A Complete Gili Trawangan Guide: What to See, Eat & Do

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Post updated Februrary 11, 2026

There’s a reason why Gili Trawangan is becoming an increasingly popular stop on Indonesia travel itineraries – the island isincredible. From its postcard-perfect turquoise beaches to its amazingly chilled-out vibe to its unreal sunsets, Gili T, as it is called, is an ideal place to while away the days. Trust me, I’ve done so on many occasions.

I’ve now visited Gili Trawangan a handful of times, spending at least 2 to 3 weeks on this magical little island each time. So, I think it goes without saying that I absolutely love this place – there are just so many cool things to do in Gili Trawangan! Honestly, whether you’re looking to let loose or just relax, the Gilis really do have a way of sucking you in.

At this point, I’ve been able to get to know the island pretty well. So, if you’re considering adding Gili Trawangan to your travel itinerary, I hope this Gili Trawangan guide helps you plan the perfect getaway! I’ll go over what to do in Gili Trawangan, where to eat, and where to stay. Plus, I’ll include a bunch of Gili T travel tips that I’ve learned over the years.

A Complete Gili Trawangan Guide

Where and What is Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan belongs to a cluster of three tiny islands – Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan – that radiate off the coast of the island of Lombok, Indonesia. With their proximity to Bali, the Gili Islands are also a popular stop on many Bali itineraries. While you can stay on all three islands, Gili Trawangan remains the most developed and is by far the most popular choice for travelers.

Gili Trawangan has gained a reputation as a “party island.” While this is definitely true, Gili Trawangan isn’t all about partying. In my experience, it’s a great option for travelers of all types. Families, backpackers, couples, honeymooners and everything in between can be found on Gili T.

So, is Gili Trawangan worth visiting? Well, that entirely depends on what you’re after.

Things to Do in Gili Trawangan

Watch the Show at Sunset Point

The sunsets in Gili Trawangan are out of this world. It’s no wonder why every tourist and local on the island flocks to Sunset Point on the western side of the island to watch the sun sink behind Gunung Agung (a massive active volcano on Bali) every evening.

Go on a Snorkeling Trip

Another one of the most popular Gili Trawangan activities is to go on a snorkeling trip. This snorkeling trip is a super popular option on Get Your Guide. I loved taking this tour because swimming with sea turtles, which you’ll inevitably get to do, is always a magical experience!

The boat will take you to some of the coolest Gili T attractions, like the famous underwater sculptures, the fish-filled Meno Wall diving and snorkeling site, and Gili Meno’s Turtle Paradise snorkeling spot. Plus, you can choose from a few options, including a sunset tour, a private tour, or a shared tour.

Snorkel with Turtles Right Offshore

One of the coolest things to do in Gili Trawangan is to go snorkeling right offshore. The best offshore snorkeling spots on the island are on the eastern and northern sides of the island. You’ll find Turtle Point on the northern tip of Gili Trawangan, which is one of the most popular spots to go snorkeling with sea turtles.

Go to a Cat Café

Gili Trawangan is famous for its cats. So if you’re a cat lover like me, you should definitely visit KAFE KUCING. The café is run by the charity organization Cats of Gili, which has worked for years to help Gili T’s cat population. They do amazing work. Rest assured, everything that you purchase from the café goes to help Gili Trawangan’s cute kitties.

Walk or Cycle Around the Island

Gili T is blissfully small, making it the perfect island to circumnavigate in a day. You can either walk or bike, stopping off at beaches, restaurants, bars, and cafes along the way. It’s the perfect way to spend the day.

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Where to Eat in Gili Trawangan

For such a small island, Gili T has a surprisingly great dining scene, including plenty of local and international options. Here are some of my favorites:

Trawangan Night Market

No trip to Gili T is complete without going to the Trawangan Night Market, which is held every evening near the pier. When it comes to fresh seafood, this is the place to be. But they have loads of Indonesian eats for carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike, and the prices can’t be beat!

Fat Cats

Fat Cats is my favorite beachfront option. From elevated pub grub to healthy salads and bowls to Indonesian eats, there’s a lot to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

Regina Pizza

For handmade pizza and pasta, Regina Pizza will not disappoint. You’ll find the Italian owner slinging hand-tossed pizzas into the pizza oven every night. This is definitely the best pizza on the island.

Bliss Cuisine

As a vegetarian, I love Bliss Cuisine. Not only do they have healthy and hearty plant-based and gluten-free food, but the boho-chic vibes and outdoor terrace are awesome.

Coffee & Thyme

I love Coffee & Thyme because they serve all-day breakfast, as well as really good sandwiches and wraps. They also have some of the best coffee on the island, as well as super refreshing smoothies, lassies and juices.

Random Warungs

A lot of travelers don’t realize that there are tons of local warungs (restaurants) scattered around the island. If you veer off the main drag and head to the island’s interior, you’ll encounter little family-run restaurants serving up Indonesian staples like nasi goreng, gado-gado, nasi campur, gorengan, and more. They’re super cheap and super good.

Where to Stay in Gili T

Budget-Friendly: D’Gilian Bungalow

D’Gilian Bungalow is a great budget-friendly option that puts you a short walk from the port. You can choose from bungalow rooms or traditional hotel rooms. Either way, you’ll get perks like a complimentary breakfast served on your balcony each morning and a lovely outdoor pool. The staff are super friendly too. (Rooms start around $50 per night.)

Mid-Range: Pesona Beach Resort & Spa

If you’re looking for a boutique resort in the center of town, Pesona Beach Resort & Spa might just be the perfect pick. This beachfront hotel gives you plenty of perks, like two pools, a private beach, and a buzzing pool bar. And then there are the stylish rooms, which are outfitted with upcycled materials, smart TVs, luxury linens, organic toiletries, and verandas or balconies with hanging chairs. Some even have ocean views! (Rooms start around $65 per night.)

Mid-Range: Belukar Villas

If you’re looking for a mid-range villa-style hotel experience, Belukar Villas is a hidden gem and a total steal. For roughly $100, you can get a shabby chic one-bedroom villa complete with a private pool and a furnished terrace. It’s like your own private compound. This place is just a 5-minute walk to the beach and Sunset Point, where you’ll want to be each evening anyway.

Luxury: Kuno Villas

Kuno Villas is just picture-perfect. This is a great option if you’re looking for a luxurious, eco-friendly boutique resort experience complete with bespoke suites, lagoon-style freshwater pools, in-room spa treatments, floating breakfasts, and an excellent restaurant. This place is luxury at its coolest. And with its location near Sunset Point, you’ll get easy access to offshore snorkeling at the beach and Gili T’s famous sunsets. (Suites range from $150-$300 per night.)

Gili Trawangan Tips + Things to Know

Getting to Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a teeny tiny island. There are no cars here, let alone an airport, so the only way to reach the island is via ferry from either mainland Bali or Lombok. If you’re coming from Bali, you can depart from the ports in Pandangbai, Sanur, or Amed. The journey will take 1 to 3 hours.

If you’re headed to Gili Trawangan from Lombok, you can get tickets online to take the ferry from Bangsal Pier, near Sengiggi, to Gili Trawangan. The journey on this fast boat takes roughly 20 minutes. Alternately, you can wait for one of the public slow boats to fill up and make the journey for roughly $1.

How to Get to Your Gili T Hotel

The island of Gili Trawangan is easily navigable and many of the hotels are located a short stroll from the pier, which means walking is a breeze. Don’t be fooled into paying for transport when your hotel is just a short walk away!

That being said, if you did choose an accommodation option that isn’t located in the main town near the pier, you’ll want to arrange transportation through your hotel ahead of arriving. Most hotels that are located further afield will offer a complimentary shuttle service. If not, you’ll need to haggle with one of the horse and buggy drivers at the pier.

Getting around Gili Trawangan

It is important to note that there are no motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan. The only modes of transportation here are walking, bicycle, and horse-drawn carriage, with the occasional scooter. I personally don’t love the way horses are treated on Gili Trawangan, so I never use the horse and buggy services on the island. But it’s up to you.

Be Respectful of the Culture

Unlike Bali, the Gili Islands and the rest of Lombok are predominately Muslim. There are two mosques on the island and you will see plenty of women (both tourists and locals) in headscarves. While the people on Gili T are no strangers to foreigners and their ways, it’s still important to be respectful.

Mind the Mosques

Again, the Gili Islands are Muslim, and there are two mosques (masjid) in Gili Trawangan. You will hear the call to prayer five times a day, from sunrise to sunset. Before booking your hotel, you might want to read over some reviews to make sure your hotel isn’t too close to the island’s mosques, or else you will be jarred awake at 5:30 every morning.

Bring Cash in Case the ATMs Don’t Work

There are now quite a few ATMs on the main drag of Gili Trawangan. But this is a fairly remote island, so don’t be surprised if the ATMs run out of cash or stop working. It’s happened to me during multiple visits and I’ve encountered some pretty frustrated travelers who can’t get money. It’s best to at least bring a little backup cash with you from Bali or Lombok, just in case.

Reduce Your Waste

Trash is an issue in Gili Trawangan. Again, it’s an island so there’s no great way for locals to properly dispose of all the trash tourists produce. I always attempt to try and at least reduce the amount of plastic and trash I create.

I always travel with a reusable shopping bag and water bottle. I usually buy the largest water bottle I can find and just refill my reusable water bottle using that. On Gili Trawangan, there are numerous restaurants and hotels that will allow you to refill your small and large water bottles for a small fee.

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Have you been to Gili Trawangan? If you have any questions or travel tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!