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Top things to do in Gili Trawangan

Attractions, tours and activities in Gili Trawangan

About Gili Trawangan

Including tips for the best time to visit Gili Trawangan

Bali is still the most popular destination in Indonesia, but Gili Trawangan, off the coast of Lombok, is right there behind it. A haven for backpackers, the tropical island paradise is home to some of the best dive sites in the world in addition to a well-developed tourism sector that's brought in hip bungalow retreats, yoga centres and top-notch food and drink options.

Gili Trawangan is a major destination for divers and snorkellers. Scores of local dive schools and shops are ready to get divers of all skill levels face-to-face with the tropical fish, sea turtles and manta rays that hang around offshore reefs. Gili is especially known for its large sea turtle population, and at the local hatchery, you can learn about the island's conservation efforts and watch hatchlings get released into the wild.

Gili Trawangan is no stranger to crowds. 'Gili T', as it's affectionately known, is famous for its party scene – thanks in part to a bustling main street lined with all manner of foodie hangouts, cocktail bars and musical entertainment. While you're here, be sure to set aside a night or two to visit the Trawangan Night Market, where you can sample the local cuisine.

Gili Trawangan is just one of the three Gili Islands, and isle-hopping is a great way to experience all of them. Wildlife-rich Gili Meno is refreshingly serene, while Gili Air's white-sand beaches and buzzy restaurants offer a nice balance between Trawangan and Meno.

Tonight

From £14 per night

Next weekend

From £32 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency Rp 1,000,000 = £49.09
Language Indonesian
Average weekend price £44 per night
Average weekday price £45 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Gili Trawangan reviews

What other travellers say about Gili Trawangan

10

Came to Gili T 7 years ago, was going to stay for a few days...

22 May 2024

Came to Gili T 7 years ago, was going to stay for a few days but decided to stay for a full week. Came back again this year and it has changed a lot, but the vibe is the same and the local people here are still as amazing. Ended up spending almost my whole trip here, so 2,5 weeks. Get to know the locals, try the local food, go diving/snorkeling and enjoy the life here. There is something for everyone.

Anja
Anja Norway
10

i mean me and my friend could have stayed here for months!

16 April 2024

i mean me and my friend could have stayed here for months! people are so lovely, beaches are insane, did a day snorkelling trip to the statues and gilli meno and swam with turtles and went to a turtle sanctuary! PLEASE NOT USE THE HORSES FOR TRANSPORT!!! The horses looked so undernourished and i understand it can feel far to walk but please do! So many places to hire bikes from so if dont want to walk can always cycle :) we walked everywhere and it was the best in out opinion cause you could really take everything in! Great selection of restaurants! They were all lovely, not very culural I know but amazing mexican, indian (i cant remember the name but omg it was on the front strip and had beautiful lanterns and the food was incredible!!)) and lots of pizza places! obviously loads of amazing local food aswell which we enjoyed! Nightlife was very good also!! fun clubs and bars and the staff are so interactive and friendly Obviously a bit more expensive than the rest of bali but nothing extreme in comparison to england!! couldn’t recommend more

ellen
ellen United Kingdom
10

Cute island with all you need.

4 April 2024

Cute island with all you need. 50 minutes by bike around the island. During daytime super relaxing with many offers for a massage, scuba diving, trip to lombok, nice walks and lovely beaches. The east side has many bars and restaurants and during the evening you can party here or relax in the sand to live music whilst the south and west side is more calm. Lovely island. We stayed one week and that was perfect. Some roads in the middle or not optimal for bikes and espacially at night

Angelique
Angelique Germany
10

Loveliest place to spend some time.

12 March 2024

Loveliest place to spend some time. Real Island life experience, far from city hustle, relaxed atmosphere with bicycles instead of cars, fresh ocean breeze, great food and cool people around. Many places to eat along all the main road, and many spots to enjoy a fantastic views,and get some great pictures.

Elena
Elena United Arab Emirates
10

On this island, it is best to stay cheaply in the middle of...

2 March 2024

On this island, it is best to stay cheaply in the middle of the island in affordable accommodation. Rent a bike and cycle around the island. Along the way, you can stop anywhere, enjoy any beach or sunbeds of any resort. They will gladly serve you drinks or food anywhere. Some beaches are nicer, some less so, somewhere in the sea you will meet a turtle. All you have to do is look where there are more snorkels, then everyone is watching the turtle there. Or notice where the boats that take tourists for diving go, there are coral reefs and lots of fish. The natives know.

Jiří
Jiří Czech Republic
4.0

Probably more suitable for younger party types.

27 February 2024

Probably more suitable for younger party types. Bars and restaurants way overpriced. $5 gets you a bicycle for 24 hours the only way to get around other than walking. Water at the beach I went to was very nice warm and comfortable and clear, very little rubbish noted which is a blessing for our environment.

stephan9894
stephan9894 Australia

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