gili t island tour

Asia , Beach Guides , Indonesia · October 19, 2020

13 Things to do at Gili Trawangan: Ultimate Gili T Guide

Wondering what to do in Gili Trawangan? You’ve landed on just the right page! This comprehensive guide covers the best things to do at Gili Trawangan and includes tons of top tips to help you plan an epic Gili Islands trip.

Located a stone’s throw from Lombok’s epic shores, you’ll find one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful islands , Gili Trawangan Island – the biggest of the famous 3 Gilis. Teeming with natural beauty and lots to keep you busy, it’s not hard to see why Gili Trawangan is one of Indonesia’s most famous natural landmarks and such a popular side trip from Bali or Lombok.

Despite only measuring 15km 2 in size, Gili Trawangan has a lot going for it! For starters, it’s home to soft powdery white beaches fringed with swaying palm trees, turquoise waters chock-full with diverse marine life, and epic beach bars. Top that off with an array of fun things to do like snorkeling with turtles, island hopping, scuba diving with reef sharks, and you couldn’t find a more idyllic paradise-like setting even if you tried!

Exploring more of Indonesia? Read this 2 weeks in Indonesia itinerary to find out what not to miss!

Ready to dive into this super-detailed Gili T guide? Read along to discover the coolest things to do in Gili Trawangan and get all my tips to plan the perfect Gili Trawangan itinerary.

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Table of Contents

Before You Visit Gili Trawangan 

Before heading out to the gorgeous Gili Islands, here are a few tips and things you need to know. 

• Search the  best places to stay in Gili Trawangan  well in advance. Gili T is a relatively small island, so hotels, resorts, and hostels fill up quickly. 
• Book a fast boat to get to Gili T  stressfree. 
• There’s not much crime on the Gili’s, but with that said, it’s always best to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. World Nomads  offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
• There are only a handful of ATMs on the island. It’s a good idea to carry a bit of extra cash with you.
• There are no motorized vehicles on any of the 3 Gili islands. The only way to get around is on foot or by bike. While it’s not hard to find a “ cidomo”  (horse cart) ready to take you all over, I wouldn’t recommend using them. Most animals are treated quite badly, and it’s really sad seeing them carting tourists and stacks of heavy luggage around. It’s best to travel light when visiting the Gili Islands. If you must take luggage, check out these handy tips on packing light and be sure to stay closer to the jetty. 
• If you’re planning on spending quite a bit of time in Indonesia, make sure to grab  this awesome guide book . It’s a great way to learn more about the country’s history, traditions, and culture.

In a rush? Don’t miss a thing! Pin these things to do Gili T to read later.

How to Get To Gili Trawangan 

Since the Gilis are quite remote, with the nearest landmass being Lombok, the only way to get there is by fast boat. With that said, if you are traveling from Bali, it’s still pretty easy to reach the islands. I’ve written a complete guide on how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands , but here’s a quick look at getting to Gili T if you’re in a rush.

Getting from Bali to Gili Trawangan

The  fastest and easiest way to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali is by speed boat . The boat ride takes about 2 hours and departs daily at 9 am from  Padang Bai.  Since fast boats only leave at certain time slots, it’s best to book a ticket  well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

While several boating companies are available, remember to choose a charter that includes a pick up at your hotel in Bali . That way, you wouldn’t need to worry about all the logistics of getting to the port. To save time and the hassle of even more research,  grab your Gili fast boat ticket here. 

Don’t want to plan a thing? Check out this 2D1N Gili T tour from Bali !

Getting from Lombok to Gili Trawangan

If you are already in Lombok, getting to the Gilis couldn’t be easier. Both public ferries and speed boats depart daily from Bangsal Pier between 9:30 to 16:30. The public boat takes about 30 minutes to get to Gili Trawangan and leaves as soon as the boat fills up with about 40 people. Tickets cost IDR 22,500.

While a fast boat will ultimately be a bit more expensive (IDR 85,000), boats leave every hour on the hour. It only takes 15 minutes to reach Gili Trawangan.

Travel Tips: If you take either of these options, make sure to get to the ferry as early as possible. Also, only book tickets directly through the ticket office. There are quite a few local street vendors who’ll try to rip you off. 

For more info on getting to the Gills from Lombok, see  options and schedules here . 

When to Visit Gili Trawangan

The Gilli Islands have a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. There are two distinct seasons, though, a wet season and a dry season.

The  dry season runs from April to October , with October being the hottest month, reaching up to 33°C. In contrast, the  wet season runs from November to March . January is the wettest month seeing more than 300mm of rainfall.

Consequently, the best time to visit Gili Trawangan is from July to October. During these months, the weather is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 29°C, and there is very little rainfall. 

Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan

While Gili Trawangan might only be 15km big, there are oodles of cool places to stay. From backpacker-type joints to posh villas to gorgeous beachfront hotels, you name it; Gili T has it all! 

Luxury:  If it’s luxury you’re after, you won’t find a better base than Hotel Lumi Gili Trawangan . Located mere steps from the beach, this gorgeous 4-star hotel boasts beautiful modern rooms, a large outdoor pool, and neatly-kept gardens.  Check prices and availability here . 

Affordable Luxury:  If you’re looking for the perfect base at surprisingly affordable rates, you don’t need to look much further than PinkCoco Gili Trawangan . This beachfront locale is ideal for couples looking for a relaxing stay in a beautiful setting. The beach bar is the perfect spot to chill out with a boozy cocktail, catch the famous Gili T sunset, and enjoy live entertainment. But that’s not all; there’s also an onsite spa where you can get a massage and a gorgeous pool to cool off in.  Check prices and availability here . 

Mid-Range:   Villas Flamingo is a hip 3-star hotel boasting colorful rooms with beautiful Instagrammable decor. Besides the onsite restaurant serving a delicious breakfast, the glimmering pool is the perfect spot to unwind after a day out exploring all the best things to do on Gili Trawangan. 

The hotel is a short stroll to Sunset Point and less than 1km from Gili Trawangan Harbor.  Check prices and availability here . 

Budget:   Mad Monkey is a funky hostel featuring a cool outdoor pool, clean, modern facilities, and an amazing atmosphere. Choose from huts to teepees to dormitories. There are also loads of fun activities to join in if you’d like to mingle with the backpacker crowd. 

It’s a great option for solo travelers or backpackers looking for a cheap stay without sacrificing style and comfort.  Check prices and availability here . 

Need more help finding the perfect place to stay in Gili T?  Search more options here on Agoda . 

The Most Epic Things to do at Gili Trawangan

Great! Now that you know how to get to the Gili islands and where to stay, let’s tackle all the awesome things to do on Gili Trawangan! 

Relax at the beaches

Arguably one of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan is simply to relax. You are on an island, after all! And what better place to do just that than at the beach! 

There are several beaches in Gili Trawangan, all offering epic views, perfect swimming conditions, and plenty of beachside stalls, restaurants, and bars where you can grab a bite or enjoy a freshly cracked coconut. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick look at the best beaches in Gili Trawangan. 

North East Beach:  Located a 5-minute stroll from the jetty, the stretch of sand in front of  Villa Almarik  offers great swimming conditions and is the best place to spot turtles in the shallow waters. If you’re looking for a relatively quiet Gili T beach sans the crowds, this is your best bet. 

Sunset Beach:  Towards the northwest coast of the island, you’ll find Sunset Beach – a popular spot among sunset chasers and Instagrammers. While Sunset Beach is pretty spectacular during the day, it’s even better once the sun starts to set! If you want to snap a photo in one of the cool Gili sunset swings, make sure to come a bit earlier so that you can be first in line. 

Malibu Beach: On the southwest side of Gili Trawangan, Malibu beach is just the place to kick off your flip flops and find a spot in the sand. There are also loads of cool beach bars where it’s easy to find a beanbag, have a cocktail, and watch the waves come and go.

South or Good Heart Beach : This beach is located on the island’s southeast side and probably the most crowded beach in Gili Trawangan. It gets quite busy during the day with the backpacker party crowd, and you’re bound to find a few happy hour deals from any of the nearby vendors. If you’re after a party vibe, this is the Gili T beach for you! 

Go snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the top things to do on Gili Trawangan, rivaling some of the best snorkeling spots in Southeast Asia . And to be honest, you can’t visit the Gili islands without getting a close-up look at the all colorful treasures beneath the water.

What really sets the snorkeling apart from elsewhere in Indonesia is that the Gili islands are home to incredible coral reefs filled with colorful fish and beautiful sea turtles, and even a few underwater statues! 

Moreover, you can literally go swimming and snorkeling off the shore from anywhere in Gili! If you didn’t bring your own  snorkeling gear , it’s easy to rent a mask, flippers, and a snorkel at any of the dive shops in town or even from locals on the beach. 

However, joining a guided snorkeling tour is a great way to really discover Gili Trawangan’s rich marine life. While you can book a snorkeling trip at practically any shop along the main strip, it’s a good idea to book a tour through a reliable tour operator like  this one . Most of the operators pack the boats to the brim, which is not always safe. For the ultimate experience, though, consider renting a private boat for you and your mates. It’s pretty easy to organize a private charter via most shops, too. By doing so, you’ll have a boat all to yourself!

Bike around the island

Since there are no vehicles on Gili Trawangan, the only way to get around is on foot or bike. It’s easy to rent bicycles all over the island for as little as IDR 50,000 a day. And in most cases, your accommodation will have bikes that you can use for free.

The best part? Gili T is really small and has little elevation. You could easily explore the entire island in less than an hour or two. Besides being a great way to get around, it’s also loads of fun! Bike to all the beaches, find a spot to chill out, take a dip in the cool waters, or simply spend some time under a palm tree before moving on to the next location. 

Just a heads-up: The roads aren’t always the smoothest. Remember to slow down over the rocky patches and watch out for the deep sand spots! Also, while there’s little crime in the Gilis, make sure to leave your bike somewhere in plain sight. That way, you can always keep an eye on it. 

Go island hopping

Since Gili Air and Gili Meno are both only a short boat ride away from Gili Trawangan, it’s easy to see all three Gilis on one trip! 

Public boats travel twice a day between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The island-hopping boats leave Gili T at 9:30 every morning to Gili Meno and then onwards to Gili Air. The last boat back to Gili Trawangan leaves at 15:20. So, there’s lots of time to chill at the beach, go snorkeling, or explore. 

You can buy dirt cheap tickets directly at the harbor or through any travel booths across the island. Just know that you’ll probably pay a bit more if you don’t buy them at the ticket office by the jetty. 

Take a day trip to Lombok

If you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous beaches and all the fun things to do on Gili Trawangan, it’s worth taking a day trip to Lombok. 

Revered for its laidback vibes and beautiful scenery, Lombok is a popular spot among backpackers and slow travelers. Besides unwinding on the epic beaches, hunting for waterfalls or exploring volcanoes are other popular musts in Lombok . Since your time is probably limited, it’s best to book an organized tour. By doing so, you can simply sit back and enjoy all the stunning scenery without having to plan a thing!

Just a heads-up: If you’re keen to hike Mount Rinjani, know that you’ll need at least a few days to get to the summit. There are many organized tours with knowledgeable guides to choose from, but it’s always best to do proper research. Here’s a cool  2D1N Rinjani tour  to consider. 

Go scuba diving

Like the rest of the Gilis, Gili T is a diving hotspot and home to some of the world’s best coral reefs. With warm waters year-round and excellent visibility, it’s a great place to explore Indonesia’s diverse marine life. 

You’re bound to see all kinds of colorful fish and a few sea turtles on any dive no matter what! But if you’re looking for a bit more action, head out to  Shark Point . Here there’s a good chance to spot reef sharks and stingrays. More experienced divers can also deep dive and explore some pretty spectacular wrecks like the Glenn Nusa 1 or Bounty Wreck nearby. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s easy to book a scuba dive session on the island. If you’re interested in exploring the underwater world, you can check out this  scuba diving tour .

Don’t have a PADI yet? Here’s a cool  beginner’s dive course  to get a quick introduction to the good stuff! 

Catch an epic sunset

The Gili Islands are famous for their epic sunsets. And watching one (or many) definitely deserves a spot on your list of things to do at Gili Trawangan! 

There are stacks of beach bars and little elevated huts on the “sunset side” ready to serve you an ice-cold beer or a freshly cracked coconut. It’s just the place to watch the sun melt away over the horizon while listening to cool music in an airy hut, deck chair, or beanbag. It doesn’t get any better than this; trust me! 

Just a head’s up, though, be prepared to pay IDR 150,000 to watch the sunset at most bars along the sunset strip. This fee is on top of any drinks or food you order, and believe it or not; it’s probably the only place in the world you’ll need to pay to watch the sunset! 

One last thing – don’t forget your camera! You’re going to need it! 

Visit the Gili T swings

You wouldn’t be doing Gili T properly if you didn’t take a swing in one of the epic Gili ocean swings. There are many swings scattered all over the island, but for the best photos, make sure you head out to the swings on the westside of the island along the sunset strip. While some resorts have their own swings, there are a couple of community-owned swings where you can swing over the crystal clear waters and enjoy the gentle breeze for a small fee. 

If you want to visit the swings at sunset, make sure to go a bit earlier. It gets crowded quickly around 6 pm. 

Snack your way through the Gili T Night Market

Located a short stroll from the jetty, you’ll find the BEST and cheapest place to eat in Gili Trawangan – the Gili T Night Market. Brimming with stalls dishing up just about anything from lip-smackingly delicious local food to tasty barbeque to fresh seafood and more, it’s not hard to see why this is such a must-visit place. Besides grabbing an authentic Indonesian meal at a dirt-cheap price, it’s also the perfect spot to soak up the buzzing atmosphere and mingle with locals.

Most stalls and vendors open at 6 pm and run late into the night.  

Enjoy the nightlife in Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has quite a reputation as a party island, and even if that is not your scene, you should definitely set aside at least one night to party the night away! There are so many cool bars and hipster hangouts to choose from in Gili T, making it quite hard to decide exactly where to party. 

With that said, one place that you should not miss is  Sama Sama Reggae Bar . While it’s a pretty chilled place, it has an awesome vibe and is the perfect place to kickstart your night out. Don’t miss the live reggae music show every evening at 7 pm! 

For those looking to join the die-hard party crowd, head over to  Jungle , where you can have a wild night filled with thumping EDM music and flowing shots! If that’s a bit too wild for you, other good places to hangout include  Blue Marlin ,  The Irish Pub , and  Rudy’s . 

Go on a sunset cruise

If you want to watch the sunset over the water, enjoy a bit of snorkeling, and have a tasty meal onboard a boat, you can’t miss a sunset cruise. It’s always best to  book a sunset cruise online  in advance to guarantee your spot, but you can also organize one at any tourist info booths along the main strip. Just make sure to shop around first to avoid being ripped off. Also, don’t be afraid to haggle; most vendors are notorious for inflating prices! 

Of course, if you want to take your Gili T experience to the next level, don’t miss the famous Gili T Booze Cruise. Just a word of warning, it will be a  wild  party, but you’re guaranteed a good time! Check out the  Jiggy Boat Party’s Facebook page  for more details. 

Get a massage

After an action-packed day exploring all of Gili T’s top attractions, treat yourself to a lavish pamper session. And what better way to unwind than with a good old fashioned massage!

If your hotel doesn’t have an onsite spa, it is possible to get a masseuse to come over to your hotel room. Alternatively, pop by any massage parlor along the main strip or, better yet, get a massage right on the beach along the southeast side! 

Join a cooking class

If you didn’t have time to join a cooking class while in Bali, now’s your chance to rectify that. Indonesian food is mind-blowingly delicious, and you’ll be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t add a cooking class to your list of things to do at Gili Trawangan.

Sweet and Spicy is the most reputable school on the island and offers a fun 2-hour cooking class. Besides learning how to prepare several amazing dishes that you can gobble up afterward, you’ll also get tons of cool tips and tricks so that you can recreate everything back home! Book your spot here !

What to Pack For Gili Trawangan

As already mentioned, Gili T is hot and humid year-round. Make sure to pack light, breathable clothing to stay cool during the day. Besides the usual things you’ll pack for a beach vacation, here are a few other items I highly recommend bringing along. 

• Camera & Drone: The Gili Islands are absolutely out of this world! I use an Olympus Mirrorless camera , but if you’re into videography, add this  DJI Mini Pro 3  to your kit. 
• Underwater Camera:  Since you’re on a tropical island, you’re likely to spend quite a bit of time underwater. Pack a waterproof camera like this Go Pro  to capture all the awesome underworld treasures.
• Reef Safe Sunscreen:  While you won’t have trouble finding sunscreen on Gili T, bringing  reef-safe sunscreen  along is highly encouraged. That way, you can stay protected against the harsh rays without harming the environment. 
• Waterproof Phone Case:  If you don’t want to get your phone wet, it’s always a good idea to pack a  waterproof phone case . 
• Dry Bag:  Many of the things to do on Gili Trawangan involve being in or near the water. It’s a good idea to pack a dry bag, like this lightweight Earth Pack bag , to ensure all your belongings stay dry. 
• Quick Drying Towel:  There’s nothing worse than tugging along a wet towel. These  Turkish towels  dry in a jiffy and come in a range of funky colors and patterns. 
• Eco-Friendly Bug Spray:  Mosquitoes can be a real pain in Gili T. Make sure to pack an eco-friendly bug spray or mozzie-repellent bracelets  to avoid any bites. 
• Universal Adapter:  You might need a travel adapter for your trip to Gili T and the rest of Indonesia.  This one  works in over 150 countries and is super lightweight. 

Where to Eat in Gili T

You’re bound to be hungry after exploring all the cool things to do at Gili Trawangan. Luckily, there’s no shortage of excellent food joints on the island. Here are some of the best places to eat in Gili T. 

• The Banyan Tree:  If you’re looking to fill up with a healthy meal, head over to The Banyan Tree. The restaurant has a wide range of delicious vegetarian options. 
• Warung Warna:  Not too far from the pier, you’ll find one of the best places to find cheap and tasty Indonesian cuisine. Don’t miss the Nasi Goreng and the satay skewers – they are heavenly! 
• La Moomba Bar and Restaurant:  With picture-perfect ocean views and an incredible menu, La Moomba is a great spot to grab a bite and chill out with a few boozy cocktails. 
• Casa Bonita:  If you want to enjoy a meal in one of the cool huts overlooking the water, make sure to stop by Casa Bonita. The menu features all the usual Indonesian classics and some western food choices for more picky eaters. 
• If you’re looking for a place to eat with funky instagrammable interiors, an awesome laidback vibe, and great food, then  Hellocapitano Lifestyle Café  is for you. Try the smashed avo toasty or the butterfly smoothie bowl! 
• Coffee and Thyme  might be small, but it’s cozy and sports rustic vibes. They serve the most amazing coffee & freshly baked desserts. Try their signature creme brûlée coffee or the thyme latte! 
• Kuyu Cafe  is another Instagrammable cafe in Gili T with a delectable menu. Come for brunch and have a freshly baked cinnamon roll while you’re at it! 

Did You Figure Out What to do in Gili Trawangan?

Whether you are heading out to explore the underwater world, chill at the beach, or joining the crazy party scrum, there’s plenty to do at Gili Trawangan! Whatever you do, though, don’t forget to soak up the laid-back vibes and enjoy paradise at its very best! 

Thanks for Reading my Guide on Things to do on Gili Trawangan!

If you need more help planning your Bali & Indonesia trip, check out these fun guides I wrote.

• The Perfect 2 weeks in Indonesia itinerary
• The Most Efficient 7 Days in Bali Itinerary  
• How to Spend 3 Epic Days in Ubud
• 13 Ubud Restaurants you can’t miss
• The Most Incredible Ubud Resorts, Villas and Hotels
• 8 Stunning Waterfalls near Ubud

That wraps up this list of Gili Trawangan things to do! Feel free to share your travel tips, best things to do, places to stay, best eateries, and anything in between in the comments below! 

Liked these Gili Trawangan things to do? Share them with your friends here.

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September 5, 2022 at

This is great and so helpful, thank you for posting this!

September 6, 2022 at

Thanks Trish – glad it can come in handy! 🙂

September 12, 2022 at

Really great and useful info! It’s help me get the in and outs of Gili T!

January 9, 2023 at

So much helpful information! Can’t wait to discover this little island and use your advice. Thank you so much😊😊😊

January 21, 2023 at

very usefull guide and tips, Im in Gili T in early june, really looking forward to it already!

July 11, 2023 at

Thank you so much for sharing. It’s very helpful!

October 19, 2023 at

As someone who’s been contemplating a summer vacation, this guide couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s given me a lot to think about. Can’t wait to experience the beauty of this place.

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Gili Trawangan: The Ultimate Guide To Gili T And What To Do There

More and more visitors to mainland Bali are taking a side trip to the Gili Islands and particularly to Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three islands (though Gili Meno and Gili Air are becoming more popular too).

Gili Trawangan has a reputation for its party vibe and it’s certainly true that it’s a great place to go to indulge in a little hedonism but there’s more to Gili Trawangan than parties and our guide will share everything that you need to know about the biggest of the three Gili Islands.

Where Is Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the Gili Islands and they are all just off the Northwest Coast of Lombok.

It is worth noting that the name “Gili Islands” isn’t very helpful as the word “Gili” means “Island” and nearly all the islands around Lombok have “Gili” in their name.

However, when we use the term “Gili Islands” we mean Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The people of Lombok know these collectively as the “Gili Indah” or “beautiful islands”.

One interesting thing about these islands is that in recent history, they’ve only been permanently occupied from the 1970s onwards.

There are remains from World War 2 from the POW Camp that Japanese forces constructed on the islands, but otherwise, they were first settled in the 1970s by former prisoners who were asked to cultivate plantations on the island.

This program wasn’t terribly successful but thanks to the arrival of tourism in the 1980s, the Gili Islands remain inhabited today.

How Do You Get To Gili Trawangan From Bali?

If you want to visit Gili Trawangan from Bali, you need to take a fast baot (sometimes also called a “ferry” but not actually a ferry in a traditional sense).

You can pick up a boat from Padang Bai, Amed Port, Sanur Port or Serangan Port.

The most popular departure point is Padang Bai and the boat ride takes about 1.5 hours from here. Boats generally only leave in the mornings and it’s a good idea to book in advance, particularly in high season.

Occasionally, high-season demand is so high that an additional ferry runs in the afternoon, but there is no official schedule for this.

You should be warned that if the weather isn’t good, the ride to Gili Trawangan can be fairly hairy and seasickness is not unusual.

We’d recommend that if you’re at all prone to sea sickness that you take a preventative tablet prior to boarding.

How Do You Get To Gili Trawangan From Lombok?

If you’re flying to Lombok, you will fly to Lombok International Airport and then you need to reach the port of Bangsal Harbour.

This is about 1.5-2 hours drive from Lombok Airport and you can get a taxi or rent a private car for the trip. Expect it to cost around $20 USD to $30 AUD.

The route out to Bangsal Harbour is quite pleasant and you can often see families of monkeys running along the edge of the road.

As always, with monkeys in Indonesia – we remind you that these are wild animals and you shouldn’t provoke them or get too close, they may not be as friendly as they look.

There is a public fast boat that runs out to each of the Gili Islands from the harbour and it costs 85,000 IDR (that’s about $6 USD or $9 AUD).

These boats run hourly from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

There is also a slow boat for just 22,500 IDR ($1.50 USD or $2.25 AUD) which only leaves when it’s full and takes about 30 minutes.

However, if you miss the public boats in Bangsal Harbour, don’t worry, you can rent a private boat for just 180,000 IDR (that’s about $12 USD or $18 AUD) instead or you can stay overnight in one of the guest houses in the harbour area.

How Do You Get Around Gili Trawangan?

There is no motorized traffic in Gili Trawangan and thus, you have only three forms of transport available to you:

• Your feet – these three islands are all very small and you can easily walk around each island in less than a day.
• Horse-drawn carriage – this is a novelty and quite expensive. It’s a pleasant way to see the island, of course, if you feel it’s worth the investment but be prepared for a bumpy ride.
• Cycle – you can rent a bicycle (more on this in a minute) and go around the island on two wheels.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Gili Trawangan?

We maintain that there is no bad time to visit Bali and this is generally true for Gili Trawangan too.

However, we would note that the seas tend to be calmer during the dry season and if you want an uneventful fast boat ride to the island, it’s best to aim for April to October.

It’s fine to go during the rainy season, mind you, and we still see on average 8-9 hours a day of sunshine at that time of year, the tropical climate ensures that the weather is warm and pleasant all year round.

As we’ve already noted, if you’re coming from Bali, the best time to arrive on Gili Trawangan is on the early fast boat as there’s no guarantee of a later boat.

Things To Do In Gili Trawangan

Rent A Bicycle

It’s a small island and it takes about an hour to cycle all the way around the perimeter. That means, by far, the best way to get around for most people is to cycle.

You can rent a bike for approximately 50,000 IDR ($3 USD/$5 AUD) for a day or for 15,000 IDR ($1 USD/$1.50 AUD) for an hour.

However, it is important to note that the roads out here on the islands are not very well maintained and you should cycle slowly and keep a close eye on the road in front of you, it’s all too easy to get a wheel stuck in a pothole and come crashing to the ground if you don’t.

There are no cars or scooters on the road, which means you’re much safer cycling on Gili Trawangan than on the mainland.

We would urge you to remember that the locals are mainly Muslim and that modesty is important, so please wear a shirt and something to cover your legs while cycling. This will also help prevent sunburn.

Walk The East Coast

If you like boats, then they’re all parked on the main jetty on the East Coast of the island.

The beach is a nice place to get a tan and there are some decent bars selling great food in the area.

Don’t try and swim in the crystal clear waters here, however, as the public ferries and boats make it fairly dangerous to do so.

You can walk from the South Beach to the North Beach in under 30 minutes and you’ll discover plenty of shops, restaurants and watering holes as you do.

The only downside to this experience is that you may get hassled by touts for snorkelling tours and other goods, but they’re not pushy and you can safely ignore them and keep moving.

Chill On The White Sand Beaches

One of the best things about Gili Trawangan is its lovely beaches which see far fewer visitors than the beaches of Bali and are thus, a little cleaner and calmer.

The beaches here all have restaurants, bars, etc. nearby so if you’re in the mood for a drink or a snack, you’ll be fine by the beach.

North East Beach

This is just 5 minutes from the jetty where you disembark. It has very few crowds and you can often spot turtles in the waters here.

Sunset Beach

As the name suggests, this is the place to be at sunset, though it’s fairly lovely all day long. It’s also home to the swings (more on this in a bit).

Malibu Beach

This beach on the Southwest Coast has loads of bars and beanbags to lounge on while you enjoy cocktails and a cool breeze.

South/Good Heart Beach

If you want a party, this is the place to go and it starts early in the day on Good Heart Beach and keeps going into the small hours of the morning.

It’s super popular with backpackers and tourists and the local vendors all offer great happy hour deals !

See The Sunset On The West Coast

You don’t have to go to Sunset Beach for this. Any place on the West Coast is fine for sunset watching.

The Ombak Sunset Hotel, for example, offers a great view over the ocean and some very nice cocktails.

Visit The Gili Swings & Sea Hammocks

These are super popular, particularly at sunset, so we recommend that you get there when it’s high tide and before sunset to ensure that you get access in a sensible amount of time.

The most famous are on Sunset Beach but you can find swings and hammocks all over the island. Most charge a small fee for their use.

Go Scuba Diving Around The Island

The Gili Islands aren’t considered a diving hotspot. But there are some decent dive shops and training centres and it’s a great place to learn.

Visibility is great in the waters here and you can see sea turtles on nearly every dive!

Except to pay about 500,000 IDR ($35 USD or $50 AUD) for a dive including equipment rental and instruction. This price is fairly standard and there’s not much point in hunting around for a deal on diving.

Gili Trawangan Turtle Sanctuary And Hatchery

You’ll find this to the right of the main jetty on the North of the island and it’s a non-profit dedicated to helping sea turtles (a protected species in Indonesia).

They have regular release ceremonies if you want to see the babies return to the sea.

Go Snorkeling Around All The Gili Islands

You can either rent a private boat or share a boat with a tour group depending on how much you want to spend and then do a 4-hour snorkelling tour around all three islands.

Don’t miss the underwater sculpture garden created by Jason deCaires Taylor.

Take A Day Trip To Lombok (Or Longer If You Want To Climb Mount Rinjani)

If you’ve never been to Lombok, it’s worth a day trip from here.

However, if you do want to climb Mount Rinjani, you should know that this is a multiple-day excursion and not something that can be done in a day.

Enjoy A Snack Attack At Gili T Night Market

The night market is a great place to eat in Gili T and one of the cheapest places to eat too.

Get there early as the stalls close as they run out of food.

Party All Night Long

Yes, Gili Trawangan is a place for partying and the area around Good Heart Beach, in particular, is made for drinking and having a good time.

We should note, however, that if you are offered magic mushrooms, they are illegal in Indonesia and can get you into serious trouble with the police if you are caught with them.

Visit A Spa

There’s nothing quite like a massage by the beach and Gili Trawangan’s relaxed atmosphere lends itself to pampering.

Most hotels have a spa and there are a few private spas to choose from too.

Enjoy A Sunset Cruise Around The Island

Why not enjoy a few drinks on deck and a boat tour around the island as the sunsets? This is not expensive and can easily be arranged near the main jetty.

Try Your Hand At A Cooking Class

The Sweet and Spicy cooking school is very popular and a great way to learn some Indonesian cookery and enjoy some Indonesian food while you do.

Places To Stay In Gili Trawangan

There are some great places to stay that can suit every budget in Gili Trawangan including:

• Pondok Santi Estate Gili Trawangan – this luxurious resort has a fantastic ocean view and an amazing pool area.
• PinkCoco Gili Trawangan – this is an adults-only resort with a great pool and party vibe.
• Kardia Resort Gili A Pramana Experience – this beachfront resort offers a charming and relaxed vibe.
• Ponte Villas – if you want your own private villa, this is the place to be and the pools are excellent.
• Wilson’s Retreat – this charming boutique hotel is all about relaxing by the beach and has a great pool too.

Places To Eat In Gili Trawangan

There are plenty of pleasant places to eat on the island including:

• Sendja @ Kardia – this hotel restaurant does amazing barbecue, cold beers and even vegetarian curries!
• Tiki Grove – as you’d expect from the name, it’s big tiki cocktails and Caribbean fusion food all the way.
• Francesco’s Pizza – this hidden gem offers excellent Italian food with a great view of the ocean.
• Oh Warung Gili – this is a lovely local warung that offers tasty and filling Indonesian food for a very sensible price.
• Biraku Japanese Restaurant – if you love some fresh sushi made with the catch of the day, you can’t go wrong here.

The Other Gili Islands

Gili Air is smaller and quieter than Gili Trawangan and it’s worth combining in your visit. We recommend Gili Air (the name “Air” means “water” and it’s the only island of the three with its own groundwater supply), particularly for people seeking a romantic and quiet destination.

Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest island and a place to completely disconnect from crowds and tourism and just chill. It’s a great place to be with a book and a cold cocktail.

Is Gili Trawangan Cheaper Than Bali? Are The Gili Islands Cheaper Than Bali?

Yes, the Gili Islands are generally a little cheaper than Bali when it comes to activities and accommodation and, of course, there are no transport costs (unless you want to rent a bike).

However, food and drink are a bit more expensive as they need to be brought to the island on a boat ride from the mainland.

So, don’t expect to save a fortune and if you want to spend all day in the beach bars , it might work out a little more to spend time on this tiny island than it would staying in Bali’s beach towns.

How Many Days Do You Need In Gili Trawangan?

You can see everything on the island in 24 hours if you really want to, but we’d recommend you take 3 days to enjoy Gili Trawangan, work on your tan and have, at least, one night of wild fun and then recover from that fun before you take a fast boat ride back to the mainland.

If you find that you get bored, you can always take a trip to Gili Air and Gili Meno to add a little more adventure to your visit to this Gili Island.

Is It Safe To Go To Gili Trawangan?

The Gili Islands are, generally, considered to be very safe. The locals are friendly and kind and violent crime is incredibly rare.

However, as with all of Indonesia, petty crime is still possible and it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your things at all times. This includes any rental bicycles that you may borrow – otherwise, you may be paying to replace them.

You should also be aware that in “party environments”, there are potential dangers from other partygoers, particularly to solo women travellers and take appropriate precautions.

How Long Is The Ferry From Bali To Gili Trawangan?

The journey from Bali to Gili Trawangan by ferry takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from Padang Bai . It’s 1 hour and 15 minutes from Amed.

However, if you want to travel from Sanur or Serangan, the journey can take much longer.

Can You Swim In Gili Trawangan?

Yes, but you should be aware that the water flow around high tide on Gili Trawangan creates very strong, and potentially dangerous currents, that can trap a swimmer and pull them out to sea.

This means you should start your swim prior to high tide (you can use an app to check when the tides are coming) and then stop your swim before low tide commences.

You should consider wearing an exposure suit after rainfall to avoid exposure to jellyfish and sea lice.

It’s also important to watch out for swells, especially on the Northwest Coast.

Finally, it’s cool to watch the amazing marine life while you swim, but please don’t touch it especially coral reefs and sea turtles.

Is It Worth Going To The Gili Islands From Bali?

Only you can decide if it’s worth going to the Gili Islands from Bali. Many people love the chance to be somewhere where the air is clean, the sands are white and soft and there are no cars or other forms of motorised transport.

However, it’s quite a journey to get out to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno and if you’ve only got a short time for a tropical getaway, it might be better to stay on the mainland rather than visit these three islands.

Our team has very much enjoyed previous trips to the Gili Islands and if you’ve got time, we think you will too.

Is Gili T A Party Island?

Gili T has a fierce reputation for parties and it’s somewhat justified.

However, you can easily go to Gili Trawangan and not take part in a party and just enjoy the fresh air, warm sun, soft sands and quiet natural beauty of the place.

It’s very much up to you. However, if you want a quieter experience than you might get on Gili Trawangan, you might consider spending time on Gili Meno or Gili Air, instead.

How Do You Book A Holiday On Gili Trawangan?

We always recommend that you book your holidays in and around Bali including at the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air) through the Bali Res Centre .

They’re a locally owned and operated travel service that specializes in Balinese travel. They can get you the best deals on flights, hotels, tours, transport, etc. and provide you with local knowledge to have the best possible holiday.

Final Thoughts On The Party Island Of The Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has a reputation as a place for partying and there’s no denying that it’s somewhat justified, but it’s also a live place for scuba diving, relaxing on the beach, and more.

The Gili Islands aren’t far from Bali or Lombok and if you want to visit Gili T and you have the time to do so, we’d recommend that you do.

When you return, you can always come down to FINNS Beach Club, the best of the world’s beach clubs, and tell us all about it.

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Gili Trawangan 2024 Travel Guide: 16 Things To Do, Where to Eat & Stay 

Gili Trawangan  is Indonesia’s notorious party island, featuring white sand beaches and a slew of fun activities. I visited Gili T on my first trip to Indonesia, way before I moved to Bali . Since that first trip, I’ve been to the Gili Islands countless times and even lived on Gili Air for the better part of a month one summer – Please enjoy this guide to Gili Trawangan! 

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✔️ Gili Trawangan Quick Guide 

🏝  best things to do.

• Visit the Gili’s Underwater Sculpture Garden
• Go on a Turtle-Spotting Snorkel Tour

🚴‍♀️  How to Get Around

The Gili islands don’t allow cars or motorbikes – For getting around you can 1) walk, 2) rent a bicycle, 3) rent an electric moped, or 4) take a horse and carriage.

🏨  Where to Stay  

• $  Budget :   M Box Hostel   – Party
• $$  Mid-Tier :   Gili One Resort  
• $$$  Luxury :  Pink Coco Hotel  

🚢  How to Get There  

The only way to get to the Gilis is by boat. You have the option to take a public ferry or a private speed boat from Padang Bai Harbor in Bali, Nusa Penida Ferry Port, or Bangsal Harbor in Lombok. 

All About Gili Trawangan 

Gili Trawangan, usually just referred to as “Gili T”, is the largest and most famous of the three Gili main Gili Islands, which also include Gili Meno and Gili Air. The three islands are located close together, standing on the shore of Gili T you can see Gili Meno. But, it’s important to know that each of the three islands has its own flavor –  And Gili T’s is for partying! 

You wouldn’t guess it from its outward sleepy beach island appearance, but Gili T is one of the most famous party spots in Indonesia. Thousands of backpackers and luxury travelers alike come from Bali to visit the Gilis and sip a Bintang on Gili’s gorgeous white-sand beaches. 

Besides partying, other notable aspects are that there are no cars or motorbikes allowed on Gili T. Instead, travelers use bicycles and horse-drawn carriages to get around the tiny 3 km-long island. 

In addition to cars,  dogs  are also curiously banned on Gili T – This has led to an explosion in the cat population on the island, with tons of friendly and fattened-up cats wandering throughout the sand-strewn streets.  All of these things come together to make Gili T a truly unique travel destination, and so much more than just a “party island”. 

Where is Gili T Located? 

The three Gili Islands are located off the coast of Lombok, which is an island directly to the East of Bali. You can easily reach all three via a short 1.5-2 hour speed boat from Bali, or a 30-minute ferry from Lombok. There is no airport on the Gilis, so the only way to reach the three islands is via boat. 

Top 16 Best Things to Do in Gili Trawangan 

1. take a snorkel tour to the underwater sculpture garden.

Taking a snorkel tour of the underwater sculpture garden that lies between Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno is the most iconic activity in the Gili Islands. The sculpture garden’s most famous statue is the Bask Nest underwater sculpture. Erected in 2017 by BASK, an eco-resort in Gili Meno, the underwater sculpture was an immediate hit with tourists from all three Gilis. 

All the snorkel tours go to the same spots, and the sculpture garden is pretty small. The first time I visited the underwater sculpture garden I was actually  run over  by one of the glass-bottom boats while I was snorkeling – The spot just isn’t big enough for the amount of tourism it attracts! 

2. Visit Turtle Shore

Turtle Shore is a beautiful beach on Gili T’s north side that’s known for attracting wild sea turtles that graze on the grasses that grow there naturally. You can rent snorkels on the beach and venture out looking for turtles, but spotting one is half skill and half luck. Unless a turtle is coming up for air, they blend in quite well with the surrounding area. 

Katie’s Tips ✶

I personally didn’t have any luck spotting turtles at Turtle Shore on Gili T – Instead, we saw them further out when we went on a private snorkeling tour. Our guide pointed the turtles out to us as they came up for air, without him we never would have been able to see any! 

3. Relax on the White Sand Beaches and enjoy a Fresh Coconut

Bali mainland doesn’t have the best beaches. If you want to experience white sand and crystal clear bright blue water, you need to visit the Gilis instead. All around the perimeter of the island, you’ll find countless beach clubs and beach warungs set up with bean bag chairs and umbrellas for rent. Chilling out in the afternoon on the beach with a coconut is my favorite thing to do during the hottest time of the day in the Gilis. 

4. Try the M a g i c a l Mushrooms 

While drugs of all kinds are strictly penalized in Indonesia, for some reason the Gili Islands get a pass. In recent years the Gilis have become a famous spot for magic shroom shakes. Grown on the main island of Lombok, the shrooms have become a time-honored tradition for partiers on the Gilis. 

🚩 Scam Many travelers have reported buying fake “Shroom Shakes” on their vacations on the islands. 

They sell shroom shakes everywhere on Gili T, but the best-known spot to get one is at Banana Leaf Bungalows.

5. Go Island Hopping to Gili Meno and Gili Air 

If you’re spending more than 3 days on Gili T, I recommend putting aside at least one day to explore the best of Gili Air or Gili Meno. The three Gili islands are only a 10-20 minute boat ride from each other, depending on the current and the type of boat used. 

Every morning between 9:30 AM there’s a public boat that runs between the three islands, this is called the “Slow Boat” and costs less than 50K. However, the return boat to Gili T doesn’t run until 4 PM, so you’ll need to spend the whole day out. 

There’s also a “Speed Boat” option that’s pricier at 85K each way, but it runs between the three islands every hour between 9 AM and 4 PM. You can book all the different options at the ticketing office in the main harbor on Gili T. 

6. Ride Horses on the Beach 

There’s a debate about whether or not animal encounters in the Gili Islands, both for horses and turtles, are ethical. However, I will say the horses in the Gilis seem to be treated far better now than when I first started visiting Indonesia in 2019. I personally don’t agree with using the horses used to haul carts full of luggage and tourists around the island in the midday heat, and I don’t use them. I carry my own luggage on the Gili Islands.

The horses that people ride on the beach seem a lot happier – trotting and running into the ocean with just one person to tote around. Those horses seem downright  happy . I was watching them run up and down the beach and into the ocean right before writing this article. I know appearances can be deceiving, and animal encounters are tricky – Use your better judgment when visiting the Gilis! 

7. Party! 

You can’t mention Gili T without the word  party  coming to mind! Gili T has cemented its reputation as Indonesia’s infamous party hot spot and for a good reason.  The lack of cars and motorbikes on the island has created a safe(er) environment for tourists to get wasted in, compared to the crazy traffic in Canggu anyway, resulting in Gili T becoming party central. I don’t really like going crazy at the beach clubs in Canggu and Seminyak , it’s too crazy, but there’s a certain charm to the beach parties in Gili T. 

Where to Party in Gili T: There’s a weekly schedule of which bar is hosting a party for every day of the week, this changes frequently so I’m not going to re-write it here, but it will be posted in most of the hostels on the island. 

8. Experience Glowing Bioluminescence 

Bioluminescence is a wonderful naturally occurring phenomenon in Indonesia that I witnessed for the first time on the beaches of Gili T. Glowing Bioluminescence can only be seen at night and it’s activated by motion – So going on a night swim or walking in the wet sand can set it off. When we were walking on the beach at night on Gili Trawangan we noticed our footprints were glowing blue behind us –  So cool!

9. Take a Photo on the Famous Gili Swings 

The swingsets and hammocks facing the sunset on the Gili Islands are one of the iconic spots that put the islands on the map. Now, there are tons of floating swingset copycats all over Bali and Indonesia, but if you want to visit the original floating swings the best spot on the island is on the West Side, where you can see the sunset. The current name for the sunset swing is “Ocean Swing” next to the Hotel Ombok Sunset.

Sadly, there are far fewer floating swings on Gili T – Most of them have been moved a bit inland, so they’re not in the water. My guess is the maintenance on the swings was too difficult when they were partially submerged.

10. Go Scuba Diving

The Gilis are a famous spot in Indonesia for both scuba diving and getting your scuba diving certification. The certification process takes around 3 days and is pretty time-consuming. So, if you want to get your scuba Padi certification as well as see the main sights on the island, I recommend spending at least 5 days in the Gilis. 

• Shark Point:  A popular spot where you can see reef sharks as well as an abundance of manta rays, sea turtles, and barracudas.
• Bounty Wreck Site:  A shipwreck off of Gili Meno between 8-18M deep from 2002.
• Glen Nusa Wreck Site:  Glen Nusa is another shipwreck in the Gilis, but this one is for advanced divers only – between 22 – 28M depth, Glen Nusa was a tugboat that was intentionally sunk to create a habitat for coral and other wildlife.

11. Visit the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary and Hatchery

The Gili Meno Turtle Hatchery is an iconic spot in the Gili Islands that’s dedicated to hatching baby turtles from eggs before releasing them into the ocean. If you take a turtle snorkeling tour in Gili T, it will probably include a brief 20-minute stop at the turtle hatchery – Just enough time to see the baby turtles! 

There is a question of ethics with many of the animal encounters in Indonesia, I’ve written about it in regards to taking a Dolphin tour in Lovina and visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest . While it’s undoubtedly that the turtle hatchery means well by protecting the hatchlings during their most vulnerable first few days of life, it might not be the best to hatch them in a man-made environment as it could mess up the baby turtles’ natural migratory patterns. 

12. Rent a Bicycle and Ride Gili T’s Ring Road

The only way to get around Gili T is by walking, biking, or taking a horse – Out of these three options, most travelers opt to bike. Biking around the island is a great way to see the sights, especially during the mid-day when it’s too hot to walk. 

The ring road that circumnavigates Gili T has a bikable path around 80% of it, on some parts of the island that are less frequently visited it might be sanded over. Most people rent a bike through their hostel, guest house, or hotel. You can also rent one by the harbor, but it will be more expensive. 

💸 Cost: Bicycle rentals should be around 50K IDR ($3.50) for 24 hours on the island. 

13. Eat at the Gili T Night Market 

I’m a big fan of street food, and the Night Market in Gili T is one of my personal favorites out of all the ones I’ve visited in Indonesia.You order your fish, tofu, or whatever other protein raw and they grill it right in front of you on little charcoal BBQs. There are also some stalls where you can order whole fish (yes, head still on!) and they’ll grill it up for you in a similar way. 

How to Visit: The Night Market is open after 6 PM near the harbor on Gili T, as it gets later in the night the food stalls start closing and it becomes an area for karaoke and Bintang beers. 

14. Watch a Movie at the Beach Cinema 

There are multiple open-air cinemas on Gili T. Every night around 7 or 9 PM they’ll play a movie, and frequently host free movie nights. I love dropping in for a bit if these movie theaters are playing something good and watching a movie on a beach on a bean bag chair, but I do have to point out that the food and drinks at these theaters don’t have a good reputation! 

15. Go Surfing, Kite-Boarding, or Stand-Up Paddle Boarding 

While the Gili islands don’t have big waves for advanced surfers, there are some surf spots that are beginner-friendly off of Gili T. If you drive around the perimeter of Gili T you’ll see board racks where you can rent a surfboard and book a surf lesson right on the beach. Kiteboarding and stand-up paddle boarding are also popular activities on Gili T. 

16. Take a Sunset Booze Cruise 

You can book these for around 150K ($10) at any of the party hostels on Gili T, for example, Mad Monkey, M Box, or Broken Compass. Your ticket usually includes a Bintang (local beer) and a ride on a small boat to watch the sunset. I’ve taken a sunset booze cruise in both Gili T and Gili Air, and while the name sounds like a wild and crazy party activity, they’re pretty relaxing. 

Best Restaurants in Gili Trawangan 

You can get any manner of cuisine you want in Gili T, but in my opinion, the dining options are  tourist-trap central.  Sure, there are Mexican restaurants, but the “Mexican Food” on the island consists of Mayo on a cold tortilla… yeah, it’s not good. Instead of the tourist-trap cafes selling Western food, I highly recommend sticking to Indonesian food on Gili T. There are a ton of charming Warungs (local eateries) on the island, and the Gili Trawangan Night Market is genuinely some of the best Indonesian street food I’ve had. 

Gili T Nightmarket 

The Gili T Nightmarket is both an  incredibly  popular spot on the island and also kinda slept on in my opinion. I’ve explored tons of street food markets across Indonesia, and the key distinction when comparing a beach-side night market, such as the one in Gili T, to the established markets like those in Bali, is that at the former, the fish is freshly cooked right in front of you.

You choose the fish, tofu, or other raw protein from a display, and they cook it fresh over a charcoal BBQ. I like these types of markets a lot more than the ones you usually see around Bali, where the food is pre-cooked and served at room temperature. Cooking it fresh both makes it taste better IMO, and cuts down on the risk of Bali Belly. The Gili T Night Market also has a  huge  dessert stall that sells all types of Indonesian cakes made from different combinations of rice, coconut, Pandan, and banana. 

Coffee & Thyme Gili Trawangan 

This cafe, along with a few others that have sprung up near the harbor, is the exception to my “no Western food” on Gili T rule. Everything from the sandwiches to the coffees is incredibly authentic and high-quality here. While this cafe doesn’t have good wifi, as most places on the Gili’s do not, you can hot-spot your laptop if you have a local SIM card and get some work done. 

Best Places to Stay in Gili Trawangan 

If you’re a solo traveler, on a friend group trip, or just looking to meet lots of people and party, then I recommend staying in a hostel. There are a ton of party hostels on Gili T, the most notorious is  M Box . If you’re looking for a more boutique hostel, I recommend the  Broken Compass . 

For couples and budget travelers who want their own room, I recommend staying in a Beach Bungalow. I’ve staying in bungalows in the Gilis, they all look the same from the outside but some are  far  better than others. I recommend  Gili One . 

The Gili Islands don’t have many villas like you see in Bali, instead, bungalows are the more common accommodation style. For those seeking something more luxurious, there is no shortage of 5-star resorts on the Gili Islands. The best hotel in Gili T is  Pink Coco , which is also a beach club and sort of landmark on the island. 

Hotels in Gili T 🛌

My Top Tips for Visiting Gili Trawangan 

✅ know about the different gili islands .

The three Gili Islands each have their own specific vibe and thing they’re famous for. Gili T is the notorious party island, Gili Meno is a honeymooner destination with tons of romantic resorts, and Gili Air is the smallest of the islands, and has become known for relaxing. All three islands are extremely close together, I wouldn’t recommend staying on Gili T unless you wanted to party. 

✅ Pack Light! 

It’s important to pack as lightly as possible when you’re visiting the Gili Islands for two reasons: 

1) There is no motor transport on the islands, so if you pack more than you can carry you will have to use expensive and borderline unethical horse and carriages to get to your hotel. 

2) The slow boats/local ferries don’t have docks on the Gilis, and at low tide, you’ll have to wade out into the water with all your belongings to get on the boat. 

The more expensive fast boats have peirs, and employ porters to help with your bags.

✅ Try the Local Food 

One of the reasons I love living in Indonesia is the great international culinary culture, but sadly that hasn’t reached Gili T. I found most of the Western and International restaurants on the island to be pretty lacking, instead, I recommend sticking to Indonesian Food on the island.

✅ Make Sure to Take Your Snorkel Tours Early in the Day

When I went on my first snorkel tour of the Gili Islands underwater sculpture garden I was hit in the head by a glass-bottom boat, because they drove the boats right over where the tourists were snorkeling! I recommend taking a private sunrise tour of the sculpture garden if you want to visit, otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend it at all. It was a massive crush of people every other time I’ve gone. The truth is, even if you go at sunrise  it will still be crowded  because it’s such a popular tourist spot – but it will be far less so. 

✅ Carry Cash 

The Gilis are still a cash-is-king location. While most of the hotels I stayed at accept cards, the tours, restaurants, bars, and bike rentals don’t. There are lots of bank-affiliated ATMs on the islands, but they do run out of cash frequently. 

✅ Don’t Go Into Any Restaurants That Heckle Travelers 

My rule of thumb for traveling anywhere, whether it’s Indonesia or Italy, is to not eat anywhere they have guys stationed outside heckling tourists to come to their restaurant. Good restaurants/cafes/nightclubs don’t have to have to harass people to visit. Unfortunately, the Gili Islands, especially Gili T, has a ton of guys harassing tourists on the main road to come into their shop, club, or restaurant. They even hassle you if you’re on a bike! 

✅ Avoid the Guys Selling Things on the Street 

I fell for this on my first trip to Gili T – Basically, guys selling speed boat tickets and snorkel tours say they’re giving you a “great price” if you book through them. But in reality, these guys are just intermediaries pocketing the difference between what you pay and what the tour actually costs. 

I recommend booking tours and transfers online with tons of 5-star reviews, or through your hotel or hostel. 

How to Get Around Gili T

There are no cars, motorbikes, or anything with an engine allowed on the three Gili Islands. Instead, most people choose to get around via bicycle . Recently, there has also been a surge of electric mopeds available on the island. This can be kind of annoying if you’re a heavy packer, so I recommend leaving your big bag on mainland Bali or Lombok if you can.

There are also horses and carriages available for transport on the Gili Islands, and if you’ve packed more than you can carry these will be your only transportation options to get your luggage to your hotel. Although the treatment of the horses on the Gilis has greatly improved in recent years, it’s still not great. I’ve written a ton about the ethics of animal encounters in Indonesia, including the Ubud Monkey Forest and Lovina Dolphin Tours. 

How Long You Should Spend in the Gilis 

I think three days and two nights is the perfect amount of time to spend on Gili T. That way you get to see the sights, have a night out, and have a day to recover from your night out, too. 

Gili T Example Itinerary 

• 10 AM: Depart from Bangsal or Padang Bai harbor for the Gilis
• 12 PM: Arrive at your hotel
• 2 PM – 5 PM: Enjoy the beach in the afternoon 
• 6 PM: Visit the Gili T Night Market for dinner 
• 8 PM: Watch a movie at the beach cinema

Day 2 

• 5 AM: Take a private sunrise boat tour of the underwater sculpture garden and Turtle Point 
• DAYTIME: Enjoy the beach, relax 
• SUNSET: Take photos at Gili T’s famous beach swings
• NIGHTTIME: Party! Try the infamous mushroom shakes if you dare. 

Day 3 

• MORNING: Recover from the night before and relax on the beach with some fresh coconuts. 
• AFTERNOON: Depart from Gili T either via fast boat or ferry to Bali or Lombok. 

The best way to fit a trip to Gili T into any Bali Travel Itinerary is to visit the Gilis right before taking a Komodo Boat Tour that departs from Lombok. I did this route, and the boat tour company arranged my ferry and overland transport from the Gilis for me.

How to Get to Gili T

There are no airports on the Gili Islands, the only way to get there is by boat.  You have two options for transfers to/from the Gili Islands: Taking a fast boat, or a local ferry. The fast boats run many times a day and are usually what tourists opt for, but if you don’t mind slow travel and want to save some cash, you can also take the local ferry. 

How to Book: You can book your fast boats to the Gilis online ahead of time, but the local ferry tickets need to be booked in cash on-site. 

From Bali 

Most tourists choose to take an 🚢  AC Speed Boat  to/from the Gilis and Bali as it’s a pretty long trip and the speed boats are much less rocky and bumpy than the local ferries . Even with the fast boat, it’s still around a 3-hour boat ride, so bring nausea medication if you’re prone to seasickness. Ferries and fast boats depart from Padang Bai harbor in Bali and sail to the three Gili Islands. All of the boats stop on all three islands, with their final destination being Bangsal Harbor in Lombok. 

💰 Cost: The cost of the fast boat varies wildly depending on where you book – I booked at the ticketing office in Lombok and I thought I got a good deal at 350K IDR, but on Klook tickets are only 250K IDR.

👉 Tip: I recommend arranging your fast boat online or through your hotel ahead of time, as the prices in the Gilis are exaggerated.

🚩 Small Scam: I also booked a shuttle bus bundle with my ticket, which wound up being a scam because it was a mega 20-seater bus and the transit from Padang Bai Harbour to my hotel in Kuta would allegedly have taken 4 hours (should be no more than 2). The guys used the long travel time to pressure me to buy an upgrade to a private taxi. I recommend arranging private transport from Padang Bai ferry port to your hotel in Bali to avoid this.

🚢 Boat Company: Wijaya is recognized as the best fast boat option to/from the Gilis. 

From Lombok 

Getting to Gili T from Lombok is the same process as from Bali, but it’s a shorter boat ride from Bangsal Harbor in Lombok to the three Gili Islands.  You have the option to take the public (slow) boat a few times a day for 25K IDR, or a fast boat every hour between 9 AM and 4 PM for 85K. Since the transfer between Lombok and the Gilis is a lot shorter, only 1/2 hour on a slow boat, I don’t think you need a fancy AC speed boat for the transfer. If you suffer from seasickness, I advise against taking the public ferry. I have a strong stomach and the public ferry to the Gilis even made me nauseous!

There are no piers in the Gilis for the ferries/slow boats, so you have to carry all your luggage through a few feet of seawater when you dock. I advise packing light and wearing waterproof shoes! Alternatively, you can also pay some guy 20K IDR to help you with your luggage. 

Other Things to Do in This Area of Indonesia 

Take a komodo islands boat tour from lombok > flores .

I recommend getting to the Komodo Islands by taking the tourist trail from Bali. First I took a boat to the Gili Islands, stayed a few days, and then sailed from Lombok to Flores through the Komodo Islands. 

My favorite Komodo Itinerary looks like this: 

Bali > Boat to Gilis > Stay in the Gilis for 2 days > Ferry to Lombok > Overland transfer on Lombok > Sail from Lombok through the Komodos for 4 days on a cruise > Dock in Labuan Bajo, Flores > Fly back to Bali. 

If you book the “ Backpacker’s Komodo Cruise “, they will arrange your pickup from Gili T + overland transfer through Lombok for you. 

Climb Mt. Rinjani 

Mt. Rinjani is the most impressive volcano hike in Indonesia . Standing at 3,726 m, it’s one of the tallest peaks in SE Asia. I haven’t climbed Mt. Rinjani yet since it’s a bit of a commitment. You need at least 3 days to do the trek, and you sleep on the mountain. For more casual hikers, I recommend Mt. Batur for sunrise in Bali, or Kawah Ijen Acid Volcano in Java. 

👉 Note! Know that Rinjani is closed for Indonesia’s rainy season in January and February. 

Go Surfing in Kuta Lombok 

I lived in Kuta, Lombok’s sleepy surfer town, for the better part of three months while I was learning to surf, and I attended an all-inclusive surf camp in Lombok for two weeks. Kuta Lombok is said to be what Bali was like 20 years ago before mass tourism ran amok. I love Kuta Lombok for what it is – It’s so much smaller than Bali, I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two. 

Related Article -> Read My Complete Travel Guide to Kuta Lombok

Visit the “Secret Gilis” in Lombok 

The “Secret Gilis” are a cluster of much smaller islands off of Lombok that shares the same white-sand beauty as Gili T, Meno, and Air. Travelers are drawn to the Secret Gilis, called Gili Kedis, Nanggu, Sudak, Tangkong, Layar, and Rengit because they are far less developed and more untouched.

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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THE 10 BEST Gili Islands Tours & Excursions

Tours in gili islands.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Photography Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Snorkeling with turtle and statue in Gilis

2. Private Snorkeling Trip (Depart Gili T),Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno,

3. Half-Day Private Guided Snorkeling With Turtle And Statute

4. 5H Snorkeling & Breakfast Cruise on Utopia Catamaran

5. Lombok Private Customize Tour

6. Snorkeling Gili Islands Coral, Turtles & Underwater Statues

7. Gili Island Snorkeling Trip - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, & Gili Air, From Lombok

8. Nusa Penida & Gili Trawangan 3Days 2Night (Snorkeling)

9. 5H Snorkeling & Sunset Cruise on Utopia Catamaran

10. Gili Trawangan: Shared Gili Islands Snorkeling Tour

11. From Gili Trawangan & Gili Air Snorkeling Trip Sharing & Private

12. Lombok Private Tour Waterfall And Traditional Village Including Beach

13. Private Snorkeling Gili Trawangan Including GoPro Camera

14. Learn to cook authentic Indonesian food at Gili Cooking Classes

15. Day Trip Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air (Depart Lombok)

16. Horse Ride On The Beach Gili Islands

17. Public Snorkeling 3 Islands

18. Sharing Snorkeling Trip Gili islands Depart Lombok/Gili Trawangan

19. Rinjani Trekking Three Days Two Night Summit Lake

20. Sweet and Spicy - Indonesian Cooking Class in Gili Trawangan

21. Benang kelambu waterfall and benang stokel waterfall lombok

22. Kuta Tour (South Of Lombok Beutiful Tour)

23. Trekking Mt. Rinjani 2 Days 1 Night Senaru Crater Rim

24. Sunny Surf School Gili Trawangan

25. Gili Hai 3 Islands BBQ Cruise

26. Surf Lesson Gili Trawangan

27. Snorkeling Tour In Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno And Gili Air Pick Up From Bali

28. Snorkeling Tour In Gili Islands Pick Up From Bali

29. Karang Bayan Rafting Package - Lombok

30. Gili Trawangan,Gili Meno& Gili Air Island:Snorkeling Day Trip Depart from Lombok

What travellers are saying.

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Gili Islands Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Though they are not as tranquil and cheap as they used to be, if you’re looking for a quiet alternative to Bali — with even better beaches and seafood — head to the Gilis. They offer incredible diving, stunning beaches, and plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation. Not a lot happens here so if you’re looking for a chill beach spot away from the chaos of Bali, this is the place for you!

This guide to the Gilis can help you plan your visit, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where To Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Gili Islands

Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Gili Islands

1. Lounge on the beaches

The Gili Islands have postcard-perfect beaches with white sand and clear, warm waters in a brilliant shade of turquoise. It’s really a beach paradise here. Some of the beaches, particularly on Gili T, have sun loungers for use by customers of the bar, restaurant, hotel, or dive shop or you can just rock up with a towel. Grab a book, pour a drink, and sit back and enjoy the view.

2. Go scuba diving

Lionfish, scorpion fish, cuttlefish, octopus, and different types of rays fill the waters around the islands. All three islands have lots of scuba diving training centers and, in my opinion, the diving here is better than Bali (it’s cheaper to learn here too). An Open Water certification costs around 5,900,000 IDR. A single tank dive with Trawangan Dive on Gili T costs 540,000 IDR but discounts are available for three dives or more and group bookings. All divers are required to pay a 100,000 IDR Marine Park fee and a Gili Eco Trust donation of 50,000 IDR.

3. Learn to surf

The southern tip of Gili T has the best surfing in the area, offering good waves all year round. If you want to stay at a surf camp, expect to pay around 5,000,000 IDR for a 6-day camp (this includes lessons, accommodation, breakfast, snorkeling, and other activities). A single surf lesson costs around 300,000 IDR.

4. Visit the sea turtles

Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno have hatcheries that lie right on the island’s big beaches, but you can also go snorkeling to see the turtles in their natural habitat. Take a tour or rent some snorkeling gear and ask your hotel/hostel staff for the best spots to see them. Remember never to touch the turtles you see, stay at least two meters away, and never use flash photography around them. In nesting season, Gili Eco Trust goes out before dawn each morning to mark the nests so they aren’t disturbed. Watch out for their flags and keep clear!

5. Bike the islands

These islands are so small, that it won’t take you long to tour each one by bike (Gili T is the largest and is still only 7 kilometers all the way around). Pack some snacks and beach gear and make an afternoon of it! If you have snorkeling gear you can jump in the sea at any time to see the beautiful island reefs that are just offshore. Bike rentals start at 40,000 IDR per day.

Other Things to See and Do in the Gili Islands

1. go snorkeling.

There are tons of places to snorkel around the islands. You can take a private boat if you are with a large enough group, rent snorkeling gear, or do an organized boat trip. A 4-hour snorkeling tour (with pickup) costs around 300,000 IDR per person. Renting the gear is quite cheap, usually costing just 25,000 IDR. Approach any of the little stalls on the beach as most of them have masks and fins just under the counter.

2. Party on Trawangan

Out of all the islands, Gili Trawangan is the party island (Gili Meno is the quietest). Party nights are regular and are rotated between the bars, which usually stay open until 4am. The famous Full Moon parties are held on the beach on the southern part of Trawangan with a DJ playing until sunrise. If your visit means you miss the full moon, Mad Monkey hostel has a foam party in the pool every Friday.

3. Try some water sports

There are tons of water sports to enjoy on the islands, such as parasailing, water-skiing, and wakeboarding (which all cost between 600,000-900,000 IDR. For something more relaxed, you can rent a paddleboard for 100,000 IDR.

4. Go kayaking

On the northern side of Trawangan, you can rent kayaks or take a guided tour of the island. On your trip, expect to encounter rays, turtles, and other wildlife. Karma Kayaks is a reputable place to rent them from. A guided day trip costs around 300,000 IDR per person. You can also rent clear bottom kayaks at Fly Gili Parasailing on Gili T.

6. Watch the sunset

Watching the sunset in Gili Trawangan is an unmissable experience. To enjoy the Gili T sunset, the most popular spots are to the southwest of Gili Trawangan, around Sunset Paradise Bar or Exile Gili Trawangan. But really you can get a great view anywhere along the west coast from the Mad Monkey hostel down. Many people head to these popular places to watch the sunset so get there early to find a good spot.

7. Eat at the night market

The Gili T night market opens every day at 6pm. Located in front of the main pier, there are stalls selling meat skewers, rice, vegetables, seafood, noodles, tofu, sate, grilled corn on the cob, and more. You can get a huge plate with meat skewers, rice, vegetables, and a dessert for as little as 30,000 IDR.

8. Enjoy live reggae music at Sama Sama

The Sama Sama Reggae Bar offers live reggae music every night. The vibe is relaxed, and dozens of budget travelers head there to chill out, get something to eat, chat with other travelers, and have a beer. (“Sama Sama” means “you’re welcome” in Indonesian.)

9. Attend an Indonesian cooking class

Attending an Indonesian cooking class is a fun way to learn something new during your time on the Gili Islands. The cooking classes teach you how to make classic Indonesian meals like Nasi Goreng (a fried rice dish) and Mie Goreng (a spicy noodle dish). They cost around 300,000-400,000 IDR per class and make for the perfect souvenir.

11. Go fishing

Spending a full day fishing is a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery around the islands while also catching your dinner. The locals teach you how to use worms as bait for luring fish and, if you’re lucky, you will actually catch your dinner. Your guide can show you how to prepare your catch at the end of the trip too. Expect to pay 1,200,000 IDR for two people for a fishing charter.

12. Attend a yoga class

There are daily yoga classes on all three islands (especially Gili Meno). It’s possible to attend a yoga class by yourself with a teacher or with a group class. A one-hour group class costs around 120,000 IDR. For an in-depth yoga experience, book a yoga multi-day retreat. Four-day passes start from 2,500,000 IDR.

12. Go horseback riding

There are several stables on all three islands offering horseback riding. You can opt for anything from a short beach ride to a full round-the-island ride. STUD Horse Riding and Rescue is the oldest on the island and one of the few places with a focus on animal welfare. Prices start at 300,000 IDR for a half-hour ride or 650,000 IDR for a round-the-island tour.

13. Join a beach clean-up

The amount of trash that washes up on the shores of Gili every day isn’t as bad as in Bali but it’s still significant. There are several organizations that run beach clean-ups including some hotels, hostels, and dive operators. Gili Eco Trust runs a one-hour beach clean-up called Debris Free Friday every week at 5pm on Gili T, followed by a free Bintang beer. Check their website or Facebook page for meet-up details.

  For more information on other destinations in Indonesia, check out these guides:

• Bali Travel Guide

The Gili Islands Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm room with 3-6 beds starts at around 65,000 IDR per night, though more commonly they cost 100,000 IDR or more. A private room costs 150,000-300,000 IDR. Most hostels have Wi-Fi, hot water for showers, and AC — but not all do so be sure to check before you book.

Budget hotel prices – For a double room with a private bathroom, AC, Wi-Fi, and free breakfast expect to pay at least 300,000-500,000 IDR per night.

Airbnb is available throughout the islands. Private rooms start at around 400,000 IDR per night while you can expect to pay at least 600,000 IDR for an entire home or apartment, although prices can be as high as 2,000,000 IDR. Book early to find the best deals.

Food – Food in Indonesia is heavily influenced by a number of cultures, most notably Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. Lots of dishes have a rice (nasi) or noodle (mie) base and, in some cases, that’s the whole dish, such as with nasi ayam (chicken rice). Be sure to try the Balinese take on satay (where the meat is minced and wrapped on skewers) and babi guling , a delicious suckling pig that is roasted for hours. Another popular choice is oxtail soup. Be mindful that the food here can be a little spicy.

Most meals cost between 30,000-75,000 IDR. This includes local favorites like nasi goreng (stir-fried rice with chicken, egg, and vegetables) and mie goreng (spicy fried noodle dish with garlic, onion, meat, egg, and vegetables). For the cheapest food, shop at the markets like the night market mentioned above.

Meals at mid-range restaurants cost around 175,000 IDR. A seafood dinner costs around 135,000 IDR.

In mid-range restaurants, you can often find Western food (pasta, pizza, salad, etc.) but it’s usually not great. Avoid it and save your money by eating Indonesian food and fresh caught seafood.

If you eat at any more luxurious hotels or restaurants, keep your eyes open for hidden taxes. They are usually between 5-25% and are not explicitly mentioned before the bill comes.

A beer costs around 45,000 IDR. Expect to pay 17,000 IDR for a bottle of water.

A week’s worth of groceries costs between 500,000-700,000 IDR for things like veggies, fruit, bread, and other staples. Where possible, stick to local food items, as imported foods like wine, cheese, chicken, and beef are super expensive and buying them often ruins your budget.

The Gili Islands Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking the Gili Islands, my suggested budget is 400,000 IDR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating cheap street food, walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like swimming and enjoying the beaches.

On a mid-range budget of 1,500,000 IDR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, eat out all your meals, rent a bicycle, enjoy a few drinks, and do a few paid activities like kayaking or diving.

On a “luxury” budget of about 2,350,000 IDR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, get any food you want, and enjoy all the attractions the islands have to offer, including private tours and diving classes/excursions. This is just the ground floor dor luxury though. The sky’s the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in IDR.

The Gili Islands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Gili Islands are a lot cheaper than other parts of Indonesia. You won’t spend too much simply because there’s not a lot to do (unless you scuba dive which will be expensive). If you’re looking to save money while visiting, here are some tips and tricks that help:

• Rent a bike – Rent a bike for as little as 40,000 IDR per day. It’s is a budget-friendly way to get around.
• Eat at street stalls – There’s a wealth of stalls selling delicious food for around 13,000-21,000 IDR. Eat here instead of the more expensive western restaurants and really get a sense of the local culture.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value in Indonesia. Bargain with sellers as most of the time the price they’ve quoted isn’t the price you pay if you haggle!
• Bring a filtered water bottle – Indonesia has a waste problem, and much of it gets burned. You’ll see (and smell) it during your visit. Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money — and the environment. I like Lifestraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Gili Islands

To help you find a fun and affordable place to stay, here are my recommended hostels in the Gili Islands:

• M Box (Gili Trawangan)
• My Mate’s Place (Gili Trawangan)
• The Rabbit Tree Hostel (Gili Meno)
• Begadang (Gili Air)

How to Get Around the Gili Islands

On foot – The Gili Islands are quite small and you can easily get around by foot. In fact, it only takes about two hours to walk around each island.

Bicycle – Like walking, cycling is an easy way to get around each island. Bike rentals start at 40,000 IDR per day.

Horse carts – There are numerous horse carts ( cidomos ) providing transport around the island. Historically, using them has been controversial as the horses have been treated poorly. These days improvements have been made thanks to educational work done by organizations such as Horses of Gili, Gili Eco Trust, Dental Vet, Animal Aid Abroad, and Jakarta Animal Aid Network — but the situation is still far from ideal.

If you can avoid using them, do so. If you must ride them, limit the load to two people plus baggage, check the condition of the horse before agreeing to the ride, and offer to give the driver fresh water for the horse.

Ferry – To get between islands, the boat leaves Gili Trawangan twice per day, at 9:30am and 4pm. It first stops at Gili Meno, then Gili Air, before heading back to Gili Trawangan. The one-way ride is about 50,000 IDR. It’s also possible to charter a private boat, which costs about 200,000 IDR one-way.

For the ferry back to Bali or Lombok, you need to use your negotiation skills and prices have increased recently. You can expect to pay anything from 300,000-600,000 IDR (one-way). When paying, the seller is going to ask where you want to go: either Lombok, Kuta, Ubud or the Bali airport. If you arrive to the Gili Islands from Bali, it’s possible to pay a return trip. It’s an open return ticket, meaning you can go back to Bali from the Gili Islands when you want to.

All boats returning to Bali have to call through Lombok and many don’t (or can’t) pick up passengers in Gili meaning you have to get a small boat to Bangsal and then transfer on to the bigger boat.

When to Go to the Gili Islands

The peak seasons for visiting the Gili Islands are between July-August and December-January. This is when the Gili Islands experience a huge influx of visitors. Prices can increase significantly during this time and you won’t get to enjoy crowd-free beaches. If you’re visiting during this time, book your accommodation in advance.

For fewer crowds, visit between September-November. It won’t rain much since it’s the shoulder season.

The dry season lasts from May-October, while the monsoon season starts in November and goes until April. During the dry season, temperatures range from 22-34°C (71-93°F). Expect regular rains during the monsoon season, though they are usually short (but heavy). The rainy season is the least-busy time of year as well. The days are still sunny though the nights are a bit cooler.

How to Stay Safe in the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a relatively safe place to visit. You won’t face constant scams or pick-pocketing here. That said, it’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you and make sure your valuables are secure and out of reach at all times.

There are a lot of drugs on the islands, particularly on Gili Trawangan. Keep in mind Indonesia is a very strict country when it comes to selling, possessing, and consuming drugs. I don’t recommend doing them because if you get caught you’re going to end up in jail.

Doing water sports is fun and relaxing, but at times there are strong currents between the islands — especially in the northeast. Don’t underestimate their power. If you’re not a great swimmer, avoid snorkeling alone, check all your gear to make sure it’s in good condition, and ask about the currents before you get in the water.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Specific solo female travel blogs on the islands can give you more specific tips.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Gili Islands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Gili Islands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Indonesia and the Gili Islands travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

A Visitor’s Guide to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Kuta Beach: The Worst Place in Bali

How to Visit Borobudur in Indonesia

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Gili Islands

The famous Gili Islands are a set of three small islands called; Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, located in the northwest of Lombok. All of them have magnificent white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and goldfish. One of the peculiarities of these islands is that there are no cars or motorcycles that disturb the peace , so the atmosphere is very calm and pleasant. The islands have a wide range of beach side cafes, restaurants and bars that serve the best cocktails and a wide variety of dishes from both local and international cuisine.

The Gili Islands offer many activities for tourists who decide to spend their holidays here. You can rent snorkelling equipment, take a diving course , rent a kayak , go fishing or get on a boat to tour the three islands and see turtles, mantas and giant clams.

It could be said that each of the Gili is designed for each type of traveller.

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The most popular Gili Islands Boat tour exploring the Gili Islands Snorkeling with turtles Three accommodation options Fastboat included

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Vibrant Gili Trawangan (5D/4N)

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Swimming With Turtles In Bali: Gili Trawangan, A Snorkelers Paradise

Posted on Last updated: December 2, 2020

Gili Trawangan was the favourite part of my first Bali trip , even if it’s actually in Lombok, another region of  Indonesia .

We spent three days in Gili T (that’s what the cool travellers call it!) cycling around the island, lounging on the beaches and snorkelling with turtles!

If you want to snorkel with turtles while in Bali, you have to add the Gili islands to your itinerary!

Find out more about Gili Trawangan; including how to get there from Bali, the best beaches, and everything you need to know about doing an epic turtle swimming tour in Gili Trawangan!

• 1 How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali
• 2 About Gili Trawangan
• 3 Our experience snorkelling with turtles in Gili Trawangan
• 4 Organising your Gili Islands snorkelling trip
• 5 Where to stay in Gili Trawangan

Enjoying the turquoise water of the Gili T beaches

How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali

The easiest way to get to Gili Trawangan is to get a ferry from Padang Bay . If you purchase your transfer online it will usually also include the pick-up from your hotel in Bali and drop-off at the ferry harbour.

If you want to get to a different Gili island from Bali it’s usually the same ferry. It does first a stop in Gili T and then goes to Gili Meno and Gili Air.

As I was travelling from Bali I don’t have much experience about transport modes from other locations, however there are also ferries available from Lombok.

Book your transfer from Bali to Gili Trawangan here

One of the many turtles we saw while snorkelling in Gili T

About Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the biggest and most visited of the Gili islands. It has a reputation as being the “party island”, whilst Gili Meno is the “honeymoon island” and Gili Air is the “chill island”.

If you’re not sure which island is best for you, check out this article to help you decide which Gili island you should visit .

As I was travelling with my boyfriend at the time we were a bit wary of going to the party island, and would have preferred going to one of the quieter islands.

However we were very tight on time and my ex-boyfriend had issues with sea sicknesses, meaning we wanted to limit the amount of time spent on a ferry. So we decided to visit Gili Trawangan.

Enjoying the sunset from one of the swings in Gili Air – photo by Where Life Is Great

In our experience it didn’t live up to the party island reputation, which we were very glad about. We were staying at Wilson’s Retreat , which is on the North West side of the island, almost opposite compared to where the ferries stop.

This part of the island was very quiet, while still being lively. There are a lot of hotels, bars and restaurants along the beach with a view of the sunset.

It was probably also the time of year at which we were visiting, but we never thought it was too rowdy. This probably because the more party area is concentrated around the harbour where the ferries drop you off.

Most ferries only operate in the morning, since the sea becomes too rough in the afternoon. This is something you might want to bear in mind when planning your trip and travel to and from the Gili islands.

Check out the latest availability & prices at Wilson’s Retreat

The pool at Wilsons Retreat

Gili Trawangan, like all the other Gili islands, is entirely pedestrian. There are no cars or scooters on these islands. The only way to get around the island is either by walking, cycling or horse carriage.

Depending on where your accommodation is it might be worth getting a horse carriage to it. For us even if it wasn’t far we had luggage with us that we didn’t want to have to drag along unpaved roads.

It cost us about the equivalent of £5, and it was worth it. It’s such a picturesque journey, hobbling along the beach and then through a small palm tree forest.

Another popular activity and way to get around the island is horse riding, especially for a beautiful sunset ride.

Getting close to one of the many turtles we swam with in Gili T

Our experience snorkelling with turtles in Gili Trawangan

When we arrived at Wilsons Retreat they told us that it was one of the best snorkelling spots on Gili T, and they gave us snorkelling gear for free. We dismissed it thinking that since they work there, they kind of had to tell us that.

However we were very pleasantly surprised to find that they were right! We took our snorkelling gear and jumped in the sea just outside Wilsons Retreat, swam out maybe 20 metres and not even fifteen minutes later spotted three turtles!

It was a fantastic experience, which combined to the beautiful white beaches bumped Gili Trawangan into my list of top 10 best beaches in the world.

There are many official “turtle spots” around the island, however you will find that you can spot turtles pretty much anywhere, if you have the dedication to spend some time snorkelling and looking for them.

| READ MORE: 30+ MUST-SEE PLACES IN & AROUND BALI  | 

Enjoying the sunset in Gili T, admiring Lombok in the distance

In the three days we stayed in Gili T we spent most of our time jumping in and out of the water, looking for turtles, which we were lucky enough to see almost at every dive.

One thing to bear in mind is that the currents on the West side of the island are quite strong.

The turtles were usually in front of Wilsons Retreat, however we found it easier to walk up the beach, and then jump in the sea further up, where we could then let the current drift us towards the turtle spot.

This makes it considerably easier and more fun than having to swim frantically against the current to keep up with a turtle.

Snorkelling with turtles – Photo by Christopher Erazo on Scopio

Wilsons Retreat  also provided beach shoes, which were really useful for walking out of the sea and along the beach once the tide went down.

This side of the island has a very rocky shore, so beach shoes are a must. The Eastern side of the island instead is all white and sandy.

There are a lot of dive shops and places that organise snorkelling tours on the island, however since we were seeing so many turtles on our own just next to our hotel we decided not to pay for an organised tour.

Breakfast on the beach at Wilsons Retreat

Gili T is the ultimate definition of island vibes. After a long day of snorkelling we rented bicycles from Wilsons Retreat for the equivalent of £3 for the whole day, and went out to explore the island.

As you cycle along you get to enjoy the beautiful views of Lombok in the distance, and other fellow travellers relaxing at beach bars and restaurants.

Everybody is relaxed and the busy traffic and bustling roads of Seminyak are a distant memory. We stopped at a beach restaurant on the west side of the island, where we got to enjoy dinner while watching a beautiful sunset.

Gili T is famous for its beach sunsets, with swings and hammocks dotted along the beach where you can get those famous Instagram worthy shots.

Beautiful sunsets along the beach

Organising your Gili Islands snorkelling trip

If you’re just looking to spot turtles, you can easily do so alone. Just head to the “turtle spot” in Gili Trawangan, just north of Wilson’s Retreat, jump in the sea and you’ll have a good chance of spotting them!

However this is obviously not guaranteed. If you go on a snorkelling tour there are higher chances to spot turtles, as well as other cool marine fauna, since they will take you to multiple spots around the islands.

Some of the snorkelling tours also take you to the nearby islands, so that you can see also Gili Air and Gili Meno, even if only from the water. Here are some tours that have great reviews online:

• Gili Trawangan private day tour
• Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno private snorkelling tour

You can also arrange your snorkelling tours once you arrive, but it will be easier to do so online , that way you have it all confirmed before travelling to Gili Trawangan.

Click here to book your Gili Trawangan snorkelling with turtles experience!

Me snorkelling with turtles

Where to stay in Gili Trawangan

I’ve listed below a couple accommodation options on Gili Trawangan for every budget.

Budget: La Favela – This hostel is in the heart of all the action on the east coast of Gili T. It has spacious dorms, a pool, and a fun sociable atmosphere.

Click here to book your stay at La Favela!

Mid-range: Wilson’s Retreat – I’ve already mentioned that we stayed at Wilson’s Retreat and loved it. Besides being close to the turtle spot they also have a lovely pool and restaurant on the beach

Check out the latest availability and prices at Wilson’s Retreat

Luxury: Ombak Sunset – If you want to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. Located right on the beach this beautiful resort has a huge pool and prime sunset views.

Click here to book your stay at Ombak Sunset!

The beach just outside Wilsons Retreat

I highly recommend visiting Gili Trawangan on your next trip to Bali.

We spent a fantastic three days there, and if I were to go back to Bali I would spend more time exploring also the other Gili islands and less in Seminyak or Ubud  (even if Ubud has some pretty spectacular terraced rice fields ).

If like me you love chill island vibes, snorkelling with turtles, and stunning beach sunsets, you’ll love Gili T! Don’t forget to check out the video to see the amazing footage of us swimming with turtles!

Looking for more Bali and Indonesia travel advice? Check out these guides:

• Borobudur and Prambanan temples day tour
• The best surfing beaches in Bali
• The 33 most photogenic places in Bali
• The 15 most Instagrammable hotels in Bali
• Best private pool villas in Bali (for every budget)
• Kawah Ijen night hike

Enjoyed reading about swimming with turtles in Gili Trawangan? Pin it!

Thursday 2nd of May 2019

Did you use red filter for your camera in underwater?

Wednesday 29th of May 2019

Yes. The turtle photos in this post are taken with a red filter. You need one for underwater shots in tropical waters :)

Sunday 13th of January 2019

Can't wait to go snorkeling with turtles again. Thanks for the info

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

Monday 20th of August 2018

Thank you so much for this post. I’m visiting Gili T for the first time in October and I can’t wait. Is it easy enough to cycle around the island and not get lost? My sense of direction is ok haha..and I love the idea, just concerned I might not make it back!

Tuesday 21st of August 2018

No problem, glad you could find it useful! I think you'll find it easy enough, as long as you always stick to cycling along the beach you'll eventually get back to where you started haha! There's no cars or other way to get around the island other than cycling or to get a horse carriage so I'd definitely try it, it's quite the experience!

Essentials of What to do in Gili T • My Feet Will Lead Me

Sunday 1st of July 2018

[…] Discover Swimming With Turtles in Gili Trawangan!  […]

Bali: The Tourist Spots To Avoid & Untouched Areas To Discover

Sunday 3rd of June 2018

[…] islands much more than Bali itself; when I went hiking an active volcano in East Java and swimming with turtles in Gili Trawangan. If you’re looking for more Indonesia inspiration beyond Bali check out this guide of the […]

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DETAILED Guide on Gili Trawangan Snorkeling Tour! See Turtles & Underwater Statues

Categories Asia , Indonesia

If there’s one thing that Gili Trawangan is known for, aside from its nightlife, is its the Gili Trawangan snorkeling in its crystal clear waters with the very high possibility that you’ll see a turtle, or 3!

Most people will go on a Gili Trawangan snorkeling tour which is a good way to see some of the best snorkel spots on Gili Trawangan and is one of the best things to do in Gili T ! However, you can also snorkel from the beach in Gili T and in my opinion, this is  best place to snorkel Gili Trawangan  to see the turtles in Gili Trawangan ! So here’s my guide to the  best Snorkeling on the Gili Islands!

Snorkeling Gili Trawangan

• Related Gili T Posts:
• 30 THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN!
• Where to stay on Gili Trawangan for all budgets!
• How to find the best Swings on Gili T!
• How to Spend 3 Days in Gili Trawangan itinerary!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Gili Trawangan Snorkelling from Beach

One of the best things about snorkeling in Gili Trawangan is that you can snorkel from the beach in Gili T which means you don’t need to commit to a snorkelling tour and you can enjoy having the ocean to yourself and decide the time that you want to go!

There are a few places on Gili T where you can go snorkelling from the beach, essentially, the thing to keep in mind is that the  best place to snorkel on Gili Trawangan is on the East and North side of the island . Not in the West on the sunset side of the island.

PLANNING YOUR GILI ISLANDS TRIP

I lived on Gili Trawangan island for 6 months so I know it well! Here are my top posts to help you plan your trip:

• 30 TOP Things to do on Gili Trawangan !
• 3 Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary !
• 2 Week Gili Islands, Bali and Lombok itinerary !
• How to get around Gili T, Gili Air and Gili Meno by Boat ! Where to stay in Gili Trawangan – Best Hotels, Hostels & Villas !

Turtle Point Gili Trawangan

Turtle Point on Gili T is where I recommend you go because this is the  best place to snorkel in Gili Trawangan.

You’ll find Turtle Point on the North-East part of the island along the main beach road. 

Some of the hotels and restaurants on the beach have signs for Turtle Point because they want you to sit there but you’re best off going right to the top where the beach restaurants disappear and there are just some shacks to rent snorkel equipment from,  get a drink from and some sunbeds. 

Related Post: 30 THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN!

The snorkel hire price in Gili Trawangan is 50,000 IDR for a mask and flippers and you can hire this from any of the guys on the beach. Buy a drink from them, get a sunbed and get in the water! From my experience in Gili T and knowing the locals, your stuff will be safe on the beach and on a sunbed but of course, always be careful with what you leave.

The coral just off of the shore is really amazing and you’ll see lots of fish and you may even see Turtles in here too If you keep swimming a bit further you’ll come to the ‘drop off’ where it gets really deep, if you hang around here for a bit you’re also likely to see the Gili Trawangan Turtles!

The tide is always changing on Gili T, so for the  best time to see turtles Gili T I would recommend checking with the guys on the beach as they know when and where you’re most likely to see turtles in Gili T!

Related Post: Where to stay on Gili Trawangan – The BEST Hotels, Hostels & Villa’s for all budgets!

Gili Snorkeling Tour

If you want to go on a snorkelling tour of Gili Trawangan there are endless possibilities. You can join a group tour or hire a private boat if you are already in a group and these are sold by pretty much everyone on the island!

Generally, the snorkelling tours from Gili T will stop at the underwater statues of Gili Meno (more on those below), Gili Meno and Gili Air .

You are pretty much guaranteed to see turtles on a Gili T snorkel tour and another positive to going on a tour like this is that the Gili Air snorkelling is really good too! This way you can go snorkelling from all 3 Gili Islands and decide for yourself what the best Gili Island for snorkelling is.

In terms of the snorkelling Gili Trawangan price, you’ll be looking at 100,000 IDR per person to join a group .

If you’re staying in a hostel in Gili Trawangan, especially one of the party hostels like  Gili Castle , they will organise their own snorkel tours so to get a good group and a good snorkelling Gili Trawangan price, I’d recommend booking with them!

People often ask how to go on an early morning snorkeling tour in Gili Trawangan because it’s true that the scheduled boat tours tend to visit the same places at the same time and the water gets busy. This is when a private tour is best because you can leave at any time you want and this way you’re likely to get the water and the underwater statues to yourself!

Gili Island Underwater Statues

There are some very iconic and cool underwater statues in Gili Trawangan!

There is the round statue which is most popular and iconic, however, this underwater statue in the Gili islands is closest to Gili Meno, not Gili Trawangan,  it’s also known as the Nest Sculpture and the BASK Statue.

If you do a Gili Trawangan snorkelling tour , you will stop off at this statue, however, another way to see it is to do a day trip to Gili Meno yourself and visit it early in the morning as later on all of the boats go there and if you’re on a tour you’ll be with lots of other boats and people too. Or take a private boat over early in the morning.

To find the underwater sculptures of Gili Meno , head to BASK which is a hotel still being developed on the west side of Gili Meno. It has a huge BASK sign on the beach so you can’t miss it!

Related Post: How to do a day trip from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno!

For Gili T snorkelling statues that are off the coast of Gili Trawangan, head to Restaurant Ombak  connected to Villa Ombak , in the South-East part of Gili T and play on the Gili T underwater bikes!  They have some sunken motorbikes including Vespa scooters which are a lot of fun and make for a great Instagram photo.

To find them, firstly, make sure the water is crystal clear, sometimes it is cloudy in this end of the island and if this is the case, you won’t be able to see them!

Start your swim from the pier that is on Ombak Villa Beach and look for the floating crates you can see in the photo below, they are under here!

The Gili T swings also make for great Instagram photos, Here’s where to find the best swings in Gili T !

Gili Eco Snorkel Tour

If you want to go on a snorkel tour in Gili T with a difference and to give back, head out on an Eco Snorkel Tour with Gili Eco Trust who is an NGO based on Gili Trawangan. They started off to help the marine conservation but now deal with waste management and sustainable eco-tourism on the Gili islands!

GETTING FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS

There is only one way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands and that’s my fast boat from Padang Bay.

You can wait until you arrive to book your boat or be organised and book it in advance here. Booking in advance is especially good during the summer and Christmas months!

BUY HERE: From Bali: 1-Way Boat Transfer to Gili Trawangan/Gili Air/Lombok

BUY HERE: From all Gili Islands: 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali

Their Eco Snorkel Tour of Gili T includes getting in the water to  explore their artificial reef restoration and how they are rebuilding Gili’s damaged reefs . The minimum donation price of this snorkel tour is 50,000 IDR which is the same amount the snorkel hire price on Gili T so price-wise, it’s worth it and you’ll learn a lot too!

There are dive sites in Gili Trawangan called Manta Point and Shark Point but if you are just going  snorkeling on Gili T , it’s unlikely that you will see Manta Rays and Sharks in Gili Trawangan as you need to go as far as 20m deep so you will need to go diving in Gili Trawangan for that!

• For more posts to help you see the best of Gili T see:
• Where to stay on Gili Trawangan – The BEST Hotels, Hostels & Villa’s for all budgets!
• How to find the BEST swings on Gili T!
• How to get around the Gili Islands – Gili T, Gili Air & Gili Meno by boat!
• How are the horses that work on Gili T treated NOW?

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Gili Island Holiday Packages : rated 4.4 /5 (based on 8262 reviews) | Packages starting from ₹22,000/-

Gili Island Holiday Packages

Gili Trawangan is the most popular amongst the three islands and is home to the best resorts along with myriad other accommodation options to suit all kinds of travelers. Its friendly vibes, thriving party culture, cool restaurants & bars, and superb scuba diving sites make Gili-T a favorite amongst tourists. Those seeking a remote island experience and a tranquil, romantic setting would love Gili Meno that’s the smallest island and home to pristine white sand beaches bordered by calm turquoise waters. Gili Air offers a perfect blend of the buzzing atmosphere of Gili T and the quiet escape that Gili Meno offers. With its monthly full moon party, wide range of resorts and restaurants, breathtaking sunsets and superb snorkelling opportunities, Gili Air wraps up the very best of an island getaway. Get ready to embark on a mesmerizing Gili island tour with TravelTriangle as we take you to the land of unlimited marine treasures and gorgeous sunsets over a sparkling ocean.

Places To Visit

1. gili trawangan viewpoint.

Located in the heart of Gili Trawangan, this hilltop viewpoint offers sweeping views of the beaches, ocean, nearby islands and surrounding green vistas. It is also one of the best places to view a gorgeous sunset.

2. Nest Sculpture

Standing perfectly still in the shallow waters off Gili Meno is this remarkable structure titled the ‘Nest’ created by renowned environmentalist and sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, to encourage the growth of coral reefs.

3. Gili Ocean Swings

Speckled around the shores of all three islands are these lovely ocean swings that allow you to sway in the refreshing breeze with splendid views and get some ‘Instagram worthy shots!

4. Gili Meno Salt Lake

This small saltwater lake in the center of Gili Meno is a lovely spot surrounded by thick jungles and populated by numerous migratory birds and wildlife like monitor lizards. You can spend some tranquil moments and watch a beautiful sunset here.

5. Trawangan Night Market

This vibrant night market in Gili Trawangan is a great place to savor local flavors and enjoy the infectious buzz. Foodies can relish the fresh seafood dishes, sumptuous street food and delicious desserts like cerorot and lupis.

How To Reach

There is no direct flight connection between India and Gili islands so one needs to take a flight to Bali or Lombok, and then a connecting ferry/flight to Gili islands. From Bali, ferries and fast boats ply to Gili islands from various points like Benoa Harbour, Sanur, Amed, etc. A range of operators and services allow you to reach the islands in anywhere between an hour to 2.5 hours depending on the connection. Similar services are available from Lombok - fast boats from Teluk Nare/Teluk Kade and public boats from Bangsal harbor.

Best Time To Visit

Gili island trips can be planned all year round since the islands experience hot, dry weather during the day and cool evenings most times of the year. The rainy season between November to April can be avoided even though the rains are quite unpredictable and there can be dry spells. September-October and May are the best time slots to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lovely island weather.

Dry Season (May-October)

This is considered a good time to plan your Gili island tour as the weather supports swimming and other outdoor activities. June-August experiences heavy crowds due to the summer holiday rush, hence May and Sept-Oct are recommended.

Rainy Season (November-April)

Though there are dry spells even during the rainy season, you might not be able to swim, snorkel or cycle around the islands during this time. It is a good time to avoid the crowds and get great deals though.

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Tranquilizing Bali 6 Days Honeymoon Package

Star Hotels Included

₹ 22,000/- ₹ 28,274/- Per Person on twin sharing

• 4 Star Hotel, Airport transfers and English Speaking Guide
• Bali Tour Deals

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• Gili Island (1D)

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Charming Bali Family Package

₹ 42,999/- ₹ 48,862/-.

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• Unlimited Fun
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Best Indonesia Tour Package From India For A Memorable Experience

₹ 65,999/- ₹ 72,526/-.

• Mount Batur
• Botanical Garden
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Adventures in Bali with your loved ones.

₹ 69,999/- ₹ 76,086/-.

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Bali: The Perfect Romantic Escape

₹ 35,000/- ₹ 38,043/-.

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Property Types in Gili Island

Faqs for gili island, how long does it take to reach the gili islands from bali.

Depending on the kind of boat, it takes 1-2.5 hours from Bali.

Which Gili island is known for its partying?

Gili Trawangan is famous for its vibrant parties.

Which currency is used in the Gili islands?

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is used in the Gili islands.

What are the best souvenirs to bring from the Gili islands?

Handmade leather shoes & bags, silver jewelry, and organic spa products are the best souvenirs to bring back from your Gili island tour.

Is vegetarian food easily available at the Gili islands?

It is easily available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, though less common in Gili Meno

Which Gili island has the best snorkeling?

The Gili Meno has the best snorkeling sites owing to its unspoiled corals.

Which Gili island has a famous swing?

Gili Trawangan has the famous Datu ocean swing and many more.

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Things To Do

1. scuba diving.

The mesmerizing underwater marine life around the Gili islands makes them a popular spot for scuba diving. With professional diving schools and popular diving sites like Shark Point and Deep Turbo, these stunning islands are perfect for both beginners and diving experts.

2. Snorkeling

With crystal clear waters and coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and other sea creatures, Gili islands are a heaven for snorkeling. You can rent snorkeling gear or take a tour to witness turtles and many-hued fishes.

3. Boat Tour

This is a great way to explore all three islands on a professional tour. You can also indulge in a glass-bottom boat tour of the ocean around the islands to view colorful marine life.

Getting immersed in the world of spices and cooking techniques is a great way to unwind and pick up a new skill. You can learn the special tips and nuances of Indonesian cooking at professional cooking schools.

5. Bike Riding

The islands are ideal for a refreshing cycling trip as no cars and motorbikes are allowed. You can easily rent a bike and tour around any of the islands while stopping by at cafes or beaches en route.

Travel Tips

• Look up boat connections and operators in advance as you shortlist Gili island packages.
• The remote Gili Meno has fewer vegetarian food options as compared to the other two islands.
• Check the condition of snorkeling gear and bikes before renting them from locals.
• Gili has some of the best and cheapest diving schools with standardized rates so there is no need for bargain hunting.
• Carry your swimming gear, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and other essentials for a beach holiday.

Whether you are a seeker of solitude and nature or simply a beach bum and party animal, these small pockets of heaven are just perfect for a rejuvenating escape from the humdrum of routine. Each of the Gili islands has its own unique character and holds the promise of a memorable vacation so it’s time to head out for a fulfilling Gili island tour with us, and come back with armloads of memories and that perfect suntan!

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Book your snorkeling tour in gili islands easily and quickly with us We are the first and most trusted online service for the region.

Explore The Natural Beauty of Gili Trawangan Gili Meno Gili Air island

Gilisnorkeling.com as being a quick and easy place to book your snorkeling tour in gili islands We are the first and most trusted online service for the region. We provide the best experience for your vacation in gili islands with a partner or with family. Our team will invite you to see the natural beauty of the Gili Islands and enjoy swimming with turtles and taking underwater photos.

We are a unique online booking system where you can check live tour availability, make immediate confirmed bookings, and receive e-tickets straight away for your activities.

We work with a very professional team, and we provide work operational standards that we always prioritize. Booked through us for the fastest, safest and best priced services in Gili Islands. Don't miss your memorable experience in gili trawangan And joining with us!

Our Packages

Premium Small Group with Gili Trawangan Meeting Point

Choose this option for a shared-group experience with a maximum of 6 people with a Go Pro camera and mineral water included. Meeting Point : Front Manta dive resort - Gili trawangan. Your guide will be waiting nearby the road front manta dive resort. Tour Duration 4.5 Hours .

Private 2 Hours with Meeting Point in Gili Trawangan

Enjoy this tour with your own private boat, guide, and GoPro camera and mineral water included. Meeting point : Front Manta dive resort- Gili trawangan Your guide will be waiting nearby the road front manta dive resort. Tour duration : 2.5 Hours

Rp 1,100,000

Private Snorkeling Tour with Meeting Point in Gili Trawangan

Enjoy this tour with your own private boat, guide, and GoPro camera and mineral water included. Meeting point : Front Manta dive resort- Gili trawangan  Your guide will be waiting nearby the road front manta dive resort. Tour duration : 4.5 Hours

Rp 1,300,000

Private Snorkeling Tour with Meeting Point in Gili Air

Enjoy this tour with your own private boat, guide, and GoPro camera and mineral water included. Meeting point : Our crew will pickup at your hotel in Gili air. Tour Duration : 4,5 hours .

Rp 1,400,000

Private Tour with Pickup and Drop Off in Senggigi

This option is includes hotel pickup & drop. Snorkeling in Gili Air, Gili Meno, And with Go pro camera and mineral water included. T our duration : 7 - 8 Hours and meeting point : Our crew will pickup at your hotel in Senggigi, Kerandangan and  Mangsit. Note: If pickup from Mataram, Kuta Mandalika and Selong belanak Additional fees will apply

Rp 2,500,000

[Coming Soon] - Lombok Airport Transfer to Gili Islands

This option service include airport transfer, private car and speedboat to Gili Islands

[Coming Soon] - Lombok Airport Transfer to Kuta Beach

[Coming Soon] ....This option service include airport transfer, private car Kuta Beach or Selong Belanak

[Coming Soon] - Private Tour Discover Diving in Gili Islands

[Coming Soon] ....Discover your dive experiences in Gili Islands with clear waters, Hawk bill sea turtles and beatiful coral

About this activity

This tour is exclusive private. All snorkeling gear are included, private snorkeling tour will do for 2.5 - 7 hours. Hotel pick-up & drop-off from lombok can be arrange with extra cost. Guest can start from Gili Air,Gili Meno And lombok harbour. Snack, drink and lunch are not included on the price . Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Live tour guide (English / Indonesian language)

• GoPro Camera
• Private Boat
• Profesional Guides
• Snorkeling Gear
• Safety Jacket
• Mineral Water
• Cloth of change
• Sun glasses,hat, Sun screen
• Extra cash to buy lunch
• IDR cash to purchase refreshment

Guest Requirements

Guests ages 7 and up can attend, up to 10 guests total. The activity level for this experience is light. The skill level for this experience is beginner. Follow the tour guide's instructions

Snorkeling for non swimmers

Some non-swimmers might prefer to go on a snorkeling boat trip. Not only does this ensure that you are taken to a great spot, but you can also count on experienced instructors who will be able to provide qualified personal guidance.

Turtle Guidelines

Do not touch the turtle. Resist the temptation to touch or pet turtles and never ever ride them. Harassing turtles is illegal in many areas. Do not chase the turtle, This can cause severe stress to the animal and never disturb resting turtles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which gili is best for snorkelling.

The best Gili Island for snorkeling is Gili Meno. While Gili Trawangan is unquestionably the most popular, Gili Meno has great snorkeling access and is home to the popular Gili Island Wreck (Meno Bounty) and probably the most photographed spot in Indonesia– the underwater statues.

Is Gili Air good for snorkeling?

Gili Air is well-known for its super clear turquoise water to snorkel and dive in. The entire northern part of the island is home to sea turtles. So the chance to spot a turtle is high.

Can we swim from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno?

Can we swim to the other Gilis? While it is perfectly safe to swim and snorkel around the Gilis you should never try to swim to the next island, it is much further than it looks and the currents in the middle of the channel can be very strong even for the best of swimmers.

Can we touch turtles when we do snorkeling?

Sea turtles are among the most incredible and charming creatures populating our oceans. They have existed for over 150 million years, which is long enough to have seen the rise and demise of dinosaurs. So, it doesn't come as a surprise that swimming with these ancient reptiles is one of the most sought after and treasured experiences for many divers and snorkelers around the world. That being said, it is important to remember, that we are guests in the ocean and should treat all marine life with respect. Check our guidelines here

We can’t swimming. Can we do snorkeling?

Snorkeling is a fun and rewarding activity that, unlike many other watersports, benefits from its simplicity. There’s no need to haul a bag full of heavy equipment or go through a certification course to watch and appreciate the beauty of the underwater world. All that’s necessary to start snorkeling is some basic skills and a small set of well-fitting gear, which makes it easily accessible to pretty much anyone. But what about non-swimmers, can they snorkel? We’ll address this frequently asked question and give you some tips on how to make your snorkeling experience enjoyable and comfortable.Check our guidelines here

Can we see turtles in Gili Trawangan?

There are multiple spots to snorkel or swim with sea turtles on Gili Trawangan. A good place (and our personal favorite) is Turtle Point on the east side of the island.

We provide the best experience for your vacation in gili islands with a partner or with family. Our team will invite you to see the natural beauty of the Gili Islands and enjoy swimming with turtles and taking underwater photos.

You're not the only ones excited happy about Gili Snorkeling.com

We work with a very professional team, and we provide work operational standards that we always prioritize.

What a nice experience ! We get to see so many turtles, it was wonderful. Thank you so much to Surki and his colleagues for the beautiful pictures and videos.

Adeline Guest

Greatest experience ever. Beautiful ocean & turtle, etc I wanna go back and do it again. Kind & nice people, comfort atmosphere, everything is perfect. Thank you guys!

Totally recommend the tour! We visited 3 beautiful spots and were able to see many turtles 🐢. The tour guides were super friendly and took amazing pictures!

Grace Natasha Guest

It was an amazing experience. We did it for the first time and it’s just gets better and better every time we went inside the water. It was a beautiful experience. Everyone should do it. The guide helped us a lot as we’re non swimmer. Thank you so much for everything.

ArbAz Guest

It was a superb private snorkeling tour for us.. Hans was our companion.. He showed some superb marine lives and depths to us.. both of us are just beginners in swimming.. but he took care of us and have clicked some incredible pics and videos.. the activity is just as described.. choose private tour if this is your first snorkeling experience.

Sarath Guest

Der Ausflug war super, wir war eine kleine Gruppe Unser Leiter hat richtig schöne Fotos gemacht und versucht alles zu zeigen :) Hätte es mir bunter vorgestellt aber sonst richtig schön, auch die ganzen Schildkröten waren so süß

Laura Guest

Totally recommend this experience. We book this just for 2 people so we had the boat for ourselves. The crew was very thoughtful and dedicated to make us having a good time. They took us to the best spots at the best time with no crowds and even took us to have lunch at the place that we wanted. At the end of the experience the connect the sd card from the gopro directly to your phone so you have every video and photo in best quality.

It was my first snorkeling experience and I panicked at first that I had to breathe only with my mouth, but whenever I did, our staff rescued me from drowning😂 They helped me see beautiful photo spots and turtles all the time, and the GoPro video is also great. I want to snorkel with them next time.

Soyeon Guest

Wow what a great day out with the team! We enjoyed a private tour for 2 and the team was very attentive and helpful. We were picked up on time and also allowed a little extra time on Gili T for lunch. A huge bonus is the great underwater videos and photos the team provide after the trip! So many lovely memories! We loved it so much we have already recommended to friends we met in our hotel!

Melissa Guest

La experiencia ha sido muy buena, hemos ido a las estatuas de gili meno, al turtle point y a ver un barco que hay en el fondo del mar. No le pongo 5 estrellas porque el equipo de buceo era bastante malo.

María Guest

Take a Tour of Colm Tóibín’s Ireland

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Don’t let the title of Oprah’s 105th Book Club pick fool you; most of Long Island takes place not in New York but in Enniscorthy, Ireland. After 20 years in America and a shocking betrayal, Irish immigrant Eilis Lacey returns to her hometown, where she is confronted with the ghosts of a life she could have lived had she never left—and might have if she chooses to stay.

These questions of homecoming and immigration—and the details of the town itself—are intimately familiar to the book’s author, Colm Tóibín, who himself left Enniscorthy to come to America. “My four grandparents were born in the town,” he tells Oprah Daily . “There was a feeling that you knew everybody.”

Tóibín captures this feeling viscerally in the novel, where community gossip, chance encounters, and familial histories all play enormous roles. While the book’s central plot is fiction, many of its key locations—from the brambly footpaths to the local pubs—are entirely real. The following photos offer a tour of Colm Tóibín’s Ireland: a place of timeless beauty, rich history, and deeply enmeshed community.

Much of the drama of Long Island takes place in the local bar in Enniscorthy that Jim Farrell—a character who finds himself at the hub of a love triangle with Eilis Lacey in both Long Island and its prequel, Brooklyn —owns and lives above. In a small town like Enniscorthy, the bar functions as the treasurer of the community’s secrets. “As soon as he was old enough to stand behind a bar and serve a customer,” Jim remembers his father warning him that “if he ever felt the urge to tell anybody anything, he was to stop and say nothing. No one appreciated a barman who talked too much.” In his pub, his father added, he would learn much more than he needed to know, and his job was to keep it to himself.

The author may have gleaned this insight from his own experience working as a barman in the summer of 1972. Tóibín was 17 at the time and, by his own admission, “the worst barman who ever lived.” His issues were not with keeping his customers’ secrets, however, but an even more foundational responsibility of the job: serving drinks. “My pints of Guinness were unholy,” he confesses. Even the vodkas he poured “had something wrong with them.”

Although Jim’s bar in Long Island is fictional, all the other pubs mentioned in the novel are real, including the one pictured. “Stamps is one of the main pubs in town” Tóibín says, and one that Eilis’s 16-year-old son, Larry, takes an immediate liking to when he visits from Long Island. “They don’t ask my age or anything,” Larry tells his grandmother. “And I can go on to another pub if anyone asks me too many questions. But most people are nice. They all want to know where I’m from.”

The region of Ireland where Long Island is set has “soaked up energy from its many invaders,” wrote the author in an essay for the Financial Times.

In the heart of Enniscorthy is a castle originally built by Norman invaders in the 13th century. Just like the wider region, the castle has fallen under numerous occupations. When the British statesman Sir Henry Wallop took over the castle, he wrote to the queen’s spymaster, “There is no way to daunt these people but by the edge of the sword.” In a piece he wrote for the Financial Times, Tóibín recalls “the dark laughter in the early ’60s when my father and a local priest, undaunted, bought the castle and made it into a museum—still open to the public—with, in the early years, many exhibits glorifying the struggle for Irish independence.” The castle still has a plaque, photographed above, in memory of Tóibín’s father, which recognizes him as the museum’s secretary and cofounder.

Tóibín’s father and the priest raised money to buy and restore the castle by hosting local dances, not unlike the ones Jim frequents in Long Island , in hopes of finding someone to fill Eilis’s place in his heart after her abrupt departure back to America.

Enniscorthy is located just inland from the Wexford Coast, in the southeast of Ireland. When Eilis returns to Ireland, she and Jim walk along the water, and ahead, there are “miles and miles of empty beach,” with “no sign of anyone” behind them. This is a far cry from the coastline she had grown accustomed to in New York, where “every inch of the beach” was taken up by sunbathers such that she and her husband, Tony, “had to step around people and then work out a way to circumnavigate the next group.”

This charming, verdant pathway to the Irish Sea is typical of the Wexford Coast, where, as Toíbín writes in his essay collection, A Guest at the Feast, “ all the old houses” are “built in dips in the land to protect them from the wind and the rain. The locals do not care about sea views.” Looking back on his childhood, the author recalls how all along the coast there was “an elaborate network of lanes, rutted, with thick bushes and briars on the ditches, and all of them led somewhere, to remote holdings, whitewashed houses with red galvanized roofs, and a sheepdog barking as you approached.” If this photo, taken in 2023, is any evidence, things haven’t changed all that much.

From the peak of Tara Hill in Wexford County, one can see the whole of the region where the novel is set. Many of the characters in Long Island frequently travel from Enniscorthy to the nearby (slightly larger) Wexford town for dances or errands, as Tóibín did growing up. “For me, even still, Wexford town is a most exotic place. It had a Woolworth’s and a bookshop and a long main street,” he writes in A Guest at the Feast .

The road between the two towns, which the author can be seen walking in the photo above, remains one of the “most moving and resonant” settings in the world to Tóibín. “All of us have a landscape of the soul, places whose contours and resonances are etched into us and haunt us,” he writes. “If we ever became ghosts, these are the places to which we would return.”

Long Island, by Colm Tóibín

Charley Burlock is the Associate Books Editor at Oprah Daily where she writes, edits, and assigns stories on all things literary. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from NYU, where she also taught undergraduate creative writing. Her work has been featured in the Atlanti c , the Los Angeles Review , Agni , the Apple News Today podcast, and elsewhere. She is currently working on a book about collective grief (but she promises she's really fun at parties). 

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