Found in the Gili Islands, Indonesia, Right next door to Bali and Lombok you will find a beautiful tropical paradise called Gili Trawangan. Also known as Gili T by the locals, this small island has become famous for its incredible diving spots and for hosting some of the best parties in Indonesia. Gili T has become a must-see destination on many people’s travels, but it can be hard to know where to start on this adventure.
The Best Gili Trawangan Travel Guide has been created to give you all the information on how to make your journey as easy as possible and to ensure you see all the top things to do in Gili T to get the most out of your time in paradise.
Dive in to find all the answers.
Table of Contents
Is Gili T a Party Island?
This little paradise known as Gili T most definitely is famous amongst tourists for being a party Island. Popular for having a buzzing atmosphere in most bars for every night of the week, you will not be short of finding a party in Gili T. In the Summer month and High season, you will find the Island filled to the brim with young backpackers looking for some of Indonesia’s best parties.
The main bar strip has a designated bar for every night of the week to share business. So regardless of what time of the week, the Island’s nightlife will keep party seekers happy.
While mentioning the party life of the island it can be noted that the Island also has much quieter areas to relax in and explore for families or travellers who prefer a more relaxed vacation away from the crowds and the noise.
Is Gili T worth it?
Gili T is most definitely worth the visit for anyone looking for a quiet beach paradise to unwind and explore or a destination to party all week long. Gili T can provide an incredible experience to any traveller. This small island most definitely ended up with a special place in our hearts.
The friendly locals, clear blue water, and relaxed atmosphere will create great memories for anyone.
Along with this, Gili T can cater to all budgets for accommodation, food, and activities making all visitors welcome and comfortable.
We believe Gili T is a must-see destination for anyone travelling through Indonesia. With easy transport to get you to the Island, you can easily make Gili T your next favourite destination.
Getting to Gili T
Getting to Gilli is easy and simple we have set it out in the easiest steps for you
Step 1: Choose a fast boat company there are several fast boat companies that operate between Bali and the Gili islands, do your research and choose a reliable company that suits your budget and schedule
Step 2: Book your tickets online either through a trusted site with good reviews or a Bali travel agent. Its recommended that you book in advance during the peak season, to secure your spot
Step 3: Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes to an hour early depending on the weather conditions. The ports in Bali that offer Fast boat service to Gili T include Serangan, Padang Bai, and Amed.
Step 4: Check-in and Board the fast boat, the journey takes around 1.5-2 Hours depending on the sea conditions
Step 5: Arrive at Gili T and disembark from the boat to make your way to your accommodation on the island. You can hire a horse and cart or a bicycle to explore the island, as there are no motorised vehicles on the island
With these easy steps travelling to Gili T will be a breeze.
Where to stay on the island
In Gili Trawangan, there are many options for accommodation from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The following spots on the island are popular for accommodation:
The most popular spot to stay on Gili Trawangan is the main strip, which has a large number of budget hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Also, it is where the majority of the island’s eateries, bars, and nightlife are located.
Consider vacationing in the island’s northern or southern regions if you’re seeking a more tranquil visit. Although there are still many places to stay, this area is typically more laid-back and less congested than the main strip.
The island’s premium resorts may be found along the west shore, which also offers breathtaking views of the ocean at sunset.
Gili T’s east coast is less developed and more rugged, it nevertheless offers some unique accommodation alternatives, such as seaside bungalows and treehouses.
The ideal accommodation in Gili Trawangan ultimately depends on your tastes and budget restrictions. Stay in the main strip if you want to be near the action or Consider staying in one of the calmer regions if you want a more quiet stay.
Is Gili T safe?
While there is not a large police presence on Gili T, the Island is considered a safe destination for tourists. With friendly locals and a small community, we felt safe on our trip to Gili t and had no issues with safety.
As always, it is safe to exercise caution when travelling to any new destination. Especially with the large crowds amongst the nightlife. Just being aware of your surroundings and ensuring you are using reputable services on your travels always helps.
How Many days do you need?
The number of days required for a trip to Gili T depends on the traveler’s interests and preferences. The majority of guests stay on the island for two to four days on average. This gives you enough time to see the island’s beaches, go diving or snorkeling, and take in some of the nightlife. Those who enjoy a slower pace may choose to extend their stay to truly unwind and take in the island’s laid-back atmosphere. It’s also important to keep in mind that getting to the island entails taking a ferry or speedboat from Bali or Lombok, which can add time to the trip. Travel time should therefore be taken into account while making travel plans for Gili Trawangan.
Top Things to do
Snorkelling
Gili Trawangan is a fantastic place to go snorkelling because of the abundance of coral reefs that surround it and the pristine waters they are found in. Scuba diving is a large part of the tourism in Gili T with various well-established operators available to take you to the best spots. For others, it’s also incredibly easy and fun to go out solo for a Snorkel and see the coral and marine life on the Island.
Best snorkeling Gili t
Turtle Point: As the name suggests, this snorkelling location is well-known for its large population of turtles. The turtles are accustomed to interacting with people and frequently come straight close to snorkelers.
Meno Wall: Because of the strong current, this is a fantastic location for highly experienced snorkelers. Diverse coral and marine life, such as turtles and schools of vivid fish, call the wall home.
Shark Point is a well-known location to view blacktip reef sharks, which are safe to approach humans. Snorkellers can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Halik Reef is a popular snorkeling location because of its healthy coral and vibrant fish. As the water is so clear, it is simple to glimpse the marine life below.
Gili Trawangan Underwater Statues: Many underwater sculptures, including a huge statue of Buddha, may be found in this unusual snorkeling location. For those seeking a more unique snorkeling experience, it’s a terrific location.
On the island, numerous snorkeling tours can take you to a number of these locations in a single trip.
See Sunset Beach
Best sunsets in Gili t
There are numerous lovely areas on Gili Trawangan to see the sunset, but these are some of the most well-known ones:
On Gili Trawangan, one of the best places to watch the sunset is Ombak Sunset, a beachfront bar, and restaurant. The bar offers a wide variety of cocktails and a welcoming setting for watching the sunset.
Exile: This seaside pub is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views. Get a drink, settle into a hammock or beanbag, and take in the entertainment of the drum circle once the sun goes down.
Casa Vintage Beach: From its beachside restaurant, this boutique hotel provides a beautiful view of the setting sun. Take in a meal or a drink while you watch the sunset.
Sunset Swing: This swing, which is located on the west side of the island, is a popular location to capture the sunset on Instagram. Swinging when the sun sets behind you, take a picture.
South Beach: A more private location to watch the sunset is available on Gili Trawangan’s south side. Bring a picnic or get a drink at one of the beach bars close by and take in the scenery.
Paddleboarding
The beautiful clear waters on Gili T make paddleboarding a popular activity to do during the day.
Many shacks and well established operators down at the beach will have paddle boards available for hire.
Paddleboarding on Gili T allows you to see the reefs and marine life up close and is a fun way to explore the island’s coastline.
Horse back riding
With multiple stables on the island, there are horseback riding tours with the options of a short walk down the beach and larger scenic treks through the island. Most of these horses are well-trained and have experienced guides which creates a very calming and fun experience.
Catamaran Tour
For a Luxurious experience at an affordable price doing the Utopia Catamaran snorkeling tour is a must. We were lucky enough to do the morning tour which included welcome drinks, amazing locations to snorkel and a delicious lunch all on a Stunning catamaran!
Check them out here
Find a Hammock
Not every day on Gili T has to be jam-packed with activities and moving. Find a hammock and relax whether at your hostel or villa or down at the beach. Gili Trawangan gives you all you need to relax. Tune out of the crowds and listen to the birds and animals go by, and soak in all the calming energy the Island has to offer.
Where to Eat
Gili Trawangan has a large variety of dining options from local eateries, trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and even many kebabs stores for your walks home from the bar at 3 am.
Popular places to eat on the Island include:
The Night Market
The main public dining spot will be found at Gili T’s night market. With its streetside stalls and traditional Indonesian food, the night market caters to all foodies and budget travelers. Diners can expect to find Local grilled seafood, Skewers, and Satay, your favorite Indonesian rice dishes, and other sweets.
A great way to explore the authentic dining experience on the Island
The Banyan Tree
With fresh healthy food and some of the best coffee on the Island, you can’t go wrong with eating at this trendy Vegetarian restaurant.
The cafe offers Smoothie bowls, Sandwiches, and fresh juices
The option to dine on the beach and with beautiful views watching the local boats go by gives a great atmosphere to relax and eat at any time of day.
Window Bar
If sitting on a beanbag and enjoying the sun melting over the horizon while you sip a cocktail with dinner sounds good to you, Window bar is the place. Window Bar can be pricier than other surrounding restaurants but gives many options for grabbing a light snack or Fresh fish on the grill and sandwiches to go along with your ice-cold beer.
Kayu Cafe
Kayu Cafe specializes in healthy and organic dishes. If you’ve had too many nasi gorengs and are ready to try some avocado on toast or a smoothie bowl, Kayu Cafe will satisfy your desire with a variety of options for Breakfast and Lunch.
Great place for a refreshing snack or meal when you’re on the island.
Best time of year to visit
The dry season, from May to September is the ideal time of year to visit the Gili Islands. The weather is often clear and dry, with little humidity and pleasant temperatures throughout this period. Also, the sea is calmer, making it simpler to go diving and snorkeling while traveling by boat between the islands. It’s important to note that the Gili Islands may become very crowded during the peak season, so if you’d prefer a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere, you might want to think about going in April or October, the shoulder season.
Gili Trawangan Surf
There are still some decent waves to be found on Gili Trawangan (Gili T), But the best waves only come around rarely. When the swell in the Indian Ocean grows larger, Gili T turns into a surfer paradise. There are a few locations on the island where you can catch waves during this season, including the southwest coast, where Playgrounds is a reef break but most usually the rest of the year at the north-east coast at the beach break.
As a result, the surf there is typically better suited to intermediate or expert surfers, Beginners may want to consider taking a surf lesson or heading to nearby Lombok, where there are more beginner-friendly surf spots.
Cost Breakdown
Here is a Budget Breakdown of what you can expect to Pay on Gili T (2023)
Accommodation:
IDR 100,000–150,000 ($7–$10) per night for a hostel bed.
IDR 200,000–400,000 per night ($14–28 USD) for a modest private room
Food and beverage:
Meal purchased on the street: IDR 20,000–50,000 ($1.5–3.5USD)
Meal at a local restaurant: IDR 50,000–100,000 ($3.5–$ 7 USD)
For a Beer IDR 25,000–50,000 ($1.5–3.5USD)
Activities:
Renting snorkeling equipment costs IDR 50,000–100,000 ($3.5–$7 USD) per day.
For a boat tour to surrounding islands IDR 100,000–200,000 ($7–$14USD)
Best way to get around
Transportation:
Horse-drawn carriage (Cidomo) around the island: IDR 50,000-100,000 ($3.5-7 USD) per ride
This is the taxi of the island as there is no motorized transportation. As the island is so small, these rides are quite short and enjoyable but can be a bit rough on some roads.
Hiring a Bicycle for the day: IDR 50,000-100,000 per day ($3.5-7 USD)
You can explore the island in its full in about 1-2 hours very easily on a bicycle. And with many shortcuts through the island, no matter where you stay, you have all locations a short bike ride away.
Enjoy your trip
Gili T is truly one of Indonesias top locations for fun, relaxation and adventure, and after reading this Best Gili Trawangan Travel Guide we hope you can see the magical place Gili T is. Equipped with the knowledge of how to get there safely and the top things to do in Gili T, we are sure your adventure to this small Island will create memories to last a lifetime.
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