First, the basics: Gili Trawangan (better known as Gili T) is the largest of the three Gili Islands located off the northwest coast of nearby Lombok. The other two islands are Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Gili Trawangan is famous for scuba diving and nightlife and has become a sort of mecca for backpackers and travelers in general. While there has been a huge surge in tourism, the island is still a small paradise.
The island is so small that no cars are allowed. Your options for transportation are to walk, rent a bicycle, or travel by horse-drawn cart.
How to Reach Gili Trawangan
Due to its popularity, regardless of where in Indonesia you are embarking from, local tour operators should be familiar with transporting tourists to Gili T.
Coming from Sanur, I was able to haggle down the price of a return boat ticket, including minivan transportation to and from the docks, to 450,000 IDR/$34 on Eka Jaya speed boat service. Check with local tour operators for schedules, but there are several trips per day.
Boats carrying passengers arrive on the east, more developed, side of the island. Here you will find the majority of the island’s bars, restaurants, and clubs. This is definitely where the parties are to be found. But if you are more in the mood for relaxing, consider booking a stay on the far, or western side, of the island. This side has several upscale resorts and is likely better suited for families or honeymooners. However, the beaches on the eastern side are the nicest on the island, while the beaches on the western side are far rockier and can be very shallow as the tide changes.
Best Time of The Year to Visit
The low season for the island is February, March April, and November.
The high season is January, July, August, September, and December.
The shoulder season is May, June, and October.
Be sure to check the calendar for local or Muslim holidays that fall outside of Western holidays, as these will affect tourism and hotel prices regardless of the season.
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Where to Stay
Gili Trawangan has an entire range of choices, from simple guesthouses to high-end luxury properties. There really is something for every budget. During low and shoulder seasons, it is possible to arrive without a reservation and haggle for a better price. But in high season it’s important that you use Booking.com or another booking site to secure a reservation in advance.
During my most recent visit, I stayed at Martas Hotel. The hotel is made up of several bungalows surrounding a pool. The location was one of my favorite things about the property. Martas is located just off the main road, so it’s central to everything you want to see and do, but far enough away that the late-night partying doesn’t disturb you. For a full review of the hotel, click here.
What to Do
Get wet- Gili Trawangan is known worldwide as one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkeling. Freediving has also become popular recently. Prices are fixed across the island, so it’s best to just turn up and check out several different shops and see which one gives you the best vibe. I’ve used both Dive Central and Gili Divers during my stays and could recommend both. You are also able to rent kayaks to explore the island. Kayaks are available for either guided or self-guided tours. A guided day tour starts at 300,000 IDR/$22 USD per person.
Bonfire on the beach– many restaurants or hotels host bonfires on the beach as the sun begins to set. When you see the employees stacking wood, grab a beach chair, order a beer and watch the sunset as the logs begin to crackle.
Nightlife- The island is famous for its crazy late-night scene. If partying isn’t really your thing, make sure to stay on either the side of the hotel where the boats don’t arrive or at least far enough off the main road to avoid hearing the music, which goes on well into the night. For those who do enjoy a late-night, different bars and clubs run drink specials throughout the week.
Explore the island by bike- Bike rentals begin at 20,000 IDR/$1.50 USD per day, and they are the perfect way to explore the entire island, allowing you to stop anywhere that looks interesting along the way. The quieter, less busy side of the island has some great restaurants and beach clubs that are definitely worth checking out.
Nothing- Gili Trawangan is the perfect place to find a hammock or beach chair, relax, and top up your tan while drinking cocktails and snapping Instagram pics that will make your friends back home jealous.
Where to Eat
For such a small island, Gili Trawangan has a huge variety of dining options available. There are many Western options, as well as restaurants serving local dishes. My two can’t miss spots are The Roast House (for their perfectly roasted chicken and vegetables) and the night market (where local dishes are prepared fresh in front of you while you wait).
For a full post covering the best places to eat on Gili Trawangan click here.
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Would you consider Gili Trawangan for your next holiday? Let me know in the comments section below.
Practical Information: Drugs are readily available on the island, especially marijuana and magic mushroom shakes. Even though the mushroom shakes are blatantly advertised, and you will be offered drugs on the main street in broad daylight, they are not legal. Indonesia has very strict drug laws.
There is no hospital on the island, but there is a small clinic on the main road opened 24 hours a day. The nearest hospital is on Lombok.
Older or outdated guidebooks will report that there are no ATMs on the island. This is not correct. While many of the smaller guesthouses and restaurants have a cash-only policy, the larger hotels accept major cards, and there are at least four ATM’s on the island.
Visiting other destinations in Indonesia? Check out our other delicious guides:
- 8 Best Restaurants in Ubud, Bali
- 7 Best Restaurants Seminyak, Bali
- Kanawa Island: The Best Island Destination In All Of Indonesia
- Best Things to Do on Bali Indonesia
How to get to Gili Trawangan?
You can book your ground and sea transportation with Bookaway, so click here to book your tickets.
I love this! I am always looking for where to stay and what to eat! The island looks magical and was never even on our radar, but I will have to add it to our future travel plans. Thanks for sharing and that Roast House Chicken dish looks scrumptious!
This is a paradise!! It seems so beautiful… You make me travel there through your awesome photos
You’ve just convinced me to visit with those beaches and amazing sunset! Gorgeous.
And that chicken looks absolutely delicious!
Great guide, really in-depth! Love your photos too. That hotel you stayed in looks divine 🙂
WOw! the sunsets, the water , the food. They are heavenly.. Best I liked , is the horse drawn cab! I would glad stay there for a while, if I could.
This is a great guide – well done! Would love to visit some day, although don’t think I will get a chance for another couple of years – you never know though!
Our first and only visit to Indonesia so far was a short visit to Bali a few months ago, and now I just can’t wait to go back. I hadn’t heard of Gili T before, but now I am intrigued. I love that there are no cars on the island, and a bit of scuba and snorkeling with good food – who can resist!
This has lots of great information for a traveler heading that way. I think it is great they travel by horse-drawn carriage. There is something to be said for enjoying life in the slower lane.
It really does look like a lovely location, thanks for the detailed guide. The scuba diving and beach sunsets would have to earn it a place on the wish list.
What I like about your post is not only does it cover everything you would need to travel to Gili Trawangan but I have never heard of this place before. I love that! New places to discover!
Gili islands looks just one of those paradiso places from the magazine! The beaches look great and I see that there is a lot of chep food as well. What a great place for backpacking trip!
Wish I had that food when I was in the remote parts of Indo, looks so much more appetising! As usual, some stunning natural beauty in these parts of Indo. I think my boat experience in Indonesia early last year has made me quite wary of catching boats in this country now though 🙁
What a great article, thank you so much for including us in your Ultimate guide to Gili Trawangan. We loved having you stay with us, it was great to meet you and we really hope to see you here at Martas hotel again one day.
With all very best wishes from Marta, Joanna and all the Martas team
I really loved staying on Gili T. It’s a great island. I loved the silent disco they put on during Ramadan. And I loved that you could watch the sunrise and sunset over water no matter where you stayed. Insider Tip: A lot of the fancy resorts do2 for 1 cocktails by the pool during sunset, Get in 😉
I’ve been hearing a lot about Gili Trawangan lately and it looks like such an amazing spot! I would love to visit. Thanks for all the tips. The hotel you stayed at looks great and so do the beaches. I love the sunset photos–really makes me want to visit!
Looks beautiful and like there’s something for everyone here. Thanks for the tip off about where to find quieter accommodation; if I visit I’ll have my kids in tow! I think I’d be all about the diving and finding a nice quiet spot to relax.
Before reading this post I thought all the Gilis were for honeymooners. Now I know where to go if I need some days of rest (and far from the main road as you suggest 😉 )
Thanks for this! I’ve heard amazing things about the Gili Islands, and Gili Trawangan in particular, so I would love to go, especially for the scuba diving.
Great note on checking the calendar for Muslim holidays – I made this mistake in Dubai on a previous trip – rocked up during Ramadam and was very limited on what I could get for food!
Last time I was here in Indo I was here for Ramadan as well! It was nice to see how people celebrate but I wish I had prepared better and packed some snacks!
I love the tips of Gili. I have always heard really good things and now I don’t really have an excuse not to go. That hammock on the beach looks divine!
Thank you! I hope you make it here soon. It really is so beautiful.
Sometimes, after too much time in off the beaten track countries, I really appreciate staying in these sort of places to relax, enjoy good food and finally talk to some tourists. If I ever go there, I won’t open my laptop 😉 Thanks for sharing this nice option!
Gili T is truly an island paradise that you’ve captured well! I personally loved the all-night parties, though it was hard to power through after a full day of diving. Great write-up and that sunset pic belongs in a postcard!
Thanks for all the step-by-step details about Gili T. Island destinations are so popular now and it’s nice to see one that still has some of its rawness. Love the photos as they capture the best of Gili T.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS! It’s really comprehensive and helpful. I really want to go back to Indonesia and explore this area of their country. So happy to know that the shoulder season is during my birthday. 😀
I’ve heard of Gili T before, but my knowledge is pretty limited. This is a lovely overview. Quick question: you mention the high, low and shoulder season. Would you recommend avoiding the low season due to terrible weather? Or is it still fine to arrive then? Thx!
This is great first hand advice, thanks for sharing! We’re hoping to get to Indonesia this year, and the Gili Islands are definitely on our list of places to go. Pinning your post to reference later!
Yes, I would consider Gili Trawangan for a holiday. It looks absolutely lovely. Your photos are awesome.
We’ve been snorkelling during a day trip on the Gilis and we just loved it. Your photos are bringing back memories of that beautiful water. So great you found a hotel in the action without enduring all the noise. Gili T really is the party island after all.
I am in shock over how beautiful this place is. And even more shocked that I’ve never heard of this place! It looks so gorgeous and is definitely a place I’d want to go visit. A complete paradise! Your photos are beautiful!
Give me a hammock with a beach any day and I’m a happy camper. I love that they don’t have cars on the island.
The idea of a bonfire on the beach is so charming. And the picture of the yellow horse-drawn cart is really cute. By the way, this is the first time I have heard of Trawangan. Should look it up..
You should definitely look it up! It’s a gorgeous island. I love that there are no cars anywhere on the island.
Never heard of Trawangan but you have convienced me to go there. Great post and loving the photos :)_
Its looking like a great place to hang out as well as peaceful place.
Well written blog which prompted me to place for this beautiful island. Thanks for enriching us with your experience..
Thank you! It really is quite peaceful there. As much as its changed in the past two years since I first visited I still love it so much.
Hey Nathan! That roasted chicken really is mouth watering! I would like to consider Gili Trawangan to be our next destination. Thanks for sharing your experience (with some practical information) on this beautiful paradise.
You’re welcome! I still think about that roasted chicken- the gravy was amazing. I hope you make it there soon. If so, be sure to let me know about it!
Great traveler’s tips! I learned a lot from the post!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy your time there.
I love your photos. I love to stay in a calming and peaceful place. It makes me feel relax and stress-free.