When traveling to Bali or Lombok, Gili Trawangan is a destination that ends up on every travel guide. Whether you are drawn to its white sandy beaches or its nightlife scene, the island offers a lot for the traveler looking to chill. For a small island – it is only 3 km long and 2 km wide – there is a lot to do, but I still think the best thing to do on Gili Trawangan is just relax.
The island and its two neighbors, Gili Meno and Gili Air, are mostly true vacation islands. You will see most tourists enjoying cocktails by the beach or enjoying healthy lunch bowls in between swims. Still, there is some adventure to be had on Gili T! Therefore, I have gathered the nine best things to do on Gili Trawangan.
But, before you dive in, I must tell you Gili Trawangan was not all rainbows and sunshine: there were some darker sides to the island we started to notice after a couple of days. To help in your decision whether you wish to visit the island, I have summarized them for you below under the title “The Dark Side of Tourism.” Gili T has many beautiful sides too, so please make up your own mind and remember every experience will be different.
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How to Get There
1. Via Lombok
If you came from Malang like we did, the quickest way to get to Gili Trawangan is to fly into Lombok from Surabaya. We found the cheapest flights through Skyscanner, which was great as it only cost us €40 per person! From there, it is about a two-hour drive from the airport to Bangsal Harbor. Your best option is to book a taxi or car service which will cost you around €20.
Visiting Malang too? Read all about what to do in Malang in this travel guide
From Bangsal Harbor you can then take either a public boat or a private boat. The private harbor lies five minutes away from the public harbor and is a much quicker way to get to Gili T: it only takes ten minutes as opposed to the thirty minutes of the public boat. However, the private boat is of course more expensive than the public ferry, but you should not pay more for a one-way ticket than 200.000 IDR. You can book the private boat by just showing up to the private harbor and asking for a lift. It is best to book the public boat in advance, however, so check your dates and the prices here.
2. Via Bali
Another way to get to the best things to do in Gili Trawangan is by flying into Bali and taking a fast boat from there. We did a version of that trip the other way around, from Bangsal Harbor to Serangan Port with Blue Water Express, and it was a very bumpy ride! I have heard the same from other travelers, but it is by far the quickest way to get to Gili T from Bali. However, you can also take a public boat, which is slower but therefore less rocky.
Ferries to Gili T leave from Padang Bai, Sanur Port or Serangan Port. It is best to book your trip in advance, at least a day or two, as these boats tend to sell out. While it is possible to make your way to the harbor on your own, I would recommend booking a hotel transfer with the same company. When we arrived in Serangan Port, Grab taxis were not allowed to enter the terrain of the harbor, in order to keep local businesses alive.
You can book your boat trip with a hotel transfer here, or book it here to find one without a transfer. Make sure to arrange for someone to pick you up or take a bus if you pick the latter option, otherwise it will get difficult to be on time.
Where to stay
Despite its small size, the offer of great hotels and villas on Gili Trawangan is endless. Almost every hotel has its own pool, and most are located close to the beach. Still, I think we stayed at one of the most beautiful hotels on the island. If you are looking for something different, however, I have listed two other hotels which I think you will love.
- Hotel Lumi is an architectural marvel. Its common spaces are almost completely made of bamboo, the pool with the in-water bar (!) is stunning and the interior design (although most things are outside) is immaculate. However, do not stay here for their gluten free breakfast of food, as I had the hardest time explaining why I could eat nothing from their breakfast buffet and dodging extra fees because the kitchen had to put in extra effort for me. If you stay here, get breakfast somewhere else on the island to keep your stomach safe.
- If you are into diving and cute bungalows, then Manta Dive Resort is for you! With an average rating of 9.0 on Booking.com, it is probably the best place to stay and learn how to dive on the island (spoiler alert: this is also a great place to stay for one of my best things to do on Gili Trawangan). With clean rooms, a lovely breakfast and a pool for practice plus relaxing, it is a great place for adventure and vacation.
- More into unique accommodations? Then try Gili Treehouse where you will be staying in your own – you guessed it – treehouse. Away from the beach and on the Western part of the island, you are on a safe distance from the nightlife and partying, while close to the amazing sunset over the ocean. As it comes with a private pool too, it is great for those travelers looking for romance!
The Dark Side of Tourism
While we had some incredible experiences on Gili Trawangan, there are aspects of the island that often go unmentioned online. The idyllic images of white sandy beaches and trendy beach clubs tell only one side of the story. Here, I want to shed light on the other, less talked-about side of tourism. During our travels on Java, we were highly aware of our role as guests and the expectation to treat its rich culture with deep respect. However, Gili Trawangan showed us what can happen when tourism lacks that same level of mindfulness.
One of the most striking things about Gili Trawangan was that it often felt like a Western European enclave. Many bars and hotels were owned by expats from the Global North, making it difficult to have genuine interactions with locals or hotel staff. In many cases, it seemed as if their role had been shaped by years of catering to tourists and, likely, the expectations set by their employers.
A clear power divide was present, with expats frequently occupying the top of the hierarchy. Throughout Indonesia, we encountered warm hospitality and opportunities for cultural exchange. But on Gili T, it often felt as though the locals weren’t even allowed to engage with us in a natural way, reinforcing a system of neo-colonial power dynamics.
Tip! Read my Malang Travel Guide for some guidance on how to deal with the colonial past while traveling.
At the same time, certain tourist behaviors on the island only seemed to deepen this divide. For instance, during our snorkeling tour, we noticed that guides kept strict control over the group. Many tourists had a reputation for ignoring instructions and returning late, showing little respect for the crew’s hard work and schedules. This disregard for local workers was likely worsened by Gili Trawangan’s party scene, where drug use is common.
Beyond encouraging reckless behavior, drug possession and use are serious offenses in Indonesia, punishable by death. Yet, drugs were being sold openly on many street corners—whether it was weed or the infamous mushroom milkshake, known to be so potent that people often get dangerously sick. While personal choices regarding substance use are up to the individual (though it’s not for me), buying drugs on Gili T endangers not only yourself but also the person selling them. You have no way of knowing the full consequences, but one thing is certain: the system behind these illegal sales rarely ends well for those involved. Instead of contributing to this industry, consider supporting local businesses that genuinely benefit the community.
Another issue we encountered was the lack of respect for animals and marine life. Since there are no cars on Gili Trawangan, transportation is limited to walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carriages. Unfortunately, the horses and donkeys used for transport are often mistreated. They are forced to carry loads far beyond their strength, and when they aren’t working, they are tied to high branches, preventing them from lowering their heads—a cruel method meant to stop them from bucking. Rather than supporting this practice, opt for walking, renting a bike, or taking a boat.
Tip! Scroll down to discover how to enjoy responsible horse riding on Gili Trawangan while helping to fight animal abuse.
We also noticed the impact of tourism on the island’s marine environment. During our snorkeling trip, we saw that much of the coral was dead—likely due to tourists standing on it. The tours can also get overcrowded, leading people to venture too close to the turtles, sometimes even touching them despite the guides’ warnings.
To be clear, this isn’t meant to discourage you from visiting Gili Trawangan. Instead, I hope it raises awareness of the choices we make as travelers and where our money goes when we spend it on certain experiences. With a more mindful approach, we can help make a positive impact while still enjoying everything the island has to offer. Now, let’s dive into the best things to do on Gili Trawangan!
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Gili T is by foot, boat or by bicycle. As you might have guessed from my observations above, please do not use the horse carriages. The island is small enough to get around by yourself, and many hotels offer bicycles as a part of their services. It is also a fun way to get around to the best things to do on Gili Trawangan, but if you cycle at night, please make sure to have some sort of light with you, as it gets really dark in some parts. If you are hiking the Rinjani after this, your headlamp will be a great addition to your purse!
Should You Visit Gili T, Air or Meno?
A question we should probably have asked ourselves before visiting the Gili’s: which island best suits our travel goals? While the three islands all have stunning beaches and are of a similar size, they do differ in character. Gili Trawangan is the party island. With lots of bars, clubs and restaurants you will not get bored here and easily make new friends! Therefore Gili T is the perfect place for the outgoing couple, friend group or solo traveler.
Gili Meno, however, is the least touristic island and therefore great for honeymooners, families or just anyone looking to enjoy the calm of the turquoise ocean. Furthermore, it is home to the famous turtle point and nursery, and the viral underwater statues. Spoilers: on our snorkeling trip, besides a dozen turtles, I spotted a clown fish here!
If you do like hanging out at bars, but also enjoy the quiet (especially when trying to sleep at night) then Gili Air is the perfect mix of the first two islands. Cannot pick any of these? Then check out the secret Gili’s on the south-western coast of Lombok, which are not as well-known and therefore offer a unique blend of culture and lounging on the beach. Now, let’s dive into the best things to do on Gili Trawangan!
10 Best Things to Do on Gili Trawangan
While it is truly a beach destination, there are many other things to do on Gili Trawangan. Admittedly, they might not be as adventurous as climbing the Rinjani Volcano during a storm, but they are fun. So, without further ado, here are the ten best things to do on Gili Trawangan!
1. Relax at the Pool or Beach
Is relaxing an activity? Well, in my world it is. I love adventure and could never spend my entire holiday lying flat, but I do love reading and swimming from time to time, and Gili Trawangan’s beaches and pool clubs are fantastic for that! Check out Hotel Lumi if you want some shade, great cocktails and prefer the pool over the sea. They do have a minimum spend, so keep that in mind when you go there.
Gili T is host to many other great beach bars where you can lounge all day long, but if you want to have an easy time entering the ocean, I suggest you spend your beach days on the eastern side of the island. The beach in front of Hotel Lumi was full of dead reef and very shallow: water shoes can be useful here. Instead, go to the beaches around Surf Point, where you can dip your toes into sand instead of rock and lie down in the shade of the trees.
2. Go Out for Drinks and Great Nightlife
Known for its nightlife scene, one of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan is partying and having cocktails by the beach. During our trip, we cycled past the Lava Bar where they host a music bingo every night. Intrigued, we sat down, chipped in on the fun and met a lovely couple who took us to the Jungle Bar, one of the island’s most popular clubs. Experiences like these are not hard to come by on Gili T and therefore makes it a perfect activity for those looking to make new friends!
3. Go Out for Dinner
With all of these beach clubs and restaurants about, one of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan is to eat out. Granted, Gili Trawangan is not great for gluten free food – there was not a lot of understanding regarding celiac’s disease and gluten intolerance, especially at our hotel. But, we did have a couple of nice experiences where the food was amazing! We had gluten free nachos at Mexikoko and a perfect dinner at the Spanish restaurant La Cala. The latter has great ambiance too, so it is the place for some romance.
4. Go Snorkeling
One of the great things to do on Gili Trawangan, and what you should not miss, is seeing its sea life. If you do not know how to dive, snorkeling is a great way to spot turtles, clown fish and the most colorful creatures you will ever encounter. However, I would not recommend going with a tour, as this is mass tourism galore. Imagine over a dozen boats each carrying twenty-plus people lining up to see the turtles at turtle point in front of Gili Meno. These poor creatures were surrounded by so many people! Case in point 👇
Furthermore, it got a little claustrophobic at times too (imagine that, in the ocean!) with people flapping about and smashing their flippers in your face. If you want to go snorkeling, go to Gili Meno early and rent your own snorkeling gear to avoid the crowds and see the turtles for yourself. Please keep a respectable distance and do not ever touch them, as unfortunately I was witness to the way these creatures were traumatized for life. I would also recommend snorkeling at the Garden of Fish instead of Turtle Point when it gets busier, as the turtles are everywhere, and the Garden of Fish is much less crowded.
Tip! Visit Turtle Point between 9:00 and 10:00 or 16:00 and 17:00 as the turtles will be most active then.
5. Go Scuba Diving
If you know how to scuba dive, or want to learn, the Gili’s are a great place to do so. I have mentioned the Manta Dive Resort earlier, but there are many more to choose from. Furthermore, you do not have to stay at a resort, you can also book your course and dives separately at the dive schools. Seeing the sea life up close and without the crowds you get while snorkeling is definitely one of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan: something I wish we could have done!
6. Watch the Sunset from the Gili Trawangan Viewpoint
Ready for the craziest hike of your life? No, just kidding, that would be the Rinjani. This hundred-meter-high hill is an easy climb, and it will only take you five minutes. While it might not be as impressive as a volcanic sunrise, it sure is a romantic spot to see the sun set over the island and behind another volcano. Namely, Bali’s tallest: Mount Agung.
7. Go on a Day Trip to Meno or Air
While you might already be planning a daytrip to Gili Meno to go snorkeling, spending a day on either of those islands is a great way to relax and escape the somewhat more hectic life on Gili T. But there is more to be done than swim and snorkel! Gili Air is for example host to a great cooking class experience, and Gili Meno has an inland saltwater lake where you can spot lots of birds hiding in the mangroves. Both islands have a lot to offer and will allow you to go on a chill adventure – with lots of beaches in between – for the day.
8. Rent a Bicycle
As I have mentioned above, please do not take a ride on one of the horse carriages. Instead, rent a bicycle! Besides being a practical mode of transportation, we had a lot of fun cycling the entire circumference of the island. You can rent a bike nearly anywhere on the island for just a couple of euros a day, but in our case, bicycles were included in our room price at Hotel Lumi. This meant we could take a bicycle and return it whenever we wanted!
9. Go surfing
If you are looking for a great surfing destination, Gili Trawangan might not be the place for you, as the island is often too protected from the swell. However, if you are looking for something fun and adventurous to do for just one afternoon, then Gili T and the other two islands have some nice surf spots for you to try.
By far the best is Bongkas in front of Gili Air. However, you will have to take a boat out and go in high tide, as the ocean around the island’s tends to be super shallow and filled with sharp reefs. Therefore, this spot is not very beginner-friendly: instead, I would recommend booking lessons instead of venturing out on your own.
Tip! Read this guide by The Surf Atlas to fully prepare your surf experience on the Gili’s
10. Go Horseback Riding
“What? But I thought you said horses were generally abused on Gili T?”
Yes, but there is one amazing horse riding and rescue organization that not only rescues abused horses, but helps the locals take care of their horses as well. Stud has been around since 2004 and are making life on the island a lot better for Gili T’s horses. The company offers beach and island rides of half an hour, an hour or a complete island tour. If you do not want to ride, but would like to spend some time with their rescued ponies, you can take them out to the beach while walking beside them.
Note that there is a weight limit of 75kg to protect the ponies from strain, and that they mostly ride early in the mornings when the island is quiet. You can book their tours through their Instagram.
Bonus Tips on Best Things to Do on Gili Trawangan
Besides these ten best things to do on Gili Trawangan, the island has even more to offer! So here are some bonus tips for you if the list above is not enough:
- Get some street food at the local market or sign up for a cooking class where you learn the ins and outs of Indonesian cuisine.
- Watch a movie on the beach at one of the outdoor movie theaters. With bean bags, cocktails and smoothies, this is a way to truly unwind after a long day in the sun.
- Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the island from the water! As I have mentioned above, the sea tends to be quite calm around the island, so these two activities are easy to do on nearly any day.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do on Gili Trawangan
For us, Gili Trawangan was both the perfect vacation escape and a confrontational experience with the darker side of tourism. Once again, it was a reminder that it is important to travel consciously and be aware of what you spend your money on. Traveling halfway across the world must make the world a better place, in my opinion, even if that means just supporting one person!
Nevertheless, we had a good time, and I hope this guide offers you a great selection of things to do on Gili Trawangan. If you are looking for a destination that offers a little bit more on the historical and cultural side, however, I recommend you read my Yogyakarta or Malang guides. There are many more Indonesia guides coming, so keep an eye out for those, either through following me on Instagram, or signing up to my newsletter.
