Gili Trawangan island, a small tropical island near Bali where crystal-clear waters meet vibrant nightlife.

🇮🇩 Indonesia Bali & Gili Trawangan

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Gili trawangan island: A Unique Destination

While most people have heard of Bali, Indonesia, fewer know about the Gili Islands, a trio of small islands—Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan island—located near Lombok. These islands, collectively known as the Gili Islands, offer a completely different vibe compared to Bali.

I first learned about Gili Trawangan island through a Korean TV show called “Youn’s Kitchen.” What caught my attention was the shallow waters surrounding the island, making it perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles—ideal for someone like me who isn’t a strong swimmer. During my trip to Bali, I decided to add a short visit to Gili Trawangan to my itinerary.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Gili Trawangan and what to expect once you’re there.

📍 Location: Gili Indah, Pemenang, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
🌤️ Climate: ☀️ Dry season: April-October, 💧 Rainy season: November-March
🌡️ Temperature: Average temperature of 27-30°C year-round
💵 Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
🙏 Religion: Islam ~87%, Hinduism ~3%, Christianity ~7%, Buddhism ~1%, Indigenous beliefs ~2%

How to Get to Gili Trawangan island

There are two main ways to reach Gili Trawangan(Gili T):

1. From Bali (DPS airport) : Fly into Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), take a taxi to Padang Bai Harbor, and then board a speedboat to Gili T. This route takes about 4-5 hours, including waiting time. Be warned: the speedboat ride can be rough, and most passengers on my boat ended up seasick. (Motion sickness pills are a must!)
2. From Lombok (LOP Airport) : Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP), take a taxi to the harbor, and then take a speedboat to Gili T. Since Gili T is closer to Lombok, this route takes only 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private boat for a quicker and more comfortable 15-minute ride. (In 2023, I paid IDR 750,000 for a taxi + private boat for two people.)

Having tried both routes, I highly recommend flying into Lombok if possible.

Horse Carts Instead of Cars, Bikes Instead of Motorcycles

Gili T is a car- and motorbike-free island, making it a peaceful escape from urban noise and pollution. Instead of cars, the primary mode of transportation is the cidomo, a horse-drawn carriage. In 2023, the standard fare was IDR 150,000 per ride. While it’s a charming way to get around, it’s not the most budget-friendly option for frequent use. I only used it twice: once when it rained at night and once when I needed to transport my luggage to the harbor.

Bicycles are the most popular way to explore the island, and most accommodations offer bike rentals. However, the unpaved roads in the island’s center can be challenging, so I preferred walking. The island is small enough to walk around in 20-30 minutes, and you can even circle the entire island on foot.

For someone used to bustling city life, the absence of cars was fascinating. Riding a cidomo for the first time felt like a unique cultural experience, far removed from typical tourist activities.

Is Gili Trawangan a Quiet Retreat or a Boring Island?

Gili T is a small island with limited activities compared to Bali. The main attractions are the beaches, boat snorkeling, and scuba diving.

However, what makes Gili trawangan island special is Turtle Point, a snorkeling spot where you can swim with sea turtles. The shallow waters make it safe for non-swimmers and children, and I was lucky enough to spot turtles during both of my snorkeling trips.

After snorkeling in the morning, I spent afternoons at cafes and evenings watching the sunset at beach bars. While I didn’t try horseback riding on the beach (too shy for the attention it draws), it looked incredibly romantic.

Although cloudy skies prevented me from seeing a perfect sunset, the tranquil beach and the sight of horses against the fading light were unforgettable.

gili trawangan nightlife

gili trawangan nightlife

At night, Gili T transforms into a lively party destination, with vibrant streets, night markets, and popular seafood grill restaurants like SCALLYWAGS. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider staying on Gili Air instead.

Food and Dining

As a small island catering primarily to tourists, Gili Trawangan’s food prices are higher than expected. Alcohol is expensive due to Indonesia’s Islamic culture, and ingredients are imported, driving up costs.

At tourist-focused restaurants and night markets, a meal for two with drinks cost around IDR 160,000-250,000. In contrast, local eateries serving Indonesian dishes charged only IDR 40,000-70,000 for two. Seafood, surprisingly, wasn’t cheap either, with popular seafood grill restaurants charging around IDR 1,200,000 per meal.

That said, the island offers a variety of international cuisines, and the food quality is generally good. (Just don’t expect pristine cleanliness.)

Final Thoughts

Gili trawangan island is a destination that divides opinions. Some find it too quiet and lacking in activities, while others appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and well-developed infrastructure. For me, it was the perfect short getaway—ideal for 3-4 days of relaxation.

If you’re looking for a tranquil beach vacation with a mix of adventure and serenity, Gili trawangan island is a great choice. However, if you prefer a destination with more activities, this might not be the place for you.

For me, Gili trawangan island was a dreamy escape, and I’m already planning to return with my family. Safe, peaceful, and delicious—what more could you ask for in a vacation spot?