A small Indonesian island with white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkel, swim, or watch sunsets. Lively nightlife and cozy cafes coexist with a turtle hatchery.
Gili Trawangan, the largest of Indonesia's three Gili Islands, is known for its white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. You can snorkel with sea turtles, watch the sunset behind Bali's Mount Agung, or dance at beachfront bars. The car-free island takes about an hour to cycle around, passing beach clubs, snorkeling spots, and small villages along the way.
Getting to Gili Trawangan
Fast boats connect Gili Trawangan to Bali and Lombok. From Bali, boats leave from Padang Bai, Amed, Sanur, and Serangan ports, taking 1.5-2.5 hours depending on sea conditions. The trip from Lombok's Bangsal harbor is shorter, lasting only 15-20 minutes. Many fast boat companies offer hotel pickup from areas like Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud in Bali.
Transportation on Gili Trawangan
With no motorized vehicles on the island, you'll get around on foot, by bicycle, or by cidomo (horse-drawn carriage). Rent a bicycle for 60,000-80,000 IDR per day from shops across the island. Cidomos mainly transport luggage from the harbor to hotels, charging 100,000-200,000 IDR based on distance.
Beaches and Water Activities
Gili Trawangan's beaches have soft white sand and clear turquoise water. The east side of the island is busier, with beach bars and restaurants. For a calmer atmosphere, head to the northern or western beaches. Beachfront vendors rent snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. You'll also find ocean swings for photos.
Diving and Snorkeling
Coral reefs surround Gili Trawangan, home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. Over 25 dive sites lie within a 20-minute boat ride from the island. Shark Point is known for its reef sharks, while the Bounty Wreck offers an underwater structure to explore. Several dive shops on the island provide PADI courses and guided dives for beginners to advanced divers.
Accommodation Options
Gili Trawangan has a range of places to stay. The Pearl of Trawangan and Pondok Santi Estate offer beachfront villas with private pools. PinkCoco Gili Trawangan and Ponte Villas are mid-range options. The main village area has affordable hostels and guesthouses. Many accommodations have beachfront locations with sea views.
Food and Nightlife
At the night market near the harbor, you can try Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, and grilled seafood. The main strip has pizza places, burger joints, and vegan cafes for Western food. After dark, beach bars host parties and live music. Jungle Bar and Sama Sama Reggae Bar are busy spots for nightlife.
Cycling Around the Island
Rent a bicycle to explore Gili Trawangan. The coastal path circling the island is about 7 km long and takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace. You'll pass beaches, coconut groves, and small villages. Some parts of the path can be sandy, so you might need to walk your bike occasionally.
Sunset Viewing Spots
The western side of Gili Trawangan offers sunset views with Bali's Mount Agung in the background. Ombak Sunset and The Exile are common places to watch the sunset. For a different perspective, climb Gili Trawangan Hill in the island's center. It's only about 30 meters high but provides views of all three Gili Islands and beyond.
Day Trips to Other Gili Islands
From Gili Trawangan, you can take day trips to Gili Meno and Gili Air. Gili Meno is the smallest and least developed of the three, with quiet beaches and a bird sanctuary. Gili Air has a mix of tourist facilities and local island life. Catch a boat between the islands from the main harbor on Gili Trawangan.
