This island, which is located west of the island of Lombok, is a tourist destination that should not be missed. There are 3 Gilis that are the highlight of tourists’ vacations, namely Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan. Gili itself means “Small Island”. The impression of these three islands is different. Gili Air has the impression of a Chilled Island, Gili Meno is a Honeymoon Island, and Gili Trawangan is a Party Island. Among the 3 Gilis, Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular.
Heading to Gili Trawangan
It takes more than 1,5 hours by fast boat from Padangbai Harbor in Bali and dirrectly arrives at Gili Trawangan. Another alternative is through Benoa Harbor at a rate of IDR 500K
For a more affordable option, take a ferry from Padangbari Harbor to Lembar Harbor on Lombok Island. But the duration of the trip will be longer, which is about 4 hours because from Lembar Harbor to cross to Gili Trawangan, you have to go through Bangsal Harbor first.
No motorized vehicles
Although Gili Trawangan is the largest island among the other 3 Gilis, in fact, Gili Trawangan has an area of about 3 x 2 kilometers. The local people make local rules to eliminate motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan to avoid pollution.
To go around the island to see its beauty, the local people provide Cidomo (traditional vehicle) and rent bicycles.
One Cidomo can usually carry 3 to 5 passengers. Cidomo fees are variable depending on the route chosen. On average, it costs around IDR 40K to IDR 75K. Meanwhile, for rates around the island with Cidomo, the price range starts from IDR 125K.
There are also bicycles for rent for visitors to take walks on Gili Trawangan. For hourly rental, it costs IDR 15K. But if you want to rent daily, the rates range is around IDR 50K to IDR 100K.
Best Places to Stay
Here are the Top 10 Hotels and Places to Stay at Gili Trawangan according to Tripadvisor:
- Pearl of Trawangan
- PinkCoco Gili Trawangan
- Villa Ombak
- Pondok Bali Estate
- Lumi Gili Trawangan
- The Beach House Resort
- Desa Dunia Beda Beach Resort
- Wilson’s Retreat
- Villa Nero
- Aston Sunset Beach Resort
Culinary
- Casa Vintage
- Pearl Beach Lounge
- Ko Ko Mo
- Kayu Cafe
- The Roast House
- Night Market
- Pizzeria Regina
- Greens and Beans
- Pituq
- The Yoga Place
What to do in Gili Trawangan
1. Snorkeling Trip of 3 Gilis
Snorkeling is indeed an exciting thing because of the unspoiled underwater beauty of Gili Trawangan. The beautiful fish and colorful coral reefs are the main attraction on a 3 Gilis snorkeling trip. On Gili Trawangan, you can join the Snorkeling Trip of 3 Gilis which starts from 9 am to 3 pm at IDR 75k per person. If you want a Private Snorkeling Trip you can rent a Snorkeling Boat at a cost of around 1 million Rupiah for a single trip of 3 Gilis.
2. Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you like to see the beauty of the underwater world but you can’t snorkel, you can try the Glass Bottom Boat Tour. Boatman will take you to the unspoiled beautiful spot where cute fish gather. You can see the underwater life from the boat which is transparent underneath or from the glass. making it easier for you to see the beautiful seabed of Gili Trawangan. You can rent a Glass Bottom Boat at the cost of around IDR 850K for one trip to many beautiful spots.
3. Diving
This activity is in great demand by foreign tourists, they are willing to come all the way from their country just to dive in the Gili Trawangan sea. The uniqueness of diving in Gili Trawangan is the Blue Coral Trunk (Blue Coral) which is very rare and beautiful. This type of Blue Coral on Gili only exists in two places in this world. On Gili Trawangan, there are many official Diving service providers, ranging from courses to equipment rentals and diving trips.
4. Horse riding
Now Gili Trawangan provides facilities for tourists who ask specifically for horse riding. Here, tourists will enjoy the beauty of Gili Trawangan beach by riding a horse, besides that you will also take a beach bath together with a horse.
5. Enjoying Sunrise and Sunset
Because this island is quite small, you will find or get 2 beautiful moments at once in one place
6. Water Sport
Water sports are widely available on Gili Trawangan, you will easily find them along the Gili road counter – the counter for water sports service providers. Some Water Sports that you can do on Gili Trawangan such as Banana Boat, Kayaking, Surfing, Water Sky and Fishing. In addition, the hotel also provides water sport activities. It’s up to you to choose whichever water sport you like.
7. Boat Party
Water sports are widely available on Gili Trawangan, you will easily find them along the Gili road counter – the counter for water sports service providers. Some Water Sports that you can do on Gili Trawangan such as Banana Boat, Kayaking, Surfing, Water Sky, and Fishing. In addition, the hotel also provides water sports activities. It’s up to you to choose whichever water sport you like.
Night Life
- Sama – Sama Reggae Bar
- Tir Na Nog Bar
- The Jungle Pre-Drinking Bar
- Jiggy Jig’s
- Beautiful Life
- Surf Bar Gili Trawangan
Holiday tips in Gili Trawangan
- Do not litter and don’t forget to always protect the environment when visiting Gili Trawangan
- If you are using an airplane, choose an early morning flight
