Gili Trawangan Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Gili Trawangan. Read our comprehensive guide on the top attractions, dining options, local culture, and safety tips.


Introduction to Gili Trawangan

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Indonesia, then you must add Gili Trawangan to your list! This island has everything you need for a perfect vacation: white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and incredible views of the mountains. Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as the locals call it, is the largest of the three islands in the Gili archipelago and is located off the northwest coast of Lombok. The island is known for its vibrant nightlife, amazing snorkeling, diving, and gets visited by people worldwide.

List of Places to Visit in Gili Trawangan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sunset Point: Get a panoramic view of the island skyline from this point.
  • Gili Trawangan Statue: A popular tourist spot where guests can capture a great photo.
  • Pura Segara Temple: This Hindu temple is considered sacred.
  • Gili Trawangan Turtle Sanctuary: Designed to promote turtle conservation and support local community eco-tourism efforts.

Natural Attractions of Gili Trawangan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gili Meno Island: A short boat ride from Gili Trawangan that can be reached in 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: Witness the beautiful underwater life with multiple groups taking snorkeling and diving tours on the island.
  • Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Take your time exploring the island and its surroundings with a paddleboard or kayak.
  • Gili Trawangan Swing: Another Instagram famous tourist spot.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gili Trawangan

  • Sunset Trail: This route allows hikers to experience breathtaking sunset views from an elevated track.
  • Turtle Point: The track leads to an excellent observation point for turtle sightings.
  • Coconut Forest Track: Taking the full track leads to a picturesque view of the lush forest.

Best Things to Do in Gili Trawangan: Activities and Tours

  • Yoga and Wellness: You can attend a certified yoga class and enjoy various wellness activities.
  • Island Tour: Get a guided tour of the island on foot, bike, or in a horse-drawn cart known locally as a cidomo.
  • Nightlife: Gili Trawangan has the best nightlife among the other Gili islands. So, let your hair down, and party with locals and other tourists.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gili Trawangan

Day Activities
1 Check-in at your chosen accommodation
2 Morning meditation
  Island tour by bike
3 Island hop to nearby attractions
4 Paddleboarding
5 Scuba diving lessons or certification
6 Swing on the Beach
  Sunset Trail
7 Relax on the beach or do some souvenir shopping
  Nightlife activities

Food and Drink Scene of Gili Trawangan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s signature fried rice dish
  • Seafood Platter: Enjoy fresh seafood caught by local fishermen
  • Sate: Indonesian style meat skewers grilled to perfection
  • Tempeh Curry: A vegan favorite with tempeh, a soy-based protein

Local Beverages

  • Crazy Coconut: Freshly made coconut water served with vodka and lime
  • Bintang Beer: Indonesia’s most popular beer brand.

Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kokomo Resort: A luxury resort with beachfront views and a pool
  • Trawangan Oasis: Offers budget-friendly rooms and suites and an on-site spa
  • Scallywags Resort: A lovely boutique hotel with a restaurant and a pool.

What to Buy in Gili Trawangan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade crafts: Find unique handicrafts made by locals on the island
  • Pearls: Take a piece of Gili Trawangan’s marine life home with you in the form of a freshwater pearl.
  • Sarongs: A traditional Indonesian textile worn as a garment.

Local Culture and Customs of Gili Trawangan

  • Dress appropriately: The locals have a mixed Muslim and Hindu culture, so dressing properly and conservatively is respectful.
  • Respectful gestures: While greeting someone on the island, place your hands together in prayer over your chest and bow slightly.
  • Eco-tourism: The people of Gili Trawangan take pride in their eco-friendly practices, so guests are expected to follow the same.

Best Time to Visit Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has a tropical monsoon climate, and the ideal time to visit is during the dry season between May to August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gili Trawangan

Do:

  • Use eco-friendly goods: The island follows a no plastic ordinance, eco-friendly bags, and bottles can be bought on the island.
  • Eat at local restaurants: Gili Trawangan has an excellent selection of local food.
  • Tip staff: Tipping at restaurants, cafes or bars is appreciated.

Don’t:

  • Litter: The island has a strict policy against litter.
  • Indulge in drugs: Drugs are illegal in Indonesia and can lead to severe consequences.
  • Public displays of affection: As a sign of respect to the locals of Gili Trawangan, public displays of affection are not advised.

## Safety and Health

Safety in Gili Trawangan

  • Use a life jacket when doing any water sport activity.
  • Secure your belongings when on the beach.
  • Take care when walking or biking at night as there are no street lights.

Health in Gili Trawangan

  • The island has no hospitals, so be sure to carry enough medication or see a local physician for any medical emergencies.

Getting to Gili Trawangan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gili Trawangan

  • Praya International Airport: Located in Lombok, the closest airport to Gili Trawangan.

Bus Stations Near Gili Trawangan

  • Lembar Harbor: Mataram, Bali, and other Indonesian cities can be reached through here.

Other Options

  • Fast Boats from Bali: 2 hours to Gili Trawangan

How to Get Around in Gili Trawangan

  • Biking: The most convenient way to explore the island.
  • Walking: Explore the island on foot.
  • Cidomo Rides: Horse-drawn carts are a unique way of getting around the island.

Where to Go Next from Gili Trawangan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lombok: Renown for its mountains, rice fields, and hot springs
  • Bali: One of Indonesia’s popular tourist destinations.

Conclusion

Gili Trawangan is indeed a unique destination in Indonesia with its own distinct charm. With so much to explore and experience, why not book your travel plans to Gili Trawangan to embark on one of your memorable vacations.

''Perahu'' fishing boats lounging on Trawangan's beach, with Meno in the background ''Perahu'' fishing boats lounging on Trawangan's beach, with Meno in the background Map of Gili Trawangan Map of Gili Trawangan Beach Beach A Gili Trawangan bar A Gili Trawangan bar