Looking for the best things to do on Gili Trawangan? For us, Gili Trawangan was the ultimate place to unwind. No motorbikes or cars, just bicycles, horse carts, crystal-clear water, turtles off the coast, and every evening a sunset to dream away to. We ended up staying a whole week, but three or four days in your itinerary is plenty. This post expands on the Gili stop from our 3-week Bali itinerary.
Gili T is also where we said goodbye to Edwin. He headed back to the Netherlands, while we stayed on the island a little longer.
The crossing to Gili T: check the reviews
From Nusa Lembongan we took the fast boat to Gili Trawangan. The crossing takes about two hours to two and a quarter hours, depending on the company. This time we didn’t look closely at the company’s reviews. What a dated boat 😉 And the rough sea didn’t help either.
So check the reviews and the weather forecast in advance, and don’t head out to sea in heavy weather. Also plan flexibly: make sure you can stay an extra day on an island if needed. If you’re not traveling in peak season, that’s easy to arrange.
Things to do on Gili Trawangan: what we did
Doing nothing (on purpose)
Gili Trawangan is mostly about doing nothing. No motor vehicles are allowed on the island: you walk, bike, or take a cidomo, the horse cart. We rented bikes, but after an hour we were drenched in sweat: 104°F and blazing sun is no weather for pedaling. Time to cool off in the sea.
Diving and snorkeling around the Gili Islands
The water around the Gilis is beautifully clear. We went diving and snorkeling around the other islands, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Either way, bring a snorkel and mask, because turtles swim right off the coast. Want to visit all three islands? This popular snorkeling boat tour takes you to the best spots:
Sunsets and evenings by the sea
Evenings might be the best part of the day on Gili T. Find a restaurant by the sea, order a drink, and watch the sun go down. Afterward, several cafés show movies on beanbags right on the beach. Or listen to the live bands, where the Bob Marley factor runs high: lots of reggae, with plenty of Bruno Mars thrown in. Bliss!
Mind the horses
Book your stay close to the harbor. That way you don’t need to burden the horses with your heavy suitcases. Because honestly: they stand in the full sun and sometimes look really thin. And when tourists with oversized suitcases all pile into one cart, it breaks our hearts. The horses’ welfare has been debated for years, so check their condition before you get in, or choose to bike or walk.
Where to stay on Gili Trawangan
We stayed at The Beach House Resort, for about $80 to $90 a night. It’s close to the harbor, right in the center, and near great restaurants. The resort has a pool bar and overlooks the beach. Edwin and I spent quite a few hours here on the beanbags in the pool, with a drink from the pool bar and an ocean view. We prefer to book directly with the hotel, and you can do that on their website.
Where to eat and drink on Gili Trawangan
The Night Market is within walking distance and worth planning an evening around: fresh fish and lobster straight off the grill. Prefer a table? Head to Jali Kitchen for the best beef rendang.
More great spots on the island:
- Local: Warung Dewi, a traditional warung just off the busy main street. Its nasi campur gets rave reviews.
- Pizza: Regina Pizzeria, an Italian pizzeria with pizzas from the wood-fired oven.
- Something fancier: Ko-Ko-Mo, a restaurant right on the beach and a lovely spot for a romantic dinner.
- Sundowner: Casa Vintage Beach, a laid-back beach bar on the west side, perfect for sunset.
Practical tips for Gili Trawangan
- Bring enough cash. Sometimes the ATMs are empty or there’s a power outage on the island, and then cash is ideal.
- Skip the arak. There have been problems with this locally distilled spirit in the past. Pay a little more for drinks from well-known brands.
- Stay close to the harbor, so you don’t have to rely on horse carts with your luggage.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen: the sun is strong here, and there’s little shade on a bike.
Things to do on Gili Trawangan: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need on Gili Trawangan?
Three or four days is enough to snorkel, relax, and enjoy the sunsets. We stayed a week because we loved it so much.
How do you get from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
By fast boat, from Bali or from the Nusa Islands. We left from Nusa Lembongan; the crossing takes just over two hours. Check the company’s reviews and the weather in advance.
Can you use ATMs on Gili Trawangan?
There are ATMs, but they’re sometimes empty or out of order due to a power outage. So always bring enough cash.
👉 Also read: Bali, the Nusa Islands, and Gili Trawangan in 3 weeks and Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
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