Gili Trawangan, popularly known as Gili T, the beautiful small island is the travelers’ paradise in Indonesia. The heavenly island, Gili T is the biggest of the 3 Gili Islands and it has a population of around eight hundred only. Backpackers and travelers stumbled onto this mesmerizing little island first in the early 90s, and Gili T is still holding onto its beautiful pristine nature.
Gili Trawangan - Gili Meno - Gili Air - Lombok
With regular direct boats and ferries from Bali, it’s super easy to get there and there are plenty of ways to spend a good time on the island. Here are a few tips on how to make the best out of your trip there.
What You Should Know About Gili Trawangan
Language
Almost everyone in Gili T Island speaks conversational English. Indonesian is the native language, which has an uncommon and unique dialect in both the Gili Islands and Bali.
The southeast coast of Gili Trawangan busy with boats
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah is the local cash, which is generally abbreviated to Rp. The math is a bit tricky because inflation is huge in Indonesia — so we recommend you download an offline currency converter on your phone in order not to get confused about prices.
ATMs
In a couple of restaurants, they only accept cash so it’s better to always have some on you. At Hotel Villa Ombak, you will find an ATM on Gili T and at a few other spots on this island. Keep in mind that ATMs have low withdrawal amount limits and they are not all 24/7 so don’t delay it till the last minute.
Horse carriage
View point 60 meters above sea
Climate
The weather and temperature here is as close to perfect as it can be. With the rainy season running from November to April, on the average day it’s around 29 celsius so other than a scarf against the sea breeze, you won’t need any layers. The islands generally get much less rain than the Bali so it’s worth a trip even in the winter months.
High Season
You’ll enjoy two peak seasons here: December to January and July to August. These are certainly the best times to travel, but they will be the busiest as well.
How To Get To Gili Trawangan
There are several ports in Bali with fast boats departing for Gili Trawangan Island, you can board a boat from any of these ports. GiliTickets offers comfortable and affordable transportation to the island and it makes it easy to book your tickets at the best available price online.
Boat roads from south of Bali
Fast boat is a convenient transportation
From Padang Bai; one of the ports in Bali, the island is about 90 minutes by boat, but if you are setting off from any of the ports in the South of Bali (Serangan, Benoa, or Sanur), the trip takes about 3 hours.
Getting Around In Gili Trawangan
Horse-Pulled Carts
Cidomo, the horse-pulled carts are the primary means of transport on the island as there are no motor cars. Perfect time to escape pollution and traffic jams, and embrace the slow life of Gili Trawangan.
Walk or Bicycle
Gili T is less than 6 square miles in total and it’s easy to go anywhere renting a bicycle or even just walk the whole island.
Bikini biking
Horse riding all around Gili T
Where To Stay In Gili Trawangan
Kelapa Villa
This 4-star spot is absolutely amazing. Kelapa Villa has 10 luxury villas that range from 1 to 6 bedrooms and the villas can be a great choice for groups, couples, or individuals.
Private Treehouse Villas
This is a stunning place for the treehouse lovers! Private Treehouse Villas is located right on the beautiful Gili Trawangan Beach. It offers 1 and 2-bedroom options in a magnificent environment.
Scallywags
Scallywags Gili Trawangan, the popular resort has some luxe rooms with plunge pools (private) along with some gorgeous standard double rooms.
Treehouse Villa
Kelapa Villa
Scallywags
Where To Eat In Gili Trawangan
Trawangan Dives Bar & Restaurant
This little restaurant offers mouthwatering international dishes, an astonishing list of cocktails and local favorites after a day of diving.
Pituq Café
Start a great day here with the best tropical smoothie bowls. You will also find some vegan options and healthy veggie for every meal.
Pearl Beach Lounge
This lounge is open all day and you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. It can be a perfect stop right on the wide stunning beach. They have an ice cream shop too!
Dives Bar & Restaurant
Pituq Café
Pearl Beach Lounge
La Boulangerie
This is a great place for breakfast with fresh squeezed juices and freshly made pastries.
Night Market
If you’re a fresh seafood lover, this is your place. It’s located right next to the harbor and it is open daily from 4pm to 10pm.
Thai Garden
Would you love to try tasty Thai food in Indonesia? If yes, Thai Garden is your place. It will be a good pick with vegetarian options, fresh food, and even delivery.
La Boulangerie
Night market
Thai Garden
What To Do In Gili Trawangan
Lay Out On The Beach
Well, you’ve explored the stunning sea! Now, forget about the world and lie out under the sun. All over the island, there are stunning beaches, and they’re quite close to each other.
Dive, Surf, Snorkel, Swim
It is all about the crystal-clear water here! With awesome beaches, Gili Trawangan is the ultimate destination to make yourself like a fish. Don’t forget to visit Turtle Point during the high tide. For some incredible dives, you can check out Trawangan Dive Centre.
Nightlife
Gili T is the most attractive place for party in the Gili Islands. You will find something special every night of a week for an unforgettable experience.
Shop On The Island
Enjoy Casa Vintage Beach as well as visit the street stalls and eastern coast. However, keep in mind, most of souvenirs and other items are much cheaper in Bali, so you may look for only unique and one-of-kind items here.
Swimming with turtles
Rent A Bike
The best way to enjoy the natural beauty and explore the island is by bicycle. You can easily rent a bike here and roam freely.
So, you may consider putting the beautiful Gili Trawangan on your bucket list. In fact, why not plan your trip already? Find the best fast boat deals with free pickup on our top rated booking site.