13 Things to Do in Gili Trawangan: Ultimate Gili T Guide

Are you headed to Gilis soon and looking for things to do in Gili Trawangan? I have some pretty neat ideas for you! 

Gili Trawangan, or Gili T might be one of Indonesia’s smallest islands, but it is certainly one of its finest. With powdery white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters teeming with diverse marine life, there’s so much to love about this dreamy island. 

Whether you want to lounge on beautiful beaches, snorkel with turtles, dive with sharks, witness breathtaking sunsets, experience the nightlife, or escape the hustle and bustle of Bali, a trip to this idyllic island will be a highlight on your Indonesia itinerary!

If you want to discover what this gorgeous little island offers, keep reading! In this guide, I’ll cover all my favorite things to do in Gili Trawangan and everything you need to know about visiting the island — from getting there and accommodation options to the best eateries and useful tips to help you plan your dream vacay.

So, crack open a Bintang, and let’s dive right into this Gili T travel guide! 

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Before You Go to Gili Trawangan 

Gili Trawangan, the biggest of the three Gilis, is part of a small archipelago just off the northeast coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Before you head out on your dream trip to this idyllic island, here are a few pre-travel tips to guarantee a smooth journey. 

• Gili T is small, measuring only 3km long and 2km wide. Despite its size, the island has many accommodation options available. However, during the busy season, these fill up pretty fast, so it’s a good idea to book a spot at least a few weeks ahead. See my top hotel recommendations below. 

• Gili Trawangan does not have an airport, so the only way to get there is by boat. The most popular connections are from Lombok, Bali, or Nusa Penida. Book a fast boat to save time, and if you’re traveling during peak season, you’ll want to make these arrangements as soon as possible. Also, note that some ports charge a small harbor tax, which is usually not included in the boat ticket price. I’ve added the best routes for you later in this guide.

• There are a couple of ATMs on the island, but they sometimes run out of money. Make sure you always carry some extra cash with you.

• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on any of the 3 Gili islands, so mentally prep yourself to get around on foot or by bike. While “cidomos” or horse carts are available, please don’t use them. Some animals are treated quite poorly, and it’s heartbreaking to see them carting around tourists with stacks of heavy luggage. As a result, the biggest pre-planning tip I can give you is to travel light! If you must carry luggage, try to book accommodation closer to the jetty and check out these tips on packing light.

13 Epic Things to Do on Gili Trawangan

Now that we have a few pre-planning tips out of the way, it’s time to get to the good stuff — discovering Gili Trawangan’s best bits! 

Relax at the beaches

The ultimate thing to do in Gili Trawangan is revel in its incredible beaches! You are in paradise, after all! 

Gili T is home to oodles of gorgeous beaches where you can easily kick back for a few hours, cool off in the water, find a hammock to nap in, or grab some grub and a fresh coconut at one of the many fantastic beachside bars and restaurants. While you could easily find a pretty beach just about anywhere on the island, the best ones are on the northern and western sides. Here are my top 3 picks:  

• North East Beach, located in front of Villa Almarik, is a beautiful strip of soft sand with minimal crowds. It’s relatively easy to access, only a 5-minute walk from the jetty. It’s perfect for swimming, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some turtles in the shallow waters. 

• Sunset Beach, on the island’s northwest coast, is a stunning spot to hang out any time of day. But the real magic happens at sunset. It’s my absolute favorite place to watch the sunset on the island (although everyone else thinks so, too!). If you want to catch the sunset or snap a selfie on the swings, arrive a little earlier to snag a good spot!

• Malibu Beach on the southwest side is perfect for kicking off your flip-flops and finding a cozy nook in the sand. You’ll also find plenty of awesome beach bars where you can plop into a beanbag, grab a cocktail, and watch the waves roll in and out.

If the beaches above are too low-key for you, head to South (or Good Heart) Beach, on the island’s southeast side. It’s the hangout spot for backpackers, so expect to find plenty of happy hour deals and a party vibe!

Go snorkeling

A huge must-do in Gili Trawangan is snorkeling. The underwater world is absolutely amazing here and is considered one of Southeast Asia’s best snorkeling spots. 

The beautiful coral reefs offer much to discover, from colorful fish to sea turtles and even underwater statues. If you didn’t bring snorkeling gear, don’t stress. I rented gear from the local vendors on the beach, but you can also easily find rentals at any dive shop in town. 

Another really fun way to explore the underworld treasures is to join a guided snorkeling tour. Since the guides know where the best turtle viewing spots are, you will have the best chance to spot them on your trip. Just make sure you go with a reliable tour operator because some operators pack the boats to the brim with customers, which is not safe.

If you want to see Gili Meno’s famous Nest statues, the underwater scooters, Turtle Point, and Coral Point, I highly recommend this private snorkeling tour. The tour departs from Sama-Sama Reggae Bar, and the entire trip is extremely well organized. Plus, you’ll get a tasty lunch!

If you prefer a group setting, this fun small group snorkeling tour may be a better fit. It stops at the same place as the abovementioned tour, so you’ll still experience all the best bits! 

Bike around the island

One of the best (and most fun) ways to get around the island is to rent a bike. And before you think, “Oh no, exercise,” here’s a little insider tip! Gili Trawangan is so tiny that you can easily bike around the entire circumference in about an hour! Plus, it’s pretty flat and a lot of fun! 

Cycling around the island was actually one of our favorite things to do. We loved biking from one beach to another, stopping for an obligatory swim, or taking a quick breather under a palm tree as we saw fit! 

Bike rentals are readily available throughout the island and usually start at IDR 50,000. Check with your accommodation first, though, as most hotels usually have some on hand that you can use for free. Just a heads-up: the roads aren’t great everywhere, especially the ones going inland. So slow down over the rocky patches, watch out for the dips (and odd chicken), and rather walk your bike through the loose, soft sand spots! 

Go on a sunset cruise

A sunset cruise is one of the most beautiful ways to end a day in paradise. And, I guarantee you’ll love it just as much as we did!

Most sunset cruises, like this one, include a bit of snorkeling, allowing you one more chance to explore the beautiful coral reefs before the sun dips under the horizon. 

However, if you’re after a more bougie vibe, I highly recommend this 5-hour sunset cruise. Yes, you’ll get to snorkel, but the best part is that you’ll sail into the sunset with a glass of bubbly while enjoying a delicious meal! 

Get a massage

After a fantastic day lounging on the beach, exploring the underwater world, and stuffing your face with nasi goreng, it’s time to treat yourself to a relaxing pamper sesh! 

Our hotel had an on-site spa, but if yours doesn’t, you will find oodles of massage parlors scattered around the main strip and along the beach offering cheap massages starting at IDR 150,000 per hour. Alternatively, check out the gorgeous You Spa to switch things up a notch. 

Enjoy the nightlife scene

Like Koh Phi Phi, Gili Trawangan has a reputation for being a party island with some pretty crazy clubs, like Jungle. While crazy party scenes aren’t exactly my vibe anymore, I will say this: set aside at least one night to enjoy Gili’s vibrant nightlife! 

There is a fantastic selection of bars and hipster hangouts, many of which are quite laidback, so you don’t need to put up with rowdy crowds. And with a bit of help from me, you’ll know exactly where to go! Try The Exile, Malibu Beach Club, or Pesona. Another cool hangout spot is Sama Sama Reggae Bar, which has a live reggae music show every evening at 7 pm! 

Take a cooking class 

If you love Indonesian cuisine and already feeling a bit bummed about not being able to get your fix back home, here’s your golden opportunity to rectify that!

Gili Cooking Classes is one of the top cooking schools on the island, and offers a super-fun two-hour cooking class. You’ll learn to make mouth-watering dishes and pick up some great tips to impress everyone back home. The best part? You’ll never have to worry about satisfying your cravings again! 

Go scuba diving

If you want to take your underwater world experiences one step further, why not go scuba diving?

The Gilis are a real hotspot for diving with world-class coral reefs, ideal water temps ranging from 27 to 30°C, and excellent visibility! 

One of the most popular diving spots is Shark Point, where (as the name suggests) you’ll have the best chance to spot sharks, rays, turtles, and even a tugboat wreck. Other popular beginner-friendly dive spots include Bounty Wreck, Halik, Manta Point, and Turtle Point. If you’re an advanced diver looking for a more challenging dive, try Deep Turbo, Takat Malang, or Simons Reef.

You can book a dive at any dive center along the island’s eastern shore. Among the most famous are Dpm Diving, Gili Divers, Trawangan Dive Center, Manta Dive, and Blue Marlin. If you still need a PADI or have no diving experience, Manta Dive offers a fantastic scuba introduction course that you can book online.  

Watch the stunning sunsets 

The sunsets on Gili Trawangan are really special, and I highly recommend ending each day watching one! 

The best sunset viewing spots are along the Sunset Strip, on the island’s western side. Here, you’ll find a fantastic selection of beach bars with colorful beanbags and airy elevated huts ready to serve you an ice-cold Bintang or a freshly cracked coconut. Watching the sun melt away while listening to music and enjoying a few drinks in this picture-perfect setting is such a vibe. You’ll love it! 

Just a heads up, the bars with the best sunset views usually charge a fee of about IDR 150,000. Remember to bring cash and come a bit earlier to secure the best spot! 

Take a swing on the Gili Swings

You’ve probably already seen hundreds of pictures of the famous Gili T swings on Instagram, and for good reason—they’re legendary and make for the perfect photo op! 

While some resorts have their own ocean swings, there are also plenty of great community-owned ones you can try out for a small fee. 

If you’re keen to snap a photo with a dreamy sunset as the backdrop, go to the ones along the western side. Since they are super popular, arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to secure your spot in line. 

Snack your way through the night market

If you love street food, you’ll love the Trawangan Night Market! While the market is a no-frills joint, the food is seriously good! There’s a fantastic selection of stalls selling everything from authentic Indonesian food to skewers, fresh seafood, fruit, and, my fave, grilled corn! The fact that everything is super cheap is just an added bonus! 

Most stalls open around 6 pm and stay open until late. 

Go island hopping to Gili Air & Gili Meno

Since the three Gilis are all close to each other, you can easily visit them all in one trip. Public slow and speed boats travel between the three islands, roughly from 8 am to 5 pm. The route is always the same: Gili Trawangan >>Gili Meno >>Gili Air and vice versa.

The slow boat sails from Gili T to the other two islands twice daily at 9:30 and 16:00. Keep in mind that unless you’re spending a night at one of the other two, the last slow boat back to Gili T is at 3:00 pm from Gili Air and 3:15 pm from Gili Meno. You can buy tickets at the harbor or a tourist booth, but buying them at the ticket office is often cheaper.

If you don’t want to wait for the public boat, take one of the island hoppers (check scedules on 12Go) or this speedboat instead. They have fixed schedules with way more departures a day. The first boat leaves Gili Trawangan at 08:00 am. 

Oh, and an insider tip! If you decide to go to Gili Air, do yourself a favor and check out the island’s newest beach club, Papaya! It has a stunning beach setting, beautiful decor, and the best cocktails ever! 

Take a trip to Lombok

If you get tired of lounging on the beach and need a mini adventure, why not take a side trip to Lombok? While Lombok is still a relatively hidden gem often overshadowed by Bali, it’s home to wild beauty and many amazing must-dos. 

Some highlights include lounging on beautiful beaches, trekking to secret waterfalls, and tackling Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest mountain. Reaching the summit takes 2-3 days, and you should only attempt this hike on an organized tour with an experienced guide. 

You can buy a ticket for the speedboat to travel between the islands at the little office by the harbor or book a boat ride here in advance. 

How to Get To Gili Trawangan 

Great! Now that you know what to do on Gili Trawangan, let’s talk about how to get there.

There are several popular ways to get to Gili Trawangan, from Lombok, Bali, or Nusa Penida. They all require careful planning, but getting to Gili Trawangan is actually much easier than you may have thought! Here’s what you need to know.

Getting from Bali to Gili Trawangan

I’ve written a complete guide on how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands, so be sure to read that for in-depth details. 

But to give you an idea, the easiest way to travel between these two islands is to take a speedboat from Padang Bai in southeastern Bali (1h15 away from Ubud). 

The speedboat departs at 9 am daily, and the journey takes 1h30. For the least hassles, I recommend booking a speedboat ticket, like this one, which can add hotel pick-up. If you prefer to sort out your own transport to the port, take this speedboat. 

If you’re staying in Uluwatu, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua, fast boats also leave from Sanur or Serangan Port. (Click here for speedboats from Sanur and here for fast boats from Serangan) 

Tip: I don’t get seasick easily, but I have to admit that the trip can be rough. And in 2023, one of the boats actually capsized! Make sure you book your ticket through a reliable operator like BlueWater Express, for instance, and if you suffer from seasickness, remember to take medication beforehand. 

Don’t want to plan a thing? Check out this 2D1N Gili T tour from Bali!

Getting from Lombok to Gili Trawangan

If you’re already in Lombok, you can take a fast boat or the public ferry from Bangsal Pier between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. 

The public ferry takes about 45 minutes and costs IDR 22,500. It only leaves when it’s full (approx 40 pax), though, so you might need to wait around a bit. 

A much quicker option is taking the fast boat. The ride only takes 15 minutes and departs every hour. The journey costs IDR 85,000. You can buy tickets in advance online through 12Go or at the small office by the harbor.

If you’ve missed the normal boats or don’t feel like waiting, another (albeit pricey) option is to charter a boat upon arrival at the harbor, which costs about IDR 500,000. 

Getting from Nusa Penida to Gili T

If you want to combine your Nusa Penida trip with visiting the Gili Islands, you can take a fast boat from the big harbor on Nusa. Several boats leave daily, but the shortest journey departs at 9:30 am. The ride takes 1h30, and costs range from IDR 230-330K, depending on which operator you sail with. Compare prices or book tickets here on 12Go. 

Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan

Although Gili Trawangan is only 6 km² in size, it offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and travel styles. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious beachfront villa or a backpacker hostel, the island has something for everyone. Here are my top picks:

Luxury

Cocana Beach Resort is a gorgeous 5-star beachfront property on the island’s west side. With beautifully appointed air-conditioned rooms and private villas, a spacious outdoor pool, an on-site fitness center, and attentive staff, this resort has absolutely everything you need and so much more!  

Affordable Luxury

If you’re seeking an idyllic beachfront setting with surprisingly affordable rates, you will love PinkCoco—a super Instagrammable adults-only resort. The property features lovely rooms decked out in pink interiors, a sparkling pool, an on-site spa, and an epic beach bar where you can relax with a cocktail while watching the famous Gili T sunset. 

Private Villa

I love staying in beautiful villas, and if you feel the same way, you’re in for a real treat! Gili T has tons of gorgeous villas catering to high-end and mid-range travelers. Try MAJO Private Villas if you’re looking for the crème de la crème of luxury. Alternatively, try Nero Villas or Villas Flamingo. Both are fantastic options if you still want something bougie but more affordable. 

Budget

My backpacking days are long gone, but if you’re a solo traveler seeking a fun place to meet like-minded travelers, Mad Monkey is the go-to spot in Gili Trawangan. The hostel offers various room options, like huts, teepees, and dorms. There’s also a cool outdoor deck with a lovely pool where you can relish the lively atmosphere or join a bunch of fun activities.

Still searching for your dream accommodation? Find more hotel deals here on Agoda. 

When to Visit Gili Trawangan

The Gilli Islands have a tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. There are two main seasons: dry and wet. 

The dry season runs from May to September, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Daytime highs usually reach around 30°C, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and chilling on the beach. 

In contrast, the wet season runs from October to April, with the most rain in December through February. Average temperatures will still be in the upper twenties to low thirties, but downpours aren’t uncommon. 

The best time to visit Gili Trawangan is July to September. July and August are the busiest months, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, try to come in the slower months, May, June, or September. 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Gili Trawangan?

Deciding how many days to spend on Gili T really depends on what kind of vacation you’re after. You can easily fit in all the abovementioned activities in 3 days. We spent four days on the island, but since we prefer slow travel (and lounging on the beach), we could have easily spent a few more days there. Ultimately, it’s up to you! 

Where to Eat in Gili T

Gili T has such a great variety of cafes and restaurants. If you’re not sure where to grab a bite to eat, here are my top picks: 

• Casa Bonita offers a great setting with breezy huts overlooking the water. The menu includes a variety of Indonesian classics as well as some Western food options. 

• Hellocapitano Lifestyle Café is a super Instagrammable spot with an amazing vibe. Try the smashed avocado toasty or the butterfly smoothie bowl! 

• Coffee and Thyme is a cozy cafe that serves the most amazing coffee & freshly baked desserts. Try their signature creme brûlée coffee or the thyme latte! 

• Kuyu Cafe is another Instagrammable cafe in Gili T with a delectable menu. Come for brunch and have a freshly baked cinnamon roll while you’re at it! 

• The Banyan Tree is a beautiful restaurant with gorgeous ocean views. If you’re vegan or simply craving a healthy meal, this is the place for you! 

• Warung Warna, located near the jetty, offers cheap and tasty Indonesian food. Don’t miss the Nasi Goreng and the satay skewers—they’re heavenly! 

What to Pack

I won’t lie; hot and humid weather is not for everyone. Pack light, breathable clothing that can help you stay cool. Along with all the usual stuff you’ll pack for a beach vacation (see my packing list), here are a few extra things I highly recommend bringing on your trip. 

Camera & Drone: The Gili Islands are absolutely out of this world, so don’t forget your camera. I use an Olympus Mirrorless camera but have been eyeing this DJI mini drone for some time. 

Underwater Camera: This GoPro is a great go-to for capturing yourself swimming with turtles.  

Reef-safe sunscreen: You can buy sunscreen on Gili T, but you should know that many Asian sunscreen brands contain whitening agents. If that’s not your vibe, pack a good reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the environment. 

Waterproof phone case: Keep your phone dry with this waterproof phone case. 

Dry bag: Many Gili Trawangan activities involve being in or near the water. Pack a dry bag, like this lightweight Earth Pack bag, to keep all your stuff dry. 

Quick drying towel: Hate tugging along a wet towel? Me too! My latest obsession is these Turkish beach towels. I already have two and just bought one for my fiance, too!

Bug Spray: Like elsewhere in Indonesia, having bug spray or mozzie-repellent bracelets is always a good idea.  

Universal adapter: You might need a travel adapter. Here’s a great fast-charging one that works in over 200 countries. 

Travel insurance: There’s not much crime on the Gilis, but it’s always best to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, especially if you’re into adventure travel. I use (and recommend) SafetyWing. While they are popular among digital nomads, they also have options for short-term travelers. 

eSIM: If you need a SIM card, don’t fret! My new favorite way to get instant data connectivity (and reduce plastic waste) is using eSIMs. Grab an eSIM for Indonesia here. Just make sure your phone is compatible with it before checking out! 

So, did you figure out what to do in Gili Trawangan? 

Whether you come to explore the underwater world, chill at the beach, or join in on the lively party scrum, there’s no shortage of epic things to do in Gili Trawangan. It truly is one of the most magical places you’ll ever visit! 

I hope you find this guide useful when planning your trip to this beautiful Southeast Asian island. Gili T certainly made a lasting impression on me, and I can’t wait to return someday! Have an amazing time relishing this unique paradise! 

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you, my friend. So, are you ready to visit Gili T? Share your comments below! 

Do you need more help planning your trip to Indonesia? Check out my other popular guides. 

• Famous Indonesian landmarks
• 7 Days in Bali 
• 3 Days in Ubud
• Best hotels, resorts, & villas in Ubud
• Prettiest Ubud waterfalls
• Top restaurants in Ubud
• Best hotels, resorts & villas in Uluwatu
• Best beaches in Uluwatu
• Top things to do in Labuan Bajo
• Visiting the Komodo Islands 

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