Things to do on Gili Trawangan - not just a party island!

On our last trip to Indonesia about 15 years ago we went to Gili Air and Gili Meno but didn’t stop in at Gili Trawangan. We figured this time around we would do them all. I’m glad we did!

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Gili Trawangan Party…is there anything else to do?

Gili Trawangan has the reputation of ‘the party island’ and yes it’s definitely true, there’s a party here….if you want it.

We chose the chill life and it was perfect! Gili T has just enough infrastructure to have the comforts you need while travelling without feeling too touristic. There’s still a rustic charm in the street stalls, shacks selling souvenirs, buckles instead of scooters (apart from a few electric scooters), motors are banned here- it’s a horse and cart, bike or walk!

The (sometimes) paved streets turn into sandy paths when you head to the north of the island. Yes construction is happening and bigger resorts are coming but for now it’s a nice mix of old and new.

Best hotels in Gili Trawangan

We stayed in the port area, in a quiet street. Our room was midrange, with thatched walls and ceiling, a decent bathroom, great outdoor balcony and lovely hosts. Puri Sayang Bungalows was a really charming and quiet place to stay.

The other place we really recommend is Green Banana Hotel, located just next door to our hotel, we would definitely choose to stay here next time.

I also really like these hotels, they are all well located, good value and really nice rooms: Jungalow, Gili Breeze Tropical Bungalows, Bale Sampan Boutique Bungalows

Best hostel in Gili Trawangan

This is my favourite pick for an affordable stay on Gili Trawangan, Little Elephant Cottage. It is really sweet and great value.

Luxury Gili Trawangan

Pearl of Trawangen is the most luxurious resort on the island. It’s beautiful and most definitely the place to stay if it fits your budget.

How to get to Gili Trawangan

Ferry Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan

Book your boat from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan early as they do sell out. We booked Wanderlust boat on Gili Fast Boats website for 260k IDR which is cheaper than booking on the Wanderlust boat website for 350k IDR. When you are on Nusa Penida go to the harbour to make sure they have the booking and give you tickets a day or two before. We did this last minute and they didn’t have our booking so doing it the day before helps save this stress. There are loads of differenct companies you can book with, all go to the same places. This boat transfer is easy to book as well.

Ferry Bali to Gili Trawangan

You can take a ferry from Bali to Gili Trawangan, it is easy to book online and takes a couple of hours. Book your ticket early so you get your preferred date and time.

What to do in Gili Trawangan

Let’s address the biggest question is this just a place young backpackers come to party? Yes and no. Most definitely there are loads of young backpackers here ready to party, there are loads of bars with this scene. They are concentrated on one beach however, so if you stroll a little further on you will find a more chilled out experience. One that is not all about a party.

Party Gili Trawangan

If you’re looking for a party there are loads of them every night. Just head your way the West of the island and the beach is full of beach bars offering pools, foam parties, beer pong and shots on the hour. The biggest are Mad Monkey ( with a foam party), Blue Marlin and Evolution Bar.

Gili Trawangan beach

The next biggest thing to do on Gili T is to hang out on the beach. We walked the whole island and our favourite beach was in the south just next to Pondock Hotel. We spent happy hours enjoying the perfect white sand and clear water. You can buy drinks from the Pondock Hotel or even a fresh coconut! I loved sitting on the perfect beach with a coconut in hand…just heaven!

Horseback riding on the beach

Watching the horses go back and forth along the beach was so peaceful and dreamy, this tour, Beach Horseback Riding In Gili Islands, is a must do activity if you love horseback riding!

Night market Gili Trawangan

There’s a night market in the main town area. You’ll find street food and fresh fish ready to be cooked up. Come here for a cheap dinner that is super fresh and cooked right in front of you! There’s also a souvenir market in the north although the beaches here aren’t as nice. We strolled around this area before heading to our sunset point in Gili Trawangan.

Gili Trawangan Snorkelling

You’ll see countless snorkeling trips advertised in Gili T, they’re all the same and you’ll have a great time looking for turtles!

Check these out if you prefer to be organised!

From Gili Trawangan: Gili Islands Snorkeling Tour by Boat

Gili Islands: Private or Shared Snorkeling Boat Trip

Gili Trawangan: Gili Islands Sunset Boat Tour and Snorkeling

Sunset Point Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has beautiful sunsets, we loved watching them with our feet in the sand at one of the many bars on the beach.

Climb Mt Rinjai

Climbing a volcano is an epic adventure, this tour is a 2 day hike and so adventurous. Check it out here: Mount Rinjani 2 days and 1 night trek to summit

Where to eat on Gili Trawangan

Our favourite place was Warung Jalan now. There are a couple of them on the island, I couldn’t get enough of their nasi goreng (35k IDR) and Mike tried just about everything on the menu. His favourite was the gado gado (45k IDR). It is generally pretty busy with tourists, good vibes and local kids riding bikes through the tables.

Drinks on Gili Trawangan can add up. There’s a liquor store to buy your own bottle and you can grab ice at Green Grocery 5kg 17k IDR. If you want to head out for a drink then our favourite place was