Gili Trawangan is the largest of the famous Gili Islands, which are considered a true island paradise. Trawangan still has a reputation as the party island among the Gilis. And not without reason. On Gili T, as the island is also called, there are plenty of bars and one or two clubs where you can turn night into day. But whether the island has more to offer than just a lively party scene will be examined in more detail below.
Where is Gili Trawangan located?
Gili Trawangan is located off the Indonesian island of Lombok. The distance to the coast of Lombok is about seven kilometres. Gili T is about 35 kilometres as the crow flies from the nearest coast of Bali.
The easiest and quickest way to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan is by speedboat. These depart several times a day from Padang Bai on the east coast and from Amed in the northeast of Bali. You can also get to Gili T from Sanur in the south of Bali. Depending on the departure point, the crossing takes between one and two hours.
When you arrive on the island, you will find yourself on the east coast of Gili T, as this is where the speedboats dock. From the boat, you get a direct impression of what to expect on the island. Bright white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and a tree-lined beach promenade with lots of bars and restaurants welcome visitors.
Activities on Gili Trawangan
Although the island is not too big, there are many things to do and ways to spend your days here. You won’t have time to get bored.
Snorkeling
The water along the coasts of Gili T is relatively shallow and perfect for snorkeling. Thanks to the sea turtle conservation center on the island, you can observe some of these beautiful animals in the water. Let’s just say this much: swimming with turtles while snorkeling is incredibly impressive. But the incredible coral reefs with their colorful fish life are no less fascinating. If you want to go a little further out to sea, it’s best to go on a guided snorkeling tour. The guides will take snorkelers to very special spots that cannot be reached from Gili Trawangan due to currents in the sea.
Diving
The area around Gili Trawangan and the neighboring islands offers some spectacular diving spots. Due to the year-round warm temperatures and excellent visibility, the Gilis are great for diving overall. Depending on the spot, you can discover fascinating coral landscapes, turtles and, with a bit of luck, rays. Various types of sharks (e.g. nurse sharks, leopard sharks) and octopuses can also be seen on some dives. Detailed information on which animals can be seen at which dive sites is available from the local diving schools.
Party
As already mentioned in the introduction, Gili Trawangan is considered the party island among the Gili Islands. The island therefore attracts many young, party-hungry people and accordingly, the infrastructure of clubs and bars is excellent. Here, night is turned into day and people party until the early hours of the morning. Parties in clubs or bars right on the beach are particularly recommended.
Eating at the night market
Those who prefer a more leisurely night should visit the Trawangan Night Market. The numerous food stalls invite you to take a culinary journey. In addition to classic Indonesian dishes, you will find a huge selection of barbecue and sweet dishes such as pancakes. By European standards, the prices are very low and most of the dishes on offer are very tasty. So there is a real risk of overindulging. But even without an appetite for food, a visit to the night market is definitely worthwhile. The great atmosphere and the coming together of locals and tourists are worth a visit.
Hiking & Walking
The beautiful sandy beaches of Gili T invite you to take relaxing walks. You can easily walk around the island in two to three hours. Depending on how much you stroll and how much of the route you walk along the paved beach promenade, it can also take longer. From Gili Trawangan, in good weather, you have a magnificent view of Bali and Lombok. Here you can admire the imposing volcanoes of the two islands.
It is also possible to go on a short hike on Gili T – even if you don’t expect it at first. Gili Trawangan is the only one of the Gili Islands to have a small mountain or hill that you can climb. The top is about 75 meters above sea level and offers a great view over the island. There are also a few places to watch the sunsets. If you want to go exploring, you can search for the remains of the bunker from the Second World War – these are also located on the hill in the south of Gili T.
Bicycle Tour
Gili Trawangan is completely car-free, making cycling here particularly relaxing.
The only people you share the roads or paths with are pedestrians and the horse-drawn carriages that can take you from A to B.
Since Gili T is not particularly large, you can walk around the whole island in about an hour or two. However, you should plan for a little more time, as beautiful places and secluded beaches invite you to linger along the way.
The island is quite flat overall and therefore easy to drive on paved roads. However, not every part of Gili Trawangan is yet equipped with paths. If you are not afraid to drive over sandy beaches in some places, you should consider renting a sand bike. With the thicker tires, it is relatively easy to drive over sand, which seems almost impossible with conventional bicycles.
Yoga
Gili Trawangan now also has a small yoga scene. The yoga studios offer a wide range of different yoga classes for a small island, so there is something for everyone. Yoga on the beach is just as possible as a session in a large bamboo studio. Yoga on SUPs (stand-up paddling boards) or Fly High Yoga, which is done with the help of hanging belts, are also on offer.
Conclusion: Is Gili Trawangan worth a visit?
The island of Gili Trawangan is a great destination for those who are in the mood for a vibrant nightlife. The island, with its paradisiacal location, invites you to turn night into day with its great beach bars and clubs. But Gili T is not only suitable for partygoers. There are great spots for diving and snorkeling around the island. And last but not least, the beautiful white sandy beaches are perfect for really relaxing and enjoying the tropical weather.
