Visiting Gili Trawangan
Along with Gili Meno and Gili Air, Gili Trawangan makes up the small Gili Islands archipelago, located northwest of Lombok. In Sasak, the language spoken in this part of Indonesia, Gili translates to "small island." Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three, covering just 1.3 square miles. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on these islets, so you will get around by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. In 2018, the area was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake that caused significant damage.
Diving in Gili Trawangan
The main draw on Gili Trawangan is diving, whether you prefer scuba or snorkeling. Take a boat trip to Nest, located just off the coast of Gili Meno. This underwater installation features 48 human-shaped sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor arranged in a circle, designed to function as an artificial reef in the Indian Ocean. Another highlight beneath the surface is the chance to swim alongside sea turtles.
The beaches on Gili Trawangan are idyllic, and you can catch the sunset on the west side of the island, particularly near the famous overwater swing at the Ombak Sunset hotel.
Things to do on Gili Trawangan
The island is perfect for exploring, either on horseback along the coast or by hiking up the 240-foot hill that offers views of the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Mount Rinjani. For wellness, you can alternate between yoga sessions, lounging, and Indonesian massages.
The island is also well-known for its nightlife, which continues into the early hours on the beach or even on boat parties.
Near the port, a night market sets up every evening where you can sample local specialties like Nasi Goreng, a spiced fried rice dish with vegetables, or Satés, small meat or fish skewers grilled over charcoal. Near the market, you might stumble upon a traditional martial arts tournament involving stick fighting.
When to go
The best time to visit Gili Trawangan in Indonesia is during the dry season, between May and September. Traveling to the Gili Islands during the high season of July and August is a solid strategy if you want to escape the heavy crowds found on Bali during those same months.
How to get there
You can reach Gili Trawangan by boat from Bali, departing from the ports of Amed, Sanur, or Padangbai using either a standard ferry or a speedboat. From Lombok, boats depart from the port of Bangsal. You can also travel between the neighboring islands of Gili Meno and Gili Air by booking crossings through local agencies on the island.
Accessible by boat from Bali, the three Gilis each have their own personality. Gili Trawangan is known for being the most festive. Popular with groups of young travelers, you will indeed find plenty of bars and clubs in a paradise setting. Relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, diving: you have plenty to enjoy for several days. For families or couples, I would recommend a stay on Gili Air instead, which is my favorite. As for Gili Meno, it will delight those who are looking for peace and quiet.