Gili Trawangan—fondly called Gili T by locals and frequent visitors—is often celebrated as a cooler, more laid-back alternative to Bali.
This tiny island, one of the three that form the Gili Islands, measures just 3 km in length and 2 km in width. Unlike Bali, you won’t find flashy glamour or glitz here—the Gilis are all about slowing down and embracing a simpler way of life. The pace is relaxed, the atmosphere unpretentious, and the charm lies in its effortless calm. So, is a trip to the Gilis worth it? Read on to find out.
Gili Trawangan is one of the three Gili Islands, along with Gili Air and Gili Meno, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. These islands are easily reached via a short boat ride from the ever-popular Bali.
Among the three, Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed. It boasts the widest range of restaurants, bars, and activities and is often labeled the “party island.” That said, this reputation barely scratches the surface—there’s far more to Gili T than just nightlife.
With no motorized vehicles, a carefree island vibe, crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and budget-friendly stays, Gili Trawangan offers endless ways to unwind and have fun. Spending six days exploring the island revealed just how diverse and enjoyable it truly is.
From excellent restaurants and stylish beach clubs to lively bars, cozy cafés, and a buzzing nightlife scene, Gili T has something for everyone. And the real highlight? World-class snorkeling and scuba diving that make the island an unforgettable destination.
# Go snorkeling (and spot sea turtles!)Snorkeling is hands down one of the top experiences on Gili Trawangan. The waters around the Gili Islands are teeming with vibrant coral reefs, countless tropical fish, and the island’s most exciting residents—sea turtles.
Snorkeling can be done either independently or as part of an organized group tour. Group snorkeling trips are extremely easy to book on the island, with stalls offering daily excursions almost everywhere you walk. Most tours follow similar routes and visit the same snorkeling spots, so the operator you choose doesn’t make much difference.
We booked our tour on the same day for 150,000 IDR (around $9.50 USD) per person. The biggest advantage of a guided trip is convenience—you’re taken straight to the best snorkeling locations and can jump directly off the boat into crystal-clear waters. The downside, however, is that these popular spots can feel crowded, with dozens of snorkelers in the water at once.
# Learn to scuba diveFor those wanting to explore deeper beneath the surface, Gili Trawangan is an excellent place to try scuba diving or earn a PADI Open Water Certification. The Gili Islands are home to some of the world’s best dive sites, making scuba diving one of the most rewarding activities on the island.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, you’ll find plenty of options. Along the island’s main stretch, numerous dive centers offer everything from single fun dives and night dives to multi-day certification courses and advanced training.
While advance reservations aren’t strictly necessary due to the sheer number of dive shops, it’s a good idea to contact a few beforehand to compare options and possibly secure a discount. Some well-reviewed dive centers offering PADI courses include Gili Divers, Trawangan Stingray Divers, and DPM Diving.
# Watch the sunset with a drink in handAfter a sun-soaked day, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a cold beer or cocktail while watching the sun dip into the ocean. Gili Trawangan is the best island for sunset views, offering uninterrupted vistas across the water.
The western coast is lined with beach clubs, bars, and restaurants set up specifically for sunset viewing, complete with tables, chairs, and cozy bean bags. Many places offer happy hour deals, making sunset time even more enjoyable. On clear evenings, you may even spot Mount Agung in Bali on the horizon.
We enjoyed sunset drinks at Malibu Beach Club for the views and vibe, though the food was average. For a more unique experience, Pink Coco is another great option, known for its stylish setting and evening fire shows.
# Work or unwind at a cozy coffee shopIndonesia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and Gili Trawangan is dotted with charming cafés serving excellent brews. If you need to get some work done or simply want a relaxed breakfast with quality coffee, spots like Coffee & Thyme, Banyan Tree, and Kayu Café are popular choices.
# Eat your way through the Gili T night marketEvery evening around 6:30 pm, the Gili Trawangan night market comes alive with fresh, affordable, and flavorful local food—especially seafood.
The setup is simple: vendors display a variety of skewers featuring fish, meat, and vegetables. You choose what you want, and it’s grilled on the spot. Skewers are served with rice and a selection of side dishes, all included in the price. When we visited, each skewer cost 25,000 IDR (about $1.59 USD). For just 50,000 IDR, we enjoyed octopus, red snapper, rice, and sides—more than enough for two people.
You’ll also find stalls selling whole grilled fish, lobster, fresh juices, desserts, and cold beer.
# Spend the day relaxing at a beach clubWith pristine white-sand beaches all around, lounging at a beach club is a must on Gili Trawangan. Beach clubs here are typically restaurants, bars, or resorts that set up loungers and seating along their stretch of shoreline. Access usually requires purchasing food or drinks.
Each club has its own policy—some charge a flat fee for loungers, while others require a minimum spend on food and beverages.
Our favorite was La Cala Beach Club on Turtle Beach. With its airy bohemian décor, comfortable seating, and delicious menu, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. We loved soaking up the sun, sipping cold Bintangs, and jumping into the ocean whenever the heat became too much.
# Cycle around the islandOne of the most charming things about Gili Trawangan is the absence of motorized vehicles. Bicycles are the main mode of transport, and renting one is both easy and affordable.
Most hotels offer bike rentals for around 50,000 IDR ($3.18 USD) per day, and rental shops are plentiful along the main road. The island is small enough to cycle around completely in under an hour.
On our first day, we biked the entire perimeter, discovering quieter beaches and scouting out restaurants—some of which were just as beautiful as the popular spots but far less crowded.
# Take a day trip to the other Gili IslandsWhile it’s best to stay on just one island, visiting Gili Air or Gili Meno during your trip is well worth it. You can hop between islands using either public boats or fast boats.
The public boat is the most economical option, running once daily and costing 45,000 IDR per trip. It departs Gili T at 9:30 am, stops at Gili Meno and Gili Air, and returns at 3:00 pm. Travel times range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route.
Fast boats run hourly but are significantly more expensive and, in our experience, unnecessary. We used the public boat to visit Gili Air and had ample time to explore, snorkel, relax, and enjoy lunch before heading back.
# Kayak to Gili MenoFor a more adventurous outing, kayaking from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno is a fun option. The journey typically takes around 20–30 minutes.
Rental prices vary, but as a reference, a full-day double kayak rental costs approximately 300,000 IDR ($19.10 USD).
# Dine at Gili T’s excellent restaurantsOne of the biggest surprises on Gili Trawangan is its impressive food scene. There are so many great restaurants that it’s impossible to try them all in one trip.
Some of our favorites include:
Jali Kitchen: Our top dining experience on the island, serving flavorful Indonesian and Southeast Asian comfort food. The beef rendang is a must-try.
Lolita: Located on the main strip, this lively spot serves standout cocktails and delicious tacos in a beachside setting.
Francesco’s Pizza: The only place we had to wait for a table—and for good reason. Their wood-fired pizzas are outstanding, with crispy crusts and perfectly melted cheese.