Gili Trawangan Travel Guide

Gili Trawangan, or simply Gili T as it's often abbreviated, is the largest (but not by much) and most visited of the three Gili Islands off the northwest shore of Lombok, and has earned the title of ‘Party Island’ amongst the world’s travellers.

Once a backpacker’s haven, discovered in the 1990s – with basic beach huts and simple bars, serving concoctions that offered ‘free lunar transport’ – Gili Trawangan has undergone some dramatic changes over the past five years and now caters to a decidedly more upmarket crowd, often with family in tow, all seeking that tropical island experience with the luxuries of home.

Despite its party vibe and the growth of recent years, Gili Trawangan retains a truly chilled-out vibe. This is due to the physical constraints limiting indefinite development, the fact that no motorised traffic is allowed anywhere on land, and the local village government rules restricting building height to below the tree line.

Aside from the laid-back beach culture, the main draw of the island is scuba diving, with several professional dive centres offering courses and fun dives to all ages. At low tide on the west coast you can enjoy fascinating rock pooling in the broad shallows, seeing all kinds of marine life hiding just beneath the calm surface. 

Gili Trawangan accommodation choices start from budget guesthouses through to a large selection of mid-range beachfront hotels, going all the way up to resort-style hotels and luxury villas. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation in Gili Trawangan in advance during the peak season (Jul-Sep and the Christmas/new year period) to ensure you don’t end-up sleeping on the beach! For the quieter areas to stay and relax, simply head to the west or north of the island where some of the newer boutique resorts are found along exclusive stretches of beach. There are gorgeous views toward Bali and it's volcanoes in the distance, ideal for amazing sunsets.

There’s a wide variety of restaurants along the beachfront, offering everything from local street food to high-quality international cuisine, along with some of the freshest seafood BBQs around.

At the end of the day – when you’re done soaking up the sun or diving to new depths – there are plenty of bars to quench your thirst, with weekly party nights to keep you dancing to the early hours.

BEST THINGS TO SEE ON GILI TRAWANGAN

Ocean life – The Gili Islands are famous for their abundant marine life, making it a must to get in the water. Known as the “Sea Turtle Capital,” Gili Trawangan is home to an incredible number of turtles. Whether you’re diving or snorkelling, it’s almost impossible not to spot one.
For a memorable experience, go snorkelling off the northeast coast of the island and let the current gently carry you back toward the south. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning coral reefs, colourful fish, and the vibrant marine life that makes the Gilis so special.

If you'd rather go (free)diving, Gili Trawangan is the place to be. With numerous dive shops along the East Coast of the island, you can easily book your diving experience in the clear blue waters surrounding the Islands. Gili T is close to dive spots like Seahorse Bay, Manta Point, Shark Point and many more, meaning you'll be assured of stunning marine life wherever you go. The dive spots range from 'suitable for all levels' to spots where you will need an advanced certificate. Freediving is also very popular in the Gili Islands and is another perfect opportunity to explore the abundance of marine life surrounding the islands.

BEST THINGS TO DO ON GILI TRAWAGAN

Dive! Dive! Dive! - The Gilis are now synonymous with scuba diving, so for those wanting more than what snorkelling can offer, there’s no better place to take the plunge! Indonesia is home to over 3000 species of marine life - more species than the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea put together – so you can be sure that the crystal clear waters around the Gilis will captivate scuba divers of all levels.

For beginners, there’s a range of courses available (PADI and SSI) from Discovery Dives to the fully certified Open Water course. If you’re already certified, you can join daily fun dives at one of the 20 dive sites around the islands. Expect to see green and hawksbill turtles, bumphead parrotfish and white-tip reef sharks along with an impressive array of other sea creatures, coral formations and plant life. Visibility is in the 15-20 meters range, with drift diving being the norm due to changing currents.

For those divers wanting to further their diving education, the numerous dive centres all offer more advanced and speciality courses; some all the way up to instructor level.

Snorkelling - Since the 1980s, the Gili Islands have attracted travellers with their stunning coral reefs and rich marine life — best explored by snorkelling. Just a few meters from shore, you’ll find lots of turtles, a large variety of fish and colourful corals.
Be cautious of strong currents during low or high tide. If you don’t have gear, snorkels, masks, and fins can be easily rented from beach kiosks or dive centres.
For the best snorkelling, try the North-East coast or cycle to the shallow waters of the South-West.

Book your fast boat tickets through Gilibookings.com and receive an exclusive 20% discount voucher for any Gili Trawangan snorkelling trip with Nice Trip Gili.

Gili T Pub Crawl - every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, starting at 9 PM and wrapping up around midnight. This exciting event takes you through four of the best bars on Gili Trawangan, making it a perfect opportunity to meet new people or celebrate with friends. Enjoy a complimentary Vodka Juice bucket, exclusive drink discounts, a free singlet, a shot at each bar, and photos posted within 48 hours. You can book this here. 

Party on a boat! -  Set sail on Gili Trawangan’s crystal-clear waters with the GILI BOAT PARTY. Leaving mid-afternoon on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you’ll swim, snorkel, dance around the 3 Gilis, catch a perfect sunset, and party into the night with new friends. Tickets available at My Mate Place hostel.

Gili Yoga - Yoga is an ancient practice that builds flexibility, circulation, strength, and overall balance. Gili Yoga offers classes, workshops, and retreats for all levels, held in their purpose-built outdoor shala at Freedive Gili.
Book your fast boat tickets through Gilibookings.com and receive an exclusive 10% discount voucher for any Yoga classes with Gili Yoga.

Horse Riding - With a variety of horses to suit all levels of rider, Stud Stables offer a unique opportunity to discover Gili Trawangan on horseback. Quiet paths will take you through serene coconut groves and lead you out for a ride along sandy beaches – truly a wonderful way to explore the island at a leisurely pace.

Soothe your body - Some of the more expensive hotels and villas offer spa and beauty treatments. Gili Spa and Azure Spa on Gili Trawangan are both recommended. For a traditional massage, a session with the legendary Pak Sahir, known as Magic Fingers  (inquire at Manta Dive), is not to be missed. For over 15 years, this man-of-few-words will soon ease away any aches and pains, leaving you ready for whatever the day throws your way. 

Motorised water sports - Although motorised vehicles may be absent on the islands, there’s still the possibility to enjoy a range of speedboat-powered activities on the water. Choose from Banana Boat rides at Villa Ombak (Gili Trawangan) to Wakeboarding and Water-skiing off the shores of Lombok, arranged through Manta Dive (Gili Air) or The Beach House (Gili Trawangan).

Stay Fit - Gili Trawangan's first fully functioning Gym & Fitness Centre, 'GiliFit', boasts a rooftop Basketball & Football court, a Health Bar and console Gaming Room. Weekly activities and classes are available, such as boxing or water-based exercise programs. Join GiliFit on your holiday to stay in shape, eat healthy, or chill out with fellow travellers. They offer free gym access to their hostel guests.
Book your fast boat tickets through Gilibookings.com and receive an exclusive 10% discount voucher for the Gym facilities with GiliFit.

BEST PLACES TO EAT & DRINK ON GILI T

With numerous cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, the Gilis now offer a wide range of dining possibilities from tasty street food to fine dining and everything in between.

Best Budget Dining in Gili Trawangan

• The Seafront Night Market
  Located in the center of Gili T, opposite the harbor, this long-established market is the more popular and bustling of the two. Among the many stalls, we recommend Green Café, one of the island’s long-standing favorites. This large stall offers a wide variety of choices – from freshly grilled fish to an assortment of local dishes that you can mix and match on your plate.
   

• The Village Night Market
  Tucked away in the middle of the village next to the soccer field, this newer night market offers a more traditional, laid-back vibe and is less touristy. Here, you’ll find plenty of local gems, including:
  - Warung Sumi Sate – A must-try for sate lovers. This humble stall serves ten sticks of tender, smoky sate with rice for just 30,000 IDR. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying – it’s street food done right.
  - Warung Raeni – Perfect for seafood fans, Warung Raeni is known for its fresh BBQ seafood cooked to order. Whether you choose grilled fish, prawns, or squid, expect generous portions and bold, authentic Indonesian flavors.
   

Best Mid-Range Dining on Gili Trawangan

The Banyan Tree – The go-to vegetarian/vegan restaurant on Gili Trawangan. Features a cozy air-conditioned dining area and a lovely terrace on the beach. The new healthy place to eat and drink in Trawangan.

My House – A hidden Italian restaurant in the middle of the island, set in a little garden. Offers a small but high-quality menu, prepared by an Italian chef. This is a spot to meet the expat crowd.

Jali Kitchen – Reasonably priced, offering a variety of Thai, Indonesian, Western, and Vietnamese cuisine. Considered by some as the best mid-range Western kitchen on the island. Set inland on a patio next to the pool, just a short stroll from the beach, past Gili Golf. 

Window Bar – Sit on the beach and watch the sunset over Mt. Agung while enjoying a cold beer and great food at reasonable prices. Not as cheap as some places in Bali, but the menu is extensive, so you can try something new each night. Gilibookings customers get a 10% discount on all unique fresh cocktails and beverages with their discount voucher.

Pesona – Chill on the beach with a sheesha and sample some excellent Indian food. It’s the only real Indian restaurant on the island, and the food is delicious. Be careful, though—some dishes can be extremely spicy!

Karma Kayak – End your beach day catching the sunset at North Beach with jugs of sangria and a variety of freshly made Spanish and Indonesian tapas. Great service and a fantastic location!
 

Best Fine Dining on Gili Trawangan

Food delivery - On rainy days, you can stay cozy in your bungalow and order food online. Trawangan has a convenient delivery app, Palmz, which features most of the local restaurants. Simply browse, order, and have your meal delivered straight to your door. 

NIGHTLIFE ON GILI TRAWANGAN

Known to many as the ‘Party Island’, Gili Trawangan is where most of the after-dark action can be found, with bars often staying open until 2 am and until dawn on party nights.

Gili Pub Crawl: every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, starting at Tir Na Nog Irish Bar at 9pm
This is your ticket to an unforgettable night out on Gili Trawangan! Join fellow travellers and partygoers as you hop between four of the island's best bars, each with its own unique vibe. It’s the perfect way to meet new people or have a blast with friends, all while enjoying great deals. The excitement starts at 9pm and wraps up around midnight. Enjoy a complimentary Vodka Juice bucket, exclusive drink discounts, a free singlet, a shot at each bar, and photos posted within 48 hours. You can book this here. 

Party Nights

• Monday @ Jungle Bar: Gili Trawangan's biggest indoor nightclub just got a makeover! Dance on a huge floor with digital screens, VIP seating, and free shots. Enjoy live techno DJs and bottle service all night.
   
  Tuesday @ Margaritas: Chill at this beachfront bar with stunning sea views. Dance to Hip-Hop and RnB beats from local DJs in a laid-back, friendly vibe.
   
• Wednesday @ Tir Na Nog ‘Irish Bar’: Probably the island’s busiest party night, playing anything from hip-hop to house, along with more mainstream dance-floor fillers
   
• Friday @  Sand Bar:  massive scene and dance floor. Some good DJ venues
   
• Saturdays @ Sama Sama: Some of the best reggae music can be heard here every night, not only from the band but from the lively musical crowd too.
   
• Sunday @ Evolution: Enjoy unbeatable drink specials all night! Take on drinking challenges, play Beer Pong, and groove to local DJs spinning the best tracks.

Lava Bar - Located right on the beach and part of the original Gili Hostel (now called Gili Beach Bum Hotel) popular with backpackers and a younger crowd, fun staff and the occasional whacky party. They also have a pool bar! 
They have a Rock on Roll Bingo night every Friday around 20:00 with drinks at the bar. Enjoy the spectacle of people getting an ice water bucket thrown from the roof, due to a false bingo!

Full Moon Party - During the peak season Full Moon parties are organised on the beach towards the southern part of the island, not too far away from the main strip. Normally hosted by locals, they play a mixture of hard house, trance and techno until sunrise. If you are looking for a good party on the Gili Islands this is not one that you would want to miss.

DAY TRIPS

Gili Air, Gili Meno and Lombok -  Even though the Gili Islands are so close together and from a distance look very similar, in reality they are rather different.  If you are staying on Gili Trawangan we highly recommend making a day trip to either Gili Air or Gili Meno. Both islands offer a much quieter island experience as well as some different things to do. You may even wish to venture over to the lush landmass of Lombok, with it's stunning volcanic peaks and jungle, though spending at least one night there would be advisable.

Public island hopper boats depart in the morning and afternoon and tickets can be arranged at the ticket office in Gili Trawangan harbour. These are really cheap at only around five bucks per person. Alternatively, private speed boats are available at a time of your chosing and can be pre-booked 24 hours in advance on Gili-islandtransfers.com, making the journey in just 5 - 10 minutes. You can also book a driver if you are destined for Lombok.

Highly Recommended: Gili Gede - Located on the South West coast of Lombok are a series of islands that are practically uninhabited. The most developed being Gili Gede has recently been made accessible by speed boat directly from Gili Trawangan and makes a fantastic day trip.  The boat operates 3 times a week, the trip takes about 40 minutes, and you can spend 4 hours on Gili Gede.

Whether you want to have a boozy lunch at the new Kokomo Gede resort, relax on a deserted beach or get involved in some of the activites at Kokomo, you will experience a real change from Gili Trawangan.  Just use the search box here to check the schedule and rates for Gili Trawangan to Gili Gede.