How to get to Gili Trawangan
Getting to this paradise is the first step in enjoying it. I will provide you with very clear and straightforward information in order to avoid getting too involved in this aspect of the trip organization.
Where you are will dictate how you get to Gili Trawangan. Leave from Bali, Lombok, or some of the adjacent islands is the most common approach. I advise you to book your ticket online through 12Go if you are coming from Bali or Lombok.
- From Bali:
The most comfortable and common route to go from Bali is Padang Bai-GGili T. However, there are also ports in Serangan, Sanur, or the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan). According to the itinerary of your trip for Bali and Indonesia, one port or another will suit you better.
We were in Canggu before our trip to the Gili Islands; nevertheless, we preferred to go to Padang Bai instead of Sanur because, although the passage in a cab is a little longer, the passage in a ferry is shorter. We bought the tickets at 12Go, and they cost us about $14cper person (one way).
- From Gili Meno or Gili Air:
You can do it by public boat (island hopping) or by speedboat. The first option costs 40.000 IDR, and the second option costs 85.000 IDR.
With the public boat, you can go from Gili Meno at 8:50 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. and from Gili Air at 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. With the speedboat, there are departures every hour. From Gili Air, there are departures from 9:05 a.m. to 4:05 p.m., and from Gili Meno, there are departures from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. You can also hire a private transfer.
- From Lombok:
If you are in Lombok, you have to go to the port of Bangsal, in the northwest of the island. There you can travel with the public ferry or a speedboat. The public ferry is much cheaper, but you have to wait for the boat to fill up, and the trip is longer.
From Bagsal, the speedboat to Gili Trawangan (passing first by Gili Air and Gili Meno) leaves every hour, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It costs 85,000 IDR per person.
Things to do in Gili Trawangan
Now, let’s go with all the plans and activities you can do in Gili Trawangan. Get ready to relax and enjoy because you are about to discover what paradise feels like.
🛏️ If you still do not have a hotel on the island, I recommend the hotel where we stayed: Trawangan Dive Resort. The location is perfect, close to the center and the harbor but in a quieter area, and we loved the room. Also, the breakfast is great. Below I give you other hotel recommendations.
1. Snorkeling with turtles in Gili Trawangan
One of the best plans on this island is to put on your fins and snorkel to dive into the water and go in search of turtles (remember not to touch them and respect their space). After visiting the Gili Islands, I feel that Gili T is the best place to see sea turtles (at least it was for us), so get ready to have the time of your life watching these beautiful creatures.
The best places to see turtles on Gili Trawangan are the northeast shore and the north shore, known as the “turtle shore.” The name says it all!
My personal recommendation is to go to Casa Bonita, a restaurant located at the eastern end of the north coast. There you can have a drink and leave your things before enjoying a good snorkeling session. We went there on a couple of occasions and were very comfortable. Also, if you don’t have snorkeling gear, they will lend it to you.
If you are going snorkeling in another part of the island and you don’t have snorkeling equipment, don’t worry; there are many places where you can rent fins, goggles, and snorkels at a very good price.
2. Do an island hopping tour to the other Gilis
If you are only going to visit one of the islands during your trip, don’t worry, as it is very common to take a tour that takes you to various snorkeling spots on the other islands. In this case, if you take your tour from Gili Trawangan island, you will be taken to Gili Meno and Gili Air.
On Gili Meno, you will be able to see one of the most famous places of this destination: the underwater statues known as “Nest.” Surely you have seen many photos of this site on social networks (a set of people hugging each other placed in a circular shape). You can also explore part of the island on foot and eat at one of its restaurants.
During the excursion, in addition to seeing this popular underwater sculpture, you will have the opportunity to swim with turtles, see colorful fish, or marvel at the colorful coral that abounds on the seabed.
This tour is usually done in groups (it costs between $9 and $12 per person if you book the tour at the destination). You can also book the tour to the other islands here in advance (there are different modalities).
Although my main recommendation is that, although it is more expensive, you should opt for a private tour and leave very early in the morning. This way, you will be able to visit the “Nest” sculpture with more tranquility and do all the activities without being surrounded by dozens of people. You will enjoy it much more!
💡 Another good option if you want to spend the day on Gili Air or Gili Meno but on your own is to take the public ferry or speedboat in the morning, enjoy the island of your choice for several hours, and then return to Gili T. This way you can get to know other islands without spending the night on them. Discover everything to do in Gili Meno and things to do in Gili Air.
3. Cycling around the island
In case you didn’t already know, there is no motor transport on the Gili Islands, so you have to move around on foot, by bike, or by horse-drawn carriages (I think it is better to avoid this option, unless there is no other choice). My recommendation is to rent a bike, as you can get anywhere very quickly, and it is also a fun way to get to know the islands.
Also, I would say that Gili Trawangan is the best island for biking, especially since there is a road in good condition that goes around the whole island. Have a tasty breakfast (I recommend The Banyan Tree or Coffee & Thyme) to charge you with energy and get ready to go around the island on two wheels. I thought it was a great plan.
Bicycles can be rented at any stall you find on the street, but always check that they are in good condition. The price is 50,000 IDR (about 3 €) per day, although if you are going to stay several days on the same island, you can get a better price.
📝 MY GILI ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE.
4. Dining (or sightseeing) at the night market on Gili Trawangan
The center of Gili Trawangan (the area next to the pier) is full of bars and places to go out when night falls. One of the places you cannot miss during your walk through the liveliest streets of the island is the Gili Trawangan Night Market. It is a night food market with a lot of stalls, especially fish, and tables in the center.
Take a walk around the stalls and choose the fish that whets your appetite. They will cook it for you on the spot, and you are ready to enjoy a good grilled fish. Combine it with mango juice from a fruit stall, and you will have the perfect dinner.
🏥 Remembre to purchase the best travel insurance for Indonesia, as there is always the possibility of suffering an accident or sudden illness. You will go with the peace of mind that if anything happens to you, your expenses will be covered, plus you will have a team of people to help you. I always use and recommend Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your next policy.
5. Watching the sunset at PinkCoco Beach Club
It won’t surprise you that watching the sunset is one of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan (and the rest of the Gili’s, of course). After riding your bike and snorkeling all day, sitting down for a cool drink (a cold coconut is always my favorite option) and watching the sun say goodbye for another day is going to be the best thing in the world.
One of the best places to watch the sunset on the island is PinkCoco Beach Club, belonging to the famous PinkCoco hotel (good choice where to stay), located by the sea. There are plenty of pink armchairs to sit on and enjoy the sunset. In addition, if it is clear, you can see the Monte Agung (Bali), and it is an authentic marvel.
If you are on the island on a Friday or a Saturday, after the sunset there is a fire show and DJ.
Other well-known places to see the sunset in Gili Trawangan, besides Pinkcoco Beach Club, are The Exile and the Hotel Ombak Sunset.
💡 You can go to a viewpoint called Hilltop Hiking ViewPoint if you prefer to watch the sunset from the heights rather than from the beach.You can enjoy a less common sunset, and it will only take you a few minutes. I did it, but I wanted to.
6. Go out partying
Depending on the type of traveler you are, it is possible that one of the reasons why you have decided on Gili T is because it is the most party island of the archipelago. If you have the idea of partying, this is a good place to do it since there are many bars to go to. One of the most popular bars that will catch your attention during your walk around the harbor is Sama Sama, a reggae club.
I’m not much of a party girl myself, so I did a quick search for the best places to party on the island, and some of the places that keep coming back, beyond Sama Sama, are Blue Marlin, Tir Na Nog, and Evolution.
In the places I mentioned in the previous section (Pinkcoco Beach Club, The Exile, and the Ombak Sunset Hotel), you will also find a very good atmosphere.
7. Diving next to the statue “Underwater bikes”
Although the underwater sculpture “Nest” in Gili Meno is the most famous of all the islands and the one that nobody wants to miss, the island of Gili Trawangan also has an underwater sculpture that is worth visiting. I’m talking about the “Underwater bikes,” a set of two motorcycles located on the seabed. We didn’t want to miss it!
They can be reached by swimming from the beach. Finding them is quite easy. Just go to the “Hotel Vila Ombak” and swim inland. You will see a small rectangular pier floating in the middle of the sea. The “Underwater bikes” are located just below it. Be aware of the water conditions, in terms of visibility and tides, before you go.
8. Get your PADI diving certification
If you don’t have your diving certification yet and it’s something you’d like to cross off the list to enjoy the seabed in every corner of the planet, why not do it on Gili Trawangan? Since the water conditions are ideal and the price of the courses is not bad at all, Gili T has positioned itself as a very popular destination for those looking to do a diving course.
If you are interested, I recommend the company DPM Diving. Also, if you have never dived before, you can do a diving baptism with them; it will be an unforgettable experience!
9. Swimming at the best beaches, one of the best things to do in Gili Trawangan
Beyond diving or snorkeling, simply swimming at the beaches of Gili Trawangan is a real pleasure. The best spots for a swim are on the east coast of the island, where the waters are calmer and there are fewer currents.
One of our favorite places to swim was on the northeast coast. You can find it by searching “beach swim with turtles” on a map. There are a few bars with hammocks and small trees that provide some shade. Plus, it’s a great spot to see turtles. Another enjoyable swimming spot was at the beach with the “underwater bike” sculpture, which I mentioned earlier.
The beach north of the port is also beautiful, with crystal-clear waters and plenty of bars and restaurants offering hammocks. The downside is that there are a lot of boats in the area.
One thing to keep in mind: regular water shoes might not be enough, as many of the beaches have fossilized coral on the seabed, which can be sharp. It’s best to wear sturdy footwear to avoid getting hurt.
10. Enjoy the food on the island
Here we come to one of my favorite things to do, the food! On a trip to this destination, one of the biggest attractions, beyond snorkeling, watching the sunset, or bathing in crystal-clear waters, is to eat. And that’s what traveling to Gili is all about: enjoying the small pleasures and simple things in life, and eating, at least for me, is one of those pleasures (bigger than small, actually).
In Gili Trawangan, you will find many restaurants and cafes, so regardless of your tastes or preferences, you will have no problem finding a good place to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Anyway, I don’t want to stop recommending you the places I liked the most.
For breakfast, I recommend The Banyan Tree and Coffee & Thyme Gili Trawangan. To eat in front of the sea: Casa Vintage Beach or Casa Bonita Restaurant (where you can swim with turtles). If you want a good pizza, nothing like Francesco’s Pizza.
Discover all my recommendations in my post about where to eat in Gili Trawangan.
💡 To wrap up your day in the best way possible, I have two suggestions: Enjoy a movie under the stars at one of the outdoor night cinemas scattered along the island’s beaches. It’s a unique experience and a perfect way to unwind after a day in the sun. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage at one of the many spa centers on the island. They offer a range of affordable treatments, making it an easy and enjoyable way to pamper yourself.
Where to stay in Gili Trawangan
When picking a place to stay on the island, there are a couple of things to keep in mind if you’re after a quiet experience. First, try not to book a hotel too close to a mosque, as the call to prayer happens around 4:30 AM. Second, avoid places near the party spots around the pier. Bringing earplugs might also be a good idea, just in case.
Given these tips, I’d recommend Trawangan Dive Resort, where we stayed for four nights. We loved it so much that we wanted to extend our stay, but they were fully booked. Despite being near a mosque on the map, we didn’t hear any noise, and we slept great. The room was cozy, clean, and had everything we needed. The buffet breakfast was excellent, especially the coffee. This hotel’s location was perfect too—right by the sea, close to the center, but still in a quieter area. I highly recommend it!
We stayed at Dream Divers Resort for the remainder of our journey. Though there were parties at the bar next door at night, it was a little noisy. So, if you want a calm stay, I wouldn’t recommend it as much.
Other hotels that look very good are:
- Pine Tree Villa. A cozy 3-star accommodation offering double rooms, triple rooms, and villas, all complemented by a nice swimming pool.
- Flamingo. This 3-star hotel stands out for its striking decor and great location, and it also features a swimming pool.
- Jali Resort. A charming 3-star hotel with comfortable double rooms, a central pool, and an excellent on-site restaurant.
- PinkCoco. A well-known 3-star, adults-only hotel, famous for its vibrant pink decor and amenities.
Best tips for visiting Gili Trawangan
To make your trip as smooth as possible, here are some last recommendations for traveling to Gili Trawangan:
- Who is Gili Trawangan for? I recommend opting for this island if you like a lively atmosphere, if you want to be sure to see turtles, or if you intend to party. Also, if you don’t like noise or partying, it can also be a good option if you stay in a quiet area.
- Go for a private tour to Gili Air and Gili Meno. I have already mentioned it above, but I want to do it again, as I consider it important to be able to enjoy more of your experience in the islands. Even if it is more expensive, take a private tour and agree to leave at a very early hour. In this case, the best thing to do when booking the activity is to wait until you arrive at your destination.
- How many days to spend in Gili Trawangan? My recommendation is that if you are going to travel to this island, you should at least spend 2 nights there, although if it is more, the better. It all depends on whether you are going to visit other Gili and your itinerary in Indonesia.
- The island has a main port where boats from Bali and other islands arrive. However, if you are going to travel to Gili Air or Gili Meno and you want to do it in a public boat (quite more economical), the port is another one. Put “public boat harbor” in the map and you will find it. If not, you can ask for directions.
- In Gili Trawangan there are ATMs to withdraw money (I always recommend doing it with a card like N26 to avoid paying extra commissions) and exchange houses. However, I think it is a good idea to carry enough cash for your stay.
- If you have room in your suitcase or backpack, take some booties, as on many beaches there is fossilized coral on the ground and you can hurt yourself.
- Be careful with the currents. When the tide is going out, the inland current can be quite strong, so always swim with caution.
📲 If you want to have internet, you can buy a sim card at your destination or, a bit more expensive but more convenient, buy before your trip a Holafly eSIM card with a discount. You can purchase one here for 5% cheaper with the code “comeamaviaja.” You will have internet from the moment you land!
Map of things to do in Gili Trawangan Island
In the map below, I’ve marked all the places to visit, sunset spots, bars, cafes, and restaurants mentioned throughout this article. It should be really helpful for you to refer to during your trip and find your way around.
💳 If you want to manage your money efficiently while traveling, I recommend getting an N26 card. With the free version, you can withdraw Indonesian currency at a low fee and pay in other currencies with great exchange rates and no extra charges. In Gili Trawangan, you’ll find several ATMs where you can use your card.
I hope this post about the best things to do in Gili Trawangan has been very useful to plan your visit to this beautiful island; now all you have to do is enjoy! By the way, don’t miss these other things to do in Indonesia. See you soon!
