Your Dream Vacation Awaits in Gili Trawangan, Lombok!
Gili Trawangan Lombok or the much simpler-to-pronounce 'Gili T' is an exquisite small island in Indonesia.
Although Gili T is the largest of the three Gili Islands, it has only about 800 residents.
Backpackers in the 1990s discovered this location and it still exudes an authentic, beachy charm.
You won't want to miss this island paradise because there are direct ferries to the Gili Islands from Bali.
Here is a comprehensive guide on the 15 best things to do in Gili T that will make your trip memorable and worthwhile.
How to Reach Gili Trawangan
The Gilis can only be reached by fast boats because they are very far away - the closest land mass is Lombok.
Transport on the island
Horse-pulled carts: Also referred to as Cidomo, these are the only forms of public transportation on the island. However, avoid taking these horses as they are overworked and treated poorly.
Walking or riding a bike: Since Gili T is less than six square miles, it is simple to walk or ride a bike wherever you wish.
Bali to Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan fast boats are the quickest and most convenient way from Bali to Gili Trawangan.
Every day at 9:00am, a boat leaves Padang Bai for the trip, which lasts around two hours.
It is recommended you book your ticket far in advance to avoid disappointment because rapid boats only depart during specific time slots - here's a complete guide on how to get from Bali to Gili T.
Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno or Gili Air
Every morning at 9:30am, island-hopping boats depart from Gili T for Gili Meno before continuing to Gili Air.
The final boat departs for Gili Trawangan at 3:20pm.
Things to Do in Gili Trawangan
Dive in the Beauty of the Beaches
Gili Trawangan is home to several beaches - Sunset Beach and Malibu Beach being the most famous ones.
They provide breathtaking vistas, ideal swimming conditions and an abundance of beachside vendors, restaurants and bars where you can get something to eat or savour a freshly cracked coconut.
You can even spot turtles right in front of Villa Almarik.
Have a Pool Day at a Resort Without Paying
You shouldn't be concerned if your Gili Trawangan accommodation lacks a pool.
These days, so many resorts with swimming pools accept visitors that are not guests, and that is among the coolest aspects of Gili T!
You need to buy lunch or a drink to use the pools as well as their facilities! Look for peaceful pools and resorts since they are more likely to welcome you.
Make Your Own Jewellery
What about a jewellery workshop as one of your what-to-do on Gili T activities?
The fabulous jewellery store Yin Jewelry for the Soul is located in Bali and Gili T.
They conduct silver classes, which they only do in Gili Trawangan.
From 10am to 1pm or in the afternoon from 3pm to 6pm, the workshop lasts 3 hours each day.
And the cost of a half-day lesson is IDR 400.000, which covers all training and 5 grams of silver. Classes are open to adults and kids who are 8 years and older.
Address: North Beach Road, Gili Indah, Gili Trawangan, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia (map)
Go Snorkelling
One of the top activities in Gili Trawangan is snorkelling.
A trip to these islands isn't complete without a close-up view of the vibrant underwater jewels.
The fantastic coral reefs on the Gili islands, home to stunning sea turtles, colourful fish, and even a few underwater statues, set snorkelling on the Gili islands apart from snorkelling elsewhere in Indonesia.
Bike the Entire Island
For as low as SGD 4 per day, renting a bicycle anywhere on the island is simple.
Additionally, you may usually use the bikes at your lodging for free. What's better?
Shallow elevation and a modest size characterise Gili T. The island may easily be explored in less than an hour or two using a bike.
Bathe in Flowers
Instagram has made Bali flower baths a 'thing,' but you don't have to travel to Bali or book a pricey hotel to take a flower bath.
Flower bathing is one of the most enjoyable activities on Gili Trawangan and you need to experience it at least once!
Explore Different Islands
It's simple to see all three Gilis in one trip because Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno or even Gili Trawangan to Gili Air will just a short boat ride two times every day; public boats connect Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Therefore, there is plenty of time to laze on the beach, snorkelling or explore.
If you don't want to waste time making an itinerary, you can even book a tour to explore all the beautiful islands.
This will make your experience ten times better as the experts will do the boring work for you while you can enjoy and make memories of a lifetime.
Spend the Day in on the Main Island of Lombok
It's worth taking a day trip to Lombok if you can drag yourself away from Gili Trawangan's stunning beaches and exciting activities.
Along with relaxing on the gorgeous beaches, other must-do activities in Lombok include looking for waterfalls and climbing volcanoes.
The best option is to reserve a guided tour because your time is limited.
While coming back from Lombok to Gili Trawangan, you are surely going to miss the place.
You can even make your trip really comfy by booking a private speed boat from Lombok to Gili T.
Imagine having the entire boat to yourself and snapping all those awesome Instagrammable pictures that you have only dreamt of!
Become a Freediver
Are you looking for a fresh challenge or don't care for scuba diving on your list of things to do in Gili Trawangan?
Freediving is gaining popularity now, and Gili T offers introductory freediving lessons.
On any dive, you'll spot a few sea turtles and various colourful fish!
But if you want a little more excitement, go to Shark Point. Reef sharks and stingrays can often be seen here.
Browse the Gili T Night Market for Snacks
It is easy to understand why this is such a must-visit location with the abundance of stalls serving up anything from mouthwatering local cuisine to flavourful BBQ to fresh seafood.
Along with getting a traditional Indonesian dinner for a pittance, it's the ideal place to take in the lively scene and meet locals.
Most shops and vendors begin operations around 6pm and stay open until late.
Visit the Swings at Gili T.
If you didn't take a swing on one of the magnificent Gili water swings, you weren't genuinely experiencing Gili T.
Although the island is covered in swings, travel to the ones near the sunset strip on the west side for the best pictures.
While some resorts have their swings, you may swing over the glistening waves and take in the lovely air at a few community-owned swings for a nominal cost.
Take a Cruise at Sunset
A sunset tour is a must if you want to see the sunset over the water, go snorkelling and eat a delicious meal on a boat.
The easiest method to reserve a space on a sunset cruise is to do it in advance online, but you can also make arrangements at any of the tourist information kiosks along the main strip.
Enrol in a Cooking Course
This is your chance to take a culinary class if you missed the opportunity to do so while visiting Bali.
You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't add taking a cooking lesson to your list of things to do in Gili Trawangan because Indonesian food is insanely good.
Try Stand-up Paddling
Gili Trawangan offers a terrific combination of sports.
On the same side of the island where you snorkel, you can also rent stand-up paddle boards.
You may frequently spot turtles while on the paddle board, making it one of the favourite things to do in Gili Trawangan.
Relax with a Massage
After an exciting day touring Gili T's main attractions, spend a luxury pampering session on yourself.
What better way to relax than with a traditional massage?
If your hotel doesn't offer a spa on-site, you can request a masseur to visit your room. Alternately, visit any massage establishment along the main drag, or even better, get a massage on the southeast side beach!
Wrapping Up
Be it exploring the best beach in Gili Trawangan or indulging in fun activities, you will surely make lots of memories here.
It is always best to research and plan your experiences to tour Gili Trawangan, Lombok.
If you want to make the most of your trip, planning your itinerary will be much easier (and fun), with beautiful experiences that will take your Gili T adventures to the next level.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the fun activities to do in Gili Trawangan?
Some of the must-do activities at Gili Trawangan Lombok are snorkelling, diving, and sunset cruising.
Which is the best time to visit Gili Trawangan?
The best time to visit Gili T is from June to early October as the weather is fairly pleasant at that time of the year.
What should I wear in Gili Trawangan?
You must wear short and comfortable clothes that will make your beach experience a lot more comfortable and fun. Don't forget to carry your swimwear.
How to reach Gili Trawangan from Bali?
Gili Trawangan fast boats are the quickest and most convenient way from Bali to Gili Trawangan. Every day at 9am, a boat leaves Padang Bai for the trip, which lasts around two hours. It's vital to purchase a ticket far in advance to avoid disappointment because rapid boats only depart during specific timeslots.
Are Gili Trawangan fast boats safe?
Gili Trawangan fast boats are extremely safe and quite fun.