the island is very relaxed. You can easily avoid the loud bars by heading north or east.
How do I get from the airport to Gili Trawangan?
Fly into Lombok International Airport. Take a 1.5 to 2 hour taxi to Bangsal port. Then take a public boat (Rp 85,000) or a private fast boat to the island.
