Bali Great Escape
Gili Trawangan is part of a stunning group of small islands off the coast of Lombok, famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. If you’re spending a few weeks in Bali, a visit to Gili Trawangan is a must.
Commonly referred to as “The Gilis,” this group includes the three main islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, along with smaller islands like Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak, and Gili Nanggu.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan, or ‘Gili T,’ is the largest and most popular of the Gili Islands, attracting between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors daily from Bali. This totals over 1 million visitors a year, drawn by its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant marine life, and lively nightlife. Known as the “party island,” Gili T boasts numerous bars, live music venues, and clubs, making it perfect for those looking to socialize and enjoy the nightlife.
For those seeking relaxation, Gili T also offers a variety of resorts and retreats. The western coast features numerous accommodations that provide a calm atmosphere, ideal for families and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
All three Gili Islands are vehicle-free, making them unique. Imagine enjoying a vacation without traffic or pollution!
Gili Meno & Gili Air
Gili Meno is the smallest of the three islands, known for its serene ambiance and a small lake in the center. It’s often chosen for romantic getaways and is a favorite among scuba divers. On the other hand, Gili Air, the furthest from Bali, offers a laid-back vibe and is popular among visitors looking for a quieter experience.
Both islands are a quick 10 to 15-minute boat ride from Gili Trawangan, allowing for easy island hopping.
Getting to Gili Trawangan from Bali
Traveling from Bali to the Gili Islands is typically done via fast boat or ferry, primarily departing from Padang Bai Harbour. Here, you can book a transfer that includes return tickets with an open date.
Upon arrival at Padang Bai, you’ll receive your boarding pass and will be informed about your boat and boarding time. Be prepared to pay a small harbor fee and keep a receipt for entry to the dock area.
Expect some waiting at the port, as multiple ferries may board at once. Bring sunscreen for the wait, as it can take 20 to 45 minutes to board.
For luggage, there’s a storage compartment on the fast boat, but it’s best not to bring large bags to your seat as space can be cramped.
Pro Tip: Dress lightly, stay hydrated, and prepare entertainment for the ride, which can last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit Gili Trawangan
The Gili Islands are a year-round destination, with both high and low seasons. The dry season from May to September is ideal for those who prefer little rain and is particularly recommended for snorkeling and diving.
The wet season runs from April to October, offering fewer crowds, especially during Ramadan.
Staying in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, villas, guesthouses, and hostels, catering to solo travelers and families alike. Most upscale 4-star resorts are found on the quieter western coast, ideal for relaxation and stunning sunset views. Here are some notable 4-star and 5-star options:
- Aston Sunset Beach Resort
- FRii Resort Gili Trawangan
- Mala Garden Resort & Spa
- Hotel Ombak Sunset
- Hotel Lumi Gili Trawangan
For mid-range budgets, there are several 3-star options:
- Villa Nero
- Island Beach Bungalow
- Danima Resort
Budget travelers can choose from reputable hostels such as:
- Deep House Bungalows
- Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan
With over 300 accommodations available, there’s something for everyone.
Eating in Gili Trawangan
Gili T has a minimalist vibe but plenty of dining options. From local Lombok dishes to Western cuisine, here are a few recommendations:
- IJO or Santi Beach Restaurant for dining
- Scallywags for seafood lovers
- Francesco’s Pizza for pizza cravings
For a local dining experience, try the Trawangan Night Market, which opens around 7:00 pm and offers a variety of seafood at reasonable prices.
Transportation in Gili Trawangan
There are no motorized vehicles on the Gili Islands, so transportation is mainly by bicycle or on foot. You can walk around the island in a couple of hours or cycle in about 45 minutes. Bicycle rentals average 50,000 IDR ($5.00 AUD) and are readily available.
Electric / E-bike Rental
Though traditional motor vehicles are banned, electric scooters or e-bikes have become popular, costing between 250,000 IDR ($25.00 AUD) and 350,000 IDR ($35.00 AUD).
Horse-drawn Carriages
For a unique experience, consider a horse-drawn carriage, known as a ‘Cidomo.’ Prices are generally consistent across drivers, making it easy to navigate without haggling.
Note: There are ongoing discussions regarding the treatment of horses in the area, so visitors are encouraged to be mindful and make informed decisions.
What to Do in Gili Trawangan?
Nightlife & Parties in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, often dubbed the ‘Ibiza of Indonesia.’ Most of the popular bars, nightclubs, and live music venues are situated along the eastern coast near the harbor.
Top nightlife spots include:
- Sama-Sama Reggae Bar: Known for live music and a lively atmosphere, it gets quite busy, especially on weekends.
- The Jungle Bar: An outdoor venue where you can dance on tables while a DJ plays the latest hits.
- Tequila Sunrise Beachbar: A beachside bar perfect for dancing barefoot in the sand.
- The Irish Bar Gili (Tir na nÓg): An Irish pub featuring live music and DJs.
- Lava Bar: Famous for late-night dancing and karaoke nights on Sundays.
- Ombak Bar: Offers House/Techno DJ performances and beer pong.
For those looking for a social experience, consider joining a Gili T Island Pub Crawl, which starts at The Irish Bar Gili at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. This tour visits various bars, offering live music and drinks at a cost of 250,000 IDR ($25 AUD) for ladies and 350,000 IDR ($35 AUD) for men, which includes free drinks and discounts on others.
Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno are famous for their snorkeling opportunities. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise. Many local operators offer trips for beginners, including necessary gear and guides, with life jackets provided for those who need them.
Popular snorkeling tour providers include:
- Turtle Paradise Snorkel
- Gili Snorkeling Center
- Snorkeling Gili
- Trawangan Snorkeling Trip
- Cemos and Coral Voice
Shared snorkeling tours typically cost around 150,000 IDR ($15 AUD) for 3-5 hours. Private tours for groups can range from about 1,000,000 IDR ($100 AUD) for a 3-hour trip, often featuring boats with glass bottom windows.
Scuba Diving in Gili Trawangan
Gili T is a well-known spot for scuba diving, with numerous courses available. The island’s waters are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Notable scuba diving centers include:
- Trawangan Dive Centre
- Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
- Blue Marine Dive Trawangan
- Gili Scuba Diving
- Zero to Hero Dive Gili Trawangan
- Gili Divers
- DSM Dive Gili Trawangan
Most diving centers provide equipment as part of their services, and rental shops are available for those who wish to dive independently.
Island Hopping the Gili Islands
Travel between the Gili Islands is easy, with boat rides taking just 10-15 minutes. Public boats operate from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every 45 minutes to 1 hour, with ticket prices ranging from 30,000 IDR to 60,000 IDR ($3.00 – $6.00 AUD) each way.
Horse Riding in Gili Trawangan
You can enjoy horse riding around Gili Trawangan, with Stud Horseback Riding Adventures being the most reputable stable. Prices start at 300,000 IDR ($30 AUD) for a 30-minute beach ride and go up to 800,000 IDR ($80 AUD) for a longer ride around the island. All necessary equipment is included, making this activity suitable for all ages.
Surfing in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the best spot for surfing among the Gili Islands, although it doesn’t have extensive surfable waters compared to Lombok or Bali. If you want to catch some waves, head to the Southern coast known as Playgrounds. This reef break is suitable for both regular and goofy footers, and there are surf schools available for beginners. While it doesn’t boast big swells, it’s a good spot for learning.
Shopping in Gili Trawangan
Shopping options in Gili T are limited. You’ll find a few boutiques selling tropical fashion and stalls near the harbor offering handmade souvenirs and pearl jewelry. Most dive centers provide snorkel and scuba gear rentals, and you can rent GoPro cameras for around 50,000 IDR ($5.00 AUD) per day.
Need to Know
Is Gili Trawangan Safe?
Gili Trawangan is relatively safe, with a low crime rate primarily involving bicycle theft. Solo female travelers should consider making friends for added safety, but most visitors report feeling secure. For nightlife, stay on the east and south coasts, as the west and north are less populated and darker at night. Be prepared for street vendors selling various items; a simple “no” is usually enough.
Gili Trawangan for Families & Kids
While Gili T is known for its nightlife and diving, it also caters to families. The quieter western and northern coasts are home to many resorts, offering serene beaches and calm waters ideal for children. Snorkeling tours are available for kids, and there are paved streets for strollers. Babysitting services are offered for kids aged 2.5 to 9 by Gili Bumblebee Montessori.
ATMs & Money Changers in Gili Trawangan
It’s advisable to exchange cash in Bali before heading to the Gili Islands. ATMs are available, primarily from major banks like Mandiri and BRI. If you need to exchange currency, various money changers are around, but be cautious of exchange rates.
Emergency Services & Medical Centres in Gili T
In case of medical emergencies, Gili Trawangan has several clinics that operate 24/7, offering a range of services, including home visits by doctors. Here are some medical centers you can contact:
- Trawangan Medical Services (TMS) – (+62) 878-5894-1440
- Pandawa Medical Island – (+62) 878-8870-0119
- Warna Medical Center – (+62) 878-6206-0247
Other Services & Amenities in Gili T
If you’re staying for a while, Gili T offers gyms, barbershops, and tattoo parlors. Daily gym passes cost between 70,000 IDR and 100,000 IDR ($7.00 – $10.00 AUD). There are also 24-hour convenience stores for snacks and essentials.
Tips for Gili Trawangan
Pack light, as there are no vehicles on the island. Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and cash in Indonesian Rupiah. A waterproof cover for electronics is also recommended, especially during the rainy season.
Returning to Bali from Gili Trawangan
Check in with your fast boat provider at the harbor, usually around 10:00 am. A harbor fee of 20,000 IDR ($2.00 AUD) per passenger applies. The return trip to Bali takes about 2.5 hours, including brief stops at Gili Meno and Gili Air.
You can book your trip to the Gili Islands with a transfer from your Bali hotel to Padang Bai and fast boat tickets included, with flexible return dates.
